South Florida Community Voice - May 23, 2024

CANDLE LIGHTING - MIAMI BEACH

MAY 24 /

CANDLE LIGHTING: 7:45 PM

SHABBOS ENDS: 8:44 PM

COMMUNITY NEWS

Hatzalah South Florida: Building a Legacy of Excellence

The very name Hatzalah is known globally as the gold standard in pre-hospital care.

As American Jews continue to migrate to the South Florida region in droves, Hatzalah South Florida has established itself as the fastest growing Hatzalah rescue organization in the United States, answering thousands of calls for help from a grateful public. Nearly doubling its call volume from just two short years ago, there’s no question that HSF has arrived as an essential organization on the communal map.

Hatzalah is matching this explosive growth by adding more members and purchasing new state of the art equipment just to keep pace with the thousands of transplants who now call South Florida home.

2 state-of the-art ambulances and two fully equipped rapid response vehicles, bringing the total to 14 ambulances and the rapid response fleet to 15 system wide. Expenditures outside the annual budget totaled well more than one million dollars this year alone. These emergency vehicles have not been idle. Together, they have responded

2-way radios funded solely by the community for the benefit of the community. With a 2024 annual budget of approximately two million dollars covering equipment, communications, training, fuel, insurance, administrative costs, and much more, Hatzalah South Florida is once again turning to the communities it serves to help keep Hatzalah ready and prepared to respond at a moments notice.

Hatzalah has an illustrious history in providing Jewish communities around the globe with the highest level of prehospital care available. HSF has fully committed itself to this historic mission. Over the last fourteen years, Hatzalah South Florida has time and again made the strategic decision to invest and reinvest in the well-being of the communities it serves. In the last twelve months alone, HSF has seen the delivery of

to over 6000 calls across 13 Jewish communities in South Florida and Orlando, providing aid and comfort to countless friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members alike.

Hatzalah South Florida’s greatest assets, though, are the nearly 300 volunteer EMTs, and paramedics, who have dedicated their lives to respond to our communities call for help at any moment of the day or night. Each member is outfitted with thousands of dollars of life-saving medical equipment and sophisticated

This year, HSF is sponsoring its very first mega Lag B’omer concert fundraiser featuring Jewish music superstars Mordechai Shapiro and Benny Friedman on Sunday, May 26 in Boca Raton. Limited tickets are still available (see ad on next page). This concert will culminate the week-long global Hatzalahthon crowd-funding effort that acts as the major annual funding platform for HSF.

Whether you are a year-round resident, visit seasonally or vacation a few days a year, when you’re here, HSF is here for you. Hatzalah South Florida is asking you to please be here for them now.

For more information or to donate, visit www.hsfems.org.

It is a great privilege to present the South Florida Community Voice. This weekly publication features updates, articles, and advertisements from local businesses. We are proudly affiliated with the finest and most reputable business owners and service providers of South Florida’s thriving Jewish communities.

This widely-read Community Voice stands out as South Florida’s largest direct-mail publication, uniting the Jewish communities of:

Orlando (Pesach/Sukkot)

Palm Beach

Boynton Beach

Delray Beach

Boca Raton

Deerfield Beach

Parkland

Coconut

Pompano Beach

Sunrise

Cooper City Pembroke Pines Hallandale Beach

Aventura

North Miami Beach

Sunny Isles

Bal

Surfside

Miami Beach

CONTACT US TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATES.

Rabbi Eliyahu Segal

Publisher, CEO

Phone: 954.662.5054

Email: info@tsfcommunityvoice.com For inquiries or to submit

kindly contact the editor via email at: editor@tsfcommunityvoice.com.

INSIDE

© 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.

COMMUNITY SNAPS

Yeshiva of Miami

If a picture is worth a thousand words, these pictures are worth WAY more than 2000 words. In fact, they are priceless, and are representative of the warm, meaningful experience we give our boys over the course of their high school years.

Zucker Hebrew Academy

First graders at Zucker’s very own Makerspace (STEAM) working in teams against the force of gravity to create stable and functional structures.

Learning b’Chavrusa with Rabbi Asher Goldenberg, YoM Mashgiach. Enjoying a Moment with Rabbi Avrohom Rakow, YoM 12th Grade Rebbe.

Operation Inspiration: Be a Prepper

By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

In a drug store recently, a magazine caught my eye while I was waiting in line. The name of it was “Prepper,” and from what I could tell by my brief glance, it was geared towards people who are preparing for the end of the world as we know it, (also referred to as: TEOTWAWKI.) Preppers are people who plan, prepare, and gain skills, in order to survive when things go kaploowie.

In the 1950s, preppers were the ones building fallout shelters in case of nuclear Armageddon, and loading them up with twenty-five years’ worth of canned food and other nonperishables. In more recent times, they’re the people who are able to live “off the grid” and who have sources of energy and water that can be used even in the event of a major natural or man-made disaster.

During the COVID pandemic, amateur preppers were the people who stocked up on things like Clorox wipes and toilet paper. When I was in a store trying to buy Clorox wipes, and the frum couple who got to the shelf two seconds before me cleared all twelve containers, leaving none for me, they were prepping. When I opened closets and cubby holes in my home and found toilet paper, even into 2024, I knew my wife had been prepping.

Well, I may not know how to light a fire without a stove, grow my own organic produce using rotten fruit and a plastic bag, or pick up radio signals with a Swiss Army knife, but recently I realized that I’m also a prepper.

I had gotten a package of ten boxes of tissues from a wholesale club and was stocking them on the shelves in my garage. Before I put them down, I was pulling off the cardboard cover of each to reveal the plastic where the tissues come out of, and pressing my fingers into the perforated slit of the plastic to open it completely. It struck me that most people probably don’t do that when they put tissues in their garage. Why was I doing it?

Anyone who is reading this can probably answer that questions. Obviously, I was

preparing them for Shabbos use. If you finish a box of tissues on Shabbos you can’t simply grab a closed box and tear off the cardboard circle protecting the opening. You’d be tearing, making the box into a usable dispenser, and other Shabbos no-no’s. If you want to have tissues on Shabbos, you’ve got to prep beforehand.

In fact, Chazal advise us all to become preppers in this way. The expression, “He who prepares on Erev Shabbos shall eat on Shabbos,” can be explained very pragmatically as I just did. If you want hot food on Shabbos, you’ve got to prepare your cholent beforehand, cook it, and keep it warm in a permissible way. On Shabbos you won’t have the chance to cook food, and that’s what the preppers of the world think. If there’s no power plants operating, no trucking companies moving goods, or anything similar, what will you do? But these preppers are short-sighted.

You see, they’re only concerned with the few years of life they have on this planet. We, as Jews, are preppers for a much longer future, one that is not just a potential need, but certain to occur. There may never be a nuclear holocaust or EMP that shuts down the power grid, but one day, we will all

leave this world and enter the next. All we will have is what we prepared while we were here.

Mesilas Yesharim compares this world to the dry land and Olam Haba to a sea voyage. We will only have on the ship what we packed along in advance. Once you’re on the ocean, there’s no way to buy things to sustain yourself. In order to “live” in Olam Haba, you need a full complement of Torah and mitzvos. If you really planned well, you’ll set up subscriptions to keep having deliveries made to you. No, they aren’t coming from Amazon. The recurring merits are the fruits of the seeds you planted here during your lifetime. If you raised a family or influenced others in a

positive way, and they do good things, those are dividends you’ll keep receiving, and that will keep you better supplied. But you need to be preparing in advance.

We’re now in the time of counting the Omer. As we count up the days, we recognize we’re getting closer to something big, and that we need to prep for it before it arrives. The forty-eight ways to acquire Torah are much harder to do in a single day.

That’s why we have time now, so we’re thinking ahead and doing what we can ahead of time.

Think of the people in your life who get this. The ones who spend their time in Torah and mitzvos, collecting chesed and zechusim which will sustain

COMMUNITY NEWS

them in the days ahead, when there will be no chances to “earn points,” are just like those people stockpiling their bunkers for a day which may never come, only better, because we know it’s inevitable. That’s valuable knowledge to have, and should inspire us all to prepare for the next world.

To paraphrase an old ad jingle: I’m a prepper; he’s a prepper; she’s a prepper; we’re all preppers. Wouldn’t you like to be a prepper too?

© 2024 – All Rights Reserved

Did you enjoy this column? Feedback is welcome and appreciated. E-mail info@ JewishSpeechWriter.com to share your thoughts. You never know when you may be the lamp that enlightens someone else.

LAG BAOMER EVENTS

LAS OLAS LAG BAOMER BBQ

Sunday, May 26 - 5:30 pm

Reservation Required for location www.jewishfl.org/lagbaomer

CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF FORT LAUDERDALE

LAG B’OMER CELEBRATION

Sunday, May 26, 2024 - 4:00pm

At George English Park 1101 Bayview Drive Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33304

https://jewishbroward.org/event/lag-bomercelebration/

THE GREAT LAG B’OMER PARADE

https://jewishunityparade.com/

Sunday May 26, 2024

Amelia Earhart Park, 401 E 65th St Hialeah, FL 33013

YJP MIAMI PRESENTS LAG BAOMER ARTISAN JAZZ PARTY

https://www.yjpmiami.com/events/lagbaomerjazz/ May 25 9:30-11:30

YJP Miami - The Rok Family Shul

LAG B’OMER WITH DUNWELL PIZZA TRUCK!

Sun May 26 2024 - 5:00 pm to 08:30 pm UTC-04:00

The Colony Palm Beach | Palm Beach, FL https://happeningnext.com/event/lag-bomer-withdunwell-pizza-truck-eid3a0bdql3r3

VIRTUAL LAG BAOMER PARADE

https://collive.com/lag-baomer-live-for-youngshluchim-and-shluchos/

Tune in live to the virtual Lag Baomer parade on Sunday, 18 Iyar / May 26, at 1PM EST at youngshluchim.org/lglive.

LAG BAOMER EVENTS

YESHIVAT TORAT YOSEF LAG B’OMER FAMILY FUN DAY

www.toratyosef.org

Sunday, May 26, 2024 - 2-4pm

Hollywood Yeshiva Campus

8950 Stirling Road

Hollywood, Fl 33024

THE JEWISH CENTER LAG B’OMER CELEBRATION & BBQ

3391 Griffin Road

Sunday, May 26

5pm Petting Zoo- 6pm Fire Show - 7pm Bonfire

CHABAD OF WEST DAVIE LAG B’OMER COMMUNITY BBQ

Equestrian Park 3100 SW 130th Ave. David, Fl 33330

Sunday, May 26 - 5:30-7:30

https://happeningnext.com/event/lag-bomer-bbqwith-chabad-of-west-davie-eid3a0bdsw7vc

THE SEPHARDIC CENTER LAG BAOMER CELEBRATION

9524 Abbott Avenue

BBQ - Marshmallows - Music - Dancing - Exotic Animal Show - Petting Zoo

Sunday, May 26 - 5pm

YJP CHABAD OF EMERALD HILLS LAG BAOMER BONFIRE

Saturday, May 25 - 9:30pm

Flyer” https://lemalasounds.com/lag-baomerbonfire

LAG BAOMER EVENTS

LAG BAOMER AFTER PARTY

The Cave Restaurant Bar & Grill

5650 Stirling Rd Hollywood, Fl 33021

May 25 - 9pm

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/lag-bomer-after-party-rav-z-concert?_gl=1*1epe3sh*_ gcl_au*OTU1MTY5MjQ3LjE3MTYzODQwMzk.*_ ga*OTc1NDk2OTAuMTcxNjM4NDAzOQ..*_ga_ LHKW5FR9N6*MTcxNjM4NjQwOS4yLjEuMTcxN jM4ODIwMC4xMS4wLjA.

LAG BAOMER BONFIRE & BBQ WITH BENJI REFAELI

Sunday, May 26 - 6:30pm

20251 NE 24th Ave, Miami, FL 33180

Free Admission

https://www.chabadisraeli.info/

LAG BAOMER MELAVE MALKA

Saturday, May 25 - 9:30 - Location to be announced

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lag-baomermelave-malka-tickets-906318993507

HILULA FOR WOMEN

Sunday, May 26 - 8pm

https://brsonline.shulcloud.com/form/hilula.html

TORAH, SCOTCH, & CIGARS

Young Israel Congregation

Saturday, May 25 - 9:30 9580 Abbot Ave - 2nd Floor

https://www.yicbh.org/event/lag-bomer.html

LAG BAOMER BONFIRE, BBQ, & KUMZITZ WITH NOAM AGAMI

Sunday, May 26 - 6pm

21812 Reflection Lane, Boca Raton, FL 33428

Free Admission - 754-246-2479 for Details

CHABAD OF BRADENTON & LAKEWOOD RANCH LAG BAOMER CELEBRATION

Sunday, May 26 - 1-3pm 5712 Lorraine Road

https://www.chabadofbradenton.com/templates/ articlecco_cdo/aid/5872469/jewish/Lag-BaomerCelebration.htm

SMOKIN’ LAG BAOMER BBQ PALM BEACH

Sunday, May 26 - 4-6pm

Palm Beach Synagogue Party Tent

120 North Country Rd

https://happeningnext.com/event/smokin-lagbaomer-bbq-eid3a0bdo73mb

LAG BAOMER EVENTS

YOUNG JEWISH 21-28 - LAG B’OMER BBQ, BONFIRE & BEACH

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State ParkLeatherback Pavillion

Sunday, May 26 - 2-7pm

https://www.tribester.com/event/lag-bomer-bbqbonfire-beach-2024/ https://www.kspace.org/lagbomer

HATZALAH SOUTH FLORIDA LAG BAOMER CONCERT

MORDECHAI SHAPIRO & BENNY FRIEDMAN LIVE IN CONCERT

Sunday, May 26 5-8:30

Mizner Park Amphitheater 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hatzalahthon-2024concert-tickets-895279925357

Fun Things To Do in South Florida

BATTLE RACING

ENCHANTED FOREST

ELAINE GORDON PARK

The Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park in North Miami is a delightful place with beautiful trees and calm walking paths. Every Sunday, kids can have fun with pony rides and a petting farm. With its variety of plants, small ponds, and wooden bridges, the park is perfect for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities. Pony rides - $10 | Petting farm - $10

1725 NE 135th St, North Miami, FL

www.northmiamifl.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/ Enchanted-Forest-Elaine-Gordon-Park-12

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience with Battle Racing in South Florida! This thrilling attraction offers high-speed go-kart racing combined with exciting combat elements. Race against friends and family on a challenging track while using powerups and obstacles to gain the upper hand. Perfect for both racing enthusiasts and those looking for some fun, Battle Racing brings a new level of excitement to go-karting.

1600 NE 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33132

Tickets are $24.99 www.battleracing.tech

MYTHOS ESCAPES

Mythos Escapes Davie is an immersive escape room experience located in Davie, Florida, offering a variety of themed rooms and challenges for adventure-seekers and puzzle enthusiasts. Participants have 60 minutes to solve clues and uncover hidden secrets to escape before time runs out. With its unique themes and interactive gameplay, Mythos Escapes Davie provides an exciting and memorable experience for friends, family, and corporate teams.

5799 Orange Drive, Davie, FL 33314

Tickets are $35 www.mythosescapes.com

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

BONNET HOUSE

TIDAL COVE

Tidal Cove in Aventura, Florida, is a premier water park featuring thrilling water slides, a relaxing lazy river, and a massive pool. The park also offers a dedicated kids’ area with smaller slides and splash zones, making it a perfect destination for families. With luxurious cabanas and poolside dining, Tidal Cove provides a fun and relaxing experience for visitors of all ages.

19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, FL 33180 Tickets range from $55 to $75 during the week www.tidalcovemiami.com

The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a 35-acre estate located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that was once the home of artist and philanthropist Frederic Clay Bartlett. The property features a historic house museum, art studio, and stunning gardens, as well as a wildlife sanctuary with monkeys, birds, and other animals. Today, Bonnet House is a popular cultural and environmental hub, offering tours, classes, and events that celebrate the arts, nature, and community. 900 North Birch Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 www.bonnethouse.org

EXPLORICO INDOOR PLAYGROUND

Explorico Indoor Playground is a dynamic and interactive play space designed for children, featuring a variety of play structures and imaginative play areas. The playground offers a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore, learn, and have fun while developing their physical and cognitive skills. With its colorful and modern design, Explorico Indoor Playground is a wonderful destination for your little ones!

8711 Stirling Rd, Cooper City, Fl $17 for two hours www.exploricoindoorplayground.com

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a popular tourist destination that offers an in-depth look at the history and future of space exploration. Through interactive exhibits, shows, and a chance to meet veteran NASA astronauts, visitors can experience the thrill of space travel and learn about the accomplishments of the US space program. The complex also features a Saturn V rocket and the Space Shuttle Atlantis, giving visitors a close-up view of these incredible machines.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953

Florida Residents can get four admissions tickets for $159 www.kennedyspacecenter.com

REAL ESTATE

and the top 1% nationally - facilitating nearly 6 Billion dollars in home sales - I bring you insights grounded in experience and authenticity, backed by the most upto-date sources

Introduction:

As the first quarter of 2024 unfolds, the real estate markets in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties continue to develop, each displaying unique trends amid various economic pressures and opportunities Here’s an over view of the performance and dynamics in these key areas:

Miami-Dade County: Resilience and Growth

Miami-Dade County's real estate market has demonstrated resilience, with a 1 5% increase in single-family home sales compared to last year, totaling 2 , 4 49 homes sold in Q1 2024 This growth is supported by strong global migration and company relocations to the area The luxur y segment, in particular, has seen a notable surge, with sales of million-dollar homes rising by 4 47% in March 2024

Broward County: Mixed Signals with a Strong Luxury Market

homes priced at $1 million and above increasing by 7% year-over-year As new listings approach pre-pandemic levels, the market is adjusting to new dynamics, offering more options for buyers and contributing $278 million to the local economy in March 2024

Palm Beach County: Tension Between High Demand and Low Supply

In Palm Beach County, the real estate market is characterized by high demand coupled with low supply, which led to a 7 8% increase in luxur y home sales Nevertheless, total home sales declined sharply by 20 6% With inventor y levels 28 6% below historical averages, the rise in new listings offers a glimmer of hope for more balanced market conditions in the future

Economic Impact and Market Dynamics

The real estate sectors in these counties have collectively had a significant economic impact, with home sales contributing over $810 million locally in March 2024 The market has also seen a high volume of cash transactions, particularly in Palm Beach, where 5 4.3% of sales were cash purchases, indicating a strong presence of foreign and out-of-state buyers.

April 2024, according to Freddie Mac. Despite these challenges, there is an appreciation in home prices across the region, with Palm Beach leading with an 11 3% increase in the median price of single-family homes year-over-year

Inventory and Market Health

While inventor y levels are improving, they remain below desired levels Broward and Palm Beach counties, in particular, are witnessing significant increases in new listings, which should help meet the ongoing demand The low rate of distressed sales across all counties signals a healthy market environment, setting the stage for potential growth and stability

This over view provides a snapshot of the current state of Southeast Florida’s real estate market as it navigates through various economic conditions, reflecting both the resilience and the challenges faced by each county

Need More Insights?

Navigating South Florida's real estate market requires a nuanced understanding of its dynamics For personalized advice or further discussion on market trends, feel free to reach out Together, we can explore strategies tailored to your real estate goals

Exclusive Car roll Group Listings

6

2

Johnny walked into a restaurant and ordered some chicken nuggets and a soda. The cashier diligently took his order. Before he could pay, he shouted, “I am in a good mood tonight; please change my order to your finest steak and order one for everyone in the restaurant. Because when I eat, I want everyone to eat too.”

Pay The Bill

By Shmuel Shayowitz

The whole restaurant began cheering for Johnny as the servers brought him his food and distributed it to everyone as well. The entire restaurant was overjoyed, and one customer even hugged Johnny. Johnny had another idea. He approached the head waiter and said, “Give me a bottle of your finest wine and pour a cup for everyone here. Because when I drink, I want everyone to drink too.” The restaurant erupted with applause as the servers went from table to table, pouring everyone their finest wines.

At this point, people on the streets and in the neighborhood heard that there was a generous person buying meals and drinks

for everyone. The place filled up instantly. When it was time for dessert, Johnny said, “Give me your most expensive assortment of chocolate truffles and one order for everyone here, too. Because when I have dessert, I want everyone to have dessert too.” Strangers came over to hug and kiss Johnny with clapping and cheering heard out the door. When Johnny was full and ready to leave, he yelled over to the head waiter, “Waiter, bring me my bill and bring one for everyone in here, too. Because when I pay my bill, I want everyone to pay their bill, too!” The end.

This week, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon have

sounded alarm bells, urging policymakers to address the nation’s ballooning debt and deficit before it precipitates a full-blown crisis. Unfortunately, no one seems bothered by this surging bill or planning to do anything to address it. The consequences of unchecked debt extend beyond systemic risks and economic growth - trickling down to individual households.

In the first quarter of 2024, U.S. household debt soared to a staggering $17.69 trillion, marking a new record. According to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, this sharp increase of over $180 billion underscores a troubling trend of overreliance on credit and loans to manage daily expenses. Alarmingly, the report revealed that delinquency rates on credit card balances and auto loans have also surged, with nearly 1 in 10 credit card balances and 1 in 12 auto loans falling into default.

According to Bankrate.com, a significant portion of borrowers

- roughly 44% - carry credit card debt from month to month, trapped in a high-interest payment cycle eroding their financial health. Approximately one-fifth of credit card borrowers are “almost maxed out” - utilizing at least 90% of their available credit - and teetering on the brink of financial instability. Investopedia reported that the average annual percentage rate on credit cards was 21.47% at the end of 2023.

The pandemic and the hyperinflation that followed undeniably impacted the average household. There is no question that life is expensive. Even with the challenges, a

myriad of solutions exist tailored to address specific needs and circumstances. From debt consolidation and budgeting to investment planning and risk management, many options are available to address particular needs and circumstances. By adopting proactive strategies and seeking professional guidance, individuals can reclaim control over their financial futures. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for a confidential consultation. Would You Rather: Would you rather get a job that you despise for 50% more than what you are getting paid now or a job you love for 25% less than what you are getting paid now?

Please email or message me to let me know your choice! Please let me know if you have a good “Would you rather” question, and we will highlight your submission.

Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is a respected Real Estate & Finance Executive, Writer, Speaker, Coach, and Advisor. As the President and Chief Lending Officer of Approved Funding, a leading national mortgage banker and direct lender, Shmuel has facilitated over $2 billion of mortgages over the past two decades. Shmuel’s expertise spans various licenses and certifications, including specialized mortgage underwriter, licensed real estate agent, and accredited coach. His market insights and experience are highly sought after in the real estate, finance, and coaching industries. In addition, Shmuel is a seasoned real estate investor and property manager, facilitating thousands of rentals nationwide. Shmuel can be reached at www.approvedfunding.com/ shmuel.

Bringing the art of the Kosher Culinary World to your table

At Kitchen to Table, we’re passionate about bringing the art of the kosher culinary world to your table. Our kosher private chef service is all about you – your preferences, your location, your cherished moments. Chef Michelle Soussan is committed to crafting an unforgettable culinary experience that reflects your unique tastes. Every menu is a work of art, designed exclusively for you and your guests.

With a background in both traditional and contemporary Middle-Eastern kosher cuisine, Chef Michelle brings a creative touch to every dish, ensuring each one is a masterpiece of taste. Let us elevate your next gathering, big or small, with delicious kosher culinary creations.

“SORRY, THAT’S NOT INCLUDED!”

The last thing you want to hear at your special event is “Sorry, that’s not included.” That’s why we provide everything you need to make your event a huge success - from exquisite food to exquisite wines, beautiful linens, professional waiters and bartenders & much more. Sit back and enjoy while we take care of every aspect of your special event.

MICHELLE SOUSSAN

(929)290-5859

EMAIL: KITCHENTOTABLEMIAMI@GMAIL.COM

Gita Galbut • Elle Galbut Bienenfeld • Elana Galbut Miller

My Iranian Client

By Shalom Markman

I figured yesterday was a good day to call an Iranian client of mine. Not surprisingly, I got him from a cold call. “Shalom, as in you’re from Israel”, he originally asked? “We’ll, kind of, was my reply.”

“I was born there but I’m not a citizen,” I tried to clarify. I guess I felt the need to defend myself. This prospect was intrigued by me. It was only a matter of time until he came around. I just had to work it hard enough. Eleven touches and four months later, and he’s been my client for almost two years.

out of Iran twelve years after the Shah lost power because they didn’t see a future for their family with the modern-day government.

I try and make an extra effort with this client by responding in a timely manner. I want all customer service concerns to his satisfaction. There’s an extra aspect of Kiddush Hashem here and I want to take full advantage.

We haven’t yet talked politics. If not now, never, right? So, I called him to get the elephant out of the way.

After clarifying some of his account related questions, I took the initiative and asked him his thoughts on the most recent world events, starting with the Iranian President. He spent the next forty-five minutes helping me understand the backdrop to what’s going on in his native country and how he sees the state of affairs in Israel.

He made it clear that he and his family aren’t a fan of the current government. He moved his family

Of course I had to bring up the Israel Gaza conflict. But no need. He beat me to it. Although I don’t agree with all his views on the current conflict, I surprisingly came away with how much we both shared on this controversial topic, a common end goal. He even invited my wife and kids to his business in Washington DC as long as he could also treat us to a kosher lunch. But on condition, he said, “that we continue this conversation.”

Business relationships can be more powerful than we believe. When I reach out cold to a prospect, I see myself as being more than a service for their business. If I didn’t, I would’ve thrown in the towel in this case, by touch number five. As someone in sales, I have to understand that I will have competitors offer the same product no matter what I sell.

Sales is challenging no matter how we dice it. What motivates me

daily is understanding what makes me unique to my clients and future prospects. What I sell to my prospect might not be unique and in most cases isn’t. Google or ChatGBT will often pull up pages (thirty-three million results in zero point eightyfive seconds to be exact) of results for my services as well. However, identifying my All Star, as I recently heard an NBA player describe each players’ unique talents in the association, can allow me to work backwards and make that my daily drive to continue selling.

In this case, it was me being a friend with conflicting points of view. While our backgrounds and major beliefs are day and night, to call out of the blue and let him know I’m thinking about him I hope was a difference maker for him. You don’t get this from a corporation. It has to come from an individual. As a matter of fact, if it does come from a corporation, it doesn’t mean much either.

So, this week’s sales tip is focusing on retention. There will be plenty of challenging client phone calls and interactions. However, these are often the best type, because it was our differences yesterday, that really brought us closer.

Shalom Markman started selling merchant services by door knocking in NYC. He currently lives in Norfolk VA with his family and visits Florida when he gets hungry or

South Florida Gemach Directory

SUPPORT GROUPS AND HOTLINES

Chizuk

Support group for women struggling with infertility

Call Sharona at 917-673-6123

Sharsheret Cancer Support Call: 954-416-0087

Shalom Task Force Domestic Abuse Hotline Call: 888-883-2323

Yacholet-Ikann

Non-profit organization in Hollywood, FL offering financial assistance for mental health services and 100% Kosher therapeutic housing for young Jewish women with trauma and mental health struggles. (786) 992-5036

office@yacholet-ikann.org

acholet-ikann.org

People available for support, Advice & Resource Guidance over the phone or in person

Seniors Support

For seniors looking for someone to talk to. Call or text: 347-324-4039

Free Private Counseling for Women with Breast Cancer

Strictly confidential, MSW with 20 years experience.

Call: 845-721-7062

Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services

Free counseling & help for couples struggling w/ infertility. Jaclyn at jaclynt@ralesjfs.org

FOOD

Challah Gemach

Free Challah for needy families for Shabbos.

Call or text: 347-324-4039

Shifra & Puah Meals/Assistance for Postpartum Women

Call Esther: 310-866-8261 or Rabbi Benitah: 718-213-1811

Yetiv Lev Food Assistance

Emergency assistance, visits and meals for new mothers and others that are sick. Contact 786-202-3344

Tomchei Shabbos Miami Kosher Supermarket

Contact Rabbi Mendy Cheruty at 305-219-3353

Tomchei Shabbos of Florida

Contact Dovie Katz at 786-248-1690

The Cupboard, Jewish Family Services: The Dorit & Ben J. Genet (Broward residents only by appointment)

Contact 954-530-7555

Jewish Community Services Food Bank

305-947-8093

Craig’s Pantry 954-648-6359

*The South Florida Community Voice is not responsible for hechsher at pantries. Please verify all food items.

CLOTHING

The Closet

1840 NE 183rd St. North Miami Beach, FL Next to the Skylake Shul 305-4671928

Goodman Jewish Family Services

954-909-0810

JEWISH BURIAL AND SHIVA SERVICES

Freshly prepared meals for families sitting Shiva

Call or text: 347-324-4039

Neshama Foundation

Financial assistance, end-of-life education, and personalized guidance to prevent cremation and grant each Jew their final respects. Call: 833-469-7685

 info@neshama.org

Chesed Shel Emes Helps families cope with all matters related to the care of the deceased: burial, transport, shiva chairs, tables etc. Call: 305-359-5700 or 305-590-8005

MONEY

Free Loan Gemach

No interest small loans

Contact Rina at 347-628-0394

Hebrew Free Loan Association of South Florida

Contact 305-933-1187 or 954-706-6236

Loan Gemach

North Miami Beach Florida 33162 305-332-3572

The Helping Hands Lending G’mach.

Contact Aharon Greenberg: 305-534-7050 or 768-268-9883

HHLendingGmach@gmail.com.

HOUSEHOLD

Mezuzah Gemach

Mezuzahs available to borrow

Contact Rabbi Yochanan Klein at 305-450-8287

Free Mezuzahs

Mezuzahs available free of charge  www.myzuzah.org/me/

MISCELLANEOUS

Everything Virtual Gemach for Jewish Families with Financial Difficulties Helps people find an item you need from someone who is donating it. This includes clothing, shoes, toys, books,

baby gear, furniture placement, Judaica, Sefarim, sheitels, houseware items and more (everything except medical supplies, coats and gowns).

Does not resell anything that is donated*

Contact Orit Sabo at 917-359-5818 to request an item or to donate an item to someone else.

For the full Gemach list, please visit: tsfcommunityvoice.com/gemach

HELP WANTED

Restaurant Entrepreneur

Former practicing business transactions attorney is looking for a restaurant entrepreneur to be partners in a unique, fast casual, potentially huge restaurant chain concept centered around an old Jewish favorite food, starting in Dade or Broward County. No financial investment required. Please inform of your experience to KMB3KMB@YAHOO.COM

North Miami Beach Restaurant looking for a manager full time or part time please call must have experience 786-553-5028.

Looking to hire: Full time (9-5) secretary/ office manager based out of office in Miami Beach. Must have basic computer skills, emails, spreadsheet organizing, quickbooks, and most importantly be a team player with good energy. Pay based upon experience with room for growth. Requirements: must have a vehicle and speak Spanish. Send resume and inquiries to Moshe@ cmgtgroup.com to schedule an interview.

The cave is now hiring servers hostess & kitchen staff 954-888-8112.

Currently looking for self driven individuals to join our financial firm. We can train & develop you to own your own practice or grow into management positions. Call or WhatsApp 806-290-6618.

Aventura/North Miami Beach full-time and part-time security positions available Monday - Friday as well as on the weekends. Morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight shifts available. Must have an active D license and speak English. Bilingual a plus! Please call 239-379-1764.

A local Hollywood preschool is looking for a full time bookkeeper. Please reach out to 954625-4580 or email office@baismordechai.com

Kosher Recipes Made Easy

By Jamie Geller

• 40MIN DURATION • 25MIN COOK TIME • 15MIN PREP TIME • 10 SERVINGS

CAPRESE LATKES: POTATO PANCAKES WITH CHEESE

Latkes, tomatoes, and cheese, oh my! These Caprese latkes will make you feel like you are dining in Italy, with a crispy, cheesy, and savory taste you can serve any time of day.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large baking potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and shredded

• 1 large onion, shredded

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• ¼ cup matzoh meal

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• Canola oil for frying

• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 (7-ounce) balls fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼-inch thick slices

• 2 medium red tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch thick slices

• 1 bunch fresh basil

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION

1. In a large bowl, stir together potatoes, onions, eggs, matzah meal, and salt.

2. Line a baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Heat enough oil to reach a depth of about 1/4-inch in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Form potato mixture into 3-inch round latkes, and fry in batches until browned and crisp, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to prepared pan. Continue making latkes with remaining mixture.

4. While latkes cook, combine vinegar and

sugar in a small saucepan; bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce to simmer; cook until reduced and thickened, 10 to 12 minutes.

5. To assemble, place each latke on a small plate. Top each with one slice mozzarella, one slice tomato, and leaf or small sprig of basil.

6. Garnish with drizzle of reduced balsamic, some evoo, and pepper to taste.

Jamie Geller is the Chief Media and Marketing Officer at Aish. She is also a bestselling cookbook author, celebrity chef, television producer, and businesswoman. She’s the author of eight cookbooks and the founder of Kosher Media Network.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE & CEREMONY IN DAVIE

Monday, May 27, 2024 | Parade 10:30 AM | Ceremony 11:00 AM

The Memorial Day parade will begin west of the Davie Fire Administration building (6901 Orange Drive) and proceed east along Orange Drive, then turn north onto SW 65th Way, ending at the Rodeo Grounds (4201 Rodeo Way). The ceremony, starting at 11 a.m., will feature notable speakers, town officials, a presentation of colors, a flag-folding ceremony, and more. www.davie-fl.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1351

FAMILY SUNDAYS AT DANIA POINTE

Every Sunday from 2-6pm, head over to the Dania Pointe Lawn for some family friendly live entertainment! Family Sundays include a variety of activities including life-sized games of chess, Connect 4, and bean bag toss, as well as interactive performances and live music. Bring your loved ones and enjoy the outdoors filled with fun and games for everyone!

Located at Dania Pointe Lawn: 150 Sunset Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004 www.daniapointe.com/events

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN JURASSIC GARDEN EXHIBIT

Immerse yourself in a thrilling world of paleontology and paleobotany! Explore the Jurassic Garden, where life-size dinosaurs roam among prehistoric plants. Uncover ancient artifacts, dig for fossils, and interact with the prehistoric ecosystem.

10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami, Florida 33156

Now – September 2nd https://fairchildgarden.org

Adult $24.95 | Senior $17.95

Child (6-17) $11.95 | Child (5 and under) Free

JUNGLE BOOK KIDS

If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly activity, consider checking out The Jungle Book Kids! This delightful musical adaptation of the classic tale brings the story of Mowgli, Baloo, and Bagheera to life with catchy songs and engaging storytelling. It’s a great way to spend time with your family and enjoy a fun and uplifting experience together. Don’t miss your chance to see it!

3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314

www.ticketmaster.com/jungle-book-kids-ft-lauderdale-florida-05-29-2024/ event/0D0060A2A4D925F6

UPCOMING EVENTS

FLAMINGO GARDENS –DINOSAURS AROUND THE WORLD

Opening on May 26th is the exciting new “Dinosaurs Around the World” exhibit at Flamingo Gardens! This outdoor adventure features 13 animatronic dinosaurs that move and sound incredibly realistic. Journey back in time to see how dinosaur ed the Earth before the continents took their modern shape. Discover how land bridges, volcanic activity, and plate tectonics spread these amazing creatures across the globe. The exhibit will be open until September 2nd!

3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL, United States, Florida 33330

(Ages 12+) $24 | (Ages 3-11) $17 www.flamingogardens.org/events-calendar/ dinosaurs-around-the-world

HYUNDAI AIR & SEA SHOW

May 26, 2024

Gear up for an exhilarating family outing at the Hyundai Air and Sea Show in Miami! Get ready to be swept off your feet as you witness jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics and heart-pounding stunts performed by skilled pilots and daredevil teams. Feel the rush of excitement as fighter jets soar overhead and precision maneuvers leave you breathless. But the thrills don’t stop there! Marvel at the impressive displays of maritime prowess as powerful vessels take to the waves, showcasing their agility and power. With a backdrop of Miami’s stunning coastline, this event promises non-stop action and excitement for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories at the Hyundai Air and Sea Show!

The show is FREE to the public.

Best Viewing areas are 1st – 10th and 13th –20th Miami Beach 12-6pm www.usasalute.com/event-site-map

FROST MUSEUM –JOURNEY TO SPACE

Opens May 26th -October 6th, 2024

Embark on an extraordinary voyage with “Journey to Space,” where you’ll experience the thrills and challenges of life beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Climb aboard interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts to discover the daily realities of astronauts on the International Space Station. Don’t miss the chance to explore this awe-inspiring exhibition, opening May 25thOctober 2nd at the Frost Science Museum—where space exploration comes to life!

Adult tickets: $29.95 | Youth (ages 4-11) $22.95 | Children (3 and under) are free 1101 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132

www.frostscience.org/exhibition/journey-to-space

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