The South Florida Community Voice - February 2023

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Rabbi Eliyahu Segal Publisher, CEO

Phone: 848.298.0302

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We are honored to introduce the South Florida Community Voice. We will be featuring local updates, articles and ads of local businesses. We have an affiliation with the finest and most reputable business owners and service providers within our Jewish community.

The Community Voice is South Florida’s largest direct-mail publication bringing together South Florida Jewish communities of:

Orlando

(Pesach/Sukkot)

Palm Beach

Boynton Beach

Delray Beach

Boca Raton

Deerfield Beach

Parkland

Coral Springs

Coconut Creek

Pompano Beach

Sunrise Lauderdale

Plantation

Fort Lauderdale

Hollywood

Davie

Cooper City

Pembroke Pines

Hallandale Beach

Aventura

North Miami

Sunny Isles

Bal Harbour

Surfside

Miami Beach

© The South Florida Community Voice Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in printed or digital form in whole or in part in any form without prior written permission is prohibited. The publisher reserves all right to edit all articles for clarity, space and editorial sensitivities. Submissions cannot be returned to sender. The South Florida Weekly Magazine is not responsible for the cash flow of any advertised product or service that appears in these pages. The South Florida Community Voice Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements in this publication, nor for the content of books that are referred to or excerpted herein.

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AN EVENING OF PURPOSE CELEBRATING CHINUCH ON PURPOSE AT YESHIVA TORAS CHAIM TORAS EMES

At Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes, chinuch doesn’t just mean education. It means giving each child the skills they need, in the environment they need, surrounded by the people they need to shine. When a child comes home happy, it’s not an accident. When a child comes home brimming with knowledge, it’s no mistake. When a child comes home passionate about Yiddishkeit, it’s not a fluke. It’s chinuch on purpose at YTCTE.

On Monday, January 9, 2023, close to 650 parents, friends, and staff of YTCTE came together to celebrate 39 years of Torah growth in South Florida at its Annual Gala, Chinuch On Purpose.  The evening’s focus was on the wonderful chinuch YTCTE provides each of its 1,300 talmidim and talmidos which does not happen by accident. At YTCTE, every dedicated Rebbe, Morah and teacher focuses on every child. From its principals to its

office staff, from its classrooms to its playgrounds and everything in between, every moment of every day is all about Chinuch on Purpose at YTCTE.

This year’s Gala had added significance as the Yeshiva has taken on additional responsibilities by investing in its Rebbeim, Moros and teachers and upgrading the programming for its students. And the atmosphere in the room was a testament to the fact that the Yeshiva’s efforts and the dedication of its staff were understood, valued and appreciated. From the customized charger plates hand-decorated by the students, to the larger-than-life picture of chinuch in action at YTCTE, attendees felt that the impact of the chinuch they are proudly supporting was transferred into the ballroom of Jungle Island in what could only be described as an electrifying feeling of unity and inspiration.

The evening opened with alumnus and proud parent, Rabbi Eli Riesel serving as the Master of Ceremonies and Dr. Allan Jacob, President of the Board led the crowd in a perek of Tehillim. Chief Financial Officer, Rabbi Moshe Bernstein took a few moments to pay tribute to a dear friend and benefactor of YTCTE who passed away shortly before the Dinner, Rabbi Morris Esformes a”h, and is sorely missed. A video tribute in his memory, showing how much of a difference one man with vision and passion could accomplish, inspired the crowd, and Rabbi Mordechai Palgon,

Rosh HaYeshiva followed with divrei chizuk. Two of the many dedicated YTCTE Rebbeim shared short stories highlighting the Chinuch on Purpose that goes on every day at the Yeshiva.  Two special presentations were made as well. The first was a moving thank you from the new JEMS Academy (Jewish Education Made Special) for their partnership with the Yeshiva, and the second was a surprise thank you to the Roshei HaYeshiva, from the entire staff of YTCTE, for their leadership and guidance. The program concluded with closing remarks from PResident of the Board, Mr. Marcos Lapciuc.

Guests were then treated to a musical experience with Baruch Levine who was joined by 3 YTCTE student soloists as well as a heart-tugging original new music video aptly titled “Thank you for YTCTE.” Following the program, guests were invited to an elaborate viennese dessert, along with a concert and kumzitz with Baruch Levine, to cap off a truly beautiful night.

As many expressed, the Gala perfectly highlighted the dedicated Rabbeim, Moros, teachers, administrators and staff at YTCTE and the excellent chinuch they provide - on purpose

As the guests began to leave at the end of the night, they left with pride knowing that they are helping to make an impact on over 1,300 children, the true beneficiaries of their generosity.  And it is an impact that will reverberate for generations. With purpose. For a purpose. On Purpose.

To watch the YTCTE new music video, go to ytcte.org/musicvideo  For more information about YTCTE visit ytcte.org.

Sunday - Tuesday ~ February 26 - March 7

Sunday - Tuesday ~ February 26 - March 7

CLASSY, UNIQUE AND DELICIOUS MISHLOACH MANOT IDEAS

We reached out to the Miami Food Yenta, (Michelle) for unique and delicious Mishloach Manot ideas.

to get a cute basket filled with delicious macarons?

For those who want a gourmet mishloach basket, look no further than Truffleberry in Surfside. From candy kabobs to mesh baskets, Truffleberry is ready with the most trending Purim gifts!

Instead of sweets, why not make your mishloach manot baskets filled with food that may be used for the Purim Seudah?

Harbor Bistro in Surfside makes charcuterie platters for intimate gatherings of 2 to more elaborate gatherings of 20. These platters make great gifts!

New to the South Florida Kosher Food scene is Mesibabi Candy located at the Waterways. Mesibabi offers pareve and dairy candies and caters to all budgets. Mishloach Manot packages start at $7!

An old staple of South Florida is Wall to Wall Nuts located in North Miami Beach. People forget how really very good their variety is as well as their prices.

For Cholev Yisroel, dairy and pareve sweet treats, look no further than 17 Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Miami Beach who has candy sushi ready for your mishloach manot basket. Candy comes as one roll and served in a cute container.

Other sweet ideas to add in your Purim baskets are delicious homemade chocolates. Le Chocolatier Fine Handmade Chocolate in North Miami Beach has an array of chocolate that would make anyone smile!

Elevate your table with Miami Boards. All products are handcrafted! Miami Boards make their own pastrami, chicken poppers and have a large variety of meats and cuts. Miami Boards in Miami.

Prepare to be addicted to Macaron by Hadas. Soon to be opening in Hollywood, Hadas is busy taking orders for Purim. Wouldn’t you love

Did you know the Sunshine State had its very own kosher pop zone? Tasteful Thoughts, located in Cooper City, creates gourmet, designer popcorn creating a symphony in your mouth,

Finding the perfect mishloach manot can be tough. Just remember that no matter what you decide to give, your mishloach manot will leave an everlasting impression because it comes from you!

Michelle eats her way through South Florida and keeps everyone informed with updates and information on delicious kosher food throughout South Florida. Follow her on Instagram @MiamiFoodYenta

BE A PART OF SOLVING THE TUITION CRISIS

For decades, asking the state of Florida to fund every student’s education seemed like a pipe dream. We’d ask, plead and argue, but to no avail. Now, in an incredible turn of events, the Florida House is considering the most transformational piece of legislation we will see in our lifetime: K-12 scholarships for all children in our state.

Championing this cause is Speaker of the Florida House Paul Renner, who has made universal school choice a priority by designating the school choice bill as “House Bill 1.” This year, a record 7,200 students in Jewish day schools received state scholarships for a total of $60 million. House Bill 1 would take this even further by granting scholarship access to all K-12 students. This will provide financial relief to countless families who are struggling to afford Jewish day school tuition and go a long way toward resolving what many are calling a tuition crisis.

However, we can’t simply sit back and hope for the best. Just because a bill is designated as high priority does not mean it will pass. As Maury Litwack, managing director of the OU and founder of Teach Coalition once told me, “You don’t get credit for hitting a home run when you start on third base.” I respectfully disagreed with him on this. As a lifelong Mets, Jets, Knicks and Islanders fan, I’ve seen plenty of runners stranded on third base and never score. It would be a shame to make it this far and not see the bill pass. Research shows that school choice has a marked effect on student success. Back in 1999, when the scholarship programs began, Florida’s high school graduation rate was 60%—today it is 87%! Twenty years later, an Urban Institute Study found that private school students with scholarships were 43% more likely to graduate high school and enroll in a four-year college than their peers in public school. School choice is truly a worthwhile investment for our children’s future.

It’s now time to do everything we can to ensure this bill makes it to the finish line, and that every child in our state receives the best educational opportunities we can provide for them. Our families deserve much-needed relief. Let’s reverse the tuition crisis and change history.

What can you do to help?

1. Sign our petition to let our elected officials know we support scholarships for all: visit FundEveryChild. com

2. Educate yourself with these talking points and share them with your state elected officials:

a. School choice does not hurt public school populations. In fact, public school enrollment has increased every year alongside the scholarship programs’ growth, with the exception of during COVID.

b. In addition to receiving money for every student, public schools receive nearly $10 billion in local tax funding. The scholarship program does not affect this funding at all.

c. Rankings:

i. Florida is in the top 5 states in the nation for 4th grade reading and math, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a federal program.

ii. Florida ranks #3 for K-12 education quality according to Education Week.

iii. Florida ranks 16th for College Readiness according to US News & World Report.

Danny Aqua Executive Director, Teach Florida

PRACTICAL PUBLIC HEALTH – KNOW MORE, LIVE BETTER!

by Stuart A. Rubin, MD, MPH

CAR ACCIDENTS - CRASH AVOIDANCE / SURVIVAL

What can we do to avoid motor vehicle accidents, decrease trauma and improve survival if anticipating or experiencing a crash.

What one does in those few seconds can make a difference in the severity of the accident and may even save your life !

After years of declining fatalities, the number of traffic-related deaths has recently increased.

As per the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety there were approximately 3000 fatal car crashes in Florida in 2020.

AVOIDANCE

Rear End Collision – Increase the distance between your car and the car in front of you. If someone is tailgating, slow down to minimize injuries in the event of a crash and move to the right to let them pass.

Side Impact (“T-Bone”) – occur at intersections and due to sideswipes, when making a left-hand turn because your view of oncoming traffic is blocked by a vehicle facing you and/ or when you are unaware of activity on your right.

Be extra cautious at stop signs and lights. Come to a complete stop and look both ways before making a right turn on red. Check your blind spots before changing lanes and think about any vehicles that you cannot see.

Front Impact - avoid distractions

such as answering cellphone calls, texting, or eating. Slowing down in slippery conditions will increase your reaction time and allow shorter stopping distance.

Hydroplaning - Take your foot off the gas but do not hit the brake or steer sharply. Apply slow, steady pressure to the brakes or allow the car to slow down as it coasts as this will let the tires re-contact the pavement.

Skidding: In the beginning of a skid steer in the direction of the skid. Avoid braking or accelerating until your tires regain traction. Always keep a firm grip on the wheel.

SAFETY MEASURES

Seat belts – wear your seat belt low on your hip bones and make sure your shoulder belt goes across the center of your chest.

Head Rests: The top of the headrest should be as least as high as the top of your ears and be very close, no less than 3 inches away from your head. Body position: Airbags and other safety features optimally protect when passengers will sit in a “normal” conventional upright position. If you’re sitting with your legs crossed, feet on the dashboard, or laying down in the backseat, the airbags won’t protect you as well. Stay upright and hold the steering wheel for the best protection. Sit with your feet flat on the floor with your back resting against as much of the seat as possible.

Brace for impact: If you see that someone is about to hit you or you

hear brakes squealing behind you, lean back so that your head is touching the headrest and look forward.

Trust your anti-lock brake system: If you need to brake quickly, just hold your brakes firmly and allow the ABS to pump your brakes for you.

The above safety measures will hopefully improve our own personal safety and make Florida roads a safer place.

As always consult your own professional for your own optimal personal safety plan. This author does not take personal or professional responsibility if the above recommendations are not suitable for the reader.

The author Stuart A. Rubin, MD, MPH has been practicing in South Florida for almost 30 years in the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Pain Medicine and is involved in community public health initiatives.

HOMEOVERHOUSETM PERSIAN ICE CREAM

THE QUICK WAY!

• One pack of vanilla ice cream (pareve if serving with meat!)

• One pack of pistachio ice cream

• Saffron threads

• 1 tablespoon cardamom

• Rose water

• Chopped pistachios

• Edible roses (for garnish)

In a bowl, let the vanilla and pistachio ice cream sit until it’s liquified and easily mixable (not completely melted!)

While you’re waiting, in a small bowl, put 3 tablespoons of boiling water with saffron threads until it becomes a golden liquid.

Add in the saffron mix to the ice cream, mix in pistachios & 3 tablespoons of rose water (or rose syrup). Add in the cardamom and combine it all together.

Place it in a nice serving bowl, flatten the ice cream and garnish with pistachios and edible roses! Keep in the freezer for a few hours & serve!

THE TRADITIONAL WAY

• 1 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Saffron threads

• 2 tablespoons rose water

• 5 egg yolks

• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

Grind saffron threads until it is a powder consistency. Pour the rose water into the saffron and set aside.

Combine milk, cream, sugar and salt in a saucepan and heat medium low.

Add the saffron mixture once sugar is dissolved, but do not allow to boil!

Meanwhile, whisk eggs until fully combined. Pour the egg mixture into the warm milk pan, constantly stirring. Cook on low for 15 minutes, then set aside, cover & chill (at least 6 hours) for the custard to develop.

Pour the custard mixture into an ice cream maker (or by hand) and pour into a container. Serve with wafers or by itself!

Jackie Yesharim is a passionate wife, mother of four, and the founder of HomeOverHouse. She is an avid home entertainer, cook, and crafter who loves to share her experiences on social media. Jackie’s love of Persian cuisine was cultivated after marrying her Persian husband, which was the inspiration behind one of her favorite ice cream recipes. Follow her on Instagram @HomeOverHouse

Homes for the stable Jewish young adult located in the tri-state area. Propelling him forward Preparing her to fulfill her dreams

NEW SEPHARDIC COMMUNITY CENTER OPENS UP

If you want to know where the action is in Miami, head to Surfside.

The newest addition to the Sephardic community is an extraordinarily active, energetic, inclusive community center. The Sephardic Center opened its doors just three months ago, and the programing has been virtually non-stop. A large, enthusiastic crowd celebrated the chanukat habayit, and the Center has since held a Chanukah event, arranged a Shabbaton with Rabbi Aharon Levy, and hosted speakers such as Rabbi David Yosef, Rabbi

Moshe Pinto, Rabbi Yinon Kalazn and many more. Teen programming includes weekly classes with Rabbi Maoz Tal and a teen Shabbat minyan. The Center has provided social events and learning opportunities for ladies; daily minyanim; daily and weekly classes; Thursday night mishmarthink cholent, l’chayim, music, the works - and Shabbat minyanim for over two hundred neshamot every week, complete with a lavish Sephardic kiddush and seudah shelishit.

Rabbi Yair Massri, a young, energetic leader in the community, took the initiative to address the growing demand for a community center specifically designed for Sephardic culture to flourish. Rabbi Massri is the type who harnesses every moment to create the maximum impact. He secured a location, rallied the very people that had been petitioning to take the community to the next level, and went all-in to make this house a Sephardic home for every Jew.

Approbations for the Sephardic Center include a star-studded list of rabbonim from Sephardic com munities around the world. Rabbi Eli Mansour shalita of Brooklyn, NY, is one of the most respected leaders of Sephardic Jewry today. Rabbi Massri has met with Rabbi Mansour on many occasions, and they discussed the Sephardic Center prior to its opening in December 2022. Rabbi Mansour’s conclusion speaks volumes: “I’ve been around the world, so I know something good when I see it, and I know something even great when I see it. This is a great item here, the Rabbi. Hold on to [Rabbi Massri], stick next to him, and I have no doubt you are going to succeed.”

Rabbi David Yosef shalita of Har Nof, Yerushalayim (son of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef z”lt, the beloved former Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Eretz Yisrael), echoes Rabbi Mansour’s support. In

an address to the Sepharidc Center community, Rabbi Yosef said, “You have here a very good Rabbi, Rabbi Yair Massri Shalita, [...] a talmid chacham and a good leader, but [launching the Center and reaching out to other Jews is] not only his job. It’s everyone’s job! Everyone should help the Rabbi. It is up to you! [...] I’m sure this is only the beginning, and BzH it will be much much more. BzH you’ll merit together with the Rav […] and be successful in bringing those that are far from the ways of Torah back to their roots, and you’ll accomplish great and wonderful things.”

To fuel the growth of the up-andcoming community, the Sephardic Center is kicking off a crowdfunding campaign on Sunday February 26th. They have their goal set on raising $1 million in just 36 hours at Charidy. com/Center. These initial funds are

critical for the Sephardic Center to continue to flourish.

Locals are basking in the warmth of a homemade for Sephardim, by Sephardim, where they feel their unique culture come to life. Visitors take the passion home with them, telling their friends that this place is different - “Hey, when you’re down there next week, go check it out. You’ll see what I mean, you have to go.”

You can reach Rabbi Massri at 917-982-6165 or RabbiMassri@Sephardic-Center.org 9524 Abbott Ave, Surfside.

Sam wishes he could stay all year long. He feels an invaluable sense of normalcy and independence.

Huvi became more flexible and learned to get along with others.

Backfora3rdYear!

ADMISSION PRICE: $18 per child

$45 max per family (3 or more children) (Age 15+ & Adults Free!)

[FOOD TRUCK ITEMS ARE FOR SALE: NOT INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION]

Sponsors: Vendors:

To join the growing list of corporate sponsors and event vendors, and expose your business to 100s of South Floridians, please email ryhecht@mtacademy.org

SAVE THE DATE

M T A O p e n H o u s e !

Our staff will be available to give tours for next school year to share our unique education model of the "Power of 10" students in a class.

MTA is a Yeshiva Day School for boys and girls (separate campuses) grades K-8 in Plantation, FL focused on developing the whole child

To learn more about MTA's individualized, stress-free approach leading to excellence in education, please visit www.MTAcademy.org

SNAPS FROM THE COMMUNITY

SEND COMMUNITY EVENT PHOTOS TO INFO@TSFCOMMUNITYVOICE.COM

Chaveirim hard at work in South Florida

Gad Elbaz singing at the birthday party of Rabbi Lasry

Rabbi Chaim Frankel presents an amazing night shiur at Maor Yitzchak Bet Midrash of Yeshiva Kedosha with a honorary guest speaker Rabbi Meir Eliyahu

The Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Frankel with Rabbi Meir Eliyahu

Tu Bishvat sehuda at Tehillat Yitzchak

Yad L’Achim Event in Boca Raton

Rabbi Itzchak Levi, Chief Rabbi of Nesher City

Rabbi Elmaliach delivering shiur at Rabbi Oren Pinchasovs new shul

Rosh Chodesh Neitz Minyan at Hollywood Beach

painting”