Five Towns Jewish Home 03.13.25

Dear Readers,

Recently, a friend posed a question: what open miracles have we experienced over the past two years?

That question got me thinking. And it got me thinking hard. What exactly is an “open miracle”?

Last Shabbos, a huge tree fell down onto the sidewalk. Three people walking down the street narrowly missed being crushed by the tree. That, certainly, is an open miracle.

But what about beepers that detonate and take out major players in a terror network? Or airstrikes that kill terror leaders? Are those open miracles? What about people missing their plane and averting death? Or doctors that catch illnesses early on? Or medications that heal those who are sick? Are those open miracles?

The Purim story is a story of miraculous proportions. But the miracle wheel in the Purim story churns very slowly – so slowly that you can miss that it’s even turning.

Achashveirosh’s feast took place years before Esther was taken as queen, and Haman’s evil plot was implemented years later. Perhaps, if you weren’t looking for it, you could have missed the ingenious way that Hashem masterminded the Jews’ salvation. Perhaps, you could say that it all happened “by chance.” “By chance” Esther was chosen as queen; “by chance” Mordechai saved the king’s life.

But nothing in life happens “by chance.”

Amalek, though, would want us to believe that it does. Amalek wants us to believe that there’s happenstance in this world, that Hashem has no command over world events. But we, the Jewish nation, know that Hashem is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. We know that there is not an occurrence in the world – a hurricane, an election, a salvation –that Hashem has not masterminded.

But sometimes it’s hard to see the miracles that occur daily. They are not always as obvious and evi-

dent and clear as being able to walk away from falling trees without a mark. The Purim story teaches us that even when things may seem like they are “by chance,” Hashem is always there, orchestrating and arranging. If we understand that, then we will open our eyes to the many open miracles that we can be witness to daily.

True simcha comes from the erasure of all doubt. When the miracle of Purim was finally revealed, the simcha was overwhelming. We experienced extreme clarity, the awareness that Hashem is fully in control, and we were able to crush Amalek, who brings uncertainty to this world.

We can use this awareness to bring the simcha of Purim with us throughout the year by standing strong in the face of those who question Hashem’s supremacy.

Purim is the ultimate day of prayer, a time when we connect with our Creator and ask Him to clearly bring us the yeshuos we so badly need. But even more than that, it’s a time when we should think not just for ourselves but for others as well.

As we give our mishloach manos to our neighbors and friends – and to those who could benefit from knowing that we are thinking of them – let’s keep a prayer on our lips that Hashem will send all of those in our nation a ruchniyus Mishloach Manos of yeshuos, gezunt, mazal, and genuine happiness. Wishing you a freilechen Purim, Shoshana

P.S. Remember to send in photos for our Purim TJH Photo Album! Deadline is Monday, March 17 at 5 p.m.

P.P.S. Please make sure to vote in the WZO elections as soon as you can! I am a delegate on the Eretz Hakodesh slate, slate #11. Join me as we make a difference in Eretz Yisroel! www.eretzhakodesh.org

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman, MANAGING EDITOR ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shoshana Soroka, EDITOR editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis

Editorial Assistant

Nechama Wein Copy Editor

Rachel Bergida

Shana Brecher

Lani White 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. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

Showers/ Wind Rain Cloudy

Dear Editor,

I read with interest Daniel Feldman’s letter concerning ba’alei kri’ah (Feb. 20 issue). I too have been a ba’al kri’ah for 50 or so years, and I agree in part and disagree in part with Feldman’s points. Feldman devotes much of his letter to the issue of bar-mitzvah boys laining their parashah. I heartily concur that generally speaking, a barmitzvah boy should not lain his entire Torah portion, unless it is a short one. The pressure on the boy to “perform” is enormous, and laining is a skill that is acquired gradually and over time. One learns how to drive by starting slowly: first with very short drives, eventually with longer ones. Laining is no different.

This leads to Feldman’s second point, which is that “the only people that should be correcting the ba’al kri’ah are the gabbaim. It is rude … for every shul member to yell out the corrections. I demand that this horrible behavior immediately stop in all shuls.” A follow-up letter by Tom Furst (Feb. 27) insists that publicly correcting a ba’al kri’ah causes the latter embarrassment, and that while laining, in almost all cases, is a rabbinic institution, the prohibition to embarrass someone is Biblical in nature.

I do not, for the most part, agree. The ba’al kri’ah is helping the minyan attendees fulfill their obligation to hear a correct Torah laining. One who steps up to lain should not do so unless he is capable. Laining is a privilege, not a right. Further, we all make mistakes, but to hide behind the “embarrassment card” is not productive. There are opinions that maintain that even one consequential mistake in laining would necessitate re-

reading the portion. Moreover, the Aruch HaShulchan (Orach Chaim 142) writes that potential humiliation does not come into play when a material error has been made; the tzibbur’s obligation to fulfill its mitzvah of kri’as haTorah supersedes any embarrassment that may occur. In truth, there should be no shame in making a mistake. When laining, the ba’al kri’ah has to execute several tasks while reading a text that is not vowelized and has no trup markings. Even seasoned ba’alei kri’ah err from time to time. Most of the steady ba’alei kri’ah in our community, at least the ones I have heard, are quite competent. I suspect they would join me in expecting to be corrected when a mistake is made. I am pleased, not disturbed, when I am corrected, and I think my colleagues would agree. True, there are times to correct and times not to correct. Unfortunately, many people do not know the difference. However, a capable ba’al kri’ah will know when to “heed the call” from the crowd and reread a word and when to ignore the shouted-out “correction.” Yes, as Feldman writes, ideally the gabbaim standing near the bimah should be the ones to make corrections; however, gabbaim often miss mistakes that need fixing. Should the tzibbur be deprived of a proper kri’ah due to the gabbai’s lack of knowledge?

This said, I am a minimalist when it comes to correcting, that is, I correct as little as possible. In this vein, I turn to Feldman’s assertion that “frequently, placing the accent on the wrong syllable can change the meaning from past tense to future or vice versa.” Technically he is right; however, whether one must correct

Continued on page 18

an error of this nature is subject to question. A classic example occurs in Shema, with the word “v’ahavta.” The accent is on the last syllable (“ta”), and the word is in future tense: “And you shall love.” If one instead accents the penultimate syllable (“hav”), the meaning would appear to be in past tense: “And you loved.” However, I believe that a mistake of this kind should not be corrected. (The reasons are beyond the scope of this letter; interested parties may email me at avigold16@gmail.com.) Another example, this time of past vs. present tense, is the word “ba’ah.” If the accent is on the “ah,” the meaning is “she is coming” or “she would come.” If accented on the “ba,” the meaning is “she came.” Again, I do not believe a correction is warranted in such cases. With this approach, the need to correct many mistakes is obviated. Finally, returning to the situation of a bar mitzvah boy, I believe that extra consideration is due in this instance. A regular ba’al kri’ah is prepared for criticism; a thirteen-year-old novice likely is not. Over-correcting a bar mitzvah boy may be devastating for him. I admit to avoiding bar mitzvah lainings precisely for this reason, and again, I urge parents to think carefully before arranging for their son to lain an entire parashah.

Avi Goldstein Far Rockaway

Dear Editor,

With Purim approaching, it is hard to avoid seeing many similarities between

Haman’s plan and Hamas’s plan. Documented evil plans rarely lie or exaggerate. They leave indelible marks.

Megillat Esther states: “Written instructions were dispatched by couriers to all the king’s provinces to destroy, massacre, and exterminate all the Jews, young and old, children and women, on a single day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month—that is, the month of Adar—and to plunder their possessions.” This was Haman’s clearly outlined plan. The law was proclaimed and publicly displayed in every one of the king’s provinces, and messengers were hurriedly sent on the same day that this edict was declared. It wasn’t as if Jews had much warning that things were brewing in the palace.

Contrast the above phrasing with what is in Hamas’s charter (Article 7): “The Day of Judgement will not come about until Moslems fight the Jews (killing the Jews), when the Jew will hide behind stones and trees. The stones and trees will say O Moslems, O Abdulla, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him.” In both cases, it is evident that destruction of Jews was or is the goal.

King Saul saved King Agag of Amalek despite being commanded to destroy everything of Amalek – men, women and children and all its property. I recall learning an adage that said, “One who is merciful to the wicked will end up being wicked to the merciful.”

I feel that during the past approximately twenty years that Hamas has been controlling Gaza, Israel has, in some sense, been guilty of this adage. I am well-

aware that during this time Israel has been pressured immensely by the U.S. not to fight and always show restraint every time there has been a terrorist attack. Perhaps, understanding the Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups have been our current Amalekites and that we should never be merciful to them requires an enormous degree of faith in G-d. It requires an understanding that the command to annihilate Amalek is a constant command. It also requires tremendous faith that G-d will help Israel succeed in any war against Hamas and others.

I am not a parent of a hostage, nor am I an Israeli citizen or the Israeli prime minister. I would never be able to balance the challenge of returning hostages alive vs. annihilating Hamas with the almost certainty that they would murder the live hostages. My comment is focused more on the actions and tolerance that Israel has had during all the years prior to the October 7 massacre. There were several instances when Israel waged war against Hamas, only to have a minimally “useful” ceasefire. I think such actions have eventually cost Israel a far larger price in the long term. In a sense, we spared and were merciful to the Amalekites.

or mercy to them. Let’s pray that G-d help us towards our work to annihilate them as G-d has commanded us.

Daniel Feldman

Dear Editor,

I was on a Zoom shiur where someone asked: “Who cares about turning lights on or off? Teach us about how to treat our fellow man.” But what is the law based on? Napoleonic France? Hamas in Gaza? As Rabbi Eli Mansour (not his shiur) said: look at Emily Post’s book, “Etiquette,” written over 100 years ago; it’s antiquated. Yet, the Torah is constant. We have adhered to it over 2,000 years. It is central to everything we do; it’s in our souls. All this is guided by Hashem. How we treat our friend comes from the same laws as igniting fire on Shabbos. Hashem is willing to lower “His” honor for a sick person (for example). But if we don’t honor the Shabbos and keep it holy we are denying G-d’s presence in our everyday lives, r”l. How will you treat your friend if you deny the rulebook?

So treat your fellow man, person, or being (pick your word of the day) right. But know that what guides our relationships is our continuous relationship with Hashem. And that’s what Adar is about: we are b’simcha knowing we are close to Him. Don’t practice by rote. Throughout the year, we can obtain two rewards for each good deed we do: the reward of the mitzvah itself and the joy we attach to it. In the merit of fulfilling Hashem’s divine will, we should rejoice with the coming of Moshiach very soon.

Chaim Yehuda Meyer

Fortunately, President Trump has lent full support for Israel to annihilate Hamas. I won’t comment on Trump’s “Gaza plan.” Israel is currently nowhere near any point of implementing any part of it. It would be foolish to discuss any post-war plan, now, and I would rather have all the political stakeholders involved keep such discussions non-public. Unfortunately, Trump said too much, already. Meanwhile, I hope that Israel uses this level of U.S. support to its fullest capacity while this opportunity is available.

Unfortunately, Amalek lives now. We should always be aware of never negotiating with or showing any form of empathy

Deadly Clashes in Syria

The Assad government in Syria fell to rebel forces in December. On Thursday, there was a rise in violence, which saw an armed conflict between the new military and supporters of ousted former President Bashar al-Assad.

As of Saturday, the fighting led to over 1,000 casualties, including 745 civilians, among them many women and children from Assad’s Alawite sect, 125 Syrian security fighters, and 148 of Assad’s loyalist

fighters, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, making the battles Syria’s deadliest since a chemical weapons attack in 2013 by Assad’s army.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivered a response over a video message filmed at a mosque in Mazzah, Damascus, where he grew up.

“We have to preserve national unity and domestic peace – we can live together,” Shaara declared. “Rest assured about Syria, this country has the characteristics for survival… What is currently happening in Syria is within the expected challenges.”

Meanwhile, the battles slowed in Latakia, Jabla, and Baniyas. Fighting also took place in Tartous. At the same time, the army, now controlled by the rebels who overthrew Assad just months ago, has been hunting for the 5,000 or so pro-Assad fighters hiding in the nearby mountainous regions. In December, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebel group ousted the government of Assad, forcing him to run to Russia, which supported his government in the civil war that started in 2011.

In response to the battles, the European Union condemned “all violence against civilians” and “any attempts to undermine stability and the prospects for a lasting peaceful transition” in Syria.

In a statement issued on Sunday, U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Syrian authorities to “hold the perpetrators of these massacres” accountable. Rubio said the U.S. “stands with Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities, including its Christian, Druze, Alawite, and Kurdish communities.”

On Monday, the interim government reached a historic agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate them into state institutions. Sharaa announced the deal, emphasizing its aim to ensure equal representation and participation for all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

A key aspect of the agreement is the formal recognition of Syria’s Kurdish community, including granting citizenship to thousands who were previously denied it. However, negotiations over military integration remain complex. The People’s Protection Units (YPG), a crucial SDF faction, sought special units within the national army, a demand rejected by Sharaa. For now, the SDF retains its existing structure and weapons, raising concerns about future fragmentation.

The deal also ensures SDF cooperation in securing Syria, including protecting key areas such as border crossings, oil fields, and detention facilities housing ISIS suspects. It marks an effort to stabi-

lize the country, with executive committees tasked with implementing the agreement by year’s end.

Justin Trudeau’s Replacement

The Liberal Party of Canada on Sunday selected its successor for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, replacing the premier with a new party leader, Mark Carney, who is now also the prime minister.

Of the 150,000 votes cast in the party election, roughly 86% were for Carney, who has never before held public office but has experience navigating the economy. He faced off against Chrystia Freeland, a former finance minister. Carney, 59, helped the Bank of Canada survive the 2008 global financial crisis and assisted the Bank of England through Brexit.

In his acceptance speech, Carney said in reference to recent annexation ideas raised by U.S. President Donald Trump, “America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape or form.

“So Americans should make no mistake,’’ Carney warned. “In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”

Carney faces two main issues, the first being Canada’s economy—the country’s sky-high housing and cost of living costs—and the second being Trump, who has repeatedly raised the idea of making Canada the 51st state and has threatened to levy heavy tariffs.

Since Carney is not a member of Parliament, he will likely soon call for federal elections, during which he will compete against Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, 45, for the top position in the country.

Before Trudeau said he would resign and Trump adopted a tougher stance on Canada, Poilievre enjoyed a comfortable lead in the polls. Now, however, Carney would likely win, as many voters have soured on Poilievre due to his ideological similarities to Trump. Additionally, many view Carney as better suited to lead talks with Trump.

“Donald Trump thinks he can weaken

us with his plan to divide and conquer.

Pierre Poilievre’s plan will leave us divided and ready to be conquered,” Carney said on Sunday night, “because a person who worships at the altar of Donald Trump will kneel before him, not stand up to him.”

Carney’s financial expertise may also make him the more desirable candidate, as Canada grapples with economic hardships. Recently, the Conservative Party has attacked Carney through ads, comparing him to Trudeau and highlighting his personal wealth and investments.

Romanian Candidate Banned From Running

a 62-year-old who once worked as a soil scientist, was ex-

pected to win Romania’s presidential election in May, following his victory in the first round of the elections in November.

On Sunday, however, the election bureau of Romania (BEC) chose in a 10-4 vote to ban Georgescu from running for president after he allegedly failed “to comply with the electoral regulations.” Just a week before the ruling, Romanian prosecutors launched a probe into Georgescu, charging that he was involved in the creation of a fascist organization and in efforts to overturn the constitution.

The decision on Sunday led to riots in Bucharest, as supporters of Georgescu protested the unprecedented decision. Georgescu said the ruling was a “direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide.” He asserted that “Europe is now a dictatorship” and that “Romania is under tyranny.”

Georgescu, accused by critics of doing a Nazi salute last month, is against aiding Ukraine and has adopted sympathetic views of 20th century Romanian fascists. He has also won the support of Republicans in the United States. Though he won the election’s first round in November, the constitutional court of Romania canceled the results following the release of declassified intelligence reports accusing Georgescu’s campaign, which was fueled mostly by TikTok, of being aided by Russian interference.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance in February criticized the election’s cancellation at the Munich Security Conference, noting that the decision was “based on the flimsy suspicions of an intelligence agency” and proved that Europe’s “threat [is] from within.”

“If your democracy can be destroyed with a few hundred thousand dollars of digital advertising from a foreign country, then it wasn’t very strong to begin with,” said Vance.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, called Romania’s decision to ban Georgescu “crazy.”

On Sunday evening, rioters gathered at the BEC headquarters, with some hurling Molotov cocktails and asphalt, injuring at least 13 Gendarmerie security members.

Georgescu can appeal the decision to the constitutional court of Romania.

Arrest Warrant for Duterte

On Tuesday, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was served an Interpol arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court when he arrived at Manila’s main airport.

The ICC has said it would pursue an investigation of suspected crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s role in overseeing a bloody “war on drugs“ that killed thousands of Filipinos. Duterte had said on Monday in Hong Kong that he was ready to be arrested if the ICC issued a warrant and has repeatedly defended the anti-drugs crackdown.

He has denied ordering police to kill drug suspects unless in self-defense.

Duterte is now in custody. His lawyer says that his arrest was unlawful.

Duterte had withdrawn the Philippines from the ICC’s founding treaty in 2019 when the organization started to look into allegations of systematic extrajudicial killings.

The former leader had made his “war on drugs” a signature campaign policy that swept him into power in 2016. He had riled crowds with his promise to kill thousands of narcotics dealers.

“If I make it to the presidential palace I will do just what I did as mayor,” Duterte told his supporters before the 2016 elections. “You drug pushers, holdup men, and do-nothings, you better get out because I’ll kill you.”

Thousands of suspects were killed during anti-drug operations that police say ended in shootouts. But activists say the real toll of the crackdown was far greater than 6,200 people killed, with thousands of slumland drug users, many of whom were included on official “watch lists,” killed in mysterious circumstances.

Police deny involvement in those killings and reject allegations from rights groups of systematic executions and cover-ups.

Did you know?

Calin Georgescu,

Ships Collide

On Monday, the Stena Immaculate oil tanker was hit by the Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, resulting in the death of at least one sailor.

One sailor said that he had only seconds to react when he heard shouts. The “massive ship came from out of the blue,” he recounted. He said that the Solong did not stop when it collided with the oil tanker and continued to drive into their ship for many minutes. It did not appear that anyone was on the bridge of the Solong at the time of the crash.

It is still unclear what caused the collision, but Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed a preliminary investigation carried out by the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has begun.

Thirty-six people were rescued, but one person from the Solong’s crew is still unaccounted for, and the search has been called off.

A fire immediately broke out following the collision. Sailors on the Stena immediately put on protective gear to battle the blaze and then jumped into lifeboats to escape the fire.

The Stena Immaculate is a U.S.flagged oil and chemical tanker, which was on its way to Hull after departing from a Greek port. It was not moving at the time of impact. The Solong is a Portuguese-flagged container vessel with capacity to carry 9,500 tons of cargo. It had been making its way south from the Scottish port of Grangemouth to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Guatemalan Volcano Erupting

The Volcano of Fire in Guatemala began to erupt on Sunday night, forcing almost 300 families to evacuate. The government warned another 30,000 people that they could be at risk.

The 12,300-foot-high volcano is one of the most active in Central America. It last erupted in June 2023.

The volcano spewed gas and ash far into the sky on Monday, leading author-

ities to close schools in the vicinity and a key road connecting communities.

Claudinne Ugalde, secretary of the disaster agency, said “some 30,000 people more or less are at risk in these three (jurisdictions) and we are trying to have them evacuate or self-evacuate,” she said.

The biggest danger from the volcano are lahars, a mixture of ash, rock, mud and debris, that can bury entire towns.

A 2018 eruption killed 194 people and left another 234 missing.

The volcano is 33 miles from Guatemala’s capital.

The flow of volcanic material is weak to moderate but expected to increase, Guatemala’s disaster agency said early Monday.

Prince Dies of Rare Disease

Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, the youngest son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, died last week at the age of 22. The prince suffered from a rare genetic disorder known as POLG mitochondrial disease.

“One light was extinguished, but so many remain,” Frederik’s father wrote on the website of the POLG Foundation, which Frederik founded in 2022.

POLG is a “genetic mitochondrial disorder that robs the body’s cells of energy, in turn causing progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure,” according to the foundation’s website.

The prince was diagnosed with POLG at age 14, the family said. Because the disease causes such a wide range of symptoms and affects many different organ systems, it can be difficult to diagnose.

The prince died a day after Rare Disease Day, an international day of awareness for rare diseases. An estimated 300

million people live with a rare disease.

“As is the case for 300 million people like Frederik worldwide, these diseases are usually hard to recognize even by physicians, and patients’ families may never know what they are suffering from as they may only be identified very late in their progression,” his father, Robert, said.

There is currently no treatment or cure for POLG.

“One might compare it to having a faulty battery that never fully recharges, is in a constant state of depletion and eventually loses power,” Robert said.

“Though Prince Frederik always made it very clear that he did not want the dreadful disease to define him, he devoted himself to spreading awareness on the rare disease,” the family said, including participating in medical trials “with the goal of finding treatments and, perhaps, ways of repurposing molecules to help patients with his condition.”

Frederik’s father, Robert, is a first cousin of the current head of state of Luxembourg, Grand Duke Henri, and is 15th in the line of succession.

Hostages Taken in Pakistan

Separatist militants in southwest Pakistan said they had taken 182 hostages including military personnel on Tuesday in an attack on a train and threatened to kill them if security forces did not leave the area.

Police say that 35 people were taken hostage by the Baloch Liberation Army; 350 passengers are believed to be safe.

The train, which had been on its way from Quetta to the city of Peshawar, was trapped in a tunnel and the driver was badly wounded.

The BLA, which seeks independence for Balochistan province bordering both Afghanistan and Iran, said it had killed 20 soldiers and shot down a drone. There was no confirmation of that from Paki-

stani authorities.

“Civilian passengers, particularly women, children, the elderly, and Baloch citizens, have been released safely and given a secure route,” the separatists said in a statement emailed to journalists and posted on Telegram. “The BLA further warns that if military intervention continues, all hostages will be executed.”

Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, condemned the attack and said the government would not make any concessions to “beasts who fire on innocent passengers.”

The BLA is the biggest of several ethnic groups battling the government for decades, saying it unfairly exploits Balochistan’s rich gas and mineral resources.

Bombing Mistake in S. Korea

A South Korean village near the North Korean border was mistakenly shelled on Thursday by two fighter jets from the South’s own air force, leaving 15 people injured and damaging homes and a church.

The jets were taking part in a joint ex-

ercise with the U.S. military when each of them dropped four bombs, according to the South’s military. The bombs were meant to hit a range several miles from the village, but at least one of the South Korean pilots had entered inaccurate coordinates, the military said.

Four of the injured people were seriously wounded and required surgery, said officials in Pocheon, a town that includes the village of Nogok, where the bombs fell. Of the other 11, seven suffered shock and minor scratches from falling down. Local news outlets said none of the victims were in critical condition.

The military said it was suspending all live-fire drills while an investigation was carried out. The exercise on Thursday was connected to annual joint exercises, known as Freedom Shield, that the South Korean and U.S. military carry out every year and which are set to officially begin Monday.

The South Korean air force did not say how many of the eight bombs dropped had hit Nogok, which is about 20 miles from the heavily fortified North Korean border. It issued an apology and promised compensation for the victims.

“Something that should never have happened just happened,” said Mayor Baek Young-hyun of Pocheon. “The place where the bombs landed is utterly chaotic and looks like a battlefield.”

Baek said that three large military firing ranges occupy 12,253 acres of land in Pocheon and bullets that ricocheted from there have sometimes endangered villagers. He demanded that the military stop using the firing ranges until it can ensure that accidents like Thursday’s never happen again.

U.S. troops — but no U.S. Air Force aircraft — were participating in the joint live-fire exercise when the accident happened Thursday, the U.S. military in Korea said.

“We take this incident very seriously,” said Col. Ryan Donald, a U.S. military spokesperson, adding that his command was coordinating closely with South Korea’s Defense Ministry and was committed to a thorough and transparent investigation.

The United States has 28,500 troops

stationed in South Korea. The allies conduct several joint military exercises each year, calling them defensive in nature.

(© The New York Times)

Hagari to Retire

The Israeli military announced on Friday that IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari would be retiring as a spokesman and from the Israel Defense Forces in a few weeks.

Like the majority of IDF spokespersons, Hagari has served two years, having started in March 2023. However, his retirement from the Israel Defense Forces

has been seen by many as a dismissal, as he has been passed up for promotions. Hagari wanted to become vice admiral and Israel’s defense attaché to the United States, two roles that would have allowed him to potentially become the head of the Israeli Navy or a senior member on the General Staff.

According to the IDF, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the new IDF chief of staff, agreed with Hagari’s decision to retire.

“The chief of staff wished to express his great appreciation to Rear Adm. Hagari for his years of significant combat service for the State of Israel. Rear Adm. Hagari performed his role as IDF spokesman during one of the most complex wars in the country’s history, in a professional and dedicated manner,” said the army.

Hagari had previously come at odds with members of the government, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, who likely refused to promote Hagari. Politicians criticized Hagari on several occasions, including in June when he said that Hamas couldn’t be destroyed and in December when he spoke out against a bill that could protect intelligence leakers.

“Dear members of the unit, at the start of my words it is important for me to say that I love you all very much. This month, I mark 30 years of service in the IDF, during which I have always put the security of the country and the mission first, and I will continue to do so,” Hagari told his workers. “The last two years have been challenging for all of us. I had the privilege of commanding a great unit with the best people. I had the privilege of standing up in front of the public in difficult times, while you work around the clock.

“The war is not over yet, and the hostages in Gaza are always in front of our eyes, as a goal of unparalleled value and importance,” he added.

Zamir will be tasked with selecting a Ground Forces senior officer to succeed Hagari.

Hagari joined the army in 1995. He mostly served in Shayetet 13, an elite Navy unit. He was the office manager of then-chief of staff Benny Gantz from 2012 to 2014. From 2016 to 2019, Hagari was also the assistant to Gadi Eisenkot, who was the chief of staff at the time. After 2019, he rejoined Shayetet as a commander, heading naval operations prior to becoming IDF spokesman in 2023.

Fatal Bus Crash

Early Sunday, a bus traveling from Tel Aviv to Beersheba flipped over near the Ma’ahaz Interchange on Route 40. The

crash killed one boy, 17-year-old Liron Avitan, and injured 12 others, three moderately and nine lightly.

Those hurt in the crash were brought to Soroka Hospital. All were in stable condition, including a 16-year-old boy who sustained injuries to the head, a 29-year-old man with chest injuries, and a 43-year-old man whose limbs were wounded.

Deputy Commissioner Yosef Avitan, the father of the boy killed in the crash, found out that his son had died after appearing at the scene as the Southern District’s Traffic Police commander.

The incident was being investigated by police. Authorities say that the driver, who is 23 years old, fell asleep while driving the bus.

From 2020 to 2024, 125 were hurt near the Ma’ahaz Interchange, six seriously.

According to the National Road Safety Authority, last year, traffic accidents killed 436 people in Israel, the highest number since 2007.

Liri Albag Recounts Her Ordeal

Liri Albag, a surveillance soldier who was kidnapped on October 7 from the IDF’s Nahal Oz military base, gave her first interview since her release in January. On Friday, she spoke with Channel 12 about her horrific time in Gaza.

“The truth is that October 7 feels like one long nightmare, and I’ve been waiting for someone to wake me up, for someone to tell me I was dreaming. But that didn’t happen. Unfortunately, this has all been real,” Liri said.

She was abducted with fellow Nahal Oz security members Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Agam Berger, all of whom were finally released. At the base, Ori Megidish was also kidnapped, though she was later rescued by Israeli forces. Noa Marciano, another soldier at the base, was killed in Gaza after being kidnapped; the military recovered her body.

On October 7, Liri had only been a

trained surveillance soldier for two days and had just begun defending the Nahal Oz base. She wasn’t given a weapon.

“I was sure that the moment we stood there tied up, they were going to slaughter us — shoot us one by one,” Liri recalled. “I went into survival mode, I said: ‘OK, what can I do to make it out alive?’”

Liri said her time in Gaza was a nightmare. Terrorists forced her and other abductees to watch videos of the attacks on October 7, including footage of Liri’s

abduction.

“They told us, ‘If you listen to us, we won’t kill you. You’re coming with us to Gaza.’ And we told them, ‘Yes, take us to Gaza’ because we were simply afraid,” she added. “I think it was totally instinctual.”

After being taken into Gaza on October 7, Liri and others saw Gazan civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, celebrating, joyfully running after them, clapping, and dancing. Liri deduced from that experience that there are

Liri said she acted friendly with her captors out of fear but that she was able to impose certain boundaries, including stopping terrorists from entering her room while she was asleep. There was “verbal violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse. [They would tell us] ‘You’re not going home,’” and “they tried to tame us into their culture, where women can’t laugh out loud, can’t sit [with legs crossed].

“They look at us like we’re a terrorist organization, like how we look at them. That’s how they see us: terrorists, murderers, thieves, liars. We had conversations with them about the Holocaust. They deny the Holocaust. They think Hitler was a genius… that Hitler didn’t do that, that Hitler was alright,” said Liri.

Liri briefly spent time in captivity with Keith and Aviva Siegel, who were freed in November 2023 and February 2025, respectively. After that, she was briefly held with the young children, who would later be released in the November 2023 ceasefire. For most of her time in Gaza, Liri was with Berger, who had been defending the Nahal Oz base alongside her on October 7. Berger was released shortly after Liri, Ariev, Gilboa, and Levy. Liri hadn’t seen Ariev, Gilboa, and Levy until after being freed in January.

During the interview, Liri downplayed her role in saving Amit Soussana, another hostage. Liri convinced the terrorists that Sousanna wasn’t a soldier, thus saving her life.

Liri explained that she was told in November 2023 that she would be released during that deal. However, when the truce quickly ended, she realized that she would remain in captivity.

At one point, the terrorists gave Liri a siddur left behind by IDF soldiers. She and her fellow abductees would pray from the book and attempt to observe Jewish holidays. Together, the hostages would sing, celebrate birthdays, and keep diaries in order to keep sane. While in captivity, she had access to a radio and heard that some people in Israel were against exchanging hostages for terrorists.

no “innocent bystanders” in Gaza.

Hostages’ use of the bathroom was sometimes limited to twice a day, according to Liri, adding there was “no hygiene there” and that she still hasn’t “been able to remove from myself the ‘filth’ of Gaza.”

For meals, she primarily ate pita bread, rice, and sometimes pasta, but often went hungry. She lost 22 pounds since her abduction. Sometimes, she and the other hostages drank salt water since water was unavailable.

“It was very difficult for us to think that there are people who are really ready to sacrifice us,” she exclaimed. “Why? What did I do? I’m responsible for getting kidnapped?”

Job Losses

Recently it was reported that one-fifth of Israelis who were forced to evacuate their homes after October 7, 2023, also lost their jobs.

The report by the Israel Democracy Institute highlights the heavy costs that Israel is bearing after the Hamas massacre and the subsequent war.

Tens of thousands of Israelis were evacuated from dozens of communities near the Gaza border in the wake of the Hamas assault from Gaza. More than 60,000 more were also evacuated from communities near the northern border when Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas on October 8.

Many of those evacuees were living in temporary places, including hotels around the country. The government helped to give them subsidies to help with the housing costs. The government has spent more than NIS 9 billion ($2.5 billion) on the evacuation of Israelis since the October 7 attack, with some NIS 6 billion going to payments to hotels and property owners.

Now, 15 months after the massacre, just 39% of those who were evacuated are back at home. Nineteen percent of those who were employed before the war are out of a job, according to the IDI report, highlighting the cost to an economy that grew by just 1% in 2024. Another 3% were called in to reserve military duty.

Around a third of Israeli households have reported a fall in their incomes since the start of the war, a proportion that reached as high as 44% among households in the north and south, where economic activity in businesses, tourism and the agricultural sector was severely impacted. The national average is 35%.

“The fact that around 15 months since the outbreak of the war, a majority of self-employed/freelance evacuees are still reporting a decrease in the scale of their business activity due to the war highlights the urgent need to create a clear and ordered mechanism that will provide an immediate response to this population group during emergency situations, such as wars, pandemics, and other extreme events that are beyond their control,” noted authors of the IDI report Daphna Aviram-Nitzan and Omer Cohen.

Aviram-Nitzan and Cohen said the mechanisms should be “similar to the existing mechanisms for assisting sala-

ried workers, who in times of crisis are entitled to a security buffer, whether by means of [providing] unpaid leave or receiving unemployment benefits.”

Electricity Cut to Gaza

On Sunday, Energy Minister Eli Cohen instructed the Israel Electric Corporation to cut off the supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip.

“We will employ all the tools available to us so that all the hostages will return, and we will ensure that Hamas won’t be in Gaza on the ‘day after,’” said Cohen, explaining the reasoning behind the electricity cut.

Twenty-four hostages are presumed to still be held alive in Gaza. It is said that Hamas is holding the bodies of 35 other hostages.

Electricity from Israel to Gaza was cut off after October 7, but in November Israel announced it was renewing supply to a desalination plant near Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. This week, Israel cut the power to that plant.

The plant serves more than 600,000 Gaza residents through tankers or the networks of Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis governorates in central and southern Gaza, respectively. It is one of three such seawater processing facilities in the Gaza Strip, which before the war met around 15 percent of the 2 million-plus residents’ need for water.

On March 2, Israel said it was halting the entry of goods into Gaza. The United States backed the move, although other governments condemned it. Israel has noted that there is enough aid accumulated in Gaza to meet the needs of its population and that Hamas uses the supply of goods to bolster its control of the enclave and fund its attacks on Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that he was prepared to raise the pressure and would not rule out cutting off all electricity to Gaza if Hamas didn’t budge on its demands in talks to free the hostages and end the war.

Trump Cancels $400M from Columbia University

On Friday, the Trump administration announced it would be canceling $400 million worth of federal grants and contracts with Columbia University, penalizing the Ivy League institution for not doing enough to protect Jewish students from antisemitism.

“Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on

its campus,” stated Linda McMahon, the secretary of education.

Soon thereafter, McMahon said she had “a productive meeting” with Columbia’s interim president Katrina Armstrong, with whom she expected to work “together to protect all students.”

In response, the university stated, “We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.”

It remains to be seen which projects will be affected.

The announcement was celebrated by the university’s Hillel. Brian Cohen, the executive director of the Jewish student group, said he hopes the government’s actions would be “a wake-up call to Columbia’s administration and trustees to take antisemitism and the harassment of Jewish students and faculty seriously.”

In the wake of October 7, anti-Israel protests swept through colleges around the United States. At Columbia, antisemitic demonstrators propped up encampments on campus in April. Soon thereafter, protestors invaded a building on campus, prompting police to clear the premises and make arrests. At around

that time, Republicans in Congress interrogated Minouche Shafik, the then-president of Columbia, about her university’s failure to stop antisemitism. Four months later, she stepped down.

A few weeks later, a task force established by Columbia found that Jewish and Israeli students were being shunned by peers, humiliated in classrooms, and verbally abused.

Recently, the university expelled two students after they stormed an Israeli history class. The expulsion infuriated a small group of protestors, who went on to occupy buildings at Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia. Last Wednesday, police arrested several students occupying the buildings.

The federal government is investigating other colleges for antisemitism, including the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Minnesota; Northwestern University; and Portland State University.

Kabul Airport Blast Mastermind Captured

Mohammad Sharifullah, the man believed to have planned the Kabul airport bombing during the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, is now in U.S. custody after his extradition from Pakistan.

Sharifullah, who is also known as “Jafar,” has been charged in Virginia for allegedly providing material support to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), the terrorist organization that killed 13 U.S. military personnel and at least 170 Afghan civilians during the attack.

Sharifullah’s extradition came as a result of careful coordination between the

U.S. and Pakistan. The U.S., according to an official from Pakistan’s ministry of defense, located the terrorist. Then, Pakistan forces launched a counter-terrorism raid near the Afghanistan border in the Balochistan province, capturing Sharifullah and three other important ISIS-K members.

“We sent our elite unit of special forces to storm his hideout near the Afghanistan border and nabbed him in a swift raid,” the official explained.

The terrorist arrived in Washington, D.C., on March 2. His arrest was announced by President Donald Trump during his Tuesday address to Congress.

“The FBI will never forget the loss of these American heroes. We will continue to hunt down those who viciously murdered our warriors. We will find all responsible and bring them to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

In addition to orchestrating the bombing and helping ISIS-K access routes around Kabul’s Abbey Gate, Sharifullah admitted to playing a role in the 2016 bombing near Kabul’s Canadian embassy and the deadly terrorist attack at Russia’s Crocus City Hall last year, which killed 130. He can be sentenced to up to life in prison.

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz thanked Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq over the phone for helping with the operation.

Last Tuesday, gunmen and suicide bombers killed 18 people, children included, and injured dozens in a planned attack on the Pakistani army base at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu. Two days later, Pakistani Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir noted that Afghan terrorist organizations continue to attack Pakistan.

Walgreens Going Private

Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, has announced that it will buy pharmacy chain Walgreens for $11.45 a share in cash, or around $23.7 billion in total, counting debt and future payouts.

The purchase would take Walgreens off public markets almost 100 years after

Did you know?

the company went public in 1927.

Over the past five years, Walgreens’ shares have lost almost 80% of their value. Ten years ago, the company was worth $100 billion. Now, it’s valued at around $9.5 billion. In October, Walgreens said it would be shuttering 1,200 of its 8,500 stores. By 2027, one in seven Walgreens locations will be closed. Similar chains, including CVS and Rite Aid, have suffered comparable fates, as drug stores struggle with low prescription drug reimbursement rates and competition from companies like Amazon and Target.

“While we are making progress against our ambitious turnaround strategy, meaningful value creation will take time, focus and change that is better managed as a private company,” stated Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Tim Wentworth. “Sycamore will provide us with the expertise and experience of a partner with a strong track record of successful retail turnarounds.”

Walgreens Executive Chairman Stefano Pessina holds a 17% stake in the company, as its biggest shareholder. As part of the buy-out, he will have to reinvest his stake in the company.

“Walgreens is a big company with big problems, and this would be a longer-term investment rather than a way to make a quick buck,” Neil Saunders, the managing director of GlobalData, said in December. “Cuts would most certainly be on the agenda, but the pathway to grow would be more challenging as the healthcare, pharmacy and retail sides of the business all have inherent problems that are not easily soluble.”

The transaction is supposed to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Walgreens.

In 2010, Walgreens took over Duane Reade. Four years later, the company spent $5.3 billion to purchase a 55% stake in Alliance Boots, a European drugstore operator.

83% of USAID Programs to Be Cancelled

Following a six-week review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced

on Monday that 83% of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs would be canceled.

“The 5,200 contracts that are now cancelled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve (and in some cases even harmed) the core national interests of the United States,” Rubio posted on X.

The 1,000 other USAID programs would, in consultation with Congress, be handed over to the State Department for more effective administration, Rubio added, thanking Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which spearheaded efforts to eliminate the agency.

President John F. Kennedy founded USAID in 1961 to give more than 100 countries humanitarian aid. In recent years, however, many believe that the agency has been hijacked for partisan purposes. President Donald Trump claims the agency is controlled by “radical left lunatics,” while Musk asserted it was “beyond repair.” Currently, the Trump administration hopes to merge USAID into the State Department to cut staff and decrease the agency’s budget.

On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order pausing federal funding for the conglomerate for 90 days pending review. The order doesn’t stop the government from providing “life-saving humanitarian assistance,” including medicine, medical services, food, shelter, subsistence assistance, supplies, and the like.

A district court stopped the administration from freezing around $2 billion in foreign aid. The Supreme Court refused to reverse the lower court’s decision.

Palestinian Protester to be Deported

Mahmoud Khalil was arrested on Saturday by federal immigration authorities who said they were acting on a State Department order to revoke the Palestinian activist’s green card. Khalil had been leading the anti-Israel student protests in

Columbia University.

He had been at his university-owned apartment blocks from Columbia’s Manhattan campus when several Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents entered the building and took him into custody.

Khalil was in the United States as a permanent resident with a green card. He came to the U.S. in 2002. He was born in Syria to Palestinian parents. His wife is American.

“We have not been able to get any more details about why he is being detained,” attorney Amy Greer said. “This is a clear escalation. The administration is following through on its threats.”

The Trump administration on Friday said it had canceled government contracts and grants awarded to Columbia University worth about $400 million. The government said the cuts and the student deportation efforts are due to antisemitic harassment at and near Columbia’s Man-

and attacking higher education and the Ivy League education system.”

In September, Khalil vowed to continue the protests. “As long as Columbia continues to invest and to benefit from Israeli apartheid, the students will continue to resist.”

The State Department on Friday reportedly revoked the visa of a foreign student who participated in pro-Hamas demonstrations.

On Monday, President Trump said that Khalil is not going to be the last person to be deported for his vile views.

“We know there are more students at Columbia and other Universities across the Country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity,” Trump wrote in a social media post. “We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country — never to return again.”

Al Green Censured

On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted to censure Rep. Al Green (D-TX) for heckling President Donald Trump during his address to the nation on Tuesday.

hattan campus.

“What more can Columbia do to appease Congress or the government now?”

Khalil complained before his arrest, noting that Columbia had twice called in police to arrest protesters and had disciplined many pro-Palestinian students and staff, suspending some. “They basically silenced anyone supporting Palestine on campus, and this was not enough. Clearly Trump is using the protesters as a scapegoat for his wider agenda fighting

“You don’t have a mandate,” Green cried out numerous times as he interrupted the president’s speech during a joint Session of Congress. Green was ordered to be removed by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington introduced the resolution to censure Green. He noted that Green’s words were a “breach of proper conduct.” The resolution passed along party lines, with 10 Democrats voting with Republicans in favor of the resolution and two lawmakers voting “present.” Rep. Laura Gillen and Rep. Thomas Suozzi of New York, both

Democrats, voted in favor of censuring Green.

A censure is considered a severe public rebuke of a legislator brought by other members of Congress, a form of punishment second only to expulsion. The U.S. Constitution allows for Congress to “punish its members for disorderly behavior.” Censure is a formal disapproval intended to discipline members of the house.

Once the House comes to a majority vote in favor of the resolution, the censured person must stand in the well of the House as the resolution is read aloud, “as a form of public rebuke,” according to the U.S. House of Representatives website

Twenty-seven other representatives have been censured before Green including Jamaal Bowman for pulling the fire alarm in the Cannon House office building in September; Rashida Tlaib for her remarks over the Israel-Hamas war; Adam Schiff for “misleading the American public and for conduct unbecoming of an elected Member of the House of Representatives”; and Charles Rangel for an ethics scandal.

Fires in Long Island

On Saturday afternoon, a fire broke out in the Westhampton area of Long Island. Strong air currents and dry weather stretched the fire hundreds of acres, prompting Governor Hochul to declare a state of emergency. By Sunday morning, though, the fire was mostly extinguished.

The cause of the Long Island wildfire is still under investigation, but authorities say that it may have started after a family made s’mores in their backyard. Gusty wind conditions made it hard for them to start a fire, so they used cardboard to do so. Once the cardboard ignited, their backyard went up into flames.

Two structures were burned in the fire, and one firefighter had been hospitalized with second-degree burns to the face. Another firefighter suffered a head injury.

The National Weather Service had warned early on Saturday on social me-

dia that low humidity and northwest winds of 30 to 35 m.p.h. would create an “elevated risk for fire spread.”

BLM Plaza Removed

On Monday, crews worked to remove the giant yellow “Black Lives Matter” words painted on intersection of 16th and H Streets in Washington, D.C., one block from the White House. The letters had been there since 2020 to support the BLM protests. It will take around six weeks to remove the words from Black Lives Matter Plaza. They will be replaced with city-sponsored murals.

One bystander came to see the removal and took home a piece of concrete.

“I needed to be here to bear witness,” she said. “For me, the Black Lives Matter sign etched in stone was a declaration of somebodyness and to watch it be undone in this way was very hurtful. To walk away with a piece of that, it means it’s not gone. It’s more than brick and mortar.”

Last week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote on X, “The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a painful period, but now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference. The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern.”

Among those who gathered to witness the work on Monday was Megan Bailiff, CEO of Equus Striping, the pavement marking company that originally painted the letters.

Bailiff called the dismantling of Black Lives Matter Plaza “historically obscene” and said its presence was “more significant at this very moment than it ever has been in this country.”

It had cost $7.8 million to construct the plaza.

Massive Cyberattack on X

Elon Musk said on Monday that his social media platform X had suffered a “massive cyberattack,” suggesting that the attack originated from Ukraine.

According to Downdetector, an online tracker of service outages, thousands of users reported outages Monday morning on the social media site bought by Musk in 2022 for $44 billion.

“There was (still is) a massive cyberattack against X,” Musk said in a post on the platform at 1:25 p.m. ”We get attacked every day, but this was done with a lot of resources. Either a large coordinated group and/or a country is involved. Tracing.”

Musk told host Larry Kudlow of Fox Business Network that the IP addresses from the cyberattack on X originated in Ukraine.

“We’re not sure what happened but there was a massive cyberattack to try and bring down the X system with IP addresses originating in the Ukraine area,” Musk said.

The outages were intermittent throughout the day on Monday, affecting tens of thousands of users.

Your Happy Place

Residents of Fremont, California, are the happiest in the nation, according to a study released recently by WalletHub.

Other cities in California claimed top spots, with San Jose and Irvine nabbing slots number two and three, respectively.

The findings of the study looked at 29 different factors across 182 of the largest U.S. cities.

“Research shows that having more money only increases your happiness until you’re making at least $75,000 per year – anything more you earn likely won’t have an impact,” noted Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst, in a statement. “Therefore, when deciding where to live to maximize your happiness, you’ll want to pick a city that offers more than just a decent average income. The ideal city

provides conditions that foster good mental and physical health, like reasonable work hours, short commutes, good weather, and caring neighbors.”

What’s Fremont’s secret? Almost 80% of households in Fremont make that magic number. They’re also more satisfied with life than residents of any other city. They have the fifth-lowest depression rate in America and live longer than people in most other cities (fourth-highest life expectancy). Marriages last longer there, too. Only 8.9% end in divorce, the lowest rate nationwide. And fewer Fremont residents report struggling with their mental health for long periods.

San Jose, in second place, boasts the nation’s longest average life expectancy. The city ranks high on measures of community well-being, with residents reporting they feel safe and proud of where they live. Like Fremont, San Jose has strong household incomes, with 72% of households earning above $75,000 yearly.

Irvine nabbed the third-happiest slot. Eighty-eight percent of adults in Irvine report good and better health, the third-highest in the nation, and nearly 84% stay active with regular physical activities. The city has the seventh-highest life expectancy, the third-lowest rate of poor mental health days, and the eighth-lowest depression rate.

While California cities claim four of the top ten spots (Fremont, San Jose, Irvine, and Huntington Beach), the Midwest makes a strong showing as well. Sioux Falls, South Dakota (4th) and Overland Park, Kansas (5th) prove that heartland cities can create environments where people thrive. Lincoln, Nebraska (6th) and Madison, Wisconsin (7th) add to the Midwest’s strong presence in the rankings. Scottsdale, Arizona (8th) represents the Southwest in the top tier, while San Francisco (9th) adds another California city to the elite group. The map of happiness shows some clear patterns. People in Western and Midwestern cities tend to be happier than those in Southern cities and old industrial towns, though you’ll find exceptions everywhere.

At the very bottom of the list sits Cleveland, Ohio (182nd), with Detroit, Michigan (181st) and Memphis, Tennessee (180th) not far behind. These cities scored poorly in all three categories WalletHub looked at—how people feel physically and emotionally, jobs and money issues, and community life.

Jersey City, NJ, came in at spot number 36. Yonkers, NY, took the 41st spot. New York, NY, placed at number 68.

Hard to Swallow

Jaythan Gilder recently swiped more than $700,000 worth of earrings from Tiffany & Co. in the Mall at Millenia. But instead of hiding the bling in a hidey-hole, he chose a more nontraditional spot: his stomach.

The 32-year-old had told employees at the store that he was a representative of an Orlando Magic basketball player. He was taken to a VIP room and was shown several high-end pieces of jewelry, according to an arrest warrant written by Orlando Police Detective Aaron Goss.

Gilder was shown a pair of 4.86-carat diamond earrings worth $160,000, a pair of 8.19-carat diamond earrings worth $609,000, and a 5.61-carat diamond ring worth $587,000, the court document said. Gilder then grabbed the three pieces of jewelry and struggled with employees before dropping the ring and fleeing from the store.

Authorities were able to trace Gilder’s car, and the chase was on.

According to police, as Gilder was being taken into custody, he “swallowed several items.” A scan of the suspect, taken at the Washington County Jail, found “foreign objects in his stomach,” Goss wrote.

“These foreign objects are suspected to be the Tiffany & Co. earrings taken in the robbery but will need to be collected ... after they pass through Gilder’s system,” the affidavit said.

While in jail, Gilder “spontaneously asked staff, ‘Am I going to be charged with what’s in my stomach?’” Goss wrote.

Additionally, while Gilder was in the patrol car, an arresting trooper heard Gilder saying, “I should have thrown

them out the window,” according to police.

He pulled off “a similar robbery” at a Tiffany & Co. in 2022 in The Woodlands, Texas, and he has “48 separate warrants out of Colorado,” according to a police statement.

I hope he didn’t swallow those other pieces of jewelry. I just can’t stomach the thought of that.

Dolphin Aboard

Three men from New Zealand got an unexpected passenger on their fishing boat when a dolphin weighing more than 900 pounds appeared to fall out of the sky before crash-landing in their small boat.

Thankfully, no one was badly hurt when the 11-foot bottlenose dolphin jumped aboard the open-top boat on Friday, said Dean Harrison, the owner of the nearly 16-foot vessel.

Harrison and two companions were fishing near the Hole in the Rock, a picturesque spot off the far north coast of New Zealand’s North Island, while dolphins frolicked ahead. The men saw a shadow across the bright summer sun and heard a huge boom — before chaos unfolded.

“This one decided to jump on board and say hello,” Harrison quipped. “One minute everything was fine, and then just like lightning striking, there’s a big dolphin in our boat thrashing around and breaking everything.”

The strong dolphin managed to snap every fishing rod in the boat and severely damaged the bow as the trio clung to the sides of the vessel. One man had minor injuries to his arm where the juvenile male dolphin grazed his back and shoulder, but all three fishermen and the dolphin were otherwise uninjured.

Unfortunately for the three men stuck

with the extra passenger, there was no way to return the creature to the sea.

“We looked at the dolphin still alive and breathing and we thought, we’ve got to start looking after him and figure out what to do,” Harrison said. “Because he’s stuck in the boat for now, so he’s coming along for the ride.”

They connected with New Zealand’s conservation agency and were told to head to a boat ramp around an hour away. While traveling there, the trio used a hose to keep the creature wet and protected it from the sun using a damp towel depicting players from the All Blacks rugby team.

On shore, members of a local Māori tribe prayed for the dolphin before it was returned to the ocean using a tractor. Helpers gave the dolphin a name: Tohu, which means “sign” in the Māori language.

Tohu is now also the name of Dean Harrison’s boat.

“The dolphin got to swim away, and we got to walk away, and we’ve all got a story to tell,” he said. “It’s a good ending in a situation that could have been very different.”

Sounds like they handled it all swimmingly.

We’re Not Laughing

Comedians feed off their audience, gauging their spectators’ reactions while doing their routine. But what if the audience just doesn’t react? Could it be that the funnymen are just not funny? Or maybe the audience is just frozen in place.

frown, sneer, but frozen faces from Botox impact the entire atmosphere.”

Laugh, smile, frown – audience members will be submitted to an expression check at the front door to ensure their faces are able to move before being admitted.

“We hope trialing this ban will help move the needle and get facial reactions back into the room – for the benefit of our comedians and the audience,” he said.

Sounds like real funny business.

Playing

With Your Food

This orchestra loves to play with food. The 11-piece Vegetable Orchestra was formed in Vienna, Austria, in 1999.

Various musicians joined together to carve vegetables into instruments. Now, the most unusual group has earned a Guinness World Record for playing 344 concerts over the past 27 years – all with veggies.

“It all started as a joke,” founding member Matthias Meinharter told the BBC in 2019.

He said the founding four members had been signed up for a performance art festival in Vienna.

“We were brainstorming what we could do, and we thought: ‘What is the most difficult thing to play music on?’“ he said. “We were making soup together at the time, and one idea led to another.”

Did you know?

Italy produces the most wine in the world; France is close behind.

Mark Rothman, owner of the Top Secret Comedy Club in London, noticed that comedians at his club were becoming frustrated with frozen faces. Now, he is not allowing patrons with Botox injections on their face to be in the audience at his two venues.

“I’ve had numerous complaints from performers who find it increasingly challenging to gauge audience engagement and bounce off their reactions,” Rothman said in a news release. “Comedy thrives on connection, and facial expressions play a huge part. We want people to laugh, cry,

The performers have now perfected the art of playing with their food. Their instruments include carrots carved into recorders and leeks into mandolins. They carve fresh vegetables before every performance, as their instruments only last for about 6 hours before starting to rot or losing their shape.

Any unused vegetables are made into a soup to be served at the concert. The used instruments are turned into organic waste to keep the concerts eco-friendly.

Asked if they’re vegetarians, they respond: “No, we are not. Don’t ask again. We’ve heard this question 3 million times.”

Cool beans.

Around the Community

Aish Kodesh Annual Dinner

This past Tuesday evening, Aish Kodesh in Woodmere celebrated its 32nd annual dinner at the Woodmere Club. The theme of this year’s dinner was “lev,” as the Kehillah celebrated three couples who embody the “heart” and vision of Aish Kodesh. Dov and Allyson Perkal were the Guests of Honor, Jeff and Elke Stern accepted the Nahum Gordon z”l, Community Service Award, and Josh and Alyssa Weinberg were the Young Leadership awardees.

Under the leadership of Rav and Rebbetzin Weinberger, the Kehillah of Aish Kodesh has grown far beyond the walls of the Beis Medrash. Today the Torah and light of Aish has reached virtually every community in the world. The shiurim of Rav Weinberger have reached hundreds of thousands over the years, and the shul has become the address for those that want to experience an uplifting and meaningful davening.

This year, with the release of Rav Weinberger’s new sefer on Purim, all

Photos by Simcha Sommer

guests at the dinner received a beautifully displayed copy of the sefer. The team behind the production of the sefer, Rabbi Nachum Dinowitz, Ronen Fuksbrumer, and Ben Wolf, were called up to receive a specially bound sefer inscribed by Rav Weinberger as a thank you to their tireless efforts in producing YET another sefer of the Rebbe’s Torah. At the presentation, Rav Weinberger spoke about the dream of Aish Kodesh that began over 32 years ago and how quickly time has passed to be sitting at a dinner celebrat-

ing so many years. Aish Kodesh today is now a family of generations who together continue to put their heart and kochos into the shul, each other and to all of Klal Yisrael. Aish Kodesh invites all to join the davening and experience firsthand the unique makom Torah and tefillah in, as the Rebbe calls, “our little corner of the world in Woodmere.”

Shulamith Annual Dinner

Arecord crowd turned out at the Seawane Country Club this past Motzei Shabbos for the Annual Shulamith Dinner. The theme of the evening, Building Our Foundations – Looking to Our Future, acknowledged the strong bond between all our divisions, our exceptional parent partnership, and our unwavering support for Eretz Yisrael. Our parents enjoyed a delicious dairy event catered by Partini and were accompanied by a live musical performance by Eli Levin. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of energy, which was felt by all. The program began with our Chairmen, Benji Samuels and Rafi Goodman, welcoming the guests and thanking our outstanding principals, faculty, and sup -

port staff all of whom are instrumental in the success of our School. A tremendous emphasis was placed on the selfless dedication of our very active Board of Directors and how grateful they are to have daughters in our school.

Our Guests of Honor, Dr. Eric and Mrs. Sara Pollak, highlighted the oneof-a-kind impact and involvement the Pollaks have on our school, their shul, and the community at large. We are so proud of the four Pollak girls in our ECC, Elementary and High School divisions. We wish the Pollak family mazal tov and thank them for accepting this well-deserved honor.

Our Educator of the Year, Mrs. Naomi Munk, accepted this honor wanting

to help our school in any way she can.

Mrs. Naomi Munk infuses the Shulamith High School building with tremendous love for Eretz Yisroel, Am Yisroel, and the Hebrew language. We are so fortunate to have such a high caliber faculty member, who keeps up with her students through the seminary process and beyond.

A special memorial tribute was held for Rabbi Moshe Zwick, z”l, who for 40 years was the Executive Director and played a crucial role in bringing Shulamith to the Five Towns community. A beautiful plaque was presented to the family which summarized what he meant for our institution and the everlasting impact he had and continues to have on

Shulamith.

A highlight of the Dinner was our “Great Unboxing” raffle, spearheaded by Mrs. Ruby Goldstein. Mazal tov our many winners of the valuable prizes that were donated by very generous donors. We want to thank everyone who made the Dinner such a success, including Rabbi Moshe Moshe Monczyk and the Business Office, the Parent Dinner Committee, and most important our parents, grandparents and donors. We are looking forward to continuing our growth and success at Shulamith School for Girls, our home away from home.

Chayalim Visit HALB Rosh Chodesh Adar Spirit at DRS

Four IDF soldiers, one of whom went to HALB as a child, spoke to the HALB middle school boys last week. They shared stories, reflections, and inspiration with the students and teachers. The boys were deeply moved by these incredible brave heroes!

RAMPAC Makes Waves at Swedish Consulate Meeting

This past Wednesday, RAMPAC (Rambam Political Action Committee) visited the Swedish Consulate in New York City. While there, they had the opportunity to meet Consul General Erik Ullenhag, who was the Swedish Ambassador to Israel from 2020 to 2024, and they also got to meet Deputy Consul General Helmer Broberg and Swedish Public Affairs Officer Aviva Neuman. The RAMPAC was able to talk with these Swedish diplomats about Jewish life in Sweden and the state of antisemitism. A lot was learned on both sides, and it was

The Chodesh Adar spirit is in full swing across DRS Yeshiva! With an infectious energy spreading through the hallways, students have embraced the joy and excitement that this special time of year brings. Last week, DRS had the privilege of welcoming several alumni from the renowned Waterbury yeshiva, who infused the school with their signature warmth and ruach. The electrifying tish they led was an unforgettable experience, as the sounds of spirited singing and uplifting niggunim filled the dining room.

Adding to the incredible energy, the sophomore class took part in a meaningful chesed initiative, visiting the Israel Chesed Center to pack mishloach manos for IDF soldiers, sending love and sup -

port to those who protect Am Yisrael.

Before last week’s basketball quarterfinal games, the yeshiva hosted a special Chodesh Adar night seder, featuring shiurim on the connections between Adar, sports, and Judaism – a powerful way to merge Torah with the students’ passions. Buzzing with excitement following two championship hockey wins, the yeshiva danced in the school’s lobby to Purim music by DJ and DRS sophomore, Aaron Cukier. The entire yeshiva was treated to Dunkin Donuts and ice cream to celebrate the wins!

Talmidim have eagerly anticipated the Annual DRS Purim Chagigah which features great food, lively dancing, and Purim shpiels by the rabbeim.

Tevah V’Torah at HAFTR

a really amazing opportunity as well as a major kiddush Hashem. One of the many things that was learned by RAMPAC is that Sweden is celebrating 250 years of Jewish life in Sweden, and they even received invitations to some events that will be run later this year.

Thank you to Zach Haironson and Josh Horowitz for putting this event together, and a special thank you to the Swedish diplomats for talking with us.

To date, RAMPAC has also met with delegates from Argentina, Panama, and was able to bring an Israeli Diplomat to Rambam for a schoolwide assembly.

In HAFTR Early Childhood, we are excitedly and eagerly preparing to celebrate Chag Purim!

Purim is a great time to introduce and expose “the five senses” to children. We can smell the hamantashen baking, taste the treats in our Mishloach Manot, see the different costumes our friends and family are wearing, touch the pages of our Megillot when we retell the story, and hear the sounds of the ra’ashanim and kazoos, that we made ourselves!

In Tevah V’Torah, Morah Alana focused on the sense of hearing. The Hebrew word for “gragger” is “ra’ashan,” which comes from the word, “ra’ash,” meaning noise. And wow, did we make a

lot of noise in Tevah V’Torah with Morah Alana! The children learned all about sound waves and volume and how we are physically able to hear things. Did you know that our ears and brains can process sound, even when we are sleeping? Or that ears are completely individual, just like fingerprints? We learned that when we listen to the Megillah and hear Haman’s name, that’s when we get to make a lot of noise. The children each made their own kazoo and practiced using them to make sure they worked. We noticed that some sounded differently than others, but each one made a sound and noise that we were able to hear! Chag Purim sameach!

Avi Lax

Around the Community

Authors Visit HALB

Ann Koffsky, author and illustrator of the “Kayla and Kugel” books, visited Lev Chana. She spoke to the children about being an author and her love of books! Laura Brown, co-author of the Trillium Sisters trilogy, visited HALB and spoke to the third graders. They discussed how setting, character, mood boards, and idea notebooks spark

Reading Adventures in YOSS

Play along as Mrs. Kastriner’s YOSS fifth grade students’ reading adventures evolve into board games. The students were given a task to create a board game using a novel they read as the theme for the game. This project was designed to foster reading, creativity, and sequential writing for the game’s directions. Movement on the board needed to include a minimum of ten adventure details from the novel. The students eagerly played each other’s games and were inspired to add to their “Books to Be Read” lists.

The pressing take-away question remains: which students will leverage themselves into members of the Research and Development teams at Milton Bradley, Hasbro, and Mattel?

Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato Meets With Hostage Family in Albany

New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato met with Miri Ben Ami, mother of October 7th hostage Yosef Ohana. Yosef was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival and is still being held captive by terrorists. Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato applauded Miri’s bravery as she was introduced on the floor of the State Assembly and spoke with lawmakers about her son.

Pheffer Amato is a noted Zionist and a fierce advocate for the Jewish community throughout New York.

“We will not rest, we will not stop praying, we will not stop advocating for their release until every hostage is brought home,” said the Assemblywoman.

Bringing Friends Together to Support Work At It

In a wonderful display of friendship and generosity, an amazing gathering took place this past week, bringing together a group of friends and supporters to rally behind an incredibly important cause. Hosted by the gracious MJ and Sarifka Jungreis, the event was beautifully displayed and sponsored by the Jungreis’ and Sarifka and Miri Brands’ company – Zeelum Studio – a fashion photography studio for all apparel brands. It was full of good cheer and fun, while raising awareness for Work At It, a program dedicated to helping at-risk youth find a practical path to success.

The energy and vibrant spirit of the evening were supplied by DS Tayman, whose lively presentation helped set the tone for a fun-filled and meaningful event. The goal of the gathering was to support Work At It, a local organization that helps young people excluded from conventional school systems find their way to fulfilling careers and lives.

Attendees were introduced to Work At It by the organization’s Executive Director and Career Coach, Mrs. Rivka Ariel. Mrs. Ariel shared the inspiring story of Work At It, emphasizing the growing challenge of at-risk teens and the crucial role the program plays in providing them with guidance, encouragement, and opportunities. She stressed how many young people, despite having so much potential, are left behind by the traditional education system and the impact Work At It has in giving them the chance to thrive in alternative environments.

The crowd was then treated to a short but powerful video showcasing the immense value Work At It brings to the community. The video gave attendees a close-up look at the personalized support and careful guidance the program provides, ensuring that each one receives the attention they need to carve out their

own unique path forward.

Next, Mrs. Yael Wedeck, the co-founder of Work At It, took the stage to share her personal journey of founding and developing the organization over the past seven years. She spoke about the challenges, triumphs, and deep satisfaction that come from knowing the difference Work At It is making in the lives of young people.

One of the most touching moments of the evening came when a parent of a Work At It participant took the microphone to share her personal story. She spoke movingly about how her daughter, a talented and bright young woman, struggled in traditional school, feeling disconnected and misunderstood. With a sense of helplessness, the mother described how she longed to support her daughter’s unique journey but didn’t know where to turn. That all changed when they found Work At It. The program not only validated her daughter’s worth but helped her find a job that allowed her to showcase her talents. Today, the young woman feels empowered and valued and is finishing up her schooling thanks to the support and guidance from Work At It.

As the evening drew to a close, attendees reflected on the incredible work being done by Work At It, all while enjoying delicious food and lively conversations with friends. It was an event that not only raised awareness for an important cause but also served as a reminder of the power of community and the difference that can be made when we come together for a shared purpose.

As Work At It’s first fundraiser, there was a larger than expected turnout and it was clear that the event was just one of many steps toward ensuring that Work At It continues to be a source of hope and guidance for the young people who need it most.

Shoshana and Chen, HALB Bnot Sheirut, decorated the entire school to look like areas in Israel in honor of Adar and Purim

Mercaz Academy Welcomes Caldecott Honor Winning Author-Illustrator

Two-time Caldecott Honor winner

Laura Vaccaro Seeger captivated students with her stories and art during her recent visit to Mercaz Academy in Plainview. She shared pages from her award-winning books and offered a glimpse into her creative process, explaining the artistic and technical challenges she faces as an author-illustrator. Many of Ms. Seeger’s books feature cleverly and carefully designed cutouts that hint at elements revealed on subsequent pages, which require much precision and forethought and add layers of meaning to her stories.

Ms. Seeger stressed how much she had in common with Mercaz students, revealing that she had dreamed of creating picture books since she was very young. She recommended keeping a journal to collect ideas and observations, as she had since childhood. She encouraged students to allow themselves to be imperfect in their journals, advising them to keep revising their ideas until they felt right to them.

Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s visit also included engaging hands-on activities tailored to the different age groups at Mercaz. Older children were challenged to

YOSS is Tougher that Tech

This week, Rabbi Zvika Soroka of Anchor Mentoring joined the YOSS Mechina as a special guest speaker. Rabbi Soroka delivered a powerful and passionate speech, praising the effort and commitment of all of the YOSS Tech-in-Check and Tougher-thanTech members. He reflected on the struggles of previous generations who were willing to give up their livelihood in order to keep Shabbos and compared it to the struggle that so many children (and adults) face with technology; a struggle which can undo and undermine so much of who we are and what we will become. He exclaimed that he is “standing among royalty” by being in the presence of so many talmidim who have created boundaries and commitments surrounding their technology use.

After he concluded his message, the Menahel Rabbi Zev Davidowitz shared the story of Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, zt”l, whose entire body was ravaged with Parkinsons when he famously exclaimed, “I also can’t do it, but I do it anyway!” He explained that any talmid who makes the commitment to be smartphone free

through eighth grade is “making the impossible possible” and is following in the Rosh Yeshiva’s footsteps.

Each boy who is Tougher-thanTech will be gifted a framed picture of Rav Nosson Tzvi, zt”l, with his timeless quote printed on the bottom as a way to recognize this incredible accomplishment. We are so proud of all of the boys who are taking real steps to address the nisayon of our generation, and encourage every parent to make a real commitment to remain Tougher-than-Tech.

draw a friend without looking at the paper or lifting their pen, discovering that while the drawings weren’t necessarily what they envisioned while they were creating them, they were beautiful and unique. Younger students learned how to build drawings of Dog and Bear—beloved characters from a popular series by Ms. Seeger—using simple shapes. Afterwards, Ms. Seeger encouraged the students to hold up their drawings while she photographed them in a lovely gesture of encouragement and pride in her Mercaz Academy fans.

Flag Football Season is Almost Here

The chill of winter is melting away, and with it comes a surge of excitement that can only mean one thing: the Five Towns Flag Football League is BACK! Anticipation is reaching fever pitch as opening day draws near, and the energy in the community is electric. This isn’t just about football; it’s about the camaraderie, the friendships, and the shared passion that makes the 5 Towns league so special.

Jersey distribution was last week, and Week 1 is this coming Friday! Known for its fun, middos-driven competition, the league provides a safe and structured environment where young athletes can thrive. With clear rules, dedicated coaches, and qualified referees, parents are so excited for the season ahead. But it’s more than just a game. Flag football teaches invaluable life lessons, fostering agility, coordination, teamwork, and communication skills. The league’s emphasis on sportsmanship instills values of respect and cooperation that extend far beyond the gridiron. Every season brings thrilling competition, keeping

players and fans alike on the edge of their seats. The thrill of victory, the challenge of teamwork, and the pure joy of the game create unforgettable experiences for these young athletes.

And speaking of looking good while playing good… this year, every participant will be sporting a brand-new, FM Home Loans full-zip authentic 5TFFL sweatshirt! Imagine the sight – a sea of unified pride and spirit as our young athletes take the field. The countdown is on!

Players are buzzing with excitement, eager to reunite with their teammates, hone their skills, and experience the thrill of the game once more. The Five Towns Flag Football League is a true community beacon, where every touchdown, flag pull, and cheer brings us closer together. We can hardly contain our excitement for the season to kick off!

Don’t miss out on the action! For more information, head over to www.5townsflagfootball.com. Let’s make this the most spirited and exciting season yet!

Five Towns Unites to Honor IDF Soldiers, Highlighting Commitment to Lone Soldiers

In a remarkable display of achdus, the Five Towns area – from Far Rockaway to North Woodmere –o came together last weekend for the second IDF Unity Shabbat. The event welcomed 20 chayalim, some accompanied by their families, creating a weekend of connection, support, and awareness.

The carefully orchestrated weekend began Thursday evening with an insightful lecture by renowned Israel advocate Avi Abelow, CEO of 12 Tribe Films, and uplifting shiurim delivered by Mrs. Michal Horowitz and Rabbi Yechiel Weberman. The Chesed Center also hosted a Whisky Tasting event featuring DS Tayman, which took on profound significance when attendees learned that Benji Needham, brother of the brand manager Yael Schlagman, had fallen in battle in Gaza last December – a poignant reminder of the real sacrifices behind the weekend’s celebrations.

“The community’s response was overwhelming,” shared Jeff Eisenberg, co-founder of the Chesed Center. “Over 40 shuls and schools coordinated their efforts to host various events throughout Shabbos, creating a seamless experience of warmth and gratitude for our soldiers.”

Friday’s welcome kiddush set a tone of hospitality that carried through the entire Shabbos, with community homes opening their doors and shuls hosting special events. The Motzei Shabbat musical Havdalah, led by Rabbi Zalman Wolowik and Chazan Sholom Jacobs, became a moving highlight as soldiers and community members joined hands, dancing and singing together in a moment of genuine connection before transitioning to a creative “Paint Nite” activity for the chayalim, their families and the community, guided by Nicky Fuchs Mehl.

Sunday morning began with Shacharis and a shiur from Rabbi Mendel Gor-

don, leading into a vibrant Purim carnival attended by over 1,000 people. The carnival, dedicated to the memory of Shiri, Kfir and Ariel Bibas, HY”D, offered children the opportunity to write letters to soldiers while enjoying Purim treats, games and a fascinating drone demonstration by the chayalim themselves.

Beyond celebration, the weekend served a deeper purpose: raising awareness about the challenges faced by lone soldiers who return to the U.S. after service. Unlike their counterparts who remain in Israel, these veterans often struggle with mental health issues, financial instability, and reintegration difficulties. Nevut, highlighted during the weekend as the only organization specifically addressing these needs, became a focal point for community education.

In keeping with its role as a hub of chesed in the community, the Chesed Center also hosted a “swabbing station” for the Renewal kidney donation organization, enabling individuals to join Renewal’s database and potentially become kidney donors. The station was set up in honor of Chesed Center Mara D’Asra, Rabbi Ya’akov Trump, who recently donated a kidney himself!

The timing of the Unity Shabbat, coinciding with Parshas Zachor and the approach of Purim, added deeper significance. Rav Moshe Weinberger, Mara D’Asra of Aish Kodesh, powerfully framed the weekend’s significance when introducing chayal Yakov Gotlieb, who is currently a talmid in Sh’or Yoshuv: “On Shabbos Zachor,” Rabbi Weinberger said in his drasha, “I always talk about, scream about, and cry about destroying Amalek. This year, we have the privilege

of honoring our chayalim, who are in the trenches actually performing the mitzvah of mechiyas Amalek.”

The weekend represented months of planning and coordination between dozens of shuls, rabbis, volunteers, and community organizations. From the logistics of hosting soldiers to organizing multiple simultaneous events across the Five Towns, the Unity Shabbat demonstrated the community’s exceptional ability to come together for a cause close to their hearts.

As one soldier remarked before departing, “We came to be honored, but we leave feeling like we’ve found a second home. The Five Towns doesn’t just support us with words – they’ve shown us through their actions that we’re truly family.”

The Israel Chesed grew into the largest support organization in the US after October 7, 2023, and continues to acquire and deliver critical gear into Israel as well as support organizations and individuals who are dedicated to helping our brothers & sisters in Israel. Learn more at www.israelchesedcenter.com

Nevut is the only organization dedicated to empowering IDF Lone Soldier veterans outside of Israel. Learn more at www.nevut.org.

Around the Community

BYAM Bas Mitzvah Event HANC Chagigat Gemara

On Sunday night, March 9, the sixth graders at BYAM were treated to a stunning bas mitzvah event. The bas mitzvah girls had the privilege of celebrating this milestone along with their mothers, grandmothers and even great-grandmothers!

Upon entering the school’s beautifully redone dining room, the attendees were greeted by a tastefully decorated room, featuring elegant centerpieces, and a delicious upscale menu. The ambiance set the tone for a beautiful evening, a night which was spent focusing on the meaning of this milestone event.

The program began with a beautiful production directed by Morah Faygie Deutsch, which included a choir and dance, featuring the girls illustrating the true meaning of becoming a bas mitzvah. The presentation included a video featuring the girls speaking one at a time about someone that they admire. Many chose to discuss their mother. The girls focused on specific middos their role models embody. This culminated in a skit about the attributes of the Imahos that we can still emulate today.

This was followed by a speech given by the school’s menaheles, Mrs. Sara Rudomin. Mrs. Rudomin spoke about the important transition taking place, as each girl now carried the torch of being “commanded” in mitzvah observance and how this brings joy in both this world

and the next.

After the inspiring speech came the highlight of the evening. Each girl received a Tehillim with an accompanying gift certificate, along with a beautiful photograph with her teachers and principals.

The evening ended with a delicious dessert buffet after which the girls and their guests joined in spirited dancing, where each girl had the opportunity to dance individually with her mother, principal, and teachers in the center of the circle.

The beautiful evening embodied the message both of our mesorah, as well as the focus of the school – that we are all part of a chain connected to the Torah, one another, and our history, while at the same time recognizing the importance of each individual as a link in the chain.

COJDS Selects Shulamith

The Consortium of Jewish Day Schools (COJDS) selected Shulamith School as a model school for out-of-town teachers to visit. Shulamith was chosen for its exceptional Limudei Kodesh curriculum and great name across the country. The visiting

educators were highly impressed by the Ivrit B’Ivrit instruction, the structured skill-building across all grades, the creativity of the teachers, the comprehensive kriah curriculum, and the beautifully designed materials used to educate the students.

In the fifth grade hallway in HANC Elementary School in West Hempstead, excitement has been building in anticipation of the Chagigat Gemara.

The boys have been immersed in an introduction to Torah Sh’Baal Peh and have been learning Mishnayot in Perek Dalet, which will be the first perek that they will learn in their upcoming Gemara classes. As the momentous event approached, the boys became very excited about this new chapter in their lives as Torah learners. In the girls’ classes, they have also been delving into Mishnayot in preparation for the girls’ Chagigat Gemara.

To personalize the event, each student was given a name of a classmate, and their special task was to compose a meaningful bracha for that child. The children worked very hard on their brachot, and they would bestow their blessing upon their classmate during the Chagigat Gemara ceremony.

On the auspicious morning of the

event, the boys welcomed their parents and joined them for a festive breakfast in the auditorium. After the breakfast, Rabbi Yaakov Abramowitz, Assistant Rabbi of the Young Israel of West Hempstead, gave a dvar Torah that inspired all of the boys and guests. When the time came to present the Gemaras, the boys came up in pairs, the first boy read his bracha and then presented the Gemara to that boy. This truly created a chain of unity and continuity, as the boys welcomed each other to the time-honored tradition of the study of Gemara in such a meaningful way.

At the conclusion of the distribution of the Gemaras, a chair with a sample Gemara was placed in the middle of the room, and the crowd danced around it in celebration.

Mazal tov to the fifth grade students and their teachers for all the preparation for this impactful event which touched the hearts of all in attendance.

Rosh Chodesh Adar at Yeshiva Har Torah

Yeshiva Har Torah’s ELC kicked off Chodesh Adar with an unforgettable Rosh Chodesh assembly, bringing together students, teachers, and parents for a morning filled with laughter, energy, and inspiration. The highlight of the event was an engaging and heartwarming skit performed by our very own administration, who fully embraced the many characteristics of the values we hold dear. With our beloved “Strive for Five” friends leading the way, everyone in the room—students, faculty, and parents alike—was captivated by the entertaining yet meaningful lessons on how to be our best selves. The joy and excitement continued as our spirited principal, Rabbi Hal Levy, took to his guitar, leading the entire room in ruach-filled

singing that had everyone on their feet! It was a truly special way to welcome Chodesh Adar, setting the tone for a month of joy, connection, and meaningful learning.

Pheffer Amato Addresses Agudath

New York State Assemblywoman

Stacey Pheffer Amato spoke to a packed room of students, parents and advocates from Agudath Israel during their advocacy day in the State Capitol building in Albany. The Assemblywoman, who has been responsible for doubling the funding allocated to Yeshivas for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education, along with record high amounts for security grants, touted that working together has made an impact.

“I’m honored to be your fighter, and together we are getting the results our schools deserve. Together, we will continue to get an increase in funding and

Israel During Advocacy Day In Albany HAFTR Excels at YUNMUN

make sure our Yeshivas have everything they need so students continue to thrive,” said the Assemblywoman.

By Sophie Gober

HAFTR’s Model UN team proudly participated in the 35th annual YUNMUN, an event that brings together hundreds of students from Jewish high schools nationwide. Held at the Armon Hotel in Stamford, CT, from February 23-25, the conference provided students with the opportunity to engage in high-level debates on some of the world’s most pressing issues. This year, HAFTR sent a delegation of 10 students, representing Australia and Spain across various committees. Led by myself as team president, along with Captains Leah Kammerman and Natalie Bellehsen, the team entered the conference with determination. Although this year’s team was entirely new to Model UN, with only the captains returning as experienced delegates, they quickly adapted to the competitive environment and showcased their diplomatic skills.

HAFTR’s hard work and preparation paid off, with four of our delegates receiving Honorable Mentions for outstanding

Rambam Mock Trial Advances to Sweet 16

performances. Their ability to speak passionately about their country’s stance, collaborate with others, and draft resolutions set them apart as leaders in their respective committees. Natalie Bellehsen received an Honorable Mention in UNEP, Rylee Gluck in WFP, Miles Shusterman in ICC, and I received an Honorable Mention in UNICEF. Each person’s ability to articulate the country’s stance, build coalitions, and draft resolutions set these members apart as leaders in their respective committees.

Beyond competition, YUNMUN provided HAFTR students with an opportunity to sharpen their public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills while forming meaningful connections with peers from other schools. Our delegates returned home with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of global affairs. With four award winners and a strong showing across the board, our team looks forward to future Model UN conferences, ready to continue making an impact on the international stage.

This past Monday, Rambam’s Mock Trial Mocktronidies delivered a historic win against rival Carle Place. Throughout the year, the Mock Trial team has been working tirelessly towards improving their skills, intent on becoming the best team in Nassau County. In December, this year’s case dropped (drumroll please): Leyton Manns vs. Sandy Townes. Sandy Townes, high school student and computer science enthusiast, is being accused of creating artificially generated deepfakes defaming a respected politician and his former superintendent, Leyton Manns. The Mock Trial team has been familiarizing themselves with the decades of precedence and law that affects this case, the intricacies of the legal system, and general debate and acting skills. After a great performance in February’s “prelamination” rounds, it was time for the team to advance to the big leagues. So, at 3:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon, the Mocktronidies departed for the Nassau County

Supreme Court. It was a close battle, but Rambam was determined to come out on top. The attorneys effortlessly extracted the information they needed from their witnesses and handled objections with ease. The witnesses, on the other hand, remained steadfastly opposed to the Carle Place attorneys, remaining unmoving regardless of all attempts to do so. At the end, emotions were tense, and nerves were high, but after a great summation from Daniel Stein (senior) brought everything from the trial together for Rambam, the decision was made, the Mocktronidies will advance! This is the farthest our team has gotten in three years, and we can only go up from here! A big thanks is owed to our captains, Mordechai Engelsohn (senior), Shimin Sprei (senior), and Daniel Stein. Rambam also thanks their incredible Mock Trial coach, alumnus and veteran of the sport Yakov Farrell (class of 21’). Rambam delights in this victory over fresh doughnuts, and sings in the halls, onward to glory they go!

Purim fun at Yeshiva Har Torah

David Mastour

SHS Honor Society Induction

Last week, Shulamith High School proudly inducted over 75 students into its Honor Society. Requirements for acceptance into this prestigious group include earning a cumulative average above 90%, in addition to extra responsibilities to the community, such as offering peer tutoring and completing extra chesed hours. The inductees all partake in a range of extracurricular activities, including competing on our academic and athletic teams, acting or dancing in our school production, and participating in additional learning opportunities such as mishmar or the beit midrash program.

The keynote address at the induction was given by Mr. Shabbos Kestenbaum,

renowned activist on behalf of the Jewish nation. Through his fight against the toxic culture of antisemitism at Harvard, he has become an icon of Jewish pride. He encouraged the audience to make it their life’s mission to be a beacon of Jewish values and wisdom as the only effective antidote to the pervasive antisemitism throughout the world.

Senior Libby Regensberg spoke on behalf of the students, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that all our hard-earned success is made possible by the gifts bestowed upon us by Hashem. While our own work and dedication is crucial in the process, none of our efforts would come to fruition without the strength provided to us by Hashem, and

JSL Week 8 Recap: Playoffs

The JSL playoffs, brought to you by FM Home Loans, delivered highstakes action, clutch performances, and unforgettable finishes as teams fought to keep their championship hopes alive. From buzzer-beaters to defensive stands, here are the highlights from this week’s intense matchups:

K/P Hockey

Smash House took down NY Chaplain Group 6-3, with Yechiel Scheiner making big stops in goal to keep his team in it. Yeled LI controlled their game against Growtha, winning 7-1 behind a five-goal explosion from Eliyahu Samuel. SR Whee battled past 5 Towns Landscaping 8-6, as Yaakov Rosenberg found the net six times. In a playoff thriller, Posh Home + Bath edged out 5 Towns Central 11-10, capped off by Jerry Pasternak’s game-winning goal in dramatic fashion.

K/P Soccer

Doma earned a 2-0 victory over Maidenbaum, highlighted by a jaw-dropping goal from Yehuda Wach. Future Care Consultants took down Hewlett Auto Body 10-4, as JJ Rabinovici tied the game early and stepped up defensively, while Yonatan Waller helped control the pace throughout.

1st Grade Hockey

Seasons Express powered past Simcha Day Camp 14-7, with Jonah Lipshitz making two incredible goal-line stops and playing lockdown defense. Eden Gardens handled Town Appliance 8-1, led

we must keep that in the forefront of our minds as we set out on any course of action.

We are so proud of our inductees and look forward to celebrating all their future successes together!

by Gabriel Sipzner, who not only netted two goals but also made some impressive saves. John’s Auto squeaked by Anju 9-8, as Moshe Ganz delivered a clutch hat trick, including the go-ahead goal with just over a minute left.

2nd/3rd Grade Hockey

Built By Nate edged Ecom Beyond 2-1 in a defensive battle, thanks to an outstanding goaltending effort from Yehuda Sebag. Sushi Tokyo Ninjas secured a 6-2 win over Newman Dentistry, with Isaac Weisz putting together an allaround strong performance. Town Appliance outlasted Maidenbaum 9-5, behind a dominant five-goal effort from Dovid Levitin and four more from Dovid Krigsman. SR Whee put together an 11-2 win over Smash House, led by Akiva Levine’s defensive presence, shutting down every attack that came his way.

4th/5th Grade Hockey

Gerber Bedding punched their ticket to the next round, defeating Marciano Pediatric Dentistry 8-5 behind Gavriel Chafetz, who scored five goals to take over the game.

6th/8th Grade Hockey

925 Sterling edged out Tikva Fire 8-7 in a back-and-forth battle, with Yosef Bryks making an impact all over the court, stepping up in crucial moments.

1st/2nd Grade Basketball

Newman Dentistry secured a 10-6 win over Premier Assist, as Chananya Kashi dominated both ends, dropping eight points while racking up

four steals. Tikva Fire topped Eden Gardens 12-8, with Moshe Sinnreich and Cooper Menche stepping up late to help seal the win. Tiffany Dry Cleaners rolled past Smash House 20-8, with Daniel Grabie lighting up the scoreboard for 14 points.

3rd/4th Grade Basketball

Better Image Contracting picked up a 27-17 win over Wieder Orthodontics, led by Shua Basch, who put up 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a dominant offensive showing. Russo’s Pharmacy handled John’s Auto 20-12, as Eliyahu Seidman delivered an outstanding double-double, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Posh Home + Bath got a 2513 win over Marciano Pediatric Dentistry, fueled by Yehuda Avigdor’s 18-point performance and sharp passing.

5th-7th Grade Basketball

Emporio took down Binyamin Weissman Photography 44-32,

as Moshe Berokhim took over, scoring 18 points and adding three steals. Sdei Chemed and Sperling Productions battled in a high-intensity playoff showdown, where Avraham Chaim Nefaskalimi was the game-changer. He locked down on defense, finishing with five steals, including the game-winning takeaway in the final 30 seconds to secure the championship spot.

Game of the Week Sdei Chemed and Sperling Productions delivered a playoff battle for the ages, with the championship spot on the line. In a game that went back and forth, Avraham Chaim Nefaskalimi put together a defensive masterclass, shutting down the opposition and racking up five steals. With just 30 seconds remaining, he made the game-winning steal, sealing the victory and sending Sdei Chemed to the championship in dramatic fashion.

Ezra Academy Dinner

Ezra Academy recently held its annual dinner, a heartwarming event that brought together students, families, alumni, and esteemed faculty to celebrate the rich legacy of the school. This year’s dinner, held on March 2, 2025, at Temple Beth Shalom in Roslyn, held special significance as it marked the 20th reunion of the Class of 2005.

Rabbi Eli Freilich, the founding dean and Rosh Yeshiva of Ezra Academy, delivered a stirring speech, celebrating the achievements of his graduates. He emphasized the impressive accomplishments of Ezra alumni, highlighting how they have continued to lead meaningful lives as shomer Shabbos Jews who contribute positively to their communities

while excelling in various professional fields.

Rabbi Eli Geller, the Mashgiach Ruchani, spoke passionately about Ezra Academy’s ongoing growth, development, and its expanding programming. He shared exciting updates about the school’s commitment to providing quality education that adapts to the needs of its students while remaining rooted in timeless values.

Ms. Sima Fish, the principal of Ezra Academy, welcomed the reunion class of 2005 with warmth and enthusiasm. She proudly showcased the numerous contributions made by the class during their time at Ezra Academy, as well as the remarkable achievements they have

accomplished since graduation.

The event attracted over 200 guests, the majority of whom were alumni who returned to reconnect with their former rabbis, morot, and teachers. Unlike most school dinners where parents are the primary attendees, the Ezra Academy Dinner is a testament to the enduring bond between the graduates and their alma mater. The alumni, grateful for the education and community they experienced during their high school years, continue to return to the school family they hold dear.

This incredible evening would not have been possible without the countless hours and tireless work of Rabbi Moshe Friedler, Associate Dean of Ezra Acade -

my. His dedication to bringing alumni together to celebrate and contribute to the school’s future is truly remarkable. The evening’s beautiful atmosphere was masterfully planned by Liel Schwartz (Class of 2004), whose party planning expertise ensured a flawless and memorable event. The evening was a beautiful celebration of Ezra Academy’s unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and tradition. It was a night filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and the reaffirmation of the school’s mission to inspire generations of students to grow spiritually, academically, and professionally.

A beautiful and exciting Purim party sponsored by Mr. And Mrs. Moishe Glenn for the Special Children’s Center brought smiles to many faces this past Sunday

Scenes from the Kollel Avreichim Dinner

Bibas Family Forever in our Hearts and Minds

By Nikki Mehl

On the morning of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas’ funeral, February 26, SKA High School principal Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky called me. She shared that Leora Klier, an SKA senior, had reached out to her with an idea: How can we, the SKA students, honor the memories of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir through a collaborative piece of art?

Leora wrote, “Ariel asked his teacher to write on his drawing that he wants to be a superhero to save people who are stuck in a pit. If there’s any way we can incorporate Ariel’s love for Batman and helping others – through pictures, letters, or any other means – I feel it may bring comfort to the family.”

At SKA, student-driven projects are always encouraged, and this initiative was a powerful demonstration of connection – to SKA, to the Jewish people, and to the atrocities of October 7. The artwork depicts the Bibas family, but in truth, it represents all of the hostages, their families, and all of us who continue to feel their pain.

In Yarden Bibas’ eulogy for his beloved wife and two sons, he spoke to Ariel: “I hope you’re enjoying paradise. I’m sure you’re making all the angels laugh with your silly jokes and impressions. I

Did you know?

hope there are plenty of butterflies for you to watch, just like you did during our picnics. Chuki, be careful when you climb down from your cloud not to step on [our dog] Toni…”

We must remember October 7, 2023, forever. We must remember those who were stolen, brutally murdered, injured, and all whose lives have been forever changed. But how do we pay tribute from

The world’s oldest bottle of wine dates back to the year 325 and was discovered in Germany.

6,000 miles away? How do we make sense of the senseless? How do we rationalize the irrational?

This student-led project, supported by the SKA art staff and faculty, sought to reflect Ariel’s words to his teacher, as well as themes from Yarden’s eulogy. The artwork was designed to be simple and youthful, mirroring the innocence of the Bibas boys. SKA students were given the opportunity to express their condolences, grief, and connection to the Bibas family through superhero and butterfly coloring pages. While this may have seemed like an activity for younger children, it allowed the students to feel closer to Ariel and Kfir.

After coloring in a butterfly or super-

by Barry Brown Studios

hero, students wrote heartfelt messages on the back, sharing their sorrow and sending love and support to the Bibas family. At the center of the artwork, Leora rendered drawings of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir.

Some of the messages included:

“Go be the hero we couldn’t be, Ariel. We love you, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir. Fly high.”

“How can we fathom the loss of such a precious family? Our hearts ache, and our tears fall for the Bibas family. Though we are so far away, we are always thinking of you. NEVER FORGET 10.7.23.”

“Fly high, superheroes.”

SKA, the Jewish people, and people from all walks of life will never forget you, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir. We will never forget those who were stolen, brutally murdered, injured, and those whose lives have been shattered by the horrors of October 7, 2023.

Our lives have been changed forever.

850 Attendees honor Dr. Paul Brody, WABC host Sid Rosenberg and Rabbi Dr. Joe Frager for activism at QJL “Bar Mitzvah” Networking Event

Photos

HALB Celebrates 70 Years

On Motzei Shabbos March 1, HALB celebrated their legacy of educating children for 70 years. The evening paid tribute to Paul Peyser, a”h, one of HALB’s founding members, and the entire Peyser family, who very generously dedicated the Paul Peyser Auditorium in his memory. The evening also paid tribute to Mr. Richard Altabe, lower school principal, who is an integral

part of HALB, and Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, who has supported HALB and the community at large in so many ways. It was very special to stand in the hallways, surrounded by pictures from 70 years ago until today and to see how HALB has always and will continue to teach and nurture generations of Jewish children.

Rabbi Perl of Chabad Mineola Celebrates Purim with Buttons

Wearing a hat decorated with buttons on Purim isn’t just fun—it’s a lesson in unity, hidden miracles, and even a touch of chassidus!

Buttons and Chabad: More Than Just Fasteners!

1. The Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Power of Every Jew – The Rebbe often emphasized that no Jew is extra or unnecessary—each of us has a purpose in Hashem’s grand design. Buttons, too, are small but essential. Lose one, and suddenly, things unravel! Just like buttons hold a garment together, every Jew, no matter their background, is a vital part of our people.

2. Fastening the Physical to the Spiritual – A button connects two separate pieces of fabric, just as Chabad connects physical actions with spiritual purpose. Putting on tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles, or even dressing up on Purim—all these mitzvot bind us to something greater, just like buttons fastening a coat. Your hat of buttons is a reminder that every mitzvah we do holds the world together!

3. The Rebbe’s Call for Unity – Chabad houses worldwide bring Jews together, regardless of labels. Your mishmash of buttons—big, small, colorful, plain—is a perfect metaphor for this. Some buttons may not match, but together, they create something beautiful, just like Am Yisrael.

4. Hidden Miracles & The Rebbe’s Vi-

sion – The Rebbe saw potential in every Jew, even when they couldn’t see it themselves—just as Hashem was present in the Purim story, though His name is hidden. Buttons are often unseen, doing their job quietly. But on Purim, your button-covered hat reveals their hidden beauty—just as the Rebbe taught us to uncover the hidden sparks in ourselves and the world!

So, this Purim, let your hat be a Chassidic fashion statement! A reminder that like buttons, every Jew has a place, every mitzvah connects us, and together, we fasten the world into something whole, holy, and joyful!

Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim Explores the Hidden Miracles of Purim

In the spirit of Purim, a time in which we celebrate the hidden miracles of Hashem, the students of Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim embarked on a unique and thought-provoking trip to the New York Museum of Illusions. This immersive experience provided students with a deeper understanding of how things are not always as they seem—a concept that directly parallels the themes of Purim.

Purim is a time when Klal Yisrael reflects on the hidden hand of Hashem in the story of Megillas Esther. Unlike other Yomim Tovim marked by open miracles, Purim highlights Hashem’s presence in everyday events, concealed within nature and human history. The Museum of Illusions, with its mind-bending exhibits and perception-challenging displays, served as the perfect setting to reinforce this lesson in a hands-on, engaging way.

As the students walked through rooms that defied gravity, stared into mirrors that distorted reality, and encountered illusions that tricked the eye, they gained a powerful appreciation for the idea that what we see isn’t always the

full picture. Just as Hashem orchestrated the events of Purim behind the scenes, so too in life, the reality we perceive is often just a fraction of a greater truth.

“Our goal is always to make Torah concepts come alive for our talmidim,” said Rabbi Boruch Oppen, principal of Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim. “By experiencing illusions firsthand, our students were able to connect deeply with the idea that Hashem’s presence is always with us, even when it’s not immediately visible.”

The trip concluded with a lively discussion linking the exhibits to the story of Purim, emphasizing that just as the illusions in the museum required a shift in perspective to understand, so too do the events in our lives require emunah and bitachon to recognize Hashem’s guiding hand.

With Purim approaching, the students returned to yeshiva inspired, ready to celebrate not just with simcha, but with a renewed awareness of the miracles—both hidden and revealed—that shape our lives every day.

YCQ Spreads Joy To Those in Need Ahead of Purim

Students in grades 1-8 at YCQ came together on Monday to pack mishloach manos for children in need, spreading joy and kindness just in time for Purim! This meaningful initiative was coordinated by All About Kindness, with help from our dedicated PTO volunteers. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this act of giving possible!

DRS Yeshiva Dominates with Unbelievable Wins in Hockey and Basketball

The DRS athletic program has been on fire, delivering some of the most thrilling games in yeshiva sports history! With last-second goals, clutch plays, and championship dreams, the Wildcats have proven their dominance across multiple sports.

Following a heart-pounding semi-final win against MDY, the DRS Varsity Basketball team advances to the championship. With the score tied in the final moments, Joe Aaron delivered a beautiful clutch layup to give DRS a two-point lead with less than 15 seconds on the clock! The Wildcats held on for the victory, punching their ticket to the final showdown against TABC this Sunday at Yeshiva University. Adding to their success, DRS has locked in the #3 seed in the prestigious Yeshiva University Red Sarachek Tournament.

In an absolutely wild championship matchup at HAFTR against TABC, the DRS JV Hockey team secured the title in jaw-dropping fashion. With just three seconds left in the third period and the

game tied at 2-2, MVP Eitan Rogoff came through with a clutch, game-winning goal, sending the DRS crowd into a frenzy and clinching the 3-2 victory. The energy in the rink was electric as the Wildcats lifted the championship trophy after an unforgettable win!

The Varsity Hockey squad also pulled off a huge victory in a nail-biting matchup against HANC. Holding a 1-0 lead going into the third period, DRS turned up the heat, netting two goals, one by Yitzy Yudin and another by Max Pockriss with 1:22 left in the game, securing a 2-1 victory. It was a hard-fought battle, but the Wildcats came out on top with a strong defensive performance and clutch offensive play.

With championship victories already in hand and more on the horizon, this has been an unforgettable season for DRS athletics. Stay tuned for what promises to be more insane moments and historic wins as the Wildcats continue their incredible run!

Shulamith ECC enjoyed a Purim carnival run by Shulamith High School

Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Women’s League sponsored a pre-Purim puppet show for the talmidim of the Harriet Keilson Early Childhood Center

They’re Talking About You

How the Woke Left is Energizing Their Base

By Dovid Gold

“Their goal is to silence our power. They do not want men and women to pray together at the Kotel; they want the education system in Israel to recognize only Orthodox Judaism, and they do not want synagogues to allow women to serve as prayer leaders.” This was the rallying cry at the Conservative movement’s conference held in advance of the upcoming World Zionist elections.

The leaders of the non-Orthodox streams of Judaism are scared. Their hold on the World Zionist Congress and the billions at its disposal are disappearing. In the words of Dr. Yizhar Hess, head of the Conservative Mercaz party: “The only source of funding that non-Orthodox movements [receive] is from the National Institutions, the Zionist Congress and its daughter companies. These two movements, Reform Judaism and Masoriti Conservative movements, [are] now at risk.”

These are not empty words. These religiously bankrupt movements are on their last legs. Thriving movements don’t rely on one source of funds.

From Ignoring Israel to Exploiting It

From their inception, the non-Orthodox movements have practically ignored Eretz Yisroel. Finding the concept of a Jewish homeland to be ideologically at odds with their vision of the modern Jew, the Reform movement in particular re-

fused to have anything to do with it. But this has changed. Beginning in the 1970s, they started talking about Israel and its importance to Judaism. Their ideology didn’t change. What they realized was that they were rapidly becoming irrelevant and to save their movements they piggybacked off the success of the State of Israel and its place in the hearts of the Jewish people. Suddenly, they started claiming they cared about it too. To this end, they joined the WZO and became active in Israeli politics.

In 1978, the Reform Movement established the Association of Reform Zionists in America (ARZA) as its representative body in the WZO. At the same time, the Conservative Movement redoubled its efforts to grow its party, MERCAZ Olami. These alternative forms of Judaism began to grow in influence within the WZO and demanded that large amounts of money be given to causes aligned with their values.

Unfortunately, they were largely successful. By positioning themselves as the exclusive representatives of American Jewry, they secured leadership positions that allowed them to influence the budgets of the National Institutions.

Based on an investigative review of the entire WZO budget, the total annual amount transferred to the Reform movements by the National Institutions is approximately 46,500,000 NIS. For example, a Reform summer camp received not only direct funding from KKL/JNF but also operated at an official KKL/JNF facility as part of a partnership with the

Reform movement.

These activities have an unfortunate effect on thousands of unsuspecting Israelis who are just looking to add religion to their lives. This reality went unchecked for decades.

In 2020, concerned frum activists, guided by Gedolei Yisroel including Rav Chaim Kanievsky and Rav Gershon Edelstein, decided to take action. They founded Eretz HaKodesh, a party dedicated to representing Torah values in the WZO. In their very first election, they secured 25 seats in the Zionist Congress, finally giving a voice to those who oppose the agenda of the Reform and Conservative movements.

Their effect was felt immediately. As Dr. Hess describes it: “What happened to us in the last elections to the Congress was a tragedy… The Chareidim ran a slate for the first time in history… and became a very serious party in the Congress. And it changed the forces in the Zionist movement. For the first time… the pluralistic side became a minority. The ramifications are serious.”

The Coming Election

In preparation for the next election, these organizations have launched audacious campaigns. In the last election, they received about 50,000 votes combined. They know they need to do better.

Nothing gets out the vote like a good bogeyman. And apparently, we serve that purpose for them. On ARZA’s election website, the copy screams their fear of a weak vote turnout: “To let ultra-nationalist and ultra-Orthodox extremists win these elections, set the agenda, and control billions in Israel.”

In a campaign video, Josh Weinberg, Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism, warns: “If we don’t vote and we don’t show up, we know who will. Our extremist ultra-Orthodox opponents stand against [our] values. They have opposed us at every turn and are mobilizing to roll back any progress we’ve made. We need all of us to stop them.”

Not to be outdone, Arza Canada’s video has Michael Dogin, rabbi at the Reform Temple Sinai in Toronto, saying: “There is a new organization called Eretz HaKodesh that is working hard to transfer funds and people to jeopardize all of our achievements in Israel. The changes led by this dangerous movement are trying to silence us. We must act now so that our movement will strengthen and we will be able to fight them. Now, more than ever, we need your voice!”

In a recent Times of Israel article titled “Billions at stake: WZO vote sees Orthodox-liberal struggle, opportunity for N. American Jews (02/11/2025)”, Dr. Hess doubled down: “Generally speaking, the Haredi parties in Knesset do not send delegates to the Zionist Congress, but this new [American] party, Eretz HaKodesh, is associated with the United Torah Judaism party, and they managed to win 25 out of 152 seats. A very strong showing for a new party. All of a sudden, the liberal movements became a minority for the first time, while Haredi Jews, who make up only about 5% of American Jewry, have more than 16% of the vote.”

While his statistics may be questioned, his message is clear. It is only as a result of Eretz Hakodesh that the liberal movements he champions are now a minority in the Congress.

Billions of dollars hang in the balance. Be’ezras Hashem, those of us who care about the future of Am Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel will raise our collective voice March 10 - May 4th, and take action to ensure that Torah values remain at the heart of our nation.

The final word goes once more to our friend Dr. Hess: “When you don’t vote, all these billions and all this influence go to those who do. Not voting is voting.” The time to make your voice heard is now!

Vote at EretzHaKodesh.org.

The WZO is the umbrella term for the “National Institutions” — which include Keren Kayemeth LeYisrael, (KKL/JNF), the Jewish Agency (JAFI), and Keren Hayesod (United Israel Appeal), the official fundraising arm of the State of Israel. Collectively, these bodies have a $2.3 billion annual budget.

An Evening of Appreciation: Beyond the OU Symbol

From its beginnings as a kosher certification agency to its ongoing enrichment of Jewish life, advancement of community-driven solutions, and building a growing, religiously vibrant, and caring community, the OU’s remarkable achievements were showcased at a recent gala celebrating its 125-year legacy and honoring the people behind its success.

“The Sinai vision for the Jewish people was that we be uplifted and uplifting, a mamlechet kohanim v’goy kadosh,” says OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer. “At the OU, we are blessed to be part of a remarkable group of professionals and lay leaders working together passionately, creatively, and effectively towards that shared vision for our community, ensuring that our connection to G-d, Klal Yisrael, and Torah impacts our values and choices. The work is ongoing and rewarding, and we are truly just getting started.”

About 275 OU supporters, board members and their families, lay leaders, shul representatives, NCSY participants, and OU professionals gathered at Cipriani Wall Street for “An Evening of Appreciation: Beyond the OU Symbol.”

The evening included recorded brachot for the OU’s continued success by OU Kosher Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Menachem Genack

and OU Kosher Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Moshe Elefant, and a keynote address by prominent Israeli media personality Sivan Rahav Meir, who spoke about the positive evolution of Jewish identity since October 7 and touched upon her personal connection to the OU, particularly as a speaker for the OU Women’s Initiative. Rabbi Moshe Hauer and OU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph shared the OU’s strategy and vision for addressing the Jewish community’s ongoing needs, and advancing communal solutions, and beneficiaries of OU programs introduced videos highlighting the origins and growth of the OU and OU Kosher, sharing how these initiatives have profoundly impacted their lives.

“From our humble beginnings at the OU with advocacy efforts and launching OU Kosher, to the over 20 programs we proudly offer today, the OU’s impact on the community has only strengthened over time,” says Rabbi Dr. Joseph. “We take pride in having identified and met communal needs for over a century through the creation of renowned programs such as NCSY, Yachad, JLIC, All Daf, and so many others. More recently, we are looking to strategically meet the needs of emerging career professionals and Anglo communities in Israel. We are incredibly grateful to our lay leadership, supporters, professional team, and

participants whose dedication has made this growth and impact possible. B’Ezrat Hashem, we look forward to accomplishing even more in the years to come.”

The gala followed the OU’s Biennial Convention, which saw the election and installation of the 2025-2026 OU Board of Directors and Board of Governors, including 10 new board members: Ari Adlerstein of Merion Station, Pennsylvania; Natan Bane of Far Rockaway, New York; Ahuva Basch of Montreal, Quebec; Aliza Bixon of Miami Beach, Florida; Jeff Eisenberg of Lawrence, New York; Josh Goldberg of Englewood, New Jersey; Miriam Greenspan of Teaneck, New Jersey; Stuart Hershkowitz of Jerusalem, Israel; Morris Massel of New York, New York; and Jeffery Silver of Toronto, Ontario.

“The OU warmly welcomes our 10 new board members, who hail from across North America and Israel, embodying the worldwide reach of our organization,” says OU President Mitchel Aeder. “Several of them are already deeply involved in our programs, and the others are communal leaders who have declared their commitment to serve and represent the OU with dedication and purpose.”

Ahuva Basch cited the value of Tzarchei Tzibbur (community service) as a key motivation for joining the OU board.

“Chessed and Ahavas Yisrael are values that I grew up with and that my husband and I aim to instill in our children,” says Basch, CEO of Logix ITS, a company that creates innovative traffic safety, speed enforcement, and parking lot solutions. “What better way to teach our children than to lead by example?”

A national board member of JWE (Jewish Women Entrepreneur), which mentors female entrepreneurs and executives, Basch is eager to begin her new role.

“I’m excited to be a part of such an amazing, effective organization which helps the Jewish community in so many ways,” she says. “Joining this remarkable group of board members makes me feel that any time and effort I dedicate to the community will have a far greater impact than anything I could achieve alone.”

Fellow new board member Jeffrey Silver

was inspired by his parents who were both heavily involved in community organizations. “They impressed upon us the importance of giving not just dollars but time,” says Silver, whose family business invests in real estate, Israeli technology, sports and food, among other sectors. “I’m driven by strategic, big-picture thinking, and the idea of leaving a better future.”

Silver also sits on Toronto’s UJA Federation board and advises other organizations. He says community work is both a passion and source of pride, and he is eager to bring his experience to the OU, an organization which he has been deeply connected to for years.

“OU Israel Executive Director Rabbi Avi Berman has been a longstanding friend and a force behind the Avrom Silver Jerusalem College for Adults, named in memory of my father,” he says. “Our relationship certainly influenced my decision to serve on the board. The OU represents a vision with which our family is aligned.”

Another new board member, Aliza Bixon, felt energized after meeting and learning from her fellow board members at the convention. The international health coach and co-owner of Pilates on the Beach and Absolute Collagen — an OU-Kosher certified product — first met various OU professionals through OU Kosher.

After witnessing firsthand the OU’s dedication to Israeli citizens post-October 7, Bixon led two women’s missions in support of OU Israel and the OU, and ran subsequent fundraisers for the OU’s war efforts and international programing.

“Many mission participants were surprised at the depth of the OU’s reach and initiatives,” she reflects. “They thought of the OU exclusively in terms of kosher certification. Yet the OU also fills the spiritual and educational needs of the entire Jewish community, serving every demographic from children to seniors. ”

Reflecting on the evening, Bixon says, “The gala was a beautiful event that truly showcased the dedication and efforts of many people, making it a celebration of collaboration and shared purpose.”

Around the Community

Mock Trial Heads to Court

By Brooke Lipton

This season, the HAFTR High School Mock Trial team has proven to be an intimidating and powerful force. The team has worked incredibly hard, sharpening its public speaking skills and learning what goes into preparing for a court case. After weeks of writing direct and cross-examinations, learning about the witnesses, and getting into character, the team competed against several other schools at the Nassau County Supreme Court. There, the team provided sufficient evidence and skillfully performed witness testimonies to prove their side of the case. The team was prepared under the guidance of our new coach,

Mrs. Rena English, faculty advisor Mr. Kenneth Goldman, and senior captains

Spreading Joy and Song

In honor of the holiday of Purim, the Chasdei Devorah group, in collaboration with Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway & Five Towns and Young Israel of Woodmere Sisterhood Bikur Cholim group, visited the residents of Woodmere Premier Nursing Home.

The Chasdei Devorah group was created to honor the memory of Devorah Schochet, a woman known for her warmth, kindness, and ability to bring people together. She had a unique way of uplifting those around her, always spreading love and connection wherever she went. This group was formed to continue her legacy by performing acts of kindness and fostering a sense of community, just as she did in her lifetime.

The visit to the nursing home was filled with warmth and music as two members of YIW, Brenda Goldstein and Pearl Wolkin, entertained residents with beloved Jewish and Yiddish songs. Their heartfelt performances brightened the residents’ day, bringing joy and connection to all who attended. Adding to the

lively atmosphere, Brenda’s son, “JJ” Goldstein, showcased his talent by playing the bongo drums, bringing a fun and energetic beat to the music. This special event took place during the week of Devorah Schochet’s birthday, making it a perfect way to celebrate her life and the values she held dear. Through music, song, and community, the Chasdei Devorah group continues to spread kindness, ensuring Devorah’s memory lives on in meaningful acts of love and compassion.

Brooke Lipton, Lilly Rotman, and Megan Scharf.

This year’s case is a civil one in which a student, Sandy Townes (played by Megan Scharf), is accused of producing defamatory media that derailed the political career of her old Superintendent, Dr. Leyton Manns (played by Lilly Rotman). The Plaintiff, led by lawyers

Brooke Lipton, Kayla Herman-Chill, and Ruth Wallach, called up witnesses such as artificial intelligence expert Professor Quincey Roberts (played by Ben Lipton), fellow student Daelyn Edwards (played by Chana Weiss), and the plaintiff. The Defense, led by lawyers Miles Shusterman, Rylee Gluck, and Matthew Vaysman, called up witnesses such as the Director of Technology of their school district Fran Gates (played by Ilana Israel), faculty advisor to the Computer Science club Jamie King (played by Ethan Chesir), as well as the defendant.

This season, our team has made it past the preliminary rounds, playing against Shulamith and West Hempstead High Schools. While we did not continue to the intermediate rounds, we are so proud of our performance and accomplishments. We eagerly await next year’s case and wish continued success to our future team!

The Abuchatzeira Legacy Haggadah

By Rabbi Mordechai Lebhar

The charitable acts of Rav Yisrael Abuchatzeira, known as Baba Sali, were legendary. Viewing charity as an essential element of pre-festival preparations, he was especially meticulous in observance of this mitzvah prior to festivals, increasing his already generous distributions.

Baba Sali offers an insight into the passage from the Mussaf festival prayers, V’hasiyeinu, where we say, Bestow upon us, O Hashem our G-d, the blessing of Your appointed festivals for life and for peace, for happiness and for joy. He says that one who gives charity prior to the festival is blessed in these three areas:

Life, as is stated: Tzedaka tatzil mi’maves, Charity rescues from death (Mishlei 10:2).

Joy, as Chazal write that Hashem says: “If you bring joy to My four, I will bring joy to your four” (Your son, daughter, servant, and maidservant — Yalkut on V’samachta).

Peace, he will be blessed with peace in his own home, rewarded measure for measure for having effected peace between HaKadosh Baruch Hu and the poor person.

Baba Sali was not satisfied with simply giving tzedakah; he would influence others to give as well. On Shabbat Parashat HaChodesh, he would pledge a handsome sum so others would take note and follow suit. He would then solicit funds in a special pre-Pesach collection.

One year, he was away from home and asked Rav Masud Malul to be in charge of

the annual Parashat HaChodesh appeal, which began with a significant pledge in the name of our revered Rav.

When Baba Sali returned home on the night of Erev Pesach, Rav Masud informed him that he had collected 45,000 francs from the community and had already distributed the funds to the poor. It was a particularly difficult economic period in which costs were rising, and Baba Sali feared that the poor people would not be able to shoulder the burden of pre-Pesach expenses. He immediately took 45,000 francs from his personal funds to match that which had been collected from the community. He then asked Rav Masud to immediately go and distribute the entire sum and then return to him and report that he had fulfilled his mission.

Rav Masud rode his bicycle from house to house, distributing funds until very late at night. As instructed, he returned to inform our revered Rav that he had completed his mission. He was surprised to see that despite the very late hour, the travel-weary Baba Sali had not yet retired for the night. He would not go to sleep until Rav Masud informed him that the poor had received what was designated for them so that they, too, would be able to celebrate the festival with joy.

After moving to Eretz Yisrael, Baba Sali would send his attendant R’ Nissim Izerrer with the pre-Pesach collection along with a long list of beneficiaries of Baba Sali’s assistance as well as his blessing for Pesach.

Among Baba Sali’s many charitable acts, he distributed matzah shemurah to the poor and needy. The local ruler in his region in Morocco designated a few fields

where wheat was grown under strict supervision from the time of harvesting for the Abuchatzeira family. Large quantities of wheat were sent to Baba Sali’s home, the majority of which was distributed to poverty-stricken individuals, each receiving an amount sufficient for them to bake matzot for the entire Pesach. Baba Sali himself would knead and bake large amounts of matzah shemurah on Erev Pesach after midday and distribute them to the poor to fulfill the mitzvah of matzah at their Seder.

The same was true regarding wine. The chief rabbi of Morocco would customarily send to Baba Sali large barrels of Pesach wine under his own personal supervision, with a note attached: “To the great and pious HaRav Yisrael Abuchatzeira shlita … the majority of the wine is to be distributed by the Rav to the poor to enable them to fulfill the mitzvah of drinking four cups and to enable them to rejoice with wine throughout the festival.”

Before the Pesach festival, Baba Sali would personally make the rounds from house to house. From one house he would collect kimcha d’Pischa, while at the next he would dispense it. One year he returned home from a journey on Erev Pesach and asked whether his family had distributed funds to cover the needs of the poor. They answered affirmatively; one added that he knew for a fact that they had used the funds to buy matzah, wine, fish, and meat for the festival.

Baba Sali listened intently. “Was clothing purchased for them as well?” he asked. Upon receiving a negative answer, he immediately commissioned a group of tailors to sew enough garments for all the poor of the city for the entire festival.

Realizing the sheer volume of this order, the head tailor approached Baba Sali and explained to him that even if “… the master of the house is insistent” (Avot 2:15), the task is too much to finish in time for the festival. Baba Sali instructed them to begin work anyway. Meanwhile, he sent messages to the poor that the tailors needed to know each person’s size for the clothing they were making them for after the festival. Even if they would not be able to rejoice over receiving new clothes in honor of Yom Tov, they would at least feel good that someone cared for them.

The financial burden of Baba Sali’s yeshivah in Erfoud fell on the shoulders of

his brother Rav Yitzchak, known as Baba Chaki. One Erev Shabbat, there was not a morsel of dough available for baking challah. Baba Chaki, not wishing to disturb his saintly brother who was totally immersed in learning, sat in the outer room and cried.

A man arrived seeking Baba Sali’s blessing, only to find the Rav’s brother in tears.

“What is happening?” he asked. Baba Chaki explained that they did not have dough to bake challah for the students for Shabbat. The man was very moved and explained that he is in charge of transporting flour for baking matzah shemurah for Pesach. Now that he was presented with the opportunity to fulfill such a great mitzvah, how could he simply move on?

“I will donate my flour to the yeshivah,” he offered.

Understanding that the man would not have flour remaining for his matzah, Baba Chaki refused his magnanimous gesture. The man insisted until Baba Chaki acquiesced. The students had challah for Shabbat and the donor was the yeshivah’s guest.

After Shabbat, he came to Baba Sali for a blessing. Baba Chaki informed his brother of the source of the challah they had eaten that Shabbat. Baba Sali was very grateful and blessed him that soon he would merit acquiring great wealth that would remain with him for the rest of his life.

Within a very short time, the man was chosen as the primary supplier of food for the French army in Morocco and became immensely prosperous.

Reprinted from The Abuchatzeira Legacy Haggadah by Rabbi Mordechai Lebhar with permission from the copyright holder, ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.

TJH Centerfold

Hey Underlings,

Just letting you know—before you pack my mishloach manos— that this year I’d like you to donate to the Ukrainian War effort. Slava Ukraini! Cash donations are the best. The suggested minimum gift is $18. If you’d like, you can send the cash directly to me, and I will forward to Zelensky the next time I see him. (I will only charge you a small onetime fee of LESS THAN 98% for processing the donation!) Do it fast; Ukraine’s future depends on YOU! Slava Ukraini!

Now let’s talk about dressing up. Don’t feel so much pressure to dress up— you look funny as it is! But if you do dress up, share your pictures. Your fellow underlings want to see how funny you looked.

So, send your Purim pictures to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com, subject line: Purim Pics

Deadline is Monday, March 17 at 5pm

Have a Happy Purim! Centerfold Commissioner Forever

You Gotta Be Kidding Me

A man went to see his doctor because he was suffering from a miserable cold. His doctor prescribed some pills, but they didn’t help.

On his next visit, the doctor gave him a shot, but that didn’t do any good, either.

On his third visit, the doctor told the man to go home and take a hot bath. As soon as he was finished bathing, he was told to throw open the window.

“But Doc,” protested the patient, “if I do that, I’ll get pneumonia.”

“I know,” said his physician. “I can cure pneumonia.”

Megillah Trivia

The following is based on various Medrashim found in the book titled, “Let My Nation Live,” by Yosef Deutsch

1. What title did Haman NOT have?

a. Bath attendant

b. Barber

c. Slave

d. Prime minister

e. god

f. Army chief

g. Uber driver

2. What did Achashveirosh not have at his feast?

a. Gold beds

b. Vessels from the Bais Hamikdash

c. Flowing wine

d. Music

3. At what time of year did the Jews of Shushan join in Achashveirosh’s feast?

a. Pesach

b. Lag B’Omer

c. Purim

d. Aseres Yimei Teshuva

4. How old, according to some, was Esther when she married Achashveirosh?

a. 3 years old

b. 40 years old

c. 75 years old

d. 80 years old

5. On what day was Vashti killed?

a. Yom Kippur

b. Shabbos

c. Taanis Esther

d. Kaf Shevat

6. How did Bigsan and Seresh attempt to kill Achashveirosh?

a. They sprinkled a dried mold on his pillow so he would breathe it in when he slept

b. They ground up glass and put it into his food

c. They extracted venom from a snake and put it in his cup

d. They poured oil on the marble floor of his bedroom so he would slip and be killed

7. After Bigsan and Seresh were killed, how much time did it take Haman to rise to power?

a. 3 months

b. 1 year

c. 5 years

d. 21 years

8. The original Taanis

Esther took place in what month?

a. Av

b. Tishrei

c. Nissan

d. Adar

10. How many people did Haman consult with about what to do with Mordechai?

a. 1

b. 10

c. 18

d. 365

Answers:

1-G (Nor did he work for Lyft.)

2-D (The reason? He wanted everyone to be present and enjoy. Sometimes music get annoying… think of the guy singing, “Mishe.. Mishe…Mishe…Mishe” in your ear for five hours straight.)

3-D

4-B, C, D

9. When the word got out about Haman’s evil decree, the Jews of Shushan began to cry. Who else was crying at that time as well?

a. Vayzusa

b. Hagai

c. Bigsan

d. The people of Shushan

5-A and B

6-C (Book depository seems simpler.)

7-C

8-C (Think about breaking your fast on matzah and cream cheese and hardboiled eggs…yikes!)

9-D (Hashem made those drawing water from wells in Shushan drown and those drying clothing on roofs in Shushan fall and die.)

10-D

Wisdom Key:

8-10 correct: Charvona?

4-7 correct: You are right in the middle…good thing you are not one of Haman’s kids.

0-3 correct: You give new meaning to “Ad d’lo yadah!”

Torah Thought

Parshas Ki Sisa

By Rabbi Berel Wein

In this week’s Torah reading we learn of the ingredients and mixture that created the incense offering in the Holy Temple. The list of ingredients and its formula are transmitted to us through the words of the rabbis of the Mishnah and the Talmud. The ingredients and measurements were to be exact, and any deviation from the established formula rendered the offering unacceptable.

The incense offering differs from all other Temple offerings because of the fact that it is ephemeral and physically nonexistent. It literally goes up in smoke. However, it leaves a fragrance that is so powerful that, as the Talmud explains, the animal kingdom as far away as Jericho was affected by this fragrance.

There are those who say that the miracle attributed to the Temple in the book of Avot, that no flies appeared on the Temple grounds even though it was basically a meat slaughterhouse, was due to the wafting of the smoke that emanated from the incense offering on a daily basis. Be that as it may be, there is no doubt that the incense offering was meant to be a protective measure for the Jewish people. We find later in the Torah that it was used to diffuse plagues that were brought upon the people because of their intransigence and sins. It nevertheless was a lethal offering, which if done improperly and/or without authorization, brought death upon those who practiced it. We see this from the story of the sons of Aaron and from

to storage. The very vagueness of these necessary spiritual traits makes them difficult to define, let alone observe. And these spiritual traits need to be handled carefully and with proper judgment.

Too much faith can lead to poor decisions and a naïve view of life and religion. Not enough faith will only lead to pessimism and permanent disappointment. The same is true for all other spiritual traits – they are necessary for the correct service of G-d but they can be easily mishandled and misinterpreted. The Torah purposely defined its physical commandments. These definitions apply even to the spiritual commandments as well. The Torah gives forth a

The service of G-d is often purely spiritual, characterized by love, devotion and faith.

the even greater tragedy of the destruction of Korach and his followers.

The incense offering was a purely spiritual event. It was smoke and air. It left a powerful fragrance, but though it could be appreciated and even internalized, it could not be touched or felt by human hands. The service of G-d is often purely spiritual, characterized by love, devotion and faith. These are not traits that can be held in one’s hands or subject

fragrance – a fragrance of goodness, kindness and a whiff of eternity.

Though we no longer have the ability to offer incense on a daily basis, we do have the ability to serve our Creator, in a spiritual sense, with our minds and hearts and souls. Though these may not be physically reflective to others, Heaven recognizes them clearly. It is our incense offering.

Shabbat shalom.

There is a Gemara in Chullin (139b) familiar to many of us which quotes a pasuk in this week’s parsha: “Where do we find Haman in the Torah? As it says, ‘Did you eat from [ha’min] the tree?’ (Bereishis 3:11). Where do we find Esther in the Torah? As it says, ‘I will surely hide [astir] My face’ (Devarim 31:18). Where do we find Mordechai in the Torah? ‘Pure myrrh’ (Shemos 30:23), which we translate as Mara Dachya.”

Why does the Gemara use the pasuk referring to Hashem’s concealment in the world to refer to Esther, whose entire role in the Purim story was to remove the concealment covering Hashem’s presence? Esther was the remedy to the previous concealment. So why does her name refer to the problem – the concealment itself?

Haman and Amalek’s wickedness was personified by their subterfuge. The pasuk says, “And Haman said in his heart...” (Esther 6:6). The Midrash (Pirkei D’Rabi Eliezer 50) says, “It is the way of the people of Amalek to scheme secrets in their hearts which they do not reveal with their mouths. Just like ‘And Eisav said in his heart’ (Bereishis 27:41).” Eisav’s way was to “trap with his mouth” (ibid. 25:28). That is why Chazal (Bereishis Rabah 65:1) compare him to a pig, which displays its external signs of kashrus, its cloven hooves, as if to say, “Look at me! I am kosher!” while it lacks the inner sign of kashrus – it does not chew its cud. Amalek inherited this subversive approach.

The usual modus operandi of the physicality and superficiality of this world is to fight out in the open; to keep everything in public and on the surface. It blasts temptation and distraction in our faces through Twitter, Facebook, the Internet, on billboards, and in the streets. It does not, nor does it need to, go underground. It has no inner life.

Chazal in this Midrash, however,

From the Fire

Parshas Ki Sisa Inner Life

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

reveal that Amalek has an even more subversive and dangerous strategy – “to scheme secrets in their hearts which they do not reveal with their mouths.” This evil which “lurks in the hearts of men” poses an even greater danger to us than the open warfare of the physical world in general.

This is akin to something that exists in the world today – “cyberwar.” This strategy does not involve soldiers with guns, tanks, or missiles. It is fought by programmers and hackers in hidden rooms using computers. Some warn that by shutting down electrical grids, communication systems, or water supplies using cyberwar, terrorists could potentially wreak even greater havoc than they could with conventional weapons.

To fight off a form of spiritual evil that has an internal life, we must develop an inner life of holiness. We will lose the hidden war if we only fight the forms of evil which manifest themselves in the most obvious ways. This is what the Gemara was trying to teach us by pointing out that Esther’s name is hinted at in the words, “I will surely hide My face.” She drew her ability to battle Amalek’s hid-

den war by living a hidden life of holiness from Hashem’s ability to live a hidden life. By living a life of holiness beneath the surface, she was able to defeat Amalek, personified by Haman, in its underground war against the Jewish people and the side of holiness.

Esther, who comes from the tribe of Binyomin, also drew her ability to work behind the scenes from her great-grandmother Rochel (Bereishis Rabah 78:5): “Rochel grasped silence as her portion [by not revealing the code she had agreed-upon with Yaakov in order to avoid embarrassing her sister Leah under the chuppah]. All her children therefore became masters of mystery.” That is where Esther got the strength to live her inner life, “Esther did not tell [the identity of] her nation” (Esther 2:10). That is the secret of (Bereishis Rabah 73:5) “the seed of Esav will only fall through the hand of Rochel’s children.” We need Rochel and Esther’s ability to stay silent, to live a modest and rich inner life, to defeat “Haman said in his heart” and “Eisav said in his heart.”

This is why the Gemara says Haman is rooted in the Torah’s story of Adam and Chava eating from the tree of knowledge

of good and bad. Before the sin, there was no distinction between internal and external. There were no secrets. There was no such thing as a secret scheme. That is why they saw no reason to wear clothes.

After the sin, after they had internalized the influence of the snake, Adam and Chava “knew that they were naked” (Bereishis 3:7). Therefore, “They hid, the man and his wife, from before G-d...” (ibid. 8). They began keeping secrets –living and thinking one way in private and another way in public. That is why Hashem said to them “Where are you?” (ibid. 9). He was asking them, “Why are you hiding? Have you gone underground, trying to portray one image in front of Me and living another way in private? Which is your true self? Your public persona or your secret life?”

When our children begin living secret lives behind closed doors, the real problems have begun. At a certain point, many parents must make the difficult choice to invite their children to do things of which they would not have approved so that they will do so out in the open, with their knowledge, rather than in secret. Children learn, at a certain point, to put on a certain wholesome persona in front of their parents in which they only talk with them about things with which they are comfortable. When children or teenagers “go underground,” it is generally far more dangerous for them than whatever they will do out in the open, with their parents’ knowledge, even if those things are outside the parents’ comfort zone.

Let us look at Mordechai’s “origin story.” His name comes from the pasuk meaning “pure myrrh,” a fragrant herb. Rav Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov, zy”a, in Bnei Yissaschar (Cheshvan, 1), tells us that all of Adam and Chava’s senses were implicated in their sin except for the sense of smell. Chazal teach us that this is most

ephemeral, internal sense (Brachos 43b): “What does the soul enjoy? Smell.”

Mordechai’s name hints at pure myrrh, a spice meant to appeal to the most refined sense, the sense of smell. And this myrrh to which the pasuk referred was for the anointing oil, used to anoint the vessels to sanctify them to be used in the Mishkan and the Holy of Holies, the place so exalted that virtually no one was ever permitted to enter. It was also used to anoint the Kohein Gadol, who was so elevated that he was the only person permitted to enter the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. Mordechai had access to the most inner world, the world of the Holy of Holies. It was only because of his sanctified inner life that he was able to defeat Amalek and Haman, who personified the evil expression of inner life.

The prerequisite to having a sanctified inner life, and, accordingly, any chance of defeating the external and internal manifestations of Amalek and Haman, is having at least have some inner life to begin with! The biggest threat to having a holy inner life is having no inner life. If a person has no Holy of Holies, no inner world of thought, contemplation, and privacy, he has nothing to sanctify.

So many people use social media to

post every thought that passes through their heads, every meal, and every ache and pain. Does the whole world really need to know that Chana Schprintza stubbed her toe while going to change the baby at 2:18 a.m. last night? Do they really need to see the selfie she took of herself holding her aching foot? Does the whole world really need to read about every (hopefully) cogent thought one merits to have on politics or Israel on a second-by-second basis?

The students of the Chevron yeshiva, a very Lithuanian-style institution, once suspected their rosh yeshiva, Rav Simcha Zissel Broyde, zt”l, of secretly studying kabbalah and chassidus. A small, self-appointed committee of students launched an investigation to determine the truth of the rumors. One day, they waited until Rav Broyde left his office and searched it, examining the bookshelves, desk drawers, and anywhere else they could look, hoping to find some contraband. Unfortunately, their search did not yield any kabbalah seforim or the like. When the rosh yeshivah returned to his office, he noticed that things had been disturbed and realized what had happened.

Rav Broyde said nothing, however, until a shiur he was giving approximately

three weeks later. In the shiur, he said, “Why is it that curious people are unable to keep a secret? What is the connection between these two character defects? The reason is that curious people, those who always want to know what everyone else is up to, who must always keep up with the latest news, live in a world completely outside of themselves. They have no inner life. Consequently, they cannot keep a secret because they simply have no inner world in which to contain the information. That is why it comes out automatically.”

The rosh yeshiva then quoted the Gemara’s story of the holy nazir ’s rebuke to his own evil inclination when he found himself tempted to use his good looks for licentious purposes after seeing his own beautiful reflection in the river (Nedarim 9b): “Evil one! Why are you taking pride in a world that does not belong to you!?” Using these words to take the busybody students in yeshiva to task, he said, “Why are you busying yourselves with a world that is not your own? A Jew must build an inner world for himself, a private place where he alone can go to center himself and seek the truth in his own service of G-d.”

In so many people’s race to post ev-

erything that they or their families or friends do and every thought they have on social media, they never stop to process or experience the present. They fail to think about what those people and experiences mean to them. In their rush to post that selfie of themselves with a little bit of Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon in the background, they do not contemplate the awesome beauty of those wondrous sights. They have no inner life and therefore no hidden world of holiness with which to counterbalance the hidden evil of our enemies.

May we learn from our mothers, Rochel and Esther, to increase our silence and discretion in order to augment our inner lives, to live more often in the Holy of Holies of our own minds. In that merit, may we merit to see the final annihilation of the power of Amalek and Eisav in the world with the coming of Moshiach and the complete redemption soon in our days!

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

The Concealed and the Revealed

By Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

Mevatlin talmud Torah u’ba’in l’shmoah mikrah Megillah (Megillah 3)

Because of the importance of the mitzvah of hearing the reading of the Megillah, the Gemara teaches that even if one were engaged in the greatest of all mitzvos — the study of Torah — one would be required to stop learning and go to listen to the Megillah reading. Likewise, the Gemara states that the mitzvah of reading the Megillah supersedes the Avodah in the Beis HaMikdash. Hence, Megillah has precedence over both talmud Torah and Avodah

The Baal HaTurim writes that these halachos, this hierarchy of mitzvah observance, is alluded to in the pesukim. Regarding the bells that were placed at the hem of the Me’il of the Kohen Gadol, the pasuk says, “V’nishma kolo b’vo’o el ha’kodesh, it s sound shall be heard when he enters the Sanctuary.” The Baal HaTurim comments that the Masoretic note records three instances in Tanach where the word “v’nishma” appears. One occurrence is in the above pasuk; the second in the pasuk regarding Kabbalas HaTorah, “Kol asher diber Hashem na’aseh v’nishma, everything that Hashem has said, we will do and we will obey ”; and last, in the pasuk in Megillas Esther: “V’nishma pisgam ha’melech, then the king’s decree shall be heard.”

These three mentions of the word v’nishma articulate the primacy of mikrah Megillah. When there is a conflict of “v’nishma pisgam ha’melech” (i.e., mikrah Megillah) and talmud Torah (na’aseh v’nishma), mikrah Megillah has priority. As the pasuk continues, “ki rabba hi”; the “v’nishma pisgam ha’melech” is greater. When there is a conflict between mikrah Megillah and “v’nishma kolo b’vo’o el ha’kodesh,” (Avodah), mikrah Megillah takes precedence once more – ki rabba hi, it is greater.

The Baal HaTurim adds that this remez is uniquely compelling, as rabba is the ba’al ha’meimrah, the one who stated in the Gemara the preeminence of mikrah Megillah over talmud Torah and Megillah. (However, see our version of the Gemara that reads rava and not rabba.)

The comments of the Baal HaTurim are deeply perplexing. Is it possible that mikrah Megillah is greater than talmud Torah and Avodah? Mikrah Megillah is Rab -

binic in origin, while learning Torah and performing the Avodah are mandated by the Torah. How can a mitzvah mid’Rabbanan be greater than a mid’Oraisa? Granted, we would still stop learning and interrupt the Avodah to perform the mitzvah of mikrah Megillah, but that is because we interrupt the study of Torah for the performance of any mitzvah o’veres, any mitzvah whose time is passing. That doesn’t indicate that the other mitzvah is greater. But the Baal HaTurim says mikrah Megillah is greater – rabba –and adif, better Can that be?

Let us digress slightly to focus on another aspect of this Gemara.

The wording of the Gemara is of interest. The Gemara says “mevatlin,” a reference to the transgression we refer to as “bitul Torah.” The Gemara seems to reckon the act of stopping one’s learning to go to hear the Megillah as a sin of bitul Torah.

Isn’t reading the Megillah a form of Torah study? Megillas Esther is one of the twenty-four books of Tanach that every talmid chacham must learn and in which he must be proficient. The Megillah is a part of Torah like any other. Why would the Gemara refer to the fulfillment of one of the most beloved mitzvos as Mevatlin talmud Torah?

This question has been posed and discussed by many of the Torah luminaries of the generations and debated in the hallowed halls of yeshivos, and each answer yields a great gem of Torah insight.

We will present a number of approaches.

The Approach of the Aruch HaShulchan

The Aruch HaShulchan explains that certainly the reading of the Megillah constitutes Torah study. However, it takes time until everyone reaches the beis haknesses and until all are gathered there. All that downtime is considered bitul Torah

Therefore, Chazal must legislate a special dispensation to be “matir,” this bitul Torah for the sake of mikrah Megillah. Although one may have overlooked that stretch of time and considered it inconsequential, we learn from the Aruch HaShulchan the significance of even a brief period of time. Allowing even a few moments to slip away is considered bitul Torah.

The Approach of Rav Shlomo Kluger

Rav Shlomo Kluger addresses this question in a number of his sefarim. In the Sefer HaChaim, he offers what he considers a simple and obvious answer. Rav Kluger agrees that reading the Megillah is considered Torah, but there are different levels of learning Torah. The ideal form of Torah study is through rigorous analysis and probing scrutiny. The optimal limud haTorah requires ameilus and yegiah, toil and mental exertion. Thus, relative to the study of Torah in the preferred manner, merely “reading” the Megillah is comparatively bitul Torah.

This is the basis for the adage in the yeshiva world, “There is bitul Torah b’kamus, in quantity, and there is bitul Torah b’eichus, in quality.” Reading the Megillah instead of engaging in in-depth Torah study is considered qualitative bitul Torah

This notion is one that poses a challenge to every individual, as we can never allow our study of Torah to be more superficial than we are capable of, as that would place our learning in the undesirable category of bitul Torah.

In Chochmas Shlomo, Rav Kluger advances an extremely original chiddush. Certainly, reading the Megillah is a fulfillment of talmud Torah. However, one is not halachically able to fulfill two distinct mitzvos simultaneously. That is, if one intends to fulfill the mitzvah of talmud Torah by reading the Megillah, while one would be accredited with that mitzvah, one would not be fulfilling the mitzvah of mikrah Megillah. Conversely, if one is intent on fulfilling the mitzvah of mikrah Megillah, he would not be accredited with the mitzvah of talmud Torah.

While ordinarily reading the Megillah is considered learning, under the circumstances in which one would be attempting to fulfill the mitzvah of reading the Megillah, one would not be accredited with the mitzvah of talmud Torah and it would be correctly deemed by the Gemara to be bitul Torah.

The Approach of Rav Efraim Zalman Margolis

Rav Efraim Zalman Margolis develops an innovative approach to answer this question. Maseches Megillah records that Esther petitioned the Chachamim, “Kisvuni l’doros”; that is, allow my book to be reckoned as part of

the corpus of the written documents of the Jewish people.

The Chachamim were hesitant to accede to Esther’s request, as they thought that the subject of combating Amalek was already sufficiently addressed in Tanach, and the requisite mentions of the subject had already been met. It is not clear and it remains a subject of debate among the Amoraim if the Sages ultimately allowed Megillas Esther to be canonized.

Shmuel, in Maseches Megillah, maintains that Esther is not reckoned as one of the twenty-four books of Tanach. Tosafos explain that in the opinion of Shmuel, Megillas Esther is recognized as an acceptable document only mid’Rabbanan

Rav Efraim Zalman states that while we rule in accordance with R’ Eliezer that, in fact, Megillas Esther was canonized and is incorporated into the Kisvei HaKodesh, it was deemed one of the sifrei Tanach only in respect to the specific mitzvah of reading the Megillah on Purim for pirsumei nisa, publicizing the miracle. However, in any other regard, in terms of personal Torah study and analysis, it was not canonized and it is not part of the Torah. Hence, if one were to interrupt the study of a recognized portion of the Torah to read the Megillah, it would be considered bona fide bitul Torah, as Megillas Esther is not considered Torah in the view of Rav Efraim Zalman Margolis and is not considered part of Tanach (for anything other than the reading of the Megillah on Purim).

Understandably, Rav Efraim Zalman’s proposal was met with vehement disapproval. The Avnei Nezer writes that he does not even believe that the tzaddik the Beis Efraim would ever have uttered such an approach. Following the logic of the Beis Efraim, the Amoraim and Baalei HaMidrash who expounded on the Megillah wasted their time, as explicating the words of the Megillah would merely be academic without any Torah or religious value. Who permitted these great rabbis to engage in bitul Torah to elucidate the Megillah? Therefore, the Avnei Nezer emphatically concludes: “ but certainly Megillas Esther is Torah just like the rest of the Prophets and the Scriptures.... It is part of the Tanach in which every Torah scholar must be proficient.”

An Approach Based on the Akeidas Yitzchak

I believe an alternative approach can be gleaned from the words of Rav Yitzchak Aramaah in his introduction to his commentary to Megillas Esther, Akeidas Yitzchak . He advances that the reason Hashem’s Name does not appear in Megillas Esther is because initially the Book of Esther was written as a secular document in the chronicles of Persia and Media. Esther asked the Chachamim to select with their Divine spirit the elements that should be recorded and entered into our Torah for posterity. Therefore, the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah did, in fact, sift and select out the narrative as we have it today, but they left it as it was, without the Name of Hashem.

we interrupt regular Torah study to read the Megillah One may have thought that since the Megillah did not originate as a component of the Torah, but began as a secular document, perhaps it would not be considered on par with the study of Torah that was rooted in holiness; that is why the Talmud teaches a special ruling that irrespective of the source of the Megillah, “Mevatlin talmud Torah u’ba’in l’shmoah mikrah Megillah.”

Understanding the Baal HaTurim

Let us now return to the challenging comments of the Baal HaTurim, who articulates “ki rabba hi,” i.e., the reading of the Megillah is actually greater than other Torah portions. Is that, in fact, so?

The Chasam Sofer makes an astounding statement that supports the above assertion: “ The spiritual light latent in Megillas Esther is in reality much greater and more honorable than that of the Torah itself.”

This is such an earthshattering statement that who but the Chasam Sofer could presume to say such a thing. Rav Pinchas Friedman characterizes this as a stupendous chiddush the likes of which we have never encountered.

Just as the light of Purim transcends the light of any other holy day on the Jewish calendar, the light of the Megillah surpasses that of the light of any other segment of Torah.

Yet, such a statement defies all conventional Torah thinking. Can the light of the Megillah be greater than that of Torah itself?

Let us preface the foundational concept behind this teaching with the mysterious words of the Midrash Rabbah. The Midrash teaches that there are items in this world that are novlos, semblances, of the entity in its full, complete form in all its glory: Sleep is a semblance of death. A dream is a semblance of prophecy. Shabbos is mei’ain Olam Haba, a semblance of the World to Come.

R’ Avin added another two examples. The orb of the sun is a semblance of the supernatural light … and the Midrash mysteriously concludes … the Torah is a semblance of the chochmah shel ma’aleh, the Torah is a mei’ain of the wisdom On High.

This is a revolutionary statement, as common thinking is that the Torah is the highest form of chochmah, and here the Midrash is teaching that it is merely a semblance of a branch of wisdom known as Chochmah HaElyonah

way that we, bnei adam, mortals, can access and bring out to some extent the wisdom of Hashem in its original form? Is there any information that we are privy to that is unfiltered, directly from the Chochmah HaElyonah?

There is. Rav Aryeh HaKohen, one of the gurei ha’Arizal, one of the “lion cubs,” the students of the Arizal, reveals in his sefer Tur Berekes that indeed there is one segment of Divine information that was given to Klal Yisrael that can in fact activate and make manifest the Chochmah HaElyonah: Megillas Esther. The Megillah derives from the Chochmah HaElyonah itself. Thus, it defers talmud Torah and all other mitzvos as it is sourced in an even more sublime and rarified dimension of chochmas Elokim.

This is the mystical reason why mevatlin talmud Torah u’ba’in l’shmoah mikrah Megillah.

Thus, the words of the Chasam Sofer are to be taken at face value. The light contained in Megillas Esther is actually greater than that which is contained in the Torah itself.

This would account for the overwhelming reactions I find that people have when exposed to some of the hidden secrets of history that seem to be revealed and blatantly alluded to in Megillas Esther. (See the essay “Purim Fest 1946 – and the Ancient Origins of the Megillah Codes,” about which someone once commented to me that this historical reference is the most obvious proof of the Divine origin of the Torah.)

This earthshattering chiddush about the nuclear energy and light contained in Megillas Esther is sourced in the astounding teaching of the Ari HaKadosh. The Arizal teaches that the light that the Ribbono shel Olam graciously illuminated for the Jewish people on Purim was unprecedented and unparalleled. It even surpasses the light of Shabbos and yom tov. But Hashem wanted that incomparable light to forever shine for the Jewish people on Purim — and therefore “v’yimei haPurim ha’eilah lo ya’avru mitoch haYehudim, these days of Purim should never cease from among the Jews,” and every year on Purim this brilliant and unrivaled light shines again for the Jewish people. It is an eternal light that will never dim. As the Arizal concludes, “For it is a light the likes of which had never existed.”

And, just as the light of Purim transcends the light of any other holy day on the Jewish calendar, the light of the Megillah surpasses that of the light of any other segment of Torah. Hence, in a conflict between mikrah Megillah and any other mitzvah, ki rabba hi, mikrah Megillah is paramount.

According to the Akeidas Yitzchak, we can suggest that there is a special chiddush in stating that

Although these are mystical concepts that transcend our limited faculties, nevertheless the concept can be simplified as follows. The Torah that we learn has been filtered down so that it can be assimilated by the human mind. But the wisdom of Hashem is even more supreme and sanctified in its original form.

Now, this is the million-dollar question: Is there any

“V’Anochi hester a’ster Panai b’yom ha’hu, but I will surely have concealed My face on that day.” Alas, at first the Al-mighty was hidden as the Jews faced national extermination. The Ribbono shel Olam was THE CONCEALED.

Through the miraculous salvation and brilliant light of Divine revelation, “v’nehepoch hu, and it was turned about.” The Ribbono shel Olam and the secrets of the Torah became THE REVEALED.

This article has been excerpted with permission from The Concealed and the Revealed by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein, published by ArtScroll/Mesorah. Rabbi Daniel Glatstein is the Mara D’asra of Kehilas Tiferes Mordechai in Cedarhurst, NY, and author of numerous seforim in Lashon Hakodesh and in English for ArtScroll. He is an international lecturer and maggid shiur. His thousands of recorded shiurim

Sparks of Light

Finding Simchas Purim in the Joys of Dropping Our Formalities With the King of Kings

Just thinking about Purim this year comes with internal anxieties. While we have the mitzvah of simchas Purim, how could we juxtapose that with all of the feelings we have experienced these last few weeks, watching and reading about the funerals of hostages, the stark images of emaciated hostages being released, and hearing of soldiers being injured or killed. It is almost as if we are perpetually living in a state that Parshas Zachor describes: “Vayizanev b’cha kol hanechashalim acharecha , he struck at your rear, all the weak ones who were lagging behind you” (Devarim 25:18). With our hearts and emotions pointed toward what’s going on in Eretz Yisrael, how can we truly endeavor to approach the most joyous time of Purim?

An interesting answer can be found in Rabbeinu Bechaye’s explanation of the bells that sat on the hem of the Kohen Gadol’s clothing. The pasuk teaches us, “And on its bottom hem you shall make Rimonim of blue, purple, and crimson wool, on its bottom hem all around, and golden bells in their midst all around” (Shemos 28:33). It is almost as if the Kohen Gadol’s clothing was made to be so loud that you could hear him coming from a mile away. Why would that be necessary? The Rishonim offer several explanations, as each detail in the Mishkan and the Bigdei Kehunah represents something much bigger. Rabbeinu Bechaya ties the Rimonim to the story of Megillas Esther.

The Megillah tells us that Esther was terrified of approaching Achashverosh uninvited. The royal etiquette was that anyone who entered the king’s inner

By Rabbi Benny Berlin

chamber without being summoned –even the queen – was subject to immediate execution unless the king extended his golden scepter. Royalty comes with protocols, and one does not simply barge in unannounced.

What does this have to do with the Bigdei Kehunah? What do the bells of the Kohen Gadol have to do with approaching Hashem? Rabbeinu Bechaye explains that just as it is inappropriate to approach a mortal king without permission, it is likewise inappropriate to approach the Ribbono Shel Olam, the Melech Malchei HaMelachim, unannounced. The Kohen Gadol’s bells served as an announcement, signaling that he was about to enter Hashem’s presence. Of course, Hashem does not need warnings. G-d knows where everyone is at all times. The bells weren’t for Hashem – they were for us. They sym-

bolized the derech eretz we must exhibit when approaching the Divine.

Yet, on one day of the year, Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, the Kohen Gadol does not wear his bells. The day he entered the Kodesh HaKodashim to beg for heavenly forgiveness on behalf of the collective Jewish people, and when he is closest to Hashem, he does not need to announce his arrival.

Why? Because when you are truly close to someone, the formalities drop away. If the lack of formality is true on Yom Kippur, then it is certainly true on Purim. One could argue that Purim’s very essence is this kind of closeness, an intimacy with Hashem so deep that the protocols are unnecessary.

Purim is a confusing yom tov because it does not resemble any other. Most Moadim are defined by their structure – longer davening, kiddush,

issurei melacha and clear-cut obligations. However, Purim is different. If you walk into Mincha on Purim afternoon, to your left is someone dressed as Mr. Potato Head, while to your right stands a life-sized Lego piece; it almost sounds comical to think that this day is more holy than the day before when we fasted and said Selichos. Why is this? Because on Purim, we drop the formalities. It is a day when normal rules of propriety and etiquette fall away in the face of absolute intimacy with Hashem. Purim is a time of tefillah. Through the unique practices of the day – dressing up and acting a bit looser than we normally would – we speak directly to Hashem with unfiltered closeness. That closeness should generate true simcha and should propel our tefillos heavenward, asking for the final Geulah – that there should be peace in Eretz Yisrael, that all of the hostages should be released, and that we should merit the complete and final redemption.

Purim teaches us that there are moments in life when we do not need to knock, moments when our relationship with Hashem is so real and so strong that the doors are already open. May this Purim, celebrated with true joy and heartfelt tefillah, bring about miracles in our time and lead us to the ultimate celebration in Yerushalayim with the geulah sheleimah b’mihera b’yameinu , Amen.

Rabbi Benny Berlin is the rabbi of BACH Jewish Center located in Long Baeach, New York. For more information, visit: https:// www.bachlongbeach.com/.

The Rose of Shushan

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

One year, a distinguished visitor arrived in Mezeritch on Erev Purim.

Despite his efforts to remain hidden, the only son of the Baal Shem Tov, zy”a, Reb Tzvi, zy”a, had been discovered. The Mezeritcher Maggid, zy”a, summoned his beloved disciple, Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi, zy”a (the Baal HaTanya), and asked him to spend the seudas Purim with Reb Tzvi, who was also in his lodging. Although Reb Schneur Zalman had been looking forward to being with his Rebbe, the Maggid, and the chevraya kadisha, he was honored to have the opportunity to be in the presence of this mysterious and holy tzaddik instead.

During the seudah, Rav Shneur Zalman repeatedly asked Reb Tzvi to share some words of Torah. Reb Tzvi preferred the way of silence and kept to himself. Finally, Rav Shneur Zalman asked Reb Tzvi if he could at least share something he received from his father, the Baal Shem Tov.

Reb Tzvi cited a particular section of the Zohar and concluded with, “My father would quote this Zohar on Purim and say, ‘And this is the miracle of Purim.’” Rav Shneur Zalman was astonished by this and returned to the Maggid, thanking him for the zechus to hear such Torah from the mouth of the tzadik.

What was this teaching that Reb Tzvi shared with the Baal HaTanya?

The Zohar (II Zohar 112b; III Zohar 233a) recounts how Shlomo HaMelech would fly on the wings of a huge eagle which would take him a great distance to

the “Mountains of Darkness.” The wingspan of this creature was so great that it would eclipse the light of the sun and spread darkness over a large swath of land. Many people were terror-stricken by the midday eclipse, while others knew of Shlomo HaMelech’s strange choice of transportation.

Once, Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair, Rabbi Chiya, and a few other Tanaaim were spending an entire night exploring and expounding upon a single verse in Tehillim, which is usually translated as, “For the Conductor of a rose-shaped instrument [shushan eidus], a [precious] melody by David to instruct the people [when he waged war]” (60:1).

As dawn was breaking, a great eagle suddenly appeared and circled around them. Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair saw this as a sign of Hashem’s infinite love and compassion, as it is written, “Like an eagle arousing its nest, hovering over its young, spreading its wings and taking them, carrying them on its pinions” (Devarim 32:11).

Then, Rabbi Pinchas called out, “Eagle, eagle, why have you come? What have you brought from your Master?” The eagle soared higher, disappearing for a while. The tzaddikim sat and waited for its return while discussing the legend of the eagle of Shlomo HaMelech and its mysterious flights to the Mountains of Darkness.

Suddenly, the eagle reappeared, carrying a beautiful rose in its beak, which it dropped upon their heads. The Tanaaim rejoiced, and Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair turned to his colleagues and said, “Did I

not tell you that the eagle was sent to us by his Master? The rose brought to us is the very same shoshana referred to in the verse we were studying.”

What is this shushan eidus, which literally means “rose of testimony”? The rose of Shushan bears testimony to Hashem’s undying love of Israel, the thirteen-petalled rose symbolizing the thirteen attributes of Hashem’s mercy.

The Jewish nation presently finds itself surrounded by Mountains of Darkness, like a rose among thorns. The sun’s light has once again been eclipsed by the hatred of our enemies and the indifference of our “friends.”

As these words are being written, there is no clear end in sight. Our choice is to either panic and retreat or to search the sky for the ancient eagle of Shlomo HaMelech.

burst through the darkness of hester panim, the concealment covering Hashem’s face from us.

“For the Conductor of a rose-shaped instrument, a [precious] melody by David to instruct the people [when he waged war]. The word, “La’minatzeach, For the conductor” is the root word netzach, which means victory.

With the rose of Hashem’s mercy and the songs of Dovid HaMelech, we turn our eyes to the Heavens with full faith that the day of complete redemption and Hashem’s revealed victory is near. In the words of the holy Baal Shem Tov spoken long ago, “And this is the miracle of Purim.”

The numerical value of Shoshana (661) equals the word Esther. The testimony of Purim is the “Rose of Shushan,” the belief in Hashem’s infinite love that will soon be revealed and that, like in Shushan of old, the light of His Divine plan will

Excerpted with permission from the introduction of Rav Moshe Weinberger’s sefer on Megillas Esther, Out of the Fire , printed by Feldheim.

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

Think. Feel.Grow.

Purim Our Existential Battle Against Amalek

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

As we encounter Purim, let us delve deeper into the unique spiritual and existential battle that the Jewish people must continue to wage against the philosophy of Amalek. Amalek first appeared on the scene when they attacked Klal Yisrael in the Midbar, on their journey to Har Sinai. The most striking aspect of this attack was its timing.

Hashem had just performed the Makkos and split the Yam Suf for the Jewish people – acts that had worldwide reverberations. The Jewish people were viewed as invincible and untouchable, and exactly at this moment, Amalek chose to attack them, undertaking a (practically) suicidal battle with zero provocation. What was their motivation to undertake such a mission?

This question can be extended to the Purim story as well. Haman, suddenly promoted to second in command, makes it his mission to wipe out the entire Jewish people. As a descendant of Amalek, he is clearly continuing their legacy of Jewish

obliteration. Why is it that, throughout history, people have made it their singular focus to wipe out the Jewish people? And why is this the spiritual legacy of Amalek?

In order to answer this question, we must examine the fundamental principles of Jewish belief, based on the thirteen ikarei emunah (principles of faith) delineated by the Rambam in his commentary on perek Chelek in Sanhedrin.

Three Fundamental Principles

• The first fundamental principle of Jewish belief is that Hashem is the Creator of the world. He is the Source of time, space, and all of existence.

• The second principle is that Hashem has a direct relationship with this physical world. This is the concept of hashgachah — that Hashem oversees and controls the events of this world.

• The third fundamental principle is that there is a purpose to this world and our lives within it. There is not a single

aspect of life that is random, rather each and every occurrence and interaction is part of an infinitely beautiful grand plan, a cosmic symphony, a masterpiece designed by Hashem.

While Amalek does not tend to focus on the first of these principles, their entire existence is devoted toward destroying the second and third of these principles. Amalek claims that although Hashem may exist, He has absolutely no connection to us or our world. Our lives are therefore meaningless, and this world is devoid of spirituality.

This destructive conviction is embodied in the pasuk describing Amalek’s attack on the Jewish people. As we read in Parshas Zachor, we must remember what Amalek did to us, “Asher korcha ba’derech, how they happened upon us while we were traveling” (Devarim 25:18). The word korcha is peculiar, and Rashi therefore quotes three interpretations of this word, each fundamental and significant.

1. Randomness and Happenstance

The first explanation of the word “korcha” is based on its connection to the word “karah” (happenstance). This interpretation reflects Amalek’s claim that everything in this world is random and meaningless. There is no hashgachah, no Divine providence. Anything that happens to you, whether bad or good, has no deeper meaning or significance behind it. Amalek implied that they just “happened” to be there with swords in hand, ready for battle; they simply “chanced” upon the Jewish People as they were on the way.

This is the exact approach that Haman took when plotting to kill the Jews. He did not rationally calculate a date on which to kill the Jews, but rather he specifically chose one through a pur (lottery). A lottery represents and embodies randomness and chance. Haman let the luck of the draw determine when he would kill the Jews, an act of devotion to “karah.” The gematria of Amalek is the same as that of the word

(doubt). Amalek represents doubt and uncertainty, randomness and chaos.

2. Keri: Spiritual Marriage

The second interpretation offered by Rashi connects the word “korcha” to “keri,” a concept linked to marital impurity. Judaism views marriage as a lofty mitzvah; the relationship between husband and wife holds incredible spiritual potential. The Ramban explains that the relationship between man and wife ideally reflects the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. It is a relationship of spiritual and existential oneness where potential is developed and actualized.

Amalek, however, claims that marriage is no more than animalistic mating, a relationship devoid of higher meaning and spirituality. The name Amalek shares its root with the word melikah, which is the process of removing the head from the body of a bird before it is offered as a sacrifice. The head is the highest part of the body, representing the mind and the spiritual; the body is the lower part, representing the physical. Ideally, the two are harmoniously connected (And the head [spiritual] influences the outer expression of the body [physical]). Amalek attempts to disconnect the head from the body, to

disconnect the spiritual (head) from the physical (body), claiming that there is no spirituality within the physical world, no meaning, and no connection to Hashem or anything higher.

3. Kor: Cooling the Flame

Rashi’s third explanation of the word “korcha” is based on a Midrash that relates the word to “kor ” (cold). The Midrash describes the mashal of a boiling hot bath of water that nobody dares jump into for fear of being scalded. Along comes a man and boldly jumps into the boiling water, severely burning himself in the process. Although he burned himself, he has now cooled the water enough to allow others to follow suit and jump in as well.

This is what Amalek did as the Jewish people traveled from Egypt to Har Sinai.

After Hashem performed the ten Makkos and took the Jewish people out of Mitzrayim, Hashem’s providence was flamingly clear in the world. The nations of the world were ready to accept Hashem and His Torah, and they began flocking toward Har Sinai to join the Jewish people in accepting the Torah. (The Ramchal explains at the end of Derech Hashem that until the Torah was given, any nation could have joined Klal Yisrael. See Zevachim 116a.)

The Jewish people were at the height of their success, about to receive the Torah, and the other nations were ready to accept the Torah along with them. At this point, Amalek attacked the Jewish people, undertaking a nearly suicidal mission.

Although the Jewish people won, Amalek showed the other nations that the Jews were not as invincible as they seemed. They “jumped into the scalding bath,” i.e., attacked the Jewish people, and “cooled the waters,” i.e., showed the other nations that the Jewish people were vulnerable to attack. Why did Amalek do this? Why were they willing to burn themselves simply to weaken the Jewish people?

The Philosophy of Amalek

Amalek rejects Hashem’s connection to this world or any connection between the spiritual and the physical. Essentially, Amalek denies Hashem’s control of this world and the ability for man to uplift himself to the level of the spiritual. The Torah is the epitome of both of these principles, and it provides the guidelines for how to achieve this spiritual elevation. It is based on the axiom of Hashem’s connection with this world, and it is the means for elevating ourselves and all of physicality to a higher purpose. Amalek stands in direct opposition to this, and when they saw that not only the Jewish people but the entire world was ready to adopt the Torah way of life, they had no choice but to attack. Amalek’s entire existence is predicated on a lack of connection between Hashem and this world, therefore a complete acceptance of that principle by all the nations of the world would mean the cessation of Amalek’s existence.

Amalek attacked the Jewish people in order to prevent Matan Torah – to stop the world from accepting Hashem’s Torah and the truth that lies within it. And although Amalek was sorely beaten with only a few survivors, they still managed to slay a few Jewish warriors. They showed that the Jews were not invincible, “cooling” down the excitement of all the nations of the world and paralyzing their readiness to accept the Torah.

Amalek won. Physically, they lost, but in a deeper way, they won. The nations of the world walked away, turning down the opportunity to accept Hashem and His Torah.

Hidden Miracles

Megillas Esther is unique in that it is one of the only books in Tanach in which Hashem’s name is not mentioned. This is because Purim marks a transition in history, when our battle against Amalek mani-

fested in a new form. Until Purim, history was permeated with consistent open miracles, nevuah was common, and Hashem was openly revealed in the world. The second stage, ushered in by Purim, is characterized by hidden miracles. In our present world, Hashem is no longer openly manifest and clearly visible. In this stage, we must choose to see Hashem within the darkness – to peer past the façade of a meaningless world. It is in this stage that Amalek’s claims are all the more tempting to believe, as it is so easy to ignore Hashem’s involvement in this world. Our challenge is to see past the surface, to see the miraculous within the natural, the ethereal within the mundane, and the infinite within the finite.

A Timeless Battle

Amalek fights for a G-d-less reality, devoid of spirituality and meaning; a world of Haman, of doubt, where a gap exists between us and Hashem. Only when you look closer, deepening your gaze, do you see the deeper layer of reality, the transcendent root. Hashem is Echad – One – and our goal is to see the spiritual oneness inherent within every event and object in this world. Amalek seeks to hide the truth, to disconnect us from our Source, and thus to strip all meaning from life. Only when we see past the surface, when we trace everything that happens in this world back to Hashem, our spiritual Source, will we ultimately defeat Amalek and all that they stand for.

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is the author of the bestselling book, “The Journey to Your Ultimate Self,” which serves as an inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish thought. He is an educator and speaker who has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. He is also the founder and CEO of Self-Mastery Academy, the transformative online self-development course based on the principles of high-performance psychology and Torah.

After obtaining his BA from Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from Yeshiva University’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and son where he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago.

To invite Rabbi Reichman to speak in your community or to enjoy more of his deep and inspiring content, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com.

Delving into the Daf

To Live By the Sword?

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

Over the course of more than a thousand years, four separate incidents emerged that all share one striking detail. Because of this common element, various poskim have discussed them together.

The First Incident

Zimri and Kozbi were caught publicly desecrating Hashem’s name. In addition, Zimri went so far as to question the character of Moshe Rabbeinu. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Pinchas knew what action was required. After consulting with Moshe, he left the Beis Medrash, retrieved his sword, and entered Zimri’s tent with his weapon concealed – where he killed both Zimri and Kozbi.

The Second Incident

Years later, as the nation of Israel suffered under the relentless taunts of Goliath, a future King Dovid stepped forward to confront the challenge. Shaul Hamelech provided Dovid with his own royal armor. Even though Shaul was taller, miraculously, the armor fit Dovid perfectly. Shaul took this as an omen, pondering whether Dovid’s lineage qualified him to be king. Doeg interjected with a provocative question: before assessing Dovid’s suitability for kingship, should one not first consider whether he was even fit to join the Jewish congregation? After all, Dovid was a descendant of Rus Hamoavia, and converts from Moav and Amon are barred from marrying into the Jewish nation.

Shaul directed Doeg to raise this question in the Beis Medrash. A debate ensued. At one point, the sage Amasa ben Yeter grabbed a sword, drove it into the ground, and declared, “Anyone who does not accept that a Moabite woman may be permitted while a Moabite man is forbidden shall be pierced with this sword!” This

ruling was rooted in the tradition handed down from Shmuel HaNavi – one that distinguishes between the acceptability of Ammonite and Moabite women versus men. Thus, since Dovid’s lineage came from a female convert, he was allowed to join the congregation.

The Third Incident

Years later, when Sancheriv launched a massive assault against the Jewish nation, his forces appeared invincible. His army included 45,000 princes riding chariots adorned with gold and silver, 80,000 armored knights, 60,000 swordsmen, and countless cavalrymen. After capturing several cities, Sancheriv laid siege to Yerushalayim, convinced of his imminent victory. His troops encamped outside the city, planning an attack at dawn. Yet, at midnight, a miracle occurred: the angel of death struck the Assyrian camp, claiming the lives of 185,000 soldiers and captains. When Sancheriv awoke to lead his men into battle, he discovered only a field of corpses, forcing him to retreat in disgrace, his formidable power shattered.

Why did the Jewish people merit such divine intervention? According to Rabbi Yitzhak Nappacha, the downfall of Sancheriv’s yoke was due to the oil that burned in synagogues and study halls as the people engaged in Torah study throughout the night. Chizkiya had even stationed a sword at the study hall’s entrance, warning that anyone who did not study Torah would be struck down. Consequently, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, no one was found lacking in Torah knowledge – not a single child or adult was not wellversed in the detailed laws of ritual purity and impurity.

(17a). In an effort to consolidate decrees and gain the upper hand over Beis Hillel, Beis Shammai employed a rather drastic measure. They planted a sword in the ground of the Beis Medrash and declared that while anyone could enter, no one was allowed to leave – ensuring that they maintained the required quorum to overrule Beis Hillel.

What ties these episodes together is the recurring presence of swords in or around the Beis Medrash. Yet this is puzzling. The Gemara in Sanhedrin recounts that Pinchas left his sword outside the Beis Medrash and even states that one is not permitted to bring a sword into the Beis Medrash. So how did figures like Amasa ben Yeter, Chizkiya, and the members of Beis Shammai manage to use swords in the Beis Medrash?

One explanation is that in the cases involving Chizkiya and Beis Shammai, the swords were actually placed just outside the Beis Medrash. This approach is consistent with their intent – to prevent anyone from leaving. However, this does not clarify why Amasa ben Yeter, who was physically inside the Beis Medrash, would exit the Beis Medrash to place a sword there. In fact, a midrash in Rus explicitly states that he planted the sword in the center of the Beis Medrash.

Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein offers another perspective. He suggests that a sword may be brought into the Beis Medrash if its purpose is to further Torah study. In the cases of Chizkiya and Beis Shammai, the sword’s

function was to ensure that those within would remain engaged in learning. Amasa ben Yeter’s act of planting the sword was meant to underscore his certainty in the tradition he upheld.

However, Pinchas had no such reason to bring his sword into the Beis Medrash – hence his decision to leave it outside. Interestingly, the Shulchan Aruch does not mention the halacha about not bringing a weapon into the Beis Medrash, though it does record a similar ruling regarding a shul. Specifically, it cites that “some say one may not enter a shul with a long knife” (OC 151:6). This ruling, however, comes not from the Gemara in Sanhedrin but from the Maharam M’Rottenberg, who explains that prayer prolongs one’s life while a knife may shorten it, making it unsuitable for entering a place of prayer.

While these dramatic episodes prominently feature swords, the story of Sancheriv really cuts to the chase by demonstrating how unwavering Torah study can slice through even the most formidable challenges. And as the Maharam M’Rottenberg reminds us, prayer is the sharp edge that can extend our lives. So let’s stay well-armed and dedicate ourselves to Torah and prayer.

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.

Headlines Halacha

Do Children Have to Give Matanos L’Evyonim?

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

In the world of halacha, even seemingly simple questions can reveal fascinating complexity and diverse opinions. The question of whether children must fulfill the Purim obligation of matanos l’evyonim (gifts to the poor) is one such topic that has garnered attention from rabbinic authorities across generations.

Matanos l’evyonim is one of the four primary mitzvos of Purim, requiring us to give monetary gifts to at least two poor individuals. While adults’ obligations are clear, children’s responsibilities require closer examination.

Rav Nissim Karelitz’s Position

Rav Nissim Karelitz, zt”l , a prominent contemporary halachic authority, addressed this question directly. In his work Chut Shaini Shabbos (Volume IV, page 309), he establishes that children under the age of pe’utos – generally ranging from six to ten years old, depending on the child’s intellectual development – are not obligated to give matanos l’evyonim.

However, for children above this age threshold, Rav Karelitz identifies a mitzvah of chinuch (educational obligation). This aligns with the broader halachic principle of training children in mitzvah observance before they reach full halachic adulthood.

Interestingly, Rav Dunner’s compilation Leket Halachos l’Purim (5764) quotes Rav Karelitz as specifically setting this age at nine years old – providing a more concrete guideline for parents uncertain about when to begin this educational process.

Earlier Poskim:

The Educational Approach

Several earlier authorities emphasized the educational value of involving children in this mitzvah.

The Yaavetz (Rabbi Yaakov Emden, 1697-1776) explicitly advocates teaching

children to fulfill this mitzvah, recognizing its importance in developing charitable habits and Purim observance from a young age.

Similarly, the Yesod v’Shoresh haAvodah reinforces this educational approach, suggesting that introducing children to charitable giving during Purim serves an important developmental purpose in Jewish practice.

The Pri Magadim’s Surprising Position

Perhaps most striking is the opinion of the Pri Magadim (Rabbi Joseph Teomim, 1727-1792), who presents an unexpected hierarchy of obligation. He suggests that younger children below bar mitzvah age might actually bear a greater obligation regarding matanos l’evyonim than children who have reached bar mitzvah age but remain dependent on their father’s financial support (as noted in section 695:14 of his work).

This seemingly counterintuitive position highlights the complex interplay between age, financial independence,

and religious obligation in Jewish law –sometimes producing conclusions that run counter to our initial expectations. “Who would have thought?” as they say in yeshiva circles, “that your eightyear-old might have a stronger obligation than your thirteen-year-old!” It’s enough to make even the most serious yeshiva student crack a smile.

The Practical Consideration: Access to Funds

The Aishel Avrohom of Botschach introduces a pragmatic dimension to this discussion. He distinguishes between matanos l’evyonim and mishloach manos (the obligation to send food gifts to friends), exempting children from the former but not the latter. His reasoning? Children typically don’t have their own money.

Today’s children often receive allowances, monetary gifts from relatives, or even earn their own money through various age-appropriate activities. The assumption that children lack independent financial resources may no longer be universally applicable.

Contemporary Practice:

The Steipler and Rav Chaim

Interestingly, two towering figures of recent generations – the Steipler Gaon (Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, 18991985) and his son Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky (1928-2022) – reportedly did not implement chinuch for children regarding matanos l’evyonim during their lifetimes.

The article suggests this might reflect their personal childhood circumstances – perhaps they simply lacked independent financial resources as children. This reminds us that even the greatest rabbinic authorities were once children themselves, facing the practical realities of their times.

Practical Guidelines for Parents

What emerges from all of this? Parents seeking to navigate this question might consider:

1. The age and maturity of their child

2. Whether the child has independent financial resources

3. The educational value of involving children in charitable giving

4. Their family’s traditional practices and rabbinic guidance

As with many areas of Jewish law, the diverse opinions offer flexibility for families to follow the approach that best suits their circumstances while honoring the underlying values of the mitzvah.

The beautiful thing about children and mitzvos is watching their understanding deepen over time – from the child who gives tzedakah because “Mommy said so” to the young adult who appreciates the profound spiritual and communal significance of matanos l’evyonim. Perhaps this developmental journey is itself the greatest fulfillment of chinuch. This

School of Thought

Stay in Touch

By Barbara Deutsch

Iread the book, Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom right before I started working as the founding Middle School principal at the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy. It was my first public leadership position. I had been a dean, program leader, curriculum developer, etc. – never principal. It was an awesome opportunity, and I was going to do my best to make right all the broken that I had seen in my educational leaders.

As I read Morrie’s story, I knew that I needed to purchase this book for my new staff; it discusses the strong bonds formed within a relationship between a student, Mitch, and his teacher, Morrie, from its origins in the classroom to the impact it makes on both their futures. Promises made and broken, lessons taught and learned, and most significantly, the value found in the teacher/student connection.

According to Morrie, in order to live a fulfilled and meaningful life, there must be love.

The book is better than the play; for me, it has always been that way. A movie is the director’s vision of the author’s words. When you read a book yourself, you can paint your own picture. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the opportunity to laugh and cry with Morrie and Mitch as Morrie deteriorated into an old age compounded by ALS, a horrible way to go.

Our burgeoning little chevrah of friends in Israel are mostly Anglo, new and longtime Olim. “ Where are you from?” is a common question. Probably because we think New York is the center of the world, we are surprised that a lot of the people we encounter are not from the tri-state area. At our age, it’s a bit scary to venture into a new social milieu so we are blessed to have found friendship and invitations from people who come from Dallas, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles and across the globe from London, South Africa, Mexico, and France.

The richness of the varying backgrounds lends itself to an interesting mix for dinner table discussions.

All roads seem to lead to Jerusalem,

and so that uniqueness affords you the opportunity to reacquaint yourself with people from the depths of your whole life. I have acquired a partner in this adventure, Dora. We were acquainted in Long Island with overlapping friends, but we bonded here. We go to classes together, Ulpan, papercutting (she cuts, I slash), interest in theater and concerts, etc.

We both know a lot of people, with me working in schools and camps giving me the edge.

After class and on our way to a new friend hosting lunch (this retired life takes so much energy), we ran into Rebbetzin Tehila Jaeger, mentor teacher and dear friend of Dora’s. Rebbetzin Jaeger was previously only known to me as someone inspirational and wise.

We stood on the corner of Diskind and Keren Kayemet long enough to identify Rebbetzin Jaeger as the beloved challah baker and scholar the HANC girls visit yearly with my former HANC colleague, Assistant Principal and beloved teacher Jen Morey; Rebbetzin Jaeger admires

held onto even the most ADHD mind traveler. When she left, we were despondent; everyone chipped in to buy her the refrigerator she would need in her new home.

Though we so wanted to, we did not have it wrapped in a big red bow and delivered to class to surprise her. It would have made for a difficult trip home on the subway.

Of all the things Rebbetzin Jaeger, Dora, and I talked about on that windy corner, with the majestic Jerusalem sky as a backdrop, remembering Rebbetzin Freifeld was the highlight. If you think back to your own school days as a student or as a teacher, does one teacher or student stand out?

If you think back to your own school days as a student or as a teacher, does one teacher or student stand out?

Mrs. Morey as does anyone who is privileged to study and work with Jen.

As conversations on street corners usually go, we then begin to share our own educational journeys. Rebbetzin Jaeger spoke of her dear mother Rebbetzin Freifeld, a”h, a teacher, who, for a time, worked in the venerable Bais Yaakov school, Esther Schoenfeld on the Lower East Side –my school, my teacher.

I loved Rebbetzin Freifeld; we all did! During her brilliant lessons, she took us on magical Torah journeys that engaged and

Whatever else Morrie accomplished in his life, the impact he made on Mitch is what resonated for both in their lifetimes. I suggest that you take a moment to dwell on the great teachers you have had in your past, contact with them (the internet makes it simpler), and catch up on your lives.

When running into a former student, there is so much joy in learning who they have become and what they are doing.

My Kushner staff devoured Tuesdays With Morrie; a teacher imparts more than

subject content, through each lesson the teacher invests another small piece of him or herself into the relationship. For the teacher, there is very little real time expectation in return. The teacher-student dividends are reaped in the student’s future. I have had different mentors on my educational journey as a leader. Each one of them helped me grow a little more; “Asai lecha rav.”

Principal Edward Solomon was a very tall, smart man with bushy grey eyebrows that almost reached his forehead; those eyebrows talked. He was one of the first to encourage me to aim higher than the classroom. He helped me to understand that when I fought for what I perceived as justice to take care not to stand fighting alone.

“Barbara, a leader needs followers. Don’t find yourself at the head of the line swinging the sword of justice and look back only to find that there is no one standing with you.”

Mr. Solomon is gone, as are many who I have turned to for guidance; I thank them from my heart. I never regretted following sage advice that turned out to be good for me. I didn’t always listen.

In Israel, every day you meet someone from your past. Just yesterday, I was asked, “Do you know everyone?”

Barbara Deutsch is the former associate principal at HANC, middle school principal at Kushner, and Dean of Students at Yeshiva of Flatbush. A not-retired educator, she is trying to figure out life in Israel through reflections on navigating the dream of aliyah as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

The story of Purim is one of unlikely heroes – figures who stood up against the odds to defend the Jewish people, often at great personal risk. In that spirit, the life of Lt. Colonel John Henry Patterson, a non-Jewish British officer who became a fierce champion of Jewish self-defense, is a modern-day example of the courage and dedication we celebrate on this holiday.

Tucked beside Jerusalem’s Orient Hotel in the German Colony is a small street honoring Lt. Colonel John Henry Patterson. I was intrigued: who was this man and what did he do to merit a street name? By the time I finished researching his life, I had only one question: why is there only one street in the country named after this hero of Israel?

Patterson was a man of many talents – engineer, author, big-game hunter, and decorated soldier. But above all, he was a passionate Zionist. Patterson’s devotion to the Jewish people was so deep that his final wish was to be buried in Israel alongside the men he once commanded. That request was fulfilled 67 years after his passing when he and his wife were reinterred in Avichail, a moshav founded by his former soldiers.

During World War I, Patterson was

My Israel Home The Godfather of the Israeli Army

By Gedaliah Borvick

appointed the commander of the British Army’s all-Jewish Zion Mule Corps and later the 38th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers – better known as the Jewish Legion. These were the first Jewish military units in 2,000 years. Patterson was chosen for these positions due to his biblical scholarship and knowledge of Jewish history, which led to his champi-

paign, while the Jewish Legion helped drive the Turks from Palestine under General Allenby. Many of Patterson’s men went on to become leaders of the Yishuv’s paramilitary forces, which were the predecessors of the modern Israel Defense Forces.

After the war, Patterson continued to dedicate himself to the Zionist cause,

up to become the legendary commander killed in the daring Entebbe rescue.

At John Henry Patterson’s reinternment ceremony in 2014, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Patterson was the commander of the first Jewish fighting force in nearly two millennia. And as such, he can be called the godfather of the Israeli army.”

Patterson’s devotion to the Jewish people was so deep that his final wish was to be buried in Israel alongside the men he once commanded.

Just as Mordechai and Esther understood that Jewish survival depends on taking action, Patterson grasped the importance of Jewish self-defense long before the State of Israel existed. May we be inspired by his legacy and by the heroes of Purim to stand firm in the defense of our people and our homeland.

oning the Zionist cause. He wasn’t just a commander of the first Jewish military units in nearly two millennia, he was also a fierce advocate for his soldiers, standing up against the antisemitism rampant in the British army, even at the cost of his own promotions.

Patterson’s units fought with distinction. The Zion Mule Corps played a crucial role in the brutal Gallipoli cam-

working closely with Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Jabotinsky, in awe of his dedication, once said, “Never in Jewish history has there been in our midst a Christian friend of his penetration and devotion.” Patterson later formed a deep friendship with Jabotinsky’s disciple Benzion Netanyahu, who named his first son Yonatan in honor of him and the baby’s grandfather Natan. That child, Yoni Netanyahu, grew

Gedaliah Borvick will be in NY/NJ the week of March 17 th for private meetings and public presentations. Contact him at gborvick@gmail.com for details.

Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.myisraelhome. com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@gmail.com.

Patterson in 1922 Patterson’s resting place in Israel

In my capacity as a television show host, I have seen and heard a lot. But nothing prepared me for the statement of Shir, daughter of recently released hostage Keith Siegal, who survived 484 days of captivity and joined his wife Aviva, who was also held hostage for 51 days.

I was certain that Shir, like the emotional relatives of other released captives, had come to the Channel 14 studio to call on viewers to support the hostage deal at any cost. I admit: I struggle with that. On the one hand, after all they’ve been through, they have the right to say whatever is on their mind. But on the other hand, don’t those who think differently also have that same right? Not to say everything, but to disagree slightly? To raise questions and concerns? To suggest other ways to free captives? But we are forbidden from uttering a word. Ask anyone who tried to raise the topic of the danger of releasing thousands of terrorists.

I was mulling this in my mind when suddenly she said, “I think that one of the things that helped my father cope, and that made him come back home –

Israel Today Captives of Valor

By Yedidya Meir

not only alive but much stronger than I remember him – was faith. ... I think that there in captivity, his connection to Judaism became much stronger. Out of the 484 days that my father was there, for half the time he was completely alone, locked in a room. On the rare occasions when he was around people, they spoke only Arabic. And of course, he sought Jewish identity, but it was hard to find. So, he found it in small prayers he began to say, in blessings over food, in ‘borei minei mezonot,’ which he’d never said before. And ‘Shema Yisrael,’ which he had never said in his life.

“He said that what really strengthened him was taking a moment to recall that he was a Jew and that there is meaning to the fact that he is part of the Jewish people. After my father returned, I asked him: ‘What would you like us to do at our first Friday night meal together?’ I imagined he would say some special dish that he likes, but he said, ‘You know what I really, really want? A kippah and a cup for Kiddush.’

“That surprised me! I think there is something to being not just in enemy territory, but in a place where they intention-

ally try to tear you from your identity, and exactly in that place, a person decides, ‘I will maintain my identity.’ He protected himself, and by protecting himself, in my eyes, he protected all of us.”

When I returned home from the broadcast, I watched the interview again to make sure I hadn’t imagined it. Well, not only had I not imagined it, but upon re-watching, I noticed inspiring things that I hadn’t caught during the program.

I remember the wonder that passed through my mind during the interview when she said that her father made the mezonot blessing. What made him say that? I can understand “Shema Yisrae,”, the most significant Jewish text. Generations of Jews gave up their lives with these words on their lips. But “Borei minei mezonot ”? Without detracting from their importance, what does a secular kibbutznik from Kfar Aza have to do with blessings over food?

Footage of Keith Siegal meeting with Shai Graucher and Rabbi Moshe Sheiner, who came to Israel at the head of a group of Jews from the Palm Beach community in Florida, provided the answer.

Keith told them: “I started to make a blessing before eating, ‘Hamotzi lechem min ha’artez.’ We had a piece of bread with every meal. It was the first thing I would eat, after saying the blessing. I didn’t know any other blessings but then I heard someone say on TV, ‘Borei minei mezonot” – is that right?”

Keith continued in explanation: “They allowed me to watch some Israeli TV. I think they were talking there about good places to eat in Tel Aviv. So, someone there on the program, before he ate, I don’t know what, said, ‘Baruch ata … borei minei mezonot.” So, I blessed Hamotzi before eating pita and Mezonot before I ate other things because I thought that was right. It was the only thing I knew. It turns out it wasn’t exactly right...”

When I saw this , I thought what a shame it was that Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach passed away more than 30 years ago, and we didn’t get to hear the story from his mouth. I can just imagine him relating this story about Rabbi Keith-Borei-Minei-Mezonot accompanied by his guitar…

But I think we need to realize that we live in a reality that is no less moving than any Carlebach story. We need only to open our heart (and to close it when necessary, not to allow ourselves to become confused by how the media tells the story). Because, what’s the story here?

The Jewish people are returning to G-d, to their identity. Listen to the words of the captives. As they emerge from Gaza, they tell us how the prayers, mitzvot and good deeds that we sent them from here crossed the border, descended to the depths of the dark tunnels where they were held, and affected them in real time.

Omer Shem Tov from Herzliya, who began to observe Shabbat in captivity, posted his first post adorned with tefillin. The first line was intended for G-d: “Creator of the world, thank You for being with me at every moment.” Later he added: “I felt your prayers and even in the darkness I had light.” And just that evening, Danielle Gilboa reported how she and her friends made Kiddush in captivity and were afraid to pray in Hebrew so they taught themselves to sing “Shalom Aleichem” in Arabic.

On that same day, a sefer Torah was brought l’ilui nishmat Ori Danino, Hy”d. When Eli Cohen returned from captiv-

ity, he reported that this was Ori’s last request, that a Torah scroll be brought in his name.

A week earlier, we saw the picture of Sasha Troufanov, who apparently received zero Jewish education and who, the day after his release, asked to lay tefillin for the first time in his life.

to lay tefillin and to perform Havdalah. Wearing the tefillin, he said in a video: “Inside, we are a very, very strong people, and what unites us is faith — faith in G-d. For me, personally, that is what saved me, and thanks to G-d I am back here after captivity. Apparently, I needed to correct a few things.

“He said that what really strengthened him was taking a moment to recall that he was a Jew and that there is meaning to the fact that he is part of the Jewish people.”

But let’s say that’s the younger generation. We recognize this trend among the youth wherever they are. Not only captives from Gaza, also high school students at Ohel Shem in Ramat Gan. But now we are hearing stories in this spirit also from adults in kibbutzim. Aside from Keith Siegel, Ohad Ben Ami, a member of Kibbutz Be’eri, returned from captivity a few days ago and asked for two things:

“My message to the people of Israel: our faith is what unites us, and it is also what gives us strength in moments when we [here he stops for a moment, looking like someone who remembers the horrors of captivity] are the most humiliated, the most crushed...” After he removed the tefillin, he asked to perform Havdalah —on a Monday — because that was what gave him strength in captivity.

I wanted to end the column here, with the influence of our prayers on reality and in the wonderful stories about the awakening of Jewish souls, even those that seems the most distant. We are witness to a new genre of heroic stories of spiritual valor being written. And then, just before my deadline, I received the following email from the Tachover family of the Neve community in southern Israel: “Hello Yedidia. In our settlement of Neve, there was an initiative to increase zechuyot for the sake of the captives. Families that were interested in taking part ‘adopted’ a captive and took on a goal of chizuk on his behalf. My wife and I and our seven children received the name of Keith Shmuel ben Gladys (Keith Siegal) and chose to take upon ourselves to make brachot out loud. We hung up a Bristol board with his name and each time someone said a bracha with kavanah, we added another sticker. We were overjoyed to hear about Keith’s release. And then we heard your interview with Keith’s daughter where she said that her father began to make brachot in captivity. To think that we and he were strengthened in exactly the same matter. Even now, as I write this to you, I am tearing up…”

The Wandering Jew Hawaii

By Hershel Lieber

Hawaii was the last state to become part of the United States. It became America’s 50th state in 1959. For Pesi and me, Hawaii was the 47th state that we visited. We traveled to its capital, Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, in mid-May of 2019. We were there just for a week and did not have a chance to see Maui, the most heavenly of the main eight islands, nor Hawai’i, the island best known for its volcanoes. Nevertheless, Oahu was incredibly beautiful and provided us with many sights to see and experience.

We arrived on Monday, May 13 in the early afternoon after a rather relaxing eleven-hour-plus flight. We checked into the Ala Moana Hotel, which was centrally

located in downtown Honolulu near the famed Waikiki Beach, and made our way to a nearby supermarket to shop for fruit,

along Meal Mart ready-made dinners, tuna, cheese and crackers. The supermarket did have many products with

The contrasting beige sandy beaches and aquamarine oceans with rocky protrusions complemented each other for a perfect natural treat that is Hashem’s gift to mankind.

vegetables and drinks. Pesi was especially impressed with the luscious papayas, mangoes and avocadoes. We had brought

kosher certification but understandably less of a variety than the lower 48 states. The main thing we accomplished that

day was to make arrangements with the hotel’s concierge to book tours and activities for the next three days.

The next morning, we joined a bus that took us to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Center, which was about one hour from our hotel, is divided into distinct villages depicting the life and culture of six major Polynesian peoples. There are over one hundred performers involved in transmitting to visitors the songs, dances, arts and crafts, sports, culinary skills, fashion and family life of these indigenous people. We spent a good five hours learning, being entertained and visually inspired by the ingenuity of Polynesia. Our interest in this attraction was something that we never would have

With sailors at Pearl Harbor USS Battleship Missouri Honolulu Harbor

Roadside views Pesi at Poynesian Village

The Pacific Ocean, perfect for divers and surfers

expected to appeal to us to that degree.

On Wednesday, we went on a tenhour tour of the island. We made many stops at cliffsides with gorgeous ocean views. We visited Kualoa Ranch, where we took a one-hour viewmobile tour which gave us views of lush valleys surrounded by green bedecked mountains. The contrasting beige sandy beaches and aquamarine oceans with rocky protrusions complemented each other for a perfect natural treat that is Hashem’s gift to mankind. We stopped at a Macadamia farm which is Hawaii’s contribution to the world of nuts. Our last stop was at the over one-hundred-year-old Dole Planta-

tion. There we got to see acres and acres of pineapples in various stages of growth. We also saw the factory which packages pineapples into the various products that we see on our supermarket shelves. We also enjoyed an ice-cold pure pineapple slush.

On Thursday, we treated ourselves to a city tour which was followed by a somber visit to Pearl Harbor. The Japanese surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Pacific Fleet on December 7, 1941 propelled the United States into World War II. It was also the harbinger of the final defeat of the Axis powers of Germany and Japan in May of 1945. Yet the story of the

attack, the loss of over 2,400 lives, and the total unpreparedness of the United States was a shock which will live in the annals of American history. We boarded the USS Missouri, the battleship where the armistice was signed on September 2, 1945, and were awed by the history that engulfed us. The USS Arizona Memorial to the sunken ship is also the resting place for over 1,100 sailors and marines. Though we as Jews and children of survivors have been exposed to the horrors of the Holocaust, nonetheless both of us were emotionally shaken during our tour.

On Friday, we only had touring plans for the morning hours. We went to the

Iolani Palace, the royal residence of Hawaii’s last monarch, King Kalakaua. It was quite interesting to learn about the royal family and the kingdom which lasted until 1898 when the United States annexed the islands. We then went to see the ultra-modern State Capitol which exhibited many modern art paintings and sculptures. Then we headed back to our hotel to get ready for Shabbos.

As usual in many of our travels, Chabad was our home away from home. In Honolulu, we enjoyed an added bonus. Our hotel, the Ala Moana, had rented out a beautiful wing which was formerly a restaurant or nightclub to Chabad,

Pacific cliffs

View of the Pacific

Swimming at Waimanalo Beach

so all we had to do is walk down a couple of flights to enter the Chabad Shul. We also reserved our seudos with them, which were located in the same building. Although we had a number of phone conversations before our trip, it was only Friday night at Kabbalas Shabbos when we met Rabbi Itchel and Rebbetzin Pearl Krasnjansky. They are a lovely couple and have made Yiddishkeit thrive for locals and tourists alike. We spent a lot of time talking during the seudah and interacted with some of their congregants as well. On Shabbos morning, I was the baal tefillah and was honored with an aliyah. At the seudah, Rav Itchel asked me to speak, and we joined a smaller group for Shalosh Seudos. After Shabbos, as is common in some Chabad shuls,

there was a showing of a video of one of the Rebbe’s zt”l, farbrengen.

On Sunday, we went to Honolulu’s Museum of Art, an activity that we usually enjoy a lot. We spent over two hours there. In the early evening, we walked around the Waikiki Beach boardwalk glimpsing the world-famous clear-blue waters rushing onto the white sand. The curved beachfront is famous for surfing, and we noticed many surfers riding the waves.

Monday was our last full day in Hawaii. We rented a car and headed out to explore the island on our own. We stopped for photo opportunities at the most stunning sights, and I was able to go swimming at the deserted Waimanalo Beach. The current was light. The water

was crystal clear and warm. The sand was soft. There were palm trees which provided plenty of shade. Though both Pesi and I are not so fond of swimming, I could not resist the temptation to try this beach, and I was not disappointed.

Our final stop was Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens. It was truly the apex of our trip. There are eight different tropical gardens showcasing plants from Polynesia and southeast Asia. There are nature trails and a score of different breeds of birds within the breathtaking scenery of the Koolau Mountain Range. We drove along a stunning road with frequent stops to take pictures.

We left Hawaii on Tuesday afternoon. We took along with us memories and photos of Hashem’s beautiful world. Fortunately, we were blessed to see a glimpse of “Gan Eden.”

Hershel Lieber has been involved in kiruv activities for over 30 years. As a founding member of the Vaad L’Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel he has traveled with his wife, Pesi, to the Soviet Union during the harsh years of the Communist regimes to advance Yiddishkeit. He has spearheaded a yeshiva in the city of Kishinev that had 12 successful years with many students making Torah their way of life. In Poland, he lectured in the summers at the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation camp for nearly 30 years. He still travels to Warsaw every year – since 1979 – to be the chazzan for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur for the Jews there. Together with Pesi, he organized and led trips to Europe on behalf of Gateways and Aish Hatorah for college students finding their paths to Jewish identity. His passion for travel has taken them to many interesting places and afforded them unique experiences. Their open home gave them opportunities to meet and develop relationships with a variety of people. Hershel’s column will appear in The Jewish Home on a bi-weekly basis.

Pesi with Rebbetzin Pearl

With Rav Itchel Krasnjansky

Koolau Mountain Range

By tjh Staff

Biden Official Library

In a real snoozer of a story, the Peninsula Public Library is now becoming the Joe Biden Official Library. The library will house all of Biden’s important presidential documents, such as the cheat sheets that he was often seen with at events: “Mr. President, if you need to go to the bathroom, please wait until you are done the press conference.” “Mr. President, please don’t bite the baby!”

Now that the library – featuring nap zones and pudding cup vending machines – is the official Joe Biden Library, all illegal aliens are welcome to join. No, I’m not talking about the Far Rockaway people that somehow get Peninsula Library cards. Not those illegal aliens. I shouldn’t begrudge the Far Rockaway people

anyway. They have a point: Peninsula Public Library. There is no such thing as the Peninsula, so why can’t Far Rockaway be part of the non-existent Village of Peninsula? We should stretch the Peninsula!

That’s the next school dinner motto: “We expand your child’s horizons in Yiddishkeit; we stretch their peninsula.”

You can’t really blame the schools for these dinner mottos – they’re scraping the bottom of the barrel. There are over 100 yeshiva dinners a year, which means that in the last 10 years alone, we’ve racked up more than 1,000 different mottos. Statistically, whatever slogan your kid’s school picked isn’t even cracking the top thousand. Congratulations! Your kid goes to the best school…with the absolute worst motto.

Once you’re in “Stretch the Peninsula” territory, maybe it’s time to admit defeat and stop with the mottos altogether. If I were running a dinner, the motto would be simple: “I’m working so hard on your kid’s chinuch, I don’t have time to cram my entire life’s mission onto a bumper sticker.” Now that’s something you can be proud not to stick on your minivan.

Peninsula Public Library was picked as the Biden Official Library because of one outstanding feature: when you walk into Peninsula Public library, it’s 1997!

It’s the only place that is authentically still pre-millennium.

They still make announcements about penalty fees if you don’t rewind video tapes before you return them.

Kathy Hochul is now one of the librarians, and she’s proposing a congestion pricing program for the Shakespeare aisle because, apparently, three

people have walked through it in the last four years. Definitely a hot zone.

The toll was supposed to be $4 per stroll, but she generously lowered it by a dollar, proudly announcing she’s “putting a dollar back in everyone’s pocket!” Thanks, Hochul. What am I supposed to do with that? Even the meshulachim in shul won’t take a dollar anymore. One guy practically threw it back at me and said, “Get back to me when you’ve got Venmo.”

The Library, powered by floppy discs and fax machines, is also going to feature a state-of-the-art library infirmary headed by world renowned book surgeon Dr. Jill Biden.

Dr. Jill employs a specialized adhesion methodology, utilizing precision-applied archival-grade bonding agents to meticulously reconnect and stabilize compromised cellulose fibers within the deteriorating paper matrix. In other words, she uses scotch tape to repair ripped pages.

Around the community

(“OK, the surgery went really well. The book is recovering now. He may be a bit groggy for the next several hours. He’ll be more like ‘Marvin K. Mooney, get out of my face!’” By the way what did Marvin K. Mooney do that was so bad? Did he forget his wife’s birthday or something? “Marvin just leave. Go. I don’t want to talk about it now.” Doghouse!)

The official Biden Library will also proudly showcase Hunter Biden’s exclusive paint-by-number art collection. However, due to overwhelming demand, the exhibit will be displayed off-site at the nearby highend, finely curated Dollar Tree, where culture meets clearance.

For just $1.25 (inflation. Thanks, Dad!), you can take home a limited-edition Hunter original, conveniently located next to the kosher chicken soup-flavored cookies and off-brand Febreze.

The Trump administration is also making its mark in the Five Towns. Pete Hegseth was recently spotted jogging directly down the double yellow lines of Central Avenue.

“Is it really so important for people to see you jog that you’re willing to risk getting flattened by a minivan full of 12th grade girls on their way to Fame?” one bystander asked.

But honestly, with Pete Hegseth’s majestic head of hair, he could easily pass for a dude from Hewlett; he just needs to swap his sneakers for a pair of Ferragamo loafers and start debating which sushi place has the best spicy tuna.

But the real reason that Hegseth is in town is because DOGE decided to shut down the Pentagon (Darchei is leasing it for their sixth grade) and rent space in the White Shul, which is the only other pentagon-shaped building in the U.S. Well, it’s not exactly a pentagon, but then again, it’s not exactly white, either. Pentagon officials are absolutely thrilled to bring the U.S. Armed Forces to the Pentagon Shul.

“It just makes strategic sense,” said one general, while adjusting his tefillin. He explained the moment they knew it was a perfect fit: when they joined a Mincha/Maariv minyan and Naftali Solomon, of 1-877-Kars-4-Kids fame, stood up and bellowed, “Shut your phone ringer or I’ll shoot you!” The generals immediately respected the chain of command, and the Rules of Engagement now include “No phones during chazaras hashatz.”

One of the key conditions of the lease was that the White Shul gets to install a giant Kippah Seruga right on its roof. That’s right, now we’re officially in the shtachim, baby!

The U.S. Army didn’t blink; they agreed – on one

condition. They get to park their tanks in all the “No Parking Anytime” zones of the lot.

One Israel Fund announced that will be arranging tours of the Pentagon Shul with radio host Sid Rosenberg.

Elon Musk of DOGE has also been spending lots of time in the Five Towns. He is here to recruit Rambam kids to the DOGE team and to check for wasteful spending at Costco. In fact, Elon himself (with his son, of course) was recently seen checking receipts in Costco, after which he declared, “Buying a 76-pack of muffins is probably a bit of a waste of money, unless you are trying suicide by muffin, which is a pretty crummy way to go!”

Musk actually called out my wife for buying me the 87 th sweater that I’ll never wear.

Why won’t I wear it? Because I’m not down with wearing “a Kirkland.”

There is a middle ground between Aviator Nation and Kirkland.

A battery-powered Kirkland sweatshirt…so I can get electrocuted when my doofus friend thinks it’s funny to throw me in the pool? I’m not doing that. Anyway, it was a complete marriage of proximity between Kirkland battery and Kirkland sweatshirt. Real chassidish there; nicely done. Mitzvah tantz in the paper towel aisle.

The truth is that my wife is not the only one who is addicted to buying random clothing items from Costco that nobody will ever use. In fact, you are not Jewish if you don’t have at least three Costco garments (PJs, always need PJs) with their poor, mangled hangers crushed in the back of your Honda Odyssey.

On the inside of your Odyssey trunk, you have the crushed garments; on the outside, you have an “I Crush It With Chasdei Lev” bumper sticker.

Broken on the inside; crushing it on the outside. Welcome to the Five Towns!

I am just joking. The Five Towns is a very healthy place both on the inside and the outside –especially now that everyone is on Ayahuasca and Ozempic!

Musk was shocked about the amount of water that Five Towns people buy at Costco. Even though he has eleven kids, he doesn’t realize that many houses in the Five Towns have a one sip rule – you are only allowed to take one sip out of the water bottle and then you are on to the next one. “One sip, everyone knows the rules… Hmm, this water tases quite similar to the last 18 bottles of water that I opened and took one sip out of.”

DOGE also held a groundbreaking ceremony – literally – near the Van Wyck after discovering that the same 200 feet of road has been under “construction” and “destruction” on an endless loop for the past 20 years, costing taxpayers $13 billion and 106 million lost innings at Citi Field. Their official recommendation? The Gaza plan: get rid of the whole thing and create the Queens Riviera.

Musk was very impressed with the Five Towns Giveaway Chat, though. He liked that people recycled their used games of Sorry from 1981. Interestingly, while he was in town, one lady asked on the giveaway chat if anyone has Musk’s phone number. Hello, lady, this is a giveaway chat with thousands of people. You just made us all stop our busy day to ponder the sheer stupidity of your question. Let’s walk you through this. If I had his number, do you think I’d post it to you on this chat, especially after you asked for it on

the giveaway chat?

The giveaway chat, though, is really a great equalizer. It helps to realize that I’m not the only one with too many $3 serving trays and a wobbly challah board that’s missing two screws.

According to DOGE, the average Five Towns person is on 67 different communal chats. Forty-three of those are Ari Dicker Kalahari chats – the Kalahari During Yotzros Break chat; Kalahari for Shiva Asar B’Tammuz chat; Kalahari When You Are Waiting For Your Wife To Finish Shopping chat. Can someone please just get this guy a pool or a sprinkler?!

I had to go to therapy after I posted on the wrong Kalahari chat. I was told in no uncertain terms that my family won’t be invited back for the next getaway between Mincha and Maariv.

Because of the memeologist, I needed a psychologist.

After I was thrown off of all the Kalahari chats, I ended up just going to Peninsula Public Library, I mean, the Biden Official Library. I then treated myself to a salad at Kamala’s Word Salads, which opened at the former Amazing Savings location on Central Avenue.

Around the community

Kamala’s restaurant is the first in the Five Towns that’s rooted in equity, equality, and extra croutons. At the grand opening, Kamala stood at the podium – made entirely of sustainably harvested cucumbers – and announced, “America is a salad made of lettuce, onions and cucumbers, thus a salad. We must rise to this moment, this moment in time when it is salad time, in time, in this moment.”

The manager of Kamala’s Word Salad Bar is former CNBC anchor Joy Reid. One of the reasons for the hire is because many Orthodox publications that don’t publish photographs of women have made a special ex-

ception for Joy Reid. This gives Kamala’s Word Salad more advertising opportunities.

According to the Vaad, Doug Emhoff, who was the very incapable Second Gentleman of the U.S., will be the official lettuce checker and will make the vegetables unburdened by bugs. He will be assisted in the kitchen by Tim Walz, who, along with his wife, has “turned the page” on bread and fattening food and is all in for healthy living.

Although there is much disagreement between the Trump administration and the Democrats, Trump Cabinet member and Health & Human Services Department head Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stopped by Kamala’s Salads to talk about the importance of eating healthy and spoke in a "clear voice" about health.

Trump officials were also in town for some notable renaming ceremonies. Empire Avenue in Far Rockaway is being renamed Trump Empire Avenue. Broadway is being renamed Slimmed Down Way. Nassau Expressway is being renamed SpaceX Expressway; Brookville Boulevard is being renamed The Atlantic Ocean. The Belt Parkway is being renamed the Need A New Belt Parkway; the Van Wyck Expressway is being named The Afghanistan Expressway. Central Avenue is being renamed Hachayim V’Hashalom Alley, and Washington Avenue is being renamed Second Best President Washington Avenue.

Many of the officials in town have been seen recently at the Rebbe’s Ohel in Rosedale. Ever since Donald J. Trump visited the Ohel before the 2024 election, it has become a hot spot for politicians. Even Chris Christie was recently seen there.

In other news, there is a temporary shortage of cookies at the Rebbe’s Ohel.

Although some politicians have been trying to gain an upper hand by proving that they are more pro-

Chabad than their adversaries, Chabad has tried to stay above politics and released a statement through Rabbi Berel Lazar, “Мы

The Coming Hachaim Vehashalom Apocalypse

A local lawyer is seeking anyone who was planning on davening at Hachaim Vehashalom (HVH) at the 12:45 a.m. Maariv on February 9. Signs clearly state that minyanim go till 1 a.m. but there was less than a quorum (yes, I’m from West Hempstead), and the 1 a.m. Maariv was cancelled.

Some people assert that there was no Maaariv because of the Super Bowl that evening which left many in popper-induced comas. HVH lawyers claim it was because of the Obadia brothers’ trip to Morrocco celebrating the hillulah of Chacham Falafellafa. By this chacham’s hillulah, they have a special minhag: they eat a lot of chummus, even more than the usual amount that they eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Attorney Gabe Solomon, representing HVH, passionately defended the Obadias, stating, “This has absolutely nothing to do with football—these Moroccans couldn’t tell a football from a kibbeh if you deep-fried it and served it with techina!”

However, the plaintiff’s attorneys are demanding that Mr. Solomon recuse himself on the grounds that he’s from Iraq, which is geographically kind of near Morocco. Therefore, they argue, he’s clearly biased… and possibly related. The jury is still out, mostly because they’re stuck in traffic on the Van Wyck. This scandal comes despite a lot of success for

Tom Homan’

Around the community

HVH. Because of HVH, every kid in this neighborhood now associates davening with slushees. (I didn’t say “sushi,” I said “slushee,” you gluttonous thing. Weren’t you supposed to be on Ozempic anyway?)

To celebrate Hachaim Vehashalom’s successful year, they gave out 6,000 vials of techina blessed by Chacham Falafellaffa.

The King of Morocco also sent a prestigious gift to HVH—a priceless family heirloom: the doorknob from his royal outhouse back when he lived as a Bedouin in the desert without running water. After a brief display on the shul entrance door (next to the tzedakah box shaped like a camel), they took it down for preservation. Now they just use it to mix the cholent on Thursday night.

Oops, I just gave away the secret. When your husband “goes to shul” on Thursday night and somehow Maariv takes 90 minutes, he’s not davening extra slow with kavana. He’s elbows-deep in cholent and washing it down with doughnuts from Doma.

Don’t like it?

Fine, let’s make a deal—you go to shul three times a day, every day, rain, snow, or Hurricane Milhouse. Trust me, your husband earned that bowl…and the second bowl, too!

Besides, if the women can go out shopping in Cedarhurst every day and buy whatever they want—another sheitel, a seventeeth pair of white sneakers, or a throw pillow that says “Live, Laugh, Lashon Hara”— then the men should be able to go to HVH every day and buy whatever they want. Whether it’s an HVH hat,

an HVH sweatshirt, or a limited-edition HVH vial of techina (blessed by Chacham Falafellaffa himself), it’s all fair game. Equal rights, equal swag.

Hachaim Vehashalom is so wildly successful, they’re expanding one building at a time.

That’s right, Cedarhurst shoppers, brace yourselves. The Sephardi cholent eaters are taking over.

It’s a slow-cooked apocalypse!

One day, it’s another minyan room. The next day, it’s a full-blown hummus factory with valet parking. Stock up on pita now. By next year, the whole Central Avenue might just be one giant Hachaim Vehashalom conga line.

This way, they will have room for all types of minyanim: the “yes-Birchas-Kohanim no-tachnun chatzi-kaddish minyan” and the “no-birchas-Kohanim yes-tachnun three-quarter-kaddish minyan.”

Don’t worry about it, even when there are different rooms for every type of minyan, there will still be wheels on the wall to spin, just for fun. Nobody listens to their spin anyway. Everyone seems to daven whichever nusach they choose, despite their spin.

Why is the spinnner even there if you don’t listen?

Well, men need something to space out about in shul while waiting for the chazzen to start chazaras hashatz… Wheel of Fortune slot machines do it for me, I guess.

Why don’t they put up a picture of Chacham Fallafellaffa, and I’ll get to space out about a good meal, at least.

store, there will be fewer places left to shop on Central Avenue.

Soon, the entire Five Towns will be powered by minyanim and cholent fumes. Which means everyone will have to rely on Amazon even more.

The shopping you squeeze in at night after the shopping you do during the day? Yeah, you’re gonna have to do that shopping during the day, too. Time to build out your teams—quadruple your orders and synchronize your return strategies.

Before long, every driveway will have its own dedicated Amazon truck, blasting bad Spanish rap on repeat. On the bright side, you’ll never have trouble finding a Shabbos goy again.

As the HVH apocalypse slowly takes over, store by

As it is, you buy and return so many things from Amazon that you basically are keeping the post office afloat. You have more tape in your house than Dr. Jill Biden, and your poor husband spends a precious eight extra minutes in his day bringing boxes to the post office.

I know pre-postage is paid and I’m supposed to just put it down, but it’s hard because the frum lady in the line (she’s the only person in the line but she knows where to stand because there’s a rope) is waiting to see if I have the audacity to cut the line. But it’s not really cutting the line! I pre-paid, so please don’t give me that look!

Yes, you think women are complicated. Men will think 16 times before they do something that reminds people that they are men.

That’s what we do; we cut lines.

In fact, I like going to the post office, because I can cut the line.

PESACH IN SYRIA UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

CHAZZAN SHARABI

Around the community

I think that if we pre-pay our tuition, we should also get to cut the line! But I think it’s more like “congratulations, since you prepaid your tuition, you get to have to pay another sixteen scholarships!”

Hachaim Vehashalom is hosting its first annual Kibbeh and Lachmagine Contest, and they managed to find the only person in town still weighing more than 180 pounds to judge it. These days, with half the Five Towns on Ozempic, Under 5-10 had no choice but to rebrand as Under 180. People have dropped so much weight, they’re donating their old pants to be used as emergency tents in the Congo. (Shoutout to the Congo Chessed Center for organizing that drop-off. By the way, anyone around to drop off a few duffel bags at the airport?)

HVH is so popular these days, that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky was recently seen standing outside the shul with a credit card machine. And he was even wearing a hat and jacket.

You see, the problem is that the U.S. gave him the yellow vaad ha’tzedaka certificate even though he didn’t agree to wear a hat and jacket. But not here – if you want to collect in the Five Towns, you better wear that hat and jacket.

I’m sure Zelensky’s not the first person to lose money for a wardrobe catastrophe. But Zelensky didn’t just lose money; he lost $350 billion.

That is one serious wardrobe malfunction.

When my suit rips, all I have to do is go buy a new one at Karako for $140, and I get 16 shirts, 14 pants, 12 ties, 8 pairs of socks, 4 belts, 2 pairs of suspenders and 1 watch cufflinks with them. But Zelensky’s wardrobe malfunction? “Oooops, I forgot to wear my suit to the White House. There goes my $345 billion.” Now

Ukrainians will have to go get real jobs. Ukraine just ain’t Lakewood anymore!

As the HVH apocalypse expands down Central Avenue, people are becoming more excited about the prospect of Moshiach arriving. There is a mesorah going back many years that when you can get cholent, slushees, and doughnuts in shul, Moshiach is on the horizon.

New Semicha Program Comes to the Five Towns

Dirshu and its CEO Rabbi Dovid Hofstedter are facing their stiffest competition to date after a new semicha program was unveiled in the Five Towns. The new program is revolutionary and is open to all. All you have to do is “tantz ” (that means dance, for all you that daven at YILC) for 4.9 hours a day and you get semicha from TYH.

According to a psak in a recent TYH publication (siman “Hashem Loves you Even Though Everyone Else Thinks You Are ‘So So’” in seif “Be the Smile You Wish to See in Others But It Would Be Helpful If Your Teeth Weren’t So Yellow”), if while dancing you fling your hands in the air while making gun-slinging motions (Western meets Berdechev), then you only have to dance for 3.8 hours per day.

Many congregants at KMH are in this semicha program. One guest to KMH recently commented, “These people dance so much, that I got my 10,000 steps per day just by Shacharis.”

Dude, at KMH, they don’t wear Fitbits; just Hatzolah radios and guns.

Although some draw parallels between KMH and some other shuls in the neighborhood, when it comes to warfare, there’s very different attitudes.

Some shuls run seriously clandestine security operations. Bro, this ain’t exactly Raid on Entebbe. And yet, somehow, these guys look like they trained with Navy SEALs just to block the front entrance from a rogue 4-year-old who’s desperately trying to reach the bimah to snag an aufruf bag before they’re all gone.

“Ch… ch… we’ve got a breach at the main entrance!”

“Roger that! Sending reinforcements. Suspects are… repeat… several four-year-olds armed with Laffy Taffy and sticky fingers. Deploying gummy bear deterrent protocol immediately.”

“Copy. Permission to engage with plastic mechitza

barricade?”

“Affirmative. This is not a drill—repeat—not a drill. We’ve got rogue minors in full sugar rush mode.”

Honestly, all that’s missing is night vision goggles and a drone strike on the candy table.

Talking about candy and kids, now may be a good time to attend a parenting class. There is one class that meets every night for six weeks from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The main idea of the class is “How to be tuned into your kids when they need you the most.” If that particular class does not work for you, there is no shortage of classes in the Five Towns, ranging from Dancing with TYH to Tanya with Tanya approved by Tanya.

The TYH semicha program also has online shiurim in P’nimiusim, which is somewhat similar to Judaism. To unveil the new program, TYH put out a song featuring Nissim Black and Alex Claire (as part of their new duo called Clairely Black).

Critics were quick to comment on the material of the bekeshe Nissim wears on the music video which seems to be a very similar shade of green to P’nimiusim’s Twillory Bekeshe. Critics claim that P’nimiusim and Twillory are actually executing a long-planned effort to flood the Jewish world with P’nimiusim messages and specific branding. The plan consists of, among other things, music videos, pajamas, Saturday night distribution of fidget spinners, lots of merch, and too many other efforts to mention.

Bloomstein TV reporter Sucha Majestic says that the whole thing is one big joke, and everybody should just calm down and spend a few hours a day watching meaningful and inspirational unrehearsed videos on WhatsApp and stop taking life so seriously.

M I K ' A M C H A Y I S R O E L

i n s p i r a t i o n a l E s c a p e s w w w . M i - K ' A m c h Y i s r o e l . c o m

Explore MEKOMOS HAKDOSHIM

Around the community

The TYH semicha program has spread to the four corners of the Earth. In fact, Khal Nesiv Hatorah, led by Rabbi Feurst, has its own TYH programming.

The real story is that there was a rush shipment of swag because they were running short one night, and in their haste to get out an order for more light-up bracelets that say KMH, the person on the receiving end thought that the bracelets were supposed to say KNH. Well, nothing is coincidence (see TYH siman “If Hashem Put You There You Are Supposed to Be There…that Includes You, Guy Stuck on The 878 Behind the Car That Doesn’t Realize You Are Allowed To Make a Right On Red”), so it must be that people in KNH were supposed to wear the swag.

they have the best cholent in town, and you are still not fleshings after eating it. And Sulitz is also the most Zionist shul in the neighborhood—they even have a big picture of the Kosel in the shul. And Rabbi Pesach Lerner of Eretz HaKodesh davens there!

[This all sounds way too realistic. In order to be funny, you need to write things that are exaggerations, things that everyone knows never happened.-Ed.]

In other news, on Rosh Chodesh Adar, TYH had a parade down Central Avenue and at five other locations throughout the tri-state area.

The parade route passed all of the local pizza shops— Central Pizza Co., David’s Pizza, Pizzaleh, Hachaim Vehashalom, Cork and Slice, Upper Crust…

that a thank you.”

Seriously, he would have considered it a "personal" thank you.

Bottom Feeders Central

The first annual Influencer Night Out took place in Smash Burger last week. Each of the influencers posted a pucker-faced picture of themselves in a selfie with a smashburger.

Some resisted the swag at first, but they quickly realized that the people who wear it are just happier. KNH has become so influenced by KMH that this year they are having A-list entertainment at their own Tisha B’Av concert.

Yeshiva Far Rockaway, however, is holding out. They are just normal. They are so normal that THEY are actually normal.

There is one organization that tries to extract poor victims out of So Normal Yeshiva Far Rockaway: Beis Peretz. With its disguise as a 10:45 a.m. Shabbos minyan that celebrates beer battered cholent, Beis Peretz is actually a clandestine operation to give safe harbor to YFR students that are trying to exit being so normal.

Supposedly, in the near future, Beis Peretz will be starting their own TYH semicha program. When that happens, instead of having to answer 1,500 shailos a day, Rabbi Tzvi Yaakov Stein will have to answer 15,000 shailos a day on his Apple Watch. (Rabbi Stein, I made a kabbala to listen to the new TYH song of the day for 40 days straight, but I realized after shkiyah that the song I listened to today was just a remix of the song that they put out yesterday. Do I have to start all over again?”)

Of course, the TYH semicha program is offered in Sulitz. The maggid shiur is Harav Moshe Mandel, shlita, who is a TYH musmach of the finest degree.

Many prefer to do their TYH studies in Sulitz because that is one shul that knows how to do things right: they have a rabbi who speaks a language they don’t understand;

Vice Pres. JD Vance was a featured guest on the parade route, not because of his official position, but because of his completely KMH name: JD!

“JD is a big tzaddik…”

At one point, JD hopped off the TYH float to grab a coffee in Crawfords. He asked for a coffee with bacon, but the TYHers explained to JD that in our community we don’t have bacon with our coffee… because this is not the Appalachia!

JD spoke about the power of Thank You Hashem. He asked, “Have you even said thank you once? Do you want to be like Zelensky? Who wants to help Zelensky? Nobody! Because he doesn’t say thank you. Instead of that silly green sweatshirt of his, he should have come to the White House in a Thank You Hashem sweatshirt. Pres. Trump would have considered

In honor of Influencers Night Out, they had a special raffle. This time, the raffle was for something unique. Something very special. Something once you have you can’t live without: smash therapy!

This new therapy modality has gained a wide following ever since some famous Hollywood stars said that this has changed their lives, moments before they overdosed on ketamine.

There is an option to do smash therapy over the phone. All it requires is for you to have some common household items with you that you can throw against the wall.

OMG, like, you can’t believe it. Like, I am going to be really vulnerable with you right now, Rene Brown style, I mean Brene...wait, Rene? Brene? Whatever, let me get to the point because I have to go get a mani, pedi. I did smash therapy, and it totally healed me of being a completely vain and empty person. Like, I am so deep now that I am qualified to take a video of myself in my car talking about life. Like, I actually think that my IQ may be slowly creeping up past the single digits.

There is a standard smash therapy package, for $299, that allows you to smash iPhones. For the upgraded package, at $599, users are given eggs to smash, with a max of three dozen per visit. And that’s no yolk.

re A ders’ Purim news

CongratulationS to our top t wo winnerS!

Elon Musk Purchases Moose Knuckles

By Koose Muckles, Associated Press

On Sunday, the owner of Tesla announced his purchase of Moose Knuckles. Elon Musk renamed it Corgi Knuckles, after his famous Department of Government Efficiency.

However, he faces backlash from the Moose Knuckles community.

“Moose Knuckles is, like, iconic,” said Sara S., a teenager on Central Avenue. “I would never wear something named after a corgi. That’s, like, so ew.”

“Long live the meese! Or is it mooses?” said Moshe W., another, teen, while buying a twenty-dollar limited edition hamantash. “Now, if he stuck a Tesla logo on it, I would wear that. I have five Teslas, and I’m getting three more on Tuesday.”

A secret society of bootleggers has emerged. They have bought out all the remaining coats with the Moose Knuckles logo and are secretly selling them out of Very Juice National Forest. They are charging $1.1 million per coat, and they are selling out faster than Kol Save’s three dollar single eggs. Reported revenue exceeds three trillion.

Mr. Musk, of course, is unhappy with this development. He is reported to own seventy thousand corgis, which he stores in the Department of Treasury basement.

“Why can’t they just see?” he told a reporter on Friday. “Corgis are far superior to any animal, especially mooses. Or is it meese?”

He decided to come down to Very Juice National Forest himself to corner these illegal bootleggers.

However, his arrival was delayed three days due to Van Wyck construction.

“Whoever’s trying to add the extra lane had better speed up, or I’ll unleash the corgis!” his chauffeur reported him saying. He was driven in a Tesla Cybertruck to blend in.

Upon his arrival in Cedarhurst, he stopped first at Gourmet Glatt, where he had heard there were Belgian artisanal sprinkles on sale for just twenty dollars a sprinkle! Rich as Elon was, he couldn’t pass up such a bargain. They would taste perfect on his son X’s ice cream.

After purchasing his essentials, he left Gourmet Glatt disguised as an employee, so the bootleggers wouldn’t be tipped off about his presence. He traveled to Very Juice National Forest and was to meet President Donald Trump, who was going on a nature hike.

Trump didn’t recognize him at first and tried to deport him.

Trump later defended his actions to a reporter. “Of course, I would try to deport him! We have millions and millions of illegals in our country!”

Musk revealed himself, and the two hatched a plan to find the illegal coats. They were about to pounce on the bootleggers’ hideout when a loud siren startled them. Elon later told reporters, “We were so startled! But it turned out it was only good old Doctor Jill!”

Dr. Jill Biden had traveled straight from the emergency room when she’d heard about the disaster. As the world’s premier doctor of literacy, she was the most qualified to deal with the crisis.

“I can’t believe it!” she exclaimed to reporters on the scene, who’d followed her from Delaware’s Literacy Hospital just for this purpose. “There is a severe epidemic! A mass infection! These poor businesspeople do not know the proper plural of moose!”

She helped the bootleggers into her ambulance before informing them that the proper plural of moose is

moose! They thanked her immensely for curing them before retreating deeper into the forest upon seeing Musk and Trump. The president and the might-aswell-be-president were furious at Dr. Biden for not restraining the criminals in her ambulance.

“I couldn’t possibly do that!” she protested, according to reporters on the scene. “I’m an aid worker! They trust me!”

Finally, with the help of the national guard, these felonists were arrested and brought to trial. However, former President Biden used his post-presidency power to pardon them.

“Of course, post-presidency pardons are a thing,” he read off a nearby teleprompter in his Delaware mansion. As for the former bootleggers? They can now be seen reluctantly wearing Corgi Knuckles coats, which look exactly the same as Moose Knuckles coats, only with a paw print instead of a hoof print.

Teenager Shira R. has embraced the phenomenon. “I’m saying, like, corgis are low key better than meese,” she commented while sporting one of the coats. “I own fourteen now, but I might get more, because it’s nerdy to own so little.”

Koose Muckles is a fifteen-year-old journalist from Cedarhurst, New York. When she isn’t writing completely factual news articles, she can be found crunching numbers in a nondescript Manhattan building.

re A ders’ Purim news

CongratulationS to our top t wo winnerS!

Purim Exclusive: Trump Relocates White House to Far Rockaway, Declares Shul Must Be White

By D. Semel

In an unprecedented turn of events, President Donald J. Trump has declared that there cannot be a White Shul in Far Rockaway without a White House to match. Taking matters into his own hands, Trump signed an executive order to move the White House from Washington, D.C., to Far Rockaway, sending shockwaves through both the Jewish community and the political world.

The order further mandates that the famous White Shul be painted white and that all congregants must wear white shirts and a kittel every single day.

“It’s gonna be tremendous. The whitest shul, the whitest clothes, the whitest everything. Nobody’s ever seen anything like it,” Trump declared in a speech at a hastily arranged press conference outside Gourmet Glatt in Cedarhurst.

However, the rabbis of Far Rockaway were less than enthusiastic about the decree.

“A kittel is for Yom Kippur, not for everyday wear! This is madness!” exclaimed the rabbi of the White Shul.

Another rabbi, speaking on condition of anonymity, lamented, “First, he tries to turn our shul into the White House, now he wants to make every day Yom Kippur? We don’t even daven that long on Shabbos!”

Trouble soon arose within the Trump household as well. Former First Lady Melania Trump, upon hearing about the plan, refused to move to Far Rockaway. “Too many airplanes. Too much noise. I did not sign up for this,” she reportedly said, referring to the constant air traffic from nearby JFK Airport.

In response, Trump announced that he would issue another executive order to remove JFK entirely. “We’re gonna get rid of it, folks. No more planes, no more noise. Just beautiful peace and quiet, the best quiet,” he promised.

Despite his determination, Melania remained unmoved—literally and figuratively. As a result, she promptly filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences regarding Queens.” Within days, Trump found a shidduch with a local Far Rockaway resident Esther Green, a well-respected community activist and rebbetz-

in-in-training. The couple’s chasunah took place with a lavish reception at The Sands in Atlantic Beach, where cholent and herring were served in gold-plated bowls.

Yet even Esther Green, now the new Mrs. Trump, was horrified by her husband’s white clothing edict and worked tirelessly to overturn it. Meanwhile, Trump, still eager to cement Far Rockaway’s place as the new capital, enlisted Thomas Homan (Haman), the border czar, to construct a massive wall separating Five Towns from Far Rockaway.

“We’re gonna keep Far Rockaway great,” Trump proclaimed. “And we’re gonna keep it exclusive. No more traffic from Woodmere clogging our streets!”

The wall sparked widespread outrage. Parents were in an uproar as students were unable to commute to their yeshivas across the border. “Our boys need their learning!” one exasperated father shouted at a town hall meeting.

Sensing the growing resistance, Esther Green stepped in once again, managing to persuade Trump to abandon both the dress code and the wall. Instead, she proposed a grand gesture: the largest yeshiva in the

world, built on the now-vacant JFK Airport site.

“If we’re going to tear down JFK, let’s at least use the space for Torah!” she reasoned.

With no planes, no border wall, and no mandatory kittels, Trump relented. Construction began immediately, and plans were drawn up for a yeshiva so massive that it would include 613 classrooms, a Beis Medrash the size of the MetLife Stadium, and a cafeteria with unlimited kugel.

As Purim came to a close, the Jewish community of Far Rockaway breathed a sigh of relief. The White Shul remained white but unaltered, the dress code was scrapped, and the world’s largest yeshiva was on the horizon.

“Far Rockaway is going to be the new Lakewood!” Trump boomed. “The best yeshiva, the biggest Torah, the most tremendous ruchniyus! Believe me, folks, it’s going to be beautiful.”

And with that, the city prepared for its most festive Purim in history, complete with mishloach manot baskets featuring Trump-branded hamantaschen and a special Megillah reading where Haman was officially renamed “Fake News.”

Avraham Fried Singing to Inspire

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

We could learn a lot from Avraham Fried: from his dedication to his art, his joyful sincerity, and his enviable work ethic. But if there’s one quality that we should all aspire to emulate, it’s Avraham Fried’s humility.

In His Words…

It’s been 40 years since Avraham Fried’s uplifting melodies first found their way into Jewish homes and hearts. With the release of his debut album and song, No Jew Will Be Left Behind, in the early 1980s, Avraham Fried reshaped the world of Jewish music. And yet, all these years

i think music is a great remedy these days. People look to us singers for a message, for some inspiration and strength, to help get us through the day; to get us through the period we’re living in. i feel like i have so much more to sing about. The times we live in need more song, more inspiration... honestly, i feel like i’m just getting started.

i think singing is a mitzvah. Making people happy is a mitzvah. What can be better than that? We’re all shluchim of the Eibershter. you have a talent? hashem wants you to use your gift to inspire another yid.

yiddishkeit is about: what can i do for you? Can i help you in your yiddishkeit? Can i be an inspiration to you? Can i bring light and warmth to you? Can i bring you more Torah, more mitzvos?

later, his influence hasn’t waned in the slightest. To this very day, Avraham Fried remains a household name whose beloved music still inspires listeners of all ages.

Yet, despite his tremendous success, when Avraham Fried looks in the mirror, he doesn’t see the icon we do. He doesn’t see himself as one of the greatest Jewish performers of our time or as a pioneer who shaped generations of musicians. To him, he’s just an ordinary Yid from Crown Heights.

“It still hasn’t hit me. I can’t believe this has been happening for 40-plus years!” Avraham Fried confesses. “I pinch myself, and I ask, ‘This is me? This is the shlichus that Hashem gave me? He chose me to be a shliach to bring simcha and inspiration to Klal Yisrael?’ Quite amazing. Quite humbling.”

That’s why, every day, during davening, Avraham Fried tells Hashem, “I don’t take it for granted that my phone is still ringing. I’ve been doing this for a long time, baruch Hashem. Thank you, Hashem, for blessing me that my phone still rings, and people book me.”

Sometimes, people ask Avraham Fried if he ever gets sick of fans asking him for pictures and autographs. “I say, ‘Are you kidding me? Woe to the day when they stop asking me! As long as they’re asking, I’m happy.”

As Fried puts it, “I have a gift that Hashem gave me to sing. But the greater gift is that people enjoy my singing.”

Fried grew up in a musical home. Some of his fondest memories are of the

Shabbos and yom tov meals of his youth – those times when his whole family would sing together while neighbors would stand outside and eavesdrop. From a young age, Avraham Fried had a beautiful voice and would sing in choirs and perform for shluchim. Eventually, he found that music was his calling.

“I had no idea what I was doing. I went into a studio, and I sang. I really had no plans. I had no dreams of becoming a big star. It was just a dream unfolding,” he shares. “It’s still unfolding.”

It wasn’t long before Fried discovered that music isn’t just about sounding nice. It’s about inspiring listeners. And over the past four decades, he’s heard countless stories about how his music changed people’s lives.

“Someone wanted to end his life. And he heard No Jew Will Be Left Behind, and he suddenly realized: ‘That includes me.’ And that saved him,” Fried recounts. “And by the way, we don’t need shocking stories about how a niggun or a song changed or saved someone’s life or made a baal teshuva. I’m sure every singer has that. Let’s not forget about the healthy people who are driving in their car and they hear a song and it gives them inspiration; it gives someone a good feeling to get out of bed in the morning. That’s also important.”

He doesn’t view himself as a celebrity. Instead, Fried prefers to think of himself as an “inspirer.” And at the center of that view is the idea that singing isn’t about the singer; it’s about the listener. It’s not

about fame and fortune. It’s about putting smiles on people’s faces.

“I think singing is a mitzvah. Making people happy is a mitzvah. What can be better than that?” Avraham Fried declares. “I think until the Baal Shem Tov came, many people saw Yiddishkeit as all about the ‘I.’ It’s my Olam Haba. That’s all I’m busy with, all I need to know. Then, the Baal Shem Tov came along and said, ‘No, you’ve got it all

wrong. That’s so selfish.’ Yiddishkeit is about: what can I do for you? Can I help you in your Yiddishkeit? Can I be an inspiration to you? Can I bring light and warmth to you? Can I bring you more Torah, more mitzvos?

“And I think today that’s already a given. Don’t be so busy with your Olam Haba and your Yiddishkeit. That’s not the whole point of Torah and mitzvos,” he continues. “We’re all shluchim of the

Eibershter. You have a talent? Hashem wants you to use your gift to inspire another Yid.”

Indeed, Avraham Fried has been singing for four decades, but he has no plans to retire. Fried believes that we need music to get through everything that’s been happening in the world—and he sees inspiring Am Yisrael through his voice as his duty, as one of his greatest missions in this world.

“I think music is a great remedy these days. People look to us singers for a message, for some inspiration and strength, to help get us through the day; to get us through the period we’re living in. I feel like I have so much more to sing about. The times we live in need more song, more inspiration,” Avraham Fried maintains.

“Honestly, I feel like I’m just getting started.”

This article is based on a podcast, “Inspiration For the Nation,” hosted by Yaakov Langer. To catch more of this conversation, you can watch it on LivingLchaim.com or YouTube.com/LivingLchaim or listen wherever you listen to podcasts (just search for “Inspiration For The Nation”) or call our free hotline: 605-477-2100.

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

Dear Navidaters,

This might come across as a petty question but hear me out.

I’m in my early 40s and am now dating someone I can see myself marrying. The guy I am dating is a great guy; he’s a busy dentist and all his clients seem to love him (which I’ve been told is quite rare for dentists!). We’ve been dating for three months, taking it slow, but in the meantime, we have gotten to know each other pretty well.

There are two things about him I can’t stand, which I sometimes ponder breaking up with him for. His standards for “clean” living are completely different than mine. Although I did grow up with a full-time nanny so I may be on one side of the spectrum, I know that it’s not so hard for a guy to think about cleanliness when it comes to his surroundings. I can’t understand how he lives in a mess; his apartment is unclean. When I talk to him about it, he says he’s just busy and it doesn’t bother him much. Also, when we have eaten out at different families for meals together, he does not get up to help clean up which is a standard practice in the home that I grew up in. To give him some credit, in many of these places, the husband himself doesn’t even get up to help, but I would like to see him show initiative . It bothers me that he doesn’t get up to help.

Would you consider these things red flags or things to break up about?

Thank you for your time, Arielle*

The Panel

Dear Readers,

We want to offer YOU an opportunity to be part of the discussion! Please email us at MichelleMondShadchan@gmail.com, subject line “reader’s response,” if you would like to participate in the new “A Reader’s Response” columnist spot. We will send you a question and publish your answer in an upcoming Navidaters edition.

If you have a question you would like the Navidaters to answer, please reach out to this email as well.

Looking forward!

Michelle, the “Shadchan”

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Lisa Babich

Ihear your concerns, and I understand them. I think the best advice I was given was that we can’t look at people with a myopic eye. There are many facets to each person, and we need to take into account the whole person and not just one feature. That being said, I think it is worthwhile to have a discussion with him about how you grew up in terms of cleanliness and men helping out and how it is important for you that he meets you a little bit where you are at.

On the other hand, you also have to be willing to be flexible. Perhaps he won’t be the cleanest husband. Maybe on Shabbos he will sit at the Shabbos table keeping everyone entertained while you serve.

The picture may be slightly different than you anticipated but you must look at the overall package. Would this bother you enough to end the shidduch? I feel there can be compromise in these areas on both your ends, but it will take work and commitment to growth. Most people have areas where they are very different from their spouse, but if you both go in with this awareness and are willing to accept and grow with each other, then it can work very nicely.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

Thank you, Arielle, for bringing this very important question to the column. I would like you to first close your eyes and imagine. Imagine the thousands

upon thousands of couples in their early 20s who get married. For the sake of this mashal, let’s name one couple Shragi and Aliza. Shragi has been dating for two years; he is fresh off the boat from yeshiva in Israel and is now dorming/partially living in his parent’s home. He finally meets an amazing girl named Aliza, and they get engaged, mazel tov! Aliza comes over and sees her chosson’s room with his bed freshly made but little does she know that his mother has actually been cleaning his room for decades. His parents never held him to any cleaning responsibilities. When he was in the dorm, the guys all had messy rooms and leaving the bed unmade meant absolutely nothing. Little does Aliza know that she is about to embark on a marriage with a man who does not know the first thing about cleanliness, making his bed, closing the toothpaste cap after use, picking his socks up off the floor, and munching on leftover kugel in bed as a midnight snack. He does not know the difference between Fabuloso and flamboyant. She gets married and soon after realizes this difference and is hit by a shockwave.

As she talks to many people who give guidance, she soon realizes that she is not alone. There are thousands of other girls in the same boat as her, and this is actually very normal. She communicates with Shragi, and they work together to figure out a system that works for them. Aliza has to recognize that Shragi is learning a new skill from square one, and just like any new skill, it takes time and effort to master and implement. Aliza is patient with him, and as the years go on, he works on himself and she learns to overlook things, not letting them bother her so much.

What this story describes is just one of

the many normal occurrences which can be difficult about a young couple in shana rishona. What is the difference between Shragi and Aliza’s conundrum and yours, Ariella? While Shragi and Aliza were blissfully unaware of the big and small differences life together would bring and dealt with it after marriage, you are experiencing it firsthand during the dating stage. The guy you are dating is a successful, busy dentist who has his own apartment and has built 40+ years of life just as he knows it. The fact that he doesn’t have a clean apartment is not hidden to you, like it was for Aliza. You have been looking for a guy for so, so many years, but if you would have found him earlier, you would never have known about his messy room or cleaning habits!

Like many, many couples, you would have realized and dealt with it after marriage.

You have to look at this guy through that lens, and recognize that although these differences are present, they are normal and workable. Getting married is not like purchasing a finished exquisite art piece – far from it! It is more like purchasing a canvas and creating the art as you go along. Obviously working together and good communication are key factors in all of this, and as long as that is there, you can work together and balance each other out nicely.

In response to him not getting up to help at meals, I have another perspective. I know, at least for myself, and after polling many of my friends to answer this question, the response has been abundantly clear. We all don’t like or want the men getting up from the table to help clear the plates during the meal; it just feels off. It messes up the flow of the Shabbos table feel – let the guys sit and shmooze/sing!

This guy you’re dating likely has been told by the host/hostess many times, “Please, sit down, we got this!”

Again, the guy you are dating is doing what he has been used to for years and years, and he should not be punished for that. Utilize the art of good, positive communication if something really bothers you, but remember not to drive him crazy. Focus on all the good qualities he has. You both have a lot to offer each other and will learn to mesh your lives but only with a lot of patience and understanding can any marriage work.

Hatzlacha!

Getting married is not like purchasing a finished exquisite art piece.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

Ariella, what I’m writing may seem harsh, but I would like to offer some perspectives that you may not have considered.

If your dentist boyfriend would ask me, a dental colleague, whether I think he should continue to date you or to break off the relationship, I just might ask him to consider if the baseball expression, “Three strikes and you’re out,” should apply to you, Arielle.

Strike one: You wrote that it is rare for patients to love their dentists. (BTW, we have patients, not “clients.”) Your flippant, glib comment perpetuates negative stereotypes about our profession.

Yes, undergoing dental procedures may not be a pleasure, but the great majority of patients appreciate how their dentists consistently strive to perform complex procedures efficiently and effectively, while minimizing discomfort.

If you’re going to be a dentist’s wife, please respect the profession.

Strike two: You complain that his bachelor apartment is a “mess.” But, as long as his personal hygiene is fine, that’s not a big deal.

First, a dentist works meticulously in a clean and sterile environment, so it’s possible and understandable that at home, he just doesn’t have the same energy to maintain a spotless living space.

Second, at work, he probably has a team of assistants cleaning up around him all day long. Have you considered how, for a married, successful dentist, cleaning ladies, laundry services, etc. are merely one,

easily affordable, phone call away?

Strike three: You complain that he does not offer to help clean up, when invited as a dinner guest. I had to think, really hard, if this is, or is not, a valid complaint.

I explored some online discussion forums on this subject. It seems clear that some hosts prefer to clean up alone, while others expect guests to get involved.

Some comments might surprise you:

“It just seems to be more work when people try to help. They don’t know where things go or where things are, so I need to tell them.”

“I actually like to do it myself after everyone leaves. It is relaxing to me, and I need the alone time.”

“In my family, the ladies prepped the meal and cleaned up afterwards. The time spent in the kitchen together was woman talk. It was a fun time.”

“When I host something, I actively shoo people away. My kitchen is quite small, and more than one person in there really creates a bottleneck.”

I’m sure that your boyfriend will be flexible on this relatively insignificant issue.

Please note, Arielle, that I am very deliberately NOT recommending that you shouldn’t be so “picky” at your age. You certainly should NOT lower your standards and “settle” for someone who does not meet your reasonable values and expectations. However, your concerns here seem

very, very trivial. My advice: if the two of you can love and cherish each other and share the same goals and aspirations, go for it. I pray that you will enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life together.

The Reader’s Response

Isaiah Cox, “The Curmudgeon”

Congrats! You have a keeper! Grab him with both hands, and don’t let go! Oh. Wait. You think that men and women seeing dirt and mess differently is a problem? Let’s dive into this.

Feminist aesthete Camille Paglia, “If civilization had been left in female hands, we would still be living in grass huts, but they would be beautifully decorated.” Her point was that the achievements of civilization come from the tensions between men and women, not our similarities. Where would be the fun if men and women were the same? What would be the point?

One of the single most valuable benefits of a marriage is that each person comes to understand that, given the exact same information, the husband and wife will come to different conclusions. Almost Every. Single. Time. Even if they have “everything in common.” And this is a benefit because learning how to see things flexibly, to understand that

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Dear Arielle,

Your concerns are completely valid, and it’s understandable that you’re reflecting deeply on these aspects of your relationship. It’s important to feel

aligned with a partner, es - pecially regarding day- to-day living and shared values.

other people see things differently without necessarily being wrong is a huge mental leap that escapes those who have never invested in marriage. Men and women are different. Men and women see things differently. This is good, because there is enormous value – and even fun! – in working to bridge the gap.

He obviously cares about clean teeth. You care about a clean house. That is a bridgeable gap. Besides, how can you have a full relationship with Hashem, to try to see things the way He does, if you cannot even manage to understand the perspective of a member of the opposite gender? Isn’t this why the Kohen Gadol was required to be married?

One of the other huge advantages in marriage is division of labor. Labor is not divided merely for economic convenience. It is divided because men and women gravitate toward different interests. It seems that you get a sense of satisfaction from a clean house. When they are forced to think about it, most men, even married men, can sometimes rise to the level of “vaguely aware.” So why not do the things that give you more satisfaction, while the man of the house does the same? Working as a team, the two of you can build and maintain a bayis ne’eman b’Yisrael.

Speaking of appreciation: I have never met a man who refused to help out if he knew it would please the woman he loves. But for all you know, he was taught that guests are expected to contribute to the conversation/zemiros and stay at the

He is a teethreader, not a mind-reader.

table. And why should he know what you think he should do? He is a teeth-reader, not a mind-reader. Nevertheless, all you have to do is incentivize your man toward the actions that please you – but be sure to do it in a positive and not a defensive way. Men love to feel useful and appreciated!

That said, I had a very dear friend who adored his wife – and she, him. They were both very accomplished and capable people, and they hosted some of the most wonderful Shabbos meals imaginable, with a range of guests and plenty of stimulating conversation along with a delicious meal, beautifully and elegantly laid out. And at the end of the meal, the baal habayis was very careful and respectful in order to be mishtateif in the cleanup: he picked up a single item – a saucer or cup or some-such – and ostentatiously and with great ceremony, brought it into the kitchen. Although it was something of a joke between them, the underlying idea was solid: it is, after all, the thought that counts. And besides, he had made the bulk of the income that helped contribute to that meal.

Great marriages are not about sharing tasks: they are about partnering in support of shared goals.

When it comes to differences in cleanliness, it’s not just about the mess; it’s about how it makes you feel. If this is something that deeply affects your comfort and sense of partnership, then it’s crucial. It’s okay to want a partner who shares or at least respects your standards.

As for helping out at meals, that speaks to values around teamwork and consideration. You grew up in a home where men naturally helped out, and it bothers you that he doesn’t do the same.

Ultimately, these aren’t petty concerns—they’re reflections of what you need in a relationship to feel understood and valued. If he’s open to understanding your perspective and making changes, that’s a positive sign. If not, it’s worth considering how that might impact your future together.

Your feelings matter. It’s okay to prioritize them as you think about your next steps.

Sincerely, Jennifer

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti,

I’ve got a bit of a dilemma about Purim and could use your advice.

My kids are super excited about all the sweets and treats on Purim, but I’m a little worried about them eating too much sugar. I usually run a pretty healthy household, with candy only given for Shabbos party.

Do you have any tricks or tips for keeping the sugar intake in check during the holiday? I still want them to enjoy themselves without going overboard.

Thanks a bunch!

- Healthy Mom

A:Dear Healthy Mom, I think many parents share your concern! I know I always did! With mishloach manos filled with candy, cookies, and tons of sugary stuff, it can feel overwhelming to try to manage a child’s candy intake and make sure they are eating enough healthy foods.

It’s important to remember that candy is not inherently harmful unless a child has a medical condition and being too strict on Purim can sometimes make eating and sneaking even more candy even more desirable. Instead of focusing on restricting sugar, shifting the focus to encouraging a balanced routine with a variety of foods can help ease the stress.

One way to help children avoid overloading on sweets is to make sure to have a lot of healthy choices out for grabbing. It can also help to set out healthier snack options, like cut-up fruits, vegetables, nuts, or whole-grain crackers, in easy-to-reach places so that kids have access to a variety of foods. This allows children to make their

own choices without pressure, increasing the likelihood that they will opt for more nutritious foods on their own. If you are putting out cut-up fruit and veggies, make it fun by putting out some dressing for dipping.

Make sure a hardy and healthy breakfast is served before mishloach manos start arriving and before the children go out to deliver yours/theirs.

Make sure you have a time for lunch and serve something quick and filling, something that can pass as real food (pizza, yogurt, fish sticks, or chicken nuggets or hot dogs if “becoming fleishigs” won’t cause issues) so they have something filling in their bellies. They are less likely to graze on candy throughout the day if they ate a proper meal.

Instead of focusing on restricting sugar, shifting the focus to encouraging a balanced routine with a variety of foods can help ease the stress.

Hydration also plays a big role in managing sugar intake. Make water easily accessible.

For parents who are particularly worried about the aftermath of Purim, planning ahead is always a great idea. My children all had big bags or medium boxes with their names on them. As items came in, they put them in their bag/box. It actually helped because they did not want to eat everything up right away; it was fun to see what accumulated. I would throw some family mishloach manos goodies into children’s bags if I saw they were not getting so much.

After Purim, we would all sit down and examine the contents of their bags/boxes. They swapped items they did not like with siblings, checking with me if it was a fair

trade. I made sure to have items they could trade with me as well.

We then discussed portioning out their hoard for school snacking, 2-3 items a day and maybe one for dessert when they ate supper nicely until it was all used up.

If there was a food that overly horrified me, like a giant jawbreaker (that were in when my children were younger), I made sure to trade them for something I knew they liked. Then I made sure to put that offending candy deep into the garbage, where no little hands could pull anything out!

My kids were happy there was a system to the madness. I was always surprised at how well the system worked! Now my own children do the same thing with their children.

Ultimately, Purim is about joy and celebration, and food is a part of that experience. Instead of stressing over every piece of candy, parents can focus on fostering a positive atmosphere around food. Encouraging a balance between sweets and other nourishing foods while maintaining a relaxed and enjoyable approach to eating will make the holiday more pleasant for both parents and children.

Remember, the goal is to create a healthy and happy relationship with food, not to turn Purim into a battle over sugar.

Have a sweet Purim! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

- Etti

Purim is a time of uncovering the hidden. Hashem was no less present on Purim than during Krias Yam Suf, yet we had to actively look behind the curtain to see the Emes. It is this unique aspect and challenge that we are offered each Purim. Hashem’s Name is not mentioned once in the Megillah, yet with a careful reading, we clearly see a Divine Hand controlling every moment. It is only after the entire picture is laid out before us in its entirety that we can see a Master Plan.

With the recent news, it was inevitable this article would be written, and Purim seemed like the appropriate time. We are living in painful but extraordinary times. Many might question where our Divine protection has gone. Yet we are seeing open nissim which are a continuous reminder of Hashem’s love for us despite the challenges He is giving us.

We are fortunate to have so many extraordinary role models. These great individuals inspire us through their actions and avodas Hashem. These rabbanim, rebbetzins and other wellknown individuals have reached incred-

Parenting Pearls Extraordinary Ordinary Events

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

ible heights. Often, it’s frustrating for the average person who wonders what a “simple person like me” can accomplish. Children, too, may wonder what someone so young can do. The reality is that we are constantly surrounded by examples of regular people doing great things, and we should take advantage of these opportunities when they arise to demonstrate to our children what “ordinary greatness” can look like.

There are time periods where we’ve clearly seen extra levels of mesiras nefesh. Under times of stress and pain we have time and time again seen how the “simplest” of Jews have done the most incredible acts of public or private heroism. We are a strong nation and have so many “average Joes (or Yosefs)” to be proud of.

For over 80 years, the stories of the Holocaust continue to inspire us as ordinary people rose above the ordinary to accomplish greatness. Despite the most inhumane situations, our grandparents refused to relinquish their humanity or kindness for each other. Their inner strength was stronger than any

army. Despite the best attempts of our enemies, we could ultimately never be defeated – even when badly and painfully beaten.

Soviet Jewry is a more recent example of this phenomenon. Here we had people who were raised denied the beauty of Judaism – or any knowledge of a Divine Power – yet their neshomos “understood” and they connected to The Source.

From my husband (born and raised in Kiev), I’ve come to appreciate the greatness of these individuals and their seemingly humble accomplishments. From stories of his grandfather secretly fasting on Yom Kippur and his grandmothers telling him he needed to marry a Jewish girl, it is clear that despite the intentions of an evil government, the neshama of a Yid never dies.

After meeting so many Russian Jews, it became almost normal to expect young men to proudly share how old they were at the age of their bris –and it was never eight days old. My husband accompanied a 69-year-old man to his bris. Another time we ate a Shabbos seudah with a grandfather who had

excitedly joined the bris shel Avraham Avinu just the day before. The Iron Curtain fell three and a half decades ago, yet the mesiras nefesh of Russian Jewry continues to this day.

We are at another point in history when we are seeing seemingly ordinary people doing extraordinary deeds. From all the heart-rending pain and devastation, we’ve still seen so much light and hope. We’ve united and stood together oceans apart, learning to care for other Jews with all our heart despite never meeting them. We’ve also seen the inner fire of the Jewish neshama burn to incredible heights, within ourselves and even in seemingly “secular” Jews. We often focus on the amazing acts of kindness and devotion we see in other members of the community we associate with. We see the chessed, the compassion, and how we go out of our way to help each other. We experience the devotion and hasmadah of those around us learning Torah and fulfilling mitzvos. Yet, we don’t as often get to appreciate the mesiras nefesh of those we don’t normally associate with, failing

to connect to them as members of our extended family.

These past weeks were very painful as levayas were held for those who died al kiddush Hashem . So many hopes were destroyed, and it was a time to wish we could shield our children from the news. Despite this, one news item caught my attention, and I had to share this particular video with my children. A 26-year-old Russian Jew in Netanya had decided to undergo bris milah. I pointed out the “yingele ” who had just had his bris, and my children were surprised by how old he was. As the Chabad rabbi announced the name this man had chosen for himself – “Kfir Ariel” – this new member of the covenant just nodded and smiled. I wanted my children to see and appreciate the mesiras nefesh of this man. They should recognize how important this mitzvah is when a fullgrown man wouldn’t want to be denied this opportunity.

We’ve seen a sudden rush of increased shemiras Shabbos and other mitzvos as members of our nation want to reconnect to The One they know is truly in control of our personal and national destiny. There are so many ex-

amples. Our brave chayalim have been desperately seeking tzitzis, recognizing what truly protects them. Men have begun wearing tefillin for the first time, often in solidarity with hostages still being held in Gaza. Women have joined and completed Tehillim together as the new way of preparing for Shabbos. The amount of homemade challah done for

us throughout the world.

Shortly after, we were once again moved beyond words when her daughter, Agam (bat Meirav) Berger, was returned, and the stories began to emerge of her shemiras Shabbos and kashrus under threat of punishment and starvation. I wondered how many of us could have withstood such a test. As more

We are a strong nation and have so many “average Joes (or Yosefs)” to be proud of.

the sake of the mitzvah is unparalleled.

We’ve all seen the well publicized video of Meirav Berger asking the media to not be mechalel Shabbos for her daughter’s return. This impromptu video was taken during a challah baking session when women gathered to do hafrashas challah for her daughter’s safe return. It was impossible to not be moved by her words. The kiddush Hashem from that short video inspired

hostages are returning – may each one return home quickly and safely – we are learning how their neshamos clung to Hashem to keep them going. Shema, havdalah and other mitzvos became their daily lifeline. This is in addition to their acts of heroism trying to give strength and keep each other alive.

Two years ago, the Jewish community felt worlds apart, yet over the past year and a half we’ve seen the unbreak-

able love we have for each other. The families of hostages received unconditional love and support from all segments of the population, with many of us “adopting” someone being held in Gaza. These are just further reminders to value the unity of our people. Even when family disagrees, we’re still family.

Just as Purim uncovered the hidden, today we are seeing the mask come off each other. We can never reiterate enough just how much our children learn from our examples and those which they see around them. Our chinuch should include teaching about the inner fire of a Jewish neshama, continuously reminding our children and ourselves of the incredible levels we are all capable of reaching, as well as what truly binds us to each other. Purim sameach , and may we once again see yeshuos. Am Yisroel chai!

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.

Health & F tness

Talking to Children about Down Syndrome and Other Disabilities

By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH (SA), FAAP

If our children do not already know a person with Down syndrome (or any person with a disability), undoubtedly, they will meet one. Let’s empower them to have meaningful interactions. Hopefully, this will increase the possibilities for positive things to happen.

As a pediatrician, I am a listener. I listen to my patients and their parents. This article is gleaned from 40+ years’ experience of being on the frontlines of pediatric primary health care delivery.

People with Down syndrome desire to belong to a community and to have friends. They are social creatures who thrive on helpful and encouraging interactions with others. Usually, they love to learn, play and meet new friends.

Staring is Not Caring

Instruct your children not to stare at a child with Down syndrome or, for that matter, any person with disabilities.

Parents of kids with Down syndrome and other disabilities have shared with me their hurt when someone stares at their child or asks, “What’s wrong with your child?” In a parent’s mind, they have told me that they see nothing “wrong” with their child. In fact, they are not usually offended by questions because they under-

stand this is natural as children recognize differences in the world around them.

Says one mother: “I have learned that if we use these opportunities in a positive way of being around ‘differently-abled’ children, we can teach both children and adults to be more sensitive, compassionate and accepting.”

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Patients come to my office or to shul or the pizza store or simchas in wheelchairs. Some have tubes in their ears (which are not seen) or other parts of the body (which are more visible) and they don’t always look like other kids. Children are naturally curious creations who want to know everything and anything. Answer their questions simply and honestly. Yes, you may not know what is different about the child. But the way you answer – in simple language and staying calm, cool, and collected – will go a long way to helping your children to grow up to have an expansive and kind view of the world.

Let’s say you use a medical term or share with your children something medical about the person and then your kids might have questions and you don’t know the answer.

That’s okay.

Tell your children that you don’t know the answer but that you will try to find it out for them, provided it’s not invasive to other people’s privacy. You must follow up and make more than a valiant attempt to get your children salient information in a timely fashion. If you can’t get the information, inform your children accordingly.

Use Proper Terminology and “People First” Language

Most people do not want to be defined by their diagnosis or disability. This means not saying the “Downs kid” or the “blind child.” Rather, say “the child who has Downs” or “the child who is blind.” By using “people first” language, you are conveying that they are a child and a person just like every other child and person. More than anything else, all kids want to be kids. If you are unsure as to the proper terminology, then ask. Most people will not be offended. The key is to use descriptive words that are accepted by people with disabilities. This can be a moving target. For example, when my peers and I were growing up, we used the word “retarded.” This term is considered taboo and derogatory and should never be used today.

They are Kids Just Like You Your child loves Paw Patrol Band-aids. So does the kid with Down syndrome. Your child loves to sing and dance to “Tamid Ohev Oti.” Well, so, too, does the child with Down syndrome. All kids are aware of the same games, songs and dances which means that all children will have something in common with each other. Help your children to find the commonalities.

Even with a diagnosis, children with differing abilities want to be “one of the gang” and treated like everyone else. This is probably the most important lesson you can teach your child.

All kids need friends, including those with differing abilities. Teach your children to go out into the world with smiles on their faces and greet every person with a bright countenance. Pirkei Avos instructs us to do that. If we achieve this, then we have made the world a better place for all people.

As always, daven

Dr. Hylton I. Lightman is a pediatrician and Medical Director of Total Family Care of the 5 Towns and Rockaway PC. He can be reached at drlightman@totalfamilycaremd.com, on Instagram at Dr.Lightman_ or visit him on Facebook.

Health & F tness

Promotion Problems

By Michal Goldman, LCSW

My husband just got a promotion, which is great for us financially, but it’s been really hard on me. He’s working long hours, and when he is home, he’s drained and distracted. I feel like I’m losing my partner, but whenever I mention anything, I feel ungrateful or unsupportive. How can I communicate with him?

The Therapist Responds:

Having new and increased responsibilities at work is a transition, and in marriage, a transition for one partner is a transition for the relationship. Transitions create stress, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. It sounds like you are struggling with navigating feelings about the benefits of this change and the challenges involved.

I’d like to divide my response into two parts. First, I want to help you manage your feelings around this change, and then I want you to express those feelings to your husband.

What stands out to me in your question is that you’re experiencing pain over how hard this change has been, to the point that you feel like you’re losing your partner. And yet, despite how much you’re struggling, you find it hard to share your feelings with the person who matters most, because you worry that doing so makes you ungrateful or unsupportive. This is important because that way of thinking creates an internal conflict. On one hand, you’re grappling with painful emotions, and on the other, you feel like acknowledging them might be wrong. I wonder how you came to that conclusion. Is it that your husband’s behavior – perhaps unintentionally – has made you feel like expressing your emotions isn’t acceptable? Or is this a belief you hold yourself? For the sake of this article, I’ll assume it’s the latter, but either way, it’s something that can be explored and worked through. Struggling with this transition and feeling a sense of loss doesn’t mean you are ungrateful or unsupportive. You can be deeply appreciative of how this promotion benefits your family financially,

fully support your husband, and still find the emotional impact of this change challenging. These feelings can coexist. Although it may seem paradoxical, the more you can accept both as true – that you’re struggling and that it doesn’t define your worth – the easier this transition will be,

nicate more authentically. The most effective way to extend that compassion to your husband is by first practicing it toward yourself. Can you acknowledge the challenges you’re facing with kindness? Can you assume best intentions from yourself, just as you would want from him?

Struggling with this transition and feeling a sense of loss doesn’t mean you are ungrateful or unsupportive.

and the easier it will be to have an open conversation.

Once you accept the range of feelings that you are experiencing, you can begin working on communicating with your husband. A key foundation for effective communication between partners is compassion – both for yourself and for each other – along with the assumption that you both have each other’s best interests in mind. Compassion is crucial in conversation because it helps both of you stay off the defensive and allows you to commu-

When you establish this foundation of self-compassion, you create space to express your emotions more openly. I want you to share the full range of feelings you’re experiencing with him – the excitement, the worries, the desire to support him, and even your hesitation about sharing these emotions. When you express all parts of your experience, you invite deeper intimacy into your relationship.

When one person shares vulnerably, usually, the other people start to share in the same way. You can ask your husband

to share fully what is going on for him at these moments as well.

In addition to what I’ve mentioned above, it’s also important to have practical strategies for staying connected during times of change. When you’re spending less time together, it can be helpful to find ways of connecting in bite-sized chunks. Think about what things you’ve enjoyed together and try to schedule five minutes during the day to incorporate it in a small way. If you enjoy conversations, set aside five minutes to ask each other a thought-provoking question. If you enjoy nature, take a quick walk outside together, even if it’s just around the block.

Another strategy is to increase gratitude. It is always nourishing for relationships to focus on what you appreciate about your spouse, and I’d recommend upping the amount that you do that during challenging times. This can be done by sharing what you’re grateful for or just taking a moment to acknowledge it for yourself. Regardless of how you do it, getting into the habit of focusing on the positive aspects of your relationship expands your contentment in your relationship and life in general and increases resilience during hard times.

The more compassion you have for yourself, the more you’ll be able to use it to express yourself in a productive, connecting way with your husband, the more you’ll be able to come up with ideas to help you in navigating the change. Each of these things plays on the other, and you’ll soon be in a wonderful, positive cycle of connection and closeness. You got this!

Michal Goldman is a licensed clinical social worker in Queens specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges. She can be reached through her website at www.michalgoldmanlcsw.org, via email at michalgoldmanlcsw@gmail.com, or by phone at 917-590-0258. If you have questions that you would like answered here, you can submit them to the email provided. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy.

Health & F tness

Eating Your Feelings? Cravings Unraveled

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

Food cravings and emotional eating are complex behaviors influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. While cravings can come from physiological needs, emotional eating is often triggered by stress, anxiety, or other emotions. Understanding the mechanisms behind these behaviors can help individuals manage them effectively.

What are Food Cravings?

Food cravings are intense desires for specific foods, often high in sugar, fat, or salt. These cravings originate from a combination of physiological and psychological factors. The brain’s reward system, particularly the neurotransmitter dopamine, plays a significant role in cravings. When we consume highly palatable foods, such as chocolate or chips, our brain releases dopamine, creating a pleasurable sensation. Over time, the brain associates certain foods with positive feelings, reinforcing cravings. Additionally, some foods, like chocolate, increase serotonin and endorphin levels, which contribute to mood regulation and stress relief.

Hormones also influence cravings.

Ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone, stimulates appetite and can intensify cravings, especially when someone is sleep-deprived or stressed. Leptin, the satiety hormone, helps regulate fullness, but imbalances can lead to overeating and cravings. Cortisol, the stress hormone, increases during stressful periods and can trigger cravings for high-fat and high-sugar foods as a coping mechanism. Nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to cravings. For example, chocolate cravings may indicate a magnesium deficiency, red meat cravings could signal an iron deficiency, and salty food cravings might suggest dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance.

Sugar and Its Role in Cravings

Sugar is one of the biggest drivers of cravings. When consumed, sugar rapidly raises blood glucose levels, causing a surge of dopamine release, much like addictive substances. The more sugar one eats, the stronger the craving becomes, as the brain continues to seek that pleasurable response. Processed foods high in refined sugars, such as candy, pastries, and

sodas, can create a cycle of dependence, where consuming them increases the desire for more. This cycle is similar to how addictive substances function, reinforcing the urge to keep eating sugary foods.

What is Emotional Eating?

Emotional eating, on the other hand, is the habit of using food to cope with emotions rather than to satisfy hunger. Unlike physical hunger, which develops gradually and can be satisfied with any food, emotional hunger appears suddenly and is often specific to comfort foods.

Common emotional triggers for eating include stress, anxiety, depression, boredom, and loneliness. Elevated cortisol levels from stress drive the desire for comfort foods, while feelings of sadness or anxiety may lead some people to use food as a temporary escape. Boredom and loneliness can also prompt eating as a way to pass the time or fill an emotional void.

Emotional eating often follows a cycle: an emotional trigger leads to a food craving, followed by consumption of highly palatable foods, which provides temporary relief. However, after eating, feelings

of guilt and shame may arise, leading to more emotional distress and perpetuating the cycle. Breaking this pattern requires recognizing emotional triggers and finding healthier coping mechanisms.

Managing Cravings and Emotional Eating

To manage cravings and emotional eating, it’s important to distinguish between physical and emotional hunger. Physical hunger builds gradually, can be satisfied with any food, and is accompanied by physiological cues like stomach growling. Emotional hunger, however, appears suddenly, is specific to comfort foods, and is linked to stress or emotions. A good way to assess whether you are experiencing physical or emotional hunger is to ask yourself, “Would I eat an apple right now?” If the answer is yes, it likely means you are truly hungry. If the answer is no and you are craving something specific like chips or ice cream, it is probably emotional hunger. This simple check-in can help you become more mindful of your eating habits and make better decisions in the moment.

Mindful Eating

Cravings are often triggered by external cues (such as the sight or smell of food) rather than actual hunger. Mindful eating helps individuals recognize these cues and differentiate between physical hunger and emotional hunger. Mindful eating involves paying close attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of food, as well as the body’s hunger and fullness signals. Eating slowly allows satiety signals to catch up, helping to prevent overeating. It is also beneficial to avoid distractions like phone scrolling during meals to enhance awareness.

Stress

Managing stress is another key factor in reducing cravings and emotional eating. Engaging in regular exercise releases endorphins, which naturally reduces stress. Deep breathing and meditation lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation. Try to find enjoyable hobbies that can replace emotional eating and address your emotions instead of eating through them.

Consistent and Balance Diet

Maintain a consistent eating schedule to help prevent cravings and overeating. Eating three balanced meals a day, along with designated snacks, helps regulate hun-

ger levels. This prevents you from getting hangry, overeating, or making impulsive eating decisions. In addition, keeping your meals well balanced with the proper nutrients will prevent such cravings. For example, incorporating protein and fiber-rich meals can promote satiety and stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing the likelihood of cravings. Limiting processed foods high in sugar and refined carbs prevents blood

approach. Enjoying a small portion of a craved food mindfully can be satisfying without overindulgence.

Many people struggle with cravings in the evening. This leads to late-night snacking, which can contribute to overeating. Implementing behavioral modifications can help manage this habit. One strategy is to brush your teeth after dinner to signal the end of eating for the day. Another is to

Maintain a consistent eating schedule to help prevent cravings and overeating.

sugar spikes and crashes, which can intensify cravings. Stay hydrated, as thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger.

Moderation, Not Deprivation

Finally, allowing for moderation rather than complete deprivation can prevent binge episodes. Follow the 80/20 rule: eat nutrient-dense foods 80% of the time while allowing for indulgences 20% of the time. This helps maintain a balanced

set a rule of not going into the kitchen after dinner. If a craving arises, try to remove yourself from the situation by leaving the room and distracting yourself with something. If you are simply bored, tell yourself you will come back in 15-20 minutes to eat. Usually, the craving will pass naturally by the end of that time. Developing a nighttime routine that doesn’t involve food can significantly reduce mindless late-night snacking.

Understanding food cravings and emotional eating can help manage these behaviors in a healthy way. Cravings are often driven by physiological factors such as hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and the brain’s reward system, while emotional eating stems from stress, boredom, or other emotions rather than true hunger. Recognizing the difference between physical and emotional hunger, practicing mindful eating, managing stress, and maintaining a balanced diet can all help reduce cravings and prevent unhealthy eating patterns. Remember, moderation, not deprivation!

If cravings or emotional eating become overwhelming or start to interfere with overall well-being, seeking guidance from a physician or a registered dietitian can provide personalized support. A professional can help identify underlying causes and create a tailored approach to promote a healthier relationship with food.

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

In The K tchen

Tropical Slaw

Pareve / Yields 6 medium challahs

By Naomi Nachman

By the time you are reading this on Shabbos, Purim will have ended, and hopefully you are sitting and relaxing. Once Purim is over, everyone starts to think about the other P word, Pesach, and start to stress. I am going to share some really delicious and easy Pesach recipes for all our readers. If you are home for Pesach, you can use them and enjoy them on Pesach, and if you are going away, you can make them throughout the year. You will love them!!

Ingredients

◦ 1 mango, cubed

◦ 2 avocados, cubed

◦ 1 red onion, diced

◦ ½ cup pomegranate seeds

◦ 1 small head or 1 (10-ounce) bag purple cabbage, shredded Dressing

◦ 3 Tablespoons honey

◦ ½ cup olive oil

◦ 6 Tablespoons orange juice

◦ 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

Preparation

In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Pour dressing over cabbage; let it sit for 30 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients just before serving.

Cook’s Tip: if you don’t have pomegranate seeds, you can use dried cranberries instead.

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.

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

I’ve had numerous complaints from performers who find it increasingly challenging to gauge audience engagement and bounce off their reactions.

- Mark Rothman, owner of a London comedy club, explaining why he banned patrons who have Botox

I sleep so much better, I just feel so much at ease.

- New York City Mayor Eric Adams claiming at a press conference that he has not followed the news for the past four weeks

It’s like, almost, if you eat junk food every day you’re going to get physical obesity. I was going through mental obesity.

- ibid.

I said, “Did you see anybody in there [who] was kind, out of the hundreds of people that you were seeing [from] Hamas? Did some of them wink at you and say, ‘Don’t worry, you’re going to be okay, or give you a piece of bread?” “No.”

- Pres. Trump relating to reporters a conversation that he had with former hostages who visited him in the Oval Office

I said, “Were there any people that were like kind?” I was shocked— the answer was nobody. There was nobody. Just the opposite. They’d be slapped and punched. One man broke his ribs. He couldn’t breathe for a month. It was brutal.

- ibid.

I was so surprised. Because you think there’d be a couple of people that would be kind, that would say, “You’re going to be okay.” But they had none of that. It’s pretty amazing.

- ibid.

Zelenskyy sent a letter to the president. He apologized for that whole incident that happened in the office. I think that was an important step. There have been a lot of discussion between our team and the Ukranians.

- Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East and international negotiator, in an interview with Fox News

So I was willing to give up whatever might be the trackings of Kamala Harris’ particular fondness for nacho cheese Doritos for the sake of getting a big bag of Doritos as I watched the Oscar. But here’s the thing: At what point do we also uplift and highlight the consumer’s right to also expect — and you can debate with me if it should be a right; I think it should – to expect that the innovation would also be weighted in terms of solving their everyday problems, which are beyond my craving for Doritos, but about whatever — and I know the work is happening — around, you know, scientific discoveries, for example, to cure longstanding diseases. But I’m going to throw out another one I would love it if there would be an investment of resources in solving the affordable housing issue in America. Like, help me with that. Help me with that.

- Kamala Harris at an event earlier this week. Legit (someone started Purim a little early)

Well, guys, yesterday was daylight saving time, and we lost an hour of sleep. Democrats were, like, “An hour? We haven’t slept since November.”

-Jimmy Fallon

I tried something a little different this year. I set my clocks ahead four years. It didn’t work.

- Jimmy Kimmel

I’ve always said this about Trump: ignore the noise, look for the signal. Trump’s vision? A U.S.-Canada economic union—the largest economy on Earth. China will never catch up. The U.S. is the biggest consumer market, Canada is the richest in resources…. Trump wants zero tariffs, erase the border economically, and everyone wins.

- Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary

Am I going to be charged with what’s in my stomach?

- A Texas thief’s question to police after he swallowed $770,000 worth of diamonds

The WNBA Ango Reiss said that players will strike if their demands aren’t met. Or even worse, they will keep playing.

– Greg Gutfeld

Amazon Studios, the new owner of the James Bond franchise, promises that the beloved super spy will remain male and British. Well, that rules out Prince Harry. – ibid.

Over the weekend, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake shook Los Angeles. The tremors were so strong that L.A. Mayor Karen Bass felt them in Africa. - ibid.

The tremors were so intense that Gavin Newsom’s hair actually moved. - ibid.

Over the weekend a guy broke the world record by standing in the same spot for 38 hours straight, breaking the previous record of everyone who has been to the DMV. – ibid.

She needs to shut her mouth if she has nothing nice to say.

- The father of “DJ” Daniel — the 13-year-old cancer survivor who was made an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent during President Trump’s Congressional address Tuesday — talking about Rachel Maddow who called the honor “disgusting” because Trump was involved in it

Political Crossfire

5 Things People Get Wrong About Trump and Ukraine

By Marc A. Thiessen

It is obvious from his disastrous Oval Office meeting that Volodymyr Zelensky does not understand President Donald Trump or what drives him when it comes to ending the war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president is not alone. Critics are convinced that Trump loves Vladimir Putin and leans toward Russia, while many on the anti-Ukraine right believe he shares their animus toward Kyiv. Both are wrong and tend to cherry-pick his statements to support their preconceptions, while overlooking the many things he has said that undermine their narrative.

The truth is more complex. I have spent many hours talking to and interviewing Trump about Ukraine and examining all he has said on the subject since Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago. I might not agree with every element of Trump’s approach, such as his decision to pause military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. But unless Ukraine’s leaders understand Trump’s true goals and objectives, they will continue to find themselves at loggerheads with the man who holds the fate of their

country in his hands.

Here are five things many Americans, Ukrainians, and other observers don’t get about Trump when it comes to Ukraine:

1. Trump’s most pressing objective is to stop the fighting. The first thing Trump talks about when the subject of Ukraine comes up is that a) the war would never have started if he had been president, and b) he wants the killing to end. “I feel I have an obligation to try and do something to stop the death,” he said during his Feb. 28 meeting with Zelensky. “On both sides, we’re losing a lot of soldiers. And we want to see it stop. And we want to see the money get put to different kinds of use like rebuilding.”

This is why he wants an immediate ceasefire, while negotiations for a longterm peace deal proceed. The real damage Zelensky did during his Oval Office meeting was not alienating Trump personally (though he certainly did that), but convincing Trump that he does not want peace. Zelensky summarily dismissed an immediate ceasefire because he said Putin had

already broken ceasefires 25 times, telling Trump, “That’s why we will never accept just a ceasefire. It will not work without security guarantees.” He questioned the value of diplomacy, demanding of Vice President JD Vance, “What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about?” And as Zelensky detailed Putin’s atrocities, what Trump perceived was a man so blinded by his contempt of Putin that he did not want the war to end. “You see the hatred he’s got for Putin. It’s very tough for me to make a deal with that kind of hate,” Trump said as the meeting spiraled.

This produced the worst possible outcome: Trump decided, as he put it on Truth Social, that Zelensky “is not ready for Peace.” Zelensky then reinforced that impression by telling reporters in London that an end to the war “is still very, very far away” but that he expected U.S. military aid to continue because “Ukraine has a strong enough partnership with the United States of America” to keep aid flowing. Wrong answer.

That convinced Trump – who wants

to end the war in months, not years – that U.S. military assistance was encouraging Zelensky’s intransigence. “This guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing,” he declared in a social media post. So, he paused military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine as pressure on Zelensky to accept a ceasefire.

Zelensky should have accepted Trump’s ceasefire unconditionally, which would have put the onus on Putin: If the Russian leader rejected it or violated it, he would be object of Trump’s ire and coercion, not Zelensky. The sooner Zelensky figures this out, and convinces Trump he wants to end the fighting, the more likely military aid will resume and it will become clear that Putin is the real obstacle to peace.

2. Trump wants to help Ukraine get the best deal possible. Trump is committed to helping Ukraine survive as a sovereign and independent nation. This is why the first agreement he negotiated on returning to the White House was “a durable partnership” with Kyiv to jointly develop Ukraine’s minerals and rare earths – which, once

signed, will mean America is, literally, financially invested in Ukraine’s survival.

Trump also wants to help Ukraine regain as much of its territory as possible at the peace table. During a CNN presidential debate in June, Trump was asked whether Putin’s demands that Russia “keeps the Ukrainian territory it has already claimed” were acceptable to him. “No, they’re not acceptable,” he replied. And during an Oval Office meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last month, he revealed that he planned to help Ukraine recover lost territory. “A lot of the sea line has been taken, and we’ll be talking about that,” Trump said, “And we’re going to see if we can get it back or get a lot of it back for Ukraine.”

Trump also understands that Ukraine needs security guarantees. He considers the minerals deal one such guarantee. “We’re going to be working over there. We’ll be on the land. And … nobody’s going to be messing around with our people when we’re there,” Trump explained. But he knows more will be needed – which is why, during his meeting with Zelensky, he publicly said he was open to the possibility of sending U.S. troops as part of a peacekeeping force. “I know other countries are going to, and they happen to be right next door. We haven’t committed, but we could conceivably,” he said.

Trump is open to other ideas for longterm security measures. But he believes security is the last thing to be negotiated, not the first. “Security is so easy. That’s about 2 percent of the problem. I’m not worried about security. I’m worried about getting the deal done,” he said last month. I’m not sure he’s right – and Zelensky surely disagrees – but if Zelensky demands security measures up front, as a condition of ending the fighting, he will be running headlong into Trump’s negotiating strategy. That’s unwise.

3. Trump is saying nice things about Putin as a negotiating tactic. How does Trump really feel about the Russian invasion of Ukraine? “The Russian attack on Ukraine is appalling,” he told the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2022. “It’s an outrage and an atrocity that should never have been allowed to occur.”

But now that the president is leading peace negotiations, he sees no utility in calling out Putin’s atrocities. “You want me to say really terrible things about Putin and then say, ‘Hi, Vladimir, how are we doing on the deal?’ That doesn’t work that way,” he explained during Zelensky’s ill-fated visit.

Trump believes he has to be seen as a neutral arbiter to get a deal. “Well, if I didn’t align myself with both of them, you’d never

have a deal,” he said in the Oval Office. “I’m not aligned with Putin. I’m not aligned with anybody. I’m aligned with the United States of America, and for the good of the world.”

In public, Trump is neutral. But in truth, he is trying to help Kyiv survive.

And while his critics suggest he is really on Putin’s side, Trump does not feel he needs to prove his tough-on-Russia bona fides. “Nobody has been tougher on Russia than I have,” he told me in 2020, before laying out the litany of actions he took against Russia during his first term, from sanctions to cyberattacks. There’s no reason to think he wouldn’t do it again if he decides that Putin is the intransigent party.

Putin has told Trump that he wants peace, so Trump is accepting his “yes” – for now. But at some point soon, the Russian leader will have to prove it with actions, not words. If Putin ends up stringing Trump along, he’ll find out how quickly Trump will turn on him. Indeed, after Putin escalated missile strikes against Ukrainian cities last week, Trump reportedly grew increasingly outraged and warned he was preparing to impose “large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”

Putin might not realize it, but he is on a short leash. Zelensky’s best strategy is to be as cooperative with Trump as possible, and put Putin in a position where he is tugging on that leash, trying to avoid going where Trump wants to lead him.

4. Trump wants to protect American taxpayers. Trump has criticized how much the United States has spent on aid to Ukraine, but that is because he believes the war should never have happened and would never have happened on his watch. He tacitly supported the aid package Congress passed last year, giving Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) the green light to pass it during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago. Trump wanted it to be in the form of loans, not aid. Today, a year later, many Ukraine supporters in Congress now agree that the way to arm Ukraine going forward is through interest-bearing Foreign Military Financing loans backed by Ukrainian minerals as collateral.

Trump says the United States has spent $350 billion aiding Ukraine. He has not explained how he gets to that figure, but I suspect he’s counting everything we have spent since Russia’s full-scale invasion – including bolstering NATO’s defenses in Europe, and the deployment of additional troops and weapons to Poland and the Baltic states – as a cost of the war to U.S. taxpayers.

By contrast, Zelensky has unwisely downplayed U.S. financial contributions, declaring “in total, the U.S. separately gave us about $67 billion in weapons, and we received $31.5 billion in budget support.” That is a grave mistake; every member of Congress knows that they voted for $183 billion in aid to Ukraine across five bills, many under fire from the anti-Ukraine right for doing so. Undercounting that support undercuts Ukraine’s allies and comes across as ungrateful.

Trump believes he can help Ukraine survive and rebuild while making American taxpayers whole, and the minerals deal is the way to do so. Zelensky would be wise to stop discounting the level of U.S. support and sign the deal as soon as possible.

5. Trump does not share the hostility of the anti-Ukraine right. If anything, he considers himself the best friend Ukraine has. He liked Zelensky (at least before his White House meeting) and credits the Ukrainian leader with saving him during his first impeachment. “He was like a piece of steel,” Trump said, standing next to Zelensky at Trump Tower last summer. “He said, ‘President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong.’ He said it loud and clear.

And the impeachment hoax died right there. … And I appreciated that.”

Zelensky took all that goodwill and squandered it with one disastrous meeting. To go from the effusive praise and genuine affection Trump showered on him at Trump Tower to getting unceremoniously thrown out of the White House was quite a diplomatic feat.

The fact is, Zelensky had Trump’s friendship and lost it. He needs to win it back, because – like it or not – his country’s fate depends on it. And the only way to do so is to convince Trump that, as Trump put standing next to Zelensky last summer: “We both want to see this [war] end.” If Trump doesn’t believe that, his gratitude for Zelensky’s impeachment support won’t mean much.

Perhaps I will be proved wrong about some or all this as the negotiations unfold. If I am, I’ll be the first to admit it and call Trump out. But from what I’ve seen over the past three years, I believe those who claim that Trump is siding with Putin against Ukraine are simply incorrect. And those whispering otherwise in Zelensky’s ear are not helping. They are setting him up for confrontation and failure.

© 2025, Washington Post Writers Group

At a time when partisanship influences virtually every aspect of American life, we shouldn’t be surprised when even the most anodyne governmental actions are not merely opposed but labeled as authoritarian tyranny. That’s especially true when it comes to anything done by President Donald Trump.

In a saner political era, the administration’s decision to pull funding from Columbia University over its tolerance of Jew-hatred could be understood in its proper context and easily seen as both constitutional and entirely necessary. The same is true of the arrest last week of Mahmoud Khalil, a foreign national who was one of the organizers of the harassment of Jews on Columbia’s campus, by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In 2025, seeking to roll back the damage the far-left’s grip on the education system has done to the country and the way it has fueled antisemitism is not merely controversial but depicted by leading liberal news outlets as outright tyranny. These actions are being challenged by many in pol-

Israel Today

The Anti-Trump Resistance Rushes to Defend Campus Antisemites

By Jonathan S. Tobin

itics and the media, as well as cited as the latest examples of what they falsely claim is Trump’s push to end democracy and replace it with authoritarian rule.

In so doing, they not only validate the party line of supporters of the Hamas terror movement. They also demonstrate that—even though most of American Jewry wish it to be otherwise—since the terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, effectively combating antisemitism is no longer a matter of a nonpartisan consensus.

In the 15 months after Oct. 7, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris waffled and spoke out of both sides of their mouths about Israel’s war on Hamas and the related surge of antisemitism in the United States. Fearful of offending their party’s left-wing base, they failed to act decisively against Jew-hatred on university campuses and in the streets of major U.S. cities. As historian and U.S. State Department antisemitism envoy Deborah Lipstadt admitted last week, much of the outrages being committed against Jews were met by administration “silence,” even as Biden and Harris stated that pro-Hamas

collegiate protesters deserved to be heard.

Only Trump was Willing to Act Leading institutions from Columbia University on the East Coast and the University of California, Los Angeles on the West Coast couldn’t be persuaded to change. Their administrations and faculties had long since been captured by leftist ideologues who were determined to impose on their students the toxic myths of critical race theory, intersectionality and settler-colonialism, as well as the woke catechism of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Nor could they be shamed into better behavior as the debacle of the presidents of Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, both in Cambridge, Mass., and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia testifying to Congress in December 2023 that advocacy for genocide against Jews wasn’t against the rules of their schools showed.

The only way to do something about the iron grip that an increasingly antisemitic left-wing intellectual class has on American education was through electing a president

who would use the federal government’s power to that end.

It would be far better if punishing schools like Columbia—and the others that rightly fear the same treatment— didn’t generate the sort of knee-jerk opposition that everything Trump says or does. That ought to also be true when it comes to efforts to deport non-citizens who use their legal status to organize support for the genocidal intentions of terrorist groups like Hamas in Gaza and do their best to make life untenable for Jews on college campuses who haven’t abjured their loyalty to their people or faith.

But that’s the situation we find ourselves in. As such, it’s time to recognize that on this issue, the only sort of leader who would have acted along these lines is someone like Trump. Only a president who has contempt for the expert class and credentialed elites of American life would think to use the power of the government to defend Jews in the same way that it has done for decades to protect other minorities, like African Americans or Hispanics, who fall under the DEI rubric.

Ideology is the Problem

The problem was not merely one of neglect or university leaders who were easily bullied by pro-Hamas mobs, as so many of them were after Oct. 7 when encampments, building occupations and the harassment of Jewish students became commonplace in so many places. Toleration of these activities was a function of a mindset in which hatred for Israel and Jews was considered not just acceptable but laudable.

That was a product of the pervasive influence of woke ideas in which Israel and Jews are falsely labeled as “white” oppressors who are always in the wrong, no matter what they do. Similarly, those who commit violence against them—like Hamas and the Palestinians who perpetrated the slaughter of 1,200 men, women and children on Oct. 7—are always seen as in the right.

Schools were not just unable to control their campuses to stop attacks on Jews. Many academic administrations viewed such activities as the sort of activism that they had sought to encourage, even if they regretted excesses that impacted their ability to maintain order.

Revolts of donors, many of whom are Jewish, who care about antisemitism as well as the damage done to the entire country by woke groupthink is one way to exert pressure on such institutions. As much as that sort of pushback should be encouraged, withholding federal grants and contracts—crucial to all schools and essential to the funding of all but the wealthiest institutions of higher education—is the only path to real change. Still, we shouldn’t be misled by the arguments of those who are opposing Trump’s actions. The attempt by liberal media outlets, like The New York Times, to treat schools like Columbia and thugs like Khalil as victims of government persecution may fit into the narrative of political liberals about a president they despise. But far from violating established norms as he is so often accused of doing, what Trump is doing is defending the values that all decent people, regardless of their political affiliations or how they feel about him and his other politics, ought to be supporting.

In the case of the U.S. Department of Education pulling Columbia’s grants, arguments pronouncing that this is an attack on higher education itself, academic freedom or free speech—or as Times columnist David French asserted about similar actions undertaken by the administration— don’t hold water. Nor is it part of a broader constitutional crisis brought

on by what the left claims are Trump’s unprecedented actions.

As constitutional scholar Jonathan Turley has pointed out, while the details will be subject to litigation, Trump is well within his rights to act to combat discrimination in his executive orders, as well as to overturn the actions of his predecessors, such as that of President Biden, to put such terrible practices in place.

Moreover, as Turley has also argued , the side in this dispute that seeks to violate free speech and academic freedom were those in the pro-Hamas mobs, egged on by

resulted in any real punishment for schools that were determined to hold on to their DEI culture and practices that had made such violations inevitable. So, Trump’s decisions were not only in accordance with the law. They were long overdue.

Pro-Hamas Activism and the Law

As for efforts to deport Khalil, this, too, is a welcome development.

Khalil, of Palestinian Arab origin, was born in Syria. He worked for the Hamaslinked UNRWA refugee agency before com-

Only a president who has contempt for the expert class and credentialed elites of American life would think to use the power of the government to defend Jews in the same way that it has done for decades to protect other minorities.

administrations that coddled and enabled them, who were violating the rights of Jewish students and faculty.

The context comes as part of an academic culture in which non-leftist views have been increasingly suppressed via deplatforming and hiring practices that made conservative or pro-Israel professors rare, if not extinct, in most humanities faculties.

In these cases, the question was not one about whether supporters of Hamas and those who did advocate for Jewish genocide (“from the river to the sea”) or terrorism against Jews (“globalize the intifada”) are being deprived of their right to free speech, as those who rationalize or defend them claim. Rather, it was a matter of those who held these views creating an atmosphere on campuses in which it became difficult if not impossible for Jews to pursue their educations or express their views.

It’s equally true that had anyone on campus sought to advocate for violence against protected minorities like blacks or Hispanics, university administrations would have cracked down on them without mercy. By failing to act when it was the rights of Jews that were being violated, institutions didn’t merely fail them; they systematically violated Title VI of the 1965 Civil Rights Act.

Efforts to enforce the law via complaints to the Department of Education brought lengthy investigations that never

repressed is not only untrue. It’s a form of gaslighting intended to divert us from the fact that his activities, which they support, were aimed at suppressing the speech of Jews. Foreign terror supporters have no intrinsic right to remain in the United States to violate U.S. laws and endanger American citizens.

That is true whether or not it is Trump or anyone else who is enforcing the law and seeking to protect Jewish citizens.

Predictably, the usual chorus of Israel-hating politicians such as Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) supported Khalil’s right to victimize Jews on behalf of Hamas. New York State Attorney General Letitia James is a Democrat who weaponized her office to engage in lawfare against Trump. So, it was unsurprising that she also weighed in to say she was “extremely concerned” about Khalil’s plight even though she often pretends to support the Jewish community when seeking their votes. More surprising was the fact that the X account of the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee led by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) chimed in by posting their demand that the Jew-hater Khalil be freed.

ing to the United States for his graduate education and obtained a green card, which enabled him to stay and find work.

He has every right to believe and say what he likes, even if it is hateful. But non-citizens, even green-card holders, are not entitled to pursue activities that aid terrorist organizations and advance hateful ideologies like antisemitism. And that’s exactly what he did at Columbia as he helped organize the pro-Hamas demonstrations, illegal encampments and occupations of buildings as well as inciting violence against Jews.

As former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy noted in National Review, even if Khalil hasn’t been charged with a crime, he is liable to deportation because he led a group that supports terrorism. “If the government can prove that Khalil was in a campus group that endorsed or espoused Hamas’s atrocities against Israel, it should be able to deport him regardless of his LPR [green card] status,” McCarthy points out. “And if it can deport him, there are likely to be thousands of others who can be deported, too — and should be.”

The Trump administration will likely face a long legal battle to throw him out of the United States. But to claim—as those who seek Israel’s destruction like writer Peter Beinart or fellow Times columnist Lydia Pogreen do—that he has been “abducted by ICE” or that his free speech is being

Even worse, Amy Spitalnick the head of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, a left-wing group that claims to speak for the entire American Jewish community, also opposed Khalil’s arrest. For the JCPA, defense of Jewish rights is clearly secondary to their partisan political agenda.

Even if you oppose the president and believe the worst about his policies, if you care about the crisis in American education and the resulting surge in antisemitism, then you should be applauding his effort to do something about these problems.

Instead, the anti-Trump resistance is rallying to the defense of academic institutions that have abandoned a belief in equal rights, in addition to terror supporters like Khalil. Some on the political left do so because they think that Trump must be opposed on every front. Others have been so indoctrinated in woke ideology that they feel they must back the silencing of supporters of Jewish rights as well as the Western canon. Either way, opponents of the president’s efforts to roll back the woke tide and defend Jewish students are not only wrong; they have put themselves on the side of the advocates of Jew-hatred, not the U.S. Constitution.

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of JNS (Jewish News Syndicate).

Forgotten Her es Shootout at the Shushan Corral

The Purim Story with an American Twist

by Mordechai Twain

Hear ye, hear ye, and for those down south, howdy there, folks. It’s that time of year again where the writer of this column gets to digging through dusty old books and listens to old cassette tapes to find some previously undiscovered tidbits from the Purim story. You can bet the farm on it (but not the eggs – those are too expensive) that new pieces of information from the time of Mordechai and Esther were just found. These are just fantastic and huge. Did you know that there was American influence way back when? Well, neither did I. So buckle up for another version of Midrash Avi.

Before we continue, we would like to thank our sponsor, Hey Guys. For only $19.99 after the $100 Black Friday discount that is available year round, you will receive a pair of these lightweight sandals. Perfected by the royal chamberlain, Haggai, a patent has been secured for this innovative footwear. Approved by your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi) for use on Yom Kippur. Only available in Sears’s catalogs and at the Shushan Shuk next to Suki’s Sunflower Seeds Stand – he also sells Dead Sea skin care products (I did not get paid to advertise that for him).

Well-known criminal Haman had been investigated for years by the Secret Service of the previous administration. Of course, it led to no formal charges as his family just paid them off. Part of the Aggagi crime family, Haman had regularly supplied the king with very cheap wine that was manufactured underground and sold in speakeasies across the country. He was also accused of secretly manufacturing fake coins and starting his own cryptocurrency, which was a big flop. Called Shushcoin, it sparked a crypto trading war and was only

available through members of Congress who were over the age of 80.

Not only was Mordechai the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Mordechai Hatzaddik, he was the chief fundraiser as well. Reb Mordechai tried many methods to bring in money but not all were successful. The Chinese auction created a lot buzz but was overshadowed by Haman’s idea of the Shushan Lottery with the grand prize of 10,000 coins. Reb Mordechai then tried selling chocolate bars to coworkers of the students’ parents but that flopped because he couldn’t get Cholov Yisroel chocolate that wouldn’t melt in the Persian heat. (Yes, I know that chocolate didn’t reach the Middle East until recent times, but this was guaranteed next day delivery by Amazon.) They even tried putting on a concert by the Shushan Boys Choir but since it was during Yeshiva Week (they didn’t look it up on the calendar first), no one showed up. Finally, they brought in a lot of money by hosting a 5K run ,which was won by a Kenyan runner training for upcoming Olympics in Ancient Greece.

Yeshivas Mordechai Hatzaddik ultimately had money for the top prizes at Avos U’banim and their coffee room was the talk of the town.

There were some very important people in the Royal Federal Government (RFG, for short), including the health minister RFK. His slogan was Make Shushan Healthy Again, but he didn’t last very long when he tried outlawing the annual Shushan Shakshuka Eating contest held on the boardwalk. Minister of Getting Rid of Everything, MGRE, Elon Musk, was fired by the king for trying to slash the budget to get rid of all parties.

Bigsan was the head of the Secret Service and only got his job due to his father’s

influence (he was called “the Big Guy”). He was known to promote his burger called the Big Sun – which was also his mascot. After he was caught sleeping on the job, he and his crony Seresh were removed from their positions and moved to the palace gates. While Bigsan was sleeping, a longhaired youth came in and tried to shoot at the king with a bow and arrow. Seresh, who was also on security detail during the incident, later claimed that he wasn’t on the roof because it was too sloped even though security footage clearly showed he was sunbathing instead of doing his job.

It was discovered that Zeresh was a Russian agent trying to sell secrets of a classified weapon. However, due to money making their way to the pockets of previously poor politicians, she escaped punishment. It also helped that she was chairwoman of the Rigging Elections Committee, which happened to be the Persian national pastime. Somehow, Achashveroish always won the election especially after a billionaire who owned a lot of real estate in downtown Shushan came up with the most tremendous slogan in all of the ancient lands: Make Shushan Great Again. Zeresh was also a pager saleswoman but was badly injured in Operation Handoff. The culprits were never found.

The court courier was named Lawson D. Woods, who was purported to be the ancestor of Paul Revere. Woods, who we know was a redneck because he had a homemade fur coat and had brothers named Bubba and Junior, made a midnight ride to warn the people that both Haman and the British were coming. He was last seen announcing, “Here ye, here ye. We, the people of Shushan Habirah, do an-

nounce our independence from the Babylonians.” This was a strange statement since the Babylonians were long gone at that point but what they were really trying to do was get rid of Babylonian protesters that set up camp at local schools. Achashveirosh, who had just declared Jack Daniels as a national hero, didn’t have a problem with these protesters because they paid him a lot of money (they were probably paid for by Soros). The problem was that Achashveirosh was so hung over that no one dared to tell him that everyone but Hollywood had turned on the Babylonians. Instead, they drew up a declaration of independence from the previous kingdom which wouldn’t do much except hurt some woke people’s feelings. All the leaders of Shushan wrote their name in small, unreadable handwriting lest any remaining Babylonians would take offense. However, John Hancock wrote his name so large that even the king could recognize his autograph in his groggy sleep. Soon, that document sold on eBay for millions in gold. However, it was a promissory note backed with gold from Fort Knox, so no one knew if it was actually paid for or not.

Well, there it is. Purim wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t find previously unknown nuggets of information on the Purim story, although if it were up to some very woke people, they would just rewrite the history books. Have a Happy Purim!

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.

Classifieds

SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES

VACUUM SALES AND REPAIR

All areas call Max Flam 718-444-4904

THE LEATHER SHOPPE

The spot for all your custom leather Judaica. Tallis/tefillin bags, lulav and esrog bags, havdallah sets, challah covers, shtenders, pesach sets, matzah/afikomen bags.  WhatsApp: (732) 523-0007 or email: theleathershoppe732@gmail.com for a full catalog. We ship.

PEACEFUL PRESENCE STUDIO

Men’s private yoga, Licensed Massage & Holistic Health Guidance 436 Central Ave, Cedarhurst Info. & free video training www.peacefulpresence.com 516-371-3715

GERBER MOVING

FULL SERVICE MOVING

Packing Moving Supplies

Local Long Distance. Licensed Insured

1000’S Of Happy Customers

Call Shalom 347-276-7422

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE

For big or small jobs, Sheetrock, carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, install & repair appliances Call Ephraim at 347-593-4691

MANAGEMENT STAFF WILL ASSIST

you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust

* In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling

* Securing reliable home care assistance

* Case and Care Management services

Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242

HAIR COURSE:

Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs.

Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling

Private lessons or in a group

Call Chaya 718-715-9009

ZEVIZZ WOODTURNING JUDAICA

Challah knifes, batei mezuzah, besamim holder, kiddish cups, havdalah candle holders, yad for sefer torah, pens, stenders, bowls and more  952-356-2228

MY MOTTO IS DON’T WAIT TO buy real estate

Buy real estate and wait

Your realtor for life

516-784-0856 Alexandra at Realty Connect USA

HOUSES FOR SALE

CEDARHURST

Don’t miss this opportunity!

4 Bedroom 21/2 Bathroom House

Perfectly located in Cedar Bay Park, walking distance to all. Oversized property for expansion,

A Must See. LOCATION, LOCATION. For More Info call (516) 881-7727

Leave Message

WOODMERE

Beautiful, brick, colonial boasting

5 bdr 3.5 Bth in pristine condition.

Excellent location, near all! Move right in! RCUSA 516-512-9626

Classifieds

HOUSES FOR SALE COMMERCIAL REAL ESATATE

Don’t Get Stuck With a Two Story House Ya Know, It’s One Story Before You Buy It But a Second Story After You Own It!

Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection InfraredTermite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

REAL ESTATE

MANAGEMENT

Services – Do Not Manage Your Properties Alone!

Contact Aliyah Suites for all your real estate management needs and affordable office space near you! (516) 366-1049 Management@aliyahsuites.com

Marc Jeret (MJ) Team Leader & Licensed Real Estate Agent

HEART

OF CEDARHURST

Entrance off Gourmet Glatt lot, second floor, shared bath, ideal for therapist/ office work, includes utilities, $600. Call 516-371-3715

CAN’T AFFORD YOUR PROPERTY TAXES? MORTGAGE? Must sell for any reason? Call for FREE Consultation. Call now 212-470-3856 Cash buyers available!

HOUSES FOR RENT HELP WANTED

BIG FULLY RENOVATED, Woodmere, spacious 4bedroom 2 full bath split level.2 car garage +driveway. Backyard on water SD#14. W&D. Tons of storage space. 347-517-3552

DELIVERY PERSON NEEDED to deliver this Newspaper every Thursday  morning to locations in Brooklyn. Must have Mini van or SUVand availability to work Consistently every week. Good pay - Please email gabe@fivetownsjewishhome.com or call (917) 299-8082

INSURANCE SALES PRODUCER

High Commission – Top independent insurance brokerage seeks motivated producers in Long Island, Five Towns, and Queens. High commission, training provided. Email: mail@pgliinsurance.com

ONLINE MUSIC STORE

Looking to hire a reliable friendly guy. Interest in guitars is a plus. Solid pay. Flexible hours. Text Evan 516-447-1018

HELP WANTED

5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA High School looking for General Studies Teachers for next school year Openings available in the following subjects: Math, English, Science, Personal Training/Fitness Excellent CompensationGreat Work Environment Qualified candidates should send resumes to: 5Tyeshivajobs@gmail.com

SEEKING ELEMENTARY TEACHERS and assistants for General Studies for the ‘25-’26 year. Assistants should have skills to take over for teachers if needed. Far Rockaway area boys’ school, M-Th, PM hours, strong support. Excellent salary. Send resume to teachersearch11@gmail.com.

REGENTS EXPERT

Tutoring regents in Algebra and Geometry A Darchei Torah instructor. Guaranteed results Text 347-491-8045 WhatsApp 347-767-1755

Classifieds

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

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

BOOKKEEPER

Excellent growth potential, Frum environment, Excellent salary & benefits. Email resume to: resumetfs1@gmail.com

MDS REGIONAL NURSE

5 Towns area Nursing Home management office seeking a Regional/Corporate level MDS Nurse to work in our office. Must be an RN. Regional experience preferred. 2-3 years MDS experience with good computer skills required. Position is Full Time but Part Time can be considered. Great Shomer Shabbos environment with some remote options as well. Email: officejob2019@gmail.com

5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA

Seeking Elem Gen Ed Teachers Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply. Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com

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

YESHIVAT KOL YAAKOV

In Great Neck, NY, is seeking general studies teachers for both the elementary and middle schools, for the upcoming academic year. Mon-Thur afternoons. Competitive salary, warm and supportive environment.  Send resume to m.kalati@kolyaakov.org

HELP WANTED

THE MARION & AARON GURAL JCC Early Childhood Center is hiring Assistant Teachers for the 20252026 school year, and summer camp counselors, lifeguards, and camp nurse. Applicants must be over 16-years-old for Summer, 2025.

Please send resumes to JCC.Nursery@guraljcc.org or call (516) 239-1354

MISC. MISC.

Chasdei Uvois Oshpitzin Talmidei chachomim are willing to learn mishnayos, say kaddish and be the shliach tzibbur to daven for the umid on the yartzeit yom hashanah of your parents or close relatives or loved ones

To arrange please call Rabbi Miller 917-445-6220

SHMIRAS HALASHON

Text 516-303-3868 with a time slot of your choice to be careful on lashon hara. Be a part of the 1,000 people for klal yisroel!

LOOKING FOR GENTLY USED/

New wigs to be donated to help the hundreds of women that are single mothers, battling cancer, suffering from hair loss, brides, women that haven’t purchased wigs in years etc Drop off locations all over the Tristate area beyond! Please reach out to Berta for more information 917-474-4305

BEIS HAMEDRASH CONG.

The Secret Weapon

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

Garage – or is it?

It’s that one secret weapon in every household.

Every house always needs something more.

Hardly any house truly needs a place for a car. Why would it? There are streets and driveways for that. But everyone has a desire for another space, maybe to store tools, bikes, carriages, or more. But often, more importantly, to be used as a Costco closet. What a gift – then you don’t need to trek down to the basement in

order to retrieve every new roll of toilet paper or a tissue each time you run low.

Alternatively, it’s often a great place for an extra fridge or freezer, especially when Friday’s big prep comes around. Suddenly, your kitchen fridge, that worked for you perfectly all week, seems to shrink.

And then, if you truly want to capitalize on that terrific internal space, here’s the piece de la resistance. If you find your family expanding or your house shrinking, it often provides an extra magical

area. Without you knowing how it occurs, it somehow becomes a guest room, a study, and even a spare bathroom. Amazing how much you can kvetch out of it!

Yes, that garage may be there for a car. But often, people get much more mileage out of it.

Garages are a gift the builder gives to a homeowner because human nature is to fill all the space allotted. You know, nature abhors a vacuum – so one always needs more.

But – one glitch – if you wind up with a detached garage, then all bets may be off. Because often it just winds up housing predominately excess junk . What does your secret weapon look like?

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.