t was erev Rosh Hashanah and most of our preparations for the New Year were done. In addition, we had also just completed the 25th anniversary issue of our publication, which is now distributed to Jewish communities in New York, New Jersey, and South Florida.
October 7: One Year Later
BY YOCHANAN GORDON
Oom Kippur, which is on the tenth of Tishrei, is considered the holiest and most important day in the Jewish year. In the Torah it is written: “Because on this day, there will be atonement for you, to purify you from all your sins, before G-d you will be cleansed” (Lev. 16:30). This is the day on which Moshe Rabbeinu came down from Mount Sinai with the second set of Tablets of the Covenant, having broken the first set of tablets when he saw the sin of the golden calf. Yom Kippur commemorates the day that the Children of Israel were given a second chance with the second set of Tablets, and so it became a day of atonement and forgive- Continued on Page 114
A Commemoration Of Sadness And Hope
BY MALKIE GORDON HIRSCH MAGENCE
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ctober 7th will probably be the most written about subject than any event we have endured in modern history, aside from the Holocaust. Clearly, our enemies had the designs to replicate that act of genocide; they just simply lacked the wherewithal. Initially, I was
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veryone has their own personal version of events when it comes to October 7th. Where they were, how they found out, how they were affected, how they were filled with doubt that something like this could actually happen. It’s the same with September 11th and how that day is seared in our minds forever. It’s the day we lost our innocence. The day we realized that, like our ancestors before us, those whom we thought were our friends are not to be trusted.
Former President Donald Trump visiting the Ohel, the kever of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, on Monday. Rabbi Moti Seligson is instructing Trump
124
Heard in tHe bagel store
By Larry Gordon
TAKING INVENTORY
Just in case you were counting or keeping score, a few weeks ago, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Five Towns Jewish Times
That’s a lot of typing and a lot of words. In fact, I’m sure it has been many millions of words to convey ideas, share events, communicate successes and failures, triumphs and losses.
So, let me say this, we are pretty good at what we do. And I’m only saying that because this is the sentiment that is frequently expressed to me by my readers, advertisers, community leaders, and anyone who has used these pages to promote or publicize whatever they are doing, many for all these years.
Some of our staff have suggested that we do something special to commemorate our 25th anniversary. At first, I thought it was a good idea, but about five minutes later I began to think the opposite. We don’t need another dinner or reason to congregate so I can pay tribute to all the people who make this newspa-
per possible each week.
When I think about how we started and where we are today, I think it might be an interesting story to share with you. My son, Nachi, the creator of Meaningful Minute and the popular Meaningful People podcast, tells his siblings that, “Abba had one good idea.” (That’s not true because I had a few, actually.) I generally counter that by telling him that in reality, he had just one good idea, so in effect we each had one good idea, so we’re tied.
Like any other project or endeavor, we have our occasional ups and downs, good times and not so good times. But whatever the case, we’re always pushing ahead and making sure that the next issue of the 5TJT is out on time. Over the years, we’ve had our challenges, especially in 2011, when we engaged a group of graphic artists in Kyiv, Ukraine. It’s not an unusual move for companies
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nowadays to outsource their talent, but it was a decision that was both competent and economical.
As I can recall, since the war began between Russia and Ukraine, there were times when our production manager lost contact with our graphics people in Kyiv, usually because of power outages and internet issues.
So, let’s first discuss the uniqueness of this niche market. With Sukkos less than a week away, one of the important things we offer our extensive readership here and in South Florida in the Orthodox Jewish community, which is our primary market, is three days of a readership without our core market turning on a TV, radio, internet, or phone.
Our readers are either in shul, eating a yom tov meal, studying the Daf or another sefer, and then perusing the pages of the 5TJT. Now that’s a market unlike any other that our advertisers and sponsors appreciate. There are literally hundreds of different ethnic publications in New York alone, but there is no market where your readers shut everything off for 25 hours every week, from Friday night through Saturday night, and over a yom tov like this year, with a 72-hour stretch that closes off all other available media.
It is additionally important to recognize the talent we managed to develop
over the years, including from within our own family that we frankly never realized was there. For my part, I’ve been writing since my Brooklyn College days, when I was drawn to both Creative Writing and American Literature courses.
From my earliest years, I was intrigued by authors like Ernest Hemingway, Bernard Malamud, and Kurt Vonnegut. In fact, I discovered Vonnegut’s “Breakfast of Champions” on a library shelf on Fort Hamilton Parkway one afternoon when I had enough of school one day and decided to spend the afternoon at the library. Do you know many kids who cut school to peruse the bookshelves at their local library? I haven’t met one yet.
As you know, my father was a prolific Yiddish writer and I’ve undertaken to translate a great deal of his work into English and occasionally publish it here. I was intrigued by the profession, to say the least. But most writers, unless they manage to publish a bestseller, usually struggle to make a living. So, I did some other things in the interim—until 1999, when a lightbulb went off in my head and I decided to try and publish my own newspaper.
That means you’re not just writing, reading, and editing material, but actually running a business. This includes overseeing a sales force, a team of edi-
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tors and proofreaders, and even a delivery crew that when a car or truck breaks down, call me to ask what to do.
One of the great writers we discovered over the last few years is our daughter, Malkie. Today, she writes a weekly column under the name Malkie Gordon Hirsch Magence, which in and of itself tells her entire story. Malkie has a sense of the people, and because of her personal experiences, has become an inspiration to so many who find themselves in similar situations.
Our son Yochanan has developed into a deep-thinking talmid chacham with extraordinary analytical skills. Over the years, countless people have related to me that they read his columns to their family at the Shabbos table and they discuss it amongst themselves.
Our son Dovi has developed great relationships with many of our advertisers with whom he communicates on a daily basis with tremendous effective-
ness and success.
Our sons, Nison and Nachi, along with our daughter Dini Franklin, developed an idea that was at the start known as “Meaningful Minute,” which developed into the Meaningful People Podcast that has over 250,000 subscribers on YouTube and attracts listeners from around the world.
I like to think that this effort is a spinoff from the creation of the 5TJT, which began when Nison was just six years old and Nachi was four. I like to think that this effort impacted and influenced them, not unlike how my father’s profession of journalist influenced me.
It’s important to add that the paper reads as well as it does thanks to the superb efforts of Michele Justic, our Managing Content Editor, who has been working with us almost from the start. Michele coordinates the editing and proofreading along with the supremely efficient Chana Rochel Ross, who makes sure that everything that is supposed to be in each issue is actually there and they all do a remarkable job.
One of the editors that Michele recruited, Rachel Bodner, who I have not yet met or spoken to, focuses on my two weekly columns that appear in each issue. The reality of the symbiosis between my writing and her editing is that instead of me reading my articles once they are published and thinking that I could have conveyed the same idea more effectively, Rachel is like one step ahead of me and seems to know exactly what I want to say and she sometimes rearranges my words to create a more cogent way to express my ideas.
We are fortunate to also have Beth Cohen who is a highly qualified professional editor who lends her efforts to many columns each week.
How this weekly paper has advanced technologically would be particularly difficult for a non-techie like myself to express. It went from ad agency people physically delivering ads to our office so they could be glued on a page that would be sent to the printer later that day, to
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the process we have today, which is a type of in-house service.
I remember the first week our graphics people told me that they were going to email the paper to the printer instead of placing the pages in a large box and sending it with a messenger to the printer’s office in Long Island City. This was back in 2006, and I didn’t believe that the paper would get to the printer digitally rather than being physically delivered.
Before that great technological leap forward, my wife Esta was in charge of taking attendance to make sure we had all the ads in our possession that were supposed to appear in that week’s paper. It was a mini crisis when an ad was missing since it would slow down the entire process.
But somehow, we evolved from our manual process to the current technology. We used to share an office with the graphics design team, so as they laid out
the newspaper, we would peek over their shoulders to catch a glimpse of what it looked like. Then I met a young man from Ukraine who was living in Brooklyn and I told him I was reluctant and appre-
open my office computer each morning, I always check to see if Michael is there as promised. Since the beginning of this arrangement in 2006, he’s been there every single day without fail.
Like any other project or endeavor, we have our occasional ups and downs, good times and not so good times.
hensive about having someone working on my paper who I could not physically see with my own eyes. But then he told me what the price would be to have the paper laid out and designed in Kyiv. The young man overseeing this new process told me that he would always be there online, available to me if I ever had any questions or concerns. Now, when I
Anyway, here’s to another twenty-five years of serving the community.
More On A Unique Sukkah
I have Steven and Jonathan Litton listed in my iPhone contacts as “Suk-
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CALENDAR LUACH
11 - 19
Political RounduP
Fate Of Congress Runs Through New York
By Joseph Frager, MD
There are presently 220 Republicans and 211 Democrats in Congress. The silver lining to the loss by Lee Zeldin to Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022 was that his coattails brought in six new Republican Congressmen. They were Nick LaLota in District 1, George Santos in District 3, Anthony D’Esposito in District 4, Mike Lawler in District 17, Marc Molinaro in District 19, and Brandon Williams in District 22. Brandon Williams replaced Republican John Katko who retired. George Santos was forced out. He was replaced by Democrat Tom Suozzi who beat Republican challenger Mazi Pilip in a special election. Republican Mike LiPetri is challenging Tom Suozzi in District 3 this November. He is hoping, as are the other Republican candidates, that the down-ballot effect of Donald J. Trump at the top of the ticket will make the difference. This is quite possible since the districts up for grabs have been adversely affected by the inflationary economy, illegal immigration, and crime. These issues are where the Republicans do best. The impact of in-
flation has cut into incomes of workers by 5% to 15%. The Democrats pushing for defunding the police and the revolving door of bail reform only has helped the Republicans. Law and order is highly valued especially in these districts. The immigrant crisis has only amplified the need for more police—not fewer. These are strong points for the Republicans.
On Israel, the Democratic Party has been hurt by Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket. Many of the districts in New York in play have large Jewish populations. This is especially true of District 3, District 4, and District 17. Anthony D’Esposito has been a strong, outspoken, and ardent supporter of Israel and the Jewish people. He won his seat in 2022 by 3.6% (only 10,000 votes). The Jewish vote is absolutely crucial in his district. Similarly, in District 17 Mike Lawler who is also a great friend of Israel and the Jewish people won by only 1% (about 2,000 votes). His challenger this year is Mondaire Jones who has had a notorious anti-Israel record including voting against Iron Dome for Israel. The Jewish vote is well represented in his district, which includes Rockland County. Congressman Mike Lawler is
an Irish Italian Catholic but cares about Israel with a deep passion. He recently introduced a bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act to address antisemitic sentiment and activities on college campuses. The bill would withhold federal funds, which total in billions of dollars if universities did not control antisemitism.
NORPAC held an event at the end of September at the home of Freda and Scott Englander with both Congressman D’Esposito and Congressman Mike
Lawler featured. Both showed a very sophisticated and deep knowledge of the Middle East and the American-Israel Alliance.
Even though New York is a heavy blue state the current makeup is 16 Democratic Congressmen and 10 Republican Congressmen. Recent polls indicate that this differential can become even closer. In any case the fate of Congress hinges on the New York delegation. This
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Dr. Joseph Frager, Larry Gordon, Cong. Mike Lawler, Cong. Anthony D’Esposito, Scott Englander and Stanley Stern
POLITICAL ROUNDUP
Continued from Page 22
was quite apparent in 2022 and looks like it is going to repeat itself this election cycle. n
Marking History In Lawrence
Nassau Leaders Spearhead October 7 Memorials
Nassau leaders noted the need for community and unity as they planned and headlined events throughout town
to mark the one year anniversary of the October 7-Simchat
Torah Massacre.
Randy Guttman of Lawrence was appointed the official historian of the village by Mayor Sam Nahmias
Local leaders gather at Cedarhurst rally
Rabbi Eli Goodman addresses Long Beach rally
Rabbi Eli Goodman holds a new sefer Torah dedicated to October 7 victims
Cedarhurst rally for October 7
Eisenhower Park rally
Congressman Anthony D’Esposito addresses Eisenhower Park Memorial
Continued on Page 31
POLITICAL ROUNDUP
Continued from Page 28
In Andrew J Parise Park on Sunday, October 6, Tzom Gedaliah, hundreds gathered to mark the solemn occasion and renew their commitment to honor the memory of those lost and to continue to support Israel. Keynote speaker Emily Austin, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, Assemblyman Ari Brown, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Tova Plaut, Former Senator Alphonse
D’Amato, Performer Avi Peretz, and representatives from the IDF helped plan and participate in the event.
Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and Assemblyman Ari Brown also joined later in the day at the Long Beach Village Hall in a ceremony led by Rabbi Eli Goodman of Chabad of the Beaches, with moving songs led by Rabbi Benny
Berlin of BACH, and heartfelt words by Rabbi Silver of YILB, Rabbi Krimsky of Lido Beach Synagogue, Legislator Patrick Mullaney, City Council President Brendan Finn, and others.
Congressman D’Esposito commented, “We must continue to stand with Israel, root out anti-semitism, defund universities spewing hate, eradicate Hamas and Iran’s proxies and hold accountable terrorist sympathizers. Israel must have every resource to defend herself and we must work locally to eliminate hate, keep our communities safe, and show terrorist sympathizers that we will not tolerate their violence.”
On October 7, County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a historic and monumental memorial at Eisenhower Park together with over 50 community organizations, Nova Music Festival survivors, and IDF soldiers from Long Island. An estimated 10,000 people attended. Blakeman commented, “We prayed for the families of those killed by acts of terror one year ago in Israel, and for the safe return of the 101 hostages still in Hamas captivity. This was the largest remembrance ceremony on Long Island, and I thank all those who joined us.” n
County Executive Bruce Blakeman addresses the crowd at Eisenhower Park
HOW DO YOU FIND THE RIGHT PLASTIC SURGEON?
BY DR. AVIVA PREMINGER, MD, MPH, FACS
We are about halfway through the holiday season, with quite a bit of planning and eating still to go. It’s hard to focus on anything other than trying to squeeze in as many days of work as possible between all the days off, not to mention the shopping, cooking, and selecting the right shul attire. There’s a lot to think about, but when you finally return to the doldrums of everyday life, it may be time to return the focus back to…you.
Over yom tov , you may have noticed having to lift your upper eyelids to apply shadow, or that your lower eyelid bags look a little worse this year than they did last year. Or maybe it’s your neck or that little belly bulge that seems to respond to all that festive eating? It is what it is, as they say, but if you are looking to do something about it, how do you go about finding a plastic surgeon you can trust?
These days we are inundated with a constant stream of information thanks to social media. But, how do you decipher what’s real and whom to believe?
To be honest, it can be difficult. As
they say, you can’t believe everything you see on TV. That’s not to say that someone with a great social media presence isn’t a great plastic surgeon either. I try, but to be honest, I’m a much better surgeon than social media star. Thankfully, my surgical results far exceed the quality of my Instagram posts.
So, where does a consumer start? First of all, do your homework as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons likes to say. Make sure that the surgeon you are consulting with is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. The internet is a great resource, but it can also be a huge source of misinformation, so it’s great to also be able to rely on the recommendations of friends and colleagues who’ve had positive experiences. Ask your doctor, OB/GYN, or dermatologist for recommendations. You may want to check out before and after photos on the doctor’s website or Instagram account. What’s more important is that you ask to see before and after photos of patients who look like you before their surgery. If you are in your late 40s or early 50s and look-
ing for a mommy makeover, don’t base your evaluation on the before and after results of a 25-year-old. Remember, your surgeon is a doctor, not a magician. If something seems too good to be true, it may be so. When you actually go for your consultation, see how you feel about the practice. Do you feel comfortable with the staff? Are they professional? Keep in mind that you will be interacting not only with the surgeon but also with his or her staff. Finally, and most importantly, see how comfortable you feel with the surgeon. I always say that finding the right plastic surgeon is a bit like dating: it has to feel right. Don’t be reluctant to meet more than one surgeon—you may find that you prefer one person’s style over
the others. Try to get an idea of how often the surgeon does the procedure you are interested in. The reality is that surgeons who do something more often are better at it. However, a simple caveat is that if the surgeon appears to be too busy, they may not be prepared to give you the attention you need or expect post-operatively. Make sure the surgeon understands your aesthetic goals. If the practice offers 3D imaging, this may be a powerful tool to make sure the two of you are on the same page. Finally, it is a good idea to bring someone you trust to the consultation. Statistics show that most patients only remember less than 5% of what the doctor tells them during the initial consultation, so it really helps to have someone else there too.
Finding the right plastic surgeon may take some time, focus, and energy. That’s okay. As I like to say: It’s not a haircut, get it right. n
Dr. Aviva Preminger is an Ivy Leagueeducated and trained plastic surgeon. She has earned respect and prestige in her field with her extensive credentials. She holds faculty appointments at Columbia University as well as several other fully accredited New York hospitals. Dr. Preminger has expertise in a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has lectured and published extensively. She and her staff are committed to excellence. You can reach Dr. Preminger at 212-706-1900 or via her website at PremingerMD.com/contact.
Dr. Aviva Preminger, MD, MPH, FACS
TALK TO TAMARA : MEDIATION AND BEYOND
By Tamara Gestetner
THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN: NAVIGATING THE TRANSITION INTO ADULTHOOD
Divorce has become an all-toocommon chapter in the narrative of modern family life, impacting millions of families each year. While the immediate emotional fallout is often heart-wrenching, with tears, arguments, and disrupted routines, the long-term effects on children can be catastrophic all their lives. When parents of young children divorce, they are usually only thinking about the consequences on their young children: how they will adapt in school, with their friends, and how they will survive. This all makes sense, but I want to discuss the long-term effects so
that parents can look beyond those moments to make better decisions to limit the negative impact on their children’s lives and futures. Understanding these implications and exploring ways to support one’s children can make a significant difference in their lives.
Take Aviva’s story, for example. At just 12 years old, she found herself caught in the turmoil of her parents’ divorce. The day they announced their separation felt like the ground had shifted beneath her. Her mother, grappling with sadness, leaned heavily on Aviva for emotional support, while her father reacted with an-
ger and withdrawal. This conflict left Aviva feeling lost and anxious, often feeling stuck in the middle.
Years passed, and the emotional distress morphed into anxiety that overshadowed her teenage years. It wasn’t until she entered seminary that Aviva began to confront the emotional baggage she had carried for so long. She decided to seek therapy, hoping to find a way to process
advocate, sharing her story to help others navigate similar challenges. Her journey highlights a crucial truth: healing is possible and vulnerability can lead to strength. Yosef’s experience adds another layer to this discussion. At 14, he witnessed his parents’ bitter arguments and subsequent divorce, leaving him scared of love and commitment. The emotional scars left him feeling trapped between the desire
In the event of divorce, the negative impacts can be greatly diminished through effective coparenting and learning how to communicate in a more civil way.
her experiences. Through counseling, Aviva learned to articulate her feelings and develop healthier coping strategies. What started as a journey through pain transformed into a path of resilience. Today at 30, Aviva works as a mental health
for connection and the fear of abandonment. As an adult, Yosef found himself sabotaging his relationships before they could deepen, convinced that becoming
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HE SAID/SHE SAID
By Esther Mann, LCSW
DISCLAIMER: The following column is a composite of several different experiences I have had with clients. It does not depict a specific encounter. This story is not about you!
It’s sad to say, but there are many people among us whose marriages are just not working. Not in the least bit satisfying, whether due to a lack of love, respect, connection, commonality, and so much more. Sometimes, it’s a combination of insidious issues that surfaced during their years together, or perhaps these two people never really had a great reason to marry in the first place. But they did anyway due to outside pressures from parents or internal pressures that the clock was ticking and they had to just jump in. Whatever the case, some marriages are just so damaged, one has to wonder if there is any possibility of repair.
So, the next question might be: Why do these people remain in painful marriages
that give them nothing good and only add tremendous pain and heartache to their lives? I’ve heard many justifications or rationalizations. It often boils down to fear: fear of being alone, fear of supporting oneself, fear of what people will say, fear of disapproval from family and friends, etc. We can expand on any of the above ideas. But these various insecurities often keep people, more often women, rooted in their lives, without any hope for a better future.
As a couples’ therapist, I sometimes ask myself if doing something seemingly impossible can somehow be made possible. That is always the goal. But once in a blue moon, I’m left feeling hopeless when I see no way in or out to connect with one or both parties involved. It is such a sad occasion when this happens. Dov and Sima come to mind when I think back on such a time.
He Said
If eyes were daggers, Dov could launch attacks with very little effort. From the moment he walked (stormed) into my office, Dov’s dagger eyes were aimed at me. I felt his anger take over the room, and to be honest, I felt goosebumps at times. I tried to be my most charming self and engage him in some kind of dialogue, but I realized quickly that he was in control and that was not going to change.
Whether it was a prepared monologue or he just spontaneously launched into a diatribe, Dov seemed ready to vomit his story all over me and, lamentably, his wife Sima as well. And so he began: “I can’t believe I’m actually sitting in a therapist’s office. Never in a million years would I have dreamt of talking to a therapist, and I don’t intend to have a conversation with you today. I’m basically here right now so that Sima will finally stop nagging me to see a therapist. I know she’s going to complain about me, what a terrible husband I am, etc. Frankly, I’m not the worst. There are plenty of husbands who are worse than me. I provide Sima with a comfortable lifestyle. She has a home, family, and respectability in the community. I believe that’s plenty for her to be grateful for.
“Just so you know, we are not very wellmatched. It was a shidduch and we both
probably felt we had very little say in the matter. But here we are. I have no desire to get divorced. My business takes up most of my time and despite the fact that Sima is not the type of woman I should be married to, I’ve made a life for myself. I’m content.
“I think Sima has to figure out how to wipe that depressed look off her face and learn how to be happy the way I have. There’s nothing you can do or say that’s going to make us enjoy being together. So, there you have it. That’s my story. And now I have a meeting to attend, so I’m going to leave you and Sima here to talk about what a horrible guy I am. At least I showed up today.”
With that, Dov got up and walked out the door without even saying goodbye to his wife or me.
She Said
I felt a little shell-shocked from Dov’s abrupt and powerful tirade. After a few minutes, I caught my breath and turned to Sima, feeling badly for her and hoping she wasn’t feeling too embarrassed in front of me. I quickly realized that Sima was probably used to Dov’s behavior and didn’t seem particularly shocked or
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ashamed. When I checked in with her to see if she was alright, Sima responded as follows. “I see that you’re upset by how Dov behaved. But trust me, that’s nothing. I’m used to his insults, his bullying, his whole manner. This is who I’m married to. I’ve dealt with much worse.”
I had to break in and ask the following question: “Would you mind explaining to me why you made an appointment to see me with Dov? Were you hoping that somehow, I would be able to engage him in some way, leading to some meaningful couples’ therapy?”
“Honestly,” Sima responded, “I’m not sure what I was hoping for. To tell you the truth, I was kind of surprised that he
finally agreed to come to your office. Past that point, I had no expectations. As you can see, I’m trapped in something very tragic. We’ve been married for twelve years. It’s never been good. Not from the day we married. I was shocked how he started fights with me during the week of sheva brachos. Somehow, nothing I did was ever right. Nothing I said, how I looked…. nothing was to his liking. This has been my life with Dov.
“I don’t have many friends, but my two best friends often ask me why I stay married to him. They see what I go through. I know they feel sorry for me. I think my children feel sorry for me. I’m pathetic. I can’t even look at myself in the mirror anymore. I have no respect for myself, putting up with everything I put up with.”
“How would you like me to
help you?” I asked. “Well,” Sima responded, “in my fantasies, you somehow find a way to get through to Dov and get him to appreciate me and treat me well. But when I’m being realistic, I know that dream is not even possible. Dov doesn’t listen to anyone. He doesn’t feel he has to change. Everyone has to figure out a way to cater to him.”
I had to ask the following question: “Is Dov ever physically abusive to you or your children?”
“Thank G-d it’s never gotten to that point,” Sima responded, “Maybe because none of us ever defy him. I’m as obedient to him as my children are.”
My Thoughts
I tried reaching out to Dov several times to see if there was any way I could encourage him to come into my office alone. I
was hoping I might get an opportunity to help him figure out where all this anger and need for control were coming from. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that he was not interested in any sort of self-awareness or self-improvement. He did not respond to any of my calls. Thankfully, Sima and I began a therapeutic relationship that wound up lasting a long time. We explored what was holding her hostage in her marriage to Dov. In her case, shame was a big part of it. Plus, her older sister had gotten divorced two years earlier and she felt her mother almost had a nervous breakdown as a result and couldn’t imagine putting her mother through another child’s divorce. She felt that her mother could not handle the embarrassment of it all, so she believed divorce
was not an option for her. Though Sima was in fact concerned for her mother, there was much more to her story that even Sima had been in touch with for quite some time. Her self-esteem had been badly shattered during her marriage to Dov and she couldn’t imagine anyone else ever wanting to marry her, nor could she imagine being alone the rest of her life.
We had our work cut out for us and together we started to rebuild Sima’s confidence, empowering her in ways she never believed possible. At one point, we invited her mother into a session to hear from her what her thoughts were concerning Sima’s marriage and what she thought Sima should do.
Much to Sima’s surprise, her mother shared the fact that her heart broke for Sima whenever she saw how disrespectfully Dov treated her and that she would understand Sima wanting to leave him. What a relief that information was for Sima to hear. But it also drew back the curtain on previous excuses, and Sima had to dig deeper to get in touch with what was really holding her back from freeing herself from Dov.
This process did not represent a straight line. There were times when I felt Sima was getting closer to moving on from Dov and times when I felt we were back to square one. At least during this process, Sima was learning how to expand her life, friends, and interests, so that at least there was some kind of antidote to the pain she was experiencing at home. But it only covered up her core pain to a certain degree and no further.
At times, I wondered whether Sima would be one of those women who stayed by their man until 120, never mustering up the courage to leave. I know what I was hoping for, but ultimately the decision had to come from Sima and no one else.
I’m happy to report that after several years of weekly therapy, Sima finally found the courage, confidence, tools, and hope to serve Dov with divorce papers. Sima was actually ready to start a new and hopefully much better chapter of her life. Hope was restored. n
Esther Mann, L.C.S.W., is a psychotherapist in Hewlett. She works with individuals, couples and families. Esther can be reached at 516-314-2295 or by email, mindbiz44 @aol.com.
5 towns foodies
ROASTED CHICKEN ON THE BONE
BY GILA GLASSBERG, MS, RDN, CDN
Chicken on the bone is one of our favorites. It’s funny—when I was a kid, I wouldn’t touch chicken on the bone. I actually grew up in quite the picky home. It was normal for me to not eat chicken on the bone. I wonder if it had to do with the fact that I was one of nine, and cutting up chicken for a bunch of kids is just annoying!
Anyways, my year studying abroad in Israel, it was survival of the fittest,
and I basically had to get accustomed to eating a lot of different foods if I didn’t want to be hungry. This recipe is so simple, quick, and delicious. Serve with rice or quinoa.
Ingredients:
8 pieces of chicken on the bone (leg and thigh included)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like spicy)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the chicken pieces skin side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Brush the olive oil evenly over the chicken pieces.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder.
5. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken pieces, coating them evenly.
6. Drizzle the honey over the chicken.
7. Bake the chicken covered in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
8. After 1 hour and 15 minutes, uncover the chicken and continue to bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. Enjoy your delicious honey glazed chicken! n
Gila Glassberg is a master’s level registered dietitian and a certified intuitive eating counselor. As a teenager, she was faced with constant diet talk, body shaming, and obsessive guilt around food. This led to years of struggling with disordered eating. This is what propelled her into the field of nutrition. Her life’s mission has become to empower girls and women to stop spending excessive time on dieting and the harm it causes. She gives live workshops, runs intuitive eating groups, and does individual counseling. To work with her, reach out at gila@ gilaglassberg.com or 570878-3642.
You can find more of Gila’s interviews, blog posts, and information on her website at gilaglassberg.com. Follow her on Instagram @ gila.glassberg.intuitiveRD.
5 towns foodies
FROM THE BEST HOSTS TO THE BEST GUESTS
BY GABRIEL GELLER, WSET III KEDEM/ROYAL WINE
Sukkos is, par excellence, the holiday on our calendar that most highlights the mitzvah of hosting guests, hachnasas orchim. Our sukkah should be like the tent of our patriarch Avraham, which was open in all four directions to welcome and invite in all the passersby. Sukkos, unlike Purim and Pesach, is also a holiday where wine is not as much of a centerpiece from a ritual standpoint. However, it remains an important feature at every meal to enhance the simcha, the joyous and celebratory atmosphere at the table. The lack of ritual requirements beyond kiddush is an opportunity to branch out and discover all sorts of wine from any category—be it a sweet red Israeli wine, a bone-dry French Sauvignon Blanc, a fruity Italian variety, or a sparkling wine from California, and anything and everything in between. The guests whom we
welcome into our sukkahs can be Jews from all walks of life and backgrounds, with a wide array of preferences. Let’s therefore explore together a selection of wines from various styles, regions, and varieties to enjoy with our guests this coming Sukkos. Chag sameach, l’chaim! Covenant, Solomon, Sauvignon Blanc, 2022: Covenant Winery is synonymous with premium California wine. The Solomon Sauvignon Blanc is named Solomon in homage to the late Leslie Rudd, who passed away a few years ago and whose Hebrew
name was Solomon/Shlomo. Rudd was one of Covenant’s founding partners. This incredibly sophisticated and complex, barrel-aged wine is nicknamed by Covenant’s founding partner and winemaker Jeff Morgan as “Faux Brion,” in tribute to the Château Haut-Brion Blanc in Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, which is one of that region’s most prestigious and iconic white wines. I can understand why, as its aromas of lemon, lime, jasmine, and iodine unfold, with a subtly viscous palate featuring much of the same, as well as fresh almonds, saline minerals, and citrus pith, all lifted by a high yet remarkably well-balancing acidity. This wine pairs wonderfully with most savory fish, poultry, and veal dishes.
Lovatelli, Primitivo, Salento, 2022: About 27 years ago, it was discovered that the Primitivo variety from Italy is the genetic twin of Zinfandel, a variety mostly grown in California. In other words, Primitivo equals Zinfandel. Like its American counterpart, Primitivo makes big, bold, fruit-forward wines. This Lovatelli Primitivo from southern Italy’s Salento region features notes of jammy, very ripe black-
berries and dried strawberries with an interesting mix of caramel and savory mushroom notes, along with a hint of maraschino cherry liqueur and chewy tannins on the finish. This is the type of red wine that pairs well with braised or smoked baby back ribs or short ribs drenched in sticky sweet sauce. Chol ha’moed BBQ, anyone?
Celler de Capçanes, Peraj Petita, Monstant, 2022: This eclectic blend from Spain’s Catalonia has long been a top QPR (quality-price ratio), offering a complex yet ready-to-drink wine from the get-go, with notes of red and black forest berries, fresh Mediterranean herbs, oriental spices, and a touch of savory earthiness. As I type these words, the image that comes to mind is a juicy pastrami sandwich and horseradish dressing with a healthy pour of Petita in my wine glass.
Herzog, Special Reserve, Méthode Champenoise, Brut, Rosé, NV: Herzog’s head winemaker David Galzignato, despite his Italian roots, crafts an exceptionally refreshing Champagne-style brut rosé. This dry, crisp, fruit-forward wine captures the essence of sum-
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mer with notes of strawberries, watermelon, and sour cherries with subtle yeasty notes of freshly baked bread, complemented by a mineral finish and vibrant acidity. Ideal with fruit salad, sushi, or grilled chicken, fish, and veal.
Tura, Mountain Peak, 2018: A flagship wine hailing from a winery in the heart of the Shomron in Israel, this is an elegant and well-structured Bordeaux
blend. Full-bodied with notes of black fruit, toasted oak, and tobacco, it is rich and generous on the palate with savory earth undertones and a long, tannic finish. At 6 years old, it is approachable now, but I encourage those who can to set some bottles aside, as it should evolve and develop further over the coming 5–8 years or so. If you were wondering which wine to serve with your standing rib roast, then stop wondering and grab this Tura Mountain Peak. n
SoulS on Fire
By Rabbi Chaim Shaul Bruk
MUSINGS OF A SHLIACH FROM MONTANA EREV YOM KIPPUR, 5785
TO MY ESTEEMED BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE IDF:
How does one say thank you when a mere thank you doesn’t seem even slightly sufficient? I will endeavor to express my gratitude to you and hope you receive it with the love and warmth I am seeking to convey.
Truthfully, this letter is long overdue. I’ve thought about writing to you for a while now, but never seem to be able to put pen to paper to share my feelings, but better late than never, so please accept my heartfelt note of thanks.
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is swiftly approaching. On this holy day, we are likened to angels: dressed in white while fasting and abstaining as we seek to connect to a Higher Power. Yet not all angels are dressed in white. And not all of them are in shul on the Holy Day. The angels of the Jewish people, the ones putting their lives on the line with holy acts of selflessness to preserve life, may be spending their Yom Kippur in fighter jets on navy ships, and in tanks battling evil face-to-face in Gaza, Judea, Samaria, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and everywhere else evil raises its ugly head. We may be angelic one day a year, but you are angelic 24/7, because the holiest and most angelic role of all is to protect life, which is what you do. The angels of Israel, of goodness and light, will be spending Yom Kippur dismantling and eliminating the angels of death and destruction.
I’m not a soldier. I was raised with the firm belief in the coming of Mashiach, when the world will be at peace and “nation will not lift sword against nation.” Yet, despite that fervent hope, until it comes to fruition, we are living in a world when too many are expressing hatred of the Jews, but we are blessed by Hashem to have you, our incredible defenders of the IDF who devote yourselves to selflessly defending our people. My Saba, Mendel Bruk, was a fervent Lubavitcher Chassid who fought in Milchemet Hashichrur in 1948 and in every war that followed until 1991. He didn’t brag; he didn’t gloat; he didn’t speak like a warrior; he just did what he had to do to defend his family and his people from the Arabs who embodied the Esav and Ishmael doctrine of “hate the Jew and invent the justification for the hatred later.” My nephew, Sholom, followed in his footsteps and served in the IDF’s Kfir Unit until June and some of my Israeli cousins are serving in intelligence right now.
On the Western calendar we just com-
SOULS ON FIRE
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memorated October 7th, and in a few weeks, we will mark the day of Simchas Torah when evil transpired in the Holy Land. Our people: men, women, and beautiful children, were savaged, brutalized, murdered, raped, and pillaged. Cruel sadists brainwashed from birth with a hateful ideology, entered our land and sought to annihilate us. Our morale
our part to host them, care for them, feed them, and remind them that they are the holiest of the holy. My beloved mentor the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory, adored you soldiers, coined the term for injured soldiers “Metzuyanei Tzahal,” the exceptional ones of the IDF, instead of “Nechei Tzahal,” the handicapped soldiers of the IDF, and demanded that we storm the heavens every time you went to war to ensure your safety. He loved you and so do we.
was sucker punched, our nation took a big hit, we were uncertain how we are going to move forward. During the last year as you righteous men and women of the IDF bravely fought back the enemy, so many of you, holy Jews, died Al Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying G-d’s name with mesiras nefesh, noble self-sacrifice, in saving lives. You left behind broken parents, beloved children, shattered spouses, and so many loved ones, yet you didn’t flinch, you faced the evil savages and defended us with every fiber of your innocent beings.
I sit here far away in Bozeman, Montana and am in awe of you every day.
I pray for you daily.
I am so far from battlefield, it feels a bit unreal, unimaginable, yet I watch day in and day out as you fight like lions and lionesses to bring peace to our holy city of Jerusalem, to our biblical towns of Shiloh and Bet El, to the Beersheba of Abraham and the Jordan Valley of Elisha, to Sarah’s Hebron and Rachel’s Bethlehem, to the Arizal’s Safed, and to David’s Ein Gedi. You left your families, paused your jobs, canceled your vacations, postponed your simchos; dropped it all for Klal Yisrael. In our shul, we speak of your greatness and heroism every Shabbos; we root for you, we stand with you and fight for you in the arena of public opinion here in the United States where too many are spewing vile lies and blood libels about you.
When your fellow IDF comrades visit Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks in our neck of the woods, Chavie and I do
We may differ in our perspective on modern Zionism and its secular founders. We may not see eye-to-eye on the lyrics of Israel’s national anthem which makes no mention of Almighty G-d, we may not agree on Israeli politics, but we don’t need to agree on these matters to stand shoulder to shoulder in awe of you and in love with you. We don’t need to be of the same worldview, politically, philosophically, religiously, or otherwise to be there for each other. When an IDF soldier shows up in our community, we don’t ask him or her if they are left or right, Sephardic, Ashkenazic, or Ethiopian, Kibbutznik from Megiddo or settler from Itamar; we recognize that they paid for our hospitality with sweat, blood, and tears and we are honored to reciprocate with a dose of Jewish warmth.
Rabbi Chaim and his brother Yanky with their Saba Mendel in March of 1991
Rabbi Chaim’s nephew, Sholom, who served in the IDF until June
After the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Rebbe reflected how each soldier is a tzadik gamur, a complete tzadik (righteous person). He explained that the war began on Yom Kippur when we have all atoned for our past, starting afresh with a clean slate, and it followed with the pure soldiers standing on the frontlines fulfilling the biblical mandate of Kiddush Hashem in defense of life. So, an IDF soldier epitomizes holiness through and through.
As a Lubavitcher Chassid, or as you call it, a Chabadnik, we are always focused on adding mitzvos and blessing to each of you, encouraging you to lay tefillin which brings security, having children pray for you with verses of the Torah, encouraging kosher consumption whenever possible, mezuzah placing on the bases that are your home while in service, having the women light Shabbos candles, but we aren’t encouraging you to do mitzvos because we don’t think that you’re good enough, it’s the opposite, because we recognize your holiness, your courage, and your resilience that we believe that your mitzvah has so much power that it can shake the heavens more than anyone praying while sitting in a cozy shul with friends and family.
A student in the Kol Torah Yeshiva in Jerusalem, approached his Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, of blessed memory, and asked him the question: May I leave my Torah studies in the yeshiva to go for a short visit and pray at the graves of tzaddikim in the Galil, in Northern Israel? Rav Auerbach answered, “In order to pray at the graves of tzaddikim, one doesn’t have to travel up to the Galil. Whenever I feel the need to pray at the graves of tzaddikim, I go to Mount Herzl, the national cemetery for fallen IDF soldiers in Jerusalem, to the graves of the soldiers who fell “Al Kiddush Hashem,” for the sanctification of G-d.
You are the holy Jews of 5785.
I normally don’t get emotional publicly, it’s not my style. Yet, this past year, every time I’m asked to say a prayer for you guys, I choke up. Just recently, I said a prayer for you at a hasbara event in Bozeman and as I reached the words “from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt….” I couldn’t continue. You guys are my heroes and heroines. I know it’s not easy, I know that you have loved ones who miss you and are scared of losing you, but you shine a light in this time of darkness as Yagel Oshri so beautifully sang “Even in the dark hours of the night, there will always be a small star that will light up the way for you towards home…It’s always the darkest before sunrise.”
I know that the war is far from over, it may never be over until Mashiach comes, but for what it’s worth, please know that most Jews and gentiles in America stand with you, are impressed with you, are enamored with you, and pray for you. Here in Montana, the love for Israel is palpable. Montana
has countless veterans, and they know the face of evil and know who the good guys are. We don’t need a PhD from the Harvard cesspool or the “depends on the context” appeasers from Columbia to know the truth. We don’t need the
French to approve of you or the vile haters at the ICC to stand with us. We know that you are kind, compassionate, and loving, and, like every Jew, hates war and bloodshed and is just seeking to stomp out evil. Fighting Haman, Pha-
raoh, Vespasian, and Hitler isn’t a “war crime,” it’s an act of kindness on behalf of humanity.
Narrow-minded professional agitators don’t have the ability to differentiate between the blood spilled with the intention of eradicating Jewry and blood spilled to ensure that that said eradication doesn’t happen. They want us to cry for Hamas/Hezbollah/Houthi blood in the same way we do for innocent civilians in Beeri and Metula, but we won’t, because we’re wiser and have moral clarity, and no matter how many times they tweet or scream “genocide,” “ethnic cleansing,” and “apartheid,” we will stand with you and recognize that they are attempting to project their vile actions onto you.
My dear brothers and sisters, please don’t stop. If you need to take it to Damascus, Tehran, Cairo, or Beirut, please do. Don’t stop until the inhabitants of Eretz Yisrael are safe and secure. Don’t back down, don’t pay attention to the
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Governor Greg and First Lady Susan Gianforte at the Oct. 7 event talking with Hagai Payes, a Golani veteran, who lives in Bozeman.
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noise, don’t let them blur the lines of morality. Am Hanetzach Lo Mefached, the eternal nation isn’t frightened because we are eternal and those who hate us will end up in the dustbins of history with the Romans, Nazis, Spaniards, Jihadists, Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, and all the rest who sought to annihilate us.
The IDF will stand at the forefront ready to greet Mashiach
As I stand with my congregation on Yom Kippur, please know that we are praying for you and we are thinking about you. I’ll be dressed in white like the angels on high, but I will be thinking of the angels in green, each and every one of you.
Have a meaningful and easy Yom Kippur.
Your brother, Chaim n
Rabbi Chaim Bruk is co-CEO of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana and spiritual leader of The Shul of Bozeman. For comments or to partner in our holy work, e-mail rabbi @ jewishmontana.com or visit JewishMontana. com/Donate.
YOM KIPPUR: SHAKE & QUAKE (PT.
BY RABBI REUVEN CHAIM KLEIN
In Part I of this mini-series, we discussed the rhyming words chil, zachil, and dachil, all of which refer to the state of being scared and the physical effects of such a feeling. In this essay, we will treat the words ra’adah, ziyah, and retet, which are also related to that theme.
The Mishnah (Taanit 4:8) states that the greatest days for the Jewish People are Yom Kippur and the Fifteenth of Av. The Talmud (Taanit 30b, Bava Batra 121a) explains that Yom Kippur is such a happy day because not only is it a day of forgiveness and atonement, but it is also the day that the Jewish People received the second pair of Tablets at Mount Sinai. Indeed, in one of the more
somber passages in Psalms, the Psalmist admonishes one to “Serve Hashem in fear, and rejoice in ra’adah [trembling]” (Ps. 2:11). In explicating this passage, the Talmud (Yoma 4b) explains that the “rejoicing” here refers to the reception of the Tablets at Mount Sinai, while the term ra’adah in that verse refers to the fact that the Torah was given “with dread, with fear, with retet, and with ziyah.” The last two terms are seemingly synonymous with ra’adah, as they also refer to the concept of “trembling” or “shuddering” in fear of something scary. In this installment, we explore the etymologies of these three additional synonyms for “shaking in fear” and attempt to better understand what, if anything, is the difference between them.
The term ra’adah and its various inflections are all derivatives of the triliteral root reish-ayin-dalet, and appear a total of nine times throughout the Bible. One famous example is when the Song of the Sea mentions that ra’ad (“fearful shaking”) had taken hold of the strongmen of Moab (Ex. 15:15). Another famous example is in Psalms 104, which depicts Hashem’s control over all facets of nature, stating among other things: “He gazes towards the land and she [the land] quivers (vatirad) / He touches the mountains, and they smoke up” (Ps 104:32).
Rabbi Shlomo Aharon Wertheimer asserts that ra’adah primarily refers to a physical shaking which is internally felt in one’s body, but not discernably visible on the outside. As support for this assertion, he cites the verse wherein Daniel describes his apocalyptic encounter with an angel, by saying, “And I stood shaking [marid]” (Dan. 10:11). Rabbi Wertheimer contrasts this with the term chil (discussed in Part 1), which he claims refers to physical tremors that can be seen by the onlooker (except for in cases like Ps. 55:5, wherein the chil in question was explicitly said to take place in one’s heart).
Nonetheless, Malbim offers a different explanation, arguing that ra’adah refers to the act of “quaking” in fear specifically in a situation where a person is so full of inner fear that said fear becomes manifest outwardly in the form of physical tremors. In Modern Hebrew, the term re’idat adamah (literally, “quivering of the land”) refers to what we call in English an “earthquake.”
As mentioned above, the Talmud states that the Torah was given with ziyah—which also refers to “shaking in fear.” Interestingly, many people misquote the Talmud as saying that the Torah was given with zeiyah, which means Continued on
SHAKE & QUAKE (PT. 2/3)
Continued from Page 50
“sweat.” Despite that obvious error, there is nonetheless an etymological connection between the words ziyah and zeiyah . This is because Rabbi Shlomo Pappenheim traces both of those words to the two-letter root zayin-ayin , whose core meaning he sees as relating to “movement triggered by anxiety.”
One of the basic words derived from that root is the verb za , which appears in the Book of Esther . It says about Mordechai that even though Haman had decreed that everyone must bow down to him, “he [Mordechai] did not rise or za (move) from him [Haman]” ( Est . 5:9). In this context, the word za means that even as he passed by Haman, Mordechai still maintained his cool composure and he remained completely unaffected and unmoved—despite being in front of someone important like Haman, whose presence should have instilled in Mordechai fear or reverence, especially if Mordechai was illegally refraining from bowing to him. In this case, the anxiety or disturbance denoted by za is something that comes from an outside source, but Mordechai was left unshaken by his encounter with such an external adversary.
This is similar to the case of the giving of the Torah, where ziyah in the sense of “trembling” or “agitation” accompanied that magnificent event.
Nonetheless, it should be stated that there are at least two ways of understanding the nature of this ziyah that was present during the Revelation at Mount Sinai. Firstly, the Torah describes that when Hashem revealed Himself to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, there were dramatic natural phenomena: “Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because Hashem had come down upon it in fire; its smoke rose like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled [ vayecherad ] very much” ( Ex . 19:18). Targum Onkelos translates the word vayecherad in that verse as ziyah , so perhaps ziyah mentioned by the rabbis refers to this trembling of the mountain.
Alternatively, ziyah refers to the emotional agitation/trembling felt by the Jewish People themselves, as the Revelation at Sinai was a moment of extreme awe, and the people were deeply shaken by the experience: “And it was on the third day, when it was morning, and there were sounds and lightning, and a heavy cloud on the mountain, and the very strong sound of a shofar —and the entire nation that was in the camp trembled [ vayecherad ]” ( Ex 19:16). Targum Onkelos here too translates the word vayecherad in that verse as ziyah . If so, the ziyah mentioned in the Talmud might actually refer to the Jewish nation’s overwhelming awe of being in Hashem’s direct Presence, and not to the mountain itself shaking. [We
will discuss the word chareid and some of its various forms in the next installment of this essay.]
There is a possible proof-text for this second explanation, as the Torah states: “And the entire nation saw the sounds [thunder] and torches [lightning], the sound of the horn, and the mountain in smoke; and the nation saw and they stirred [ tenuah ], and they stood from a distance” (Ex. 20:15). The Midrash ( Mechilta D’Rabbi Yishmael BaChodesh §9) explains that “and they stirred” refers to ziyah , thus possibly supporting our second approach. Baal HaTurim (to Ex . 20:15) sees this “shaking” as an allusion to the fact that when Jews study Torah, they typically gyrate and shake around.
As mentioned above, Rabbi Pappenheim argues that the word zeiyah derives from the same core root. That word famously appears in the Bible when Hashem curses Adam after eating from the Tree of Knowledge, by saying “by the zeiyah (sweat) of your brow shall you consume bread” ( Gen 3:19). When the body is at rest, the skin pores remain closed, but when the body heats up due to physical activity or emotional tension, the pores open up, causing moisture to exude. In this way, zeiyah refers to the biological reaction of the body, whereby sweat emerges due to inner heat caused by physical exertion, anger, or fear. Sweat is thus linked to internal agitation,
which contrasts nicely with za / ziyah that usually refer to the effects of an external agitation.
Looking at the root zayin-ayin more broadly, Rabbi Pappenheim compares the type of “shuddering” denoted by this root to the trembling of a harp string, which is held tightly in place by the instrument, yet still manages to move. While this movement might cause some displacement, it is ever so slight that it can only be perceived by touch and not by sight. In this way, zayin-ayin likewise denotes a “quivering movement” that is so subtle that it cannot be seen by the eye, but if one felt the subject in question, one’s tactile senses would be able to sense it vibrating and shaking in its boots.
One of the curses that the Torah says will befall the Jewish People should they fail to keep the Torah is that they will be a “ za’avah for all the kingdoms of the earth” ( Deut . 28:25). Unfortunately, this prophecy came to fruition, as Jeremiah says, on account of the Kingdom of Judah’s sins under the reign of King Hezekiah’s son Manasseh ( Jer . 15:4, see also Jer . 24:9, 29:18, 34:17, Ezek . 23:46, II Chron . 29:8 all of which use the word za’avah in this context). Targum Onkelos (to Deut . 28:26) translates the word za’avah as ziyah , which is probably what led Rashi (there) to write that za’avah means “fear” and “shaking in fear.” Rashi further explains that
za’avah refers to the idea that when other peoples will hear about whatever will affect those stricken with za’avah , those who hear will become so scared that they hope that such punishments do not happen to themselves. By the way, Rashi ( Lev . 20:18, I Sam . 20:30, Jer . 15:4) explicitly writes that the vocalized vav in the word za’avah is not part of its core root, which consists of just zayin-ayin
In Mishnaic Hebrew ( Berachot 54a), the term zava’ah refers to an “earthquake,” which is understood as the trembling or agitation of the Earth (in this case due to internal pressure caused by interactions between the different tectonic plates, although Rabbi Pappenheim gives an alternate explanation based on the science of his times that understood that air and gases trapped underground cause earthquakes). Rabbi Pappenheim sees this term as another declension of the biliteral root zayin-ayin
Additionally, Rabbi Pappenheim understands that two terms for “anger” are also derived from the root zayin-ayin , za’am (when a final mem is added) and za’af (when combined with the biliteral root aleph-peh , “face” in reference to the shaking or movement of the face, reflecting agitation or anger).
Interestingly, the Torah singles out the prohibition of idolatry in that when a person mistakenly commits that sin, he must offer a special sin-offering consisting of a one-year old she-goat ( eiz ). Rabbi Mordechai Kohen of Safed (1523–1598) writes in Siftei Kohen (to Num . 15:27) that the significance of this is that when a person mistakenly violates that particular sin, his bringing an eiz (spelled ayin-zayin ) should “shake” (spelled zayin-ayin ) him up and cause him to deeply think about his life choices that led to him mistakenly violating that serious prohibition. [Although in Rabbinic Hebrew something described as mizazea refers to something “scary” which can cause ziyah , Modern Hebrew has slightly redefined that adjective as referring to something “heartrending” or an otherwise especially “saddening,” “upsetting,” or “disturbing” occurrence.] n
To be continued…
This article has been condensed from the original. To read the full article, visit 5tjt.com/ yom-kippur-shake-quake-pt-2-3
Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein is an author and freelance researcher based in Beitar Illit. He studied in Yeshiva Gedolah of Los Angeles, the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and Beth Medrash Govoha of America in Lakewood, and received semichah from leading rabbis. He also holds an MA in Jewish Education from Middlesex University/London School of Jewish Studies. Rabbi Klein authored two popular books that were published by Mosaica Press, as well as countless scholarly articles published in various venues. His articles on Hebrew synonyms are commissioned by Yeshivas Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem and have appeared on their website since 2016.
RELIGIOUS IDENTITY IN THE MODERN WORLD
By Rabbi Moshe Taragin
MAKE YOM KIPPUR PERSONAL AND COLLECTIVE
Yom Kippur and the process of teshuvah plunge us into the depths of our souls, stripping away layers of self-deception and ego while removing the artificial masks we wear. It compels us to confront the false narratives we craft about ourselves, stories we desperately cling to as coping mechanisms. It demands a fearless moral reckoning and an honest invento-
ry of our spiritual lives. We stand before Hashem, stripped of social titles and conventions, exposed in our raw vulnerability. In a moment of existential solitude, we face our flaws and weaknesses, pleading for rachamim while committing to transform into better, more authentic versions of ourselves It’s an intimate moment, a quiet dialogue with ourselves and with Hashem.
This past year, our dialogues haven’t been personal or solitary; we have lived through a national trauma, feeling our hearts broken as one. Our personal inner worlds have been overshadowed by the weight of national sorrow and heroism. We reflected more on Jewish identity and less on our own spiritual refinement. While religious excellence rests on a strong foundation of Jewish identity, heritage, and mission, it requires so much more. It demands a personal relationship with Hashem rooted in performance of mitzvot, fervent tefillah, study of Torah, and the cultivation of personal middot. During the past year, our profound investment in national Jewish identity may have diverted our attention from this inner world of religious piety, the realm of avodas Hashem in its purest form. As the great day or “Yom Hagadol” is upon us, we are left to ponder how to reconcile our personal journey of Yom Kippur with the overwhelming collective experiences of the
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past year. How can we change frequencies and think more personally and less collectively?
Reviving An Ancient Model
Yom Kippur was once far more collective than personal. In the days of the Beit HaMikdash, the day was deeply rooted in our shared experience as a people, rather than on individual repentance. Thousands gathered in the Beit HaMikdash courtyards, their gaze fixed on the Kohen Gadol as he performed sacred ceremonies for national teshuvah and deliverance. In a moment of profound awe, he entered the Kodesh HaKodashim, where no man dared tread throughout the year, reconciling our nation with our Avinu SheBaShamayim. As the crimson thread turned white, joy erupted, thundering our national confidence that forgiveness had been granted from Above. Even the viduy of that era were shorter and simpler. Our concerns were focused on the nation’s standing, not only on our personal religious struggles.
This year, in the wake of our national tragedy, we are invited to resuscitate that ancient model of Yom Kippur. We stand before Hashem not only as individuals seeking forgiveness, but as a people wounded by sorrow, bewildered by His mysterious decrees, yet stead-
fast in our faith, waiting for His guiding hand in the days ahead.
Make the Shift
However, even given this collective Yom Kippur option, Hashem still expects personal reckoning, confession, and transformation. This day calls for a shift inward, to stand alone before Hashem—not as part of a larger nation grappling with the tides of history, but as individual souls navigating the depths of personal accountability and conducting a painful cheshbon hanefesh Yom Kippur demands that we descend to the hidden recesses of our being and confront the flaws and failures we so often evade during the rest of the year.
In the aftermath of the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, Rabbi Akiva, the great visionary, recognized the tension between personal and collective Yom Kippur. In the ashes of that calamity, he quoted a verse from Yirmiyahu (Perek 14) calling Hashem “the Hope of Israel” or “Mikveh Yisrael” in Hebrew. Playing on the dual meaning of mikveh—both “hope” and “ritual bath”—Rabbi Akiva reassured a devastated nation that even without the Beit HaMikdash, Hashem remained our eternal source of purification. Immersing in His presence for twenty-five hours over Yom Kippur would achieve the same cleansing as the majestic korbanos of the Beit HaMikdash
But his message wasn’t merely one of reassurance; it also laid down demands.
Though the collective experience of Yom Kippur waned without a Beit HaMikdash, individual responsibility for personal growth on Yom Kippur remained fully intact. Rebbi Akiva refused to acquit us of the personal Yom Kippur journey.
The same holds true for us. Despite everything that has happened to us and our shared national trauma we are still tasked with a personal Yom Kippur, with the inner toil of teshuvah, heartfelt confession, and character refinement.
Yet, the heart is still unsettled. How can we focus on our own spiritual journey when the suffering of our nation is still so overwhelming? How can we turn our gaze inward, even for a moment, when sorrow still weighs so heavily on the hearts of our people? How can we wrap ourselves in a tallit, creating a private space for personal teshuvah, while creating a barrier from the national pain which echoes all around us?
Here are two solutions:
Collective Viduy
Just as teshuvah has both personal and collective dimensions, so too does viduy, the confession of sins. After describing our first exile, the Torah in Vayikra (26:40) predicts that we will “confess our national sins” as the first step toward recovery and return. In fact, when we returned from Bavel, we engaged in a profound collective confession, acknowledging the many aveirot
and betrayals of Hashem that had led to our galus. We understood with painful clarity the sins that caused our historical derailment and national trauma. Today, we do not possess the same clarity about our collective failures. As a nation, we have demonstrated immense courage, bravery, and dedication in defending our rights to the land Hashem promised His children. True, we descended into a year of bitter social strife and national disunity, which undoubtedly factored into Hashem’s harsh decrees. Yet, it feels simplistic and morally questionable to attribute the horrific events of October 7th solely to the social unrest of the previous year. Clearly, there are deeper, unresolved sins still preventing our full restoration. Tragically, we do not know exactly what these sins are.
Fortunately, viduy is still impactful even without specificity. As we recite personal confessions this Yom Kippur, we ask Hashem to accept them not only for personal shortcomings, but as a stand-in for the unknown sins of our people. If we knew them, we would articulate them. Since we cannot, let our personal viduy serve as a collective confession on behalf of these hidden national failures.
Teshuvah is Part of the Battle
Additionally, by enhancing our relationship with Hashem and refining our
moral character, we do not merely elevate our personal piety. As we strive to become better people and live more fully in the presence of Hashem, we facilitate the return of His Shechinah presence to a world that has, in too many ways, chased Him away through violence, murder, and the distortion of truth. Our war is multifaceted. Our soldiers stand on the front lines, bravely protecting us on the battlefield. Yet, there is another struggle, the battle for the presence of Hashem in this world. The more successful we are in our personal spiritual endeavor, the more victorious we will be in our military struggles.
Embrace the personal journey of teshuvah. Embrace Yom Kippur. Delve the historical significance deep into the recesses of your soul, confronting the truths that lie within. But do not, for a moment, overlook of this moment. Find a way to view your personal teshuvah as an integral part of our collective efforts to bring Hashem back into this broken world. Our teshuvah is not merely an individual endeavor; it is a shared mission to restore hope amid darkness and bring Hashem to this world. n
Rabbi Moshe Taragin is a rabbi at the hesder pre-military Yeshivat Har Etzion/ Gush, with semicha from Yeshiva University and an MA in English Literature from CUNY. He is author of “Dark Clouds Above, Faith Below” (Kodesh Press) and the forthcoming book, “Reclaiming Redemption: Deciphering the Maze of Jewish History” (Mosaica Press).
PERSONAL GROWTH
By Rabbi Reuven Taragin
SIMCHAT TORAH 5785: HOW TO CELEBRATE A YEAR AFTER 5784
Part I
Simchat Torah 1929. Rav Kook’s talmidim gathered in his yeshiva. It was Simchat Torah, but they wondered what the day would be like. The year was 1929, and the Arab riots had occurred just weeks ago. Hundreds of Jews had been killed, molested, and wounded in Chevron and other Jewish communities. There was a feeling of depression in the air—in the yeshiva and throughout the land. How would Rav Kook, Israel’s chief rabbi, approach Simchat Torah? Would it be a day of celebration or commemoration?
Rav Kook opened the first hakafah with a special song about Hashem’s revenge. It inspired hope in the broken hearts, and the Simchat Torah festivities began.
Simchat Torah 1939. Ten years later, the Piaseczna Rebbe, Rav Kalonymous Kalman Shapiro (also known as the Eish Kodesh), faced a similar challenge. The Nazis had surrounded and begun bombing the city of Warsaw. Elimelech, the Rebbe’s only son, had been killed by the bombing on chol ha’moed. Two days later, his daughter-in-law and brother-in-law were killed as well. On Simchat Torah night, Jews prayed in a dark basement. They wondered if the Rebbe would join them and what the tefillah would be like.
Suddenly, the Rebbe appeared, approached the bimah, and began the yom tov prayers with the distinctive holiday tune for Barchu. Inspired and rejuvenated, the chassidim responded with the same festive tune. They celebrated Sim-
chat Torah together.
Simchat Torah 2024. 85 years later, we face a more unique situation. Simchat Torah this year falls out not only during wartime but on the anniversary of the very day that over 1,200 Jews were butchered, hundreds were taken hostage, thousands were wounded, and over 100,000 became displaced, starting a war that has caused terrible suffering. How should we approach Simchat Torah this year? Should we celebrate as usual? Should our commemoration be different? Should our mourning for those killed and commiseration with those still held hostage and wounded and their families mute our simcha?
In Chutz La’aretz, where Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed as two distinct days, the issue is easier to deal with because communities can divide the opposing emotions between the two days. Shemini Atzeret, which is both the actual yahrzeit of the 1,200 as well as a day of increased tefillah (like Tefilat Tal) and commemoration (Yizkor), can be the time to focus on commemoration and commiseration, and Simchat Torah can be dedicated to celebration.
In Israel, where Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed on the same day, this division is impossible. Therefore, the question of how to celebrate Simchat Torah remains in full force.
Many of the hostage and bereaved
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families are calling upon us to celebrate Simchat Torah, especially this year. Our rabbinic leaders agree with them. Let’s study the reasons.
Tradition
Simchat Torah is a tradition our people have observed through thick and thin. Tzvika Mor, whose son Eitan is being held hostage in Gaza, explains that “we have experienced many terrible tragedies over the past millennia. The reason we are still here is because our ancestors maintained our traditions, including the times when we celebrate. This was a critical part of sustaining our identity in the face of suffering” (Giluy Da’at, 17 Elul 5784, pg. 23).
Rav Shmuel Slotky, who lost two sons in the Simchat Torah battle, agrees: “My sons fought and sacrificed their lives for us to continue living here and maintain our path and traditions. By ensuring that Simchat Torah does not become Tishah B’Av, I fulfill (something like) their last will and testament” (Ibid).
{The Consolation of Chagim Rav Lior Engelman points out that, halachically, chagim cancel aveilut. Even someone mourning for a close relative stops mourning when the chag arrives. Even on Shabbat (which does not end aveilut), mourners are prohibited from mourning publicly: “Shabbat and cha-
gim are times we must celebrate under all circumstances. Our mourning is temporary; Shabbat and chagim connect us with the eternal. They are not a denial of one’s pain; they are an opportunity for the mourner to connect to something beyond the here and now and his terrible pain. This connection offers a different kind of consolation” (Simchat Torah — Mah Y’heh Alehah, Bashevah).
Our New Reality
We have even more reason than our ancestors to celebrate. Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon (HaMizrachi Parsha Weekly, Ki Tavo, pg. 9) emphasizes, “Baruch Hashem… we are privileged to live in the generation of redemption—one that has returned to our homeland after thousands of years. We are privileged to have a wonderful state and an amazing army, and we have been fortunate to see miracles our ancestors never had the opportunity to behold. Despite all of our difficulties, we are living in one of the most preeminent periods in the history of Am Yisrael (surpassing the majority of time periods of Tanach and certainly after Tanach).”
We should not allow the challenges we are facing to cause us to lose sight of the broader good and special times we are living in. We have much to celebrate and be thankful for.
Contributing To The War Effort
Rav Rimon adds that our celebration
is even more important during this time of war: “We have to remember that the war is not just taking place on the battlefield. It is also on the home front. Our wicked enemies want to remove any simcha from us, disrupt our normalcy, and cause internal strife.” We cannot give them this victory. We must continue to rejoice.
Tzvika Mor adds that the strength we gain from our celebration of Simchat Torah will strengthen us and our soldiers and contribute to our victory. Avishag Leibman, whose son Elyakim’s body is still being held by Hamas, has similar sentiments. She feels that “our celebration is the best response to our enemy’s attempt to quash our celebration. We should not allow them to defeat us, our celebration, or our Jewishness.”
A conversation Rav Rimon had with a soldier reinforces this point: “A certain soldier left Gaza and came to speak with me. He told me about his experiences, including handling many injured soldiers. I asked him, ‘Isn’t it hard for you to leave Gaza and see that everything around you seems normal—restaurants, coffee shops, weddings, etc.?’ He answered, ‘If I would see that everything was different, it would be a lot harder. However, when I see that things are normal, I know we are doing our jobs properly.’
Rav Rimon continued that “Our enemy wants to prevent our simcha, our normalcy, and we will not let that hap-
pen. If we diminish our simcha of the chagim, we allow our enemies to win. Our enemies want to darken our lives, and our job is to bring light.
“We have to remember the challenges and feel the pain at every moment—the pain of every hostage and their families, the wounded, the bereaved families, and those evacuated. However, while remembering all these incredible people, we must celebrate the chagim with vigor by understanding that this is part of our victory and advances us toward the return of our hostages and the decisive victory of the war. The more we rejoice and are strong and united, the weaker our enemy becomes. The simcha of chag is another step, b’ezrat Hashem, toward victory and the return of our hostages (HaMizrachi Parsha Weekly, Ki Tavo, pg. 9).”
Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Mandelbaum, a clinical psychologist, adds that celebrating Simchat Torah has therapeutic value for us as well. “Our ability to return to the ‘same place’ and dance can repair our scars from last Simchat Torah. Successfully transcending the fear will be a step of healthy healing” (Motzash, 17 Elul, pg. 44).
Sivan Rahav-Meir witnessed this healing firsthand at a Shabbaton with survivors of the Nova Music Festival. Avi, one of the survivors from the festival, kept singing Shabbat songs, without stopping. When Sivan asked him about his singing, he explained: “I had friends
who were murdered in front of my eyes and friends who were kidnapped to Gaza. It’s shattering; it breaks you. We were told that part of the healing process involves singing and rejoicing, going back to believing in good, in love, in life,” he said and then started singing another song (To Be a Jew, pg. 57). n
Part II to appear in the special Sukkos issue of 5TJT
This article was excerpted from its original. To read the full article, visit https://www.5tjt.com/ simchat-torah-5785-how-to-celebrate-a-yearafter-5784/
Rav Reuven Taragin is the Dean of Overseas Students at Yeshivat Hakotel and the Educational Director of World Mizrachi and the RZA.
His new book, Essentials of Judaism, can be purchased at rabbireuventaragin.com.
FIRST RESPONDER
By Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox
ATTUNEMENT AND ATONEMENT
In earlier times, the Temple service for Yom Kippur was conducted by the Kohen Gadol, or High Priest. Those who study the Machzor of Yom Kippur can read about the many rituals and procedures that were part of that once-a-year service. The Torah addresses the atonement associated with the Day of Atonement, and describes how the Kohen Gadol would atone for himself, his household, and the entire Jewish nation.
Our prayers and practices on these Yamim Noraim require perspective. With so much happening in our world, so many stresses, dangers, and worries, it should be easy to use these days to turn to Hashem with our pleas and supplications, yet many of us succumb to the season’s intensity by “numbing out,” by becoming temporarily disconnected from our feelings and experiences. When this happens, the ten days of repentance can
pass by in a haze, disrupting our schedules with the increased daily prayers, early schedule, and an overall feeling of being less rested—feeling the awe of the Yamim Noraim in occasionally uncomfortable ways.
What is the focus of our Machzorbased service? Do we remember the plight of Eretz Yisrael and what is occurring there? Do we think about the future of Eretz Yisrael and what that future may hold for us? Are we considerate of the plight of our fellow Jews locally and across the globe? Do we focus on health, finances, and personal goals? Ideally, each one of us prays for whatever is important to us, and each one longs for a sweet and safe new year. But Yom Kippur offers us something additional: atonement. What renders this day the most holy of all, the Shabbos Shabbason, is the chance for true atonement.
Atonement means that when we take
an honest assessment of our lives, we will form a candid self-image, which may include some of our flaws and shortcomings. As we reflect on the ways we behave, the reactions we have to others, the quality of our relationships, or the lack of same, our investment in or our estrangement from the spiritual experience, we hopefully seek to refine our behavior and hopefully change for the better. Atonement in this sense means attaining forgiveness for our past difficulties and the Divine go-ahead to try again.
Ramban, the great Spanish Torah scholar of the 13th century, wrote that of all Maimonides’ works, the most masterful was his Hilchos Teshuvah, the laws pertaining to repentance. Ramban noted that nowhere in the Talmud or Midrash is there a tractate or volume devoted to teshuvah. Maimonides combed through all the early Rabbinic Torah literature, culling from here and from there a postulate, a concept, a rule, and then formulating them into a halachic code with a protocol for each person to incorporate changes so as to seek atonement. There is a science to that process with precise, exacting steps to follow. The Torah, according to Maimonides, prescribes the procedure for change and forgiveness.
Part of that process is highly subjective; which means, each person must
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delve into their own heart and soul to scour away their loathsome habits and pernicious patterns. But following the paradigm of the Kohen Gadol, atonement requires an even broader perspective.
One should also seek to atone for the errors of one’s household. We have an impact on how our spouses and children evolve as human beings. We teach by example, and our household learns from our reactions, moods, behavior, and attitudes. Yom Kippur is about atonement, and this includes the atonement we seek for inadvertently causing our family members to struggle.
Each one of us is also part of the collective entity known as the Jewish people. A candid appraisal of self will expose the roles in which we are identified as members of the Jewish people, including how we reflect Orthodox Judaism to those around us. We should use these days to scrutinize our values and actions to make sure we are perceived as honest, dependable, and compassionate. To the degree that we fall short
in our role as a representative of Jewish values and standards, there is room for atonement.
Life is about growth and change. This time of year, we have the opportunity to continue growing in mind and soul, and to implement changes of attitude and conduct. Atonement really does begin with attunement. G’mar chatima tova n
Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox is a forensic and clinical psychologist, and director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services.
To contact Chai Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis helpline, call 855-3-CRISIS or email crisis @chailifeline.org. Learn more at www.chailifeline.org/crisis.
GUARDING THE FLAME: NAVIGATING LIFE’S WINDS AND FINDING TRUE FOCUS
BY RABBI BENNY BERLIN
To pose a rather morbid question: what would you do if you had an envelope containing the exact moment of your death? Would you dare to open it, or would you prefer to remain blissfully unaware? Responses to this dilemma tend to be divided. Some people want the knowledge to live fearlessly, while others would rather embrace the uncertainty to fully enjoy each day. But what if you could discover whether you would live through the coming year? Would that timeframe strike a balance between knowing and not knowing?
The Gemara in Horiyos provides a method for this. Rabbi Ami suggests that someone
wishing to know if they will live through the year should light a lamp during the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah in a windless room. If the lamp continues to burn until the oil runs out, it is seen as an omen they will survive the year.
Despite the intrigue of this Gemara, it has never become a widespread Jewish practice to conduct such a test. Moreover, what exactly about this ritual signifies life or death? A deeper understanding is needed.
Rav Yitzchak Stollman, in his “Minchat Yitzchak” (vol. 4, p. 239), explains that the lamp’s light symbolizes the human soul, as stated in Mishlei: “Neir Hashem Nishmas Adam.” Our souls are constant-
ly influenced by external forces—some winds threaten our spiritual vitality. It is crucial to reflect on the “winds” affecting you—what is endangering your stability and growth?
Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski once said that when the microwave was invented he found that he had less time. When there was an oven he would put the potato in the oven and come back after 45 minutes of doing something else. Whereas with the microwave he found himself standing and waiting/ watching until the food was done. For him, he realized that technology was sidetracking him.
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Rabbi Benny Berlin
For others, the winds might manifest as a relentless pursuit of wealth. Rabbi Noah Muroff (from New Haven, CT) and his wife once bought a used desk for $200. When they struggled to get it through the door, they discovered a bag containing $98,000 in cash hidden inside. Rather than keeping it, they returned it to the owner, using the experience to teach their children about honesty and integrity—perhaps that lesson was worth far more than the money.
Contrast this with Rabbi Kelemen who points out that when he asked the principal of one of the largest Jewish high schools in the U.S. what the biggest challenge he faced was, the principal reported: “Parents spend thousands of dollars a year in tuition to send their children to our school where, along with calculus and chemistry, we are expected to teach some semblance of ethics. Then, on Sunday, the parents take their child to an amusement park and lie
about his age in order to save five dollars on the admission fee.” To save five bucks they risk the tens of thousands of dollars of education.
As we approach Yom Kippur, the tefillos that parents recite to bless their children on erev Yom Kippur offers a fitting starting point for soul-searching. We say, “May it be Your will that You place in their hearts love and reverence for You. May their desire be for Torah and mitzvot. May their eyes seek truth, their mouths speak wisdom, and their hearts meditate in awe.” Notably absent from this blessing are wishes for wealth, discounts, and academic or material success.
Similarly, in my work as a communal rabbi, I often find myself either attending or officiating funerals. As family members memorialize their recently departed loved one, I never find that anyone mentions their loved ones’ grades or earthly possessions. When everything is on the line, when the light is flickering, it is back to the basics, focusing on what they were about and the impact they had
on those around them.
May our fire remain strong this year. May none of our distractions blow out our flame. May our Yom Kippur experience jolt us into clarity. May the lights in our souls stop flickering and return to their steady power force. n
For more information, visit BACHLongBeach.com.
DAF YOMI AND THE DEADLY PAGER ATTACK
BY RABBI AARON I. REICHEL, ESQ.
In the wake of the deadly Simchat Torah massacre of October 7, 2023, we just experienced a Rosh Hashanah filled with miracles and wonders that unfolded almost daily: the deadly pager explosions, the targeted assassinations, and the missile-defense successes that restored some much-needed optimism to our people.
The Tashlich ceremony we perform on Rosh Hashanah adds some additional insight. The Matteh Moshe, as cited by Rabbi Daniel Sherman of the West Side Institutional Synagogue, notes that the fish in the waters of Tashlich live a contradictory experience. On one hand, fish that swim in the deep waters, far away from humanity, live in utter freedom. But fish along the shore live in constant fear of being caught in nets. After what happened on October 7, people who are far removed from music festivals are now concerned about the possibility of not only being attacked by terrorists, but being captured by them as well, much like the fish who swim near the shore live in constant fear of being captured by nets and lures.
As we face the Yom HaDin, we recall the words of King Solomon in Kohelet: “And a man cannot even know his time. As fish are enmeshed in a fatal net (9:12).”
Similarly, the terrorists of Hezbollah were entirely clueless during the unanticipated and unprecedented pager attacks. Soon after the detonations, people began to worry about the Arabs retaliating in a similar fashion via their cellphones. Now that the terrorists know about the capabilities of such technology, is it possible they could use similar tactics against the Israelis?
This calls to mind the Daf Yomi page (Bava Batra 89b) we read at the beginning of the week during which the pagers and walkie-talkies exploded. After discussing what should and shouldn’t be done while manufacturing receptacles for measuring food because such actions could render the measurements inaccurate, Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai says, “Woe to me if I point this out in my teachings, and woe to me if I do not point this out…” He meant that by pointing out these methods for inaccurately measuring food, unscrupulous people will learn how to cheat better. But if he didn’t point out these methods, unscrupulous people would say that Torah scholars are not well versed in their handiwork.
Rabbi Benny Berlin is the rabbi of BACH Jewish Center located in Long Beach, New York.
Rav Shmuel bar Rav Yitzchak said that Rav Yochanan ben Zakkai ultimately decided to give the full shiur (to share the information), based on the classic pasuk, “Yesharim darchei Hashem v’tzaddikim yailchu bam uposhim yikashlu bam”— “For the ways of Hashem are right, and the just walk in them; but transgressors stumble over them” (Hosea 14:10) (Bava Batra 89b).
The rabbis conclude that even if disclosing certain information and technology could result in harm to innocent people, we should not refrain from inventing and creating such technology, because the benefits to humanity can greatly outweigh the negative effects.
How many more American soldiers and Japanese civilians would have died during WWII had not the Americans invented the atom bomb?
On a practical level, given that such technology has now been unleashed, there are actions we should take to reduce the chances of negative repercussions. The unprecedented cyberattack revived fears that a regional war between the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group and Israel could erupt. To re-
duce the chances of further incursions into Israel’s borders, we must be all the more vigilant in guarding our borders, whether in Israel or the United States, to prevent uninvited “guests” from entering and causing more harm to innocent people.
May the Shomer Yisrael watch over us and may Moshiach come soon, so we won’t have to worry about life-threatening devices and injudicious information getting into the wrong hands, only to be unleashed against innocent people. n
Rabbi Aaron I. Reichel, Esq., is a rabbi, attorney, author, and editor of many books, most notably, “Step Up to the Plate: Baseball and Judaism: How to Win the Game of Life” (Kodesh Press, 2017) and “The Maverick Rabbi.” He primarily writes biographies of men of action.
Oour archive section and find any issue of the 5 Towns Jewish Times online @ www.5TJT.com
n September 24, the Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim (RAA/Igud) celebrated its 36th annual Chai Elul Siyum HaShas and 82nd annual dinner at the famed Sephardic and Lebanese Congregation under the guidance of its esteemed and venerable mara d’atra, Rabbi Eliyahu Elbaz. The theme of the evening was “A Clarion Call to Action.” Speaker after speaker discussed the various ways in which RAA/Igud supports its nearly 1,000 member rabbis
who are busy serving the community in shuls, schools, hospitals, law enforcement, the armed forces, and every other conceivable rabbinic position. Since 1988, on the recommendation of Rishon LeTzion HaGaon HaRav Mordechai Eliyahu, zt’l, to its then President, Rabbi Abraham Hecht, zt’l, the RAA/Igud has made the Chai Elul Siyum HaShas a yearly tradition. Unfortunately, Rabbi Meir Shapiro, zt’l, the Chairman of the RAA/ Igud who was to serve as the inaugural Chai Elul Siyum Ha-
Shas Chairman passed away shortly before the first siyum His son, R’ Pinny Shapiro, and family, have been sponsoring the annual Chai Elul Siyum HaShas in his memory. Sadly, since the passing of Rabbi Shapiro’s Rebbetzin, Rebbetzin Pearl Yita Shapiro, zt’l, four years ago, the Chai Elul Siyum HaShas is sponsored now by R’ Pinny Shapiro and family in her memory as well.
The following rabbanim spoke at the Siyum HaShas: Rabbi Pesach Lerner, chairman, Eretz HaKodesh, served as Siyum HaShas chairman; Rabbi Gil Student, director, Vaad Halacha, RAA/Igud, made the Siyum HaShas; Rabbi Leibel Wulliger, rosh ha’kollel, Nachlas Dovid, Yeshivah Torah Vodaath, made the haschalas haShas; Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Zev Ginzberg, rabbi, Chofetz Chaim Torah Center, Cedarhurst, NY, was the keynote speaker and delivered an erudite dvar halacha in honor of the Siyum HaShas; Rabbi Gary Kopstick, chairman, Pension Plan Committee, RAA/Igud, spoke about the great retirement plan which is an exclu-
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sive benefit of members of the RAA/ Igud.
At the 82nd annual dinner, Chief Richie Taylor, commanding officer, Community Affairs Bureau, NYPD, presided over the awards presentation to NYPD Officers who were honored for their valiant service. Chief Joseph Gulotta, commanding officer of Patrol Borough Staten Island; Chief Charlie McEvoy, commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South; Hon. Dennis Quirk, President Emeritus, New York State Court Officers Association; Lieutenant Jack Conway, Commanding Officer of the NYPD Ceremonial Unit; and Rabbi David Heskiel, Clergy Liaison, Community Affairs Bureau, NYPD were honored.
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA/Igud, stated, “If you want to be successful as a police officer then please follow in the footsteps of our illustrious honorees, all of whom are the personification and definition of what quality policing is all about. Our honorees this evening are great role models to follow and their individual and collective imprint on the city is indelible and everlasting. The decrease in crime and the great confidence in the NYPD is by no small measure thanks to their herculean efforts. We at the RAA/ Igud look forward to our continued part-
Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar; congratulating the RAA at their 36th Annual Chai Elul Siyum HaShas and 82nd Anniversary Dinner; Left to Right, Chief Richie Taylor, commanding officer, Community Affairs Bureau; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; Mark Appel, founder and chairman, Bridge Multi Cultural Project; Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar; and Lt. Jack Conway, Commanding Officer, Ceremonial Unit; Chief Charlie McEvoy, commanding officer, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South; and Chief Joseph Gulotta, commanding officer, Patrol Borough Staten Island
nership with the NYPD and we are confident the best is yet to come.”
Assembly Member Sam Berger; Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar; Rabbi Eli Slavin, Jewish Liaison, Congress Member Yvette Clarke, Uri Fraenkel, Director of Special Projects, Office of the Mayor of the City of New York, Pinny Hikind, Jewish Liaison, Office of the Comptroller of the City of New York; Simon Sebag, Jewish Liaison, Office of
the Public Advocate of the City of New York, Pesach Osina, Jewish Liaison, Office of the Speaker of the New York City Council, Alex Gurevich, Jewish Liaison, District Attorney Kings County, Jacob Eisdorfer, Jewish Liaison, Brooklyn Borough President, Frank J. Rapacciuolo, Chief of Staff, Hon. Joseph Borrelli, Minority Leader, New York City Council; and Democratic District Leader Igor Galanter were in attendance and partic-
ipated in the awards presentation at the dinner.
Also honored at the dinner was the Eretz HaKodesh organization in honor of its work on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Israel. Rabbi Mirocznik lauded Rabbi Pesach Lerner and Rabbi Yehuda Segal, the dream team of Eretz HaKodesh, for their great accomplishments on behalf of the Jewish people in their monumental work and advocacy in the World Zionist Organization and Jewish Agency. “It has been way too long that the Orthodox world lacked a seat and voice at the table. We at the RAA/Igud once again reaffirm our commitment and support of Rabbi Lerner and Eretz HaKodesh in their sacred mission in reinforcing Jewish tradition in Israel.
We further laud Rabbi Moish Schmerler, our highly respected and venerable executive director, for joining Eretz HaKodesh in Israel and participating in the deliberation of the WZO and with meeting with members of Kneset in Israel. The only way to effectuate meaningful change is by engaging in dialogue and representing the Orthodox view in a clear and intelligent fashion. Tonight, as we praise Eretz HaKodesh, we once again advise our constituents that the next election cycle is around the corner, and we must be diligent in registering voters for the forthcoming WZO election. The RAA/Igud once again proudly supports Eretz HaKodesh and requests and encourages that every eligible per-
son register and vote, and encourage their family and friends to register and vote, for Eretz HaKodesh in the WZO election. Collectively as a group we will make a difference.”
The program concluded with Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA/Igud, making an azkarah/memorial in honor of the memory of Rabbi Joseph Salamon, zt’l, vice-president, RAA/Igud. “Rabbi Salamon is remembered as a pillar of the Igud HaRabbonim, serving as chairman of all our Rosh Chodesh Conferences, Annual Chai Elul Siyum HaShas, and special events. His love for the Igud HaRabbonim is legendary. There was no task too big or small for Rabbi Salamon. His motto was that if it needs to be done, let’s get it done. Rabbi Salamon was involved in many synagogue boards but perhaps one of his greatest achievements was founding and operating Ohr Torah, a yeshiva for the atypical student, that gave him a chance to learn and succeed. Rabbi Salamon is missed and may his memory be a blessing for his family and all of Israel.”
Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, presidium member, RAA/Igud, and rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel Chabad in Norwalk, CT, served as the convocation chairman and presented the Igud HaRabbonim’s Convocation Resolutions for 5784.
Convocation Resolutions: Chai Elul 5784 – September 22, 2024
1. Proposal to form a national federation of parents
2. Respecting the autonomy of yeshiva education
3. A call to Jewish federations to increase financial support of Jewish day schools and high school institutions
4. In support of the Office Of The Chief Rabbinate Of Israel
5. In support of the state and people of Israel
6. A call for a moment of silence in all U.S. public schools
7. Recognition of the Eretz HaKodesh work in Israel and diaspora
8. Recognition of the coalition of Jewish values
9. Voting in national and local elections is a religious duty
To read the full convocation resolutions, visit 5tjt.com/rabbis-issue-a-clarion-call-to-action36th-annual-chai-elul-siyum-hashas82nd-annual-dinner-of-the-rabbinicalalliance-of-america-igud-harabbonim/
BADERECH: ALONG THE PATH OF THE PARASHAH
By Rav Judah Mischel
YOM KIPPUR: TAILORMADE
There was great rejoicing when a shidduch was made between the families of the Rhizner Rebbe, Reb Yisroel Friedman, and the Riminover Rebbe, Reb Zvi Hersh. As customary, when families came together to celebrate the tenaim, or “engagement” of their children, the two mechutanim were expected to describe their yichus and extol their genealogical and spiritual lineage. By each honoring their family histories, the chassan and kallah would begin their commitment to one another with holy pride and achrayus, a sense of spiritual responsibility for the future and obligation toward past generations.
After the Rhizner, a tzaddik of royal bearing and presence, detailed his long line of spiritual luminaries from the Maggid of Mezritch back to King David himself, he turned to his mechutan, Reb Zvi Hirsch, and motioned for him to do the same.
Reb Zvi Hirsch had a different kind of background—he was not aware of being part of a chain of luminaries, nor did he learn how to be a rebbe with his father, as he was an orphan. As a child, he had spent time in the beis midrash of Reb Mendel Riminover, where he was known as Reb Zvi Hersh Meshareis, the “minister,” meaning “the devoted attendant” ministering to the Rebbe. Reb Menachem Mendel was so deeply impressed by his student’s modesty, scholarship and hidden righteous ways, that he instructed that Reb Zvi Hirsch become his successor.
“…My parents left the world when I was just an infant,” began Reb Zvi Hirsch, in front of the silent wedding party. “But I’m told they were honest, simple, G-d-fearing Yidden! And before coming to the beis midrash of Reb Men-
Continued on Page 70
del Riminover, I was an apprentice to a humble tailor, who raised me with kindness. I learned two important lessons from my adopted father. Firstly, in our craft, it is our privilege and responsibility to mend old and worn articles of clothing as best as we can. And secondly, we are to be especially careful not to ruin the new garments that have been entrusted to us to make for the future.” With that, the Riminover concluded his remarks, and sat down.
Choked with emotion, the great tzaddik ha’dor, Reb Yisrael of Rizhin, turned to Reb Zvi Hirsh and said, “My heilige mechusan! That is indeed a most chashuv and admirable yichus! What a great honor it is for me to link with such a lineage, and what a great responsibility our children will bear together. May they make all of their holy ancestors proud!”
nnn
Rebbe Tanchuma shared a story that took place on the eve of the Great Fast, Yom Kippur:
A simple tailor set out to purchase a fish to prepare in honor of the erev Yom Kippur seudah and found the choicest of fish in the marketplace. A servant of the Roman governor did as well, and they began bargaining for it, bidding against one another until the tailor offered a whopping 12 dinars and won the pur-
12:30 Friday 333 Pearsall Avenue, Cedarhurst
Second floor conference room
1:00 Beit Midrash Hachaim V’Hashalom (winter)
Young Israel of Woodmere (M-Th.)
1:15 Agudas Achim, Monday- Thursday
1:30 333 Pearsall Avenue, Cedarhurst
Second floor conference room
Beis Ephraim Yitzchak (M-Th)
Gourmet Glatt, back office (Sunday & Friday)
1:35 Yeshiva Shor Yashov
Kollel Avreichem
Rabbi Katz’s Shul (Congregation Shomer Shabbos) Maariv is 15 min. after shkiah
Beit Midrash Hachaim V’Hashalom (summer)
1:45 Agudath Israel of Long Island (Sun & legal holidays)
Aish Kodesh (M-Th)
15 Atlantic Avenue — First floor conference room (M-Th.)
Yeshiva of the 5 Towns (S-Th.)
1:50 Yismach Moshe @ The Premier
2:00 5 Towns Judaica
Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst (S-Th.)
Young Israel of Woodmere (M-Th.)
Gourmet Glatt (M-Th.)
2:15 Yeshiva of Far Rockaway
2:45 Agudath Israel of Long Island
Also 15 minutes before shkiah
Yeshiva Gedolah of the 5 Towns (S-Th.)
Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh (S-Th)
3:00 Judaica Plus
Young Israel of Woodmere (M-Th.)\
4:15 Adas Yisroel of NY United Hebrew Community of NY (M-Th)
8:13 Meehan Avenue Minyan (followed by Maariv)
Beis Ephraim Yitzchak has a mincha/maariv
chase. When fish wasn’t served at the Roman governor’s dinner, he demanded an explanation from his servant, and was shocked to hear that a simple Jew would spend such an outlandish amount on a fish. When the tailor was summoned, he explained:
“Sir, we have but one precious day when all of the sins of our previous year are forgiven, and we honor it greatly.”
Impressed by the sincerity and sacrifice of the tailor, the Roman governor allowed him to leave in peace. Upon returning home, when the tailor opened the fish to prepare it, he was astonished to find a precious gem inside—a reward from Heaven that sustained him all his days (Medrash Bereishis Rabba, 11:4).
This Midrashic account is so central to our understanding of our avodah of Yom Kippur that it is mentioned by various Rishonim and numerous halachic works. The Chasam Sofer reveals a deeper significance in the Midrash, as it highlights the protagonist’s professional identity, a seemingly insignificant detail immaterial to his mesirus nefesh
There are families torn apart by machlokes and disagreement. Jealousy, politics, and pettiness are ripping apart communities. On Yom Kippur, the headquarters of tikun, “mending” the past, Chazal wanted each and every one of us to know that we are called upon to become a “tailor.” In order to prepare for the avodas ha’teshuvah of this holiest of all days, we must get to work, right now,
5:00 333 Pearsall Avenue, Cedarhurst, 2nd floor
6:30 Beis Beirish
7:00 Young Israel of Woodmere
7:30 The Shteebel (Main Bais Medrash)
Beis Medrash of Cedarhurst
Young Israel of Woodmere
7:45 Yeshiva Gedolah of the 5 Towns (S-Th.)
8:00 The White Shul
Congregation Tifereth Zvi
Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid (S-Th)
Young Israel of Woodmere
8:05 Young Israel of North Woodmere
8:15 Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst
The Shteebel (Downstairs in Simcha Hall)
Beis Medrash of Cedarhurst
8:30 Bais Medrash of Harborview
Yismach Moshe @ The Premier Bais Medrash Ateres Yisroel (Rabbi Blumenkrantz)
Young Israel of Woodmere
8:45 Yeshiva of Far Rockaway
Agudas Israel of Long Island
Yeshiva Gedolah of the 5 Towns (S-Th.)
8:50 Congregation Bais Tefila (M-Th)
Aish Kodesh (M-Th)
9:00 Young Israel of Woodmere
Yeshiva Shor Yoshov
9:15 Shaaray Tefila
Yeshiva Shor Yoshov
Agudas Israel of Long Island
Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst
The Shteebel (Downstairs in Simcha Hall)
Beis Medrash of Cedarhurst
Bais Ephraim Yitzchok (M-Th)
Young Israel of Hewlett
Beis Medrash of Cedarhurst
9:20 Beis Ephraim Yitzchak (M-Th)
9:30 Young Israel of Woodmere
9:45
10:00
stitching back together the torn fabric of our family, our chevrah, our community and nation.
There are new garments to create, as well. As the Lubavitcher Rebbe, z’ya, says: shefa, a flow of blessing, comes into the world to be received, contained, and “clothed” in the natural world. In this sense, too, we are called to be tailors, to prepare and preserve well-fitting “garments” for the Divine blessings that we must offer to our family and nation.
According to Midrash Tanchuma (Lech Lecha 2), our forefather Avraham was considered a “spiritual tailor,” dedicated to repairing the perceived tear in the relationship between G-d and mankind. May we follow in the ways of the tzaddikim and begin this holy task by mending the fragmented aspects of our own lives and repairing our relationship with the Ribbono Shel Olam. May we be careful not to ruin the new garments that we have made for the future, and make all of our holy ancestors proud. And most importantly, may we receive the precious reward from Heaven that will sustain us all our days: teshuvah mei’ahavah, the work of returning to HaKadosh Baruch Hu out of love. n
Rav Judah Mischel is executive director of Camp HASC, the Hebrew Academy for Special Children. He is the mashpia of OU-NCSY, founder of Tzama Nafshi, and the author of “Baderech: Along the Path of Teshuva.” Rav Judah lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with his wife, Ora, and their family.
Dating Forum
By Baila Sebrow
Question
This is not a halachic question, but I need advice on how to handle a situation. Many years ago, we rented our basement to a girl who was from out of town, because she was going to college here. She didn’t have much money, so she was unable to fly back home the entire time she was in school. She seemed nice and friendly, so we started inviting her to join our family for Shabbos and yom tov meals. We started treating her like a cherished member of the family. We bought her birthday and Chanukah gifts. Whenever she needed anything, or wanted to buy something for herself and couldn’t pay for it, we covered the costs, and never asked for anything in return. I dabble in shidduchim and started representing this girl at shidduch meetings, and I got her a few good dates. Unfortunately, none worked out. We were so fond of her that when our children got married, we invited her to move out of the basement and we gave her the choice to pick any room in our house. She became like our adopted daughter. I don’t know if it was jealousy because all of our children got married so young, but a problem developed and we had a big falling out. She moved out of our home and spoke so badly about us that
Please
Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid (S-Th)
Yeshiva Shor Yashov
Yeshiva of the 5 Towns (S-Th.)
Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi (S-Th) The White Shul
YILC (M-Th.)
Young Israel of Woodmere (Askenaz House)
Agudas Israel of Long Island
Yeshiva of Far Rockaway
The Shteebel (Main Bais Medrash)
Beis Medrash of Cedarhurst
10:15 Kollel Avreichem
Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst
10:30 Agudas Israel of Long Island Yeshiva Gedolah of the 5 Towns (S-Th.)
10:45 Kehillas Bais Yehuda (Thursdays)
10:20, 10:40, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40, 12:00 Boston Beis Midrash of Lawrence To add or modify a listing, please email: 5tjtgraphics@gmail.com
Maariv.
Medrash of Cedarhurst (The Shteebel) has mincha, followed by maariv, 5 minutes before Shekiya in the main Bais Medrash. Meehan Avenue Minyan has mincha
minutes before plag, followed by maariv.
some of our friends who have known us for years stopped inviting us over. Recently, our nephew who became single again got her as a suggestion on a dating app, and they both accepted each other. He didn’t chap right away who she was, and they went out on a date. I only found out about it because out of the blue she just messaged me asking for mechilah, and I know for sure that it’s because she wants me to say nice things about her to my nephew. She used to ask me about him before his first marriage, but he was already dating the woman he ended up marrying.
My nephew doesn’t know all the details about what happened between this girl and us, and I’m not sure how to handle it. It bothers me very much that after all we did for her, asking nothing in return, she hurt us so badly. My husband suggested that since this is also a shidduch question, that we get your opinion on this situation.
Response
I totally understand how you feel, and looking at it from your perspective, you believe that the only reason this young lady is asking you for mechilah is not because Yom Kippur is around the corner, but because she has an ulterior motive. I say this many times when circumstances like yours present themselves, and I am glad that you prefaced your letter by saying that you are not asking me a halachic question. I am not a halachic authority, and I never speak on behalf of halachic authorities or dispense advice that might have halachic ramifications. My responses to any question I receive via this column or privately are solely based on my experience in shadchanus or in human nature in general.
I will share a case that happened exactly a year ago where someone who hurt another asked for mechilah only for their own self-serving reasons. For purposes of anonymity, I will refer to the people in this story as Individual A and Individual B. In January of 2023, Individual A, who seemed to be Individual B’s friend, did something very hurtful by speaking lashon ha’ra against her. When Individual B confronted Individual A with the knowledge about her actions, instead of apologizing, Individual A went on the offensive and blocked Individual B from her phone and on all social media platforms. She also bullied her by excluding her and, like your experience, the people she was friends with stopped inviting her. Fast forward to erev Yom Kippur, eight months later. It was less than an hour to Kol Nidrei and Individual B’s doorbell rang. There stood her rabbi, saying he is a “messenger” from Individual A as he handed her an envelope. Individual B opened the envelope and there was a card inside from Individual A with a heartfelt apology, begging forgiveness from Individual B. According to Individual B, she was taken aback and annoyed that her personal rabbi, who had no relationship with Individual A, was dragged into the middle of this
private falling out. However, Individual B believed that Individual A felt badly, and since it was before Yom Kippur, she went to call Individual A to express her
realized she was still being blocked. Being dan l’kaf zechus, Individual B assumed that Individual A forgot to unblock her. She tried several times after
Your letter also brings up a question I frequently receive concerning knowing negative information about a person while at the same time acting as that person’s reference.
acceptance of the apology. The phone call went directly to voicemail and she
into Individual A at a community event, and a mutual friend told Individual B, that Individual A would really like to attend an upcoming party that Individual B was hosting. Upon hearing that, Individual B walked over to Individual A to express her acceptance of the apology letter sent over by her rabbi and for bygones to be bygones. Furthermore, since it was still within the spirit of the season, she decided to offer Individual A an olive branch (so to speak) and invited that person to join her party scheduled to take place a few weeks later. Individual A came to the party, was warmly welcomed by Individual B, and she enjoyed herself. Within a day of the party, word got back to Individual B through various sources that as a group of people walked home after the party, someone said to Individual A, “I see that you are friends again with Individual B.” Individual A responded, “I will never be friends with her.” In other words,
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Yom Kippur, and still she was blocked. Right after Sukkos, Individual B ran
too close to someone would only lead to heartache.
After dating numerous girls, Yosef realized he needed to make a change. He sought therapy, where he began to unravel the complex web of his past. During this journey, Yosef realized how his parents’ divorce shaped his views on relationships and trust. With the guidance of a therapist, Yosef started working on his communication with the girls he dated and was able to recognize the patterns that had held him back for so long. Gradually, he built a healthy, supportive relationship with someone who understood his struggles. His story illustrates the importance of self-awareness and the capacity for change. With the right tools, he was able to break free from the cycle of fear that had defined his early experiences.
In Chava’s case, we see the academic and social challenges that can arise in the wake of divorce. At just 10 years old, her world was upended when her parents divorced. The instability affected her academic performance, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of motivation. High school became an overwhelming experience, and Chava often found herself skipping classes, feeling disconnected from her peers.
A turning point came when a compassionate teacher noticed her struggles and reached out. With encouragement, Chava joined an after-school program that
offered mentorship and support. In that nurturing environment, she began to rebuild her confidence and rekindle her love for learning. The relationships she formed in that program provided a sense of belonging that she so desperately needed. Now a college graduate, Chava reflects on how her teacher’s intervention changed her life trajectory. Her story serves as a testament to the impact that supportive adults can have on children navigating the fallout of divorce.
The experiences of Aviva, Yosef, and Chava show how parental separation can shape a child’s emotional and psychological landscape as they grow into adulthood. Research consistently shows that children of divorced parents face a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and difficult relationships. Much of the data suggests that the number one indicator of success in life is having an intact nuclear family. In the event of divorce, the negative impacts can be greatly diminished through effective coparenting and learning how to communicate in a more civil way. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that adults who experienced parental divorce during childhood are more likely to experience unstable relationships and mental health challenges. Yet, their stories also reveal the potential for resilience and growth.
To help children navigate these complex emotions, open communication is essential. Parents can create an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings
free from judgment and negative repercussions. Initiating conversations about emotions and asking open-ended questions can invite dialogue. For example, a parent might say, “I know this has been a tough time. How are you feeling about everything?” Such questions encourage children to voice their thoughts and feelings.
Seeking professional support through therapy or peer groups can also provide valuable tools for coping and healing. Mental health professionals can equip children with strategies to process their experiences and build resilience. Group therapy, where children share their feelings with peers who have similar experiences, can help normalize their emotions and foster a sense of community. Moreover, maintaining consistent routines can help alleviate anxiety. Children thrive on stability, and maintaining regular schedules for mealtimes, homework, and bedtime can offer a sense of predictability amidst the upheaval of divorce. Additionally, effective co-parenting is crucial. Parents should strive to maintain a respectful relationship, minimizing conflict in front of their children. When parents collaborate on parenting strategies and remain united in their approach, children benefit from a more stable environment.
DATING FORUM
Continued from Page 71
Individual A devised a scheme to use Individual B’s rabbi to get mechilah and an invitation to her party! There are people who devise interesting plans to get mechilah
I write about this type of situation, how there are people out there who ask for mechilah because a) either their conscience kicks in about what they did, or b) they want something from you. I’m sure that you will feel much better if this young lady truly cared how much she hurt you and that she is ready to appease you. Instead, you feel that her reaching out after so much time has passed is another opportunity to gain something from you.
Regarding mechilah, I’m confident that you will discuss that with a rav. My concern is her lack of hakaras hatov for all you did for her throughout the years as well as what sounds like a vindictive nature. How that plays out in a relationship with her future spouse remains to be seen. Your letter also brings up a question I frequently receive concerning knowing negative information about a person while at the same time acting as that person’s reference. In this case, it is a double-edged sword because the young man this woman is interested in dating is also your nephew, who has limited knowledge of your extensive relationship with this young lady.
Teaching children about healthy relationships is also essential. Parents can model positive relationship behaviors and help their children learn effective communication and conflict-resolution skills. These stories remind us that while the scars of divorce can be deep, healing is not only possible, but can lead to extraordinary growth and resilience. By investing in the emotional futures of our children, we lay the groundwork for healthier, more fulfilling lives and relationships. In a world where divorce has become all too common, supporting these children is not just a necessity; it is an investment in their future. n
Tamara Gestetner is a professional mediator who specializes in divorce, and a psychotherapist located in Cedarhurst. Tamara works with couples in need of mediation as well as couples in need of counseling. Tamara can be reached at tamaragestetner @gmail.com or 646-239-5686.
I would assume that when you had a falling out with her, it caused a ripple effect so profound that it expanded to the friends you had prior to this young lady entering your life, no doubt causing tremendous grief. That sounds serious. This new occurrence might be a blessing in that you will end up coming out feeling vindicated.
Since the young lady opened up the lines of communication no doubt because she needs something from you, now would be a good time to meet her in person and discuss this. Tell her about the grief she caused you and give her the opportunity to speak her mind too. It is okay for you to share that you know she
Continued on Page 74
is dating your nephew, while at the same time informing her of the damage her lashon ha’ra caused you.
Since much time has passed, I assume emotions have calmed somewhat and it is possible that she regrets what she has done to you. Tell her that you will forgive her if she makes amends to you by fixing what she broke. In other words, request that she finds a way to retract her disparaging statements to the people you mutually know. There is a strong possibility that she will do exactly as you ask, in which case, you will feel better having made peace with her so you both can remove the heavy feelings you have in your hearts regarding each other. Moreover, she will be demonstrating the moral characteristics of humility and benevolence since it cannot be easy for someone to admit doing something so bad for revenge, thereby causing machlokes between neutral third parties. If she refuses to make you whole again after what
she did, then only with the permission of a halachic authority can you share the details of your experience with this young lady and its sad aftermath with your nephew. n
Baila Sebrow is president of Neshoma Advocates, communications and recruitment liaison for Sovri-Beth Israel, executive director of Teach Our Children, and a shadchanis and shidduch consultant. Baila also produces and hosts The Definitive Rap podcast for 5townscentral.com, vinnews.com, Israel News Talk Radio, and WNEW FM 102.7 FM HD3, listenline & talklinenetwork.com. She can be reached at Bsebrow @aol.com.
REAL ESTATE
By Anessa V. Cohen
DEALING WITH FLOOD INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Since Hurricane Sandy, people looking to buy a house in the Five Towns have been much more diligent in checking the updated FEMA flood maps to see if their prospective house lies in an area that is likely to flood.
In the years before Sandy, most if not all buyers didn’t pay much attention to whether a house was located in a flood zone or if that required the purchase of
some form of flood insurance, unless it was one of those homes on certain streets that had a tendency to flood every time it rained.
Ironically, the streets that flooded were only avoided by a small percentage of home buyers since, aside from the slight inconvenience of not being able to leave your house while it rained, for the most part no one worried about a house flooding during a rainstorm back then.
Fast forward to Hurricane Sandy, when so many homeowners who never dreamed their homes would be susceptible to flooding got hit very badly and flood insurance suddenly became front and center. Those homeowners who had never previously considered buying flood insurance were suddenly hit with the high premiums that have taken hold as a permanent fixture for the future.
New home buyers who are looking to purchase a home must now take into consideration flood insurance as part of a mandatory expense on top of taxes and homeowner’s insurance, not to mention the mortgage, when they budget for how much house they can afford while shopping for a new home.
Unfortunately, flood insurance has become difficult to calculate since under the new formula, each house on a given block may be earmarked by FEMA differently based on criteria such as height, land elevation, basement or no basement, to name just a few categories, so that one house could be priced at a low yearly premium while the house next door might be twice or even three times higher based on the FEMA guidelines.
The best way to calculate what the flood insurance premium would be for a given address is to first ask the existing homeowner what their flood insurance premium is for that given year. Homeowners with existing flood insurance policies can transfer it to a new owner as opposed to the new owner having to buy a new flood insurance policy at a higher premium.
In some cases, the homeowner may not have a flood insurance policy since some homeowners who own their property outright may opt to not take out flood insurance since flood insurance is optional for homeowners without a mortgage. Mortgage lenders, on the other hand, do
PUZZLES
By Yoni Glatt
Crossword: Yom Kippur Services
Across
1. Starting point, as for a discussion
6. Baba of note
10. They can take up a good deal of your memory
14. “Kiss From ___ ___”
15. Claimed in court
16. Ostrich cousin
17. Babe Ruth bunting to advance a runner…or part of the Yom Kippur service, once?
20. High Priest with troublesome sons
21. Stark metal
22. Small weight
23. (Yom Kippur) service
26. Made like a lion looking for a meal (not a minyan)
27. Apt Nirvana anthem for Yom Kippur?
30. Herman Wouk’s mutinied ship
31. GPS fig.
32. Word after booking or agent
35. Bygone Jews whose general lifestyle was Yom Kippuresque
38. Items needed for Yom Kippur
41. “Daysleeper” band
42. You row with it
44. He directed Groundhog Day
45. Act of a protesting prisoner or one saying Vidui?
49. School break
52. Theodor who might get grinchy if he fasted on Yom Kippur
53. Six-time NBA All-Star who keeps Shabbos, familiarly
54. What the suspicious smell
55. Trap
58. What some plays and the High Priest on Yom Kippur have several of 62. Like a Broadway show
63. Moneyball star
64. Talks like a drunk, perhaps 65. Snow mobile?
66. Danny’s ex in Ocean’s Eleven
67. Some Jews curl them Down
1. Kind of ball
2. Favorite Asian sea of crosswords
3. Ideology for most Kibbutzim, once
4. Where Kibbutzim are found: Abbr.
5. Half a dozen, in Rome
6. Notebook type
7. What you can’t have on Yom Kippur, but might very well have on Purim
8. Read Torah
9. Gilbert and Sullivan princess
10. Squabbles
11. Fake
12. Quiet’s companion
13. What you might be spiritually, but not digestively, at the end of Yom Kippur
18. Spot’s friend, perhaps
19. Some midrashim
24. Barn appendage
25. French or Australian
26. Heart of the matter
27. Computer brand
28. Perform eye surgery on, maybe
29. Need on a road trip
32. Boorish cartoon where four of the five main characters are actually Jewish
33. “Red” Norseman
34. Latin palindrome
36. Quite a while
37. What arava leaves start to do on Chol Hamoed
39. Picnic scraps
40. Cash for a cab, say
43. You may try to mend them before Yom Kippur
45. Managed, as sheep
46. Friendly lead in?
47. Changes chemically
48. Darth Sidious, e.g.
49. Singer Lou
50. Spam source
51. Do come slicing
54. Rotenberg of song
56. Dynamic lead-in
57. “Yo, over here”
59. Choose
60. Killer of Cleopatra
61. Atl. Braves’ division
Jewish Spelling Bee
How many common words of 5 or more letters can you spell using the letters in the hive? Every answer must use the center letter at least once. Letters may be reused in a word. At least one word will use all 7 letters and have a direct Jewish connection. Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score 1 point for each answer, and 3 points for a Jewish word that uses all 7 letters. Rating: 6=Good; 7=Excellent; 9=Genius Common solutions to last issue’s Spelling Bee: Masechet, Masechta. Acmes, asthma, amass, amasses, chacham, chamesh, chasm, chasms, emcee, emcees, esteem, esteems, maces, machete, machetes, mamas, mamash, mashes, masses, match, matches, mates, matte, mattes, meats, meets, memes, meshes, messes, metes, scheme, schemes, schmatta, schmattas, seams, seems, sesame, shamash, shame, shames, shemesh, smash, smashes, steam, steams, stems, tames, tamest, teammate, teammates, teams, teem, theme, themes.
Puzzle appeared on Page 102 of the October 4 issue.
Yoni Glatt explains, “It’s interesting. I’ve created somewhere in the neighborhood of 800 original puzzles for this newspaper, and even though I exercise regularly I think this is the first time I’ve ever had an idea hit me while at the gym. Most ideas strike me either in or on the way to shul. Which makes sense as these puzzles are Jewish themed. I suppose while I’m working out my creative juices aren’t flowing in the same way. Either way, it was fun constructing this grid.”
a flood search based on the FEMA flood map, and if they determine that a home is within the flood map even to the slightest degree, flood insurance is a mandatory item necessary for issuing a mortgage.
The prospective home buyer should contact his insurance company, give them the address of the house under consideration, and have the insurance company advise them as to what flood zone determination that address falls under and the amount based on present rates that a flood insurance premium would cost if they decided to purchase that particular property.
For those of you who would like to research more about flood insurance and the guidelines and different zoning determinations used by FEMA, I recommend you go online to the FEMA website and look through the extensive consumer information available. I advise you to go to FEMA.gov/flood-maps
Wishing everyone an easy fast and brighter new year with our hostages free and soldiers back home with their families. n
Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a Licensed Real Estate Broker (Anessa V Cohen Realty) with over 20 years of experience offering residential, commercial and management real estate services. You are invited to visit her website at WWW.AVCREALTY.COM. She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or Readers are encouraged to send any questions or comments by email to anessa @avcealty.com.
A Clever TiTle Goes here
By Mordechai Schmutter
ROOSTER OR HEN?
It’s interesting that, considering I’m a humor writer who’d never planned on having a pet other than occasionally trying to keep alive the random animals my kids find while digging in the yard, the one type of animal that I seem to have long-term is chickens.
It’s not hard to raise chickens. They take up way less space than, say, cows, and they’re much easier to lift, you can keep them outside in the winter because they’re literally made of feathers, they’re super cute as babies, and then when they’re older and kind of goofy looking, they contribute. And when you get sick of them, there’s another erev Yom Kippur use that we will not talk about here.
The rooster has some jobs too, but it’s not clear what those are.
Yes, among our chickens, we have a rooster named Henshe, who we named before we knew he was a rooster.
We didn’t want a rooster. When you get a new chick, you don’t know what gender it is, and then it grows up and you find out. It’s like those toys that come in
an egg! Wait.
Another use of chickens is that, according to researchers, chickens are very calming animals. More so, my own studies have found, when they’re living outside and are no longer in your living room. But I have to say, owning roosters is NOT relaxing.
First of all, they’re always crowing.
And yes, I knew about crowing. I was taught in yeshiva that roosters crow at sunrise. What I was not taught is that roosters actually crow all day. Randomly. Henshe could crow every 10 seconds for an hour straight, or sometimes, if he doesn’t feel like crowing, he can go a good 20 minutes without.
And no, it’s not the seforim that are wrong. I think my rebbeim were misinformed. Let’s put it this way: Perek Shira talks about what pesukim all the various animals are saying when they make noise. And for most species, the male and the female say the same pesukim
But when you look under chickens, there are separate pesukim for males and females: The hen says the passuk of “Nosein lechem l’chal basar,” which is very appropriate, whereas the rooster says seven paragraphs. The rooster has the longest shirah in the whole sefer, because he doesn’t stop.
Based on my observations, our rooster crows to communicate one or more of the following announcements to the hens, both of whom could still hear him if he used his indoor voice:
• “It’s morning.”
• “There’s a predator nearby.”
• “Hey, predator! There are chickens over here!”
• “My owner has a migraine.”
• “It’s raining.”
• “It’s still raining.”
He loves making noise on rainy days. I think he’s saying, “The sun’s about to come out… It’s about to come out again… It will come out this time for sure, I can feel it.”
Sometimes when he’s crowing, I wonder what the other chickens are thinking. Are they thinking, “Yeah! That’s our man!” Or are they thinking, “Uch, again with the crowing? I’m right here!”
I thought he’s supposed to crow at dawn. That’s what my rebbeim said. My rebbeim said that we thank Hashem for creating in roosters the ability to distinguish between day and night. But yeah, they don’t have that. At least mine doesn’t. He definitely starts crowing while it’s still dark. I’ve heard him in the fives.
Turns out, his job isn’t actually to tell
you that the sun has come up, because you can figure that out by yourself. Unless you’re asleep. His job is to tell you that it’s going to, eventually. He senses that dawn will break soon, so he starts crowing. That’s why farmers use it to wake them up. Farmers don’t want to wake up with the sun and burn daylight. They need an hour to stumble around and get dressed in the dark first, without waking their wives, much.
Also, for the most part he doesn’t really wake you if your windows are closed. You need to keep him inside, on your nightstand. Since Henshe has started crowing, we’ve only gotten complaints from one neighbor. That said, I definitely look forward to finding out the hard way which neighbors sleep in their sukkahs
So we had to buy this rooster collar, which is a little velcro choker that limits the volume of noise that can come out of the larynx, though not by a lot. But we put on the collar, and our neighbor stopped complaining. Next time we’re going to try it on the rooster.
The thing is that he’s never going to stop completely, because he thinks he’s crowing to protect his flock. I’m not sure how his logic gets from point A to point B, but there’s no arguing with him while he’s crowing. I’ve tried.
He also has other protective noises. For example, he makes this loud, surprised gasping noise when he thinks anyone’s in danger. Like let’s say I pick up one of the other chickens, he makes his gasping noise. So mostly, he adds drama.
So as far as protection, he’s redundant, and sometimes he’s wrong. He doesn’t really protect them; he thinks he protects them. I protect them! Well, I don’t really protect them; Hashem protects them.
The rooster’s other job is to find food. And then make a bucking noise over and over to alert the others to this food.
“Here’s the food! Here’s the food!” I know. I put out the food. And everyone else saw me do it.
He has no idea where this food comes from. It just appears, shortly after I walk by him with a paper plate.
He’s also the hardest to herd. If he senses that you want him to go in a certain direction with the group, such as back into the coop for the night, he’ll go in another direction, in case it’s a trap. And then you have to keep the coop door open while you go chase him, and then everyone gets out.
And if you pick up someone else, and they in any way seem uncomfortable about it, he’ll attack you. I think. Granted, it’s not a very effective attack. He jumps and brushes up against you. And he’s mostly feathers. It’s like a pillow fight. But still.
So I looked into what to do about this, and what experts recommend is that you should walk around for several minutes every once in a while with the
rooster under your arm, both to show him who’s boss and to embarrass him. Like you do with a baby.
But it’s not just feathers he’s attacking with. It’s also his claws, which is basically a scary way of saying that he’s swiping at you with his toenails. Muddy toenails that definitely stepped in something. So the other thing I have to do with him is trim his toenails every once in a while, just in case. He’s the only one who gets his nails done. That’s the other way I emasculate him. I have to sit down with him and file down his toenails, all the while thinking, “Am I supposed to do every other nail? Is this the wrong day of the week?” I always forget to ask until I’ve already caught him.
The truth is that with any kind of livestock, the male is going to be the pain. Like cows seem to be a pretty easy pet, other than maybe the difficulty of holding them under your arm, and also you need bigger paper towels. But then you have a bull. Sheep seem pretty easy—I think they pretty much do what you want them to—but then you have a ram. And all of them think it’s their job to protect their family from those who come into their enclosure that you built, but that’s mostly you. Their job is to protect the flock from you.
Speaking of which, the other thing about roosters is that you can’t have more than one rooster for every six hens, because the rooster is like, “I barely do anything besides gasp and get carried around and have pedicures; I definitely don’t want competition.”
They can’t all buck at the food.
So if you have more than one, they fight. In fact, when we first got Henshe, he was fighting with both of our hens. I think he thought they were roosters. None of us knew what anyone was. In fact, we thought he was a hen too, so we were wondering what was up with this new chicken.
So yeah, we still call him Henshe, mostly to annoy him. He is not amused.
The thing is, though, that we may have another rooster coming. One of our hens hatched two eggs this summer, and while we’re not sure what genders the babies are, one of them, Faigy, is starting to look
like a rooster.
(We are great at this.)
We were kind of hoping they’d both be girls. We assumed that most baby chicks are girls. They’re not. I looked it up. You know what percent are males? 55 percent. Talk about a shidduch crisis. How are you supposed to have one rooster for every six hens?
I think a lot of people are murdering their roosters.
So apparently, you have a choice: You can either not have any roosters, or you have to keep giving away roosters every year to people who are equipped to deal with them.
We got Henshe from my son’s friend’s petting zoo. They might take him back, but that doesn’t mean they want to take back however many boys we hatch going forward. How many boys do they want?
There’s always kaparos. I’ll be the weirdo who brings my own every year! n
Mordechai Schmutter is a weekly humor columnist for Hamodia and is the author of seven books, published by Israel Book Shop. He also does freelance writing for hire. You can send questions, comments, or ideas to MSchmutter @gmail.com. Read more of Mordechai Schmutter’s articles at 5TJT.com.
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COJO-SI Helps to Prepare for Rosh Hashanah With Its 49th Annual Pre-High Holiday Food Distribution
The Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) held its 49th Annual Pre-High Holiday Food Distribution in preparation for Rosh
121; Sgt. Thomas Rodriguez, Community Affairs Bureau; and Captain Ryan Russell, Commanding Officer, MTA State Police, District 9, Staten Island. He thanked them for working with Ari Weiss, COJO Security Chairman and Staten Island Shomrim Coordinator, to ensure the food distribution ran smoothly.
“For decades, COJO of Stat-
Hashanah. This significant community service was made possible through the generosity, support, and partnership of Met Council.
The event took place on September 26, at the Aur Torah Sephardic Congregation of Staten Island, where over 3,000 bags of food were distributed to those in need. Mendy Mirocznik, president of COJO, extended his thanks to Rabbi Aaron Zeev, spiritual leader of the congregation, and the congregation’s leadership and dedicated members. He emphasized their invaluable support and friendship for all people. Special thanks were extended to Oshri Reuven, president of the congregation, and Iva Reuven, sisterhood president and COJO’s food pantry and social services director, along with her remarkable service committee. Mirocznik noted that Aur Torah’s generosity is outstanding, with many of its congregants actively participating in the food giveaway.
Mirocznik also expressed his gratitude to the NYPD, including Chief Joseph Gulotta, Staten Island Borough Commander; Inspector Glorisel Lee, Commanding Officer, 121st Precinct; Captain Matthew DiVito, Executive Officer, Pct.
helping Staten Island with our 49th Annual Pre-High Holiday Food Distribution. They have truly made a difference in the lives of many people. Their warmth and love are noted and appreciated. We at COJO look forward to our ongoing partnership and collaborative efforts in fighting the war on poverty. Together we will be victorious,” Mirocznik remarked.
He concluded by thanking Jenny Palaguachi, outreach coordinator, Healthcare Education Project, and Carina Vizhnay, special event coordinator, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, for their contributions to the success of the COJO 49th Annual Pre-High Holiday Food Giveaway.
Scott Maurer added, “The COJO Rosh Hashanah Food Relief is just one component of our pantry that serves all people of Staten Island. Our goal is to make sure that no one on Staten Island goes hungry.” n
en Island has provided invaluable support and services to the people of Staten Island, and this event is just another example of their dedication to bettering our community,” said Chief Gulotta. “I am always proud to be their partner in bringing events like this food giveaway to the people of Staten Island. COJO and Staten Island are fortunate to have leaders like Mendy Mirocznik and Scott Maurer, two dedicated advocates who tirelessly devote their time and energy to helping others.”
Mirocznik further thanked Met Council for their generosity in making the 49th Annual COJO food giveaway a success. He specially acknowledged David Greenfield, CEO and executive director, Met Council; Aaron Cyperstein, managing director, legal & external affairs, Met Council; Benjamin Zaintez, senior manager, agency relations, Met Council; and Rebecca Glass, pantry coordinator, Met Council. Mirocznik referred to them as “the dynamic team with golden hearts who genuinely care about helping people combat food insecurity.”
“Words cannot express our deep gratitude and appreciation for their valiant efforts in
Israel’s Tech Sector Shows Resilience, But Future Growth Depends On Regional Stability And Responsible Government Policies
Startup Nation Central has released its latest report, “One Year of Israeli Innovation in War,” presenting a detailed analysis of the impact of the ongoing conflict following October 7th on Israel’s tech ecosystem. Using data from Finder, Startup Nation Central’s business intelligence platform, and insights from a survey conducted by Startup Nation Central of tech company leaders and investors, the report provides an in-depth examination of the macro and micro-level dynamics shaping Israel’s high-tech sector during this period of adversity.
“Israeli tech has shown incredible resilience in the face of prolonged conflict and mounting challenges. But this resilience cannot be taken for granted,” said Startup Nation Central CEO Avi Hasson. “However, the lack of longterm planning—whether in budget policy, research infrastructure, or future growth drivers—creates uncertainty that could undermine our momentum. Now more than ever, the government must act re-
Sgt. Thomas Rodriguez, Captain Matthew DiVito, Frank J. Rapacciuolo, chief of staff, Council Member Joe Borrelli; Mendy Mirocznik, Aaron Cyperstein, and Rabbi Aharon Zeev
sponsibly to ensure the sector continues to thrive, attract investment, and secure the future of our economy.”
“Our report shows that despite the challenges, Israeli tech continues to attract significant investments, raising $7.8 billion even during the conflict. While there is cautious optimism, with 54% of companies expecting growth, the sector is still facing significant hurdles,” said Startup Nation Central VP of Digital Products and Data, Yariv Lotan. “Funding uncertainty remains a major concern, with 49% of companies experiencing some level of investment cancellations. In addition, regional disparities are evident, with nearly 40% of tech companies in northern Israel considering relocation due to the ongoing conflict. The survey also highlights that over 80% of companies have low confidence in the government’s ability to lead recovery efforts. These findings underscore the sector’s potential, but also highlight the critical need for strategic planning to overcome the current obstacles.”
Key Findings from the Report:
Resilient Private Funding. Despite the ongoing war and global funding challenges, Israel’s tech sector raised $7.8 billion across 577 private funding rounds—a small 4% decline from the $8.2 billion recorded in the same period last year. This resilience indicates the continued confidence of investors in the long-term potential of Israel’s innovation landscape.
Cybersecurity and Scale-ups Remain Strong. The strength of Israel’s tech ecosystem is bolstered by the robust performance of the cybersecurity sector and thriving scale-up companies. However, early-stage companies have faced more significant challenges, highlighting a disparity in the ecosystem’s overall resilience.
Robust M&A Activity. Mergers and acquisitions reached $9.6 billion across 73 deals, slightly down from $10.6 billion the previous year. The business software and cybersecurity sectors led this activity, with notable exits such as WalkMe’s acquisition by SAP and Run’s acquisition by Nvidia.
Israel and U.S. Private Funding Trends Aligned. Private funding trends in Israel closely mirror those of the U.S., with both ecosystems experiencing similar declines after October 2023. Israel’s funding levels initially dropped to 66% by February 2024, while the U.S. saw a more moderate decline to 87%. Both ecosystems rebounded by May, with Israel recovering to 152% and the U.S. to 158% of their October levels.
Survey Insights: Business and Investor Sentiment
Investment Uncertainty and Cancellations. While Israel’s tech sector demonstrated resilience in 2024, 49% of companies reported experiencing investment cancellations. Only 31% of
companies feel confident in their ability to raise funds in the coming year, with investors sharing this cautious outlook.
Challenges Due to the War; Business Continuity Maintained. The conflict has forced 24% of companies to relocate some of their operations, and 44% reported shortages in human capital. Despite these challenges, 54% of companies remain confident in their ability to grow in the coming year, particularly in the cybersecurity and business software sectors.
Optimism for M&A Prospects. While funding uncertainties remain, 37% of investors anticipate an increase in M&A activity, underscoring confidence in the sector’s ability to navigate adversity. The health tech sector saw three significant deals totaling over $1.2 billion, further bolstering optimism for growth.
Regional Disparities. Tech companies in northern Israel are facing significant challenges, with nearly 40% considering relocation due to the ongoing conflict, and 69% expressing concerns about their ability to secure adequate funding in the coming year. This underscores the uneven impact of the conflict on different regions within Israel, highlighting a particularly strained environment for northern companies.
Low Confidence in Government Recovery Efforts. Confidence in the Israeli government’s ability to lead recovery efforts is low, with over 80% of companies and 74% of investors expressing doubts about the government’s role in supporting the sector. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in northern Israel, where over 90% of companies share concerns about government leadership.
For more information and to access the full report, please visit https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/reports/ one-year-israeli-innovation-in-war. n
Holocaust Survivors Empowered: A Celebration of Unity and Strength in Brooklyn
In a moving display of resilience and camaraderie, Holocaust survivors, Shomrim members, and NYPD officers gathered at Ateres Golda for an unforgettable evening hosted by Nachas Health, Maimonides Medical Center, and NYPD Community Affairs. The event aimed to fortify the essential bond between the Jewish community and law enforcement as they unite against rising anti-Semitism and crime.
NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, serving as emcee, captivated the audience with a passionate speech about the NYPD’s unwavering dedication to community safety, eliciting a roaring standing ovation. Shomrim Coordinator Motty Brunner underscored the critical partnership between volunteers and police, reinforcing their mission to keep neighborhoods safe. The evening was further enriched by Holocaust survivor Dolly Rabinowitz, who shared her powerful story, reminding all present of
the strength found in unity when facing modern threats.
A highlight of the night was the surprise presentation of a special award to Joel Eisdorfer, former Senior Advisor
to Mayor Eric Adams, recognizing his invaluable service to the community. The room buzzed with gratitude and renewed determination, as attendees left feeling uplifted and connected. The gathering attracted a remarkable lineup of leaders, including Maimonides Medical Center Vice President Douglas Jablon, NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel, Flatbush Hatzolah member Avrumi Brown, Boro Park Shomrim Coordinator Shloimie Levy, 66th Precinct Community Council President Motty Katz, and Lieutenant Yitzy Jablonsky of Community Affairs, all committed to strengthening community ties. Just days later, the focus continued with the theme of empowerment, as over 80 Holocaust survivors and seniors returned to Ateres Golda for a dynamic self-defense workshop.
Organized by Nachas Health and Maimonides Medical Center, this engaging event provided participants with vital skills to protect themselves in an increasingly uncertain world.
Following an exhilarating session filled with practical self-defense techniques, attendees enjoyed a delicious catered lunch accompanied by the soulful Yomim Noraim melodies of singer Shea Rubenstein. The atmosphere was one of warmth and community spirit, reinforcing the message that together,
Continued on Page 84
NYPD, Shomrim, and Survivors Unite
they are stronger.
All Nachas Health’s social events are sponsored by the Claims Conference. If you know a survivor who can benefit from Nachas’s daily groups, support, and events, please contact Nachas at 718-436-7373. n
YUHSB Seniors Visit Museum Of Jewish Heritage
On Wednesday, September 25, the entire senior grade at MTA was privileged
of a man in a DP camp—surrounded by friends who are looking on as he holds his infant son. As a side note, the young married couple did make it out of Germany in time, and the groom actually went on to teach at Yeshiva University in the 1940s.
Overall, despite road closures and heavier than usual traffic as a result of the UN being in session, the museum trip was successful and meaningfully received by all of the students. Students left feeling a deepened sense of connection to the mesorah as well as a renewed feeling of reassurance that the enemies of Yisrael will never win—certainly a
to visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage as part of an extension of the Names Not Numbers® Holocaust Oral History Documentary program.
In groups, students explored the main exhibit, “The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do,” showcasing the experiences of European Jewry from the 1930s through the end of the war. Afterwards, students reported both learning things they had never known before about the Holocaust as well as being moved by the images and artifacts contained in the gallery.
“I didn’t know how hard it was for survivors to integrate back into society,” said Yitzie L. (Monsey). “I didn’t know that they made the Jews play instruments for other Jews in the camps,” said Noah L. (Queens). Chaim S (Bergenfield) reflected how inspired he was by seeing the resilience and hope the Jews displayed in the ghettos by creating theaters and music despite the terrible situations they were in.
Students also participated in a workshop on photo analysis, led by Museum director Dr. Paul Radensky. Students examined scenes from across the span of the Holocaust, including before it began and after it was over. A Jewish wedding photo of the Bamburger Family from 1921 Germany, the building of the Warsaw Ghetto wall, the public humiliation of an elderly Jew having his beard cut off, a scene from a convent where a Jewish girl was in hiding, and a photo
greet the underclassmen as they arrived.
needed message of comfort in light of the difficult situation in Eretz Yisrael today. n
YUHSG Cultivates Courage And Community
From Thursday, September 26 to Saturday, September 28, Parashat Netzavim-Vayelech, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) enjoyed Shabbaton 5784, which took place at Camp Kaylie! Both visitors to the school and current students agree: one aspect that makes YUHSG so special is the tight-knit nature of the community. The bonds between the four classes, and those students maintain with their teachers and administrators, is strong.
“The school’s theme for this year is cultivating courage,” said Central’s programming director, Mrs. Yael Axelrod. “We took that idea and applied it to the Shabbaton. Because the Shabbaton happened four days before Rosh Hashanah, the theme was “The Courage to Crown”—crowning G-d as our king is such a big part of the holiday. We explored the big questions—how do you crown G-d as your king, and how does that guide your actions and life? We went with a royalty theme for the event, reflected in the decor and activities.”
Festivities began early for the senior class, as they departed for a scavenger hunt at Woodbury Commons, followed by an early arrival at Camp Kaylie to
In the evening, the entire school enjoyed dinner together before unwinding with a DJ in the shul. On Friday, all four grades took a trip to Middletown Mall to experience the Urban Air Adventure Park, which included trampolines, gokarts, and a warrior course. Friday night was filled with activities: amazing singing in the dining room, Central’s G.O. hosted a fun and interactive game, and the annual teacher skit, followed by an oneg, a schoolwide kumzitz, and a senior panel. On Shabbat day, the annual “Choose Your Own Schmooze” sessions with faculty members gave students a chance to get to know their teachers in a new context. It was—as every Central shabbaton—filled with warmth and fun and fellowship.
“Shabbaton at Central is definitely the highlight of the year,” said junior Rachel Turk. “I love having the opportunity to spend time with my friends and teachers outside of the classroom. Shabbaton gives us the chance to create memories that will last forever.”
On Wednesday, October 9, the Central community engaged in the Great Round Challah Bake. “The Great Round Challah Bake is always an incredibly uplifting and meaningful event for the Central family,” said Central’s dean of students, Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz. “This year’s Challah Bake holds even more significance as we join together in loving memory and merit of those affected by October 7. Coming together during Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, led by amazing programming directors, Mrs. Yael Axelrod and Ms. Sydney Daitch, will provide us the opportunity to find strength and inspiration in our community.”
After a delicious dinner, the Central community gathered together to be inspired by Mrs. Jackie Bitton, who spoke about the power of tefillah for Eretz Yisrael. The Central community attended in full force, with mothers, grandmothers, aunts, daughters, sisters, alumnae, and even incoming eighth graders working together to make challah after the inspirational words of Mrs. Bitton. This event was made possible with the assistance of the Central Parent Council and the Central Cooking
Club, as well as the coordination of Mrs. Axelrod and Ms. Daitch. Central thanks its generous sponsors for this event. This community event is a prelude to the highly anticipated annual Open House, which will take place on Sunday, November 3. n
President Of Azerbaijan Visits Israel Aerospace Industries’ Booth At ADEX
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev visited Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI), a world-class aerospace and defense leader, booth at ADEX 2024 in Baku on September 25. The president was welcomed by Boaz Levy, president and CEO of IAI, who provided an indepth presentation of the company’s cutting-edge innovations and advanced
YUHSB Seniors Visit Museum of Jewish Heritage
YUHSG Shabbaton
Early Childhood children at Yeshiva Har Torah busily preparing for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday
defense solutions.
At ADEX, IAI is showcasing its advanced solutions across all domains— space, air, sea, land, cyber, and homeland security. Its systems are known for delivering state-of-the-art, combat-proven technologies designed to address complex security challenges around the world.
IAI is presenting its multi-system approach, integrating a range of advanced systems. These include the BARAK family of air defense systems; GABRIEL 5, a maritime advanced system; LORA, a long-range precision strike missile system; Multi-Mission Aircraft; and border protection systems. In addition, IAI is presenting its Electronic Warfare and Communication Systems, Intelligence solutions, Radars, Missile, and Navigation Systems, and IAI’s Satellite systems, which feature space programs developed in collaboration with local partners.
IAI’s systems are distinguished by their integration of cutting-edge technology with unmatched adaptability. By combining artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced innovation, IAI delivers solutions that set new industry standards and provide exceptional reliability and flexibility. These systems are designed to meet the evolving needs of defense forces worldwide, ensuring seamless integration and equipping partners for success in the future battlefield.
IAI’s consistent participation in specialized exhibitions like ADEX reflects the company’s commitment to demonstrating its evolving technological innovations and capabilities. IAI’s continued presence at ADEX highlights its dedication to building long-term collaborations and cooperation delivering technology that supports mutual goals. Through these partnerships, IAI is collectively preparing with its partners for tomorrow’s challenges.
With decades of experience and a proven track record in the global de-
fense industry, IAI remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering solutions that enhance security and operational success for partners worldwide.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a world-leading aerospace and defense company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in space, air, land, naval, cyber, and homeland security for defense and commercial markets. Combining the “Start-up Nation” spirit of innovation with decades of combat-proven experience, IAI provides customers with tailor-made, cut-
ting-edge solutions to the unique challenges they face, including satellites, UAVs, missiles, intelligence solutions, weapon systems, air defense systems, robotic systems, radars, business jets, aerostructures, and more. Established in 1953, IAI is one of Israel’s largest technology employers with offices and R&D centers in Israel and abroad. n
President Ilham Aliyev with IAI’s President and CEO Boaz Levy
Around the 5 towns
Honoring Lawrence’s ‘Queen Bea’
Bea Franklin is an example of living life to the fullest: world traveler, theatre-goer, (big) dog owner, diner at upscale NYC and nationwide restaurants. and even attendee at a Yacht Rock concert in Sands Point last summer.
Bea Strauss Franklin’s dad, Jack, with his brother Moe, founded the iconic Pep Boys brand and logo which has been in existence since 1921. They later came to New York City and formed another automotive chain of stores—Strauss Stores.
Bubbie Bea has been living in the same Lawrence house since 1958 and still has the same phone number.
Sunday, December 7, 1941 is etched firmly in Bea Franklin’s mind. While a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on that cold day, a newspaper boy shouted out that Pearl Harbor was attacked.
On Bea’s 18th birthday in 1942, she attended a rooftop concert at the Astor Hotel in NYC starring Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey Band….just one of many amazing concerts she has seen over the last century.
On Tuesday, August 14, 1945 Bea Franklin was a student at New York University. When she heard the news that Japan surrendered, eight days after the atomic bomb exploded, Bea and her classmates took a subway uptown to Times Square where she actually witnessed the iconic ‘kiss’ seen around the world.
Bea met Corporal Jerry Franklin on November 4, 1945 and they married (eloped) on November 30, 1945. The matriarch of the Franklin family of three sons, three grand and four great grandchildren, the supermom has a pocketbook of a century worth of experiences.
For three years, Corporal Jerry Franklin was a U.S. Army photographer with the Signal Corps / 163rd Photo Company / 5th Army. His cameras captured the invasions throughout Europe and North Africa…and took graphic photos at the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp.
The World War II photo albums from the lenses of Corporal Franklin contain many historic photos. Some have never been seen before and some are publicly available in school history books and even in institutions such as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, NY and elsewhere.
One such ‘iconic’ photo is Franklin Roosevelt with Dwight Eisenhower in a jeep with General Patton in the background at Castelvetrano Airport in Sicily, Italy, after the conferences at Tehran and Cairo, December 8, 1943. This photo was featured in Ken (Kenjamin) Frank-
lin’s Lawrence High School social studies textbook.
Photographer Franklin’s glimpses of the war include captivating photos of film stars Humphrey Bogart and his wife, Mickey Rooney and Joe E. Lewis. His archives also include photographs of women in the army …and ‘posed’ photos such as a nurse hanging out on a war zone beach with Jerry to give an impression of the so-called ‘softer’ side of a war in progress.
Bea also hosted great names at her many gatherings in her Lawrence, LI household, friends included boxing great /TV celebrity great Rocky Graziano and famous NHL NY Rangers hockey players. Rocky and his wife Norma attended Bea’s youngest son Ken’s (Kenjamin) bar mitzvah at Temple Israel in Lawrence.
Over the years, Ms. Pep Gal has been good friends with actresses/actors who have had substantial Broadway musical credentials. Quite often she travels to cities throughout the U.S. to see her acting friends when they are performing in the touring companies (Fiddler on the Roof, etc.). ‘Bumble Bea’s recent travels include Aspen, CO, Phoenix, Memphis, Louisville, and Buffalo. World travels included over 30 countries and 30 states including Japan, UK, Bali, France, Ukraine (loved their theatre house), Italy, USSR, and Hungary.
The former Lawrence (and other schools) librarian with a master’s degree from LIU/Post also served as Five Towns Women’s Chapter B’nai Brith President. Bea celebrated her long-overdue bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in Lawrence.
Centenarian Bea is a two-time cancer survivor and also a heterochromat-
ic. She has one blue eye and one brown eye—a trait found in less than 200,000 U.S. humans.
‘Queen Bea’ shares secrets to (still) living a fulfilling life and recollections of her late husband’s rare WWII photos on many interviews, including News 12/ LI and The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. On WABC Radio, she shared the fun story in 1956 of preparing lunch for her son and a future U.S. President.
May her life continue to be filled with berachah. n
DRS Yeshiva Hosts Powerful Guest Speakers to Inspire Students
son in the yeshiva can make a difference in creating a community of chesed. His words encouraged the students to look beyond themselves and find ways to uplift their friends and peers.
The rebbeim at DRS also had the privilege of hearing from Rabbi Mayer Twersky, rosh yeshiva at RIETS. Rabbi Twersky’s lecture was the first in a special series designed for professional development, aiming to enhance the rebbeim’s work in avodas hakodesh n
DRS Yeshiva Launches Exciting New Pathways Program For Freshmen
In a move that combines creativity, technology, and academic exploration, DRS Yeshiva has introduced a brand-
At DRS Yeshiva, bringing in guest speakers to inspire and uplift the talmidim is a central part of the school’s mission. These guests provide not only stories but also life lessons that resonate deeply with the talmidim, motivating them to lead lives rooted in Torah values, kindness, and purpose.
Most recently, Mrs. Hadas Loewenstern visited DRS to share her extraordinary story of resilience, faith, and love. Hadas’s husband, Elisha, was tragically killed by a Hamas-fired anti-tank missile while on a mission to rescue wounded soldiers in Gaza. In addition to Hadas, he left behind six children, the youngest just 11 months old and the oldest preparing for his bar mitzvah. Hadas highlighted Elisha’s commitment to truth, Torah study, and his unwavering dedication to his family and community. Even after his passing, Hadas continues to carry forward the values that she and Elisha built together, finding strength in their children and the community that surrounds her.
In addition to Mrs. Loewenstern, Rabbi Doniel Kalish, menahel of Waterbury Mesivta, addressed the talmidim before Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Kalish focused on the importance of caring for one another, highlighting how each per-
new initiative for its ninth-grade students: the Pathways Program. This innovative curriculum is designed to allow the students to engage in a diverse range of subjects before diving deeper in later years.
The Pathways Program spans the entire freshman year, with students rotating through four distinct quarters, each focusing on a different area of study: Graphic Design, Business and Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Hebrew Language. The goal is to expose students to a variety of fields, giving them a taste of the many pathways they can pursue as they advance in high school.
“The Pathways Program is crafted to give our ninth graders a broad introduc-
Bea Franklin’
DRS Yeshiva hosts powerful guest speakers to inspire students
DRS Yeshiva launches Pathways Program for freshmen
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tion to these subjects while laying the groundwork for more specialized study in the coming years,” said Dr. Ethan Zadoff, principal of general studies. “We want our students to discover new interests, cultivate their passions, and have the opportunity to build skills that will serve them both in and out of the classroom.” n
DRS Elevates Torah Learning with New Initiatives
DRS yeshiva continues to expand its learning initiatives aimed at deepening students’ engagement with Torah
chavrusas, often older bachurim from the community, while enjoying traditional “Leil Shishi” fare like chulent and kugel.
Extending beyond the DRS campus, the twice-weekly West Hempstead Night Seder ensures that students from the local area can continue their learning even when they’re away from school.
Together, these initiatives highlight DRS’s commitment to Torah learning and to fostering the growth of each student, empowering them to take ownership of their learning while connecting to their peers, mentors, and alumni in meaningful ways. The future of learning at DRS is brighter than ever. n
and fostering independent study skills. At the heart of these innovations is the Junior and Senior Afternoon Seder, where students dedicate two periods each day to completing a masechta over the course of the year. Guided by Rabbi Jordan Ginsberg, the focus isn’t just on covering ground but on developing the critical skills necessary for independent Gemara learning.
For freshmen, the newly launched Masmidim Track offers an elective that adds an extra period of Gemara study. This initiative helps build strong foundations early on, with regular tests ensuring students are actively progressing and mastering the material.
Night Seder has also been transformed, bringing a vibrant learning environment to weekday evenings. On Tuesday nights, students can join chaburas led by DRS alumni on topics ranging from ahavas Hashem to Mesillas Yesharim and tefillah. These intimate, engaging shiurim offer a chance to explore practical, spiritual, and philosophical ideas in a more interactive setting. Thursday nights take on a more relaxed tone with a freeform beis midrash atmosphere. Students learn with
A Day of Reflection and Commitment at DRS on October 7th
This past Monday, DRS held a deeply meaningful program to commemorate one year since the tragic events of October 7th and the year that followed. The program was a blend of emotion, reflection, and action, as students connected with the stories of fallen soldiers in a profound way. The program began with an emotional video, masterfully created by Junior Shua Weisel, which took students through the horrific events of October 7th and the heartbreaking realities of the past year.
From there, the students moved to the gym, which had been transformed into a sacred space for reflection and remembrance. The gym was set up as a “gallery walk,” where the walls were lined with posters of 10 chayalim who gave their lives defending the State of Israel. Each poster featured a photo of the soldier, a brief biography that highlighted their bravery, and what is known as their “bumper sticker.”
These bumper stickers have become a grassroots movement across Israel, where simple stickers bearing a sol-
dier’s name, photo, and a short phrase capturing their essence appear in public spaces such as bus stops, train stations, and even elevators. The goal is to honor their memory in a lasting and meaningful way. For example, one soldier’s sticker read, “Don’t wait for them to ask, just help!”—a reflection of his proactive kindness.
Students were asked to walk through the gallery and find the bumper sticker of the chayal they felt most connected to. It was a quiet, reflective moment as they carefully read the bios and bumper stickers, searching for something that resonated. Once they found the chayal who spoke to them, each student was encouraged to take on a kabbalah—a personal commitment that reflected the values or spirit of that soldier. The students took this task seriously, reflecting on how they could honor the fallen in a personal and lasting way.
To add to the atmosphere, a large screen played a looping video in the background, showing the names and faces of hundreds of chayalim who perished this past year defending Eretz Yisrael The slow, emotional music accompanying the video created an almost meditative atmosphere, allowing the students to fully grasp the magnitude of the loss and the immense sacrifices these soldiers made. The program was structured with each grade having its own session, providing an intimate and reflective environment.
This allowed students to fully engage with the program without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The smaller group sizes fostered an atmosphere of connection and seriousness, making the experience even more personal.
At the conclusion of each session, the students gathered together to sing Acheinu, a haunting yet hopeful song that echoed through the gym as a heartfelt tefillah for the fallen soldiers, for the people of Israel, and for peace. Their voices rose in unity, symbolizing the hope that the legacies of these chayalim would continue to inspire and guide us all. n
Yeshiva of South Shore has entered its fourth year of its now well-known Tech-in-Check program. With hundreds of children rejoining and many new members this year, the talmidim are continuing to learn the trait of self-control and self-discipline. So many families have been positively affected by this life-altering program. Children are finding healthy outlets and discovering talents and interests they never knew they had. The Elementary Division kicked this year’s program off with an amazing ice cream party with toppings galore! Celebrating their commitment and determination is one of the ways YOSS is succeeding in creating healthy boundaries and happy children. YOSS Mechina Tech-inCheck BBQ Bash!
How do you celebrate nearly one hundred sixth-eighth graders who committed to keep their Tech-in-Check? With
New Initiatives at DRS
A Day of Reflection and Commitment at DRS on October 7th
YOSS Mechina Tech-in-Check BBQ Bash!
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a BBQ Bash of course! And that’s why R’ Yitzy Haber, YOSS TiC Commissioner got a massive grill and ran an amazing BBQ event for these incredible boys! The ruach was amazing, the food was delicious, and the music was perfect! Did we mention the ices?! To top it off, there was a massive game of “Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and SHOES” and a huge “Flinch” game with some great prizes. Rabbi Zev Davidowitz, menahel of the mechina, explained why they were celebrating so early in the school year: “When boys grab the opportunity to elevate their lives by taking control of their tech, we see true greatness and have so much respect for what they are doing!”
Tech-in-Check has been helping YOSS families navigate the nisayon of the generation, and these boys are already experiencing (and tasting!) what it means to live tech-free! n
YOSS Students Take A Roller Coaster Ride In Science
Students of Mrs. Engelson’s science
South Shore perfected their kriah over the summer. They each earned a brand new set of chumashim as a gift for diligently practicing kriah every single day of vacation, making sure that they are all ready for second grade! n
class at the Abraham and Sara Silber Middle School at Yeshiva of South Shore, were enthused to put into action the concept of transferring potential energy into kinetic energy. The boys diligently built rollercoasters out of cardstock paper by cutting, taping, and assembling their paper roller coasters. The biggest challenge was creating loops that the marble would spin through. The creativity in this project was off the charts and we cannot wait to see what the boys will build next! n
Summer Kriyah
39 boys from first grade in Yeshiva of
Names, Not Numbers at HANC Middle School
On Tuesday, September 24, HANC Middle School held its Names, Not Numbers program. Names, Not Numbers is a registered oral history film project and curriculum which Mrs. Tova Fish-Rosenberg created that takes the teaching of the Holocaust and its lessons well beyond many previous efforts. Through the Names, Not Numbers® program, HANC’s eighth grade students had the opportunity to document the teachings of the Holocaust and address questions about an individual’s responsibility to humanity. The night began with a dessert reception for the students, their families, and the survivors and their families. This allowed everyone to mingle and enjoy the company. The inter-generational component is a key aspect of the program. After dessert, Rabbi Elliot Hecht, Middle School principal, introduced the program followed by the anthems. Next, Mrs. Tova Rosenberg, creator of Names, Not Numbers® introduced the program. Next, the lights were turned off and it was time for the feature presentation. The movie presented the students’ interview of: Mrs. Lisa Baer, Mrs. Pearl Field, Mrs. Hannah Holsten, Mrs. Annie Leiser-Kleinhaus, Professor Asher J. Matathias, and Mr. Alfred Schoenfeld. At the end of the movie, there was loud applause and when the survivors were asked to come to the front for a final time, the crowd of people erupted. Afterward,
parents and students were effusive in their praise of this most powerful evening. May the parents and students always pass down the testimony from generation to generation. Names, Not Numbers® is generously supported by a prominent national foundation. The following families sponsored as well: the Alper family, the Brand family (together with Mrs. Brand’s parents), the Maryles family, the Nudelman family, the Traum Family, the Yizhaky family and the Deutsch Fund. A special thank you to Tova and Dov Rosenberg for their
YOSS students take a roller coaster ride in science
Kriyah Power at YOSS
HANC ECC Nursery Bet took a trip to the Post Office to mail their Rosh Hashanah cards
Names, Not Numbers at HANC Middle School
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efforts with this program. The Names, Not Numbers® at HANC 2023-24 documentary will be included in the archives of The National Library of Israel in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, and Yeshiva University’s Gottesman Library. n
Commemorating October 7 At Brandeis Hebrew Academy
In a deeply moving ceremony, Brandeis eighth grade students guided the school community in honoring the memory of those lost and expressing solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
The ceremony began with a powerful recounting of the tragic events that un-
folded a year ago, reminding all of the horrors faced by the people of Israel and continued hope for the remaining hostages. In a show of unity and compassion, BHA joined together in prayer, asking for their safe return and for peace and security for all who remain affected by these tragedies.
Rabbi Reuven Khaskin and Mrs. Hagit Genosar led the community in the recitation of special prayers, remembering the innocent lives that were taken all too soon and offering hope for healing and resilience in the face of such profound sorrow.
Brandeis was honored to welcome Assemblyman and Deputy Mayor of Cedarhurst Ari Brown as a special guest.
His words of inspiration resonated deeply, reminding us of the responsibil-
ity we hold in shaping the future, especially as we nurture the next generation of leaders.
Head of School Raz Levin then delivered a heartfelt message, reminding us all of the importance of unity as Am Yisrael—the people of Israel. He emphasized that in times of tragedy and uncertainty, we must come together, bound by our shared faith, history, and destiny and celebrate each day with gratitude for the life we are blessed to live. His words were a profound reminder of the resilience and spirit that has defined the Jewish people for generations, urging us to embrace each day with thankfulness and purpose.
This ceremony was not only a reflection on the past but also a call to action for the future. Brandeis remains com-
mitted to fostering empathy, leadership, and resilience in students as they learn to navigate a complex world. Together, we honor the memory of those lost and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Israel and its people. n
Israel Chesed Center Honors Victims And Heroes Of October 7
October 7, 2024 marked the 1-year anniversary of the Simchat Torah Massacre. It’s been a full year since we were attacked by Hamas terrorists who murdered over 1,200 Jews and took more than 250 innocent people as hostages. During the last 12 months, many of the hostages were murdered, and an additional 348 chayalim fell in battle. At the same time, many Jewish communities,
Brandeis Hebrew Academy commemorates October 7
Assemblyman Ari Brown addresses BHA October 7 ceremony
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ours included, banded together to help in any way possible. Mi K’Amcha Yisrael!
On Monday, our community came together—to reflect, to mourn, and to pray. Beginning with Shacharit, over 1,500 people visited the Israel Chesed Center on October 7, where videos of the terror attacks and its aftermath played on a loop, hundreds of pictures were displayed, and visitors participated in making mosaic art, reflecting our commitment to Am Yisrael and our prayers for ach-
dut / unity across the Jewish world. Israel Lawrence, a lone soldier from England, spent the day with ICC, sharing his experiences serving in Gaza.
May Hashem watch over him and all of the other chayalim
As the day turned to evening, the community gathered in the Chesed Center parking lot for an “Israel style” tekes (memorial service) featuring music
stars Shalom Jacobs and Avi Peretz, meaningful thoughts from some of our community’s prominent activists—Yakir Wachstock (Boots for Israel),
Chayal speaks during daytime October 7 at Israel Chesed Center Moshe Bodner and Jeff Eissenberg speak at tekes
Community support during daytime of October 7
Community support at tekes
Community support at tekes
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Fayge Feder (Pens for Swords), and David Devor (Nevut), speeches from local students, and concluding with the lighting of 8 “masuot” and the singing of the Mi Shebeirach L’Chayalim and Hatikvah n
17th Annual Rosh Hashanah Retreat: A Unique Program of Unity and Spiritual Support
The 17th Annual Rosh Hashanah Retreat, held at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel in Tarrytown, NY, was a resounding success. While the core mission has always been to provide love and support for young adults and families facing life’s challenges, this year’s focus also included uplifting IDF soldiers who have served Israel during these trying times. Madraigos and The Living Room hosted Nevut, an organization that empowers lone soldiers returning to civilian life. They also welcomed young adults from Rachel’s Place, Our Village, Onward Living, and JTAP.
Fortified by the Retreat theme, “Unconditional Unity—Infinite Compassion,” the program uplifted close to 600 attendees. It helped them reconnect with Hashem and recharge their spiritual batteries through chesed, hashkafa, song, prayer, and serenity. Good food, amenities, and humor enhanced the meaningful experience and fostered introspection and spiritual growth.
Throughout the program, a dedicated team of mental health professionals and rabbis led a series of captivating talks and workshops. Notable speakers included Mr. Yaakov Gade; Rabbi Mayer Pasternak, CTO of Artscroll; Mr. Menachem Poznanski, LCSW from The Living Room; Rabbi Dov Silver from Madraigos; and Mr. Yudi Weiner, M.S., CASAP. Rabbi Dr. Dovid Felt, Director of School-Based Services at Madraigos, and Gittel Follman, LMSW from The Living Room, were present to offer chizuk and guidance.
A highlight of the Retreat was when members of the Dishon family poignantly recounted their tragic story of losing their son in the war. IDF soldiers and their spouses also shared their insights and experiences in both formal and informal gatherings.
Ari Abramowitz, founder and executive director of Nevut, noted that the soldiers left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity to spend the holiday in a space free of judgment but overflowing with acceptance, support, and love. “This unique platform enabled the soldiers, many of whom carry heavy burdens, to share
their personal stories in a way they never have before and connect with others who truly understand. The discussions were raw and real and, most importantly, facilitated healing.”
One soldier shared, “I would not have had a Rosh Hashanah experience at all without this program. This was exactly what I needed. It was the most impactful and healing start to a new year I have ever had. I appreciate your dedication to us soldiers.”
Another IDF soldier remarked, “I met the most resilient and beautiful people. My wife and I connected deeply with other soldiers and their spouses who have endured this past year of misery, crisis, and turmoil. I had several opportunities to share, and it was incredibly healing. Being with such amazing people allowed me to open up in a way I haven’t been able to for a year. This Rosh Hashanah changed our lives.”
A young adult from NJ said, “This was the most meaningful and spiritual davening I have ever experienced.” His mother noted that she was deeply inspired by the humility, unwavering faith, and selfless courage of the Israeli soldiers and the Dishon family, who serve as role models for her own spiritual journey and parenting experience.
Prayers led by Yaakov Gade, Stuie Bienenstock, and Motti Miller were filled with beautiful melodies and spiritual fervor. Spontaneous dancing broke out at especially moving moments during the davening and meals, demonstrating a brotherhood of spiritual yearning that transcended all sectors of religious background and observance.
The Retreat concluded with a poignant Havdalah service, elevating at-
the students. Principal Mr. Hillel Goldman opened the program with a meaningful message to the students. He emphasized that “just as we responded in the aftermath of that tragic day with an outpouring of tefillot, tzedakah, and acts of chesed, you should focus on recapturing those same feelings, using them to strengthen your daily tefillot, improving your midos, and try to maintain that sense of duty and commitment to Eretz Yisrael even though we are a year removed.”
tendees to a ‘spiritual high’ that will carry them through the coming year.
The Rosh Hashanah program would not have been possible without the prodigious efforts and dedication of Mr. Berel Gelbstein, Mrs. Eta Bienenstock, and Jack Klagsburn, who planned it, managed logistics, solicited sponsorships, and more.
In addition to other programs and support services throughout the year, Madraigos’ highly successful Rosh Hashanah program illuminates its true essence—unconditional and wholehearted acceptance of all members of the Jewish community.
To learn more about Madraigos programs and services, please contact Mindi Werblowsky, LCSW, clinical director, at mwerblowsky@madraigos.org or 516-371-3250, ext. 112. Visit Madraigos. org for more details.
Rambam Marks One Year Anniversary of October 7th with Experiential Programing And Launches New Chesed Initiative
On the anniversary of October 7, Rambam Mesivta held a powerful and emotional multimedia experience for
Mr. Chanani Levy, a Rambam alumnus from the class of 2013, was then introduced. He had been the captain of the hockey team and a member of the poetry team during his time at Rambam. After spending three years learning at Gush in Israel, he joined an elite unit in the IDF. He spoke of his love for Torah and love of learning, which he developed during his years at Rambam and he credited that to Rabbi Haar, Rabbi Ziskind, and Mr. Goldman. He also mentioned his strong sense of Zionism, which was developed at Rambam, credit no doubt goes to principal emeritus, Rabbi Yotav Eliach.
Chanani recounted his personal experience from October 7th. While on a family trip in Europe, he heard about the events unfolding in Israel and immediately returned with his father-in-law to join their respective units in the IDF. He was proud to say that the reservists, the people of Israel, showed up, and had a 300% return rate to the army.
He left the students with a powerful message: Rambam’s mission is to take what they learn in school and apply it to help the world and Israel in any way they can.
The program then opened to a Q&A session, which allowed for meaningful exchanges between Chanani and the students, covering everything from Israel’s recent military strikes to the political and spiritual climate in Israel.
Afterward, the eleventh and twelfth graders remained in the shul with Rabbi Avi Herschman, rosh mesivta, who shared a video, “How Did October 7th Change Israel?” reflecting on the events of the day and the fallout, marking one year since the tragedy. Meanwhile, the ninth and tenth graders went with Mr. Goldman, to the gym which was transformed into a memorial for the victims of October 7th and fallen IDF soldiers. The lights were dimmed as students took time to read biographies of those who were killed. Mr. Goldman led discussions, allowing many students to voice their thoughts, and one student noted how reading about the soldiers’ hobbies and ages made the losses feel
Rosh Hashanah Madraigos Retreat
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personal—it added faces to the numbers we have been hearing on the news, making the experience emotional and deeply moving. Another student who was in Israel at the time, also shared his experiences.
Then the ninth and tenth grade stu-
Rabbi Haar then led the students in Tehillim, followed by students Mark Khaimov and Aidan Mayer leading the entire school in singing “Acheinu,” “V’hi She’amda,” and “Am Yisrael Chai.” As the lights dimmed, the atmosphere was one of unity and Ahavat Yisrael
This program, put together by Rabbi Avi Herschman, Mr. Hillel Goldman,
dents returned to the shul to watch the video, while the eleventh and twelfth graders went to the gym and had their own reflective experience and discussions.
After those programs were finished the entire school gathered in the shul for the announcement of a new chesed project that Rambam will be taking on to help a 2003 alumnus serving in the IDF as well as his community. The school committed to helping his community by raising much needed funds to assist families with food, childcare, and other expenses. Additionally, the school plans to run a second chesed mission to Israel where students will help the community hands-on through volunteering. Students will also visit families of hostages and families of soldiers, as well as volunteer at army bases, on farms, and beyond.
They enjoyed the process of figuring out how the LED and battery work and then making glow sticks with the LED’s and straws!
HALB Best Daveners!
Congratulations to the fifth grade tefillah raffle winners!
Rabbi Yitz Milworn, with the input from Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, honored the memories of all those that fell on October 7th and resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. It was not just an assembly or an October 7th program. It was an experience that allowed the Rambam students to stand with one foot in Lawrence and one foot in Israel; separated by a body of water but connected through song and a shared sense of grief, unity, and hope. n
Robots and Glow Sticks at HALB
HALB eighth graders made cutlery character robots that can dance and wave hello. They wired and coded the robotic equipment so the spoon could spin and light up.
The sixth graders took apart tea lights to learn about batteries and circuits.
How Many Apples Tall?
HALB first graders spent a few days doing activities with apples, but their favorite was when they measured to see how many apples tall they each are!
One Year of Pain and Strength
This week we marked one year since the tragic events of October 7th and the pain, suffering, and loss that have continued since then. To commemorate the day, HALB had various programs throughout the school day geared toward the different ages of students. HALB classes started the day United in Tefilah with other yeshivot over Zoom. Among other things, students participated in a balloon release, sang beautiful songs, watched a video of all the chesed and positivity they did for Israel over the year, and ended the day with a school wide kumzitz. It was truly a beautiful and meaningful day. When the world is filled with darkness, we will stand proud as Jews and be the light. n
HAFTR Commemorates October 7
In a solemn commemoration of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of October 7th, students, faculty, and staff at HAFTR came together to honor the lives lost and recognize the ongoing situation
Rambam marks one year anniversary of October 7
HALB 8th grade STEM - cutlery robots
HALB fifth grade tefillah raffle winners
Apples tall at HALB
Caption Oct 7 memorial at HALB
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of the hostages. The day was filled with deeply meaningful activities, designed to reflect on both the tragedy and the continued hope for Israel’s future. While the focus was on mourning the lost lives and remembering the hostages, it also underscored a collective resolve to stand in unity with Israel.
The youngest students in Early Childhood embraced the day with ‘Israel Day’ with the theme We Will Dance Again, singing at a morning kumsitz, creating thank-you notes for IDF soldiers, and learning about Israel’s importance.
In the Lower School, students began their day with a moving ceremony that included a moment of silence and words from Rabbi Yechezkel Freundlich of Congregation Beth Sholom of Lawrence and Chayal Meni Groman. Projects included prayers for peace, messages to be placed in the Kotel, and commemorative bookmarks to pray for hostages during Yom Kippur. Students also received dog tags with “Am Yisrael Chai” as a lasting reminder of the day and its messages.
Middle School students took part in continuous recitations of Tehillim for the hostages, completing four rounds. They watched powerful documentaries about the survivors and heroes of October 7th. The day’s highlight was a speech by IDF commando Elkana Cohen, who shared his personal story from that tragic day and emphasized the strength of unity in
the face of adversity. The day concluded with a stirring performance by the Middle School choir and a recitation of Mi Sheberach, Acheinu, and Hatikva
High School students began their day with a solemn ceremony and heard an uplifting address from Rabbi Shay Schachter, Rosh Beit Midrash of the Young Israel of Woodmere. Rabbi Schachter spoke about the importance of community strength and selflessness, as well as how he has been inspired by his work with hostages and their families, which made an impression on students and staff alike.
Throughout the day, students engaged in reflective activities about October 7, including writing messages for the hostages on yellow-painted rocks that were then arranged in a ribbon shape, as well as planting Israeli flags in the ground in a memorial-like ceremony. Teachers shared the biographies of hostages at the beginning of each class, bringing a personal and emotional connection to the day’s events. An outdoor reflection station provided space for students to engage in dialogue and process their emotions.
The commemoration, while somber, was also a powerful reminder of unity, resilience, and our enduring bond with Israel. This day of reflection strengthened the yeshiva’s resolve to honor and remember the past while building a future rooted in shared values and unwavering support for Israel. n
COMMON MISTAKES IN ESTATE PLANNING, PART 3
There are tremendous benefits to creating an Estate Plan that includes a Revocable Trust, pourover Will, Property Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Authorization both during life and after death. During life, the plan provides instructions to your family regarding your medical care and finances if you should become incapacitated or are otherwise unable to articulate your wishes. After death, the plan acts as a set of instructions to your fiduciaries regarding the distribution of your property and other assets.
Unfortunately, as many practitioners know, signing the documents alone does not solve every problem or guarantee that everything will work as intended. Sometimes there are things that the grantor or testator does or fails to do that undermines an Estate Plan. This article focuses on mistakes that often result in litigation.
Creating an Estate Plan requires an individual to disclose sensitive information to the attorney creating the plan. Many of us agonize over a discussion focusing on mortality, yet that’s exactly what a discussion concerning Estate Planning does. A comprehensive Estate Plan implements a course of action for that eventuality. People creating an Estate Plan often make the mistake of failing to inform their beneficiaries and fiduciaries of the plan. While the conversation may be awkward, having it not only lets your loved ones know of your plan and their role, but also prevents hurt feelings and potential litigation if the plan deviates from a beneficiary’s expectations.
Clients may hesitate to discuss their plan for fear that if a beneficiary knows he is about to receive an inheritance, he will lose motivation to work hard. Others worry that by disclosing the information, they will cause conflict among family members, or they believe the details of the plan should be secret until after their death. Still others have a hard time assessing the family dynamics or the limitations of their intended beneficiaries. An experienced Estate Planning practitioner assists a client in working through these concerns and encourages an open dialogue with the beneficiaries and fiduciaries to reduce conflict after their death. As Trust and Estate litigators know, a beneficiary whose inheritance failed to meet their expectations makes a great client. Plenty of contentious battles are launched because the grantor treated one beneficiary differently, or one person decided something to the disapproval of another.
Having a conversation with the beneficiaries during and at the end of the process provides several benefits. First, it allows the client to provide the bene-
ficiary with their underlying reasoning or motivation for creating the plan. This helps the client understand and manage the beneficiary’s expectations and address the beneficiary’s questions or concerns. Secondly, the conversation might help the grantor or testator better understand the beneficiary’s needs. This conversation may serve as motivation for the beneficiary to undertake his own Estate Planning. Third, the conversation helps prepare the beneficiary for experiencing the testator’s end of life. Imagine a healthcare agent faced with the decision to terminate life support. Now imagine they never had a conversation with the individual hooked up to the machines. Imagine trying to make that decision without all the information. A conversation about your wishes with those who will make the decision reassures that they know what to do when the time comes.
Having a tough conversation with your beneficiaries about the contents of your plan goes a long way toward preventing litigation. Unfortunately, it can’t prevent all litigation. The plan itself also plays a role. If the plan fails to address incapacity, that could cause significant issues. A comprehensive Estate Plan that includes all the documents noted above will address the subject of incapacity if the Revocable Trust has been funded and contains provisions regarding who serves as Trustee if the original Trustee (who is typically the Trustor) cannot due to incapacity, and how distributions from the Trust should be made during the period of incapacity. If there are assets outside the Trust, then the Attorney-in-Fact acting under the Property Power of Attorney can make decisions regarding those assets. Relying upon the Property Power of Attorney could cause issues if the Power of Attorney is outdated or otherwise insufficient. In any case, the individual acting pursuant to the Health Care Power of Attorney will control decisions regarding healthcare for the incapacitated individual. If an Estate Plan lacks these documents or the documents don’t properly address and plan for incapacity, then the family or loved ones will have to go through the time, effort, and expense of initiating incapacity proceedings.
As this article has demonstrated, while there are reasons that folks want to keep the details of their Estate Plan secret, that can backfire in profound ways. Further, failure to include provisions in an Estate Plan can result in expensive litigation for the estate, ultimately reducing the benefit to the beneficiaries. An experienced Estate Planning attorney encourages a client to have these tough conversations and will include provision that address a
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HAFTR Commemorates October 7
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wide range of circumstances that the client might experience in their life, and ultimately creates a plan that honors their legacy and protects their beneficiaries. Any plan that fails to address these matters ultimately fails the creator of the plan and their loved ones at a time when they are least equipped to deal with it.
To learn how to protect you and your family visit HaasZaltz. com or call 516-979-1060. You can also email us at info@ haaszaltz.com. We are here to help! n
Since 1982, Haas & Zaltz, LLP has delivered peace of mind to New Yorkers and beyond, ensuring
your loved ones and assets receive the proper care, attention, and protection. During your consultation, we will explain your best options and develop a comprehensive and personalized plan tailored to your specific needs. Haas & Zaltz, LLP conveys a thorough, caring approach to your Elder Law, Special Needs Planning, and Estate Planning needs. Call us to learn about the variety of legal tools and techniques we use to meet your specific goals and objectives. To learn how to protect you and your family visit www.haaszaltz. com or call 516-979-1060, or send us an email to info @haaszaltz.com.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Visit 5TJT.com for easy-tofollow recipes and videos for every ability, taste, and budget.
5TJT SporTS CenTer
By Judah Rhine
SPORTSCENTER OVERTIME
MLB
NY Yankees. The Yankees clinched the Eastern Division of the American League as well as home field throughout the AL post season. This has been their plan all along and they will not be satisfied until they win a World Series championship. They secured a first-round bye and await the winner of the Wild Card round (depending on who is victorious). They do have a long break, and they are
hopeful that the rust will be avoided and they will be fresh. They are able to set up their pitching rotation and will look to firm up their lineup in their quest.
NY Mets. Ya gotta believe!
The Mets somehow, someway are in the post season. Following their series victory against the Phillies, they knew they had to take care of business in their three-game series in Atlanta against the Braves. Over
the years this trip has always been a very difficult struggle for them where their season comes to a crashing halt. Sure enough the first game of the series they were overwhelmed by a determined Braves team and promptly lost 5–1. What took place next is something out of the realm of reality. Due to the impending and devasting Hurricane Helene bearing down on the Atlanta area, the next two games of the series were postponed to the Monday following the last day of the regular season as a double header. The Mets quickly got out of town and landed in Milwaukee for their final series of the season. Although they lost the first two games of that series, David Peterson delivered a gem in the third game to put the Mets in position to clinch a playoff spot. The scenario was simple—win one game of the doubleheader and they were in. In the first game, the Mets faced their new nemesis, Atlanta starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach, who shut them out for seven innings. In the eighth inning the Mets started to break through. Aided by base hits along the way, including from their MVP Francisco Lindor, the Mets put together a rally capped off by Brandon Nimmo’s two-run homer, to suddenly take a six-run lead heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, shocking both the Braves and their hometown fans. Mets closer Edwin Diaz was brought into the eighth inning to try and secure a fiveout save. But the Braves had other ideas. They too mounted an incredible rally, scoring four runs off Diaz, to take a 7–6 lead going into the ninth inning and sending the crowd into a wild frenzy. As the entire season has been, the Mets were not done yet. With one out in the top of the ninth, Lindor came up and right on cue blasted a two-run homer to put the Mets up 8–7. After a contentious discussion in the dugout, Diaz convinced his manager to put him out to secure the victory and that he did, shutting down the Braves, sending the Mets into the post season with a wild celebration. This was by far one of the most exciting games in Mets history. They managed to climb out of an 0–5 start of the season, being 11 games under .500 as late as June 2, recording the best record in Major League Baseball, and topping it all off with
a truly memorable victory. Although they lost the second game of the doubleheader, which clinched a playoff spot for the Braves, the Mets now head back to Milwaukee for the first round of the NL Wild Card. They will need to win two out of three games in order to advance. Regardless of how they fare, this team, facing all kinds of adversity, never gave up, never gave in, and put forth their effort to achieve their goal.
NY Mets Wild Card Round
The NY Mets continue their 2024 space odyssey by traveling back to Milwaukee to see if they can put away the Brewers, who have had their number the entire season. In Game 1 the Mets were facing star pitcher Freddy Peralta who was coming off a well-rested break. The Mets got into Milwaukee late at night and had to prepare themselves to play the next afternoon. Mets starter Luis
Severino started off shaky by putting the Mets in an early 2-0 hole. But these Mets never give up. They promptly took the lead in the next inning, only to see the Brewers come right back two innings later to take what seemed to be a commanding 4–3 lead. That’s when the Mets began their rally which would plate five runs helped by two RBI hits by Vientos and Martinez. From there the Mets bullpen shut down the Brewers, giving the Mets an unexpected lead 1–0 in games. In game two the Mets were looking to end the series. The Mets jumped out to a quick 3–1 lead with their star pitched Sean Manaea on the mound. The Mets bullpen was set up to end the series. Unfortunately for them the Brewers inched closer and finally, with the help of two homeruns off reliever Phil Maton in the eighth inning, the Brewers tied the series and recaptured the momentum heading into the final game 3. The “never-say-die” Mets had yet another opportunity. Having been held scoreless the entire game by the Brewers’ pitching staff the Mets’ magical run appeared to
be coming to an end. They were down 2–0 in the top of the ninth inning when they once again started a mini rally. The Brewers’ fans were on their feet cheering and planning a wild victory celebration. Suddenly Pete Alonzo, the polar bear, came through with a monstrous three-run homer that vaunted the Mets into the lead and on the brink of eliminating the Brewers. Manager Carlos Mendoza pulled a rabbit out of hat by inserting starter David Peterson to close out the Brewers and send the Mets to the NL Division Series where they are facing their bitter division rivals Philadelphia Phillies.
NFL
NY Jets. Same old Jets? The Jets appear to not be able to handle a measure of success. Coming off two straight wins (albeit weaker teams) and a 10day break since their last game, the Jets flopped losing 10–9. Before a home crowd in a rainstorm, facing a weaker Denver Broncos team led by a rookie QB, the Jets wasted an unbelievable oppor-
tunity to secure a much-needed victory given their tough schedule over the next few weeks. There were many caused for this debacle. It started on the third play of the game where star WR Garret Wilson fumbled the ball stalling a Jets drive. It all went downhill from there. The Jets committed 15 penalties, mostly on false starts and “bonehead” plays. This is something that has plagued them numerous times over the past few years and has cost them dearly with blame to go around from the players to the coaching staff. Given the difficult conditions, the Jets seemed out of sync for the entire game. Aaron Rodgers simply could not get going, neither for himself nor for his teammates. They did not look crisp. They did not look prepared. And they gave away a golden chance to put another W on board. The defense, despite giving up 10 points, were also to blame as they allowed the Broncos to rush at will on the lone touchdown drive of the game. Incredibly, the Jets did have a chance to win the game, but their 50-yard field goal attempt missed wide right, and they have to now get over the hump and prepare for their next game. This will be no easy task as they face the undefeated Vikings led by former Jet QB Sam Darnold in an early Sunday morning game in London. This will be a great opportunity for the Jets to show that they deserve to be considered contenders or fakers. The schedule does get a bit tougher as they host the Bills and then travel to Pittsburgh. They have to lick their wounds and get off the mat quickly. In addition, there could be an undercurrent continuing to brew between Rodgers and Saleh, this time regarding the cadence. Stay tuned. NY Giants. The Giants looked better but with the same result. The Dallas Cowboys seem to have a spell over the Giants as they defeated them by a score of 20–15. Overall, the Giants led by Daniel Jones looked better than they had earlier in the season, but that was to no avail as they dropped the 14th out of their last 15 games to the Cowboys. The Giants kept it very close but once again could not get into the end zone. They continuously had to settle for field goals while the Cowboys were more successful when it came to touchdowns. The Giants now find themselves 1–3 in the division, in last place behind the 2–2 Cowboys and Eagles and the 3–1 Commanders. They will now have to travel cross country to face an extremely dangerous Seattle Seahawks team led by former Jets QB Geno Smith.
NFL 5TJT Top Ten Week 4
Kansas City Chiefs (LW #2)
#3)
#6)
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (LW #5)
There was a huge turnover in the Top Ten cementing the overall makeup of the NFL that on any given Sunday any team can beat any team. The Chiefs took back their number one spot as they defeated the upstart Chargers in San Diego to remain undefeated. They will host the Saints on Monday night. The Vikings jump up to number two behind former Jet QB Sam Darnold in defeating the Packers to remain the only other undefeated team at 4–0. The Vikings travel to London for an early AM game to face the disappointing NY Jets. The Detroit Lions put on an offensive clinic on Monday night against the Seahawks led by QB Jared Goff to stay within striking distance of the Vikings. Detroit will have a bye this week. The Ravens, previously unranked, look like they are rounding into form behind Lamar Jackson as they trampled the Bills on Sunday night 35–10. They will travel to the Bengals who finally secured their first victory of the season over Jacksonville. The Commanders appear to be the early surprise of the season led by rookie QB Jayden Daniels to help extend their winning streak to three by soundly defeating the Cardinals in Arizona. They will look to continue their streak when they host the Browns. The Seahawks put up a valiant effort but were no match for the overpowering Lions. They are 3–1 and still their division. They will host the NY Giants this week. The Bucs got back in the win column led by Baker Mayfield, outscoring the Eagles 33–16. They will face division rival Atlanta on Thursday. Despite their one-sided loss to the Ravens, the Bills are still a very solid contender and will look to bounce back this week when they travel to Houston. The 49ers stopped a two-game losing streak by overwhelming the hapless Patriots 30–13. They will host the Cardinals this week. Although the Steelers fell to the Colts 27–24, they still have a solid top defense that they can lean on to offset a weaker offense. They will host Dallas on Sunday night.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
Week Four Flag Football
What a week it has been at the Five Towns FM Home Loans Flag Football League! Week four was absolutely fantastic. The boys were so excited to come back and play! The Pre-1a and firstgrade division had a lot of fun catching the ball and playing with their friends. In the second-grade division, the Giants beat the Vikings, the Eagles beat the Jets, and the Broncos beat the Patriots. The top players in second grade this week were Akiva Weber, Zev Tepper, and David Ghoori. In the third- and fourth-grade division, the Dolphins beat the Broncos, the Falcons beat the Packers, the Eagles beat the Vikings, and the Steelers beat the Patriots. The Giants and Saints and Jets and Seahawks both tied. Eitan Moskowitz had a couple of
great touchdowns. Yehuda Ruzohorsky
had an amazing game and Ariel Fleksher had an amazing four touchdowns! In the fifth- and sixth-grade division, the Steelers beat the Dolphins, the Jets beat the Seahawks, the Packers beat the Broncos, the Panthers beat the Patriots, and the Giants beat the Raiders. Jackson Scheer and Momo Feiner had
amazing catches. And Avi Konigsberg had an amazing all-around game. In the seventh- and eighth-grade division, the Eagles beat the Vikings, and the Jets beat the Patriots. Pinchas Mishaan and Ben Sector had great defense and Aaron Faivish had an amazing game throwing six touchdowns. Week four was unbelievable. We can’t wait to see everyone
on the field next week!
Sportsmanship of the week award: first grade: Benny Yifat, second grade: Eli Hollander, third and fourth grade: Yaakov Packer, fifth and sixth grade: Yoey Gornish, seventh and eighth grade: Yehuda Klein
JSL Fall: Week Four Recap
The season is heating up as the JSL finished off week four brought to you
Continued on Page 101
Flag football week 4
JSL Fall week 4
by FM Home Loans this past Sunday. All the boys received special pens sponsored by SR Whee. Early Bird registration for the winter season is now open. Registration and more information at 5TJSL.com
JSL Juniors
K/P hockey: Daniel Kranz was incredible, powering through defenses in an offensive display, as Gerber Bedding and Smash House battled to an exhilarating 6–6 tie. Isaac Manoucheri lit up the court with four goals, as Bright Futures shone bright in a 7–1 victory over Growtha. Abie Knoll delivered a picture-perfect goal, leading 5 Towns Landscaping to a 4–1 win over SR Whee. Abraham Portal was on fire, playing with incredible energy and dominating the offense, while Yaakov Rosenberg’s half-court stunner was one for the highlight reel. JJ Rabinovici played aggressively up front, and Yoel Nagelberg was a defensive wheelhouse. Yisroel Baum was unstoppable, netting four goals as 5TownsCentral left with a 7–3 victory over Future Care Consultants.
K/P soccer: Dovi Steigman’s beautiful top-left corner goal was the crowning jewel as Maidenbaum breezed past Hewlett Auto Body with a commanding 12–3 victory.
Football: Ruby Wieder was a gem on the field, scoring three touchdowns and blocking two key plays that led to turnovers, helping Newman Dental polish off Beautox_Al 8–4. Yehuda Aryeh’s explosive performance, with three touchdowns, had Tikva Fire burning bright in a thrilling 6–5 win over Rides to Fly.
Hockey
First grade: Yaakov Kret was a scoring machine, netting over six goals as Town Appliance powered past Wolf Phone Repairs 11–3. Jonah Zisser’s automotive defense was airtight, as John’s Automotive cruised to a 10–4 victory over Seasons Express. The MVP of the day was the goalie for Simcha Day Camp, who made save after save, sealing a 3–0 shutout victory over PlumbPro.
Second and third grade: Mordechai Kirschner’s two goals and assist were just the boost SR Whee needed, as they squeaked by S.I.N.G. Entertainment 5–4 in a whee-ly tight game. Shimmy Greenspan’s artful goalkeeping was crucial as The Gallery earned a 6–3 win over Maidenbaum. Akiva Levine’s defensive brilliance was on full display, locking down the backline and securing a 4–4 draw between Built By Nate and Newman Dental.
Fourth and fifth grade : Willy Farber’s two goals were on target as Target Exterminating edged Smash
@ Agudas Yisroel of Long Island - Magid Shiur: Rabbi Tzvi Flaum (Sunday ONLY)
@ The White Shul (Sunday ONLY)
@ Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi (Shabbos ONLY)
@ Bais Tefilah (Woodmere) - (Sundays ONLY)
@ Mestivta Ateres Yaakov (Shabbos ONLY)
8:10 am @ LIRR Far Rockaway Branch, in the last car of the train, which makes stops at Inwood, Lawrence, Cedarhurst & Woodmere at 8:22 am Magid Shiur: Rabbi Menachem Adler
House in a 3–2 nailbiter. Ari Marmorstein stood tall in the final minute, making key saves as Russo’s Pharmacy filled their prescription for victory with an 11–3 win over Marciano Pediatric Dentistry. Yehuda Fuerst was a bluebird in motion, with a goal and two assists, leading BlueBird Insurance to soar past Town Appliance 5–1.
Sixth/eighth grade: NY Custom Closets came out of the gate firing, with Tzvi Maltz recording a hat-trick performance in a commanding 10–5 win over 925 Sterling. In an intense 3–3 game, Binyamin Flegmann scored the go-ahead goal with just 22 seconds remaining, and
then sealed the win with an empty-netter as Seasons clinched a 5–3 victory over Tikva Fire.
Basketball
Third and fourth grade: David Bauman was bathed in brilliance, dropping 16 points for Posh Home + Bath as they cruised to an 18–1 win over John’s Automotive. Dovid Samuel sank a pharmacy-long shot to put Russo’s Pharmacy ahead in their 16–9 win over Better Image Contracting. Sholom Posy scored his first basket, bringing smiles to Wieder Orthodontics as they straightened out Marciano Pediatric Dentistry with a 31–9 win.
Fifth–seventh grade: Mordechai Chechkov was an absolute cleaner, racking up ten
steals for Tiffany Dry Cleaners in their gritty victory over Smash House.
Game MVPs:
Isaac Manoucheri, Dovi Steigman, Jonah Zisser, Ruby Wieder, Mordechai Kirschner, Zev Finestone, Shimmy Greenspan, Yehuda Aryeh, Willy Farber, Gavi Schaffran, Akiva Levine, Aaron (Ari) Marmorstein, Eli Oratz, Yehuda Fuerst, Tzvi Maltz, Michael (Moshe) Geizhals, Ezra Fricker, Aryeh Reich n
Judah Rhine, who has been involved in youth basketball for more than 40 years, is co-director of MVP Camps and administrator of the MJDSBL. He can be reached at sportscenter613@gmail.com. Read more of Judah Rhine’s articles at 5TJT.com.
rochelle’s reviews
By Rochelle Miller
SAVORING THE SUKKAH MARKET EXPERIENCE
Sukkah Market has transformed the sukkah landscape. Featuring impeccable design, top-quality, and signature stellar service as its hallmark, the company has cemented its status as the industry’s gold standard. Whether you are celebrating the beautiful yom tov with family at home
or orchestrating a communal gathering, Sukkah Market offers a wide range of sukkahs to fit every need. Premier purveyors of all sukkah-related products, they have set the bar in unparalleled personalized service and boast a multi-generational and ever-expanding nationwide client base.
“Making our customers happy is our mission,” Ezra declared. “We offer an exclusive 12-year warranty on every sukkah purchased, fast free delivery and setup, and free returns. Our courteous, expert team is always available to answer questions.”
Every member of their team, beginning with Ezra and Yehuda, is truly a pleasure to deal with. I would like to give special mention—and deepest gratitude —to Ezra’s brother, an IDF hero who served in Gaza for a year. Baruch Hashem, he is gracing the Sukkah Market team as their newest member.
Savor your Sukkos experience with Sukkah Market’s innovative, easy-to-set-up sukkahs. They offer customizable options, devoid of stress. More than merely a business, Sukkah Market is a veritable sukkah emporium, featuring a plethora of premium products to make your yom tov memorable.
Discover unmatched ease and convenience with the EZ Lock Sukkah—Sukkah Market’s most user-friendly solution, designed for hassle-free setup. This quality sukkah is conveniently compacted into a lightweight footprint that allows for easy transport and super-fast setup. Their hard-
EZ Lock Sukkah
ened EZ Lock 4 wall metal frame is lightweight but strong and sets up in minutes.
Whether you prefer an EZ Lock, customized, panel, or pop-up sukkah, Sukkah Market has it all, as well as schach and gorgeous decorations.
At the helm of it all are Ezra and Yehuda, the dynamic duo who navigate the entire operation seamlessly and with meticulous attention to detail. Personable and proficient, each partner is a consummate professional, passionate about providing clients with top-tier quality products. Each has his own unique story to tell. Blessed with keen business acumen, Ezra is a successful accountant by profession. With extensive experience in the industry, he began working for a major sukkah company in 2012, honing his expertise and expand-
ing his knowledge. “Selling sukkahs helped pay my way through college,” he shared. Excelling in his studies, Ezra graduated college with a degree in accounting and was hired by the nation’s most prestigious accounting firm. A proud former talmid at Sh’or Yoshuv, he is a ben Torah who conducts his business with integrity.
Ezra and Yehuda run every aspect of Sukkah Market according to the tenets of Torah. Yehuda is a successful businessman who shares Ezra’s sense of integrity, values, and unwavering commitment to affording every customer a stellar shopping experience.
“I became disillusioned with what was happening in the sukkah business, particularly in the large company that I had been working for,” Ezra recalls. “Because the sukkah business is seasonal, hiring workers can be difficult. This causes problems, such as maintaining delivery on-schedule. In addition, there is an existing monopoly in the sukkah industry, causing a decline in both the quality and value of sukkahs. These lowered standards had a detrimental effect on delivery as well, resulting in last-minute deliveries, delivery errors, and/or damaged sukkahs.”
Spurred to action, the pair embarked upon a mission to redefine the sukkah shopping experience. Pooling their respective expertise and talents, they created the Sukkah Market concept, bringing it to festive fruition in 2021. Since its inception, the company has been a gamechanger, enhancing the oneg yom tov of families across the nation.
For Ezra and Yehuda, being at the helm of Sukkah Market is a labor of love. That they are the sukkah source of
choice for discerning shoppers is not surprising. Consider the following unsolicited comments from highly satisfied customers:
“I’ve been using Sukkah Market for the past few years, and they never disappoint,” says Moshe G. “The quality is always top-notch, and the customer service is excellent. My sukkah is sturdy, easy to assemble, and lasts year after year. Highly recommended!”
“Our family needed a custom sukkah for a large family gathering and Sukkah Market delivered exactly what we were looking for,” says Sarah L. “The process was seamless from start to finish and we couldn’t be happier. They assembled the sukkah, to perfection, and eliminated any stress! Ezra and Yehuda are an absolute pleasure to deal with!”
“The EZ Lock Sukkah was a gamechanger for us!” enthused Reuven K. “It really does live up to its name—simple to set up and very solid! I’ve had a lot of sukkahs over the years, but this one is by far the best. Thank you, Sukkah Market, for making Sukkot stress free!”
“We purchased the bamboo mats, and they are beautiful,” shared Miriam D. “Lightweight, easy to manage, and they really add to the overall look of our sukkah. The free delivery was an extra bonus, and everything arrived in perfect condition.”
“Sukkah Market offers great service,” says M.S. “The delivery guy was very helpful. He explained how the sukkah gets assembled and answered all my questions. The sukkah came packed well in clearly marked packaging. I’m looking forward to using it. Great experience from start to finish.”
Really a great quality sukkah and amazing service!” Y.U. enthused. “This company prioritizes their customers’ needs. Highly professional—and their sukkahs are absolutely beautiful!”
The Sukkah Market team understands the importance of having your sukkah ready for yom tov to celebrate with your family. Which is precisely why they prioritize efficient and reliable service.
Setting standards of excellence in quality and kashrus, Ezra noted, “We have acquired the best third-party Rabbinical Certification Agency, the CRC (Hisachdus HaRabonim) to ensure our sukkahs are kosher compliant, adhere
to strict standards, according to leading rabbinical experts, and are fully kosher in every sense of the word. We hope you will make us your go-to sukkah source for a truly beautiful and memorable Sukkot celebration.”
Ezra and Yehuda look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you to Sukkah Market’s Five Towns location at Judaica Plus, 445 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY. Sukkah Market has rolled out locations in Brooklyn, Queens, and New York. For further information, please refer to their ad in this issue of the 5TJT n
Rochelle Maruch Miller is a contributing editor for the Five Towns Jewish Times. She is a journalist, creative media consultant, lecturer, and educator, and writes for magazines, newspapers, websites, and private clients. She welcomes your comments at Rochellemiller04@aol.com. Read more of Rochelle Miller’s articles at 5TJT.com.
THE SMOKE RISES HIGH IN THE NEGEV SKY
BY RACHEL BODNER
The smoke rises high in the Negev sky, A burning house, a car, a mother, a child
What happens to martyrs after they die -
Do their souls weep for all the defiled?
Do the Heavens cry out for those who are dead,
And for the living who would take their place.
What happens to letters unsent and words unsaid -
Do they linger in some dark, quiet space?
When their memories are gone, their faces forgotten, Will the world pause to remember their dread?
Can life carry on from a peace misbegotten -
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Panel Sukkah
Pop-Up sukkah
After every last tear has been shed?
In the Holy of Holies, the cherubim cry out,
And pray for their Zion restored. When the cedars of Lebanon will sprout in the wildAnd the desert shall bloom like the rose.
When sorrow and sadness at last flee away, And the arrogance of man is brought low,
And in the haunts where the jackals once lay, Grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. n
B.R.A.V.E. PARENTING: PART 4 A—ATTENTION
BY ELANA FERTIG MS ED, PROFESSIONAL PARENT
After Brave and Reading comes Attention. It’s so important to give our children genuine, undivided attention. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, setting aside dedicated time to sit with your child makes all the difference. Whether you’re playing a game, reading a story, or asking specific questions like, “How was your day?” or “Tell me two things you learned today,” or “Which children did you play with at school?” These moments of attention matter more than we may ever know. Here are a few ways to make the most of them:
Giving attention means being fully present with your child. For example, when your child shows you a picture they made, resist saying, “Oh, that’s beautiful.”
Instead, flip the script with responses such as: “Tell me about your picture,” or “Who are the people you drew?” or “What are they thinking?” Try to focus on details: “I noticed you used the color blue,” or “I see you made straight lines here.”
Children often use art to communicate thoughts, feelings, and fears. If you only offer a quick compliment, you might miss some of the information they’re trying to
share. Even if they’re drawing simply for fun, they’ll feel more valued when you notice the details they worked on.
A key part of giving attention is listening. You may think your children don’t listen to you, but trust me, they do—and usually when you least want them to! We would often joke with parents at school, saying, “We won’t believe half of what your kids tell us about home if you don’t believe half of what they tell you about school.”
Listening intentionally means understanding that children have their own rhythms for sharing. Opening the door to communication means asking questions about school or anything else in their lives, and then being patient. Figure out your child’s rhythm—girls often share more easily, while boys sometimes offer only a word or two. But be patient, and you’ll be surprised at what they’ll eventually share.
I specifically remember having a conversation with my nephew when he came over for dinner one evening that began with him declaring: “Mrs. So-and-so is my favorite teacher.” I knew that Mrs. Soand-so was his math teacher, and he was struggling in math, so I asked why. “Because she gave me a gold star,” he said.
“A gold star, like a sticker?” I asked. “Yes,” he said, “and when Rabbi So-andso (the principal) shook my hand to wish me Shalom Aleichem this morning, those two things were the highlight of my day.”
If these two interactions already seem minor, consider that when my nephew shared this, he was a 16-year-old high school sophomore. These two small instances where people—one with his teacher and one with the principal—paid attention to him made him feel cared about and noticed. These small moments of attention mattered to him and may have even encouraged him to show up the next day. Consider what such interactions and attention would mean to a little child.
Whether through brief conversations or longer talks, creating moments where your child feels comfortable, sharing is crucial. It could be at the Shabbos table, during bedtime, or while running errands together—any of these times offer the perfect opportunity to give them your full attention.
When your child opens up about something that’s bothering them, remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. The most valuable response can be as simple as, “I hear you.” Validating their feelings—saying, “That sounds like it makes you feel sad” or “That does sound scary”—reassures them that their emotions are important.
I once attended a seminar on childhood anxiety where the presenter, Dr. David Pelcovitz, taught the idea of “naming the monster”—a way to help children put their fears into words. When you’re really paying attention to what your child is saying, you can help them name their worries and give them a sense of control. For instance, you might say, “I know you don’t love the bus ride to school, but when you get on the bus, you can sit next to your sister, and she’ll help you get to your classroom.” This lets your child hold onto their feelings but also gives them a solution.
Calendars and clocks are excellent tools to help children understand time and manage their feelings. Showing them how many days until Shabbos, a bar mitzvah, or a birthday gives them a better sense of what’s coming next. This can make the unknown less overwhelming. It’s also important to listen and validate without projecting adult worries onto children. Their concerns are usually immediate, focused on the present, while adults often think of the bigger picture. That’s why it’s critical to be mindful of what we discuss in front of them. My husband and I have a running joke: we only speak Yiddish when we say, “Nisht for the kinder.” It’s our reminder to keep certain conversations away from the kids. If you’re listening to the news at home or in the car, remember that news stories are often sensationalized to grab attention. Some stories, like those about what’s happening in Israel now and over the entire past year, can be frightening to adults, and especially for children, so it’s better to shield them from these distressing events.
Another side of attention is knowing what not to share. Children don’t need to know everything, and sometimes the less they know, the better. When I was pregnant with my second child, we waited until we were much closer to the due date to tell our firstborn. Nine months, or even six, is a long time for a child to wait and worry. Sharing at the right time and involving them in the planning can help ease any anxiety.
One final note about attention: during the time you set aside for your children, minimize distractions—especially phones. Turn them off. If someone calls while you’re talking to your child, it’s perfectly fine to say, “I’m sorry, I’m talking to my child now; I’ll call you back.” Or better yet, send it straight to voicemail and say to your child, “I’m talking to you, and you’re much more important than any phone call.”
Throughout their lives, but especially in their early childhood years, the bravest and most important message we can give our children through our attention is this: You are a priority. n
Elana Fertig, MS. Ed. has been an Early Childhood Director for almost 25 years. Currently she is an Early Childhood Consultant for The Jewish Education Project and Torah Umesorah and the author of Infusing the Ruach in Your School.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
BY RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG
Irecently read a story about one of the most successful magazine entrepreneurs in the world. The man was raised by a single mother in the Midwest, struggled growing up, and was failing out of high school. He promised his mother he would take the SAT test, though he didn’t expect to get a good score. He was shocked to learn he got a 1480 out of 1600 on the SAT. His mother, knowing her son, asked, “Did you cheat?” He swore to her he did not. And suddenly, things started to change.
sey. He didn’t think anything about it. The next day his wife asked him if he’s going to open the letter.
He opened it. It turns out the SAT board periodically reviews their test-taking procedures and policies. He was one of 13 people sent the wrong SAT score. His actual score was half of what he thought he got: 740. People had been saying his whole life changed when he got the 1480. What really happened is his behavior changed. He started acting like a person with a 1480 and started doing what someone with a score like that does.
In his senior year he decided since he’s smart he should attend classes. He stopped hanging out with his old crowd. The teachers and kids seemed to notice. They started treating him differently. He graduated, attended community college, went on to Wichita State, and eventually to an Ivy League university. He went on to become a successful magazine entrepreneur. You might be looking at this story as someone who was really smart all along but just needed the standardized test to unlock his potential. No. That isn’t the story. What comes next is the important part. Twelve years after his fateful SAT exam, the man got a letter in the mail from Princeton, New Jer-
Indeed, though not often thought of in this way, that is what Yom Kippur is about. Most mistakenly think that Yom Kippur is a day to feel worthless, a total failure, a mess-up, an underachiever. After all, we spend this day literally smacking ourselves and counting one by one the ways we have failed, the mistakes we have made. It seems a bit much. Yes, it is sobering and productive, but can’t we say vidui once? “I shouldn’t have done x, y, and z,” mean it sincerely, then move on, break our fast. Why must we hit our chests and confess over and over and over again? Is
Continued on Page 112
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MS in ED/SPED, P3 Provider, Wilson Certified Local in person Far Rockaway / Five Towns area or Virtual Call/Txt Miriam Massouda 305-336-6272 miriamssoaringreaders@gmail.com
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Pidyan Haben Coin Gemach
Please Call Yachov Friedman 646-419-0782
Small beginners Siddurim, and Shabbos guidebooks, both in Russian, are available for you to distribute.
Please call Tashbar Publications at 718-438-9025 (leave message with address, IY”H we will mail them to you for free).
New Table and Chair Gemach for short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct, Far Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368
Retired public school teacher available to tutor men and boys in Hebrew, English and/or Yiddish in the 5 Towns. Recession buster. Call 718-552-5525Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring. SAT Math prep, regents, high school and elementary math, high school physics. Call 516-371-5522
G’mach Chasdei Yisroel —Lending money to people in Klei Kodesh and for Klei Kodesh purposes. In the Far Rockaway-Five Towns area. Please call 917-822-9910 for more info. Or email shaimag@gmail.com
In Memory of R’Yisroel Ben Binyamin, a”h Menadvim — Furniture and Appliances. Like new to Donate and Receive. Call 718-MEN-ADVIm (718-636-2384) We deliver
Personal Chavrusa available for learning and growing understanding the beauty of our Torah. Experience of many years in delivering shiurim to Baalei Batim and all those interested in learning. Reasonable hourly rate. This is a project of Kollel Tiferes Avos. Call 718-316-3874 or call Rabbi Dov Bressler 718-327-8903 (Payments are tax deductible.)
Boro Park Ladies Hat Gemach accepting your gently used weekday and Shabbos hats. 718-972-3211
Kol Tefilos Gemach — Beautiful Tefilos Pamphlet To Rent For The Chupah Donations To Yad Batya L’kallah Call Rochel 718-258-0415 Or Chaya 718-986-0594
Unreal Flowers LLC — Faux flower centerpiece rentals for any occasion. Call or text Elisheva 516-578-6317 for more details.
SERVICES PROVIDED
Tutor Available - College and High School Math, Statistics, SAT Math, High School Math, GRE Also Writing, Social Studies, AP Psychology Please text 516 668-9954
Gemach for Bilirubin Lights Available — if needed — for your newborn. Call or text 516-234-8665, 516-669-9536
Experienced Rebbe available to learn any limudei kodesh subject with you or your son. References available. 917-842-2587, PrivateRebbe@gmail.com
Gemach special for simcha. We provide for you excellent speaker plus MP3 full of Jewish music, plus excellent mike system. Call 718-600-4559
Simchas Naava Share your simcha flowers! Be m’sameach other simchas! Donate your fresh flower arrangements! We will match your simcha date with simchas following yours or deliver them to nursing home residents. To donate or obtain flower arrangements call 516-239-6066
In memory of a special friend, Naava Wassner Katlowitz
HELP WANTED
Gan Ami — daycare center, located in the heart of Cedarhurst — has positions open for immediate hire, Full and P/T positions Operations Manager for early intervention agency. (Registration for the current school year is ongoing for 4–5-year-olds. $5000 tuition.) frandiamond95@gmail.com, 516-426-6925
Direct Support Staff (DSP) Needed For: High Functioning, outgoing, social, Modern Orthodox Developmentally Disabled woman on the Autism Spectrum living in West Hempstead. Need someone to take her out for “activities” and exercise, walking, bowling, arts and crafts and other interesting outings. Loves watching hockey, going to libraries and bookstores and cooking.
Applicants must be warm, kind and encouraging with an understanding of people with developmental disabilities and Autism.
Hours Needed: Options of day and/or overnight hours are available.
Active Driving License a Must, Must be over 18 Candidates must be approved through Self-Direction Services by filling out an application for OPWDD agency, Independent Support Services. Competitive Salary and Benefits Contact Judi Talit at 516-435-7742
Seeking Behavior Technicians in Ivdu LI, Gesher LI, Bais Yaakov 5 Towns, Darchei, HAFTR. F, 9am-4pm. M, 9am-4pm. M/F afternoon and evening hrs. Supervision and training provided. High School diploma req. Talent@Encoresupport.org
Account Manager Long Island. Handle WhatsApp sales, cust svc. $50-$60k + comm. Apply with resume: hr@getpeyd.com
Special Care Seeks:
*Far Rockaway: Someone to transport and shadow high functioning, down syndrome teenage boy to Sunday program Sunday afternoons.
*Valley Stream: Female for young lady, Fridays 718-252-3365 ext:102 renay@specialcarefor.com
*Cedarhurst: Someone to work with 18-year-old girl twice a month Shabbos afternoon 718-252-3365 ext:113 pessyl@specialcarefor.com
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Woodmere — 3BR, 2Bth, Granite floors, 69x100. Huge yard. Separate entrance. Mint condition. Low Taxes Mint Condition Call Gitelle Gitti Steinfeld 516-984-4933
Rexford at Century Village, Boca — Stunning, nothing left to do! Completely remodeled and updated. First floor, unfurnished, 2BR, 2 full bathrooms $239,000 Miriam 914-419-2894
New to the market Condo for sale in Lawrence 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Condo, 24 Hour Doorman and Elevator Building. Bright and Sunny, Underground Parking, Washer/ Dryer in the Apartment. Many Closets, Recessed Lighting, Terrace, Central A/C, Social Room, Library, Gym. Minutes to Shopping, Transportation, Park & Houses of Worship. Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group New to the market 2-family house in Far Rockaway — 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, finished basement , spacious yard, prime location, close to schools, shopping, railroad, beaches and houses of worship. Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group Woodmere — Co-op just listed Sunny & Very Spacious Townhouse In Hewlett-Woodmere School District #14, Includes 1 Parking Space Close to Unit. Lovely Private Yard With Large Storage Shed. Washer & Dryer In Unit. 2 Very Large Bedrooms. Small Dog or Cat Allowed. Very Close to LIRR, Shopping, Restaurants, JFK Airport and Houses of Worship. Must See!!! Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Old Woodmere —New To The Market 3 Bedroom 2 Full Bathroom Colonial In Old Woodmere Updated Kitchen With Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Countertops, Finished Basement, Hardwood Floors ......... $749K Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group Woodmere co-op — Check out this brand-new co-op listing in the Woodmere/Woodsburgh area! Step into a spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment filled with natural light, nestled in an upscale elevator building. Perched on the top floor, this unit boasts indoor parking with a designated space, along with a generously sized storage unit for your convenience. Inside, you’ll find modern comforts like a washer-dryer setup and a fully renovated interior. The entrance welcomes you with a large foyer, leading to an inviting eat-in kitchen adorned with granite countertops, high-end appliances including a Miele dishwasher, dacor range, GE microwave, and Bosch washer and dryer. The kitchen also features a Sub Zero refrigerator and custom cabinets, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Throughout the apartment, enjoy hardwood floors, recessed lighting, and lofty 9.5-foot ceilings creating an airy atmosphere. The primary suite is a retreat of its own, boasting an en suite bathroom equipped with double sinks and a triple vanity, adorned with limestone countertops and stone flooring. With five air conditioning units ensuring comfort year-round, and park-like grounds offering tranquility, this property provides a serene escape. Its ranch-style layout provides easy living, while its prime location grants quick access to shopping, the railroad, restaurants, and houses of worship. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for luxurious living with convenience at your doorstep!
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Woodmere co-op — Very Spacious, Bright 1BR, 1 Bath Co-op In The Desirable Heathcote Bldg In Woodmere. 4th Floor Corner Unit In Very Charming Pre-War Building With Lovely Grand Lobby. 9’ Ceilings & Elevator. Unit Has Very Spacious Foyer, LR & Bedroom W/Built-Ins. HUGE EIK, Great Closet Space. Very Close to All including LIRR, SD#14. Low Maintenance Includes Heat, Water & Taxes Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Cedarhurst — Beautiful, Well-Maintained Colonial In The Heart Of Cedarhurst. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths. Brand New Roof. Eat-In-Kitchen, Formal Living Room & Dining Room. Hardwood Floors Throughout. Full finished basement. Private backyard. Low Taxes. Close To All Shopping, Transportation & many Houses of Worship! Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Cedarhurst — Just Listed —Renovated 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom 1st Floor Apartment With A Washer and Dryer, Private Finished Basement, Hardwood Floors, Recessed Lighting, Central Air conditioning, Dishwasher, Private Entrance, Garage Parking., Top of the Line Finishes, Minutes to All. No Fee!! Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Lawrence — As you enter this resort-like home you are greeted by a stunning residence featuring five bedrooms and four meticulously renovated bathrooms. The home boasts a brand new kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and elegant marble countertops, complemented by a separate breakfast room. The spacious, square formal dining room, expansive den, and formal living room offer an inviting and luxurious ambiance. Every bathroom has been thoughtfully designed and newly updated to the highest standards. The expansive property includes a heated inground pool, a large Trex deck, and a park-like grassy area, perfect for outdoor enjoyment. Additional amenities include a two-car garage and an extra-large driveway, providing ample parking space. Situated in the prestigious Back of Lawrence, this home is a must-see, offering the added benefit of low taxes.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Woodmere/Woodsburgh — Just listed. Spacious 3BR, 2 full bths, co-op elevator building. Top floor, indoor PKG, storage, W/D, bright & sunny corner unit. Totally renovated, high ceilings, many closets, eat-in kitchen, ranch-style living primary suite with en-suite bath. Minutes to all!
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com
Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Woodsburgh — Upon entering this remarkable custom-built six bedroom home, the exquisite craftsmanship immediately captivates. The designer kitchen seamlessly flows into a dining room, living area, and den, creating an unparalleled open-concept space ideal for hosting guests. Additional highlights include a private gym and office, enhancing both functionality and comfort. Outside, the impeccably designed landscape guides you to a resort-style in-ground pool, evoking a sense of tranquility and luxury. Situated in the prestigious School District 14, this residence is truly a masterpiece that demands admiration.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
North Woodmere — Discover the charm of this contemporary split in the heart of North Woodmere. The home features an expanded layout with a spacious eat-inkitchen and a delightful great room, skylights allow natural light to brighten this space and create a perfect setting for gatherings. Boasting 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths including a large Jacuzzi tub, a den, living room, dining room, office, 2 car garage, and a fully finished expanded basement, it’s designed for both comfort and functionality. The corner property on a cul-de-sac offers privacy and serenity, large backyard overlooking the park on an oversized lot with low taxes. Close to all houses of worship. Priced to sell! Ready to move in and enjoy this community!!
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Hewlett — New to the market 4 bedroom home sd# 14 living room with fireplace, den, bedroom, full bathroom, eat-in kitchen, dining room on the 1st floor. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms full bathroom, laundry room, finished basement with a cedar closet, storage, utilities. hardwood floors, 200 amp service, alarm, one car garage, easy access to schools, shopping center, transportation options, restaurants and places of worship.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
North Woodmere — This exquisite custom-built expanded residence boasts six bedrooms with extra-large custom closets in each and five and a half luxurious baths. The state-of-the-art professional kitchen showcases granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances. The spacious living room, elegant dining room, and inviting den offer a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Abundant natural light floods through large windows, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. The fully finished basement provides additional living space. Situated in school district 14, in the heart of North Woodmere, this home is conveniently located near all places of worship. A truly exceptional move in ready property that must be seen to be fully appreciated.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Hewlett — Introducing a newly listed property nestled within the prestigious Hewlett school district 14, As you step inside this Colonial, you’re greeted by a welcoming foyer leading into a cozy living room featuring a fireplace and built-in bookcases, alongside a formal dining room. The kitchen has been tastefully renovated and boasts two sinks, two dishwashers, two stoves, and two microwaves, offering optimal convenience for culinary enthusiasts. This home is equipped with two zones of central air conditioning and heat, ensuring comfort throughout. For added security, an alarm system is in place. The main level includes a primary bedroom along with two additional bedrooms and a luxurious full bathroom complete with a Jacuzzi tub and shower and additional full bath. Ascending to the second floor, you’ll find five more bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a den, and a convenient laundry room. The basement offers ample space for recreation, storage, and utilities, including a fantastic playroom and laundry room. Situated on a corner lot, this property includes a one-car garage and is conveniently located mere minutes from schools, shopping centers, transportation hubs, and a variety of dining options.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Woodmere — Introducing a charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom co-op nestled in the heart of Woodmere. This upscale building offers the convenience of an elevator and boasts a bright and sunny ambiance throughout.
As you enter, you’re greeted by a generously sized foyer adorned with gleaming hardwood floors. The living room and dining room provide ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the eat-in kitchen features elegant granite countertops, a gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, and a brand-new refrigerator. Enjoy the luxury of spacious rooms with high ceilings, creating an airy and open atmosphere. Both large bedrooms come equipped with air-conditioning units for added comfort. Additionally, this co-op offers free private storage in the basement and an abundance of closets for your convenience. With an on-site SUPER and a massive yard, this residence offers both comfort and convenience. Located just minutes away from shopping, transportation, restaurants, and houses of worship, this home provides the perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Hewlett — Welcome To Luxury Living in The Heart of Hewlett! This Spacious 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom Condo Boasts in Unit Separate Laundry For Ultimate Convenience. Enjoy Lovely Courtyard Views from Your Private Terrace. With Elevator Access and A Doorman, Experience the Epitome Of Comfort In This Prestigious Building.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Lawrence — Just listed 1 bedroom 1.5 bathroom condo, 24 hr doorman , elevator building, bright & sunny, top floor, eat-in-kitchen, washer and dryer in the unit, underground parking, terrace, central air conditioning, recessed lighting, many closets, social room, library, gym, minutes to shopping, transportation, park, and houses of worship.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Woodmere co-op — Very Spacious, Bright 1BR, 1 Bath Co-op In The Desirable Heathcote Bldg In Woodmere. 4th Floor Corner Unit In Very Charming Pre-War Building With Lovely Grand Lobby. 9’ Ceilings & Elevator. Unit Has Very Spacious Foyer, LR & Bedroom W/Built-Ins. Huge EIK, Great Closet Space. Very Close to All including LIRR, SD#14. Low Maintenance Includes Heat, Water & Taxes.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
North Woodmere — New To The Market.
Magnificent 5 Bedroom 3 Full Bathroom Split Level. Bright & Sunny, Living Room With Vaulted Ceilings With Skylights, Formal Dining Room With Skylights, Eat-In-Kitchen, Deck, Den With Fireplace, Sunroom, 2 Car Garage, Gas Heating, Central Air Conditioning, Master Bedroom With En-Suite, Hardwood Floors, Recessed Lighting, In Ground Sprinkler System, Basement, Minutes To Schools, Shopping, Park, And Houses Of Worship.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Woodmere — Lovely 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Colonial In Old Woodmere With Beautiful Wood Floors Throughout, Stainless Steel Appliances, Elegant Granite Counter Tops, Plus Finished Basement
Woodmere — Sunny and Very Spacious 2 Bedroom Townhouse In Hewlett-Woodmere SD#14. Includes 1 Parking Spot, Lovely Private Yard With Large Storage Shed, Plus Washer and Dryer In Unit! Close To Everything $379,000
Woodsburgh — New To Market! Exquisite 7 Bedroom, 4.5 Bathroom Grand Brick Center Hall Colonial Designed For Luxurious Living & Entertaining! Nestled On A Stunning Property Which Also Features A Spacious Circular Driveway and a Heated In Ground Pool. This Magnificent Home Boasts Generously Sized Rooms With Radiant Heating, and Custom Built Closets Throughout. A Breathtaking 2 Story Entry Hall With a Circular Staircase Greets You As You Enter This Beautiful Home. A Spacious Formal Dining Room, Large Formal Living Room, X-Large Wood & Granite Eat In Kitchen, Complete With Granite Island, High End SS Appliances & Walk In Pantry, Expansive Den With Fireplace, All Leading To 2 Beautiful Outdoor Patios, Perfect For Hosting Gatherings. The First Floor Also Includes An Ensuite Bedroom With A Private Bathroom, A Half Bathroom For Guests, A Second Bedroom, And Access To A 2 Car Garage. Ascend The Beautiful Circular Staircase To An Oversized Master Bedroom With Ensuite Bathroom, 2 Generously Sized Walk In Closets As Well As A Private Office. Down The Hallway Are 4 Additional Spacious Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms, and A Private Laundry Room. A Second Staircase Leads You To A Large Finished Attic, Providing Even More Living Space. Experience Luxury Living At It’s Best!!
Woodmere — Very Spacious and Bright 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Corner Apartment In Charming Pre War Brick Building With Lovely Grand Lobby, 9’ Ceilings and Elevator. Unit Has Very Spacious Foyer, Living Room/Dining Room and Bedroom With Built Ins. Huge EIK and Grat Closet Space. Very Close To LIRR, Shopping and Houses Of Worship. Low Maintenance Includes Heat, Water & Taxes.
Cedarhurst — Charming Colonial Featuring 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, An Inviting Enclosed Front Porch, A Wooden Back Deck, A Finished Basement , Plus Detached Garage. Conveniently Located Near Shopping, Transportation, Parks and Houses Of Worship $875,000
North Woodmere — Beautiful, Large High Ranch On Oversized Park Like Property In Ther Heart Of North Woodmere, On A Quiet Street. Home Features 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, Ground Floor Office With Separate Entrance, Hardwood Floors Throughout, and Beautifully Landscaped Private Backyard With Koi Pond. Close To Park And Many Houses Of Worship $990,000
Lawrence — Renovated Resort Like Home Featuring 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 new Bathrooms, Brand New Kitchen Equipped With Top Of The Line Appliances and Elegant Marble Countertops Plus Separate Breakfast Room, Large Formal Dining Room, Expansive Den, and Formal Living Room. The Magnificent Property Includes A Heated In Ground Pool, Large Trex Deck, 2 Car Garage and An Extra Large Driveway Providing Ample Parking In Beautiful Back Lawrence. Low Taxes Is An Extra Benefit! $4,199,000 Irene Steiner, Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Cell 516-652-7099, Email: isteiner@bhhslaffey.com
Lawrence — The Regency — Extra Large 3 Bedroom,2.5 Bathroom Custom Redone First Floor Apartment With Extra Large Wood and Granite Kitchen With Large Wood and Granite Island and Upgraded Stainless Steel Appliances, Extra Large Dining Room and Formal Living Room, Plus 3 Large Bedrooms. Primary Bedroom Features 2 Walk in Closets and Ensuite Large Bathroom. Water, Parking & Storage Included With This Beautiful Oversized Apartment. Building Features Many Amenities, Including Doorman, Concierge, Parking Valet, Gym, Party Room, Heated All Year In Ground Pool, and Wine Cellar. Truly a Magnificent Apartment In A 5 Star Hotel Like Condominium! Close To Everything Reduced To. . $2,600,000 Irene Steiner, Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Cell 516-652-7099, Email: isteiner@bhhslaffey.com
Lawrence — The Regency Extra Large & Magnificently Renovated 2 Bedroom 2.5 Bathroom First Floor Apartment With Extraordinarily Renovated Custom Extra Large Wood & Granite Kitchen With Granite Center Island, Upgraded Stainless Steel Appliances, Washer, Dryer, Beautifully Redone Bathrooms Plus Extra Storage, and Terrace, Which Opens Up Through A Private Gated Door Onto Courtyard and Pool. Luxury Living At It’s Best In This 5 STAR Hotel Like Condominium With Doorman, Parking Valet, Concierge, Underground Garage, Gym, Heated In Ground Pool, Wine Cellar, and Party Room. Furniture and Window Treatments Included! Parking, Water & Storage Included As Well!
North Woodmere — Custom Built 6 Bedroom 5.5 Luxury Bath Home With State Of The Art Professional Kitchen With Granite Countertops & Top Of The Line Appliances. Spacious Living Room, Elegant Dining Room and Inviting Den Offer A Perfect Blend Of Comfort and Sophistication. The Fully Finished Basement Provides Additional Living Space. Situated In School District 14, In The Heart Of North Woodmere. A Truly Exceptional Property That Must Be Seen To Be Fully Appreciated! $1,950,000 Irene Steiner, Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Cell 516-652-7099, Email: isteiner@bhhslaffey.com
Lawrence — The Regency, Beautiful 2 Bedroom 2.5 Bathroom 3rd Floor Apartment With Wood & Granite Kitchen With Granite Island and Stainless Steel Appliances, Washer/Dryer, Spacious Living Room, Formal Dining Room, and Terrace In 5 STAR Hotel Like Condominium With Doorman, Elevator, Parking Valet, Concierge, Gym, Party Room, Wine Cellar and Heated In Ground All Year Round Pool. Water, Parking and Storage Included, and Close To Everything! Reduced to $2,100,000 Irene Steiner, Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Cell 516-652-7099, Email: isteiner@bhhslaffey.com
Cedarhurst — Beautiful and Well Maintained 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bathroom Colonial With a New Roof, Beautiful Hard Wood Floors Throughout, Eat In Kitchen, Formal Living Room And Dining Room, Plus Full Finished Basement and Private Backyard. Move In Ready and Close To Everything, Parks, Schools, Shopping, Dining, and Many Houses Of Worship!
Hewlett — Exquisite, Contemporary 5 Bedroom 3 Full Bathroom Contemporary Colonial Set Back From The Street, And Bathed In Natural Light With 4 Spacious Skylights. Home Features Expansive Dining Room Perfect For Accommodating Large Family Gatherings, Living Room, Den, & Finished Basement. Home Sits On Beautifully Landscaped 126 Ft Deep Property With Lovely Patio and In Ground Gunite Pool. Located In SD14 and Conveniently Close To All Amenities. Reduced To $1,050,000 Irene Steiner, Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Cell 516-652-7099, Email: isteiner@bhhslaffey.com Inwood — Lovely 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom Semi Attached Home (Home that it is attached too is For Sale as well!) With Eat In Kitchen, Main Floor Bedroom and Half Bath, Spacious Living Room, Dining Room, Plus Finished Basement With 2 Additional Rooms and Full Bathroom. Private Driveway and Large Backyard. . $619,000 Irene Steiner, Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Cell 516-652-7099, Email: isteiner@bhhslaffey.com
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Lawrence — Introducing a recently listed onebedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom condo on the market. This ground-floor apartment boasts a 24-hour doorman, an elevator, in-unit washer-dryer, ample storage, a terrace, and spacious living and dining areas with central airconditioning. Freshly painted and conveniently located minutes away from shopping, the railroad, restaurants, parks, and houses of worship. The building offers a gym, social room, library, indoor parking, and a kitchen featuring granite countertops, generous counter space, stainless steel appliances, and additional amenities.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com
Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Lawrence — Explore this splendid Carlyle apartment, nestled in a secure condo building with a doorman, underground parking, and elevator access. Revel in the amenities of a gym, library, and party room. The sunlit topfloor unit boasts two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, central air-conditioning, and a complete renovation embracing an open concept. Delight in the modern kitchen, dining room, and living room with granite countertops and stainlesssteel appliances, including two dishwashers. Custom closets adorn the space, and the two full bathrooms are immaculately renovated. Enjoy a terrace, in-unit washer/ dryer, and proximity to shopping, restaurants, the railroad, park, and houses of worship.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com
Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Lawrence — 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home prime location lot size 77x130 features an eat-in-kitchen, formal dining room, main floor den, formal living room with vaulted ceilings, finished basement, gas heat, central air conditioning, in ground sprinklers, alarm, 2 car garage call for more details
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group Woodmere — Welcome to this spacious home situated within the esteemed school district 14. This remarkable residence has undergone a complete transformation, boasting exquisite upgrades and central air conditioning for your comfort. The culinary enthusiast will delight in the splendid kitchen, featuring dual sinks. With a total of five bedrooms, including one on the first floor accompanied by a full bathroom and lofty ceilings. The second floor has two additional well-appointed bathrooms, while the primary bedroom enjoys the luxury of a private full bathroom + 3 additional bedrooms. The residence exudes sophistication, employing premium materials throughout. The home has been fully rewired and re-plumbed, ensuring modern functionality. Nestled on a tranquil residential street, the main level encompasses a spacious great room and a dedicated office space, complementing the formal living and dining areas. An unfinished basement and a detached garage provide ample storage and potential. The expansive lot, measuring 80 x 100, enhances the property’s allure. Conveniently located, you’ll find shopping, the railroad, restaurants, and places of worship mere minutes away. Take a moment to explore this exceptional dwelling - an opportunity not to be missed.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
West Hempstead — Price Reduced! Introducing a stunning new construction home designed for the homeowner seeking luxury and comfort. This masterpiece blends elegance with flair, offering an unrivaled living experience. Nestled within a picturesque neighborhood, this magnificent residence boasts a striking facade characterized by clean lines, premium materials, and quality craftsmanship. The thoughtfully designed exterior showcases large windows and creates an inviting first impression. Step inside and be captivated by the openconcept layout that merges the various living spaces. The expansive living room is bathed in natural light, thanks to the windows that offer great views of the surrounding area. The gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, sleek cabinetry, and an expansive center island with a breakfast bar. With ample counter space and a welldesigned layout, this kitchen effortlessly combines style and functionality, making it an ideal space for both everyday meals and entertaining guests. Adjacent to the kitchen, a wonderful dining area awaits, providing an elegant setting for hosting memorable gatherings with loved ones. Large glass doors connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, leading to a spacious patio, perfect for dining and enjoying the surroundings. The luxurious master suite boasts generous proportions, with a spacious bedroom, a lavish ensuite bathroom adorned with exquisite finishes, and a large walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms provide ample space for family members or guests. High-end finishes, premium flooring, and custom details are evident throughout, reflecting a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. New in-ground sprinkler system. Located in a highly desirable neighborhood, this new construction home embodies the epitome of refined living. With its exceptional design and luxurious features, it sets a high standard of modern living. Welcome to your dream home- a place where beauty, comfort, and sophistication converge to create an extraordinary living space.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Woodmere — Welcome to this stunning residence situated on a tranquil residential street in Lawrence SD#15 in the heart of Woodmere. This spacious and flawlessly maintained home boasts 4 to 5 bedrooms, offering ample space for comfortable living. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a bright and airy living room adorned with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and a convenient wet bar. The central air conditioning ensures a comfortable environment throughout the home, while the gas heating system provides efficient warmth during colder months. The kitchen is a true gem, featuring elegant quartz countertops and a cozy eat-in area perfect for casual dining. Adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room, providing an ideal space for hosting gatherings and entertaining guests. Additionally, a main floor den with a fireplace offers a cozy retreat for relaxation. The master bedroom is a true sanctuary, complete with an en-suite bathroom and a generously sized dressing room that can also function as an office or an additional bedroom. Indulge in relaxation in the luxurious Jacuzzi tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The home also offers three other well-appointed bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Outside, you’ll find inground sprinklers to effortlessly maintain the lush landscaping, while an alarm system provides peace of mind. The home boasts numerous built-ins throughout, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The lower level includes a spacious playroom, offering ample storage space for recreational items and a utility room for added convenience. Parking is a breeze with the two-car garage. In summary, this impeccably maintained home offers a spacious and inviting living space, luxurious amenities, and a convenient location in the Lawrence school district. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this your dream home.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Continued
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Lawrence — Stunning One of a Kind Mid Century
Modern 6 Bedroom, 6.5 Bath, Contemporary Ranch. Resort
Style Home on Over an Acre of Property in Back Lawrence. Incredible Views, Regulation Size Tennis Court - Deco Turf. IG-Gunite Pool, Low Taxes, 5318 sq. ft. of Main Floor Living Space. Plus 5000 sq. ft. Basement With Very High Ceilings. P.O.R. Call Mark for more details 516-298-8457
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Cedarhurst — New Listing Renovated 5-bedroom 4-bathroom split level home in school district # 15, hardwood floors, central air conditioning, minutes to all. Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
North Woodmere — Priced Reduced!
Beautiful Large High Ranch on an Oversized Parklike Lot in the Heart of North Woodmere on a Quiet Street. House contains 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Full Baths, Ground Floor Office with Separate Entrance. Hardwood Floors Throughout. Beautifully Landscaped Private Backyard with koi pond. SD14. A Must See! Close to North Woodmere Park and all houses of worship!
$990K
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Lawrence — New Listing! Experience the elegance of this extraordinary eight-bedroom Colonial home, nestled in a secluded location in back Lawrence. This hidden gem is set on a manicured two-acre lot. Upon entering the grand foyer, you will be greeted by the sophisticated charm of this magnificent residence. The spacious formal dining room is ideal for hosting large gatherings, while the expansive living room, den, and home office offer ample space for both relaxation and productivity. The well-appointed kitchen and breakfast room provide a perfect setting for enjoying delightful meals. The second floor features five bedrooms with generous closet space, three full baths, and a convenient laundry room. The interior space extends to the third floor, offering breathtaking water views and an additional three bedrooms and one bath. An additional carriage house on the property presents endless possibilities. The house also includes a full unfinished basement with plenty of space. This park-like property presents a rare opportunity in Lawrence, boasting low taxes and is a must-see!$P.O.R. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Woodmere — Back On The Market — Very Spacious, Bright 1BR, 1 Bath Co-op In The Desirable Heathcote Bldg In Woodmere. 4th Floor Corner Unit In Very Charming Pre-War Building With Lovely Grand Lobby. 9’ Ceilings & Elevator. Unit Has Very Spacious Foyer, LR & Bedroom W/Built-Ins. Huge EIK, Great Closet Space. Very Close to All including LIRR, SD#14. Low Maintenance Includes Heat, Water & Taxes $299,000 Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Woodmere — Sunny & Very Spacious Townhouse In Hewlett-Woodmere School District #14, Includes 1 Parking Space Close to Unit. Lovely Private Yard With Large Storage Shed. Washer & Dryer In Unit. 2 Very Large Bedrooms. Small Dog or Cat Allowed. Very Close to LIRR, Shopping, Restaurants, JFK Airport and Houses of Worship. Must See!!!
Woodmere — Discover this charming and meticulously cared-for 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath colonial in Old Woodmere. The home features beautiful wood floors throughout, along with modern stainless steel appliances and elegant granite countertops. Enjoy additional living space in the fully finished basement and ample storage options in the pull-down attic. The property also boasts a delightful backyard, perfect for relaxing and entertaining $749K Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Hewlett — New Listing! — Spacious Open Floor Plan Two Bed Two Full Bath Unit. Enter This Bright & Sunny Top Floor Apartment Through Ample Foyer With Cedar Lined Large Closet. Ahead Is Galley Kitchen With Counter With Seating By Scenic Window. Substantially Sized Living Room/Dining Room Perfect For Entertaining. Elegant Crown Moldings Throughout. Hardwood Floors and New Baseboard Heating. Huge Master Bedroom With Renovated Bathroom, Two Closets, Private Terrace. Second Sizeable Bedroom, And Full Updated Bathroom Make For Easy Living. Stackable Washer/Dryer In Closet. Building Amenities Include Laundry Rm, Bike Rm. Extensive Beautifully Landscaped Parklike Grounds. Close To All. $254K Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
North Woodmere — Price Reduced! Beautiful Large High Ranch on an Oversized Parklike Lot in the Heart of North Woodmere on a Quiet Street. House contains 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Full Baths, Ground Floor Office With Separate Entrance. Hardwood Floors Throughout. Beautifully Landscaped Private Backyard with koi pond. SD14. A Must See! Close to North Woodmere Park and all houses of worship!! $990K Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
North Bellmore — New Listing! Located In The Heart Of North Bellmore, Welcome to This Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Split Level Home. This Well Maintained Property Is Move In Ready. Upon Entry, A Spacious Living Room With Gleaming Wood Floors Is The Perfect Place For Gatherings. The Eat-In Kitchen With Stainless Steel Appliances Offers A Convenient Space For Meal Preparation. A Formal Dining Room Is The Perfect Spot For Easy Entertaining. Ascending To The Second Floor Reveals Two Inviting Bedrooms, A Full Bathroom, And The Primary Bedroom, Boasting An En-Suite Full Bathroom. The Third Level Provides A Private Bedroom & Storage. The Lower Level Offers A Comfortable Family Room & Laundry Facilities. Enjoy Central Air Conditioning For Year-Round Comfort. The Spacious Backyard With a hot tub & Deck Is Ideal For Outdoor Entertaining, Providing Ample Room For Socializing Or Relaxing. Don’t Miss The Opportunity To See This Newly Listed Property! $808K Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Lawrence — Perched On A Tranquil Cul-De-Sac With Breathtaking Golf Course Views, This Split-Level Gem Promises Unparalleled Charm. Ideal For Both Intimate Gatherings And Lively Get-Togethers. This Contemporary Living Room Features A Striking Stone Fireplace And Gleaming Wood Floors. The Sleek Eat-In Kitchen, Outfitted With Stainless Steel Appliances And Granite Countertops, Flows Effortlessly Into A Sun-Drenched Porch And Formal Dining Room, Setting The Stage For Seamless Entertaining. Ascend To The Upper Level Where You’ll Find Two Inviting Bedrooms, A Full Bath, And A Primary Bedroom That Exudes Luxury With Its Expansive Wall Of Closets-Including A Walk-In-And A Sophisticated En-Suite Bath. The Top Floor Boasts A Generous Bonus Bedroom, Full Bath, And Abundant Storage, Perfect As An Additional Primary Suite. On The Ground Level, Unwind In A Welcoming & Bright Family Room That Opens To A Meticulously Landscaped Yard Through Sliding Doors. This Level Also Includes Convenient Closets, A Full Bath, Laundry Facilities, And Easy Access To The Two-Car Garage. Step Outside To Discover A Beautifully Designed Patio And Grounds, Perfect For Relaxation And Socializing. Seize This Rare Opportunity To Embrace Sophisticated Living In The Heart Of Lawrence.$2.098M Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Hewlett — Price Reduced! — Lovely First Floor 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath. Large Entry Foyer, Living Room, Formal Dining Room/Bonus Room, Galley Eat-In-Kitchen, Hardwood Floors, Garage Spot Available $100/mo. Washer/ Dryer Subject To Approval. Screened-In Porch $325,000 Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Rosedale — Price Reduced! Welcome to this lovely and exceptionally spacious home featuring beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Updated kitchen & bath. The primary bedroom boasts an en-suite bath for added convenience and privacy. A highlight of the property is its fully finished basement with an outside separate entrance, providing additional living space and flexibility. Spacious back yard offers space for all your outdoor entertaining. Extra long private driveway. Situated in a convenient location close to Green Acres Mall and the LIRR, this home offers easy access to shopping, dining, and transportation options
Cedarhurst — Price Reduced! Beautiful, Well-Maintained Colonial In The Heart Of Cedarhurst. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths. Brand New Roof. Eat-In-Kitchen, Formal Living Room & Dining Room. Hardwood Floors Throughout. Full finished basement. Private backyard. Low Taxes. Close To All Shopping, Transportation & many Houses of Worship!!
Lawrence — As you enter this resort-like home you are greeted by a stunning residence featuring five bedrooms and four meticulously renovated bathrooms. The home boasts a brand new kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and elegant marble countertops, complemented by a separate breakfast room. The spacious, square formal dining room, expansive den, and formal living room offer an inviting and luxurious ambiance. Every bathroom has been thoughtfully designed and newly updated to the highest standards. The expansive property includes a heated inground pool, a large Trex deck, and a park-like grassy area, perfect for outdoor enjoyment. Additional amenities include a two-car garage and an extra-large driveway, providing ample parking space. Situated in the prestigious Back of Lawrence, this home is a must-see, offering the added benefit of low taxes
North Woodmere — This exquisite custom-built residence boasts six bedrooms and five and a half luxurious baths. The state-of-the-art professional kitchen showcases granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances. The spacious living room, elegant dining room, and inviting den offer a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Abundant natural light floods through large windows, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. The fully finished basement provides additional living space. Situated in school district 14, in the heart of North Woodmere, this home is conveniently located near all places of worship. A truly exceptional move in ready property that must be seen to be fully appreciated
Inwood — Explore this inviting 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathroom home with a main floor bedroom and half bath. The main level boasts an eat-in-kitchen, a spacious living room, and a dining room. The second floor includes two bedrooms with a shared full bath. The third-floor retreat features a bedroom suite complete with its own full bath. The fully finished basement features two additional rooms and another full bath. This property presents a compelling investment in a thriving community, with excellent income potential and proximity to all amenities, transportation
Woodmere — Welcome to this Desirable Town of Woodmere, where this property boasts an enviable location in its very heart. As you step inside, you are greeted by a welcoming entry foyer, setting the tone for what lies beyond. Ascend to the second floor, where you’ll discover a generous master bedroom complete with a huge walkin closet, along with two additional bedrooms offering ample space. The main level offers a formal dining room, as well as a spacious living room and a full bathroom for your convenience. Venturing down to the lower floor, you’ll find a large den that opens to the backyard through sliding doors, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Another full bathroom, a garage ensuring ample storage space. This residence also benefits from its proximity to transportation options, shopping venues, and houses of worship, making it incredibly convenient for your daily needs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this remarkable home, as it is sure to captivate your interest. Act swiftly, as this gem won’t be available for long! Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Hewlett — Price Reduced — This exquisite contemporary colonial residence boasts a prime location set back from the street, enhancing its striking curb appeal. With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this move-in-ready home is bathed in natural light thanks to its four spacious skylights. The expansive formal dining room is perfect for accommodating a large family, and the full basement with 8-foot ceilings for versatility. Outside, you’ll find a stunning inground gunite pool and a beautifully designed patio in the well-landscaped yard. Located in school district 14 and conveniently close to all amenities, this property is a rare find! $1.050M Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
FOR RENT
Cedar Bay Park, Cedarhurst — 5BR. 3Bth Kosher Kitchen, Deck, Huge yard. Walk to all Call Gitelle Gitti Steinfeld 516-984-4933
S&M Team presents Rrenovated apartment in private house Bayview Avenue, Cedarhurst 3BR, 1bth, private parking, washer/dryer on second floor, available immediately $3500 Simi, Broker 917-757-8210
Cedarhurst — Price Reduced! 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom 1st Floor Apartment With A Washer and Dryer, Finished Basement, Hardwood Floors, Recessed Lighting, Central Air conditioning, Private Entrance, Garage Parking. Minutes to All $3,595/mo. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Wishing everyone a Chag Sameach! Bayswater — New to market. 1, 2, 3 and 4BR rentals, great location. Call Joan for details, 516-319-4482 Five Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710
East Rockaway — Price Reduced! Private and Cozy 1 Bedroom Apartment Located On a Dead End Street. With View of Bay Park, Completely Renovated With Wood Floors Throughout and a Split Unit Providing Both Your A/C and Heat. Nearby Schools and Park $2,100/mo. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Lawrence — Price Reduced! Newly Renovated One Bedroom Beauty In The Heart Of Lawrence! Gorgeous Eat In Kitchen With Stainless Steel Appliances. New Flooring Throughout. Living Room Boasts Adjoining Sunporch With Washer & Dryer. Huge 3rd Floor Bonus Room Perfect For Home Office And Storage. One Parking Spot In Shared Driveway. Close To Shops, Restaurants, Houses Of Worship, LIRR $2,900/mo. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
FOR RENT
Woodmere — House Rental— Magnificent 5 Bedroom Colonial, 3 Full Bathroom Home in HewlettWoodmere School District. Renovations are now complete. Features Central AC, Gas heat and cooking, BRAND NEW - Newly renovated kitchen- be the first to use it! Eat-inBreakfast Nook with great garden view, Quartz Countertops and 10ft Kitchen Island. All metal Stainless Steel appliances: 2 Sinks, 2 Dishwashers, 2 ovens, Microwave. Main Floor has Formal Living Room, Study, Library, Formal Dining Room, Sweeping view of huge inviting garden meant for entertaining with Large Pergola, plenty of room for all to enjoy. Main floor includes: Spacious Pantry, Washer/Dryer, Large Bedroom and Full Bath. 2nd Floor Features the 500 sq ft Primary Suite with Full Granite Bathroom and Office, 3 additional Bedrooms, 2 walk-in closets and a Full Bathroom. Circular Driveway parking for 5+ cars, and Finished Basement with lots of storage. Magnificent Enclosed Garden with Large Pergola. Hardwood Floors, Large Patio. Minutes to shopping, Transportation, Schools and Houses of Worship. Call for more details.
Woodmere — House Rental — Magnificent Home in the Heart of Woodmere. Constructed in 2020. 7 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths, Detailed Moldings Throughout, Deck Off Dining Room, Maple Wood Floors, Anderson Windows + Doors, Custom Closets, Dimmers & Timers, 2 Zone CAC. Eat-In-Kitchen with 2 Sinks, 2 Dishwashers, 2 Microwaves, Double Oven, Island, Sound System, Camera System & 4 Car Driveway Call for details!
Cedarhurst rental — Magnificent 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom Apartment In the Heart Of Cedarhurst. Kitchen With 2 Sinks, Dishwasher, Microwave, Refrigerator & Oven. Washer/Dryer In Unit, Hardwood Floors, Recessed Lighting, Central Air Conditioning, Private Entrance, Garage Parking, Minutes to All. Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Woodmere — Magnificent 5 Bedroom Colonial, 3 Full Bathroom Home in Hewlett-Woodmere School District. Features Central AC, Gas heat, Eat-in-Kitchen, Granite Countertops, 2 Sinks, 2 Dishwashers, Kitchen Island, All new kitchen appliances and countertops. Main Floor has Formal Living Room, Study, Library, Formal Dining Room, Washer/ Dryer, Large Bedroom and a Full Bath. 2nd Floor Features the Master with Full Bathroom and Office, 3 additional Bedrooms and a Full Bathroom. Circular Driveway parking for 4 + cars, and Finished Basement. Magnificent Yard, Hardwood Floors. Minutes to shopping, Transportation, Schools and Houses of Worship. Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Woodmere — Magnificent Home in the Heart of Woodmere. Constructed in 2020. 7 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths, Detailed Moldings Throughout, Deck Off Dining Room, Maple Wood Floors, Anderson Windows + Doors, Custom Closets, Dimmers & Timers, 2 Zone CAC. Eat-In-Kitchen with 2 Sinks, 2 Dishwashers, 2 Microwaves, Double Oven, Island, Sound System, Camera System & 4 Car Driveway. Call for more details
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com
Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Cedarhurst — 1 bedroom 1.5 bathrooms first floor, private entrance, central air conditioning, washer/dryer, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, freshly painted, underground parking $95/mo. minutes to the railroad, parks, shopping and houses of worship.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com
Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Cedarhurst — Move Right In 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Baths, Washer/Dryer, CAC, Private Entrance, Hardwood Floors, Recessed Lighting, Freshly Painted, Great Courtyard, Underground Parking $95/Mo. Stainless Steel Appliances. Minutes to the Railroad, Shopping, Restaurant, Park & Houses of Worship.
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457, mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
FOR RENT
Hewlett — Renovated 2 Bedroom Apartment with Washer/Dryer in Unit. Free Storage in Basement, Freshly Painted Kitchen with Quartz Countertops + Stainless Steel Appliances, Recessed Lighting, Hardwood Floors. Minutes To the Railroad, Shopping, Restaurants & Houses of Worship. No Brokers Fee
Mark Lipner 516-298-8457,
mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway Lafffey International Pugatch Group
Far Rockaway — New to market
Renovated, 1, 2, 3 and 4BR rentals, great location. Call Joan for details, 516-319-4482
Five Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710
Cedarhurst & Lawrence 1, 2, 3, & 4 Bedroom apartments for Rent. Prime location, Walk all. Call Joan for details 516-319-4482 Five Towns Homes 516-569-5710
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
700 Woodfield Rd, West Hempstead, NY
Call 917-929-3213
Island Park — Synagogue For Sale
9,558 SF w/ Parking
Incls. 2 Sanctuaries 175 & 375 people, kitchen, chapel, offices, storage For more info, Call: 516-203-8102
Hempstead — Free Standing Building For Sale
This is an amazing opportunity to own prime property on a busy Main Street near shopping centers. Property with great visibility, wide frontage. Great for convenience store, Office Space, Urgent Care, Retail, Gym & Med Spa. Food with proper permits. Do not miss this opportunity!!
$799K
Call Annette Samant for More Details. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Bellemore — Business For Sale
An amazing opportunity to own a very successful and highly rated business/food establishment in the heart of Bellmore Village. Very spacious with a full basement. Includes: 2 Pizza Oven, Refrigeration, Freezers, Prep Counter, 3 Computers With Systems, Soda Machine & Much More!!! Rear Parking Leads To Restaurant Back Door
Hewlett Restaurant for sale $250,000 for the key….. seats 80 3000sf plus full basement…great lease...Call Ian Leigh for More Details. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FOR RENT
Cedarhurst — For Lease
New Listing! Office/Retail Space. 5100+/-SF, Just Steps From Central Ave, Great Parking, Great Condition.... Call Ian Leigh for More Details. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Cedarhurst – 1200SF Retail Space
Corner Cedarhurst & Chestnut Av Next to LIRR and minyanim Call/text/Whatsapp: 516-206-1100
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FOR RENT
Hewlett Office Space — Great Location $1,250.00 monthly
Approx. 150 sq ft.
High-end office in great location. Ceiling to floor windows. New carpeting. Free Utilities and wifi. Pictures available. Parking. 516-765-1560
Wishing everyone a Chag Sameach! Inwood — New to market! 2800 sq.ft. warehouse with offices. Great location. 20’ ceilings. Great for ecommerce or any use! Call Joan for details, 516-319-4482
5 Towns — Offices For Lease Attractive Pricing! 1500sf loft office (formerly SDF Architect) Cedarhurst 2&3 Office Suites Store/office; ~600sf Cedarhurst office ~100sf Also… Large Parking Lot & Storage available Utilities, Internet & Parking incl. with some Kosher kitchen — Minyan Next to LIRR — No broker fee Call/text/Whatsapp: 516-206-1100
West Babylon —For Lease
Excellent Location, 1000+/-SF. Great Exposure, Busy Main St, Good For Yoga, Gym, Retail, Convenience Store, Office Space, Food With Proper Permits. Rear Parking. Must See!!! $2,500/mo.
Call Annette Samant for More Details. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Hewlett For Lease
Hair Salon…for rent no key money, all set up...Call Ian Leigh for More Details. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Hewlett For Lease
Dentist retiring Hewlett for rent…..Commercial house great parking...Call Ian Leigh for More Details. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Lawrence For Lease
6600SF on Central Ave Lawrence for rent plus full basement...Call Ian Leigh for More Details. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
Woodmere For Lease
Very high-profile corner retail….4400sf available 60 days... Call Ian Leigh for More Details. Woodmere@bhhslaffey.com, www.bhhslaffey.com, 516-295-3000
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NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF KINGS Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Magda Harris; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 18, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Room 224, Brooklyn, NY 11201 on October 31, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1124 Loring Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Brooklyn, County of Kings, City and State of NY, Block 4505 Lot 50. Approximate amount of judgment $649,272.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 512865/2016. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 2nd Judicial District. Steven Naiman, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: August 15, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 81889
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Continued from Page 105
perpetually beating ourselves up what this day is literally all about?
We say towards the end of our Yom Kippur Amidah, “G-d, before I was formed, I was unworthy, and now that I have been formed it is as if I had not been formed.” I dread arriving at these words each year, words that are debilitating, deflating, and really very depressing. They come from the Gemara (Berachos 17a). Rava said them at the conclusion of the Amidah every day. I was nothing before, I am nothing now, what is the point of living at all?
Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook reads this disheartening tefillah in a very different way. He explains it is in fact empowering, inspiring, and motivating. It is the answer and response to the imposter syndrome, to feeling worthless and a fraud. Explains Rav Kook, “Before I was formed, I was unworthy” means that each and every one
of us enters the world at the exact moment when we are needed. Before we were formed, there was no need for us. Hashem sends us into His world at the exact moment when we are worthy— that our skills, talent, and abilities and even our challenges are uniquely needed by the universe, by the world, by our neighbors, family, and friends. We are precisely what the world needs at the moment we arrive and for the time that we are in it.
Until now I wasn’t needed, but if I am here, I must answer the call, live up to that potential in me, recognize my ability, and be the person the world was waiting for and needs at this moment.
Rav Kook is teaching us that the vidui of Yom Kippur, our confession and admission, is not our failures, not a list of rules and regulations we violated per se, rather it is more an admission and confession of failing to realize the potential inside us, indulging in temptations, urges, and impulses that distracted us from our core mission, from who
we are meant to be. If we forsake our mission, if we squander our time and resources, if we fail to see the potential inside us and to believe in our power, then “now that I have been formed it is as if I had not been formed.”
Yom Kippur is not to beat ourselves up, but to raise ourselves up, to use 25 hours for an honest look in the mirror, to admit the potential that is inside us, to regret the ways we have failed to realize it and to pledge to make our existence purposeful, meaningful, and impactful.
Degel Machaneh Efraim cites the Baal Shem Tov in explaining the pasuk (Tehillim 71:9), “Do not cast me off to old age; when my strength fails, do not forsake me!” The simple understanding is this is a tefillah that one maintain his physical strength, vigor, and cognitive faculties through old age.
But the Baal Shem Tov explained that Dovid Hamelech was asking for help in a different way. Al tashlicheini, don’t cast me off to old age, don’t let me
act like a person who has a fixed mindset, who is done, a finished product, who considers his or her book complete, done. Let me not live a stale life, give my mitzvos and my life, my mission, and my purpose freshness, energy, vibrancy, and dynamism.
It was said that in Kotzk, there was no such thing as an old man. An older individual simply contained in him three or four younger people. He may have been eighty years old, but he was full of energy and enthusiasm, he is constantly moving if not physically, spiritually. Today, it is often the other way around: a young person is a third of an old man. He lacks a sense of vitality, of life. He might be physically agile, but if someone has given up on themselves, if they aren’t fighting to be independent and add their unique voice to the world, they have reached eis ziknah
Late in his life, Rav Aharon Soloveitchik, zt’l , had a massive stroke. He recovered but it was very hard for him to walk. I will never forget watching him make his way to the YU beis midrash on his own two feet. He had a walker, dragged one side of his body, and involuntarily let out a load groan with each step he took.
It was hard, arduous, undoubtedly painful, but Rav Aharon wanted so badly to walk into the beis midrash on his own two feet. Two people would walk with him, holding him. He would walk step by step, very slowly into the beis midrash . When asked why he would not accept help, he explained that he wanted to walk on his own as much as possible to be makayeim the berachah of hamaichin mitzadei gaver, Hashem guides our steps.
When Rav Aharon passed away, at his levayah it was described that when he would take each step towards the beis midrash, he would count like the Kohain Gadol on Yom Kippur sprinkling the blood in the Kodesh HaKadashim : Achas. Achas V’Achas. Achas V’shatyim
In his broken state, in great pain, with tremendous effort, he recognized that whatever I am up to in life, that’s the most important step in the world. That’s my personal Kodesh Hakadashim . We have to see our next step, our next moment, our next action as our holy of holies, something so important, so meaningful to the universe, the fulfillment of why we are here. We cannot be Netzavim. Like Moshe at the end of his life, like Rav Aharon at the end of his life, we must be Vayeilech, keep moving, keep taking the next step and then we are young, no matter how old the calendar says we are.
One berachah . One tefillah. One shiur . One page of Gemara . One Mishnah One demonstration of emunah and bitachon. One great parenting moment or marriage moment of patience, love, and affection. One gesture of kindness. One act of tzedakah Al tashlicheinu,
Continued on Page 114
Continued from Page 112
don’t cast me to old age, I’m young and vibrant and ready to go one step at a time, like the Kohen Gadol . That is our avodah : achas , achas v’achas , one step, one moment at a time.
The world didn’t need you until you were born. That was Hashem’s decision. But now that you are here, what will you do with it? Achas v’achas, take it one step at a time.
Don’t wait for the world to recognize your greatness. Unlock your potential, act like the person you are meant to be, and people will treat you like that person. More importantly, you will see yourself, treat yourself, and believe in yourself as that person. n
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is the Senior Rabbi of the Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS), a rapidly-growing congregation of over 1,000 families in Boca Raton, Florida. BRS is the largest Orthodox Synagogue in the Southeast United States. Rabbi Goldberg’s warm and welcoming personality has helped attract people of diverse backgrounds and ages to feel part of the BRS community, reinforcing the BRS credo of ‘Valuing Diversity and Celebrating Unity.’]
Continued from Front Cover
ness throughout the generations.
Here is something to which we do not pay sufficient attention: It’s clear that the mitzvah on Yom Kippur is to fast, but what about the mitzvah the day before Yom Kippur—the mitzvah to eat? This is a mitzvah in its own right, and not just to help us feel less hungry during the fast on Yom Kippur. Our Sages tell us that the idea of Yom Kippur is so great that it is actually deserving of a joyful feast. Of course, it is impossible to celebrate the day in that manner as it is a fast day, so we bring the feast forward to the day before, the eve of Yom Kippur. The Spanish commentator, Rabbeinu Yona of Girondi, who lived around eight hundred years ago, wrote the following: “And because of the fast on Yom Kippur, we are obliged to partake of the feast rejoicing in the mitzvah on Yom Kippur eve.”
But just a moment. Why are we rejoicing with a feast? What are we so happy about? We rejoice about the very existence of Yom Kippur, a day of ap-
peasement and atonement. It is a day that brings with it the capacity to change, the possibility to forgive and erase, to begin anew and rebuild from crisis—a day that is a reminder that human beings have free choice. For all of these reasons, when we look deeply into the substance of this special day, it really is appropriate to wish everyone “a happy Yom Kippur!”
The Wonder Of Teshuvah
Rabbi Jacob Edelstein, of blessed memory, was the rabbi of Ramat HaSharon. We were privileged to live there and get to know him well. Here are some of his pearls of wisdom regarding Yom Kippur:
“How is it possible to erase things that a person has done? What good is regret? Does it make sins disappear? If a person eats something that causes a stomach ache, and afterwards he’s sorry he ate it, will regret benefit his stomach now? The process of teshuvah is higher than our minds can grasp, it is beyond nature. It is one of the wonders of creation, one of the greatest gifts we have received—the possibility to start
over again.”
“There is a wonderful passage that reveals a secret to us:
‘Return Israel to Hashem your G-d.’ In other words, a person must return to Hashem. If this was an ascent to a new place, or moving to somewhere different it would not say ‘return.’
From this we learn that teshuvah means going back to our true origins. The meaning of teshuvah is not to change, but to return to our proper place, to be who we are supposed to be.”
“Someone once said that in his youth he wanted to change the world. He later saw that this was difficult and decided to change only the people in his country. Then he decided to at least change the residents of his city. When he failed, he tried to just change the members of his family. Finally, he understood that he must first change himself. And then, after he worked on changing himself, he saw that he slowly began to influence his family, his city, his country, and the entire world. Improving the world starts with self-improvement. Our desire is for wholesale, widespread change, but such change begins with character refinement on the part of each and every individual.”
The First Tefillin Of The New Year In Gaza
After three days of Chag and Shabbat where people didn’t put on tefillin Yakir Asraf, a soldier, sent this photo this morning from Gaza with a beautiful explanation:
“Here it was a holiday full of emergency alerts, activities, and being on call. Finally this morning was a little quieter and I had time to pray and think.
I feel that there is another war going on here: which emotion will dominate us? Will sadness, anger, despair dominate us, or will love and hope dominate us? We are fighting for that too.
So I put on my tefillin here and remind myself: we didn’t come here just to fight. We came here to live, to build, to do good for the world, to fix it. I have a collection of photos of me putting on tefillin in all kinds of faraway places in the world. Recently, a picture that I didn’t plan, of tefillin on the ruins of Sajaia, joined the col-
Continued on Page 116
lection, but I want to replace it after the victory with a picture of a beautiful and quiet landscape. Because we choose life.
Rabbi Shalom Yaniv, who lost his two sweet sons, Yagel and Hallel, in a terrorist attack a year and a half ago, said something that’s been accompanying me these days: ‘G-d, too many doors have been knocked on this year. Now it’s our turn to knock on heaven’s doors. Please open a gate for us.’
May it be a blessed year!”
Thoughts on October 7th 2024
It has been one year since that horrific day and our feelings are still so raw. Sometimes it is still hard for us to grasp that this nightmare really occurred and we struggle to find the words to describe the enormity of the catastrophe that befell us. But how will we feel five years from now? And fifty years from now? Will we remember only the brutal at-
tack, or will we recall how we were able to rise up from this trauma and how it
became a catalyst for growth and healing?
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l, expressed this idea most eloquently:
“In the past Jews lived through catastrophes that would have spelled the end of most nations: the destruction of Solomon’s temple, the Babylonian exile, the Roman conquest, the Hadrianic persecutions, the massacres of the Crusades, the Spanish expulsion. They wrote elegies; they mourned; they prayed. But they did not give way to fear. They did not define themselves as victims. They did not see antisemitism written into the fabric of the universe. They knew they existed for a purpose, and it was not for themselves alone.”
“Every tragedy in Jewish history was followed by a new wave of creativity. The destruction of the First Temple led to the renewal of the Torah in the life of the nation, exemplified by the work of Ezra and Nehemiah. The destruction of the Second Temple led to the great works of the oral tradition, Midrash, Mishnah, and the two Talmuds. The massacres of
Jewish communities in northern Europe during the First Crusade led to the emergence of Hassidei Ashkenaz, the German-Jewish pietists… The greatest catastrophe of all led to the greatest rebirth: a mere three years after standing eyeball to eyeball with the angel of death at Auschwitz, Bergen Belsen, and Treblinka, the Jewish people responded by their greatest collective affirmation of life in two thousand years, with the proclamation of the state of Israel. … Jews [do not] give way to defeat or despair. They are the people of hope.”
“The word for crisis (in Hebrew), mashber, also means a ‘childbirth chair’. The Jewish reflex is to see difficult times as birth pangs. Something new is being born.”
“We cannot change the past, but by remembering the past we can change the future. And though we cannot bring the dead back to life, we can help ensure that they did not die in vain.”
I was privileged to curate the booklet,
“To Be a Jew: Faith and Hope in Challenging Times,” that contains selected passages from the writings of Rabbi Sacks on how to maintain hope and confront evil, interwoven with inspirational stories from Israel and the Jewish world.
It is available free of charge. On this significant day, I invite you to download this booklet, read it, and share its profound wisdom with others: SivanRahavMeir.com/to-be-a-jew
I dedicate these words in memory of the fallen, the healing of the wounded, the safe return of the hostages, for victory in war and positive news for the Jewish people in every area. May we merit, with G-d’s help, to heal our broken hearts. n
Meir at
First tefillin of the year in Gaza with Yakir Asraf
Continued from Front Cover
The day formerly known as Simchat Torah 2023 will now forever be associated with that wanton attack, the day we were reminded that the struggles our grandparents dealt with in the Holocaust are still struggles we must deal with today.
Antisemitism, hatred, and a general revulsion toward Jewish people based solely on their Jewishness might be something we thought no longer existed in 2024, but here we are, still fighting for our right to exist. Still fighting for the right to practice our religion freely in the country that’s been our ancestral homeland for thousands of years.
We are still fighting to free the hostages while the world cries for ceasefire. We see the freed hostages still dealing with the trauma and the fear of a recurrence, which will no doubt haunt them for the rest of their days.
As someone who was born and raised in New York, I cannot deny that tinge of envy I immediately felt after October 7, when soldiers and reservists were called back to their posts. When swarms of fathers, sons, husbands, and even Americans living abroad who haven’t served in years ran to defend their land without hesitation.
I know now from my comfortable enclave in America, with no direct threat to my life, that I will never feel for my birthplace the way they feel about Israel.
In the darkest of days after 10-7, seeing that solidarity and love for a land has given me hope that we will be victorious over the evil forces of a brainwashed people who were born to hate us.
Social media has been a double-edged sword over the last year, with every encouraging message of hope and love towards our people being met with an endless amount of vitriol, many of it being the type of baseless hatred that is a result of complete ignorance.
There are echoes of what my grandmother’s family must have seen before the Holocaust, one day living among their neighbors and the next, her entire family murdered while she spent the next five years hiding in cellars and running through forests in a desperate attempt to save her life.
That type of experience never leaves a person, and for the remainder of her 93 years, I doubt she ever really trusted humanity again. There’s no going back from a place where you see how people truly feel, regardless of their reasons. It’s something I’m sure a lot of us struggle with, the idea that others can discriminate based on our religion, and although it comes with a healthy portion of self-consciousness, I think it’s better to know than to think we’re on level ground with those who have no tolerance for people and religions that are different. And although this experience has exposed a type of sadness and pain that many of us have never witnessed before,
I also see a strong resilience among our people, and it has brought us together in ways I’ve never seen before.
We are no longer categorized by our level of observance because that doesn’t
levels of observance.
We lead our lives with light and love, we celebrate holidays with their special customs, the foods we cherish, and the traditions we have upheld for thou-
This year on Simchat Torah, we need to celebrate the day regardless of what our enemies tried to accomplish last year.
matter and it never has.
We are one people who may do things with various levels of observance, but we were all born as Jews. We are meant to be unified, not isolated based on our
sands of years, teaching our future generations to be proud of where they come from and celebrate it, not hide it.
The beauty of Judaism won’t be dulled by the ignorance, prejudice, and
misunderstanding of others.
This year on Simchat Torah, we need to celebrate the day regardless of what our enemies tried to accomplish last year. We need to celebrate our traditions and embrace our fellow Jews, regardless of their level of observance. And above all, we need to give thanks to Hashem for sustaining us and enabling us to reach this occasion.
Am Yisrael Chai n
our archive section and find any issue of the 5 Towns Jewish Times online @ www.5TJT.com
Malkie Gordon Hirsch Magence is a native of the Five Towns community, a mom of 5, a writer, and a social media influencer.
NEWS FROM THE HILLS
By Chanita Teitz
Did you hear the boom? That’s the sound we heard as a missile was being detonated last Thursday night, during the week before Rosh Hashanah here in Yerushalayim. At about 1 a.m., I heard a boom, but in my sleepy state I didn’t realize what it was. The next morning speaking to my neighbor across the hall, she told me it was a missile shot from the Houthis in Yemen towards the center of the country. Here in Yerushalayim, baruch Hashem, we didn’t get the initial sirens, just the booms when the job was done. And on Shabbos afternoon we heard several booms as well as the news of the strike on Nasrallah and his inner circle.
On Shabbos morning at our seudah, I
asked my grandchildren what berachah or tefillah inspires them and then I told them that when I say Birchot Hashachar, the berachah of “Ozer Yisrael b’gevurah” speaks to me. Hashem blesses Klal Yisrael and the army of Israel with a special strength to protect us. Not only strength, but also the knowledge, the chochmah, to figure out the best strategies and how to implement them.
Netanyahu was criticized by some for attending the UN conference, leaving the country at a time of war, but we didn’t know then that this was exactly the plan to get Nasrallah distracted as he and his cronies ended their lives watching Netanyahu’s speech to the UN. What a plan!
My brothers who live up North spent time last week in their shelters, while we in Yerushalayim slept in our own beds, went shopping, to school and to work—business as usual. But this week on Tuesday, things changed, and 200 missiles were launched by Iran throughout Israel including over Yerushalayim. My son saw the missiles in the air. We went down with all our neighbors to the bomb shelter and waited out the three different groups of missiles. Each time we heard a siren followed by a boom but were told by radio communication to remain in the shelter. Another siren, boom, wait, another siren, and boom. This went on for about forty-five minutes.
It’s hard to sleep with your ears tuned in to the possibility of a siren. I prepared a robe, a snood, my slippers, a sweater, and my phone fully charged just in case we have to run down in the middle of the night. Baruch Hashem, it was quiet over Rosh Hashanah here in Yerushalayim. But fighting up North and in Gaza continued. The IDF has been targeting the
right people and getting each one. In this abnormal time, words from our tefillos jump out at me reminding me that the words we say are centuries old, yet they apply as much to us today, especially in this time of war, as they did in past centuries.
I wish all my readers an easy and meaningful fast and a gmar chasima tovah.
YCQ Marks October 7
YCQ powerfully and poignantly commemorated the first anniversary of October 7 with age-appropriate and meaningful programming.
The Junior High School gathered for a special tekes and kumzitz in the shul. With the lights dimmed, surrounded with yahrzeit candles, students sat in circles and came together to reflect and daven. Rabbi Landsman opened the ceremony by relaying an unbelievable message of gevurah from Rabbi Shmuel Slotki, someone who tragically lost two of sons, Noam and Yishai, defending Kibbutz Alumim on that day.
Interspersed between stories their classmates told about the unimaginably brave heroes from 10/7 and beyond, students sang their hearts out to various songs and tefilot, including “Acheinu” and the Mi Sheberach for the IDF.
Upstairs in their classrooms, the fourth- and fifth-grade students participated in a “United in Tefilah” Zoom program with 20 other schools and close to 3,000 yeshiva students from around the country. They sang together, recited Tehilim, and heard words of chizuk
Both ceremonies were extremely powerful and truly left a lasting impression on all those who participated.
Both Congressman Meeks, Ranking
YCQ commemorates October 7
(L-R) Congressman Gregory Meeks; Aaron Cyperstein, president, Chaverim of Queens; and Congresswoman Grace Meng
Sara’s Tent Market - 3565 NE 207th Street, Aventura
Grove Boca Raton - 22191 Powerline Road, Boca Raton
Aroma Boca - 9200 Glades Road, Boca Raton
Grove Hollywood - 2889 Stirling Road, Fort Lauderdale
Kosher Central - 5650 Stiriling Road, Hollywood
Kastner’s Market - 700 41st Street, Miami Beach
Kosher Price - 460 W 41st Street, Miami Beach
Yes - 555 Arthur Goldfrey Road, Miami Beach
Citrus - 1850 NE 164th Street, North Miami Beach
Grove Surfside - 9467 Harding Avenue, Surfside
Continued from Page 118
Member Foreign Affairs, and Congresswoman Grace Meng, Appropriations Committee, are strong supporters of Israel.
October 7 Memorial in Forest Hills
(L-R) Aaron Cyperstein, managing director at Met Council; and President of Chaverim of Queens; Councilwoman Linda Lee; Councilwoman Lynn Schulman; Congresswoman Grace Meng; Rabbi Avrohom Hecht, executive director of Project Lead; Rabbi Daniel Pollack, special advisor and community liaison to Congresswoman Meng
At the October 7 memorial in Forest Hills the elected leaders praised Met Council for its services that they provide to the food insecure and neediest and how Met Council assists organizations like Project Lead. All three elected leaders ended their speech with “the need to eliminate Hamas and bring home the hostages.” Meng mentioned the Americans that are still hostages.
Upcoming Event
YCQ Open House, Sunday, November 3 at 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. RSVP required at ycqweb.com/openhouse
Chanita Teitz is a real-estate broker at Astor Brokerage in Kew Gardens Hills, serving the entire Queens vicinity. For all your real-estate needs, call her at 718-263-4500 or e-mail chanita@astorbrokerage.com. Read more of Chanita Teitz’s articles at 5TJT.com.
ONE YEAR LATER
Continued from Front Cover
going to write about something different in my weekly column, but the more I thought about it, the more I saw a clear connection between October 7 and the Holocaust, which I wanted to share with you.
In America the date of October 7 is written 10/7. In Israel, they use the European system of putting the day ahead of the month, and so it is rendered 7/10. In the aftermath of 9/11, there were a number of analyses as to why Osama Bin Laden masterminded his evil plot for that day. One reason given was that 9/11 is the phone number one dials in an emergency situation. It demonstrates that our enemies are extremely meticulous in devising their evil plots against us, and we need to be similarly reflective when it comes to our response to them. There is a famous convenience store that people visit at all hours which is called 7/11. In fact, not too long ago, a
number of these stores opened across Israel. 7/11 got its name as a result of its hours, which were initially 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. However, for as long as I can remember the 7/11 was open twenty-four hours, seven days a week, and that is how they are known: always open and always reliable to provide whatever snack we are craving any time of day or night.
The day our enemies chose to unleash this horror was 7/10, which is one number short of 7/11. This means, in a spiritual sense, that we were perhaps wanting in our dedication and service to Hashem, which may have initially contributed to the success of their plot to sow chaos and horror, atrocities that will be seared in our minds forever. It wasn’t a regular October 7 when these events occurred. The day fell on Simchat Torah, the day on which we rejoice upon completing the annual cycle of Torah readings with Parashat V’Zot HaBerachah and begin again with Bereishis. The idea of beginning again upon completion is to blur the lines between start and finish, to symbolize that the Torah is an endless cycle with no beginning or end, an infinite loop. As long as G-d gives us life, we should look upon it as an opportunity to add light to the world with the awareness that if we don’t constantly add light, that vacuum will be filled with darkness.
One of the ideas in our modern society that has become prevalent is the notion of retirement. People work hard for a number of years and look forward to a time when they can live a more relaxed and pressure-free life. Depending on how much wealth they have acquired, they buy homes in Florida and Eretz Yisrael, and fly from one to the other until they simply can’t anymore. But aging is a natural part of life. Each creature wanes from the moment of its birth. However, there is a Peter Pan syndrome that resists “growing up” and aging gracefully. They wish to continually project a younger appearance rather than embracing their senior years with grace. There is a slew of aesthetic procedures that people routinely avail themselves of to continue to project a youthful appearance even as their physical vigor dissipates.
Aging was introduced to the world in the days of our forefather Jacob in order to give people the opportunity to appreciate the tenuousness of life and to be able to work towards fulfilling their mission in this world before their allotted time is up. In the days of Avraham and Yitzchak, there were no physical signs of aging, not even white hairs, and it was impossible for a person to project that their time on this earth was nearing its end. So, while the physical signs of aging were introduced as a kindness for people to lead introspective and meaningful lives while fulfilling their G-d-given mission, G-d grants added strength, vigor, and youthfulness to those who live their lives to the fullest. The Gemara states: The elders of all the nations grow
impatient and become increasingly irritable with age while the senior Torah scholars become increasingly settled. The verse states: “Those who hope towards G-d experience restored vigor and grow wings to figuratively run without tiring.”
The reality is that while people seek to diminish the physical signs of aging, they are at the same time allowing their Avodah to diminish. The lesson of 7/10 is that our Avodas Hashem is supposed to mimic the constancy of the 7/11 convenience store and not expire by a certain date while we continue to pamper ourselves materially, focusing on maintaining our youthfulness while turning a blind eye toward maintaining and growing our relationship with G-d.
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov famously quipped: “I don’t want old Chassidim.” He meant that he wasn’t against his Chassidim aging, he was cautioning against Chassidim who lived with an old mindset.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe zt’l was interviewed by the NY Times on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday. When the interviewer asked him: “What message do you want to impart to the world in honor of your ninetieth birthday?” The Rebbe said that the letter in the Hebrew alphabet that corresponds to the number ninety is the letter tzaddik which means righteousness. The message is that although people who reach the age of ninety think they have the right to
slow down a little, the Torah teaches us to grow in righteousness even at that advanced age. Hence, old age should be no hindrance to growth and piety. We read last week that G-d’s eyes are upon the land from the beginning of the year until the end of the year. One of the way’s G-d in His most transcendent levels is referred to is as atik yomin, ancient of days. We have a mitzvah to emulate Hashem. If Hashem, thousands of years later, continues to do His part to watch over us, we must also continue to serve Him faithfully, emulating our Guardian who neither slumbers nor sleeps. And we are obligated to perform this selfless act regardless of the year on our birth certificate. As King David states in Psalm 92, “[The righteous] will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘Hashem is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” G’mar Chatima Tova to all. n
BAGEL STORE
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kah.” So, when the phone rings and the name “Sukkah” appears, usually in mid-August, I know exactly who it is and what the call is about.
And this is not just about that first summer call. This is about the many times the young Litton men call me to make sure I understand the unique nature of their sukkah from their original design and the manufacturing process, to the beautiful way their sukkah graces so many homes around the country.
So, last week Steven called me around 7 a.m., which is like midday for me most days, and he asks me if I have the time to discuss this article with him, but before I can commit, I ask him where he is and he tells me he’s heading south on the NJ Turnpike to Toms River, N.J. You know, that little suburb of Lakewood.
So, while he and his brother Jonathan are the creators of the great Litton Sukkahs, a large part of their job is figuring out how to reach all the Jewish communities during the course of a brief season, to sell and build sukkahs to enhance people’s holidays.
So, I say to Steven as he’s driving, “Are you telling me that you’re going all the way to Toms River to build just one sukkah?” “No, no,” he says, and then he explains that on the day we spoke, which I believe was erev Rosh Hashanah, he and his team were scheduled to assemble no
less than eight sukkahs
There are many unique aspects to the exquisite Litton Sukkahs. Of course, one of them is the smooth and sleek look, the great variety of colors, and the acrylic Sunbrella® fabric that won’t rip, stain, fade, or mold, and keeps the heat to a minimum, which is especially important if you’re sitting in a Litton Sukkah in South Florida.
A few years ago, our nephew in Chicago, Michy Nudel, decided that he’d like to grace his home for yom tov with a great-looking Litton Sukkah. He called Steven and Jonathan, but they said they needed several people in the community to purchase a sukkah if they were going to set aside a few days to travel to Chicago with their construction crews to put up sukkahs
It wasn’t long for Michy to put together about a half dozen families, and a few days later, the Littons were there to make it happen. And the same is true of other communities around the U.S., and especially at community centers, shuls and in some cases, office buildings.
The Litton Sukkahs are durable and quickly become part of the landscape and background. While the sukkah might be a status symbol of sorts, it is also an investment for life because a Litton Sukkah lasts and can literally be passed down from generation to generation.
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With all the talk lately of challenging weather around the country, especially in Florida, it’s important to note that the Litton Sukkah is built to stand firm through all kinds of weather, and if you are experiencing excessively rainy weather over yom tov, it’s important to note the sukkah dries quickly.
The Litton Sukkah is a work of art—and it can be your piece of art, this year and every year, if you want. n
Read more of Larry Gordon’s articles at 5TJT.com. Follow 5 Towns Jewish Times on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and live videos. Comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome at 5TJT.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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We said Selichos and recited the liturgy of Hataras Nedarim (Annulment of Vows), which cancels any vows or oaths we may have inadvertently uttered in the last year, then we did some last-minute food shopping and that was it.
And then I discovered that in the aftermath of the Iranian attack, which saw some 200 ballistic missiles launched at Israeli population centers, that the assault was a complete failure. And then I came across a transmission online of an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The session was called by France, one of the key members of the Security Council that shares veto power of resolutions along with the United States, Russia, China, and England. It’s been a long time since I paid any attention to a Security Council meeting, possibly decades.
Since that Friday session and Israel’s determined efforts to prevent Hezbollah and their terrorists from targeting Israel with their significant stockpile of missiles, French President
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Emmanuel Macron called for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel.
Today the UN, with all its blowhard rhetoric and verbal bluster, is in serious need of reform. Their “resolutions” achieve close to zero and are not taken seriously on any level. Pro-Israel sentiment has long been in short supply, and last year, the General Assembly condemned Israel 14 times with 14 separate resolutions, doing everything possible to protect Hamas from the consequences of their barbaric acts and atrocities.
At the same time, however, after decades of not paying any serious attention to the process, I had the opportunity
to watch the proceedings live online, which gave me a sense of where so many countries stand concerning the ongoing military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and against terror groups like the Houthis and the terror-supporting government of Iran.
Aside from the five permanent members of the Council, the other ten countries rotate their participation on a monthly basis. Some of the countries have the diplomatic impact of a feather falling from the top of the Empire State Building. Still, they all had an equal time to speak before the world body and anyone else who cared to listen, such as myself.
Except for the United States and Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, just about every country’s representative to the Security Council had something critical to say about Israel and its current military operations taking place on several fronts.
The countries that were most critical also shared the distinction of being the most inconsequential on the world stage. For example, the ambassadors of Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Algeria had no compunction about ridiculing and denigrating Israel, with no thought to the victims of 10-7.
There were also remarks by representatives of Russia, China, Japan, France, and a few others. It was only the U.S. Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield (apart from Ambassador Danon), who was able to state the facts of what was at stake here with no obfuscation.
The American Ambassador stated the case clearly and succinctly, that Iran is a terror state that supports terror proxies in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Gaza, amongst others. And the only reason
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Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, spoke before the General Assembly ahead of the vote on the Palestinian resolution, September 17, 2024
Photos by the Danny Danon YouTube Channel
FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP MARKS OCT. 7 WITH PRAYER VISIT TO OHEL IN NEW YORK
(Chabad.org/News)—Marking one year since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel, former president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump paid a personal prayer visit on Monday afternoon to the Ohel in Queens, N.Y., the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
Millions of people send written prayers via email and snail mail to the Ohel, while some 400,000 make pilgrimages there every year. Located at the Old Montefiore Cemetery, the Ohel is open 24/7 and has long been a place for reflection for private citizens and world leaders alike, for Jews and non-Jews, each coming to the holy site to pray, seek inspiration and find solace.
Trump was welcomed by Rabbi Abba Refson, director of the visitor’s center at the Ohel, and Rabbi Motti Seligson, a spokesman for Chabad-Lubavitch. Also present were families of hostages still being held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip; Jerry Wartski, a survivor of the Auschwitz death camp; Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement; and Rabbi Levi Shemtov, director of American Friends of Lubavitch in Washington, D.C., among others.
On his way into the Ohel, Trump placed a few coins into the large tzedakah box near the entrance in keeping with Jewish tradition to increase charitable giving at this time of year.
The Rebbe’s Ohel is the most visited Jewish holy site in North America, drawing people from all walks of life in a way similar only to the Western Wall in Israel. It is common for people to visit the Ohel to pray in proximity to a personal or professional milestone—whether a bar or bat mitzvah, wedding, anniversary, starting a new business, or overcoming personal challenges. Indeed, the former president has survived two assassina-
tion attempts over the last few months.
In many ways, Trump’s visit is the continuation of a family tradition: Before both presidential elections, his daughter, Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, paid late-night, media-free visits to the Ohel.
The Rebbe has been honored by every U.S. president since Jimmy Carter, who in 1978 began the tradition of proclaiming the Rebbe’s birthday as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. In 1994, the Rebbe was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his “extraordinary life and work.”
The Rebbe was born in 1902 in what is today Ukraine, arriving in the United States in 1941 after escaping from Nazi-occupied Europe. A decade later, following the passing of his father-inlaw and predecessor the Sixth Rebbe— Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn—he assumed leadership of the worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch movement.
Far from focusing only on the revival of the Jewish people, the Rebbe turned his gaze outward to the world at large, emphasizing a universal vision for a better world. He spoke of the goodness inherent within all of humankind and the infinite potential of every individual and each good deed. He believed in the fundamental need to nurture this good within man via a moral and ethical education, especially among children, who must be impressed upon from the youngest age that it is within their capacity to change the world for the better.
Throughout his lifetime, the Rebbe expended thousands of hours meeting and corresponding with people from all walks of life, among them rabbis, statesmen, and laypeople; Jews and non-Jews; Presidents Carter and Ronald Reagan; New York Rep. Shirley Chisholm; and New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. n
At the Ohel this week for Trump visit
Donald Trump with Jerry Wartski at the Ohel
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why Iran can finance all this terror is because the Biden administration has allowed them to sell their oil and realize hundreds of billions of dollars of profits.
Countries like Mozambique and Algeria, who are afraid of Iran, operate on the assumption that it is more prudent to condemn the Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon rather than the Iranian-backed Hezbollah missile attacks on population centers in Israel. After all, Israel is not going to exact any type of revenge against them.
The Ambassador of Algeria talked about the Israeli hostages in Gaza and Arab prisoners in Israeli jails as if there was some kind of moral equivalence between them. Not one person on the entire Security Council objected to the absurd parallel between Israeli citizens that were kidnapped on October 7th and Arab murderers who are now serving justifiably long prison sentences.
To countries like Algeria and their diplomats at the UN, there really is no difference between the two. In fact, most countries perceive a “parity” between Israeli civilians held by Hamas and the thousands of Palestinian terrorists imprisoned in Israel.
A few decades ago, from 1996 to 2006, the Secretary-General of the UN was a diplomat from Ghana named Kofi Annan. Like most of the Secretary-Generals of the UN dating back to Kurt Waldheim from Austria, who was later found to have Nazi ties, the overwhelming majority of member states of the UN have been against Israel in some shape or form.
In fact, to this day, there are more resolutions condemning Israel at the UN than there are resolutions condemning all the other member states combined. But during his tenure as Secretary-General, Mr. Annan was quoted as saying “Is it possible for so many countries to be wrong and just Israel and a few of her allies are right?”
But what is taking place today is not the usual deliberations of UN members, whose activities usually amount to much ado about nothing.
As we observe the one-year anniversary of the attacks on southern Israel this yom tov , we recall a historical moment that occurred in spite of the paper pushers at the UN. On November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly voted on Resolution 181 to partition the British Mandate into two states, one Jewish and one Arab. Thinking back on that historical vote, we see now how it was nothing short of a miracle that the majority of the member states voted in favor of a Jewish state of Israel.
Of course, the UN was much smaller then, but today, with 193 or more member states, how do you think a vote like that would turn out?
We all know, and it is particularly at
this time of year when we focus on our relationship with G-d and His role in
tinues to sustain us throughout these lengthy battles.
Not one person on the entire Security Council objected to the absurd parallel between Israeli citizens that were kidnapped on October 7th and Arab murderers who are now serving justifiably long prison sentences.
the existence of the State of Israel and the Jewish people, and how He con-
This much I know: even while Israel is battling seven countries and ter-
rorist entities simultaneously, it was nearly impossible to book a seat on one of the El Al flights leaving for Israel before the start of the Sukkos holiday.
In fact, I should add that I moved some dates around so I could spend part of Chanukah in Israel this year around the time of my father’s yahrzeit , as some readers are aware. This year, Chanukah coincides with the non-Jewish holidays at the end of December. As far as booking with El Al is concerned, most of the flights are already sold out.
Most UN countries and our State Department are warning their citizens not to travel to Israel. But we hear a different drummer, or is that a 787 Dreamliner we hear flying overhead to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv? n
Read more of Larry Gordon’s articles at 5TJT.com. Follow 5 Towns Jewish Times on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and live videos. Comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome at 5TJT.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
