Latkes, Lights, and Lovely British Cheese
This Chanukah, celebrate with the finest of England’s cheeses. From Light to English Cheddar, our artisanal selections pair perfectly with latkes, sufganiyot, and every golden moment.
Double Gloucester
A fresh face for your deli favorites.
FROM OUR PARTY TO YOURS.
Couture, draped in elegance
Beyond fashion lies the art of true couture. At Charmé, luxury is woven into every detail, creating gowns that transform your special moment into timeless memories. Walk out with your very own gown at a price point that makes luxury accessible.
Help build the blocks of a child’s success.
Playwear | Mauve + Slate | Robes | Intarsia
the Cracks, we shine
Through every crack, we see potential, growth, and hope. At HCS, we transform challenges into opportunities, helping individuals shine.
It's a party dripping with goodness.
Product of California
You are cordially invited to an evening of awareness and education, where you will discover the latest in research-based treatments for developmental and behavioral challenges.
Raun K. Kaufman
Author, Autism Breakthrough Co-Creator of the Safe To Connect autism approach & The ACT (Autism Crisis Turnaround) protocol
Dr. Cal Forster, MSACN
Dr. Jamie Forster, MSACN
Melissa Knopp, MSED Communication Specialist
Sharon Oliensis
ABM NM Practitioner and Trainer Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
Mrs. Brand Personal account - Mother of autistic daughter relates her awe-inspiring journey discovering successful communication.
Understand how your child’s brain works
Remove obstacles to making friends and social connections
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• Intense emotions or meltdowns
• Sleep difficulties
• Behavior challenges
Now Available! Individually Wrapped String Cheese Original (8 & 18 pack) and Smoked (12 pack) varieties.
Celebrate your Chanukah seudah with a full, delicious menu:
Complete Chanukah Menu:
A variety of kugels, side dishes, latkes, salads and more!
Signature Fish Platters:
Fresh fish spreads and expertly cured fish platters perfect for your festive table.
Make your Chanukah memorable with flavors everyone will enjoy!
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HOT DISHES
BAKED ZITI
PENNE ALLA VODKA
EGGPLANT PARMESAN
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
MUSHROOM GNOCCHI
HOME FRIES
MASHED POTATOES
ROASTED VEGETABLES
QUICHE
ONION RINGS
CAULIFLOWER POPPERS
CHEESE BLINTZES
OVERNIGHT KUGEL
PARVE KISHKE N GRAVY
SOUPS 1 GAL SALADS
CAESAR SALAD
NISH NOSH SALAD
GREEK SALAD
QUINOA HARVEST SALAD
PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM
KANI AVOCADO SALAD
CRUDITE PLATTER
SABICH SALAD
CITRUS SALAD
DESSERTS
10” ROUND CHEESECAKE
MINI CHEESE BUN PLATTER
ASSORTED PASTRY
PLATTER
PANCAKE PLATTER
WAFFLE PLATTER
COOKIE PLATTER
DONUT BOX
FLAKY BITES PLATTER
CHEESE DONUT PLATTER
FINGER FOOD
BOUREKA PLATTER
GUACAMOLE & CHIPS
MOZZ STICKS PLATTER
FALAFEL PLATTER
SPRING ROLL PLATTER
MINI QUICHE PLATTER
SURIMI CAKES
ICED
THE PARTY PACKAGES
CARE AT HOME
MEDEASE
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With a two-week-old baby at home, I was coming down with a sore throat. There was no way for me to leave my house. No worries— Medease showed up, tested, and treated me the same day.
- CHANI P. FLATBUSH
With severe flu symptoms, I had Medease come over. They took a test, got the results, and treated me—all without me getting off my couch.
- ARI K. BORO PARK
My daughter had a fever and cold-like symptoms. With just a call to Medease, I got Tylenol and Motrin delivered to my door at no extra cost!
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With my son itching his rash terribly, all I did was send a picture to Medease. The provider sent the antibiotic cream, and within two days, it was gone!
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Chani Saks
P (718) 782-2823 x426
E csaks@solapayments.com
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• Work the customer service queue, monitoring and answering incoming calls and emails daily.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related and 2+ years of work experience
Formerly known as
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This Chanukah, by donating to Kupath Rabbi Meir Baal Haness-Kollel Polin, you have the opportunity to be the miracle for someone else— and, in turn, merit your own yeshua.
“It is appropriate and fitting for every person in Klal Yisrael to donate on Chanukah, and specifically on תבט ח”ר, to the Kupah of Rabbi Meir Baal Haness.” — Rav Chaim Palagi ZT”L, Sefer Moed Le’Kol Chai
Crusted Tuna Steak
INBOX
COMFORT FOOD
(Re: Leah’s Corner, Issue 264)
I was so excited to see Leah’s Corner, where you’re featuring recipes from Leah Stern, a”h. We miss her so much, and it’s comforting to remember her in this way.
The recipes you are reprinting were collected in her cookbook during her lifetime. After her cookbook was published, she published some additional recipes in your magazine. Regretfully, I didn’t save them, and I would love to have them again. I remember there was a set of soups, as well as a series of dips that were delicious. Perhaps you would consider reprinting those as well. I’m sure many readers would appreciate it.
Thank you!
A HOLOCAUST TREASURE
(Re: No Place to Hide, Issue 264)
A Reader
Now that it’s over, I must drop a line regarding the incredible serial story by Yaakov Astor. It was a fascinating, captivating read. The incredible strength and courage young Rachel possessed moved me to tears and held my interest each week. It brought the dramatic Holocaust experience of Rachel to life. Yaakov Astor is a gifted writer, and I look forward to seeing more of his work.
Thank you,
YOUR SIMCHA, YOUR WAY
(Re: Simchas with Simcha, Your Say, Issue 264)
D. Jakubowicz
I just received an invitation to a simcha with an added note not to bring young children who will run around.
Under those conditions, I will regretfully not be able to attend this simcha, but I do understand the baal simcha’s request. It is their simcha, and they are allowed to celebrate it in the fashion that will bring them joy. I hope they will understand, in turn, that while I sincerely rejoice for them, I cannot attend their simcha in person.
Sincerely,
IMPROVED AND INSPIRED
(Re: POV, Issue 264)
Celebrating from Afar
I want to say thank you to the reader who asked that POV questions should have a bit more tochen. The questions have improved in this regard lately, and I really gain from reading the responses. I’m loving the balabusta hacks!
Keep it up!
An Avid Reader NO
(Re: An Open Letter to Drivers, Your Say, Issue 263)
To the mother who complained that the honking outside wakes up her baby: I really feel for you. I know what it’s like to spend hours trying to get a
MUSIC LESSONS FOR BOYS
newborn to fall asleep, only for them to be woken by honking from outside.
I want to recommend a solution that really works for me: sound machines. My children have become much deeper sleepers since I started using them. And don’t be concerned that it’ll turn into a “crutch”; my older kids have outgrown them and don’t need them anymore. But for the babies, it really did work to give them (and me!) longer stretches of sleep.
A Well-Rested Mother
THANK YOU FOR BEDTIME
(Re: Bedtime Is for Everyone, Inbox, Issue 262)
I want to add my experience to the debate about whether or not teenagers should have a bedtime. I am a teenager who recently graduated high school, and throughout high school, my mother insisted (and still insists, to some degree) that I go to sleep on time. Although I missed out on some things because of this, I can say with confidence that, overall, I thrived throughout high school — because I had a good night’s sleep each night and was able to function well during the day.
My point is not that mothers should be forcing their teens to go to sleep on time, but it’s definitely worthwhile to encourage them to do so. As much as they won’t admit it, teens also need someone to tell them what to do. Not only am I not resentful, I’m actually grateful to my parents for making sure I got a healthy amount of sleep.
Gitty T.
SPREAD THE WORD
(Re: A Sweet Solution, Issue 258)
While we request and hope that kosher candy brands change their packaging and make it Shabbos-friendly, let’s urge shul gabbaim, candy men and anyone giving out candy to children on Shabbos and Yom Tov to buy only those with wrappers that are easy to open in a permissible way. Otherwise, children (or even, chalilah, adults) may unintentionally tear the words on the packaging. Together, let’s work on bringing awareness and strengthening kedushas Shabbos in this important area.
Thanks for a great weekly read.
SHABBOS UPGRADE
(Re: A Sweet Solution, Issue 258)
Name Withheld
I just wanted to say that not only does The Boro Park View enhance my life by giving me quality reading material, it also enhanced my Shabbos by making me aware of the problem of candy wrappers printed with words. I started to open such wrappers before Shabbos.
Once I became aware of the problem, however, I realized that it extends beyond just candy. For example, I buy Nescafe
Shabbos
Candle Lighting Starts Here
single-serve coffee packets, which also carry the risk of tearing words. I now open these before Shabbos as well. When I unpack my groceries, I open all packages that we will be using on Shabbos and have writing on them.
Thank you for bringing awareness to this important matter. May the increase in shemiras Shabbos be a zechus for us and all of Klal Yisroel.
Tziporah Goldwasser
COOKIES FOR SHABBOS
(Re: A Sweet Solution, Issue 258)
Shout out to Ostreicher’s for changing the packaging of their chocolate chip cookies to make it Shabbos friendly! We noticed that they had updated their packaging from the iconic paper bag to a plastic bag with text printed on the area you needed to tear in order to open the package. We called the company, and as a result of this Shabbos concern, they adjusted the packaging at their expense.
Mi k’amcha Yisroel!
A Reader
YOUR SAY
STAY SAFE
I’m sharing my story so that no one else will have to experience the scare I went through.
A few months ago, I had a wedding to attend, so I called a taxi from a local taxi company. A few minutes later, a car pulled up in front of my house. To check that it was in fact my car, I asked the driver what destination he had on his tablet. He told me that he had only been given the pickup address. As he began driving, I noticed that the car didn’t have a TLC license, and the driver looked suspicious. Then I got a call from a different driver, who claimed that he was at my house and waiting for me. When I told him that I was already in the taxi, the driver who was driving me instructed me to just hang up on the caller, claiming the dispatcher must have sent two cars by mistake.
I knew something was wrong. The other driver kept calling me, demanding that I pay a cancellation fee. Baruch
Hashem, at this point my destination was in sight, and I asked the driver to stop the car at the nearest corner. I still felt compelled to pay him, but when I asked him if he had change of a twenty, he said that he didn’t because I was his first customer of the day. He also couldn’t answer me when I asked how much I had to pay. I told him to call the dispatcher, or I would call, but he told me not to call and just give him whatever I had. I literally jumped out of the car and told him to wait for me to come back with smaller bills.
Once I reached a safe place, I called the dispatcher, who confirmed that this was a scam. Apparently, the driver and his cronies were able to access the phone lines of the taxi companies and intercept their calls. He advised me to always ask the driver for the destination address in order to make sure the car is the one I ordered, and to make sure the car is marked as TLC licensed.
The phony driver had my cell number, because I had called him to meet me at the corner to get paid. Because he had access to the taxi company’s calls, he saw when I called for a car two hours later when I was ready to go home. Within less than a minute of placing the call, a car pulled up where I was waiting. Again, it was not marked with a TLC license. Again, the driver knew only the pickup address, not the destination address. This time, I knew not to get into the car. I waited a couple of minutes, and the car I ordered arrived, TLC license and destination address in order.
Yesterday the same thing happened. When the driver couldn’t tell me the destination address, I told him to leave. I made a show of taking down his license plate number, but I doubt that will prevent him from doing this again.
The taxi company confirmed that this scam is well known to them. For your own safety, do not ever get into a car that cannot confirm your destination address and is not clearly marked as a TLC taxi. May Hashem protect us always.
Name Withheld
SHATNEZ ALERT:
Please be advised that Ugg slippers may contain shatnez and should be tested.
CHANUKAH SALE
Add to party
SUSHI SPECIALS
Mixed Sushi Platter Medium
Reg $80 / Now $72
ALSO AVAILABLE, CHANUKAH PLATTER EDITIONS:
Menora shape sushi platter
$125 (10 rolls)
Dreidel shape sushi platter
$120 (7 rolls, 2 sushi donuts)
Donuts shaped sushi platter
$120 (12 pcs)
FISH/MAINS SPECIALS
Atlantic Side of salmon Platter
Reg $120 / Now $110
Sesame fish nuggets 9x13
Reg $85 / Now $74
Hot Poppers fish nuggets 9x13
Reg $85 / Now $74
Crispy salmon fingers 9x13
Reg $75 / Now $55
Salmon Wellington Platter
Reg $140 / Now $119
TABLE-SETTER SPECIALS
Hummus Board Platter
Reg $80 / Now $62
Spreads Sectional platter
Reg $45 / Now $37
Stuffed whitefish & lox platter
Reg $110 / Now $97
Mini wraps platter (24 pc)
Reg $65 / Now $56.99
KUGELS & SIDES SPECIALS
Potato latkes 9x13 (20 pc)
Reg $55 / Now $44
Overnight potato kugel 9x13
Reg $35 / Now $29
Original potato kugel 9x13
Reg $30 / Now $25
Salt & pepper kugel 9x13
Reg $36 / Now $32
Yerushalmi kugel 9x13
Reg $36 / Now $32
Onion kugel 9x13
Reg $65 / Now $57
BETTER-THAN-FLEISHIGS
Cholent w/Kishke 9x13
Reg $50 / Now $41
WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
75% of our respondents’ most meaningful gifts didn’t cost all that much.
Maybe because, in the words of an ancient philosopher, “A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.”
The most meaningful gift I ever received was an extra freezer from my husband. – Anonymous
As a teacher, I appreciate whatever Chanukah gifts/gelt I receive. However, the most meaningful ones are the cards written by the students themselves. Also, I will never forget when two of my fourth grade students presented me with a cheap clock on the last day of school. I still have it, and the thought of that gift still touches my heart. (Thanks, C.R.G. and C.R.L.!) – A Reader
A stunning painting that my sister painted especially for me. – A Reader
My kids played with my diamond ring many years ago, and it vanished. I didn’t have one for approximately ten years, and recently, my husband gifted me with a new one. It meant so much. – A Reader
As a young girl, I sucked my thumb. My grandmother, with the intention of helping me break the habit, offered me a deal. She bought an adorable needle-point matching my room, and every day that I didn’t suck my thumb, she completed a small part, say a row or two. After a few months, it was complete (and, of course, I no longer sucked my thumb). To this day, this framed habit-breaker proudly hangs in the purple room in my mother’s house. – Bluma
A handwritten letter from my best friend. I held on to it through multiple moves even though I’m a minimalist. – Anonymous
When I was twelve years old, my mother had a baby on Shushan Purim, which fell on a Friday. I was off from school the following Sunday, and I wanted to go out for ice cream with a friend. My older sister made me stay home and clean my bedroom for Pesach instead. Ten years later, on the same date, my doorbell rang. My sister had sent me a milkshake to apologize for the time she held me back from going out with a friend. It was the sweetest milkshake I ever tasted! – Faigy F.
When we were going through a hard time, my amazing aunt had a full grocery order delivered to my door. Not only was it a financial help, but I felt so validated for not being able to manage one of the most basic responsibilities of keeping a house running. – A Reader
My parents bought me a new siddur when I went into high school, and it’s been with me since (I’m thirty-four years old). We’ve been together at mekomos hakedoshim in Eretz Yisroel, the Ribnitzer Rebbe’s tzion, the hospital when giving birth, and so on. This definitely is one of those siddurim that have absorbed so much and carry in it the joys and pains of life.
– A Reader
My son parted with some of his bar mitzvah money and gifted me with an antique leather siddur and Tehillim. I still feel warmed by this gift now, six years later. – Shaindy
A blanket my friend sewed for my baby.
– A Reader
A broom. A broom, you ask? Oh yes, and what a thoughtful gift that was! When going through a physically and emotionally draining time in my life, we told no one but our parents and one especially caring individual who was working with me at the time. I’m a very private person and took a big gamble by sharing, but it was all worth it. The touching card she sent over that night, along with a special type of broom that she tied into her sweet message, really went a long way. It proved to me what genuine empathy can do. So even though it’s years later, F.L., if you’re reading this, know that your kindness is still remembered!
– A Reader
As a seventh grade first-year teacher, I taught public speaking. When one of my students came up to speak, she chose to use her time to thank me. When she finished her speech, she took out a few crumpled dollar bills and put them on my desk. I was so touched! I’ll never forget it.
– A Reader
I lost my father about five years ago, and my mother remarried about four years ago. My mother took a bracelet my father had given her and split it into two parts, which she used to create two necklaces. One she gave me and the other she gave to my sister. This necklace is definitely my favorite gift and is very sentimental to me. – T.C.B.W.
I remember once walking into my house, a few of my kids in tow, after a long day at work. I was coughing, my head was pounding, and I felt feverish. As I dragged myself up the steps, I mentioned to my neighbor standing there that I was really not feeling well. A few minutes later, my doorbell rang, and my neighbor handed me a two-pound container of hot chicken soup. I closed the door, sat down at the kitchen table, and finished the entire soup in one sitting. I still can’t forget that simple gift of chicken soup that literally revived me! – Shany Levy
A huge family picture placed in a beautiful frame. My children bought it for me after I married off my youngest child. Thank you, Hashem! – R.K.
At my twins’ vachnacht, I received tall white pillar candles that were engraved with photos of my newborns. Now they’re displayed on a cute little wall-mounted shelf between their two cribs. Absolutely adorable! – T.M.
I don’t have kids yet. Every time a younger sibling has a baby, my mother/mother-in-law will buy me an expensive gift. I encourage all parents of children who don’t have children yet to do the same. It doesn’t have to be expensive; it can be something small, just to let them know, “I’m thinking of you.” – A Reader
A personalized tea cup with a variety of tea bags. I drink lots of tea, and it feels like a warm hug every time I use the cup. – A Reader
The most meaningful gift I ever received is probably the book I ordered for myself. Not because the book was such an amazing read at all, but because of the note I added, pretending I was getting someone else a gift. That note reenergizes me each time I pick up the book.
– A Reader
Not including my spouse, children, diamonds and chocolate, the most useful gift I ever received is my Presto Eversharp electric knife sharpener. My funniest and most meaningful gift I ever received was from someone who knows how much I dislike people walking onto my wet kitchen floor. She bought me a yellow “Caution — Wet Floor” foldable floor sign. I probably use these two items more than I use my diamonds (but less than I eat chocolate). – A Reader
One of the most meaningful gifts I received, and continue receiving, are bags of hand-me-downs from my sister. It’s a real excitement when those bags, nicknamed zeckalach, walk into the house. She has kids a bit older than mine and has a great taste, so we appreciate getting most of the season’s wardrobe without stepping into stores. – A Reader
My devoted sister surprised me with a beautiful new linen set after the birth of my twins.
– A Reader
The most appreciated gift I got was a good night’s sleep. My baby was being really difficult at night, resulting in my being sleep-deprived and hardly coping. One evening, after an especially hard night, my mother simply showed up at my front door and asked me to hand over my baby and some bottles. She took care of my baby that night, and I slept like a baby. (Not like my baby!) The next day, I felt like I had the energy to continue for many more sleepless nights. Shout-out to Mommy P.! – A Reader
My most meaningful gift by far was the one my mother gave me for my eighth grade graduation. She made a siddur cover on a needlepoint with my name on it. She had it fit onto a siddur along with a plastic cover as a protector. It was exclusive, unique, personal, beautiful and sentimental. Now my mother continues making these covers for the grandkids, too. How I love to daven in my siddur every day! I stroke the cover every time I take it out. Thank you again, Mommy! – R. Silberstein
My kids bought a digital picture frame for me last Chanukah, and they keep sending in new pictures of their kids. I really enjoy looking at them. – M.
A treasured gift I own is one I actually bought myself. It’s a beautiful ring that reminds me of my intrinsic value. – A Reader
When I moved away from Brooklyn last year, the hardest part was leaving my friends and family behind. Recently, when I was going through a minor medical crisis, my friends surprised me with a delivered breakfast. It was meaningful to me because it showed they can still care, even from far away. – A Reader
My daughter recited a poem last year at our Chanukah party, naming all the gifts that I received in past years: jewelry, silver and bags. Then she offered a year’s supply of fresh sourdough challah! Each week, the challah warms my heart all over again! – R.L.
Next question: IF YOU COULD ABOLISH ONE “CITY HALL”
KIND OF RULE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Please submit your answer by Tuesday night, December 31, for a chance to see it in print!
Email or text pov@thebpview.com
Fax 718-408-8771
Voicemail: 718-408-8771 ext. 809
To receive the POV question in your inbox every week, send an email to pov@thebpview.com with the word “subscribe” in the subject line.
IRONS & PRINTERS
PARSHAS MIKETZ –CHANUKAH
One Light or Eight
Y. Levenstein
After the Chanukah lights are lit, we sing Haneiros Hallalu. We note that we are lighting these flames to publicize the nissim that happened long ago.
The song is written in plural, which raises the question: How can we say this on the first night of Chanukah, when we light only one flame? Perhaps on the first night we should change the nusach to “ haner hazeh” — this very light, or omit it altogether.
IT WAS EREV CHANUKAH. The entire village was in an uproar. “The poritz will be coming to town!” The night before, a messenger had visited the home of one of the community leaders. He had come to announce the impending visit, which would take place on the fourth night of Chanukah.
Every night of Chanukah, all the Yidden in town would gather in shul for a public menorah lighting. They would sing and dance together in uplifting unity. It was an occasion nobody wanted to miss — and now the poritz seemed interested in checking it out, too.
The excitement was mixed with a hefty dose of fear. A visit from the poritz was no small matter. The poritz had never before visited in honor of a Jewish holiday. Perhaps he wanted to personally announce a new edict that would affect their daily life?
Everyone knew what could happen if they didn’t find favor in the eyes of the poritz. If someone rubbed him the wrong way, if he caught a whiff of what he perceived as a lack of overstated respect, he was liable to enact changes that could potentially undermine the peaceful daily life in the village for many years to come.
In advance of his arrival, everyone was given a job. The streets were polished, the shul was repaired, and large posters were
hung throughout town. The children were organized into a choir and practiced the traditional Chanukah zemiros to perfection. The entire community was abuzz with activity.
On the fourth night of Chanukah, the community members lined the streets as the grand entourage appeared. The poritz descended from his carriage and was escorted into the shul, and the choir burst into song as the poritz sat down. He looked around, pleased.
After some speeches praising their leader, the rav approached the menorah and passionately recited the brachos. Then he lit four flames. As he turned to face the community, he felt that something was wrong. All was still. The choir did not begin.
The rav looked toward the poritz, who had stood up from his seat. It was eerily quiet as the poritz called out, “What’s this? Why did you stop in the middle? You don’t have enough money for oil for the entire menorah? Continue lighting!”
“Ah!” the rav replied, trying his best to keep his voice even. “Our custom is that we don’t light the entire menorah at once. On the first night, we light just one wick, and every night, we add another flame. On the last night, the eighth night of Chanukah, we light the entire menorah.”
“I don’t understand!” the poritz retorted. “If you have enough oil, and the menorah has eight branches, why don’t you just light them all? What’s this strange custom? It’s so much more festive when the entire menorah is lit!”
“You are right, honored poritz,” the rav explained. “It would certainly be more festive, but…”
The poritz didn’t allow the rav to finish his sentence. “Then what’s the problem? Add more oil, and light the whole thing!”
The rav saw that the poritz simply would not understand. He thought quickly. The poritz had to leave their village satisfied.
The rav looked toward the poritz, who had stood up from his seat. It was eerily quiet as the poritz called out, “What’s this? Why did you stop in the middle?”
Stay in comfort
As we sing Haneiros Hallalu, we aren’t referring only to the licht we just lit now, but to all the licht that we will be lighting over the course of Chanukah
With no choice, the rav lifted the bottle of oil and filled the remaining four glasses.
The following night, the Yidden gathered in shul once again. They had another miracle to thank Hashem for: The visit had passed in peace!
The rav stood up and publicly thanked Hashem. Then he explained, “You should know, my friends, that what happened last night underscores the difference between a Yid and a nonJew.
“Intrinsically, Chanukah bears the message of ‘mosif v’holech.’ In every aspect of avodas Hashem, we follow a step-by-step path, taking it one level at a time, building on our former achievements as we reach ever higher. A non-Jew cannot fathom this concept. In his eyes, if there are more branches in the menorah, there’s no reason not to light them all. He cannot grasp the fact that to reach a goal, you need a buildup. He needs everything immediately.
“‘Mosif v’holech’ means we understand that every step we take in ruchnius is in and of itself our goal. The means are no less important than the end. Every day of Chanukah, we add another light that illuminates the nefesh inside. Every day of our lives, we advance and ignite another flame that lights up our future path.”
* * * * *
The Maharshal notes that the nusach of Haneiros Hallalu has 36 words, besides the first two words. This references the 36 flames of all eight days of Chanukah combined. As we sing Haneiros Hallalu, we aren’t referring only to the licht we just lit now, but to all of the licht that we will be lighting over the course of Chanukah.
Every night, when we kindle the menorah, it is a very heilige time, and the shaarei orah open wide in Shamayim, inspiring a great shefa on this world. It is a time mesugal for closeness with Hakadosh Baruch Hu. The more flames we light, the greater the eis ratzon
The eighth night of Chanukah, Zos Chanukah, is the peak. Our menorah stands, proudly lit in full. With more flames, there is more light, and more hashpaos. This is one of the reasons Zos Chanukah is such a tremendous eis ratzon
This lofty point of Zos Chanukah doesn’t come upon us at once; we must get to it step by step, by lighting one light on night one, then two, then three… Every night, we are inspired to reach a higher level than the night before.
On the first night, we only kindle one flame, yet ultimately, we’re on our way to lighting eight. This is why it is perfectly fitting to say “haneiros hallalu” in plural on the first night. We may only be kindling one flame tonight, but our goal is to be mosif v’holech, to add more light until we get to the peak.
׳א רפס PROVIDES STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO TEACH A CHILD THE ב-א, THE FIRST 4 NEKUDOS, AND HOW TO COMBINE THE NEKUDOS WITH THE ב-א.
DO YOU WANT TO HELP YOUR CHILD MASTER THE ALEPH-BEIS AND NEKUDOS, BUT NOT SURE HOW? THEN THIS SEFER IS FOR YOU!
YOUR CHILD WILL GO TO THE NEXT GRADE KNOWING FAR MORE THAN HIS CLASSMATES, REGARDLESS OF HIS KISHRONOS. CLASS SHOULD READ THE
Eating with the SEASONS
Eating with the seasons is an important tip for nursing moms. Giving us fall vegetables is Hashem's way of saying, "Here’s exactly what you need, right when you need it!" The vegetables that grow right now are packed with health in the form of orange foods! Think of it as stocking up your body’s pantry for the cold winter. All the squashes, carrots, and pumpkins that grow right now are nature’s organic multivitamins.
Eating orange fall foods is nature’s gift to your immune system. It is important as the weather changes to consume these foods right now!
Orange veggies are packed with beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A — the ultimate gift for your immune system, helping to keep it strong enough to wave off winter colds and sniffles. Plus, these foods have vitamin C helping to produce collagen to keep your skin strong and healthy as winter approaches.
These cozy foods do more than just taste great, they give you slow-releasing carbs that keep you warm and your energy levels up to help with those late-night feedings. They’re also high in fiber, so your digestion stays smooth and settled, leaving you less likely to snap at your loved ones. Eating seasonal orange foods keeps you steady, strong, and ready to tackle winter with some pep in your step — or at least enough energy to stay awake for that 2 a.m. feeding!
Sara Chana Silverstein, IBCLC
To get a free weekly tip on our nursing hotline call 4640-356-929-1
It’s FREE and informative, we give you a new tip weekly
Mens Gifting Redefined
Smaller Yeshivos Potentially Eligible for Security Funding Under New City Council Bill
With the stroke of his mayoral pen, Eric Adams could make going to school a safer proposition for more than 15,000 yeshiva students under a bill that was recently signed by the City Council.
Passed by the City Council on December 19, Intro 532 builds on a 2016 law that had the city paying for security guards at yeshivas with more than 300 students. The new bill lowers the minimum number of students to 150. Sponsored by Councilman Justin Brannan, the bill was co-sponsored by more than half of the City Council, including Councilman Kalman Yeger.
Agudath Israel of America and nonpublic school advocates lobbied hard for the bill, emphasizing the need for greater student safety in the face of rising bias attacks. Rabbi Yeshoshua Pinkus, director of yeshiva services at the Agudah, said that the needs of smaller schools were significant.
“For years we have heard from schools that did not meet the threshold and were struggling to provide security services,” explained Rabbi Pinkus.
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, director of New York government relations at the Agudah, thanked the City Council for stepping up to provide better security for students in smaller nonpublic schools.
“We thank Councilmembers Brannan and Yeger for leading the efforts on this bill, as well as the more than 25 members who initially signed onto the bill as co-sponsors,” said Rabbi Silber. “We now call on Mayor Adams to sign it into law immediately.”
BP Journalist Honored for Lifesaving Efforts During Two-Alarm Blaze
A photojournalist for BoroPark24 who went from covering the news to making news was honored by Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein last week, receiving an official commendation that lauded him for his bravery and heroism.
Photographer Zevi Klein wasted no time when he arrived at the scene of a December 5th fire that broke out just after midnight on 20th Avenue and 52nd Street. As the first person to respond to what would eventually become a two-alarm fire, Klein helped trapped family members escape the flames, bringing them to the safety of his car.
Eichenstein lauded Klein for his actions last week, presenting him with a citation from the New York State Assembly on December 19.
“Zevi showed true courage and compassion when he rushed into a building to rescue a family from a devastating fire with little regard to his own safety,” said Eichenstein, adding, “He is a true hero.”
Klein downplayed his role in the rescue, saying that it was clearly orchestrated by Hashem, reported BoroPark24.
“Taking the lead and rescuing one family member after another was the least I could do to ease their pain and emotional distress in such a terrifying situation,” said Klein.
FAA Issues Temporary Drone Bans in Response to Ongoing Concerns
Be ready to pay the price if you fly your drone in any of several dozen spots in New York and New Jersey, with the Federal Aviation Administration issuing a ban on the aerial devices for security reasons.
The FAA said that drones spotted in the specified locations could be taken down by force, with their pilots facing penalties and even potential criminal charges. A statement issued by the agency last week detailed temporary flight restrictions that remain in place through January 17 in seventeen municipalities including Jersey City, Elizabeth, Edison and Clifton, in addition to previously issued bans at the Picatinny Arsenal and around the Trump golf course in Bedminster.
Hours later, similar restrictions were issued in New York, covering more than two dozen critical infrastructure sites including Brooklyn, Queens, Far Rockaway, portions of Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx, among others. The New York restrictions remain in place until January 18 and are in addition to the state-of-the-art drone detection system delivered last week by the Biden administration. According to Governor
Kathy Hochul, the measures are purely precautionary.
“While we have not detected any public safety or national security threats, we will continue aggressively monitoring the situation as we call on Congress to pass legislation to give states and local law enforcement the authority and resources they need to manage this evolving technology,” said Hochul. “Public safety is my top priority, and I will stop at nothing to keep my constituents safe.”
The new restrictions bar any uncrewed aircraft from operating within a nautical mile of the airspace in the specified areas. Usage of recreational drones remains permitted under 400 feet.
Nearly a million drones are registered in the United States. A statement released jointly last week by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, the FAA and the Department of Defense will hopefully allay some of the concerns that have arisen in recent weeks.
“Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” said the agencies.
Brooklyn BP Prepares for Chanukah With Four Bakery Donut Crawl
Four local bakeries enjoyed an opportunity to add some sweetness to the life of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who sampled fresh pre-Chanukah donuts at each one.
Reynoso visited Strauss Bakery, Taam Eden Bakery, Sesame and Pomegranate on December 18 along with Jewish Community Relations Council CEO Mark Treyger. For Reynoso, the visits provided a platform to promote small businesses, in addition to learning about Chanukah.
“In a borough as big as Brooklyn, nothing brings us together quite like the food that celebrates our heritage and traditions,” said Reynoso. “Brooklyn is home to the largest population of
Jewish people in the United States, and as borough president, it is a great honor to celebrate the indelible contributions that the Jewish community has made to the culture of our borough by uplifting our small businesses and enjoying this culinary tradition.”
In addition to tasting donuts, Reynoso had a chance to try his hand at donut making. Extending his warm Chanukah wishes to his constituents, the borough president also made a point of plugging local commerce.
“I wish all of our Jewish neighbors a very happy Chanukah and encourage all Brooklynites to enjoy sufganiyot from a local Jewish bakery this holiday season,” said Reynoso.
JetBlue Ends JFK to Miami Service
Hoping to improve its bottom line, JetBlue is discontinuing service from John F. Kennedy International Airport to several cities, including Miami.
According to The Points Guy, JetBlue is making multiple changes to eliminate unprofitable flights and shift its focus from underperforming routes to those that are more lucrative. JetBlue acknowledges that it hasn’t been able to compete with the more dominant American and Delta in Miami, although it will continue its service from Boston to Miami. The airline plans to transfer some of its Miami-based staff to other cities.
Also being axed are JetBlue’s flights from JFK to Austin, Houston, Milwaukee and London, as well as those from Jacksonville to Fort Lauderdale, Westchester to Charleston, and Boston to San Jose. The airline is also pulling its business-class Airbus A321s from its JFK and Boston flights to Seattle.
Part of the airline’s JetForward plan, the changes are intended to help JetBlue get back in the black, having lost its footing during the pandemic. JetBlue has said that it will start adding new routes to its schedule in the weeks ahead.
Tolls Rising Again on Cuomo Bridge
Get used to digging a little deeper into your pocket when you head east to Westchester, with tolls rising once again on the Cuomo Bridge as of January 1.
The 50-cent toll hike is the second of four 50-cent annual increases scheduled by the New York State Thruway Authority. As a user-supported roadway, the Thruway Authority receives no dedicated federal, state, or local taxes.
The 570-mile highway will have some of the lowest toll rates in the United States through 2027, according to the Thruway Authority, with only the Massachusetts Turnpike and New Hampshire’s Spaulding Turnpike charging lower per-mile rates for E-ZPass passengers. Travelers using Delaware’s US 301 pay the highest per-mile toll rates for EZPass customers in the country, followed closely by the New Jersey Turnpike north of exit 9, with tolls on both of those roads coming in at more than six times the amount charged on the Thruway.
PHOTO: BOROPARK24
Recap: Kaily and her siblings meet with the doctor, who confirms that their mother has Parkinson’s. Roiza begins physical therapy.
Sink or swim, Perela mused as she took in the scene in front of her. This week, she’d felt like she was sinking in a mountain of unlabeled school supplies, wet swim gear and hospital shifts. But now she was actually staring at the ocean spilling over the horizon, ready to relax and ride the waves.
Perela kicked off her new espadrilles — the wrong choice for the beach — and allowed her feet to sink into the sand. Her breathing slowed as she drank in the sheer beauty of nothing but sun and sky and water.
She, Perela Sternberg, was at the beach. Her eyes closed magnetically as a little rush of foamy water licked her ankles. Only two hours ago, she had been home with bored kids and an endless shopping list, and now she was in a different world.
“Nu? Didn’t I tell you that you have to come?”
Perela opened her eyes and jerked around. Tziri was standing nearby, looking smug.
The woman was either crazy or amazing.
Tziri had called her yesterday, while Perela was in the uniform store debating between size seven and size eight. The tiny basement pop-up shop was jammed with people and boxes.
“Perela, we’re going to Deal tomorrow, and you’re coming,” she said in that delightfully annoying voice. “I want you to get a feel for the business. And it’s fun.”
“Deal? I thought China.”
“Perela,” Tziri had said slowly, “the
beach. For a photo shoot. For next summer’s stock. It’s like business and pleasure.”
Sheva emerged from the makeshift dressing room behind two racks wearing the size eight shirt. Perela frowned. “Sheva, switch back to the size seven.”
Sheva pouted, but went off to change yet again.
“Perela, are you with me?”
“Now I am. What were you saying about the beach?”
“We hired a commercial photographer for the week. She brings child models, a makeup artist and a hairdresser. Tomorrow we’re doing pictures at the beach, and from experience, we need as many hands on deck as possible.”
Perela had known with certainty, then, that Tziri was officially insane.
“My kids are home. I can barely put on my sheitel without my family following me around.”
“If your kids are home, your husband should be home too, no?” Tziri asked snidely. “Aren’t the chedarim off these few days? Come on, you deserve a break.”
Perela snorted.
Tziri pretended not to hear. “You’ve been so busy with your mother. I’m sure your husband will want you to come and recharge. I rented a villa on the beach! It has the best views and these enormous rocks in all kinds of
“IF YOUR KIDS ARE HOME, YOUR HUSBAND SHOULD BE HOME TOO, NO?” TZIRI ASKED SNIDELY. “AREN’T THE CHEDARIM OFF THESE FEW DAYS?”
CHANIE SPIRA
fascinating shapes. You’ll love it!”
Sheva was back with the smaller shirt. Perela whispered, “This is good. You can change.” She took her place in line to pay.
“Besides, it’s not all day,” Tziri continued. “We do outdoor pictures later in the day. We start at four and finish at about seven. So you don’t have to leave before two.”
She hung up with the promise to confirm within the hour.
Ezriel hadn’t been thrilled with the idea. Instead, he’d said, “Perela, I don’t think this job is meant for a busy mother…”
She’d silently stalked off to put away the new uniform shirt, only to realize that she’d brought home the size eight.
Afterward, he’d grudgingly signed up for babysitting duty. Her kids had been even less happy at their disappearing mother, and they’d grumbled loudly that she was never home, and they wanted to go to the park.
Perela watched the waves for another minute, allowing her mind to clear. She really did deserve this.
“Okay, these are our two models, Peppy and Liam,” Tziri said, pointing to two blond-haired kids who couldn’t be older than seven. They looked at her confidently and smiled. “They were amazing today! Right, kids?”
“Gotta boost them,” she whispered to Perela. “They’re exhausted already. We did pictures inside the villa first, and we’re just heading out now.”
Imagine, these kids were Sheva’s and Avrumi’s ages, and they’d sold their childhood to become models.
“And this is our super talented photographer, Gili.”
Gili didn’t look too different from Perela. Same style sheitel, same style shoes. Where were her kids? How was she here taking pictures without a care in the world?
“What’s my job?” she asked Tziri.
“Watch for a few minutes, and then you’ll see for yourself.”
Peppy was wearing a basic chambray skirt and an adorable white sweatshirt with the Terry Blass logo embroidered in hot pink. It all worked perfectly with the little tan lace-up booties she was wearing. She
was the picture of upscale leisurewear.
Perela watched as the hairdresser gathered Peppy’s hair into a ballerina bun at the top of her head and allowed some hair to fall naturally in front of her face. Then she sprayed the hair lightly to add sheen to the highlights.
The makeup artist brushed some bronzer over Peppy’s nose to emphasize the sprinkling of freckles. Gili positioned her sideways, staring toward the ocean with an eye on the camera.
“Ready?”
Peppy nodded.
“All right,” crowed the photographer. “Smile!”
The model smiled.
“Come on! The dreamyeyed look.”
The kid’s eyes glazed, and she gave just a hint of a smile. Whoever trained her knew what they were doing.
“My pleasure.” Tziri’s appreciation filled her with something new.
The photographer took over. She positioned the kids so the sailboat in the distance was starkly prominent. She added a fake sandcastle that looked like the real thing, and clicked the camera.
“Dreamy. Snide. Serious. Turn around, I want your backs. Smile. Giggle.”
HADN’T YIDDY SAID THAT KAILY COULD GET PAID FOR WHAT SHE WAS DOING? WHY WAS SHE GUILTING HER LIKE THAT? AND WHY WERE HER KALLAH’S EARRINGS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PERELA’S JOB?
“Perela, toss me the white linen Shabbos set,” Tziri called from behind the lens where she was checking the results.
Perela snapped to attention. She went to the suitcase, sitting on a rock, and picked out the outfit Tziri had requested. She quickly changed Peppy, while Liam got into the boy’s version.
“Find a yarmulke in the bag,” Tziri asked. She found one and placed it on his head. He didn’t comment, just gave a little snort.
Without thinking, she undid Peppy’s bun, parted her hair to the side, allowed half to fly in the wind, and pinned the other half behind the girl’s ear.
Some color.
She went back to the suitcase, found a daring magenta sweater, and told the girl to put it on over the outfit.
She turned around to see Tziri watching her intently.
“Lovely. Just lovely, Perela.”
Perela blushed. “Maybe people will enjoy the cardigan for Pesach, if the weather’s still chilly,” she said in a rush.
“Love it! We’ll do some pictures with and some without. It’ll be a winner! Thanks!”
The kids listened like her own kids never did. She didn’t have a single decent family picture from the summer. And not for lack of trying.
“Perfect!” Tziri cheered. The shoot was magnificent. The tide foaming in the background, the dreamy look, the white sailboat and their hair softly billowing in the breeze.
When they were done, they all sat on the rock, and Tziri produced some drinks and snacks.
Perela glanced at her watch. Who knew what was going on at home now? Where was her bag, anyway? She had completely lost herself in the experience.
She looked around and finally spotted her bag behind the tripod. She went to fetch it slowly and dug her phone out to check if she had any missed calls.
She had three missed calls from Kaily. Ugh. What does she want? Another fifteen shifts because she has to plan her events?
“Hi, Perela. Where am I catching you?”
At the beach.
For some reason, she didn’t think it would fly. “Juggling. You know, the kids are home,” she fibbed.
“Aha.”
EZRIEL HADN’T BEEN THRILLED WITH THE IDEA. INSTEAD, HE’D SAID, “PERELA, I DON’T THINK THIS JOB IS MEANT FOR A BUSY MOTHER…”
Tziri was inching her way up to her curiously. “I need your help with this twilight pose,” she whispered loudly. “For the melaveh malka line.”
The waves suddenly roared.
“Kaily, I need to go. Can we talk later?”
She heard her sister swallow. “It’s just that Bina is in Monsey today. For her nephew’s bris. And I thought I could take her to choose earrings…” She trailed off.
All the serenity drained out of Perela. Hadn’t Yiddy said that Kaily could get paid for what she was doing? Why was she guilting her like that? And why were her kallah’s earrings more important than Perela’s job?
“I’m sorry. Not today. It’s crazy busy here, and I have tomorrow’s shift.”
“You’re right,” Kaily said. “Though Bina won’t be in Monsey tomorrow. But don’t worry. It’ll be okay. I’ll just tell Bina that we’ll do it another time.”
“Maybe I can go with you?” Perela offered lamely. “Maybe tomorrow night?”
“It’s fine. Bina can go with her mother. I just…” Kaily’s voice shook just a bit. “I just wanted to go with her.”
“I’m sorry,” Perela said helplessly, this time a bit more sincerely. “I’d love to help, but not today.”
She hung up quickly. She would not allow this to ruin her day. And it wasn’t the first time. First with that Shabbaton, then with the vort. It was almost daily by now. She shook her head to ground herself.
“Sorry, Tziri. I’m with you. What was it? The melaveh malka line, right?”
She took her phone and stuffed it into the bottom of her bag.
* * * * *
After the last of the shots were done and the skies had darkened, they trooped into the house. The models went to the rooms where their mothers were waiting, and the rest of them headed to the kitchen, where UberEats had dropped off a celebratory dinner.
The villa was large and airy with no doors on the ground level. It was all tall ceilings with wide archways.
“Whew! This is the hardest and most exhilarating part of the job,” Tziri said mildly. “To see how it all coordinates. It’s a lot.” She eagerly tore open the greasy paper bags and spread out a plastic tablecloth.
“It’s a lot? That’s the euphemism of the century,” Gili called from where she was carefully cleaning her lens.
She packed the last of her equipment into her duffel bag. “See you tomorrow!”
“Tomorrow is studio day for our basics line,” Tziri ex-
plained to Perela. “We rent these models for the week, and it’s nonstop action.”
Perela nodded. Her mind whirled with so many thoughts, she could barely formulate a coherent sentence. She knew one thing, though. Given the chance, she’d hop over to the studio anytime.
“I’ll pack up dinner for you guys,” Tziri said.
Gili started protesting, but Tziri waved her away. “What are we gonna do with so much food if you don’t take it with you?”
When they were all on their way, Tziri sat down with Perela.
“To give you a taste of China, I ordered Chinese,” Tziri winked.
“You know I didn’t agree yet,” Perela said playfully.
Tziri didn’t answer. She dug into her sesame chicken. Perela did the same, but after the second bite, she remembered her cell phone.
She hadn’t checked her phone for about three hours. She reluctantly pulled it out of her bag. “Hope the sand didn’t ruin the phone,” she muttered as she flipped it open.
She saw Ezriel had tried her five times. Okay. Breathe. Five times wasn’t all that much, considering he had to take care of supper, bath and bedtime.
She’d call him soon, on the way home.
“I can’t move,” Tziri moaned. She pushed away her plate dramatically, then ceremoniously removed a box from the restaurant bag. “But for dessert, I’ll make room.”
“What did you order for dessert?” Perela asked, looking at her own full plate.
“Fortune cookies!” Tziri crowed. “Because who can resist reading their fortune?”
Tziri handed her a butterflyshaped cookie. For some reason, she felt her stomach tighten as she broke the cookie in half. There was a paper folded inside.
She didn’t have time to acknowledge the fear before she unrolled the paper and read the words aloud.
“Your future is with us! Welcome to Prance.”
BE CONTINUED…
Dishes (9x13)
Grilled Vegetables....................................$55.00
Stir Fry Vegetables..................................$55.00
Vegetable Lomain....................................$55.00
Chinese Fried Rice..................................$42.00
Mushroom Rice.........................................$42.00
Spanish Rice...............................................$42.00
Mashed Potatos........................................$42.00
Red Roasted Potatoes...........................$45.00
Three Color Potato Medley..................$45.00
Roasted Potatoes.....................................$42.00
Caramelized Sweet Potato.................$45.00
Mini Potato Knishes...............................$55.00
Mini Potato Cigars...................................$55.00
Mini Moroccan Cigars...........................$55.00
Franks & Blanks.......................................$60.00
Mini Schwarma In Pita 18 pcs..............$90.00
Pulled Beef Rugalech............................$60.00
Mini Deli Roll................................................$60.00
Noodles & Cabbage................................$45.00
Noodles & Crumbs..................................$42.00
Shlishkes..................................................$48.00
Orzo..........................................................$42.00
Sesame Green Beans.............................$48.00
French Fries................................................$25.00
Potato Chips...............................................$30.00
Breaded Broccoli.....................................$55.00
Breaded Cauliflower................................$55.00
Pulled Beef Donuts.............................$7.99 pc
Potato Latke.............................................$2.50 pc Broccoli Craisin Salad 9X13..................$75.00
Cold Cut Salad 9X13................................$65.00
Salad 9X13.....................................$40.00
KLAL YISROEL! TOGETHER, WE DID IT!
You gave your time and support to help us reach our goal. We are humbled and awed by your outpouring of warmth and encouragement!
More than
14,000
donors joined to say: "Yes, I know Kochavim! I am proud to be a Kochavim supporter and help Cholei Yisroel."
KOCHAVIM’S MISSION: No family should face illness alone, and no child should lose their childhood to illness. Kochavim brings the joy of learning to medically fragile children, brightening long days and keeping them academically on track.
We support patients, parents and siblings with educational services, including a vibrant learning and after-school center, home and hospital visits, trips and events, apartment hosting, respite homes, and other resources, bringing relief and peace of mind to families facing a medical crisis.
Kochavim Whiteboard Contest Winners!
Dear Kids:
Thanks for your drawings and messages of hope & sunshine!
It was hard to choose only two winners. Every one of you is a winner! You helped Kochavim's Morah-on-Wheels bring joy to kids in the hospital with your whiteboard message. When you get older, maybe you'll get to be a Kochavim volunteer!
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Fritlech for eight days
This Chanukah, elevate your celebration with Bergers renowned fritlech! Each elegantly packaged box features crispy fritlech, accompanied by a bottle of powdered sugar and a gold-plated shaker, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and joy to the festivities.
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FAIGY REINER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOSHE GRUNFELD 845-442-0720
Is that gnawing question of “What do I make for my mother’s/mother-in-law’s/grandmother’s party?” getting to you?
Here’s the answer. Tried and true winners for that large family Chanukah party. You’re welcome.
PIZZA DOUGH CALZONES
This calzone recipe makes enough to feed a crowd and is the perfect, filling, warm bite to hit the spot.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. pizza dough
4 oz. whipped cream cheese, for smearing over the dough Egg, for egg wash Sesame seeds, for topping
MUSHROOM FILLING
4 T. butter
1 white onion, sliced
1 tsp. salt
4 cloves garlic
2 (8 oz.) boxes baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
1 (16 oz.) container ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
½ tsp. salt
EGGPLANT FILLING
½ bag breaded eggplant sticks
¼ cup marinara sauce
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangular shape.
3. Smear a layer of cream cheese onto your dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Place your filling along the center of the rectangle (see filling instructions below). Fold over the edges to create a long log.
5. Turn the log over so the seams are facing down. Brush with egg, and top with sesame seeds.
6. Using a knife, cut 3 to 4 slits along the top of the calzone so the steam can escape. Bake at 400° for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Slice and enjoy!
FOR MUSHROOM FILLING:
1. Melt butter in a large frying pan. Add the onions along with 1 teaspoon salt, and saute until golden. Add garlic, and saute for another minute.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms, and saute until wilted and all the liquid has evaporated. (This may take some time.)
3. Allow the mushroom mixture to cool. Then, combine with the ricotta cheese, shredded cheese, red pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon salt.
4. Add this mixture on top of the cream cheese dough, and proceed as directed above.
FOR EGGPLANT FILLING:
1. Defrost the eggplant sticks, and toss with marinara sauce.
2. Place this mixture on top of the cream cheese dough, and proceed as directed above.
VEGETABLE RATATOUILLE WITH CHEESE SAUCE
An irresistible and elevated vegetable dish to complement and round out your dairy menu.
INGREDIENTS
5 zucchini, unpeeled and sliced
4 yellow squash, unpeeled and sliced
3 purple onions, sliced into half circles
6 small eggplant, unpeeled and sliced
TOMATO SAUCE
4 T. butter
2 yellow onions, diced
6 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tsp. dried basil
3 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. dried mint
3 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
CHEESE SAUCE
5 T. butter
3 T. crushed garlic (approx. 7 garlic cloves)
⅔ cup flour
3 cups milk
1 (8 oz.) container whipped cream cheese
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. dried basil
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
¼ tsp. black pepper
3 cups cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, prepare the tomato sauce: Heat butter and add the diced onion. Saute until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and spices, and saute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Cover and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°.
5. Pour the tomato sauce into the bottom of a roaster pan. Line up the vegetable rounds into 4 rows lengthwise, alternating between the vegetables as follows:
1 yellow squash, 1 zucchini, 1 eggplant, 1 onion, and repeat.
6. Cover with a wet parchment paper and a foil over it.
7. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
8. While it is baking, prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat the butter and garlic until it starts to bubble.
9. Add the flour, and whisk until the flour has clumped together and is golden.
10. Add one cup of milk at a time, whisking vigorously until a smooth consistency is achieved.
11. Add the cream cheese, and stir until melted.
12. Add the spices and cheddar cheese, and keep whisking until all ingredients are smoothly combined.
13. Remove the veggies from the oven, and pour the cheese mixture over it.
14. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese sauce starts to bubble.
TRADITIONAL BAKED ZITI
You need a batch of this goodness for all the kids at the party.
INGREDIENTS
3 bags ziti, cooked
2 (24 oz.) jars marinara sauce Milk
2 (16 oz.) containers cottage cheese
2 (8 oz.) bags shredded cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
2. In a roaster pan, add the cooked ziti and marinara sauce.
3. Fill one empty jar of marinara with milk, and add to the pan.
4. Add the cottage cheese and one bag of cheese. Mix well to combine. Cover with a wet piece of parchment paper and foil.
5. Bake for 1 hour. Uncover, and add the second bag of cheese over the top.
6. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
SPINACH EGGPLANT PARMESAN
A true Chanukah delicacy.
INGREDIENTS
5 eggplants, sliced lengthwise Salt
8 eggs
3 cups panko crumbs
1 cup corn flake crumbs
¼ cup sesame seeds
3 T. dried parsley
1 (24 oz.) jar marinara
2 (8 oz.) bags shredded cheese of choice
FILLING
2 eggs
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
3 (8 oz.) whipped cream cheese
1 (8 oz.) bag Muenster cheese
1 (24 oz.) bag frozen spinach, thawed and drained
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Lay your sliced eggplants onto a paper towel. Sprinkle salt over both sides, and allow to sit for 20 minutes or until the eggplants start to “sweat.” Wash and dry each slice.
3. Place the eggs in a bowl and whisk. In a second bowl, combine the crumbs, sesame seeds and dried parsley. Dip each slice into the eggs and then into the crumb mixture, pressing down so that the crumbs stick. Place on the prepared baking pans.
4. Place the eggplant slices into the oven for 30 minutes.
5. While the eggplants bake, prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Mix well.
6. Line a roaster pan with parchment paper, and add one layer of baked eggplant slices on the bottom.
7. Top each slice with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce and approximately ¼ cup of the spinach-cheese filling.
8. Add a layer of eggplant slices on top of that, and repeat with the marinara and spinach mixture. Add one last layer of eggplant slices.
9. Cover well, and bake for 40 minutes.
10. Uncover, and top each slice with some more marinara and a heaping handful of cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese starts to bubble.
Chanukah 2024
Week 4 of 4
Revisiting the timeless recipes of our beloved food columnist, Leah Stern, a”h
BASIC POTATO LATKES
This recipe is an oldie but goodie, with roots that are probably set in Europe. I’ve tried many versions over the years — those with flour in the batter, those served with applesauce, and many more. While these more exotic recipes come and go, this one is here to stay.
Yields 10 large or 20 medium latkes
INGREDIENTS
3 large potatoes
3 eggs
1 T. kosher salt
⅛–¼ tsp. black pepper Oil for frying
DIRECTIONS
1. Peel and grate the potatoes, either in the food processor with the kugel blade or on the small shredder blade of a four-sided grater. Combine this with the remaining ingredients.
2. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
3. Fry on medium-high heat until golden. Flip over and fry on the other side until all the latkes are done.
Around the Kitchen Table, by Leah Stern, a”h, is available at your local Judaica store.
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Prose Picture A CHANUKAH
Picture
תורנה ונא וללה ןיקילדמ
A light unto the nations, illuminating the darkest of nights
We light up the world with our Chanukah lights
A lingering glow from Hashem’s palace of yore
Our menorah bears the torch through every galus detour
And with this everlasting flame that we inherit
The zechus of the Geulah may we soon merit
םיסינה תואלפנהלעלעו
Basking in the lichtalach’s glow
With spirited song, the emotions flow
Thanking Hashem for the wonders back then
Awakens a desire for closeness again
Each uplifting note, sung in perfect harmony
Dispels daily grind, inspires greater fervency
הכונח ימי תנומש לכו
Eight days of miracles, eight days that attest
That we, as a nation, aren’t suppressed
By the laws of nature, which we defy
We are l’maaleh min ha’teva, that’s why!
For eight days we waited for oil’s manufacture
Setting a precedent for nissim forever after
The Greeks’ decrees targeted our purity
They wished to thrust us into defiled obscurity
Yet on Chanukah, as we bask in the glow
Gazing at our licht, we feel the kedusha flow
That is why we uniquely recite
This double directive, specifying sight
תודוהל ידכ ללהלו
Days of joy, days of praise
Let’s keep the flame of gratitude ablaze
By expressing our thanks, seeing only the good
Acknowledging Hashem as every Yid should Gloom is dispelled, banished to make way
For the brilliance of nissim to light up our day
רוצ זועמ ...יתעושי
Timeless words, each an inspiration
Moaz Tzur tells the story of our nation
Time and again, we were oppressed
Persecuted, annihilated, yet never suppressed It’s a song of hope, as we long and yearn
For the ultimate Geulah, with the Beis Hamikdash’s return
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חכב אנא
Mired in galus, in this tefillah we implore
Hashem, how we wish to fulfill Your will to the core
Yet tangled as we are in the yetzer’s grasp
We beg You to untie the knots, undo the clasps
So we can, undisturbed, follow Your authority
And faithfully make Your ratzon our only priority
...רתסב בשוי ונידי
A segulah for protection in the Heavenly embrace
Saying Yoshev B’seser seven times showers us with grace U’maaseh yadeinu, in battle we were involved
Yet, konenah aleinu, Chanukah’s victory evolved —
Only through the blessings of Hakadosh Baruch Hu Who made the work of our hands successfully come through
חצנמל תוניגנב
On a plate of gold, David was shown
This song engraved, by Hashem Alone
In the shape of a menorah it was designed
And whenever David went to war of any kind
He wore a golden copy as a shield of victory
And we echo his song for shemirah throughout history
ריש רומזמ תכונח דודל תיבה
It’s the time of year of the great celebration
The chanukas hamizbei’ach, the Beis Hamikdash’s rededication
The place where physical and spiritual meet
The center of the world, our nation’s heartbeat
We thank Hashem for our closeness back then
And daven the doors of His home open soon again
Bonus Chanukah
HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY SPEND THE HALF-HOUR AFTER LIGHTING THE MENORAH?
My husband has a minhag not to talk during the half-hour. So we sit and sing Chanukah songs together. Sometimes my daughter will play her guitar too. After the half-hour, I give a small gift or nosh to whoever participated. – A Reader
My husband sings and dances with the kids. We also buy some cheap Chanukah toys and give a new one each night for the children to play with after we light the menorah. The kids really look forward to getting these little trinkets. – D.G.
This half-hour is the highlight of my year. The entire family sits together, and the girls get to sing along since no brothers-in-law are present. – I.C.
We sing traditional zemiros, and then each child gets to choose a song that we all sing together. Afterward, if there is extra time, my husband tells Chanukah stories until the halfhour is up. – S.M.
First Tatty lights the menorah, and then each child gets a turn. This process takes a while, and by the time everyone has had their moment and received personal attention, the half-hour is nearly over. Once the half-hour is up, we have a lovely tradition: Throughout Chanukah, we eat dinner in the dining room with a nice tablecloth instead of dining at the kitchen table. The difference it makes is indescribable; it creates such a warm and inviting atmosphere! It helps us feel the Yom Tov, and our kids can’t wait for the Chanukah supper! – A Reader
This half-hour after lighting is my favorite part of Yom Tov. I’m not allowed to do much else, so the entire family sits, and we sing, dance and give attention to every kid individually. We so enjoy this sacred family time with the candles before us. It’s times like these when I feel the shelo asani goy so strongly! – Y.P.
My husband sings a lot of Skulener niggunim by the candles. It’s really beautiful. – A Reader We spend the time singing, and the half-hour passes very quickly. When the family was younger, we used to record the singing, but now we just relax and watch the dancing flames. – R.A.
Chaunah is a time of miracles, both hidden and revealed.
We Yidden live above teva, and every now and then, individually, we are lucky enough to encounter this truth.
In honor of Chanukah, we asked our writers to tell us about a time they were kissed by a miracle — and knew it.
Eight writers share stories of miraculous salvation
AVIVA NEIMAN
a chanukah spin
This story dates back more than a decade ago, to Chanukah the year I was 21. I worked in New Jersey at the time, and I had a 40-minute commute. It was dark and rainy when I left the office at the end of the work day, but I wasn’t too concerned since I knew the way home with my eyes closed. (Public service announcement: Don’t drive with your eyes closed.)
As I was merging onto the Garden State Parkway, I sped up a bit so that I could squeeze myself in between the cars that were rushing past me.
But as I tried to merge, I lost control of the car.
The pavement was wet, and I had been speeding up. The wheels lost traction, and the car hydroplaned across three lanes of traffic, spinning in a 180-degree arc at high speed. I saw headlights rushing toward me, and in the everlasting instant before the car crashed back down to the ground, I thought, “How can I possibly survive this moment? Whatever happens next is completely in Hashem’s hands.”
I landed in the left lane, facing traffic. Miraculously, nothing happened. My car didn’t get a single scratch, and neither did I. A good Samaritan pulled up behind me (which was really in front of me, because my car was now facing traffic). He hopped out, asked me if I was okay, and offered to turn my car around so I could merge back into traffic. My brain was screaming, Are you for real? There is no way I am ever getting back into the driver seat of my car again, let alone right now! But simultaneously, I knew that if I didn’t get back in my car right away, I would always be scared to make that first move.
I accepted his offer. He turned my car around, and I got back in and drove home without any further incident.
Usually, Hashem hides the miraculous nature of the world in daily routine. But sometimes, He upends the routine so we remember the miracle. One lane of traffic, three lanes of traffic — it’s all the same to Him. But it will never be the same for me again.
TALI EDELSTEIN
infused by a miracle
Living with a complicated medical condition was anything but fun, even if I knew it was temporary. But it did make things easier that I was receiving treatment at home. We were becoming pros at administering my IVs, and my kids enjoyed riding around the house on the IV pole when it wasn’t in use.
One afternoon, I was scheduled to start a new medication. The medicine had to be diluted in at least 500 milliliter of saline solution in order to be administered safely. We knew this, so to be on the safe side, we used a 1,000-millileter IV bag. Once the fluids were slowly dripping into my vein, my husband used the needle syringe to extract the medication from the glass ampule, and then carefully inserted the contents of the small syringe into the bag of fluid. Now, in addition to the saline solution, I would be receiving the medicine.
The only problem was that it didn’t occur to us to gently shake the bag of fluids to mix and dilute the medicine. Which meant that the undiluted medication was very concentrated at the bottom of the bag and began dripping straight into me.
Within moments I started feeling terribly sick. Extreme nausea clawed up my throat, and I became horrendously dizzy. The world started spinning, a roaring sound filled my ears, and suddenly my mouth became suffused with a bitter taste, as if I was taking the medication orally.
I was able to choke out the words, “I’m reacting badly to this,” as I lost consciousness. My husband was still in the room, and he heard me.
He says he’ll never forget what he saw when he turned around. My head and neck had swollen up and turned bright red. My head had fallen backward, and my eyes were rolling. It was clear that I had lost con-
sciousness. Because Hashem had given me the ability to get out those few words before passing out, the first thing my husband did was stop the IV. Then he stood there, frozen in shock.
Finally I opened my eyes. Well, I felt as if I opened my eyes; my husband said they were open and rolling throughout the ordeal. But my world was black. As I came to, I couldn’t see — my vision was dark with tiny twinkling stars. The volume in my ears was strange; the sounds in the room (like my toddler screaming) were barely audible and very far away. I couldn’t move. My throat felt thick and my tongue was swollen.
But with Hashem’s kindness, I managed to utter the word “Benadryl.” As my vision came into focus, I saw my husband rushing to bring me the little pink pills. I tried to lift my hand to take them, but found I could not move my head, neck or hands. I opened my mouth, my husband put two Benadryl on my tongue, and gave me a sip from a water bottle. My eyes closed.
“Are you okay?”
The sounds were coming closer, louder, more normal-sounding. Speaking was too much of an effort, but I managed a thumbs-up without lifting my wrist to reassure him that I was there. For the next few minutes, we repeated this procedure every few seconds, until at last my eyes opened again.
My husband and I stared at each other as we each realized the magnitude of the miracle we’d just experienced. So many things came together, each one a miracle of its own: my husband was still in the room, I was able to recognize and inform him that there was a problem with the medicine, I knew what I needed and was able to ask for it, and, most importantly, I recovered quickly without requiring medical assistance.
The experience was terrifying, but the miracle was comforting beyond measure. In those few moments, we were never surer of Hashem’s love.
CHAYA SARA BEN SHACHAR
reappearing roots
In December of 2021, my son Chaim, who was two and a half years old at the time, lost the two teeth on either side of his front teeth after one of his siblings rode a scooter through his mouth on our porch.
I’ll spare you the gory details.
Nearly four years later, he was six years old, and the adult teeth still had not grown in. This actually didn’t concern me much, until a brilliant afternoon this past summer, when he was outside on our porch again, and he suddenly fell and banged his mouth.
The blood streaming out of his mouth evoked horrific and traumatic images of his previous injury. My husband offered to take him to the dentist, but the news wasn’t good when they returned.
“The dentist agreed to give his top two teeth a chance to heal, so that he won’t lose more teeth, but there’s a strong chance that they’ll need to be pulled,” my husband pronounced. “He’s not allowed to eat hard foods for two weeks, and we need to apply oxygen to his mouth every night plus administer antibiotics before bringing him back in for a recheck.”
Two weeks later, we were back at the dentist’s office.
The dentist took an x-ray of my son’s mouth. She shook her head. “One of his two top teeth has no roots. It needs to be extracted.”
I inhaled, then exhaled, then slowly closed my eyes. Only one tooth left in a space meant for four would make my son look like an old man.
A sudden flash of inspiration. The Lubavitcher Rebbe had often advised people to seek additional medical advice. “I want a second opinion,” I told the dentist.
The dentist shrugged. “Fine,” she agreed. “But there’s really not much to be done for a rootless tooth.”
Two days later, my son was seen by another dentist, who peered at the x-ray from the other clinic.
“There’s no root there, and that means it’s unsalvageable,” he said. “But just to be on the safe side, I’d like to x-ray the tooth again.”
The dentist took the x-ray and then looked at the screen.
“Are you sure that the x-ray you brought me is of your son’s teeth?” the dentist asked. “Not someone else’s?”
I was sure.
“Well, congratulations. Today’s x-ray shows that your son’s teeth still have roots. There’s no need for an extraction.”
Six months later, Chaim’s front teeth are still healthy and strong. He still has that endearing smile. I hope there will be no more dental adventures, but every time I look at his mouth, I see a miracle.
CHANA GOODMAN
unveiled
I’m not sure if a menorah was an official chasan gift back when we got married. It may have been an “unofficial” chasan gift. In any case, my husband didn’t get one.
We actually got married on Chanukah, so I suppose a menorah would have been especially apropos. And while I remember lighting the menorah together during sheva brachos, neither of us can remember what menorah he actually lit.
When Chanukah came around the following year, the menorah question came around too.
“You probably have one from your bar mitzvah,” I said. He said he didn’t.
The first night of Chanukah, he came home with a small oil menorah from Amazing Savings. It served us well in our small apartment. In time it would be joined by a painted pink menorah and colorful candles. When we moved a few years later, we took with us the Amazing Savings menorah, the pink menorah, and by then also a small blue menorah. One Chanukah after another came and went, and those menorahs were joined by other little menorahs. Through it all, the Amazing Savings menorah remained.
“You can barely see it at the window,” one of my older kids complained last year. My husband and I went outside to look, and my husband announced that it was fine.
I wasn’t so sure, though. I also thought it was time for my husband to have a real menorah. But I wasn’t going to make such a large purchase on my own. I brought it up to my husband a few times, but characteristically, he insisted that he didn’t want or need a new menorah.
That year, we spent Shabbos Chanukah at my in-laws. On Motzei Shabbos, I asked my motherin-law if she knows if my husband has a menorah from his bar mitzvah.
“There are a few up in that cabinet, but I don’t know whose is whose.” She motioned toward a high cabinet in the kitchen.
To humor me, my husband climbed up and took down two small brass menorahs.
“Look again! Look again!” the kids cheered. He climbed up again.
“There’s another one back here,” he said, voice muffled. “It’s big.”
To our amazement, he brought down a large
silver menorah, about two feet tall. We set it on the kitchen island. It was a gorgeous art-deco silver menorah that hadn’t been used in 30 years, maybe more.
“I haven’t seen that one in years. I think it was my father’s. Now it’s yours!” my mother-in-law announced.
It would have been perfect, but it was missing the cup for the shamash. Maybe, we decided, we could take it to the silver store and have one made.
“Let’s look one more time,” my husband said.
He looked in all the high cabinets and low drawers, rummaging among old Kiddush cups and forgotten Havdalah candle holders. We held our breath.
“Found it!” He placed a perfect shamash in the menorah. It was like finding the pach shemen itself.
We took the menorah home the next day. I polished it, and on Zos Chanukah, my husband lit it. Finally, a menorah of our own, which glowed magnificently with the light of this miracle.
By: Chaya R. Fleischman
CHANUKAH SPECIAL
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***Call for more details***
AS TOLD TO BAILY KARPEN
a mix-up mi racle
The day after I arrived home with my fourth baby, my cozy postpartum haze was shattered by a phone call from Albany. The New York Department of Health was concerned about an irregularity in the bloodwork done at the hospital. My baby’s thyroid levels were irregular, and they were concerned about hypothyroidism. I needed to get the baby checked out properly, they said.
In the grip of roiling hormones, my mind didn’t feel like my own. My baby was sick? How was that possible? He looked gorgeous.
Insanity set in. I would go to the doctor — but not today. First the baby would have his bris, and then I would send the children off to school. After that, I’d go to my trusted pediatrician and decide what my next step would be.
But a day after the bris, my pediatrician was on the phone. Early treatment was crucial, he explained. I needed to bring the baby in right away.
It made complete sense. Except that I wasn’t completely sane.
“My baby looks fine!” I insisted.
But the doctor was persistent; this was a condition whose symptoms only developed later, he explained.
I told him I’d come the next day, but then something came up. The day after, something else came up. And then again.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur came and went. My hands were busy feeding little mouths and building Playmobil towers. The Department of Health’s phone number kept appearing on my ID.
A week after Sukkos, the kids were back in school, the endless Erev Yom Tovs were over, my baby was seven weeks old, and the mental haze cleared. It suddenly sank in that my baby needed medical attention. I made the appointment with my heart pounding. The receptionist literally applauded when I walked through the door.
The doctor examined my little Shimmy, and then gave me a referral to a thyroid specialist in a different part of the clinic.
Only once I was settled in the pediatric endocrinologist’s waiting room did I glance at the papers my pediatrician had given me.
To my surprise, the name on top of the paper was “Judy Griffin,” followed by my baby’s date of birth, September 8.
Confused, I went over to the receptionist.
“It’s usual to put the mother’s name and then the baby’s DOB on the form,” she explained. “Because the baby didn’t have a legal name yet in the hospital.”
“But that’s not my name!” I said. “My name is Judy Gruen!”
It took a few phone calls and emails, but soon I was on my way home with my completely healthy baby boy, who definitely did not need to see an endocrinologist.
The Department of Health had made a mistake, matching the bloodwork of Judy Griffin’s baby to the contact information of Judy Gruen.
My baby was fine! I sang Hallel on the way home, trembling with joy. It may have appeared to be a simple mix up, but I knew it was no mistake — it was a miracle.
MALKA NEWMAN
left lane mi racle
Afew years ago, my family spent the summer roadtripping out in the Midwest.
One night, we were out in Indiana, staying in a quaint bread and breakfast surrounded by cornfields. Those who have been to Indiana know there isn’t much there aside from corn; the roads are mostly bare, save for the occasional Amish buggy or big rig transporting goods to and from the corn farms.
We were settling down for the night when we realized our son’s sippy cup was gone. The perks of being in the middle of nowhere are many, but convenience isn’t one of them. My husband got dressed and headed outside to the car, in search of a pharmacy or convenience store that was still open. My sleepy four-year-old went along for the ride, and I stayed behind to (attempt to) get the others to bed.
The roads were dark and deserted, and it had been a long day. My husband turned on a shiur as he drove and drove, in search of something, anything, that would be open at this hour out there in the boondocks. At one point, he absently switched into the left lane, not realizing that in these parts, the narrow stretch of road was designed as one lane in each direction, and not two parallel lanes, as we were used to.
There, in the middle of Nowheresville, Indiana, my husband drove along on the left side of the road for quite some time, unaware and undisturbed. Then the road curved, and suddenly, around the bend, he found himself face to face with a massive tanker. Both vehicles were driving too fast, and there wasn’t much place to go. With tremendous siyata d’Shmaya, my husband managed to yank the car back into the right lane with seconds to spare. He then pulled over, shaking, and called me. It was nothing short of a neis
At the time, the shiur playing in the car was one of Rav Shimshon Pincus’s on Shabbos Malkesa. Since then, my husband accepted upon himself to learn from that sefer every single day, to always remember the miracle.
AS TOLD TO RAIZY FRIEDMAN
drowning in nissim
Every summer when we go up to the country, it takes me a few days to get totally settled in, especially because day camp doesn’t start right away, which means I have to do all the unpacking with everyone underfoot. Last year was no different.
But Thursday finally arrived, the first day of day camp. I waved goodbye to the big kids and deposited three-year-old Mindy at the little kids division of the day camp house. She was happy to let me leave, surrounded by all the new friends she’d met on the colony’s grounds over the past week.
Everyone came back to the bungalow for lunch, and then I helped them change for swimming. I smiled as they left the bungalow, pretending not to notice the piles of clothing on the floor, and got to work peeling carrots for chicken soup.
I don’t know how much time passed, but soon I became aware of a lot of noise from outdoors: yelling, sirens, chaos. I looked outside. Something had happened at the pool. Women were running, Hatzolah was there; I heard the insistent, repeated ringing of phones and terse, cracking commands from the radios.
It was every mother’s worst nightmare. And it was Mindy.
My Mindy. My very little baby girl, my three-year-old princess. She was alive — barely. Hanging by a thread.
They took Mindy by chopper to Westchester Trauma Center. My husband accompanied her while I stayed behind to manage the rest of the family. The tears came fast and furious. The entire colony was saying Tehillim; the entire world, I later found out, was saying Tehillim. But all I could do was cry.
The doctors weren’t optimistic; Mindy’s situation was grim. In the meantime, my husband got in touch with the chevra kadisha. But still, we didn’t give up. As long as she was alive, maybe, hopefully, we’d have a miracle.
We got our miracle.
It wasn’t just a miracle. It was a neis gadol. By Sunday afternoon, Mindy walked out of Westchester Trauma Center on her own two feet. It felt unreal, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
It took a couple of days for Mindy to return to her previous sunny self. She was clingy, and I refused to let her go anywhere without me all of Monday. On Tuesday, I accompanied her to day camp and stayed with her. I was shaken to the core, and I found myself sobbing inexplicably every couple of hours.
Wednesday morning, Mindy turned to wave goodbye to me as she ran into day camp, and I knew it was time to move on. As I sorted piles of laundry and organized the pantry, my husband called. Would we be able to host an Israeli bochur for Shabbos?
All you need to do is close your eyes and say, ‘We’re ready.’ With service that’s second to none, Just make the call (or email, text, or carrier pigeon). We’ll make this midwinter next year. Get ready, ‘cause we’ve been there- now it’s your turn.
He was in America, collecting for his wedding, and wanted to spend Shabbos at our centrally located colony in Fallsburg in order to go collecting in the area on Friday and Sunday.
I usually hosted easily; we had the space, and what’s another piece of chicken or plate of cholent? But this week, I was still shaky, still weepy. The house was a mess, and I wanted routine, peace and quiet, maybe even store-bought fish to make things easier for myself. Host? I wasn’t sure.
But then my husband mentioned what a big mitzvah it would be, and honestly, after Hashem had done a miracle for my child, I felt it was only right to do something for one of His children in return.
Yankel arrived on Thursday night. Throughout Shabbos, he was polite and gracious, but it was hectic, my children were rowdy, and I didn’t pay him much attention.
Motzei Shabbos, my husband and Yankel came home from shul, both of them pale but smiling. The story came out in little pieces, as they both kept interrupting each other.
During shalosh seudas at our bungalow colony’s shul, Yankel had overheard two men making a l’chaim, mentioning, specifically, a drowning miracle.
“Wait.” Yankel turned to the man who’d mentioned the neis. “Did someone in this colony drown last week? A child?”
The man nodded soberly.
“And? How is she?” the usually quiet bochur pressed.
“She’s doing just fine, she’s back to herself. It was a real neis! Why, how did you hear about it?”
“Last Thursday at approximately five o’clock,” Yankel recounted, “I was in a shul in Brooklyn, collecting. There were men gathering for Mincha, and one older man lashed out at me for no good reason. He called me names, telling me to go back to Eretz Yisroel and stop wasting everyone’s time. It was humiliating.
“Suddenly, a yungerman approached me, holding his cell phone in his hand. ‘Please don’t answer,’ the yungerman said. ‘I know that man humiliated you, but I just got a text about a child who drowned in a pool and needs rachmei Shamayim Please don’t answer, and let your busha be a zechus for Mindel bas Yittel, l’refuah sheleimah.
“I stood there, heart pounding, angry words on the tip of my tongue — but then I swallowed. I could do this as a zechus. I would do this. I davened Mincha, left the shul, and by the next day, I had completely forgotten about the incident.
“Now, when I heard the two men discussing a drowning miracle, I needed to know whether it was related to the little girl I had in mind when I refrained from answering back. And, indeed, the man told me that the girl is actually my Shabbos host’s daughter!”
The miracle had come full circle.
GOLDY SWIMER
mi raculously normal
“
Had the doctor not gotten him to breathe just then, it would’ve been
o-ver,” the woman in the pink turban proclaimed.
We were in the Aishes Chayil feeding room, cradling our sweet-smelling bundles. As usual, there was one woman holding court. I was no newcomer to the place, and I found it amusing each time again how social dynamics naturally fell into place.
Pink Turban was describing a morning gone horribly awry, and how nurses and doctors tried frantically to save the life of her baby. In the nick of time, Hashem had sent the yeshuah, and days later, her baby was just another squalling bundle in the nursery, cuddled by a weary mommy.
“A miracle,” breathed a woman wearing a sparkly black snood. “You really had a neis!”
A murmur rippled across the room. Yes, this woman had experienced a miracle.
My blue uniformed baby suddenly squeaked, lazily unfolding his muscles into a satisfying stretch. More chicken than child, my wee man had little care for the tales being spun around him in the great, cavernous room. He simply wanted his diaper changed. I picked up the tiny fella.
“And what of you, little mister?” I whispered into his round, red ears. “Are you not a miracle, too?”
I had no dramatic story to tell, nothing nearly as heartstopping, fingernail-biting, or mesmerizing as the tale Pink Turban had told. My little human and I were blessedly “regular.”
Five years ago, when my mother was ill, doctors told us she’d need a miracle to pull through. B’chasdei Hashem, she did. But wasn’t my own health a bigger miracle still? That I did not need to avail myself of medicine’s greatest innovations to keep me alive? That the term “as natural as breathing” was a reality I took for granted?
The biggest neis I see is sheb’chol yom u’manu, the great chasadim He does so casually for us each day. The hum and beat of regular life, the ice-covered roads that melt before sunrise, fluffy challos, and the flames I remember to shut before I retire for the night.
It’s a miracle that I don’t need a miracle.
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It was after 1 a.m. when longtime mohel Rabbi Twersky’s phone rang. The voice on the other end was familiar, but hard to identify.
“Who is this?” Rabbi Twersky asked, groping for his glasses on the nightstand.
“Hi, Rabbi Twersky. It’s Dovid Pretter. I’m sorry for calling so late. Trust me, if it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t have woken you.”
Now Rabbi Twersky was fully awake. He had done brissim for several of Dovid Pretter’s sons over the years; what could make the man call him in the middle of the night?
“Rabbi Twersky, I have a question. Would you be able to do a bris for an adult? A 28-year-old?”
“Um, a Yid?”
“Yes, a special Yid. A ba’al teshuvah.”
Rabbi Twersky thought fast.
“Well, I have a bris in the morning, so the early morning won’t work, and then I have to go say a shiur — I can’t cancel that. Maybe in the evening?”
“No, no, it needs to be a bit earlier. The man has a flight to catch at 7:00 p.m.”
Rabbi Twersky paused.
“What about 2:00 p.m.? Is he available then?”
The arrangements were made, with Dovid Pretter promising to follow up with a location sometime mid-morning. Rabbi Twersky made some early-morning phone calls to a fellow experienced mohel, just as backup in case assistance was needed.
All the while, he wondered: What made a 28-year-old ba’al teshuvah ask for a bris on such short notice?
The story Rabbi Twersky heard the next day touched his very soul.
Rabbi Mordechai Stein was an avreich who dabbled in chinuch He had developed a program that was devoted to the teaching of the 39 melachos that are forbidden on Shabbos. In the mornings, he would travel to different schools, presenting his ideas and getting leads. He also trained rebbeim and created a rewards program for the boys who learned the 39 melachos according to his curricular setup. Life was simple and routine.
One day, Reb Mordechai’s phone rang. On the other end of the line was none other than his
Rosh Yeshivah, the venerable Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach.
“Yes, how can I help you?” Reb Mordechai asked humbly. Other than sharing the simchas of his children’s births, and asking a couple of sheilos about his curricular work over the years, he hadn’t had much personal shaychus with the Rosh Yeshiva.
“I need your help,” the Rosh Yeshivah said.
Reb Mordechai listened as the Rosh Yeshivah described the plight of an agunah who was waiting for her divorce for several years. The husband was a difficult person, and besides refusing to grant his wife a get, he seemed to have also slipped out of town.
“What does the Rosh Yeshivah think I can do?” Reb Mordechai said. “I’m just a simple fellow living in Lakewood. I have no connections, no leads. There’s no way I can help this situation.”
“Still…” the Rosh Yeshivah responded.
Reb Mordechai felt uncomfortable, but this was way bigger than him.
ALL THE WHILE, HE WONDERED: WHAT MADE A 28-YEAR-OLD BA’AL TESHUVAH ASK FOR A BRIS ON SUCH SHORT NOTICE?
Regretfully, he explained the impossibility of the situation to Reb Shmuel, and then returned to his regular life, scratching his head in wonder about the conversation that soon slipped his mind completely.
It was a few months later that Rabbi Stein and his family settled into a rental apartment in Eretz Yisroel. They had come for a family simcha, but Reb Mordechai planned to push in some businessrelated tasks as well.
The knock at his door was unexpected. Hardly anyone knew where they were staying; who could it be?
He opened the door and drew
back, surprised. “Rabbi Auerbach?”
Rabbi Auerbach smiled. “In person. Shalom aleichem, Reb Mordechai. How are you, and how was your flight?”
Reb Mordechai was uncomfortable. What would make the Rosh Yeshivah come, in person, to visit him? Had something happened?
“Come in, Rebbi. Can I offer you a drink?”
eyes were pools of sympathy as he waited for Rabbi Auerbach to finish his tale.
“And now, I have this talmid, Reb Mordechai, who lives in America. I think he is the perfect candidate to help locate the missing husband and assist the agunah in getting a divorce. But he doesn’t want to do it. I want a psak from the Rav. Should he or should he not get involved?”
REB MORDECHAI WAS UNCOMFORTABLE. WHAT WOULD MAKE THE ROSH YESHIVAH COME, IN PERSON, TO VISIT HIM? HAD SOMETHING HAPPENED?
“No, no, thank you, Reb Mordechai. I’ve come to ask you for a small favor. Do you care to join me for a little trip? Do you have an hour or so?”
Reb Mordechai didn’t think twice. If the Rosh Yeshivah asked, you went.
“Yes, yes of course, I’ll be ready in a minute.”
Shoes, tie, jumble, run. He called his wife to explain the situation, then hurried out the door to accompany the Rosh Yeshivah on an unknown jaunt.
Rabbi Auerbach hailed a taxi, and soon he was counting shekels for the journey.
“Please, just let me pay,” Reb Mordechai said, uncomfortable with all the secrecy.
A minute later, the secret was out, and the two walked into Rav Elyashiv’s humble living room. Reb Mordechai was completely mystified. What was this visit all about?
Rabbi Auerbach sat down and explained the circumstances of a specific agunah’s plight, including all the sadness, the unknowns and the unfairness of the situation. The gadol hador’s
Rav Elyashiv looked thoughtful, but his reply was instantaneous.
“Yes. I pasken that he needs to do whatever he can to free the agunah. It is a big mitzvah, a big zechus.”
Two weeks later, Reb Mordechai Stein was on the phone with every last askan and macher that could help the case. With Rabbi Auerbach’s and Rav Elyashiv’s urgings ringing in his ears, he wasn’t going to let this zechus slip over him.
It didn’t take very long. Soon the elusive husband was located, but that didn’t mean he was willing to engage with the askanim. The man had obviously been slacking off in Yiddishkeit for some time, and he adamantly refused to give his wife the desperately needed get
“What does this man do for parnassah?” Reb Mordechai asked an askan late one night. Maybe they could offer him some bribe, a big work opportunity, in exchange for the get
“He’s in the publishing line. Editing, printing, something along those lines.”
In a flash of clarity, Reb Mordechai
knew what he needed to do.
The next afternoon, he called the recalcitrant man from a different phone number, posing as an innocent customer. He described his 39 melachos project in depth, and then asked the man if he’d be willing to edit his work and help him publish a book on the 39 melachos.
The man was interested, and a meeting was set up. Soon, the agunah’s husband found himself in Reb Mordechai’s living room, where a beis din had been pre-arranged. The atmosphere was tense as the man realized he’d been fooled into showing up at beis din. He tried to run, but the askanim wouldn’t let him leave unless he released his wife.
Angrily, the man did as he was told, and left, seething.
As the l’chaim cups were raised, the men wondered if they had seen the last of the man. Mr. Ex-Husband didn’t look like the kind of person who tolerated things that didn’t go his way.
It turned out to be the beginning of a long and painful parsha. The man had gone to the authorities, armed with a top lawyer and a furious agenda. The weeks passed with legal fees and desperate tribulations, but in the end, Reb Mordechai Stein was sentenced to five years of prison for various crimes he had never committed.
Thus began a black period. Reb Mordechai found himself in a horrible situation he could never have imagined in his wildest nightmares.
One day, in prison, Reb Mor-
dechai noticed a man with a long gray beard and yarmulke visiting the inmates. After a minute, though, he realized that this was no rabbi; instead, it was, l’havdil, a Muslim imam who was visiting the inmates. Reb Mordechai tried avoiding the man, who approached him and broached different faithbased discussions.
“Listen,” Reb Mordechai told the imam, frustrated by his attempts at conversation. “The Jewish nation has been around since the times of Abraham. Different nations have tried to finish us off, but they’ve never succeeded. I’m not going to waver in my beliefs. Let’s just leave each other alone. Please don’t bother me, and I will try not to bother you.”
THE MAN HAD OBVIOUSLY BEEN SLACKING OFF IN YIDDISHKEIT FOR SOME TIME, AND HE ADAMANTLY REFUSED TO GIVE HIS WIFE THE DESPERATELY NEEDED GET
The imam left, disappointed. A few days later, however, he was back.
“Listen, Jew guy,” he said. “I’ve left you a book on the Koran that is sure to interest you. Just read it, and then see if you haven’t changed your mind about your religion.”
A Yid I was born, and a Yid I will die, Reb Mordechai thought, but to the imam, he just nodded his thanks, intent on getting back to the Gemara he was learning.
When it was time to go back to his sleeping quarters, Reb Mordechai found the offending book in his locker. He quickly removed it, intent on throwing it away, but then he noticed a handwritten sheaf of papers stuck into the cover.
Curiously, he started reading, and slowly, beads of perspiration appeared on his brow. The words
WHEN IT WAS TIME TO GO BACK TO HIS SLEEPING QUARTERS, REB MORDECHAI FOUND THE OFFENDING BOOK IN HIS LOCKER.
HE QUICKLY REMOVED IT, INTENT ON THROWING IT AWAY
were shrouded in depth, analyzing the Islamic religion with a thorough explanation that belied its meaning.
This wasn’t written by the imam, Reb Mordechai thought. This was the work of a Yiddishe kup!
The next time the imam visited, Reb Mordechai verified the identity of the handwritten papers in the book.
“Those?” The imam asked. “They were written by the prisoner in cell 24.”
Soon Reb Mordechai was knocking at the door to cell 24. A young man dressed in full Muslim garb greeted him with a handshake.
“I’m Mordechai,” Reb Mordechai said, by way of introduction, holding the handwritten papers he had discovered. “And who are you?”
“Ahmed,” the other man answered.
Reb Mordechai grasped the hand that the man extended.
“That’s not the name you were given at birth, is it? What’s your real name?”
Ahmed flinched, discomfort flitting over his features. “Why do you ask?”
“I’ve read your writing; I can tell a thing or two. You’re Jewish, aren’t you?’
“Samuel. Sammy.” The information came out in a whisper.
The conversation continued with Reb Mordechai wheedling an unwilling Sammy into a chavrusashaft
“Just an hour each day. It’s a pity for you not to know about your birthright! You’re a Jew!”
“It means nothing to me,” Ahmed
answered. “I’m a Muslim believer.”
The compromise that followed was an agreement of sorts; Ahmed would share insights from the Koran with Reb Mordechai for a half hour each day, followed by a half hour of Torah learning.
The arrangement lasted for all of two weeks, after which Ahmed agreed that there was no need to continue with the Koran teachings. The Torah spoke to his soul, and his search for truth was finally over.
The days dragged on endlessly, but the bright light of Torah helped Reb Mordechai and his new friend Samuel survive the interminable motions known as prison.
After three years of indescribable pain, Reb Mordechai was released to his house. Life didn’t go back to normal; there were afterpains and postprison-pangs complete with check-ins and bureaucracy, but Reb Mordechai strengthened his emunah and got into the swing of family life once again.
A short time later, Samuel was released from prison as well. He returned to his old home in Minneapolis, but he was a new man. Reb Mordechai put him in touch with various kiruv organizations, and soon he was learning with a chavrusa and had regular shiurim online as well.
The weeks and months blurred into a year. Reb Mordechai Stein’s daughter got engaged to a wonderful bochur, and invitations were duly dispatched. Samuel made plans to attend his good friend’s daughter’s wedding. It was a
complex process for an ex-prisoner who needed to file papers and present his itinerary for oversight and approval, but it was well worth the effort.
The wedding was a true simcha, with an uplifting Yiddishe ta’am. Samuel was blown away by the authenticity of the wedding itself, and by the Lakewood community as well. Reb Mordechai had asked a family friend, Mr. Dovid Pretter, to host Samuel in his home, and the two hit it off in no time.
Late at night, after the wedding was over, Dovid chauffeured Samuel around to see some famous Lakewood sights. BMG, the various shuls and the kosher mega supermarkets that were still open all fascinated Samuel.
“Is there a mikvah?” Samuel asked.
“Yes, of course, have you never seen one?”
“Not a big one,” Samuel answered.
“Did you not go to a mikvah after your bris?” Dovid asked. “Wait, when did you have your bris?”
Samuel looked uncomfortable, but Dovid pressed on.
“You’ve had a bris, right?”
Dumbly, Samuel shook his head. Dovid stared at Samuel, shocked. “Wait. You’re basically a frum Yid who’s keeping Shabbos, walking almost an hour each way to shul for the tefillos. You eat only kosher, even though the variety isn’t very impressive where you live. You learn Daf Yomi, you have a chavrusa. You sacrifice so many
things for Yiddishkeit! But what about the foundation?”
Haltingly, Samuel admitted to the fear, the worry, the discomfort and the excuses. There weren’t any local mohalim where he lived, and — and — and —
“What if I could get someone to do a bris for you tomorrow? Would you agree?”
Samuel’s eyes popped open. “Tomorrow? I have a flight out at seven in the evening. I can’t change it; the authorities would go wild. And it’s past 1 a.m. already. How do you think that could happen?”
Dovid pressed. “If I can arrange it, are you willing to go ahead with it?”
A SHORT
TIME LATER, SAMUEL WAS RELEASED FROM PRISON AS
WELL. HE RETURNED TO HIS OLD HOME IN MINNEAPOLIS, BUT HE WAS A NEW MAN
Samuel smiled, a wide, open smile.
“It sounds beyond belief, but if you can do that, then yes, that would be amazing.”
And so it came to be that Rabbi Twersky got a phone call in the middle of the night, asking him if he could still, somehow, push a bris into his schedule before Samuel’s plane would depart.
There was nary a dry eye at the small minyan around the table when Reb Mordechai Stein and Shmuel finished their story.
At times, it may be hard to see yad Hashem in the darkness of a moment, yet the rays of another Yiddishe neshamah rejoining the covenant where he belonged lit the bris seudah celebration with an otherworldly light.
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Whether you’re planning a Chanukah party with your own kids or with extended family, there’s nothing like adding a bit of oomph to the program.
Here are a variety of game and goodie ideas that are simple to prepare, yet make the party so inviting and exciting.
LIBBY TESCHER
PartyPoppers
Quick and easy activities that can be planned just before your party. No advance preparation necessary.
Sip It All Up
YOU WILL NEED:
Small water bottles (one for each participant)
2 boxes of straws
List of scenarios detailing life preferences that can be categorized as either luxury or necessity
SAMPLE SCENARIOS:
HOW TO PLAY:
The one leading the game reads the list of scenarios aloud, one at a time. If the scenario announced is a necessity for you, you must take a straw. If it’s a luxury, you should not take a straw. Every new straw you take should be connected to the previous one, until you’ll be left with a super long straw.
When done listing the scenarios and taking straws, all participants, at the count of three, begin drinking from their water bottles with their now-long straw. The one who finishes first is the winner! (Of course, the winner will be the one with the least necessities.)
I must drink a coffee before my kids get breakfast: luxury or necessity?
I must have a cleaning lady on Friday: luxury or necessity?
My kids must have their new winter coats before Sukkos: luxury or necessity?
2
YOU WILL NEED:
Yarn, ribbon or any kind of string
Dreidel
HOW TO PLAY:
First, decide what topic each letter on the dreidel will represent (your chosen topics will depend on the players’ ages). One example when playing with adults would be: hei = household; nun = nature; gimmel = grocery; shin = Shabbos.
Second, decide on three conversation-style words that won’t be allowed to be used by the players on their turn. (These should be words like “um,” “but” and “whatever.)
The first player spins the dreidel and begins talking about the topic indicated. As he begins to speak, he takes the spool of yarn and starts wrapping it around his finger. As long as he speaks, he can continue wrapping the yarn around his finger, stopping only when he mistakenly uses one of the three forbidden words. At that point, the yarn is cut, and the spool and dreidel are handed to the next player.
At the end of the game, the player with the longest string is the winner!
3
Talking Time Dollar Scoop
YOU WILL NEED:
Spatula
Cutting board
Dollars
Scarf
HOW TO PLAY:
Spread dollar bills in one area of the table, and blindfold a brave volunteer. Place the cutting board in their left hand and the spatula in their right hand. The blindfolded player then gets one minute to pick up as many bills from the table as possible, using the spatula to transfer the bills to the cutting board. The player gets to keep all the money picked up!
For added fun, include higher denomination bills or lottery cards in the pile. It’s anyway challenging to successfully transfer anything to the cutting board. (You can put some of those aside to be added at a later point so all players get a fair chance at winning something bigger. One of the first players might get lucky; you never know…)
Problem Solving 4
YOU WILL NEED:
Colorful paper bags
Pens
Little knick-knacks or prizes
HOW TO PLAY:
Each person gets a paper bag and writes a problem onto the front of the bag. Then all bags are collected, and one knick-knack is placed into each bag. Finally, the bags are handed out again, and each participant needs to give a solution to the problem written on the bag based on the item inside the bag. If you offer a good solution to the problem, you get to keep the prize in the bag.
SAMPLE SCENARIO:
Problem: I don’t have enough space in my car.
In my bag I got a soft, squeezable doll, so the solution can be: Tell everyone to squish together.
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PartyFavors
Party favors like these will add that creative touch to your table decor, all while providing a round of fun.
1
Doughnut Towers
YOU WILL NEED:
Doughnuts
Doughnut stands (optional)
Doughnut boxes
Cards
Pens
HOW TO PLAY:
Display a collection of doughnuts on the table. Make sure to have doughnut boxes at the ready. Every person is given a card with a name on it, along with the instructions that they may not show their card to anyone else. Next, they should write a “l’hodos u’lehallel ” to the person whose name is on their card. When their card is ready, they should choose a doughnut from the table, pack it into a box, and place their card on top. Then the doughnuts should be handed over to the correct recipient.
For a fun twist, put the same name (e.g., Tatty, Zeidy, Bubby, etc.) on all the cards. When the boxes and cards are filled and ready, on the count of three, all the boxes should be handed over at once. After reading the cards, the very happy recipient can then hand out all of the doughnuts.
Baby Seats
YOU WILL NEED:
Baby pictures
Pens
Paper
HOW TO PLAY:
Collect baby photos from everyone attending your party. Use those photos to create place cards (size 3” x 5”), and add a number to each card. Finally, give all participants a paper with the numbers listed, and ask them to fill out a seating chart based on their guesses of which baby photo belongs to whom.
Tea Time
YOU WILL NEED:
Sachet bags (get ones that match your color scheme)
Tea bags
Biscuits
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill each sachet bag with two biscuits and a tea bag. Then create a tag that says “Dearest Zeidy and Bubby,” add a few blank lines, and then finish off with the words “With warm wishes for a lichtige Chanukah.” Finally, add these tags to the sachet bags.
At the party, young and old should fill in their notes, which they hand over before they leave. 3
PartyPleasers
These are ideas for little souvenirs guests should prepare for each other before the party. It’s always nice to leave with something in hand!
1
Chocolate Collection
This is great for a party with Bubby. Every person attending the party should buy any kind of chocolate in advance, and prepare a note that connects the chocolate with one of Bubby’s qualities.
At the party, prepare a large basket or tray, along with a large note that says:
NO MATTER THE QUESTION, CHOCOLATE IS THE ANSWER.
NO MATTER THE QUESTION, BUBBY IS THE ANSWER!
As guests arrive, they should add their chocolate to the basket or tray. At the end of the party, Bubby will leave with a large collection of chocolate and notes full of love.
SUGGESTIONS:
Mint chocolate: Bubby you’re worth a mint!
Chocolate coins: Bubby, you’re worth a million!
Chocolate leaves: Bubby is a strong link in our mesorah!
Get creative; this is a great opportunity to show Bubby how much you love her, value who she is, and appreciate what she does.
Gift Cards
2 3
Galore
Every person attending the party should purchase a $5 gift card at any store. Have them wrap it up and write a short poem or a riddle that hints at the store from which the card came.
At the party, each person reads their riddle or poem, and whoever guesses the store gets to keep the gift card. Have fun guessing and gifting!
Get a Book
Each guest is called in advance with the name of someone else attending the party, along with the instructions that they should buy a book (it can be a cheap children’s book) for that person. The book title should somehow be connected to the recipient or their name, and the one giving the book should write a short poem or riddle that hints at the link.
At the party, each guest takes a turn to show the book they bought and read their poem or riddle out loud. The rest of the crowd then needs to guess for whom the book was bought. The best part is that each guest at this party will walk out with a new book.
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CHAPTER 4 OF 6
Moshe commits to a five-minute daily workout between sessions.
Ring. Ring.
I glanced at my phone. Moshe. This was not likely to be good.
I wasn’t scheduled to see him for another three days. Why was he calling now? Was he quitting on me? If he gave up now, did that mean I failed?
“Hi, Moshe,” I said, forcing my most professional tone. “How are you doing?”
“Not good,” he snapped, his voice sharp, like he’d been holding it in all day. “I don’t know what you did, but my back hasn’t stopped hurting.”
I winced. Moshe wasn’t entirely sold on this whole exercise thing to begin with. Now he had proof — pain, the very thing he had been trying to avoid.
I kept my voice calm. “Moshe, I’m really sorry to hear that. Back pain is no joke. Can you tell me what happened yesterday?”
“What does yesterday have to do with it?” Moshe’s voice spiked, making me hold the phone away from my ear. His irritation was rising fast.
I glanced at my desk. No way I could handle this while sitting inside. Standing up, I walked toward the window, the warmth of the sun on my face as I stepped outside.
“Well, we met three days ago, right? It’s normal to feel sore the day after, as we discussed. But since it’s been a few days, I just want to figure out what might have happened yesterday.”
Moshe huffed. “Nothing different happened. I did the workout like you told me to, and the rest of the day was normal. I don’t know what you did to me.”
I did the workout. On his own. A sense of victory
flickered in my mind — but that quickly faded as I realized he must have pushed too hard or moved wrong.
“Wait, you worked out yesterday? That’s awesome, Moshe!” I tried to shine a light on the win.
“Awesome?” Moshe shot back. “I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck. Every single move I make today feels like a knife in my back.”
I couldn’t help but empathize. I’ve had my share of those days, the ones where your muscles scream at you for overdoing it. But I had learned to love the soreness that feels like progress. For Moshe, though, it was just pain. No satisfaction. No sense of accomplishment. Just misery.
“I get it, Moshe,” I said, my tone softer now. “It’s actually really common to feel fine right after the workout and only feel the pain a day or two later.”
“That may be, but I can’t do this,” Moshe grumbled. “I can’t afford to be in this much pain. It’s not worth it.”
I could hear it — his motivation slipping away, the frustration overriding any sense of achievement. It’s always tough when someone doesn’t see the point because the pain blocks out everything else. I needed to help him see past it, but first, I had to get him comfortable again.
“Look, I totally understand. It’s hard to keep pushing when you’re in pain like this. I don’t know exactly what happened in your workout yesterday, but for now, let’s focus on getting you some relief. Does that sound good?”
There was a brief pause. I could hear the tension in his silence. “I don’t even remember exactly what I did. All I know
I COULD HEAR IT - HIS MOTIVATION SLIPPING AWAY, THE FRUSTRATION OVERRIDING ANY SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT
is that I’m in pain. What should I do?”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Okay, since I won’t see you until next week, let’s take it easy. No intense movements, alright? But some gentle stretches could help. Do you like taking baths?”
“Baths?” Moshe nearly spat the word, as if I had suggested something offensive. A classic Moshe response.
“ICE, HUH?” MOSHE SOUNDED A LITTLE LESS HOSTILE, BUT STILL GRUMPY. “GREAT. NOW I HAVE TO GO TO THE STORE TO GET AN ICE PACK. THIS REALLY ISN’T WORTH IT. I’M TAKING ADVIL, TOO”
“No problem,” I said. “Since this seems like a sudden pain and not something long-term, you might want to grab an ice pack from the pharmacy and apply it to your back. Some people like heat, but that’s usually for more chronic pain — pain that’s been lingering for a while.”
“Ice, huh?” Moshe sounded a little less hostile, but still grumpy. “Great. Now I have to go to the store to get an ice pack. This really isn’t worth it. I’m taking Advil, too.”
“Advil could definitely help,” I said, leaning against the
wall outside as I tried to project calm through the phone.
“Alright,” Moshe muttered. “Let’s see how this goes.”
“Sounds good, Moshe. I’ll see you next week, okay?”
“We’ll see.”
The line went dead, and I stood there for a moment, feeling the cool breeze tug at my shirt.
Two weeks to go. TO BE CONTINUED…
Tzviki Smith is the owner of Smith System, which helps busy Jewish business owners bring fitness into their lives with personalized training at their home or office. He can be reached at 845-671-9945.
YOURSELF
WEEK 3: SINGLE LEG
Single-leg exercises are super important for movement. When you walk, climb stairs, or get in and out of a car, you’re always shifting from one leg to the other. Single-leg exercises are great because they help you work each leg separately, so if one leg is weaker, you can focus on making it stronger.
To get started, you should first practice standing on one leg to build balance and strength. Once you get the hang of it, you can move on to doing different movements on one leg.
Here’s how to do a single-leg exercise:
1. Stand with your feet hip- or shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward.
2. Tighten your core as you slowly lift one leg, shifting your weight just a little to the standing leg.
3. Keep your knee in line with your toes and balance on the leg for a few seconds before putting the other leg down.
Pro tip: Focus on looking at a specific spot to make balancing easier!
Try to hold this position for 30 seconds. Once you feel strong, you can make it harder by moving your lifted leg to the side, front or behind you, or even closing your eyes for a challenge!
Nights of Chanukah!
AND HIS SON MISHA LEARN TORAH ON THE TRAIN, FULFILLING THE MITZVAH OF “U’VELECHTECHA BADERECH.”
WE’RE ENDANGERING OURSELVES FOR OUR FELLOW JEWISH BROTHERS — REMEMBER THAT. AND A PERSON WHO SETS OUT TO DO A MITZVAH WILL NOT BE HARMED.
WHAT’S THAT? I HEARD A FUNNY SOUND…
YOU SEEMED TROUBLED BEFORE.
YEAH. OLD JOSE’S WARNING IS BOTHERING ME. I’M WONDERING IF THERE’S ANY POINT TO OUR TRIP, OR IF WE’RE ENDANGERING OURSELVES FOR NOTHING.
HOLA? WHO IS THAT? THE SUITCASE IS MOVING…!
I’LL GO FIND SOME WATER FOR NETILAS YADAYIM.
GREAT JOB, MICHAEL.
WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?! UNCLE YEHUDA WOULD HAVE DISCOVERED US SOON ANYWAY, WHEN HE CAME TO GET THE FOOD.
OOOOOOOOOOW!!!
KIDS!
YEHUDA RUBINOV
RECAP: THE RUBINOVS SET OUT TOWARD SURINAME—– WITH PEDRO AND HIS CRONIES HOT ON THEIR HEELS. ZUSHA FINALLY ARRIVES IN ARGENTINA, EXCITED TO REUNITE WITH HIS FAMILY.
WE’RE SORRY, TIO* RUBINOV. BUT… WE HAD TO COME ALONG WITH YOU, SEE?
WE WERE WORRIED. YOU DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE AS WELL AS WE DO.
…AND THE ROADS ARE SO DANGEROUS!
MISHA SPEAKS PORTUGUESE AND SPANISH FLUENTLY.
MEANWHILE, AT THE TRAIN STATION IN PARAGUAY:
AND HOW EXACTLY WILL TWO EIGHTYEAR-OLDS SAVE US? MORE LIKELY, YOU’LL PUT US INTO DANGER. YOU ARE JEWS. JEWS DON’T SNEAK ONTO TRAINS OR IGNORE THEIR FATHER’S AND GRANDFATHER’S INSTRUCTIONS! I’LL GO PAY FOR YOUR TICKETS. MEANWHILE, MAKE SURE TO BEHAVE.
IT SEEMED SO HEROIC, TO SNEAK INTO THE SUITCASES TO HELP THEM… BUT NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT, IT WAS JUST PLAIN STUPID.
HEY! IT WAS YOUR IDEA!
WHAT’S STUPIDER? TO COME UP WITH A STUPID IDEA, OR TO FOLLOW ONE?
YOU CAN’T GO OUT, JUST LIKE IN JAIL, AND IT’S SO HOT HERE, AND THE CRATE’S HEAVY.
TRAVELING PUTS ME IN A BAD MOOD. BEING STUCK ON A TRAIN FOR HOURS…
MAYBE GIVE IT TO ONE OF THOSE KIDS TO CARRY.
NO! NO ONE’S TOUCHING MY SUITCASE.
BITS OF WITS
SHEVY HOLLANDER
Some regions of the brain — especially those involved in learning, processing information and emotion — are actually more active during sleep than when you’re awake. These include the hippocampus, amygdala, and areas of the frontal cortex associated with emotional processing.
Though you often see it written as one word, the correct way to spell a cappella is as two separate words.
NEW YORK LICENSE PLATES
From 1910 until 1966, the license plates used to change every year, mostly going between embossed light letters on a dark background and dark letters on different shades of yellow.
→ New Yorkers voted in the current license plate design out of
FLOWER POWER
Use the following letters to list 5 words, each using 7 letters and up. Only the center letter must be used, and letters can be repeated. Bonus points for pangrams (words that use all seven letters).
TANACH TEASER
WHICH PARSHA IS NOT READ EVEN ONCE IN SOME YEARS?
The rice terrace fields in Mù Cang Chai (a rural district in the Northwest region of Vietnam), cultivated by generations of farmers, is breathtaking, and people the world over travel to take in their beauty.
THINK OF THE LINK
Find a common factor for this group of four words:
1. Compass
2. Pine tree
3. Sewing kit
4. Porcupine
These all have needles.
O A N M T I Z
THINK
OF THE LINK
Find a common factor for this group of four words
1. Page
2. Dreidel
3. Head
4. Doorknob
Answer: NOON
TANACH TEASER
, the son of Aharon, was the grandson of
(Aharon’s father-in-law; Elisheva’s father).
ADD TO DICTIONARY
WORDS YOU MAY NOT KNOW THAT SAY THINGS IN A WHOLE NEW WAY
Vamoose is a verb meaning to depart hurriedly. It is used the same way the word skedaddle is used, and both are very useful and fun words. As in: Let’s vamoose before yet another acquaintance stops to talk to us.
HOW MANY CANS CAN A CANNER CAN, IF A CANNER CAN CAN CANS? A CANNER CAN CAN AS MANY CANS AS A CANNER CAN, IF A CANNER CAN CAN CANS. SAY IT WITH A TWIST
Disposable hot cup lids are designed to double as saucers. They are perfectly sized to hold the cup, and most contain grooves to catch drips.
THE MOST VALUABLE DREIDEL WAS MADE BY ESTATE DIAMOND JEWELRY IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN. THE DREIDEL WON THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD TITLE ON NOVEMBER 27, 2019. IT WAS THEN VALUED AT $70,000. THE DREIDEL WAS CRAFTED FROM 18-KARAT YELLOW GOLD AND WHITE GOLD AND FEATURES A 4.2-CARAT BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND AT THE TIP.
We welcome local trivia, historical facts and photos, and Torah-themed riddle submissions. We’d also love to hear if you have additional answers to our puzzles! Email comments@thebpview.com to add your very own bits of wits. Please include your name and contact information. WHAT DO YOU KNOW?
Afshin Shaddaie and Benjamin Khordipour of Estate Diamond Jewelry with the dreidel
BOGGLE TOURNAMENT
HOW TO PLAY:
1. Gather round the table to play a family game of Boggle, using this Boggle board.
2. Once you have a winner, fill out the form below in its entirety
3. Email the form to comments@ thebpview.com or fax to 718-4088771 by Sunday at midnight.
4. Two winners will be drawn each week, each of whom will receive a $15 gift card at Judaica Corner!
PLAYING RULES:
Find words on the board containing four letters or more. Letters of a word must be connected in a chain (each letter should be adjacent to the next either vertically, horizontally or diagonally), and each letter can only be used once in a given word. The following are not allowed in Boggle: Adding “s” to a word • Proper nouns • Abbreviations • Contractions • Acronyms
POINTS
4-letter words: 2 points | 5-letter words: 3 points | 6-letter words: 5 points | 7-letter words: 7 points | 8-letter words: 9 points | 9+ letters: 12 points
HINT
Each Boggle board hides a word of nine letters or more!
M V O S D A E L H O R W I E K G A N N T B I F C Y
Family name:
Full mailing address:
Full name of winner: _________________________________________________________
Amount of points: ____________________________________________________________
Full names of competing players:
List some words only the winner found:
WINNER 1
FAMILY
AMOUNT
WINNER 2
FAMILY
NAME
AMOUNT
NAMES
Classifieds
FOR SALE
NEOCATE/BABY FORMULA
Neocate $46.99 per can. Kendamil Similac L’Mehadrin in stock!! We buy off any formula for a good price and trade as well. Call for other types of formulas. New! Option of shipping case of 6 Kendamil directly to you from England. Formula Trade 347.369.4886
DOONA STROLLER
Doona Stroller, multiple colors available! cll/txt 1-201614-4045
BEBE ORGANIC SET
Looking to sell a natural color bebe organic set, size 3 mths, with matching bonnet and blanket, beautiful for vachnacht. Please call 347 382 0905
CANON CAMERAS
2ND HAND
Snap Source 87 Penn St suite 111 Sunday 1:30-2:30, Tue 8:30-9:30. 347-871-2330 Shipping $10. Beautiful G16 in stock
REAL ESTATE
MIAMI BEACH
Newly renovated beautiful ocean view 1 bedroom apt. for rent. 347.760.0570
LINDEN LUXE
New Pristine Cathedral
Ceiling House. 6 bedrooms. 3 bathrooms. Stocked Playroom. Patio Seating. Swing Set. Trampoline, gameroom. All Amenities included. 5 min to shul. 3 blocks to grocery/ pizza store. Avail for Shabbos/ Weekday. call/text 718989-1406.
FLORIDA RENTAL
Beautiful 3 bedroom 3 bath villa with inground heated pool and hot tub available in North Miami, Price per night $389. Pictures available. Call/ Text 845-327-7153
WEST PALM BEACH
APT. FOR SALE
Century Village-Golf Edge, 1 ½ bedroom apt. 2 baths, Brand new appliances, Ready to move in now. Price $200K or best offer. Call: 845.325.0500
HOUSE FOR RENT
Royal Grove, Jackson, NJ, 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, large dining room, living room, kitchen, study and playroom, porch, and large grounds. $4,000 monthly. Call 718-938-2784 leave message
WEST PALM BEACH
No. 1 Real Estate Broker. Aaron Rose 561.308.5766
CONDO FOR SALE FLORIDA
Deerfield Beach, Florida. 1 Bedroom, enclosed porch, 1 1/2 baths. Walking distance to Young Isreal and Tempel Beth Israel, and Kahal Anshei. Corner Unit, Central A/C, all new appliances. Judy Mizrahi 786-509-0106
LAKEHOUSE VILLA
Luxurious 3 bedroom lake house villa in Case Grande Arizona. Private pool fully stocked kosher kitchen. 520.251.4459
WEST PALM BEACH
FLORIDA
For the best Real Estate deals call Mrs. Debby Schwartz 203.667.2785
MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA
Carriage Club North, beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath, ground floor, for rent. Call: 347.499.0031
WEST PALM BEACH FOR SALE
Wellington M, 2 Bedroom apt. Ground Floor FOR SALE. Call: 347.760.0639
NORTH MIAMI FL
2-bedroom, 2-baths with private heated pool and spa. Call/Text: 917-382-4810, email: 1752nmb@gmail.com www.themangotreat.com
LINDEN VACATION
Exlusive brand new fully- furnished house, all amenities. included, sleeps 11 +2 cribs 7 min walk to shuls option to add shabbos food (monthly rates available)/Text 601- 675-2665/ Crownprincevilla@gmail. com
MONSEY VACATION/ SIMCHA RENTAL
Beautiful fully furnished Shabbos equipped 6 bedroom 4 bath house Highview/ College. Call/ whatsapp 718541-0292
LINDENNJ METZIA
Dream Vacation Rental. Short or long-term stays available. Sleeps up to 21 guests. Located at 315 Morningside, across from Bobov. Special discounted rates! Call: 917633-6607
BUNGALOW FOR SALE
Bungalow for Sale in Silver Pond, 2 bed, 2 bath, kit/din, lg. porch. Please call 718-4313646
PRIVATE HOUSE SHORT TERM
Fully equipped furnished 7 bedroom house (18+beds) with linen/towels hotel style in Blooming Grove. Rent for days, weeks, or weekends. Breathtaking beautiful grounds. Call/text 845-2385633
BEAUTIFUL VILLA RENTAL
Beautiful villa in serene area outside Monroe. 9 couple rooms, teen room 8 beds and many kids mattresses. Huge private pool with stunning grounds. New!!! Jacuzzi Hot tub. Pictures at hotelfifteen. com .still avail for sukkas 845 837 5662
VILLA IN CASA GRANDE ARIZONA
Gorgeous upgraded villa available. 14 comfortable beds, 3 baths, kosher kitchen. Beautiful private backyard with heated pool. Near Shul & Grocery. Call/ text 929-592-0368 / 929-4415709 Arizonakoshervilla. net. Villa in Tuscon also available.
MIAMI APARTMENT
Spacious 2 bdrm, 2 bathroom apt for rent. newly furnished, brand new appliances. 36th Street corner Collins Ave. Available for Jan, and Feb. Please call or text 646-3457817
SHORT TERM RENTALS
Luxurious vacation properties some with pools available for shortterm rentals in the Monsey area, perfect for accommodating 20 to 150 guests. Designed for large families, Shabbatons, etc. conveniently located. Great Minds 845-520-3250.
6 BEDROOM VACATION RENTAL
New luxurious house near KJ available for day, week, weekend. Stocked kitchen, linen, towels. Beautiful outdoor furniture. Call/text 917-652-1468
AIRMONT RENTAL
Book your next vacation! 5 bedroom 3 bathroom magnificent villa serene property in Airmont. Fully furnished ALL amenities included! 347-420-4945
SURFSIDE SHORT TERM RENTAL
Newly renovated Fully Furnished beautiful 1 bed 2 bath apt. 91st and Collins, walking distance to Shul, daily, weekly rental. across from beach. Call/Text/ WhatsApp 917 705-9667
HOUSE RENTAL
Beautiful 12 bed home in Blooming Grove still available for this weekend. Fully stocked linen and towels provided .Please call 8452485407
JOBS
DAYCARE SEEKING
Teachers NYS certified and assistants. Ft/Pt opportunities available. please email: School718438@ gmail.com
FRIDAY TEACHER
Seeking high school girl to work in a playgroup Fridays. 929-489-9281
JOBS AVAILABLE
Part-time & Full-time jobs available. Email TopPartTimeJobs@ gmail.com
IT TECHNICIAN
Heimishe office in Boro Park is seeking a full time IT technician. Must have experience in Azure. Please send resume to: itjob0924@ gmail.com or fax to: 718-2286350
SECRETARY WANTED
BP Insurance office. Email resume brandy@ sdfassociates.com
WORK FROM HOME
Great opportunity to manage your own business from home. No experience needed, no computer necessary. Huge potential to grow big. Call: 438.529.1216
MENTOR FOR STRUGGLING BOY
Seeking a mentor for a young struggling boy during the late afternoon hours. Must be English-speaking and patient. Please send your resume to fstauber@ elevateny.org or call 845-2002925 #829.
WIG STYLIST
Looking for a wig stylist to work PT at a busy salon in BP. Must be very experience email info@tobywigsalon. com
EXTRA INCOME
Join our fun and risk free business and work from home. For more details listen to our business presentation at 605-313-4101 access 6036621# then 1#. Inspired? Call 845-376-9448
BP HIGH SCHOOL
Looking for an efficient computer literate secretary from 2:30-5:30 Mon-Thurs. Please email resume to afternoonschoolsecretary@ gmail.com
ATTENTION LADIES!
Do you need an extra income? Work only a few hours a week, no risk, full training and support provided. Call/text 845-3245182
WORK FROM HOME
Work from home with your own hours! Interested in making some extra money? Call this business presentation: 605-313-4101, access 6036621, reference: 1# . Listened and interested? Call 1929-630-0420 and we’ll get you started
Classifieds
COOK WANTED
Brooklyn based olderadult center and Home Delivered Meals Program, seeking cook to do menu planning, submitting orders, coordinate food preparation and take inventory. Prior experience as a cook, valid food protection certificate, Ability to stand for long hours and lift heavy objects. Can read and write in English, knowledge of kashrus laws. Full Time. 30 hours a week Pay $29. per hour. Email resume to: careers@jccgci. org or call: 718.449.5000 Ext. 2298
ABA IN FLATBUSH
Now hiring evening ABA support staff, we`re expanding our team and looking for experienced ABA professionals to onboard for our Flatbush families. No direct ABA experience? No problem. If you are passionate and have a desire to make a difference, Call/ Text/WA: 917.968.2292 or email to: Scaplan@yeled.org
BUS DRIVER
The driver is responsible for driving older adults to appointments and other such errands. Must have
SECRETARY WANTED
Boro park office full time position available. Must have experience in quickbooks and excel/ computer savy/ multi tasking ability. Great pay. Email resume: jacfrank9@aol.com
HELP WANTED
Ezer Mizion is looking to hire girls to assist with our Chinese Auction. Slots available for evening hours. Boro Park office. Basic computer knowledge. Data Entry. Perfect for teachers or graduates! Call 347-4205395 or email auction@ ezermizionusa.org
CHILDCARE
TODDLER GROUP
Morah Chumy’s playgroup now offering optional extended hours. 15/41. 16-24 months. 718-854-1092
SERVICES
WOOD REPAIR PROFESSIONAL REVAMPING, REPAIRS & TRANSFORMATION TO UR KITCHEN THRU DESIGNER
Poufe Couture Consignment Boutique
Huge selection of high end, unique gowns for mothers, sisters, teens, and children for sale at half off original price.
Poufe
Couture Consignment Boutique
Select evening dresses available.
Located in Brooklyn.
Huge selection of high end, unique gowns for mothers, sisters, teens, and children for sale at half off original price. Select evening dresses available. Located in Brooklyn.
Huge selection of high end, unique gowns for mothers, sisters, teens, and children for sale at half off original price.
Over 500 gowns in stock!! 917-604-4401
Select evening dresses available.
Located in Brooklyn.
All sizes. Many amenities.
If interested, please email: leasing@guardian.nyc for more information.
MAKEUP ARTIST
Certified makeup artist for all your special occasions. Call: Yides Neuwirth 917.309.6000 or 718.858.0815
DOULA
Lifsha Kleinman, Experienced Doula 718-744-7135. Doula on Demand - Call even in labor. Medicaid accepted. LaborSweetDoulas@gmail. com
LIGHT ALTERATIONS
Please Call: 718.450.4700
1 ON 1 HOMEWORK HELPER
Experienced English teacher will do boys/girls, 3rd, 4th & 5th grade. After school or Sundays. Also experienced in teaching Math, Reading and Writing skills. 347-452-8930
MR. WERTZBERGER’S RENTALS
We rent out wireless wi-fi, tablets, laptops, clarinets, violins. Prices are between $13-$25 per week. Clarinet and violin comes with free MP3 lessons in Yiddish or English. We also offer private keyboard lessons on the phone. Call hotline 718-4351923
HANDYMAN & ELECTRICIAN
Electrician, plumber, sewer service, Carpentry, sheetrock, locks, etc. 718.9510090
ELECTRICIAN
All Electrical work, outlets, switches, fixtures, new lines for washer/dryer or a/c, shabbos clocks, circut breakers. 718.951-0090
CONSTRUCTION
Bathrooms, kitchens, closets, decks, extensions, additions, Basements, all electrical, plumbing, Carpentry. Lowest prices, fastest service. 718.951-0090
HANDYMAN & PAINTING
Experienced & Reliable handyman. Small jobs our specialty! Plumbing, Electric, construction, Locksmith, painting, plastering. Shabbos clocks, outlets/switches, call: 347.275.5408
PHOTO EDITING
Professional photo editing, many years of experience. Special rate for photographers. Also specializing in Custom photo albums, Chosson, wedding, etc. Photo Dreams 347.563.5153
AYIN HORAH
The renowned Rebetzin Aidel Miller from Yerushalayim Is now available to remove “Ayin Horah” over the phone. Call: 718.689.1902 or 516.300.1490
BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE GARTLECH
Hand crochet, Hand knit, Silks & more with beautiful Gartel bag. Text or call: 718.283.4589 Wholesale orders available.
LULL-A-BABY
Dreaming of enjoying your happy baby who goes to sleep independently, and sleeps peacefully for long stretches? Make it a reality! Call R. Berger at 845-366-6706 and watch the transformation happen
Classifieds
HAIR
Haircutting and styling by Rivky. Available on Friday, 929-253-8281
GARTEL FRINGES
We make professional gartel fringes and mend gartelach. Same day service. In the heart of BP. (347) 693-4920 or (718)435-7644
MASSAGE THERAPEUTIC
For women. Lymphatic, Ache healing, sciatic pain relieving, deep tissue relaxing, circulation improving, sport injury repairing, toxin/stress releasing. Sigal 347-4097709
CUSTOM PHOTO ALBUMS
We specialize in custom Photo Albums, Chosson, Wedding, etc. Also professional Photo Editing, many years of experience. Special rate for photographers. Call: 347.563.5153
LADY DRIVERS
Reasonable Rates! Long Distance, Errands & Shopping. Yiddish & English. Call/Text/WhatsApp 845866-3218. Credit Card, QuickPay & more
FURNITURE REPAIRS
Furniture, Cabinet & General Repairs, specializing in Chosson-Kallah Apartments. Call: 718.633.6231
NEW WEBSITE?
Get your Beautiful, Fast, SEO-Friendly Website done in 14 days, guaranteed. Email efraim@rapidquill.com
HANDYMAN/PROF CARPENTER
Repair all cabinets, Table & chairs, doors, locks, hinges, tracks, drawers, blinds, shelves, bookcases & furniture assembling and cutting, hang pic frames & more, free est, warranty on service, 917-7043514 YEHUDA
VAN SERVICE
Yossi`s Van Service 15 Passenger van Local & long distance Airports & delivery. Call: 718.962.4664
PHOTOGRAPHY
For all your photography needs! (Portrait, Family, Upsherin, Baby, etc.) May props avail! Great rates! Photos by Devorah 929-327-4621
PHOTO ALBUMS
Specializing in Custom Photo Albums, Chosson, Wedding, etc. Also professional Photo Editing, many years of experience. Special rate for photographers. Photo Dreams 347.563.5153
RESUME WRITER
Need a great work resume? Resumes are what we do! All levels including new-grad and experienced. Call/text 845-554-5778 or email info@ resumakerpro.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
For all graphic design needs! Design by Devorah 929-3274621
ROWENTA REPAIRS
Expert repairs on Rowenta steam stations. Reasonable prices. Fast service. Located in boro park. Call 646-261-3809
FENCES
If your safety and privacy you’d like to enhance, It’s just one phone call to Catskill Fence. Catskill Fence Co. 845-53-FENCE 845-5333623
LOSE WEIGHT
Weekly weigh-in over the phone. Only $11 per week. If you exercise weekly, you pay only $10. Call Perel 845-594-9533
ROOM DIVIDER
We make WALL to split existing room and make second bedroom. It includes regular or sliding door. We also install plastic ACCORDION partitions that fully fold to one or both sides. LIGHTfixture+switch+outlet in new room . We work Sunday too. Call/Text:929430-7551 /646-288-0185. E-mail:roomdividers11219@ gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Portraits, Family, Upsherin, Lifestyle. Special service for newborn, we come to you with all the props. Photo Dreams 347.563.5153
DRIVER AVAILABLE
Driver with many years exp. available to do long distance trips with brand new minivan. Reasonable rates. 917.405.8469
SPRINTER & MINI VAN SERVICE
Heimishe driver available to do deliveries. Local & long distance, we shlep with a smile! Call: 718.951.0090
WHOLESALE FISH
Buy by the case & save. Baby & Regular Salmon. Hashgucha Volove Rav. Free delivery to your home. Call Eli: 516-270-6755
GOWNS
WHITE GOWN
Looking to sell a size 2-4 white gown for sister of the bride, Please call 347 628 9586
OFF-BLUE GOWN
Magnificent off-blue gown for sister of the bride approx. size 4-6 to rent or sell. Please call 347-831-7319
WHITE CHILDRENS GOWNS
2 white gowns to rent or sell childrens size 4 & 6 call 7189388597
DESIGNER GOWNS FOR SALE
Worn once. Mother of bride medium pink size 16. Sister of bride light pink 14-16. Sister of bride cornflower blue 14-16. 646 220 4604/347 971 0013
CHILDRENS GOWNS FOR SALE
3 matching adorable mauve gowns original style size 10 & 12 skinny, size 7 very high waisted. Call 732-994-5890/ text 347-541-2292
FOR SALE
2 kids white upscale gowns sizes 8 & 14-16, brand new. Mother of bride black gown by Forster, excellent buy. Call 718-809-6182
WHITE MATERNITY GOWN
White maternity gown size large to sell for great price call 7183098716
FOUND
Brown baby shoe on 56 and 14. 347-460-4567
Kate Spade necklace Dec 18 on 13/48, 347-397-5737
Doona bag New Utrecht /53 718-757-8083
diamond pin on the street by 15x46. Call 929-355-6656
Bus License plate 718-4362252
money in Feldman Jewelers 718-438-8895.
door fob on a wire bracelet on 13 Ave and 44 Street. Call 347 997 2487
LOST
Necklace with pendant in Closeout Connections 4518 13th Ave or Amazing Savings 4608 New Utrecht 917-5922955
stainless Raymond Weil watch in wmbg or BP 9173646723
tichel on 53rd street btw 14th Ave and New Utrecht 347668-1643
Necklace Dec 15 347-957-6007
LATE ADS
WEEKEND GETAWAY
52/42 Luxury Villas Stunning homes available for Shabbos Chanukah or another week. 7 bdrms or 4 bdrms. All amenities included. 718-7813977
INVITE SHMUELI TO YOUR CHANUKA PARTY
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