Yeshiva Gedola of Greater Washington (YGW) 1216 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Young Israel Shomrai Emunah [Ashk + S] 1132 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
WASHINGTON
Chabad of DC [Ari] 2110 Leroy Pl. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Kesher Israel 2801 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20007
Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/ The National Synagogue 1600 Jonquil St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Reish Lakish said: If you see a student whose studies are as toughforhimasiron,itisbecausehedoesnothavethebasic mishnahwell-organized Whatistheremedy?Thathereview muchmore,asitsays ThebestexampleofthisisReishLakish [himself],whowouldreviewthebasicmishnahfortytimesand onlythencometoRebbiYochanantostudy(Taanis8a)
The ground floor of learning is knowing the Gemara very well. This is not merely because everything is built Gemara. Rather, the goal of all our learning is to cla explainwhattheGemaragenuinelymeans.Ourlearnin with knowing the Gemara and ends with understandingtheGemara
TheGemaraconsistsofsugyos,whichareentireun abe-ginningandanend TheGemarawasnotgiven darshen a word or a line at a time It is a back-an discussion, often with a resolution that is not imm apparent,butisfurtheronattheend
The first order of business is to learn the sugya fr begin-ninguntiltheend Atalmidshouldreviewitunti say the shakla v’tarya by heart (In other words, know summaryoftheback-and-forthdiscussion)
Evenifheunderstandsitafterthefirstorsecondtim often a superficial understanding, and as soon as h Tosafosandfurtheriyun,hewillbeconfused.
A)Whatisthepointor“title”ofthesugya?B)Wh bottomline?Note:“unresolved”isalsoanappropriate C) What were the different possible proofs offered, a were they rejected? D) What halachos can we deri the rejections? (ie, The Gemara may explain th halachahdoesnotapplyincertaincases)
Thisisthebasisforanylearning Althoughinshiurtherebbi may read three words and then raise a question or chakirah, this is based on the premise that the talmid has learned the sugyawell
At Summit Digital, we've driven 100,000+ leads and over $100 million in revenue for our clients with our full suite of services high-speed SEO, exceptional websites, reputation management, and more.
Undernocircumstancesshouldsomeonestartingtolearna sugyastoptopursueachiddushorakashya Hecanjotdown his point or question to pursue it later. But right now, the priorityistogetthewholepicture.
Sometimes, a bachur presents a chakirah as soon as he sees the first words of the Gemara. But lomdus is meant to explain the facts of the sugya, not vice versa! Until he clearly understands the facts of the sugya, his “chakirah” is idle speculation
When Moshe reviewed the historyoftheJewishpeopleinthe wilderness, he impressed upon them the great kindness and concern that Hashem had for them during their long sojourn in the midbar Among other things, he reminded them hat their garmentsdidnotwearoutduring
” - "Your garment did not wear out from upon you" (8:4) It is interesting to note that the miraculous preservation of their clothing and shoes, over many years, is repeated in Parashas Ki Savo, where it is written:
, "Your garments did not wear out from on you for thirty years, andyourfootdidnotswellthesethirtyyears"(29:4)
Rashi, in this Parashah, comments that not only did the clothing last for many years without deteriorating or wearing out, but he quotes a Midrash (Shir HaShirim Rabah 4:11), which states that the clothing grew as the person grew. Our Sages compare this to the skin of the lizard, which also grows as the lizard grows. This was indeed a great miracle, but it did have its limitations. The Yalkut (Devarim Rabah 7:11; Etz Yosef et. al.) explaining the phrase ילעמ, “from upon you” states that “אל
"what was worn by the person remained clean and fresh, but not that which was stored in a box
Paradoxically, clothing or shoes stored in a box did deteriorate, while that which was worn did not! The baalei mussar learn a great lesson from this Yalkut They draw a parallel between the garments and shoes worn by our ancestors in the wilderness which remained fresh and complete and a person’s intellectual pursuits, especially his study of Torah.
Continued on page 51...
Tevi Troy
Tevi Troy: Behind The Power and the Money
In his new book, The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry, Tevi explores the dramatic confrontations between U S presidents and the corporate titans When these leaders clash, what determines the balance of power? Tevi takes readers on a riveting journey through the most significant battles between CEOs and the nation's commanders-in-chief, revealing untold stories that have shaped America. Drawing on his experience as a bestselling historian and former senior White House aide, Tevi provides unique insights into the increasingly intertwined behemoths of government and big business, and what their evolving relationship means for the future of the nation
Sender Gross, Washington Jewish Journal: Tevi, I'm holding this incredible new book, just shipped overnight from our Amazon warehouse in Hagerstown, MD It feels like I'm holding a piece of greatness I haven’t started reading it yet, but I'm thrilled popcorn is ready Let’s dive right in Tevi, this book seems particularly timely Both Democrats and Republicans are scrutinizing corporate America, yet CEOs are more influential than ever What inspired you to tackle this subject now?
Tevi Troy: This is my fifth book on the presidency Each has explored what I call "presidents and blank" the blank being an uncharted area that also resonates with our current moment Given the current climate where there's a widespread distrust of corporations among both major political parties, yet corporate \
That’s a profound way to put it, Tevi. Speaking of echoes, your book must draw on a myriad of historical sources. How do you go about weaving these narratives together to create a coherent story that resonates with both history buffs and casual readers alike?
The key is finding the stories that are not just important but also compelling I look for moments of high drama, decisions that had major implications, and the personalities involved It’s about the interplay of character, power, and politics For instance, I discuss how Teddy Roosevelt took on the monopolies, which resonates today in the context of debates over big tech I use a variety of sources from presidential libraries to private letters and corporate archives to ensure that the narratives are as rich and detailed as possible Connecting these dots across different eras helps highlight the recurring themes and the shifts in how these power dynamics play out
That sounds extremely fascinating. Let’s rewind for a moment, take us back to where you grew up.
I grew up in Queens and attended Ramaz My grandparents lived in Kew Garden Hills, further east Influenced by my father, a history teacher, I developed a love of history early on After college, I moved to Washington, D C , driven by a deep sense of Hakaras HaTov gratitude for this country If my ancestors hadn’t emigrated from Europe, my story would have been very different I wanted to give back, to contribute to America's future At my first job, at the American Enterprise Institute, I was surrounded by influential scholars, many of whom were Jewish, who impressed upon me the need for advanced degrees to succeed in Washington So, I pursued a Ph D at the University of Texas at Austin, not only for its excellent program but also to gain a broader
perspective outside the Northeast This educational journey, including valuable time spent at the LBJ School and utilizing the Lyndon Johnson archives, was instrumental in shaping my career And then I returned to Washington to work for a congressional leader In fact, this gentleman right here, who blurbed my book, Chris Cox, was a member of Congress whom I served under before he later became the head of the SEC A colleague from the American Enterprise Institute, where I previously worked, held a Ph D in foreign policy He mentioned that there was a need for a domestic policy Ph D to handle policy work for the Republican Policy Committee in Congress, which was headed by Cox It sounded intriguing I shaved off my graduate school beard, got rid of my casual student hairstyle, bought a suit, and moved to Washington I worked in Congress and the House leadership for two exciting years during the Gingrich revolution when Newt Gingrich helped the Republicans achieve a majority in the House for the first time since 1954 a significant moment
By this time, were you married?
By 2000, I was working in the Senate for John Ashcroft I was married with a child on the way and when he lost his bid for reelection, I was in need of new employment I joined the Bush transition team after Bush's narrow victory over Al Gore I then moved to the Department of Labor, where I worked for about a year During an interim period without a job, I was free to write and authored a defense of Senator Ashcroft from a Jewish perspective, as he had been appointed to be Attorney General This was controversial within Jewish circles The piece, published in The New Republic a well-respected magazine at the time made quite an impact, perhaps the most significant of my articles to date
What was it like stepping into a more senior role in the West Wing after the campaign?
When I landed a more senior role in the West Wing after that campaign, my daily routine began incredibly early Every day started with davening (praying) at dawn, which grounded me in my faith and
prepared me for the long hours ahead
Reflecting on the night we realized we had won the election, it was surreal Every exit poll had predicted Bush's defeat, and mentally, I was preparing for the aftermath
Yet, it turned out he won, defying all predictions
Can you discuss the impact of the Orthodox Jewish community on the election results?
Remarkably, the strong voter turnout from the Orthodox Jewish community in Ohio and Florida, particularly from places like the Telz Yeshiva in Cleveland, played a crucial role In the year 2000, only 40% of Orthodox Jews voted for Bush, but by 2004, this number had surged to 70%, significantly influencing the election outcome This shift was not just a political statement but also a reflection of the community's recognition of the values we upheld, which resonated deeply with their own The support from the Orthodox community was like finding allies in a shared mission, reinforcing the importance of faith and family values in our national dialogue
Can you describe how your daily routine and Orthodox Jewish practices were accommodated during your tenure in the West Wing within the White House?
My tenure in the West Wing was characterized by early mornings; often, I had to leave my house by 6 to arrive by 7 During the months when the sun rose too late for morning prayers at home or synagogue, I would don my tefillin right there in the White House One memorable incident was when my evangelical boss walked in on me during this private moment He was incredibly respectful, reflecting the deep respect he had for my religious practices He even made a point of reminding me to leave early on winter Fridays to observe Shabbat
How did others react to these practices?
Interestingly, I kept a chumash on my shelf, and during tours of the White House, I’d open it up to the weekly parsha and share
something from it Those who joined these tours often tell me how much they remember and appreciated those parsha talks It added a unique element to their visit I regularly wore my tefillin, even in the White House There was one particular instance when my boss, an evangelical Christian, walked in on me while I was putting them on The leather straps and all must have seemed quite out of place there, but he was incredibly respectful about it It certainly made for an unusual moment
However, my religious observance did pose challenges When I was being considered for Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services a position requiring Senate confirmation I underwent a rigorous background check The White House Counsel, a devout evangelical Christian, initially began asking deeply personal and uncomfortable questions to ensure I wouldn't embarrass the President Recognizing my devout lifestyle, she proposed skipping those questions, acknowledging that my religious commitment meant I was unlikely to have engaged in the behaviors she was tasked to investigate
This period in the Bush White House showed me that my adherence to my faith was more of an advantage than a disadvantage, providing a foundation of trust and respect among my colleagues and superiors
Do you feel being an Orthodox Jew in the White House influenced your career path and decision-making in professional settings?
Absolutely Being observant brought challenges, but it was more of an advantage Practicing my faith openly not only built trust but also provided a solid foundation for genuine respect among my colleagues My tenure in the Bush White House was profoundly enriched by my commitment to living my Jewish values daily This dedication influenced my interactions and decisions, contributing a unique and valuable perspective to my role Each opportunity to demonstrate my faith, whether through observing Shabbat or the High Holidays, was a chance to educate and share the richness of our traditions This openness about my religious
practices fostered an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect, allowing me to bridge cultural and religious gaps and enhancing collaborative efforts My faith didn't just shape my career; it enhanced it, enabling me to lead with integrity and a deep sense of moral responsibility
The Chanukah parties at the White House must have been extraordinary.
Oh, the Chanukah parties were indeed a highlight each year, and they were particularly special thanks to the direct involvement of the Bush family Mrs Bush herself insisted that the celebrations be all-kosher, which was a groundbreaking decision considering the additional costs involved Initially, we experimented with offering both kosher and non-kosher options, but it quickly became apparent that this approach did not align well with the spirit of inclusivity we aimed to foster Recognizing this, Mrs Bush made the bold decision to ensure that every dish served was kosher, regardless of the expense involved This commitment was about more than just food; it was a profound gesture of respect towards the Orthodox Jewish community and an acknowledgment of our traditions Karl Rove famously remarked that the White House Chanukah party was the "hottest ticket in town," and he wasn't exaggerating These events brought together a remarkable cross-section of the Jewish community, from rabbis and community leaders to prominent Jewish figures in various fields
Shifting gears a bit, could you share any particularly memorable experiences related to observing Shabbat while working at such a high level?
In 2005, while I was advising on domestic policy, Hurricane Katrina struck, causing massive devastation President Bush declared that there would be no weekend to deal with the crisis, wh essentially meant no Shabbat for those of us in the White Ho Unsure of what to do, I consulted Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Masadar Kaddushin, and mentor of mine, and he gave thoughtful advice
He explained that it wasn't considered pikuach nefesh sav a life directly because I would only be directing resources, actively saving lives, like giving water to someone dying of th This distinction meant that my working couldn't be justified on grounds of immediate life-saving Furthermore, he pointed out my role as a symbol to other Jew members of the administration If I chose to work, it might press other Jewish employees to do the same, as their bosses m expect similar sacrifices from them More so, he addres personal precedent it would set: if I worked because hurricane, it could become a slippery slope, with demand time during other crises, like budget negotiations He always emphasized the stark choice: "You're either Shabbos or you ' re not " So, adhering to that principle, I did on Shabbat during that critical time However, as soon as ended, I was on the phone, catching up and working all Sunday That way, I met my professional responsibilities compromising my commitment to Shabbat observance
That's a powerful testament to faith in public Speaking of your roles, any significant projects you’ mention?
One area I was deeply involved in was disaster and pa preparedness We developed comprehensive plans for potential disease outbreaks This work inspired me to w third book on how presidents have managed disasters history Interestingly, I discussed the potential th coronaviruses back in 2016, noting gaps in our national s long before COVID-19 emerged It wasn't a prophe informed by discussions with knowledgeable experts
In your books, you delve into the nuanced relati between presidents and CEOs. Could you share common misconceptions and perhaps an examp successful relationship?
Certainly In my writings, I aim to both entertain and ed strive to unearth intriguing stories from presidential hist have not been widely covered For instance, in my lates explore the complex interactions between CEOs and U S
presidents, debunking the misconception that their relationships are always cozy or mutually beneficial In reality, these relationships are intricate, shaped by personalities, large-scale issues, and the national context at the time
A historical example would be the relationship between Franklin D Roosevelt and Henry Ford Ford was vehemently opposed to Roosevelt's New Deal, illustrating how contentious these interactions can be, contrary to the popular notion of seamless cooperation
How do these historical dynamics compare to modern relationships like those involving Elon Musk or Jamie Dimon?
There are fascinating parallels Like Henry Ford, who bought a newspaper to disseminate his views, Elon Musk purchased Twitter Both leaders used their platforms to influence public discourse, though Ford's views unfortunately included antiSemitic rhetoric. Today, Musk’s actions, particularly his alliance with political figures, carry substantial risks. If the political winds shift, it could have severe repercussions for his businesses, demonstrating the ongoing complexity and stakes in these CEOpresident dynamics.
Shifting focus to your personal experiences, any memorable White House stories you can share, especially relating to your role as a CEO?
One standout memory is from when I organized a meeting between President Bush and major food industry CEOs. The goal was to address obesity by encouraging healthier food options and more exercise. An amusing incident occurred when Karl Rove had to scramble to find a Pepsi for Indra Nooyi, the CEO of PepsiCo, because the White House was stocked only with Coca-Cola products. They eventually found a dusty Diet Mountain Dew in a desk drawer for her to display during the meeting.
These stories provide such a vivid glimpse into the interplay of leadership and policy at the highest levels As someone deeply involved in these arenas, what insights do you hope readers will take from your work?
I hope readers see the depth and the real impacts of these highstakes relationships. Whether through historical analysis or anecdotes from my time in government, I aim to illuminate how significant these interactions are not just for the individuals involved but for the nation as a whole. Each story not only teaches us about the past but also informs our understanding of current and future challenges. Moreover, I wish for my readers, especially those within the Jewish and Orthodox Jewish communities, to draw immense pride and motivation from these narratives. The involvement of our community in shaping public policy and influencing national direction, as seen in the voter turnout and advocacy, speaks volumes about our vibrant civic engagement and dedication to societal values. These stories aren't just historical recounts; they are affirmations of our collective ability to influence and lead with integrity and faith. In documenting these interactions, I strive to capture the essence of leadership that resonates with Jewish principles of justice, wisdom, and community service, aiming to inspire future generations to continue this legacy of proactive involvement and ethical leadership.
USE IT OR LOSE IT
Continued from page 43...
When a person uses his mental capacity and constantly challenges his intellect, he sharpens it and causes it to expand and improve. This is especially true of Torah study,regardingwhichourSagesteachus, ךבזעאםויםויינבזעתםא,
"If you forsake me for a day, I shall forsake you for two days"(TalmudYerushalmi,Berachos)
The way a child understands a pasuk in Chumash is not the way an adult understands it As one grows and matures, so does his understanding of Torah, just as the garments which were worn by the Children of Israel who cameoutof Egyptmiraculouslygrewwiththem
However, this is true only if one continues to pursue his studies and develops his intellectual powers, by continuinghisstudyofTorah
However, if one does not challenge himself and pursue the study of Torah every day, his mental capacity and ability to master Torah deteriorates with each passing day, similar to the garments which were not worn but put away in a box. The popular expression regarding all skills in life is especially true of intellectual growth: “Use it or loseit”
Itisthismussarhaskel the miracle of the clothing of midbar
attempts at hand-eye coordination during play. You might even be rewarded with more than an hour or two of sleep (or at least a few minutes to shower) as your baby begins to regulate his or her sleep-wake patternintosomethingslightlymorepredictable.
y p g g
You won’t become an expert overnight (especially when those overnights leave you sleep deprived), and you shouldn’t assume you’ll have it all figured out by now Being a mom or dad is hard, so pat yourself on the back for accomplishing as much as you have already, and lower any expectations about where you “shouldbe”bynow.
You’vegotthis!
A CLOSER LOOK: Tipstohelp
yournewbornlearntodistinguish betweennightandday.
Your baby spent the nine months of your pregnancy in the dark, where there wasn’t much difference between day and night. But now you’d like your little one ’ s schedule to match the rest of your family’s (and the world’s). Here are some tips to help your newborn learn todistinguishbetweennightandday
Establish a bedtime routine Even little babies benefit from a bedtime routine, and implementing one will help your baby learn about the transition from day to night For now, the routine doesn’t need to include much more than a bath, a lullaby, some rocking, and a feeding You can add more steps to the bedtime routine as your baby getsolder
Keep the room dark at night When it’s nighttime, keep your baby’s room dark even when it’s time for a feed or diaper change (a very dim nightlight can help you find your way) Keeping the lights off will reinforce for your baby that when it’s dark, it’s nighttime and time for sleep.
Minimize interactions during night feedings. Make nighttime downtime, even during those night feedings. Soft lullabies and soothing words are fine, but avoid excitement If you ’ re swaddling your newborn (no worries if you don’t since it’s not a must-do; see the box on page 12), keep your baby swaddled for night feedings (but change his diaper first) You’ll feed him unswaddled duringtheday
Keep the room light during naps During daytime naps it’s okay to keep the room light (no need to close the shades) and the house noisy at least in the newborn stage (after the second month, your baby will sleep better in darkness) Another great way to help your baby’s circadian rhythms adapt to a day versus night schedule
Sharon Mazel, a renowned parenting and pregnancy expert, is the author of the newly released Bite-Sized Pregnancy and a co-author of the iconic What to Expect When You’re Expecting (4th & 5th editions) and What to Expect the First Year (1st & 2nd editions) With two decades of experience distilled into practical guidance, Sharon is a trusted voice for new parents The Washington Jewish Journal thanks Sharon, a community neighbor, for sitting down with us and sharing invaluable parentingtipsandinsights
