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Beyond the Headlines
A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news
In Memory
of Zvi Kogan Hy”d
Chabad emissary, Rabbi Tzvi Kogan Hy”d, was murdered in the Emirates. Videos circulating all over the media show him helping a fellow Jew put on tefillin, warmly embracing another Jewish person – and all with a bright smile.
Rabbi Kogan did so many good deeds and mitzvahs; the video shows just one minute of a life that was tragically cut short. Lets add more mitzvahs to fill this great void.
By Sivan Rahav Meir
The dedicated activity of Kogan and of his fellow Chabad shluchim in the UAE is an expression of Jewish pride and of our connection to our traditions. Our Jewish identity is the basis for the trust and mutual admiration between our two nations. It is this mutual respect that our enemies seek to destroy.
Our peace treaty is called the Abraham Accords after Avraham Avinu, the founder of our nation, whose teachings are a source of inspiration and blessing for the entire world.
Whoever is on our side is blessed and will ultimately emerge victorious. As we read in the Torah portion two weeks ago, God said to Avraham: “And you shall be a blessing. I will bless
those who bless you, and curse the one who curses you. And all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you.”
A Special Brit Milah
On Simchat Torah, a brave officer who dashed off to rescue his Jewish brothers and sisters in Kibbutz Nir Oz arrived too late to save the Kedem family.
This week, the officer (whose name can’t share due to his position in the IDF), celebrated the brit milah of his newborn son. He named the baby Kedem Tzuri, in memory of the family that perished at the hands of the Hamas terrorists.
Here is what the father wrote: “On Oct. 7 we broke into the houses in Kibbutz Nir Oz, but sadly, there were many we could not rescue. The first house we entered was that of the KedemSiman Tov family. Five pure souls were blotted out — an entire family was lost to our people.
“Now with the birth and naming of my son, I feel that I personally have come full circle.
Kedem [east, in Hebrew] Tzuri [my rock or my God, in Hebrew] will forever fix his gaze towards the light that illuminates the skies each morning from the east, perpetuating the Kedem family name.”
Continued on page 14
Zvi Kogan, Hyd
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Continued from page 12
A Sefer Torah Restored in Memory of Keshet Casarotti
Keshet Casarotti became one of the symbols of the Nova Festival. This is what his mother, Natalia, wrote to me:
“What does a left-wing kibbutznik like me have to do with a Torah dedication ceremony? It’s because of my son, Keshet. Keshet drew closer to Judaism during the last two years of his life. He put on tefillin, memorized the ten psalms of the Tikkun Klali, and tried to observe Shabbat.
“On the evening of Simchat Torah, October 6, 2023, Keshet danced in the streets of Tel Aviv,
holding the Torah scroll from the Bnei David shul. Everyone who saw him that evening spoke of the light radiating from his face, the immense joy he exuded. Later on, Keshet went to the Nova Festival with Shani Louk, Orion Hernandez, and other friends. They never returned.
“Over the past year, I’ve done various things in Keshet’s memory. Although I am staunchly secular, over the past year, I found myself lighting Shabbat candles, fasting on Yom Kippur for the first time in my life, and, most significantly, taking part in a project that takes damaged or invalid Torah scrolls, and repairs and restores
them, giving them new life.
“I connected with this project primarily from an ecological and ideological perspective— nothing is discarded; everything is repurposed. A Torah scroll that has lived a full life, served a community faithfully for decades, is renewed and brought to a new home.
This project is open to other bereaved families interested in this kind of commemoration.
“The cover for the Torah scroll is made of embroidered squares that I, along with an incredible group of women, sewed together in memory of Keshet. The wood for the atzei chayim comes from trees burned on the morning of
Continued on page 16
!(L) The Kedem family and (R) newborn baby Kedem Tzuri
Continued from page 14
October 7 in the Gaza-border communities.
“So much symbolism, so much continuity; so much life within — and despite — the death.
“This week, the Torah scroll will be brought to the same synagogue in Tel Aviv where Keshet danced on Simchat
Torah. I’ve never been to a Torah dedication ceremony before. From all the preparations, I understand it’s a big event. The journey I’ve gone through from the moment I chose to take part in this project until its completion has brought me closer to Keshet, and, in some way, also closer to my roots and to Judaism.
“Dear God, if I’m already
drawing closer, please, send our people home! Release the hostages now, protect the soldiers, return everyone to their families — and make peace among us!”
Translated by Yehoshua Siskin, Janine Muller Sherr Want to read more by Sivan Rahav Meir? Google The Daily Thought or visit sivanrahavmeir.com
!(L) Keshet Casarotti (R) invitation to the hachnasat sefer Torah
Iron Bond: Courage, Sacrifice, and Brotherhood in Beit Lahiya
A continuous story about unit 551
After the fierce battle of Beit Hanoun, the 551st Brigade shifted its operations to the Beit Lahiya area under Division 162. In the early days of combat, intense face-to-face clashes characterized the fighting.
“Our story begins during a day of battle,” recounted Yoav, a medic in the brigade. “After we arrived at a safe house (migenan), we were informed about a group of terrorists just a few hundred meters away.”
The migenan, our home base set up in a house or apartment as a temporary shelter, was where the team maintained a routine during combat:
securing the area, launching operations, eating, and resting.
Upon receiving the information about the nearby terrorist cell, the team mobilized with a tank and the company commander’s command post.
Yoav described the moment the situation escalated:
“Yoni, the machine gunner, shouted that he saw the group entering a house. Gunfire erupted. I was positioned at the back with Zvika, carrying an anti-tank missile. The commander ordered me to fire at the house. I moved forward and launched the missile. The team flanked the house from
the left and began entering while Zvika and I provided cover from outside. Suddenly, there was an explosion. I was thrown into the air, landing on the ground, trying to grasp what had just happened.”
Yoav, disoriented and surrounded by smoke, tried to assess his injuries. “I looked at my leg and realized it was gone,” he said. Nearby, Zvika was also wounded. The team quickly evacuated both of them, administering life-saving treatment on the spot. Minutes later, they discovered that the fire directed at them had come
Continued on page 20
COMMUNITY
Continued from page 18
from an IDF helicopter that had mistakenly identified them as the Hamas terrorist.
Dilemma in the Air
Both Yoav and Zvika were rushed to a helicopter evacuation point and flown toward Sheba Medical Center. Mid-flight, the doctor realized that the more distant Tel HaShomer hospital could cost them precious time. In a lifesaving decision, he instructed the pilot to divert to Assuta Hospital in Ashdod, which was much closer.
The 669 evacuation doctor later visited Yoav in the hospital and recounted the dire situation: “Yoav was between life and death. Without the decision to stop at Assuta, I don’t know if he would be alive today.”
The Iron Bond
Yoav and Zvika shared an “iron bond”, a military term describing two soldiers who operate as an inseparable pair. Always together, they watched over each other in every mission, forming a connection akin to brotherhood—almost like family. As the rear guard of their unit, their partnership was forged through years of shared service and trust.
Zvika’s wife, Talia Lavi, shared: “Throughout his three weeks in the hospital, I knew he would survive the injury, but, unfortunately, the infection took him from us.” On December 11, 2023, Zvika Lavi passed away at the age of 30.
A Legacy of Resilience
Today, Yoav continues his rehabilitation journey and has also begun his studies as a student. Months after the incident, he rejoined his battalion for a significant operation in Metula, near Israel’s northern border, participating from the command center. “It felt like a small victory,” Yoav shared, “the ability to contribute and be part of the mission again.”
Despite coming from different worlds—Zvika, a religious man from the Hebron area, and Yoav, a more secular personality—their friendship transcended societal divides. “We bridged gaps that often divide society,” Yoav reflected. Their connection persisted even after the helicopter evacuation. Both were placed in Assuta Hospital’s intensive care unit, undergoing surgeries and rehabilitation together. While Yoav began recovering, Zvika fought a severe infection likely contracted in Gaza.
COURSESBEGINTHISWEEK!
REBBETZIN T. TUKACHINSKY
Abigail’s Journey: A Story of Survival, Resilience, and Hope
The sirens blared early that morning, jarring Liz Hirsh Naftali awake in her hotel room in Tel Aviv. It was October 7, 2023, and Liz, who was visiting her daughter in Israel, was no stranger to these warning sounds. She quickly moved to the stairwell—the designated safe space for the hotel— joining other guests as they tried to make sense of the chaos. With each subsequent alarm, a gnawing fear settled in her stomach. Something was very wrong along the Gaza border.
Liz frantically tried to call her family on Kibbutz Kfar Aza - her sister-in-law and her niece Smadar, and Smadar’s husband
Roee. They had three children, including Abigail, a brighteyed three-year-old. But no one answered. As the hours dragged on, Liz’s worst fears became a reality. The news broke later that day: Hamas terrorists had attacked the kibbutz, and Smadar and Roei had been murdered in front of their children. Abigail, covered in her father’s blood, had somehow survived and made her way to a neighbor’s house. It was a day of unimaginable horror.
The days that followed were filled with unbearable uncertainty. Abigail had disappeared, and no one knew where she was. The only
information they had was that she had ended up with a neighbor named Avihai, whose family had also been captured by Hamas. They were all taken to Gaza. The silence that followed was torturous. No confirmation of life. No news. Just the gnawing fear that the chances of Abigail’s survival were slim. Still, Liz held onto hope—however fragile it was.
Abigail was an AmericanIsraeli, and Liz wasted no time reaching out for help. She contacted everyone she could think of to get Abigail’s name on the list of American hostages. Continued on page 24
Continued from page 22
Soon, the U.S. State Department and the office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) were involved. Liz found herself in meetings with President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Unlike many other hostage scenarios, this one had the full attention of the U.S. government. It wasn’t just a bureaucratic effort—there was a real sense of humanity and urgency.
Weeks turned into a grueling marathon of hope and despair. Liz wrote about these moments in her book, Saving Abigail. She described how the government officials assured her and the other hostage families that they were in it for the long haul. It wasn’t going to be a sprint— the path to bring Abigail home was going to take time. But they never gave up, and neither did Liz. She found strength in the community of hostage families who were also enduring the same pain. They met regularly, shared updates, and lifted each other’s spirits when it felt like the weight of the uncertainty would crush them.
Then, finally, after 51 days of waiting, the call came. Abigail had been released. Liz remembers being glued to multiple news channels, her heart pounding, waiting for any hint of news. When President Biden called her personally
to say, “Abigail is released and back in Israel,” it was as though time stopped. Tears streamed down her face as she watched the first images of Abigail—frail, covered in dirt, and yet, impossibly brave— being embraced by her aunt and grandmother. Abigail had turned four during her captivity, a heartbreaking milestone spent in the darkness of uncertainty. But now, she was free.
The first time Liz saw Abigail was a mix of relief, grief, and awe. Abigail was weak and fragile—having survived on just a piece of pita bread a day while in captivity—but there was a light in her eyes that defied everything she had been through. A week later, Liz held her in her arms, feeling as if she was holding a miracle.
Continued on page 26
Continued from page 24
The timing of Abigail’s release coincided with Hanukkah, and Liz tried her best to bring some sense of normalcy to the little girl who had been through so much. They decorated suvganiot, lit the menorah, and sang songs, trying to bring some light into the darkness that still lingered.
Today, Abigail is surrounded by family—her aunt, uncle, cousins and siblings, Amalia and Michael. They are all trying to heal, to live, and to move forward. The children have been through unimaginable trauma—Amalia and Michael were alone in a closet for 14 hours after witnessing their parents’ murder. But they are resilient. They are back in
school, they laugh, they play, and they are learning how to be children again. There are still fears—like the time Abigail asked if the terrorists would find her in the bomb shelter— but they are finding ways to live with those fears and not be defined by them.
For Liz and the other hostage families, the struggle is far from over. There are still over 100 people - seven who are Americans - held captive in Gaza, and the waiting continues for those families. They have formed a close-knit community, one bound by pain and hope. They meet, they share, and they support each other through the darkest of times. Liz knows that their stories must be shared. The world needs to remember what happened on October 7
and what continues to happen. These are not just numbers or statistics; these are people— children, parents, friends— each with their own stories of courage, pain, and survival.
As Liz says, “To save one life is to save a universe.” Abigail’s story is a testament to that belief. It is a story of survival, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. And as long as there are still hostages waiting to come home, Liz and her community will not stop fighting. They will continue to share these stories, to push for action, and to ensure that the world never forgets the cost of this conflict. They owe it to Abigail, to her parents, and to all the children in the world who deserve to live without fear—to grow, to learn, and to be free.
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MIAMI KOLLEL DINNER
MIAMI KOLLEL DINNER
KATZ YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL
Katz Yeshiva High School Boys Shabbaton
Student Ambassadors at the Katz Yeshiva High School Open House
CHABAD PRESCHOOL
JEWISH PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN
Gan Chabad Preschool children learning how to bake
Jewish Public School children celebrating an Erev Shabbat Party
THE MIZRAHI FAMILY TORAH ACADEMY
MTA middle school “TAP”s into Tefillah!
Ohr HaTorah Yeshiva Middle School wins their first Football game of the season
OHR HATORAH
BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE
Parshas Noach Animal Show
Semichas Chaver with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg on Sunday mornings
Operation Inspiration: That’s Cool
By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
When my wife and I traveled to Israel, we offered to take things for friends and family. People gave us clothing, cookies, and medication. But our daughter who lives there gets a lot more. She gets things like candy, items from Amazon, and American foods she can’t get there (and you have to watch out for Yashan which is a d’oraysa in Eretz Yisrael!)
One thing I did was pack her a bunch of frozen food, things like meats, real beef hot dogs, and other goodies from our freezer. I was using one of those silvery plastic-foil bags that promises to keep foods cold or warm for several hours. I knew the baggage compartment of the plane would be cold, so I only needed the bag to maintain temperatures for the few hours before and after, so its promised three hours would be fine.
Of course, that only works when the bag is properly sealed, so air can’t circulate and affect the temperature of the interior. To ensure proper insulation, the top of the bag has a hard plastic lip, plus a handle of the same white plastic material, formed atop the lip. When
the two sides are snapped together, they form a tight seal which prevents airflow, allowing for the protection of the temperature and the food inside.
My issue, though, was my inability to line up all the plastic snaps and close them. I couldn’t seem to get both sides of the bag to match so I could close it. After struggling for a bit, I finally managed to get the bag properly sealed (and yes, the food arrived frozen in Israel.)
What changed? Instead of trying to line up both sides of the bag and all the snaps at one time, I focused on getting one snap closed; and then an amazing thing happened. When I had snapped one of
the plastic connectors closed, the next one was lined up for closure. Then the next, and the one after it. I didn’t have to get them all lined up. I just had to do one and the rest would fall into place.
What a life lesson! We go through life trying to do everything perfectly. When things don’t work out, we can get frustrated and discouraged. We try to arrange everything to fit into place but when it doesn’t, we can fall apart.
I’m reminded of a story, or moshol, quoted in the name of R’ Yisrael Salanter z”l. A man brought his son a gift. It was a puzzle with a map of the entire globe on it. The man assumed it would be quite challenging for his young son, since he couldn’t possibly know every country.
However, in relatively little time, the boy had completed putting it together. When asked how he did it, the boy replied, “There was a picture of a man on the opposite side. All I had to do was put the man together properly and the whole world was complete.”
COMMUNITY NEWS
R’ Yisrael posited that our jobs are not to correct all the problems in the world. We should focus, instead, on straightening out “the man,” meaning, ourselves, and the rest of the world will fall into place.
Not only that, but this approach works for straightening out ourselves, as well. It isn’t possible for us to be perfect all at once. It’s a process; one that can take our whole lives, and sometimes even more. We may have to rectify numerous midos and behaviors, and getting them all lined up at the same time can be daunting. But the thing you may not realize is that you
don’t have to do it in one shot. Instead, you should work on yourself one step at a time. Find something you can tackle and focus on it. It could be your tefilla: davening with kavana, joy, gratitude, and commitment. It could be your speech, making sure you speak positively and don’t use your words to hurt people or for vulgar purposes.
Maybe you want to become more committed to your Torah study, be it set hours, more indepth, or taking it to heart and putting it into practice. Perhaps you want to improve your interpersonal relationships. Hashem wants us to get along and that is very important.
It could be anything you find that you want to improve. Once you do that, you’ll find it easier to improve on the next thing, and then the next. Just like the snaps on my cooler bag, if we can get one thing done well, it can be our springboard to completeness, and then we, like the silvery bag, can achieve our missions. And if you ask me? I think that’s pretty cool.
Did you enjoy this column? Feedback is welcome and appreciated. E-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com to share your thoughts. You never know when you may be the lamp that enlightens someone else.
From Orlando to a Kosher Wine Haven: Allison Chlimper Culinary Dream
Allison Chlimper never imagined her love for food would lead her to open a kosher wine and tapas restaurant in Miami. Growing up in a small town near Orlando, her journey with food began at just eleven years old, when she enrolled in cooking classes. From there, she was hooked. Through middle and high school, Allison chose culinary arts as her electives, eventually working in various restaurants. She started out as a dishwasher and prep cook before moving up to hosting and bussing tables—getting her first real taste of the restaurant industry. Family outings to upscale restaurants helped her develop an appreciation for fine dining and an understanding of the value of quality food and service.
Despite studying interior design in college, Allison never left the food industry. She waitressed her way through school and managed several restaurants along the way. However, her path changed when she took a Birthright trip to Israel. It was there that Allison found a deeper connection to her Jewish roots, sparking an interest in becoming more observant. When she returned home, she began keeping Shabbat and eating kosher, which was no easy feat for someone with such a deep passion for food. It was particularly challenging in Orlando, where kosher options were scarce.
There were only a handful of choices—a falafel food truck that operated a couple of times a week and her own kitchen. Fortunately, Allison’s cooking background meant she was prepared to take on this challenge.
When Allison later moved to Miami with her husband, she found herself in a more vibrant kosher community. It was there that she returned to a favorite restaurant and applied for a job. She quickly found her place, not only working as a waitress but also getting involved in the business side of things, which reignited her passion for hospitality. During this time, she met the chef who would eventually become her partner in her own restaurant venture. This partner was David Benrey, the owner of Street Kitchen, who shared her vision
for creating an innovative kosher dining experience.
The inspiration for her restaurant began with a simple idea—wine. Allison loved wine, but when she first became kosher, the selection was either poor quality or prohibitively expensive. She dreamed of creating a place where people could come to taste and explore kosher wines without breaking the bank. Her idea started as a wine store, a place for people to talk about wine, learn about it, and discover new favorites. But as she developed the concept, it evolved. She realized that people would want something to eat while tasting wines, so she decided to offer small cheese boards. The idea grew, and soon Allison and her
Continued
Continued from page 40
partner were planning a dairy tapas restaurant that offered a full experience.
Today, Allison’s restaurant is a unique gem in the kosher dining scene. The concept is simple yet transformative—a tapas-style menu where guests can try several small dishes, each paired with a different wine. The idea is to allow people to create their own meal, trying a variety of flavors without feeling overwhelmed. The dishes are creative, like the potato galette—a crispy potato pancake topped with melted Camembert and crème fraîche, with stoneground honey mustard sauce and green apple. It’s all about experimenting with flavors, pairing them with wines, and enjoying the experience.
The restaurant itself is designed to be a comfortable, adult-only environment, with bookcases and soft music to create a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a place where people can enjoy their food without feeling rushed or crowded, a stark contrast to the usual stereotype of kosher dining—which Allison believes often suffers from high prices, mediocre food, and poor service. For her, it was important to break away from this mold and offer something different—a place where the experience is just as important as the food.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. People are excited to see something new, something that challenges the norms of kosher dining. Allison admits there has been a learning curve— the concept of sharing small plates is not as common in the kosher world—but once people understand the idea, they love it. The restaurant has become a place for people to gather, share, and enjoy a variety of dishes together.
of service and atmosphere that makes her restaurant special. It’s not just about the food—it’s about creating an experience that people want to come back to, where they feel valued and cared for.
Beyond just dining in, Allison’s restaurant also functions as a wine store. Guests can come in, try different wines, and take home bottles for Shabbat or any occasion. With over 350 wines to choose from, Allison has created a space where people can explore and discover new flavors at their own pace. The lunch menu, offered from 11 AM to 3 PM, is perfect for business meetings—providing a dignified kosher option that goes beyond the usual pizza or pasta.
Allison has already been approached about expanding her concept to other locations, like Boca Raton, Chicago, and even New York. While she’s intrigued by the idea, she’s also cautious. For her, the quality of the experience is paramount, and she wants to ensure that any expansion would maintain the same level
For Allison, this restaurant is more than just a business—it’s a way to bring people together, to create a space where kosher and non-kosher diners alike can enjoy good food and good company. It’s about changing the narrative of kosher dining, making it accessible, enjoyable, and above all, an experience worth having.
(954) 417-3249
BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE
Big Cypress National Preserve, which protects 729,000 acres of swampland 45 miles west of Downtown Miami, is home to a mix of plant communities that shelter a variety of wildlife, including endangered Florida panthers. Visitors can hike along designated trails or go orienteering through unmarked territory. The seasons play a crucial role in hiking conditions: The most comfortable hiking is found during the dry season. In the rainy season (generally from late May to mid-October), hikers should be prepared to slosh through water that can be waist deep. Guided swamp walks are a popular way for adventurous visitors to explore the preserve; these are generally not offered in the rainy season.
BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK
While 95 percent of Biscayne National Park is under water, this national marine sanctuary offers some of the most unique hiking trails in Miami, mostly on offshore keys accessible only by boat. Explore several locations on the Biscayne Birding Trail, starting at the onshore Dante Fascell Visitor Center, to see native bird species, including yellow-crowned night herons and loggerhead shrikes. If you have access to a boat and can make it to Elliott Key, enjoy a remote hike through a tropical forest on the six-mile Spite Highway trail, which is Biscayne National Parks only true hiking trail.
BILL BAGGS CAPE FLORIDA STATE PARK
Located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a nature lover’s dream. Explore the park’s three-mile Robin’s Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop, which meanders along the mangrove-lined shore and past the historic lighthouse, built in 1825 and rebuilt several times.
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Pumpkin Spice Upside Down Toffee Muffins
By Tamar Genger MA, RD
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease two 12-muffin trays. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, over medium low heat, bring water and dates to a simmer. Continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes, until dates become soft and plump. Strain dates with a mesh strainer. Set aside.
3. Heat the 1 ½ cups whole pecans in a dry, heavy skillet over medium heat, constantly stirring them until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
• Ingredients
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups dates, pitted, coarsely chopped
• 1 ½ cups whole pecans
• 1 cup oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup orange juice
• 4 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)
• ½ teaspoon orange zest
• 2 cups pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice or Jamie Geller Hawaij for Coffee
• 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
Transfer nuts to a plate and allow to cool. Set aside for later.
4. In a large bowl, mix together oil, sugar, juice, eggs, vanilla, and zest. Add in pumpkin and stir to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice. Slowly add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix until well combined. Fold in 2 cups chopped pecans and dates.
6. Pour batter into prepared muffin tins and bake for 20 to 25
minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Let cool for ten minutes.
7. For sauce, combine butter, brown sugar, cream, vanilla, zest, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer then turn the flame down to low and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
8. Once cool enough to handle, coarsely chop toasted nuts.
9. Flip muffins upside down on a plate and top with the toasted nuts followed by the sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Tamar is the Executive Editor of JamieGeller.com. She is the mother of three amazing children, a registered dietitian, nutrition educator, and major foodie!! Always on the search for the best of everything and often found in the kitchen cooking up new healthy foods, Tamar loves to travel with her family and visits kosher restaurants wherever she goes. Although she loves the sights, she spends more time talking about the restaurants and food she ate! As a mom and a nutritionist, Tamar tries to balance her passion for healthy cooking with her insatiable desire for chocolate! Tamar is the mastermind behind Fresh Families, Jamie Geller’s healthy, family-friendly meal plan.
Continued on page 46
South Florida Gemach Directory
SUPPORT GROUPS AND HOTLINES
Chizuk
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Call Sharona at 917-673-6123
Sharsheret Cancer Support
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Shalom Task Force Domestic Abuse Hotline
Call: 888-883-2323
Yacholet-Ikann
Non-profit organization in Hollywood, FL offering financial assistance for mental health services and 100% Kosher therapeutic housing for young Jewish women with trauma and mental health struggles. (786) 992-5036 office@yacholet-ikann.org
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Strictly confidential, MSW with 20 years experience. Call: 845-721-7062
Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services
Free counseling & help for couples struggling w/ infertility.
Jaclyn at jaclynt@ralesjfs.org
Free Challah for needy families for Shabbos.
Call or text: 347-324-4039
Shifra & Puah Meals/Assistance for Postpartum Women
Call Esther: 310-866-8261 or Rabbi Benitah: 718-213-1811
Yetiv Lev Food Assistance
Emergency assistance, visits and meals for new mothers and others
that are sick.
Contact 786-202-3344
Tomchei Shabbos Miami Kosher
Supermarket
Contact Rabbi Mendy Cheruty at 305-219-3353
Tomchei Shabbos of Florida
Contact Dovie Katz at 786-248-1690
The Cupboard, Jewish Family Services: The Dorit & Ben J. Genet (Broward residents only by appointment)
Contact 954-530-7555
Jewish Community Services Food Bank 305-947-8093
Craig’s Pantry 954-648-6359
*The South Florida Community Voice is not responsible for hechsher at pantries. Please verify all food items.
The Community Closet 2636 NE 205th St. Aventura, FL 33180
305-4671928
305-3059222
Helps families cope with all matters related to the care of the deceased: burial, transport, shiva chairs, tables etc.
Call: 305-359-5700 or 305-5908005
MONEY
Free Loan Gemach
No interest small loans
Contact Rina at 347-628-0394
Hebrew Free Loan Association of South Florida
Contact 305-933-1187 or 954-706-6236
Jewish Educational Loan Fund
0% Interest Loans for Higher Education (college, graduate vocational school)
www.jelf.org
Loan Gemach North Miami Beach Florida 33162
305-332-3572
The Helping HandsLending G’mach.
Contact Aharon Greenberg: 305-534-7050 or 768-268-9883
HHLendingGmach@gmail.com.
HOUSEHOLD
Mezuzah Gemach
Mezuzahs available to borrow
Contact Rabbi Yochanan Klein at 305-450-8287
Free Mezuzahs
Mezuzahs available free of charge www.myzuzah.org/me/
MISCELLANEOUS
Everything Virtual Gemach for Jewish Families with Financial Difficulties
Helps people find an item you need from someone who is donating it. This includes clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, furniture placement, Judaica, Sefarim, sheitels, houseware items and more (everything except medical supplies, coats and gowns).
Does not resell anything that is donated*
Contact Orit Sabo at 917-3595818 to request an item or to donate an item to someone else.
Challah Gemach
KID’S ZONE
DID YOU KNOW THAT... DID YOU KNOW THAT...
FACTS ON THE WEATHER
• Raindrops aren’t teardrop-shaped! They’re actually more like tiny hamburgers.
• Hailstones can fall from the sky as big as baseballs! Imagine that!
• A tornado can spin faster than a car! Whoosh!
• The hottest place on Earth can reach temperatures over 130 degrees Fahrenheit! That’s hot!
• The coldest place on Earth can reach temperatures below -100 degrees Fahrenheit! Brrr!
Finish the weekly project, snap a pic, and email us at info@jcm.museum for a chance to win a prize. Let’s get creating! AVRAHAM 1948 - 2123 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000
Avraham was known for his excellent Hachnasas Orchim. He cared for people in the technical aspect, ensuring they had food and drink, but even more importantly, he showed interest in them. He cared about people and he showed that. For example, when the 3 angels came to visit him, he jumped up to greet them, even though he was in the midst of a conversation with Hashem!
4. FUN FACT
You or I can only give up something for Hashem because of Avraham Avinu. In fulfilling Hashem’s command to offer up Yitzchak as a Karban, he displayed total dedication to Hashem beyond logic. In doing so, he opened up the channel of Mesiras Nefesh for all Jews for all time.
Avraham, the first Jew, discovered the One creator and taught this to everyone he met. Whoever he invited into his tent was fed and given a meal for free, as long as they acknowledged Hashem, the creator and sustainer of all. Hashem granted the land of Israel to him, for his descendants. Throughout his life, he withstood 10 tests given to him by Hashem, including Akeidas Yitzchak.
3. BRINGING IT DOWN
When hosting people in your home, take a leaf out of Avraham’s book. It is important to ensure your guests have yummy food and a comfortable bed. BUT, it is equally important for them to feel at ease, to feel that you are glad to have them in your house. Some ways to show this are to smile, make conversation, and ask them about themselves.
5. QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How can you make guests feel comfortable in your home?
EDIBLE COOKIE DOUGH AVRAHAM
Begin by adding the sugar, vanilla, and butter to the large bowl. Whip them together very well. Then, add the salt and flour and mix until a dough forms.
Then, add the crushed sandwich cookies to the second ball.
Next, seperate the dough into three equal parts.
Take the third ball of dough and split it in half. Add sprinkles to half of the dough.
Mix them together to make a marble design.
Add the chocolate chips to the first ball of dough.
Add the food coloring to the other half of the dough.
Pack each flavor into a container and chill for 30 minutes. You now have edible cookie dough! Make a Bracha Shehakol, and enjoy!!
SUPPLIES LIST
INGREDIENTS
-3/4 Cup Nut/Coconut Flour
-½ Cup Brown Sugar
-½ Cup Butter
-½ Tsp Vanilla
-¼ Tsp Salt
-1 Tbsp Chocolate Chips
-4-5 Sandwich Cookies, Crushed
-1 Tbsp Sprinkles -Red Food Coloring
SUPPLIES
- Large Bowl -Disposable Gloves -Measuring Cups and Spoons -3 Containers with Lids
Did You Miss The Boat?
By Shmuel Shayowitz
I recently recalled an incredible story about the Ghermezian family, owners of the American Dream Mall in New Jersey, that left a profound impression on me. At the mall’s water park entrance, designers had proposed installing floor-to-ceiling glass walls to create an awe-inspiring first impression. The idea was that guests visiting the theme park would see the water park through the glass and be instantly drawn to buy tickets. It was a brilliant marketing concept, and the family invested over $2.2 million into these massive glass panels.
As the mall was preparing for its grand opening, one of the brothers, Syd Ghermezian, made a critical observation: the glass panels might make it uncomfortable for families with religious sensitivities to feel comfortable in the mall. Without hesitation, the family decided to cover the glass. The initial investment was essentially wasted in its entirety.
This story resonated deeply with me. The Ghermezians demonstrated that integrity and values should take precedence over profit, even in a cutthroat business world. Their decision reflected a commitment to serving their community without compromise. To them, creating an inclusive and respectful environment mattered more than any financial loss.
This week, I found myself reflecting on their example in my own work. I had been helping a client for over a year to prepare for a home purchase. My team and I worked tirelessly to improve his
credit, consult about downpayment options, and discuss countless purchase scenarios and options. They found a house that was for sale by owner – I even helped negotiate terms with the seller. I invested countless hours in guiding and supporting him through the process.
Finally, we were at the finish line. The client had found his dream home, and his offer had been accepted. As we reviewed his mortgage options, he mentioned a special first-time homebuyer program through his employer. After crunching the numbers, we discovered that while the interest rate was identical to what I could offer, however, his employer’s program would save him about $1,300 in fees due to additional incentives.
He felt bad. So did he. I could have persuaded him to stick with me, pointing out the extensive time and effort my team and I had invested in his case. Instead, I encouraged him to take the other deal. I assured him that saving $1,300 was the right decision, especially with a third child on the way and a tight household budget. I even offered to continue helping him with advice and guidance through the closing process, knowing that the other bank might not provide the same level of personal attention. My offer was sincere, and I have already spent a few hours helping him with his application at the other bank.
It wasn’t about the lost commission. It was about doing what was right for my client. Yes, business is business, but sometimes,
the best business decision is one that prioritizes people over profit. I believe that building trust and staying true to your principles can yield rewards far greater than any immediate financial gain.
In a world where cutthroat competition often dominates, we need to remember that business can be about more than just dollars and cents. It is about serving others, upholding values, and making decisions that leave a lasting positive impact. Ultimately, success isn’t measured by how much we make but by how much we give.
Would you rather receive $100,000 now, no questions asked, or flip a coin and have a chance at $5,000,000 if the coin lands on heads? Please email or message me to let me know your choice! Please let me know if you have a good “Would you rather” question, and we will highlight your submission.
Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is a respected Real Estate & Finance Executive, Writer, Speaker, Coach, and Advisor. As the President and Chief Lending Officer of Approved Funding, a leading national mortgage banker and direct lender, Shmuel has facilitated over $3 billion of mortgages over the past two decades. Shmuel’s expertise spans various licenses and certifications, including specialized mortgage underwriter, licensed real estate agent, and accredited coach. His market insights and experience are highly sought after in the real estate, finance, and coaching industries. In addition, Shmuel is a seasoned real estate investor and property manager, facilitating thousands of rentals nationwide. Shmuel can be reached at www. approvedfunding.com/shmuel.
