The Boro Park View’s Annual Pesach Cleaning Challenge!
CULTURE SHOCK
My chasan’s family was Persian. How different could they be?
AND MORDECHAI
Exploring the ancient Persian Jewish community
PERSIA IN PICTURES
A selection of natural wonders
FROM SIMCHA TO SIMCHA
A rebbe, a Purim rav, and a miraculous turnabout
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Purim cocktails — three ways
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A PROVEN RECORD FIGHTING FOR US. SIMCHA FELDER
WE NEED SIMCHA BECAUSE HE DELIVERS FOR US
SIMCHA FELDER HAS A LIFELONG RECORD OF STANDING UP FOR HARDWORKING FAMILIES. AS HE HAS FOR DECADES, SIMCHA FELDER FIGHTS FOR THE COMMUNITY, FOR OUR SECURITY, FOR FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS AND PARKS, AND TO PROTECT SMALL BUSINESSES. AS OUR COUNCILMAN HE’LL CONTINUE TO CHAMPION SAFETY ON OUR STREETS, STRONG SCHOOLS, AND A MORE AFFORDABLE CITY FOR ALL.
“As our community's voice on the City Council, I will continue to fight against unfair taxes, protect small businesses, and push back against policies that make life harder for families. I will stand up for the values we all hold dear, and fight every day to make our neighborhoods stronger and more affordable.”
-Simcha Felder
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DRESS THEM COZY.
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The art of wine
HOPSCOTCH
טריוורעזער
INBOX
I SPY
(Re: Masters of Deception, Issue 275)
I love reading your fascinating articles. As a history teacher, the one about spies last week was of particular interest. However, the piece on the fictitious major (aka Glendwr Michael in his previous life) was missing the fact that the top-secret documents about the allied invasion were in a briefcase that was chained to the body, and not in his pockets as stated. The British feared that the documents might be lost at sea or overlooked if they were in the pockets of the body. By chaining the briefcase to his wrist, they made him seem like an important military courier who didn’t want to let the documents out of sight even for a second — and therefore ensured that the documents were read by German spies based in Spain, where the body landed. (Another reason they were worried was because the Spaniards were devout Christians and might not inspect the body, being that the major was obviously Catholic — he was wearing a cross around his neck.)
Feel free to fact-check me, and keep up the amazing work! History is never boring, and articles like yours prove that!
Mrs. C. Ross
WASTE NOT
(Re: POV, Issue 275)
I was very disappointed, even shocked, at some of the responses in the POV column about mishloach manos. The mitzvah is mishloach manos ish l’re’ahu, to send gifts of food to those close to you, preferably something that can be used for the seudah. When your friend sends you a gift, which they took time, energy and money to plan, buy or make, how do you just dump it in the garbage? Is this the way we show gratitude to Hashem for all the goodness and bounty that He bestows upon us in these times of plenty? I understand that, for various reasons, not all of the goods we receive as mishloach manos can be used by you and your family. But let’s be creative and find ways to avoid waste. Let’s show Hashem that we value and appreciate the goodness we have.
An Appreciative Receiver
FOOD CHAIN
(Re: POV, Issue 275)
My family and I were appalled at some of the answers in this week’s POV. Throw out good food? I’m not talking about the squashed cake that some kid dropped on the way to your house. Good mezonos, candy and chocolate should be passed on if you don’t want it, not discarded. Send it with bochurim to yeshiva. Give it to your cleaning lady. Find a proper use for good food.
A Reader
IT COMES BACK TO YOU
(Re: Give in Order to Get, Issue 274)
I wanted to share my story about giving tzedakah and seeing it come right back to me.
I was in between jobs, and our maaser bank account was empty, quite literally, with zero dollars and zero cents. My husband asked me one morning if it would be okay if he borrowed $50 from our checking account to give to some-
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one who was collecting. I figured that it would be “advance maaser ” and that Hashem would “owe” us the income, so I agreed.
That afternoon, after months of searching, I finally found a job. My husband suggested that in gratitude for this yeshuah, we should consider the $50 tzedakah and not maaser
That night, I met someone whom I don’t see very often. She handed me an envelope containing a gift. I opened the envelope and was overcome with awe. Staring back at me was a check for $50.
Name Withheld
SCHOOL PLAYS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
(Re: The Price of Play, Your Say, Issue 274)
This is in response to the letter writer who suggests that the high schools scale down the professionalism, and thereby the cost, of their plays.
I agree that our society has gone overboard in many ways. Camps, midwinter activities, the food and clothing industries, and many other areas are a far cry from the simplicity of yore. But whether we like it or not, our daughters are growing up in this era. And our girls see highly professional performances and videos on Chol Hamoed and in camp, and they are surrounded by beautiful displays while shopping. They know what real acting is all about, and what proper scenery, props and costumes are.
So while it’s important to teach them to be happy with less and to encourage them to buck trends that are not aligned with the Torah, I don’t think that the high school plays are the place to start, or that it’s worth sacrificing the gains that the school play provides.
Mother of a High School Daughter
UNIFORM RESPONSE
(Re: Dignity in Business, Issue 273)
Thank you for your wonderful magazine. I don’t know how we would manage without you!
I’m writing in response to the reader who wrote about raising the standards of kedusha in our local stores.
The writer suggested a uniform for the workers. I’m happy to inform her that such a uniform already exists. It’s called the Maid of Honor. This practical and attractive uniform was created for household help as well as for shop help. Quite a few stores and supermarkets, and even schools, yeshivas, camps and doctor’s offices, already have their employees wear them, not to mention the thousands of homes across the globe that have upgraded their own mikdash me’at by having their cleaning help and aides wear one. Included in the package is a very respectful letter, in English and Spanish, explaining the important position the help holds, and how this uniform honors that position. The feedback is fantastic. Everyone with a sensitive heart is very much appreciative of this wonderful concept.
Shaindy Blau
PIZZA PERFECT
(Re: POV, Issue 270)
I’m the kind of person who stays away from anything that involves dough. Somehow, it just never works out for me, either because the mixture is too sticky or because it doesn’t rise. But when I saw the recipe for pizza dough in POV, it looked simple enough to try. And it worked! Thank you to whoever shared that recipe!
Confounded Cook
YOUR SAY
THE VIEW IS FOR EVERYONE
Every Wednesday morning, I head to the stand on my corner to pick up The Boro Park View. Sometimes, however, I find the box already empty. It distresses me when I see others taking several copies and leaving none for me. Although they are surely taking them for friends or neighbors (or so I hope), if I came personally to get a copy, and there aren’t enough copies available, it is inappropriate for you to take several copies for others. This is especially true when the one left without a copy is your elder.
A Reader
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KALLAH
WHAT’S ONE SMALL THING YOU TRY TO DO ON PURIM TO MARK THE GREATNESS OF THE DAY?
I used to try to say as much Tehillim as possible, but on such a busy day, it wasn’t really possible to say as much as I would have liked to. The last few years, I stayed up after the meal at night to say my Tehillim. I don’t go to sleep until I finish. Purim is a hectic, tiring day anyway, so being somewhat more tired doesn’t make too much of a difference.
Purim is a chance for me to connect with people who are lonely and yearning for social interaction, especially in the middle of winter. I take the time to personally deliver mishloach manos to such people and stay and schmooze for a while to alleviate their loneliness on this day, when it’s especially painful to feel so alone.
We always tie a pasuk of the Megillah into our theme so as not to put our emphasis only on materialism, but to elevate the gashmius to ruchnius
We try saying brachos out loud so we can remember if we said that bracha. We also make sure to send mishloach manos to at least one person who won’t get any from anyone else.
I try to wake up early to daven, but if it doesn’t end up happening, I just speak to Hashem throughout the day. Our simple prayers are what really count.
I try to be a calm wife and mother and put in extra that effort to make my kids feel amazing about themselves.
I try to pause multiple times throughout the day to say a few kapitalech of Tehillim or to connect my mind and heart to the greatness of the day and murmur my tefillos in my own words.
I like to go to a specific minyan to listen to the Megillah because the way that rav reads it makes it come alive completely, so although the timing isn’t convenient (and the leining takes very long), it is one small thing I can do for myself to connect to Purim.
I keep a paper in my pocket with all of my bakashos, and whenever I remember the greatness of the day, I speak to Hashem in my own language. It makes me feel connected, and despite the busyness of the day, I still feel like I’m being mispallel
As a mother of preschoolers, toddlers and a baby, I spend this great day doing the same things I do each day. Feeding, dressing, changing and taking care of young children is a mother’s most sacred task, and it doesn’t change for 365 days a year. I know that they say Purim is even greater than Yom Kippur, but the moment I take a siddur into my hands, the preschooler helps me point to each word, the toddler wants to start davening right now in just the same siddur I’m using, the other child begs for a drink, and I get dizzy.
So young mothers the world over, take note: The holiest job is ours! When I take care of my children 24 hours a day, I know I’m doing the biggest mitzvah. And if I can actually smile while I’m doing it, even though the kids get extra cranky from all that sugar, I know I’m reaching the highest levels of ruchnius on a very special day.
I’ve decided that Purim isn’t a day that I have to sleep. After the festivities at night, I take my time to prepare for the next day so I have a greater chance of a calm, smooth day. Sometimes I’ll use the late night (or rather, early morning) to say Sefer Tehillim, or I’ll wake early to daven like a mentsch. After that, it’s one big whirlwind of a day, with hardly any time to remember the greatness of the day.
I try to stay b’simcha. The yetzer hara tries very hard to make us get upset/frustrated/ annoyed. It’s just one small day with so much to do, it’s not worth being upset and missing out on being b’simcha.
I try to wake up at dawn to say the entire Tehillim. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it!
We are all so busy on this day, and the satan tries all of his tactics to distract us from this incredible opportunity of connecting to Hashem on Purim. I always try to remember: It’s not all or nothing. Any tefillah, at any time of day, in any language, is accepted and embraced by our loving Father.
My family tries to divide Sefer Tehillim to say over Tannis Esther, Purim and Shushan Purim. I also try to take a few quiet minutes here and there, especially in the morning hours, to ground myself as the sensory overload of the day hits hard. One more thing: I make sure to give mishloach manos to a brokenhearted, lonely person and encourage my kids to think out of their circles of friends and do the same.
I go to shul in the morning to daven Shacharis and hear the reading of the Megillah.
I have everything prepared for Purim beforehand so there is less stress. I wake up early to daven and say Tehillim, and I turn on music and bring simcha into the house.
Please submit your answer by Tuesday night, March 18, for a chance to see it in print!
Email or text pov@thebpview.com Fax 718-408-8771 Voicemail: 718-408-8771 ext. 809
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PURIM
Drink to Your Heart’s Content
Y. Levenstein
Chazal say, “Chayav inish l’vesumei b’Puraya,” instructing us to drink on Purim (Maseches Megillah). What is the purpose of this mitzvah?
SHIMON LIVED in a little village on the outskirts of Kozhnitz. He was your classic pauper, without a groschen to his name. He tried his hand at various professions, desperate to feed his growing family, with no success. His home remained bare and his heart broken. How would his wife and children survive if he couldn’t provide them with sufficient food?
As Purim approached, Shimon made his way to the neighboring city to hear the Megillah. He entered the shul and joined the crowd waiting for Reb Yisrael, the heilige Maggid of Kozhnitz, to arrive and begin to lein. As the sweet voice of the Maggid filled the room, Shimon was immersed in the timeless words of the Megillah. He forgot his troubles.
Soon leining was over, and Shimon joined the line of mispallelim waiting to wish the Maggid a freilichen Purim.
“Reb Yid,” the Maggid said to Shimon, “why didn’t you bring me mishloach manos?”
Taken aback, Shimon replied, “I’m not from Kozhnitz. I just came to hear the Megillah.”
“It’s Purim today!” the Maggid exclaimed. “Come up to my home for a l’chaim!”
The table was spread with delicacies and wine. Shimon sat down and ate his fill of good food and drink, and he left the Maggid’s home feeling lighter than he had in a long time. Yet the Maggid’s words echoed in his mind: “Why didn’t you bring me mishloach manos? ”
On impulse, Shimon decided to bring something to the Maggid. He found the local wine seller and selected a fine bottle of wine. “I’ll pay after Purim,” he promised. “And if I don’t — it’s Purim today!” Then he ran to the fruit stand and “purchased” some apples the same way.
Shimon made his way back to the Maggid’s home. When he saw Shimon, the Maggid’s face lit up. “You should be zoche to be able to bring me mishloach manos every year!”
As Shimon left, a thought popped into his head. Why not bring food — and smiles — to
my children’s faces too?!
He ran from store to store, shopping on credit, since, after all — “It’s Purim today!”
Sure enough, Shimon’s children were delighted when they saw the delicacies their father had brought home. They ran to bring a tablecloth and sat down to enjoy the Purim seudah. As they sang together joyously, there was a loud bang on the door.
“It must be some non-Jewish drunkard,” Shimon said, and refused to open the door.
“No,” his wife said. “It sounds like Gregory. He comes around every now and then peddling his wares.”
She opened the door, and a bloodied Gregory stumbled inside. Shimon and his wife cleaned and bandaged his wounds, and offered him a glass of whiskey. When Gregory felt better, he told them that his daughter and son-in-law had thrown him out of their home because they were fed up with his drinking habits. Gregory was left beaten, bruised and in bad shape.
“You know,” he said, “I have a large treasure that I hid in the forest. I was planning to give it to my daughter, but now I changed my mind. You’ve been so kind to me now, and I want to give you the treasure instead!”
Gregory described exactly where he had buried his treasure.
Several days later, Gregory succumbed to his wounds.
Shimon went to the forest and located the treasure — a large box filled with many gold coins. He was no longer a pauper; now he was wealthy.
And of course, every year afterward, Shimon went to Kozhnitz to present mishloach manos to the Kozhnitzer Maggid.
His home remained bare and his heart broken.
How would his wife and children survive if he couldn’t provide them with sufficient food?
Heimishe
It was Erev Purim, yet the Yidden of Amsterdam could hardly think of celebrating. The sea level was rising threateningly high, and if the dam broke, the entire city would be flooded in no time. The water whipped about wildly, and sounds of fish slapping against the wall of the dam could be heard.
The king urgently called for Rebbi Eliezer Rokeach and said sternly, “You Jews must do something! If this doesn’t stop, our entire city will be wiped away. Please pray to your G-d.” Then the king added, “If the water does not begin to drop and the fish don’t stop banging against the walls within the next three days, every single Jew will be expelled from Amsterdam!”
Reb Eliezer’s response shocked the king. “Tomorrow, we’ll be celebrating the holiday of Purim. If you want us to help stop this terrible decree, you must give us lots of wine. Barrels should be placed on every Jewish street.”
“What?!” the king cried angrily. “That is true rebellion! Here we’re talking of a major catastrophe hovering over our heads, and you’re asking for wine?!”
Reb Eliezer remained calm. “If the king wants the decree to go away, this is what we need. We need lots of good wine, so every Jew can become inebriated!” And Reb Eliezer reiterated his request for wine.
That Purim, the Yidden of Amsterdam were happier and more uplifted than ever before. Everyone drank many times the amount they did a regular
Reb Eliezer’s response shocked the king. “If you want us to help stop this terrible decree, you must give us lots of wine.”
year, all at the king’s expense, with no inhibitions.
And that very evening, the water began to recede, and the noise of the pounding fish died down.
The king called Reb Eliezer to the palace and demanded an explanation.
“How could it be that you Jews drink to your heart’s content, become completely inebriated, and in the meantime, your G-d does miracles for you?”
“We didn’t drink for pleasure,” Reb Eliezer replied. “We drank to fulfill the mitzvah of the day. By drinking, we fulfilled the will of our Creator — and when we do His will, He in turn, does our will!”
* * * * *
When Esther sent Hasach to Mordechai to find out what was going on, the pasuk says, “V’yaged lo Mordechai es kol asher karahu” — And Mordechai told him all that had befallen him (Esther 4:7).
The Midrash (Esther Rabbah 8) explains, “Ben beno shel Karahu ba aleichem” — the descendant of Karahu came upon us. This refers to Amalek, who introduced the concept of mikreh, coincidence, as the pasuk says, “Asher karcha b’derech” (Devarim 25:18). Happenstance
is the exact opposite of emunah. Believing that world events derive randomly from nature rather than by hashgacha pratis is the antithesis of emunah. The miracle of Purim deflated the ego of a descendent of the one who first influenced Klal Yisroel with his lack of belief in Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
How does this relate to the mitzvah of drinking on Purim?
Every driver knows the rule: Don’t drink and drive. The commandment to drink on Purim is a message to us: We’re not driving. We don’t control or run anything; everything is run by Hashem.
This is also the reason we dress up on Purim. Purim must implant in our hearts the understanding that our entire lives are a play. It’s all a mask. It may seem like someone accomplished something, or that someone hurt us, but that’s not really true; it all comes from Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
Through the mitzvah of being merry on Purim and drinking, we recognize that there is no such thing as nature. Even if it seems as if b’derech hateva there is no way we can be saved, Purim reminds us that the laws of nature are really non-existent. There is no chance; everything happens under Hashem’s direct, explicit guidance.
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Free Trash Bins May Be Coming to NYC
With a June 2026 deadline looming for residents of the five boroughs to purchase their official NYC trash cans, a bill passed by the City Council could see some homeowners getting their bins for free.
Brooklyn Eagle reported that if Mayor Eric Adams signs the bill, owners of one- and two-family homes who are enrolled in the STAR or Enhanced STAR property relief programs could get their city-approved trash cans at no charge. Eligible homeowners who already bought the lidded bins, which are priced at $53.01 for the 45-gallon size, and $45.87 for the 35-gallon size, could receive refunds for their purchases.
Introduced by Councilman Yusef Salaam, the City Council bill amassed 29 sponsors, with New York State Assemblyman William Colton also expressing his support for the plan.
“In these tough economic times, the city should not be expecting homeowners to shell out an additional $50 for a trash can mandated by the city, when they may already have perfectly serviceable trash cans,” said Colton. “I certainly hope that the mayor signs the legislation in short order.”
Those who fail to have the official trash bins by June 2026 can expect to pay up, with fines priced at $50 for the first offense, $100 for the next infraction and $200 for all future violations. Similar fines are already in effect for those who fail to place their trash in bins with secure lids, with a maximum 55-gallon capacity, as previously reported in The Boro Park View.
Felder: Cuomo May Be NYC’s Best Choice for Mayor
Despite being forced to resign his governorship in 2021 in disgrace, Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign has been slowly gathering steam, with words of support emerging last week from State Senator Simcha Felder.
While Felder has said that he doesn’t provide endorsements, his words regarding Cuomo can only help the former governor win over constituents in the local Jewish community.
“The city is in bad shape,” said Felder. “The city needs to be cleaned up… and of the candidates, he is the only one that I be-
lieve has the experience and determination to make sure that happens.”
Felder acknowledged that Cuomo’s actions during the pandemic alienated many in the local Jewish community, but he emphasized the importance of realizing the challenges that exist in today’s New York City, with security and safety topping that list. Felder, who is running for Kalman Yeger’s vacated City Council seat, said he feels that of all those running in the Democratic mayoral party, Cuomo is likely the most qualified to address those issues.
“Even people who don’t want to vote for him view him as that,” noted Felder.
Cuomo poses a significant threat to Mayor Eric Adams in the contest to win the Democratic party nomination. Some are speculating that Adams faces another unique challenge from City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who is also running in the June Democratic primary. With the two candidates sharing the same last name, the possibility exists that voters who were planning on voting for the incumbent may potentially cast their ballots for the City Council speaker instead.
NYPD Issues Warning as Catalytic Converter Thefts Spikes
With the number of catalytic converter thefts rising locally in recent weeks, the 66th Precinct is warning Boro Parkers to be on the alert for would-be thieves.
Catalytic converters are part of vehicles’ engine exhaust system, and they are especially appealing to thieves because they contain platinum, palladium and rhodium, precious metals that are all pricier than gold.
Police are recommending that drivers park their cars in well-lit areas and install anti-theft devices on their vehicles. Etching your license plate or VIN number onto your catalytic converter will make it harder to re-sell, and therefore, less attractive to thieves, suggest the NYPD.
“Please take extra precautions to protect your vehicle, and if you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to say something,” advised the 66th Precinct.
According to CNN, 27,609 catalytic converter thefts occurred in 2023 in the United States, down from 64,700 in 2022.
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The parts are easily accessed from underneath a car, and can be removed in a matter of seconds by sawing through the vehicle’s exhaust pipe. With their higher clearance, SUVs are particularly attractive targets for thieves looking to grab a catalytic converter.
Catalytic converters have been required on all gas-powered cars sold in the United States since the 1970s. While used catalytic converters can sell for anywhere from $25 to $100, replacing a stolen one can be costly, and can cost $2,000 or more, including parts and labor.
Thief Makes Off With $30K in Stolen Sheitels
A Crown Heights wig store suffered a major loss last week, with a thief walking away with $30,000 in inventory in a twopart, pre-dawn burglary.
Yeshiva World News reported that the first theft took place shortly after 3 a.m. on March 4, with the perpetrator arriving at The Hustle Wig on a Citi Bike. Surveillance video shows an unidentified individual with a light-colored coat, mediumcolored pants, sneakers and a knapsack, picking the lock at the lower level of 1391 Dean Street, and then using a flashlight to survey his surroundings. Footage shows the bald-headed, dark-skinned man leaving the store twelve minutes later, holding a large round tub and a shopping bag, both of which appear to be full, and making his getaway on the Citi Bike.
Just over two hours later, the store was robbed again, this time by a dark-skinned individual in a dark jacket, pants and a knapsack emblazoned with a cartoon character, wearing a black head covering. Surveillance video shows the thief leaving the scene with what appears to be a full trash bag, once again leaving the scene on a bicycle. Police said that in addition to taking wigs, the perpetrator also made off with a firstaid kit and a panini maker.
Given the value of the merchandise stolen, the incident is being classified as grand theft, although police don’t believe that the store was specifically targeted.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline by phone at 800-577-TIPS, by text at 247637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or online at www.NYPDCrimeStoppers.com.
Shmira’s Help Leads to Housekeeper’s Arrest
A local housekeeper has been placed under arrest after being caught stealing hundreds of dollars, thanks to Shmira’s intervention.
Chaim Furth
A family who suspected that their housekeeper was leaving with more than just a day’s wages in her pockets contacted Shmira for help. Volunteers set up surveillance cameras in the home, which recorded the housekeeper stealing several hundred dollars in cash. Shmira contacted the NYPD, which placed the housekeeper under arrest.
As always, Shmira warns the public to keep all valuables safely hidden away whenever outsiders are in your home for any reason.
Perela struggles with guilt over her new job. Sheva tells her that her play is scheduled for the last day of Perela’s trip to China.
wondered about the elegantly set table, he didn’t say anything.
“Cheshvan is such a tough month in cheder.” His eyes were shining as he said it. A man who enjoyed his job, guilt-free. He sat down at the table.
“Hmm… fruit smoothie!” He picked up a spoon and dug in.
Perela numbly spread her nicer tablecloth on the kitchen table and added an autumn print napkin with a full set of flatware. She hoped Ezriel would be so pleased with the décor, he wouldn’t even notice the supperless-supper. Hint number one that supper is lacking: a nicely set table.
Sheva standing on stage, hoping she’d find her mother’s face. She poured a fruit ambrosia — thank you canned junk fruit, even junkier whipped topping and trusty immersion blender — into a tumbler and placed it next to the napkin. Hint number two: a supper that starts with dessert. Because there is no main course.
How could it be that of all days in the school year, Sheva’s play is on the Monday I’ll be away? Why are they having a play so early on in the school year, anyway? And why don’t they send home a note in advance?
She’d shooed the kids into the playroom after they’d all had grilled cheese and cucumber wheels, and now she had the kitchen for herself. Only the calendar glared at her from its prominent perch on the fridge.
“Hi! Perela?” Ezriel called. “It’s so quiet here.” He hung his jacket and entered the kitchen. If he
Perela nodded, not trusting her voice. Her hands worked quickly. She chopped lettuce and layered cherry tomatoes, corn nuts and soggy microwaved deli, which had still been in the freezer half an hour ago. She drizzled the Not Only Cole Slaw dressing on the salad in pretty lines.
The one burger she had from yesterday’s leftover was quickly rewarmed in the Betty Crocker. She smeared mustard onto a frozen wrap and popped it back into the Betty. She added some pepper and sour pickle strips. Protein, starch, vegetable. Bingo, supper.
“It’s heavy, heavy teaching,” Ezriel continued.
Perela usually enjoyed listening to him sharing his cheder news, but now she waited — and dreaded — for him to remember that it had been her first official day at work.
She also had a day to share with him. Something more than laundry and supper and neighborhood gossip.
PERELA USUALLY ENJOYED LISTENING TO HIM SHARING HIS CHEDER NEWS, BUT NOW SHE WAITED — AND DREADED — FOR HIM TO REMEMBER THAT IT HAD BEEN HER FIRST OFFICIAL DAY AT WORK
EZRIEL WAS BETTER AT CALENDAR STUFF THAN SHE WAS. HIS EYEBROWS SHOT UP. “ROSH CHODESH? ISN’T THAT…” HE TURNED TO PERELA, WHO NODDED
She longed to analyze why, even with all the kinks in her day, she couldn’t wait to go back tomorrow.
“New recipe?” Ezriel asked as he maneuvered through the crispy wrap. “It’s really good!”
Perela smiled tightly.
Finally, he put his fork down and looked at her. Would he notice her uncharacteristically made-up face and finally, finally remember?
“Hey, didn’t you go to work today?” he asked.
Perela nodded as tears sprang to her eyes.
He stared at her.
“No, no, don’t worry. It was great.” She swiped at her tears. “Like really good. Just my mother. I arrived at her house…” Suddenly, she found herself sobbing. “And Yanky was miserable.”
Ezriel looked at her in incomprehension. She poured out the story.
“So Yanky chapped what happened to your mother?” Ezriel asked.
“No! He cried at the babysitter. It was just on top of everything else! And then I missed Charni’s bus.”
“What a day. You know that it doesn’t make sense that only you and Kaily care for your mother. There has to be another way.”
His validation warmed her. She looked at Ezriel. Maybe it was her exhaustion or the extra sugar from the ambrosia, but she finally allowed her heart to open.
“The job was… interesting. Like, I enter the place and I feel so, you know, myself. I was always a macher Head of dance, sewing, drama. And when I’m at Prance, I feel like that again.”
She stole a glance at her husband. His face was open, listening, but there was also bewilderment and maybe hurt?
“I never thought about that,” he said. “I… I always thought you were so happy to take care of the house.”
“I was. I am. And I’m really grateful to you that I was always able to
do it. But maybe now the time has come?”
He nodded slowly. She didn’t dare breathe. Maybe Ezriel did get her?
Sheva broke the magic.
“Ta!” she shouted.
Please don’t tell Tatty. Please? Not yet! Not now.
“I’m having the main solo dance in our play! It’s very soon!”
“Can fathers come?” Same joke every play, but Sheva still laughed.
“No. But Mommy and Babi can. It’s a day after Rosh Chodesh Kislev! It’s about Chanukah!”
Ezriel was better at calendar stuff than she was. His eyebrows shot up. “Rosh Chodesh? Isn’t that…” He turned to Perela, who nodded.
Sheva’s eyes darted between them.
Apparently, he saw her shoulders sagging, or read the desperation in her eyes.
“You’ll show me your dance, right?” he said.
Sheva nodded. Perela exhaled.
But a few minutes later, as Ezriel was leaving, he asked “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know,” she answered truthfully. “I don’t know.”
* * * * *
Maybe it was Nechy’s phone call that made Kaily call Dance Away and book a belated simchas beis hashoeivah
“Yom Tov was hard,” Nechy said simply as soon as she answered the phone.
Or maybe the stress of shopping at Drummer’s and being the only woman in the jam-packed bein hazmanim crush?
Or Perela’s phone call while she was waiting in an endless line to have Sruly’s pants fitted.
“I’m leaving now, because of buses, but I don’t think Ma can be left alone.”
She listened to the whole sorry
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THE YELLOW PILL. THE LEVODOPA. SHE’D ONLY GOTTEN SOME SAMPLE PILLS AT THE LAST VISIT, TO TRY AND SEE IF THIS DOSAGE WORKED. TOMORROW, AFTER HYDROTHERAPY, THEY WERE GOING TO THE DOCTOR TO MONITOR THIS VERY PILL
tale, left Sruly alone in the crowd of fathers and sons, and rushed home. Or maybe, probably, because Mira still had a spell over her.
Like the mature woman she was, Kaily texted Mira that she’d booked Dance Away with a Kangoo instructor for Tuesday evening. While her mother napped, she ordered a milchig muffin bar from Muffins ‘N More. And just like that, Mira’s dream simchas beis hashoeivah was scheduled for tomorrow.
She didn’t respond to Mira’s flurry of texts, but she did read them.
Tuesday night, when Eli came to visit Ma, Kaily slipped out of the house.
Mira was at the mic. “Girls! Research shows that Kangoo jumping burns at least eight muffins an hour!”
The women hobbled around in Kangoo shoes, grabbing poles or each other to steady themselves. Some were giggling hysterically as they tried eating a muffin without falling. They were taking Mira’s research very seriously.
If anyone noticed that the two Sisters OTG heads were only politely interacting, no one mentioned anything.
After a few minutes of mingling, the instructor got the music blaring and the women jumping. Kaily stood in the back, observing them all. She could barely balance herself in these ridiculous shoes, let alone dance. She watched the women who did it all so bravely every single day, and her eyes watered. She’d really missed them.
“I can’t move anymore!” one of the women moaned after a while. The instructor took pity. “You did great! What a group! What energy!”
Mira showed the women into the party room, where a buffet was
waiting for them. The ladies were famished. When they were all eating, Mira took the mic again.
“Girls,” she said seriously. They all stopped eating and looked at her. What followed was a heartfelt farewell. Mira wouldn’t be running Sisters OTG after her wedding. Kaily saw many women tear up at her speech, and she herself found herself wiping her eyes.
“I’ll miss you all!” Mira concluded, “And I vintch you that you, too, should find happiness, and that this organization should close down because there will be no more need.”
“And thank you, Kaily,” her eyes travelled to meet hers, “for being a true partner in this endeavor. May Hakadosh Baruch Hu repay you.”
Kaily met her eyes. Something within her thawed.
Her phone pinged.
Eli: The yellow pill fell out of the pillbox, and I can’t find it. What should I do? What should he do? He was really asking what she will do.
The yellow pill. The Levodopa. She’d only gotten some sample pills at the last visit, to try and see if this dosage worked. Tomorrow, after hydrotherapy, they were going to the doctor to monitor this very pill.
I’ll be home soon, she texted back.
* * * * *
The pill had rolled under the oven. Kaily lay sprawled on the floor with a wire hanger, trying to maneuver the little pill out of its hiding place, when it hit her. She would never give a goodbye speech at the mic. She wouldn’t even get to say an official farewell to her ladies.
But she, too, had just waved goodbye to her beloved Sisters OTG.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Where friends become family
PITCHER COCKTAILS
FAIGY REINER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARON HERSKOVITZ
SNAPPRO STUDIO 845.642.1459
Purim is here! Bring on the cocktails — in all colors, tastes and types. L’chaim!
NONALCOHOLIC MOJITO
This mojito is a bright and refreshing nonalcoholic option, blending lime and mint for a crowd-pleasing Purim drink.
INGREDIENTS
8 cups lemon-lime soda
½ cup simple syrup
6 limes, cut into wedges Ice
SIMPLE SYRUP
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup water
5 mint leaves
DIRECTIONS
1. To make the simple syrup, heat the water and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Do not boil.
2. Pour the syrup into a container, and add the mint leaves. Refrigerate overnight.
3. To assemble: Place all ingredients in a large bowl or pitcher. Mix and enjoy!
CRANBERRY AMARETTO SOUR
Served in a punch bowl with a Bundt pan ice ring, this Cranberry Amaretto Sour is a striking addition to the Purim table, balancing tangy and sweet flavors beautifully.
BUNDT PAN ICE
1 cup cranberries
2 cups cranberry juice
2 cups apple cider
1 orange, sliced
4 cinnamon sticks
COCKTAIL
8 cups ginger ale
¾ cup amaretto liquor
½ cup vodka
2 cups cranberry juice
DIRECTIONS
1. In a Bundt pan, combine all the ice ingredients. Place in the freezer overnight or until fully frozen.
2. Place the Bundt pan under running water, and pop out the ice. Place the ice into a large bowl. Add the remaining cocktail ingredients.
Note: A Bundt stand that can be inverted and used as a bowl is a great choice for this drink. Turn over the tray with the flat top now on the bottom. Next, turn over the cover, and place the handle of the cover into the Bundt pan stand. Fill the bowl and enjoy!
PRESENT WELL.
While you focus on preparing for your Simcha, let us focus on presenting your party favors with elegance and flair.
PASSION FRUIT STRAWBERRY COCKTAIL WITH JELLO CUBES
Sweet and tropical, this cocktail combines passion fruit and strawberry with whimsical jello cubes for a festive and colorful treat.
INGREDIENTS
1 strawberry jello
1 (16 oz.) bag frozen passion fruit, thawed
1 (16 oz.) bag frozen strawberries, thawed
2 cups orange juice
1 cups pomegranate seeds
½ cup vodka
8 cups seltzer
DIRECTIONS
1. Start by preparing your strawberry jello according to package instructions. Place the jello into a 9x13-inch pan, and allow to set.
2. Once fully set, cut into small cubes.
3. Place the jello cubes into a large pitcher or bowl along with the remaining ingredients. Mix and enjoy!
MYLA33” Youth Bed & MYLA33” Trundle
AS TOLD TO C.S. TEITELBAUM BY MRS.
MASHI TESCHER
A JOYOUS COUNTENANCE
People could never believe that Reb Yisroel (Brudy) Stern, z’’l, from Stamford Hill, London, was a Holocaust survivor. He exuded such joy, mere years after the Holocaust, when others were still deeply grieving the lives and losses they left behind in Europe. It almost didn’t make sense.
But Reb Yisroel’s lifelong mantra, tracht gut vet zein gut (think good and it will be good), was how the sixteen-year-old emerged from his terrible year in Auschwitz and rebuilt his life.
Mengele, ym”sh, directed the selection at Auschwitz. He waved Reb Yisroel’s mother and siblings to the left, as he did to all the old, young and sickly. Strong men and boys were assessed based on what they could offer in skill. The man behind young Yisroel was a carpenter, so in two minutes, he briefed young Yisroel on some basics of the trade, hoping it would be enough for him to convince Mengele he was useful enough to be allowed to live.
Mengele did, in fact, quiz Yisroel to determine if he was a carpenter, as he claimed.
“What’s the most important part of a door?” he asked.
Feigning confidence, the yeshiva bochur answered (incorrectly), “The lock.”
Next Mengele asked, “How tall should a coffee table be?”
Unfamiliar with metrics, Yisroel said, “A meter.”
At that, Mengele swung a sweeping slap across his body, which sent him flying to the right, saving his life.
Yisroel survived the war with his father and one brother, the memories of his mother and four remaining siblings, hy’’d, haunting him all his life. But it never dragged him down. Yes, when he recounted his experiences to his children, on Tisha B’Av and on Seder nacht, he’d stumble over his tears — he missed his mother until his dying day — but the narratives were always with a limud in emunah, in ahavas Yisroel, or in the power of Yiddishkeit, and not just for the sake of offloading his tragic past.
REB YISROEL ALWAYS SERVED AS THE MAIN ACTOR,
OPENING THE PERFORMANCE WITH THE ICONIC SCENE OF HIMSELF STRUTTING ON WITH A REAL POODLE AT HIS FEET
He couldn’t bear tension, so when the many guests who landed at his table, typically broken Holocaust survivors, vented their stress and anger, Reb Yisroel would masterfully defuse the situation with a joke. Everyone would burst out laughing, and the rest of the meal would pass calmly.
Reb Yisroel had an open home. His children say that the only scar of the Holocaust was his generosity, particularly in food. He had to have and had to give away loads of food. Before Pesach, he’d distribute boxes of matzos and wine to needy families, way before organizations existed for that purpose. And although his parnassah swung up and down, he was always on the giving end.
FOR THE KLAL AND FOR THE KINDERLACH
Despite the joyful, busy home he established, for a few years it lacked the sound of children. He and his wife waited, convinced the malnutrition and wretchedness during the war had ruined their chances.
In search of a yeshuah, he went to his mashpia and cousin
Rabbi Shlomo Baumgarten, z’’l, who advised him to get involved in the chinuch of Yiddishe kinder. He promptly joined the hanhalah of Beis Shlomo Cheder, popularly known as Getter’s Cheder, and soon realized that they had no money to pay their melamdim
Wasting no time and drawing on his inherent brilliant wit and acting prowess, Reb Yisroel started producing a Purim Shpiel every Shushan Purim to fundraise for the cheder. It drew the who’s who from far and wide and kept them in side-splitting laughter from start to finish. In fact, when he wanted to give it up after a few years, Rabbi Baumgarten forbade him from doing so, saying that regardless of the wages of the melamdim, to which it contributed significantly, these plays were the only time Holocaust survivors were able to laugh.
Reb Yisroel always served as the main actor, opening the performance with the iconic scene of himself strutting on with a real poodle at his feet. Men and women enjoyed it alike, with one survivor saying she could only start Pesach cleaning the day after the shpiel. Before that, she couldn’t find the energy or motivation.
Besides being the main actor, Reb Yisroel wrote the script, gathered the props, rented the scenery and costumes, and hired a professional theater makeup artist. It was a professional play in every way, so much so that the secular makeup artist insisted on knowing where Reb Yisroel trained, refusing to accept he could get the crowds laughing as they did — with Yiddish humor the non-Jewish artist couldn’t even understand — without professional training.
In his inimitable way, and with his fantastically talented cast, they’d act out the idiosyncrasies of society without stepping on anyone’s toes. The Stern children remember the fun they’d have watching the rehearsals in their home. Their mother, Blanca, tichye, would prepare hot dogs and a spread, and it was party time every night.
The play went on for some 30 years. Producing the play and developing his amazing talent sowed the seeds of his eventual yeshuah.
A PURIM SHPIEL – FOR REAL
Reb Yisroel’s father Reb Shlomo regularly traveled to cities in Europe, including Antwerp, Belgium, home to the Pshevorsker dynasty. One year, around Chanukah time, Reb Shlomo attended a bris where the famed tzaddik Reb Itzikel of Pshevorsk, zt”l, was present. Reb Shlomo took the opportunity to ask for a bracha for his son Reb Yisroel who, after five years, was still not blessed with children.
“WHO IS THIS?” WAS THE ONE QUESTION THAT KEPT BEING MUTTERED IN THE CROWD, EVEN THOUGH BY NOW THEY REALIZED IT
WAS NO REBBE, BUT SOME BRILLIANT
ACTOR
Reb Itzikel was an incredible anav and answered, “My zeide, Reb Naftoli m’Lizensk, was a great tzaddik, and all of his brachos would be mekayem. He hardly gave brachos, but on Purim he did, saying that Purim is a time that one dresses up, so he
could dress up as a Rebbe and give brachos.”
The humble Reb Itzikel added that maybe he could also dress up as a Rebbe on Purim and give Reb Yisroel a bracha then.
Back in London, the yungerman Reb Yisroel wasted no time, booking a flight for Purim day, scheduled after his yearly duty of leining the Megillah so no one but his wife and parents would know of his plan.
Following some delays, he arrived at the Pshevorsker shtiebel in Antwerp toward the end of the Purim seudah. Before entering the packed tisch, he pulled out his production bag and disguised his clean-shaven, oberlander appearance into that of an elderly chassidishe rebbe: thick eyebrows, mustache, beard, hoizen zocken, striped bekishe and shtreimel. When he entered, a path cleared as the gabbaim ushered everyone aside to mach platz for this venerable guest. Reb Yisroel had badchaned before the Rebbe previously, at a
A MOHEL, A BADCHAN — OR BOTH?
Reb Yisroel, like his father Reb Shlomo, was a mohel. Reb Yisroel would traverse the globe performing brissim in many far-flung places, with his devoted wife regularly at his side. From Africa to Singapore to the Soviet Union, he took zero compensation for the zechus, a unique tradition still maintained by London mohalim today.
All this was not without risk.
When he traveled behind the Iron Curtain to perform dozens of brissim at a time, he risked his very life. He stuffed his mohel case with extra bandages, and when the eagle-eyed Soviet airport staff interrogated him as to why he needed so many bandages, he explained that he had terrible blisters on his feet and offered to show it to them. He calmly proceeded to untie one shoe, using all of his acting expertise, and then began removing his sock to reveal what was supposed to be a ghastly-looking sole. Repulsed by the idea of what was coming, they believed him without seeing it and waved him through.
His quick tongue saved him on other occasions. In the days after Reb Yisorel merited a family, he once took his family back to visit Pressburg, where he grew up. Everything being brought in or out of the country had to be accounted for, especially Hebrew books and electronic devices. A documented list would be recorded and then checked. While in Pressburg, the family came across piles of abandoned seforim. Reb Yisroel wanted to bring them back with him, to give the seforim the kavod and usage they deserve. Figuring that his daughter’s bags would arouse the least suspicion, he put them in her suitcase. But in the airport, her suitcase was selected to be checked. She trembled as they called her aside, certain she would be sent to some primitive jail. But as they lifted her suitcase, Reb Yisroel rushed toward the guard, wearing the perfect face to sell the urgency of his request: “Excuse me, where is the bathroom?” The guard shrugged him off, but he persisted. “No, no, it’s an emergency. I need the bathroom. Please show me where it is.” His distraction worked. His daughter’s suitcase was never examined.
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friend’s wedding in London, and he’d observed that Reb Itzikel enjoyed his deep and clever humor. He decided to perform once again, this time with the Rebbe’s heilige son-in-law Reb Yankele and grandson Reb Leibish also present.
He delivered a long hesped on Haman, and being a talmid chacham, he wove in witty Purim Torahs, pesukim and puns from Tanach and Gemara. He then imitated a yekkishe Yid in German, changing accents and costumes while the crowd laughed — the Rebbe included. They’d never seen the Rebbe laugh like this. This was humor, but it was toichen’dige brilliance.
“Who is this?” was the one question that kept being muttered in the crowd, even though by now they realized it was no rebbe, but some brilliant actor.
Soon, the gabbaim brought trays of kugel for the Rebbe to teil shirayim. Reb Yisroel pounced at the opportunity.
“Bizti oich a Purim Rebbe? Are you also a Purim Rebbe?” he inquired cryptically, to which the Rebbe chuckled and rejoined with a curious, “Yoh.”
“Kenzti oich leinen kvittlech? Can you also read kvitlach?” Reb Yisroel continued.
“Yoh,” answered the Rebbe, still smiling.
“Okay, I’ll promise the Rebbe whatever he wants, and you promise me what I want,” Reb Yisroel said. Then he pulled out his kvittel
SHAKING FROM THE REVELATION, REB YISROEL COMPOSED HIMSELF, AND AS ONE DOES WHEN SEALING A DEAL, SHOOK THE REBBE’S HAND WITH A HEARTFELT “MAZEL U’BRACHA.”
and showed it to the Rebbe. Shocked, the Rebbe turned to his guest. “Di bist dos? Are you the one?”
The Rebbe’s face grew serious. Hundreds of eyes were on the dais. Curiosity and suspense roiled the crowd.
The Rebbe ordered everyone to bensch and daven Maariv, noting that the guest had traveled from further than any of them. After waving them all home, he told Reb Yisroel to join him outside for a stroll.
A MIRACLE DEAL
The two of them walked up and down the long road off Belgelei in silence. Finally, the Rebbe spoke.
“Okay, promise me you’ll call me as sandek.”
Shaking from the revelation, Reb Yisroel composed himself, and as one does when sealing a deal, shook the Rebbe’s hand with a heartfelt “mazel u’bracha.”
The Rebbe then ushered him to “gei shoin aheim,” to go home already, but not before reminding him, “Let me know when there’s a shinui l’tovah.”
A few months later, Reb Yisroel’s father, Reb Shlomo, was back in Antwerp for another bris. He visited the Rebbe and delivered
AFTER THE AGONIZING SIX-YEAR WAIT, THE EUPHORIC NEW FATHER GOT A TASTE OF THE INEXPLICABLE JOY OF NOT JUST BEING BLESSED WITH A CHILD, BUT ALSO OF PERFORMING A BRIS ON HIS OWN SON
the miraculous news that his son was awaiting a simcha exactly a year to the day of the bracha. The Rebbe reminded him of the deal regarding sandekaus
“But it might be a girl,” noted another man who overheard the conversation.
“Zei nisht kein naar. Don’t be ridiculous,” the Rebbe rebuked him. “If I promised it’ll be a boy, it’ll be a boy!”
The Rebbe served as sandek a few days after Purim, even insisting on visiting the kimpeturin in the hospital to wish her mazel tov.
After the agonizing six-year wait, the euphoric new father got a taste of the inexplicable joy of not just being blessed with a child, but also of performing a bris on his own son.
While driving the Rebbe back to Heathrow airport, Reb Yisroel ventured, “Rebbe, what about more children?”
The Rebbe remained quiet for the rest of the long ride, until the very end, when he announced, “Ah, this will cost a lot,” naming an enormous sum. The Rebbe was renowned for his mass tzedakah distribution before Pesach. Every penny he got went straight to the needy.
As soon as they arrived at the airport, Reb Yisroel located a pay phone and called his wealthy father to share the Rebbe’s words.
“Yes, yes,” replied his father. “Tell him I’m ready, whatever it’ll cost.”
Reb Yisroel turned to the Rebbe with the good news. “Vet der Rebbe mich unvintchen? Will the Rebbe bless me?”
Reb Yisroel had arranged a VIP escort service, which in those days meant escorting the passenger until the stairs of the plane. Again, complete silence accompanied them on the long walk to the tarmac. Reb Yisroel was hesitant to go further, as the bracha had not yet been given. They still had a few feet until the plane, but the silence rang too loud.
They reached the stairway. The Rebbe ascended the first step. Reb Yisroel clutched desperately onto his hand, unwilling to part.
Finally, the Rebbe spoke. “Der Eibishter zol helfen, yingelech in meidelech, noch un noch. Hashem will help — boys and girls, more and more.”
Reb Yisroel and his wife merited nine children in quick succession, a blessing rooted in a tzaddik’s deep simcha on the lofty day of Purim, proving that mit simcha ken men poilen.
HOBBYHOUSE
NEW HOURS
SUNDAY MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
When I was a young college student working toward a degree in psychology, I had to take a course that emphasized the importance of respecting cultural diversity. I remember the professor having us watch a short demonstration of two women arguing with each other. “Please, take this painting! It’s a gift from me to you!” said one to the other.
The other responded, “No, no, I can’t take this from you! It’s too valuable. It belongs to you, and you should keep it.”
The first lady responded with more vehemence than before. “Please, take it! You will offend me if you don’t!”
After much back and forth, the second lady gave in. “Oh, you are so kind and so generous. Thank you so much for this gift. I will forever be indebted to you!”
“This,” my professor went on to explain, “is taarof in action. Taarof is a part of Persian culture. It requires you, as a hostess, to offer your guest anything they may express interest in. This includes food, housewares, personal items, you name it. The guest, on the other hand, is supposed to refuse the offer a few times, before they finally give in.”
For the life of me, I could not understand this formality, but I shrugged it off as something that was of no great importance.
FAST FORWARD three years. I am sitting with my new chasan, and he is explaining what taarof is and how I should expect to run up against it when I meet his extended family.
I looked at him in shock and said, “You mean it's real, like in real life?”
He looked surprised. “You’ve heard of this before?”
Regal Rugs
Persians are known for their handmade rugs. My in-laws have a small rug framed and hung in their sukkah every year. That took some getting used to on my part, since my plebeian eyes do not necessarily appreciate the beauty of each silk strand woven so artfully to form these delicate rugs. But their monetary value can range between a couple thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars!
I said, “Yeah, in college, when they were teaching us about cultural diversity!”
When my chasan finished laughing, he said, “Welcome to the beauty of Persian culture.”
As you may have guessed, my husband is a Persian Jew, which means he follows a set of Sefardic minhagim that originate from the Jews in Iran, also known as Persia (or Paras Umadai). I, myself, was born a Sefardi as well, but not Persian. My family originates from Egypt, although my parents and grandparents were born in America. Because of this, I did not have much of a connection to Egyptian culture as my husband did to his Persian heritage, and I was excited to learn more about it.
The first thing that I would like to point out is the pronunciation of the saf as a taf For example, Ashkenazis say chasan, but as a Sefardi, I pronounce it chatan
We got engaged the day before Taanit Esther and married a week after Shavuot. I went to visit my chatan’s family in LA on Chol Hamoed Pesach, and I was introduced to eating rice on Yom Tov. Contrary to popular belief, rice is not chometz! Ashkenazi chachamim banned the eating of rice on Pesach since it used to be stored with wheat bundles back in Europe, but this was not the case for the Jews who
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lived in Iran. Interestingly, there were a few pop-up sushi spots in LA over Pesach, and it was wonderful to see many Jews enjoying themselves in such a novel way. In fact, rice is the most basic staple in the Persian pantry. Since everything and anything is eaten with a side of basmati rice, I am loath to imagine what Pesach would be like without it.
In general, Persian food has definitely got personality. A typical Persian main course is what Americans would call a meat stew, but Persians refer to it as choresh. Of course, it is eaten with a side of rice, and when cooking the rice, many will place thinly cut potato slices to fry beneath the rice. These potato slices are called tadik. They are the perfect combination of fried and crispy, and each slice is fought over in every Persian household.
Another one of the Persian minhagim I learned over Pesach is what my in-laws call “Dayeinu.” Dayeinu is not for the faint of heart; here’s how it works: On Seder night, when the family reaches Dayeinu in the Haggadah, my mother-in-law brings out a stack of scallions, handing out bunches and bunches to each family member. And then it’s just all-out war as everyone acts out the whipping the Yidden endured in Mitzrayim. Everyone begins throwing scallions at one another, parents chase their kids around the table and throw scallions at them, and their kids join forces and plan a mass retaliation. Grandparents with years of experience in scallion warfare help the kids employ artful war strategy; teams are decided, generals appointed, and it's total bedlam in the most exciting and fun way you can imagine. It is such a highlight of Seder night that my kids live all year for Dayeinu
THE PERSIAN LANGUAGE is chock full of expressions that use passionate language to portray a certain thought or feeling. It’s very flowery and descriptive. I was once sitting innocently in my plane seat on the way back from LA when I overheard a teenage brother and sister speaking to each other in Farsi. I didn’t understand what they were saying, but I could tell from my husband’s raised eyebrows that it was a colorful conversation, to say the least.
“What are they saying?” I mouthed to my husband.
“I’m not quite sure how to translate this expression for you,” he replied. “Literally, she just told her brother to choke on his own tongue.”
Persia: A Parallel History
Another fascinating piece of information about Persians is that they remained unaffected by the Holocaust. It is not a part of their history. There were probably murmurs about a great war in Europe, and unclarified rumors about treatment of the Jews there, but at that time, it was not discussed. Only later on, when Iranians began to emigrate to America, did they learn about the Holocaust and the horrors that European Jewry endured in the 1940s.
This is not to say that the Iranian Jews lived in peace and posterity while their Ashkenazi brethren suffered. Throughout history, Iranian Jews suffered their own version of religious discrimination in the form of pogroms and severe and inhumane punishment for wrongful accusation.
There was, however, a short period of peace when the Shah was in power, from 1941 to 1979. The Shah was more modernized and recognized other religions to be equal to Islam and allowed the Jews the freedom they needed to flourish. There was a two-year period of instability from 1977 to 1979, when many of the Iranians opposed the unfair distribution of wealth, among other things, and thus began a two-year revolution, which ended in the Shah escaping for his life, and Ayatollah Khomeini assuming leadership. Khomeini imposed strict Sharia laws, which led to Jews, once again, running for their lives. The stories that some of my friend’s parents have to tell about their escape from Iran generally involve human smugglers, uncertainty, midnight camelback traipses through the desert in less than ideal conditions fraught with terror, and a desperation to live.
And as all Jews have done over millennia of Jewish persecution, they restarted their lives in various places all over the world, quickly rising from the depths of despair to success and affluence, which after all, is the story of Purim as well. And just like the Jews of Persia saw redemption in the times of Achashveirosh, may all the Jews, everywhere in the world, merit to see the arrival of the Geulah really soon.
I nodded slowly. “So, is this just regular sibling rivalry, or should we be more concerned?”
My husband blinked in surprise. “Oh, this is nothing. It’s just the equivalent of saying, ‘Be quiet!’ or something like that.”
I shook my head in amazement. “That’s a lot of energy spent on telling someone to stop talking, no?”
He shrugged. “You get used to it.”
PERSIANS ARE also very family oriented. Parents and children keep in close touch with one another even when the children are grown, living across the country, or even across the world. There is great pride and loyalty toward family. Community is an extension of family, and therefore, protectiveness and pride extends to the community as well. To outsiders, the Persian communities appear to be one and the same, whether they’re in Brooklyn, Great Neck or LA. However, to the insiders, communities are divided by the original city your family lived in, back in Iran. There are Shirazis, Teheranis, Esfahoonis, Mashatis and Hamedanis, to name a few. (Fun fact: It is commonly believed that Mordechai Hatzaddik and Esther Hamalkah are buried in Hamedan.)
Of course, there are stereotypes attached to each city, and whether or not they are true, I will never know. Based on what I’ve gleaned from my ten-plus years of exposure to these wonderful Jews, this is what I can say: Shirazis are known for their love of lemon juice, Teheranis are known for their elitist attitude (I say this with much love, as my in-law family is originally from Tehran), Mashatis are known for their distrust of all those outside the Mashati community, and Hamedanis are the Persian version of Hungarians. Again, is this accurate? I have no idea.
I was once standing next to my mother-in-law at a wedding, and a Persian woman came up to her, gave her a warm hug, and began to speak in rapid-fire Farsi. My mother-in-law kindly translated for me and said, “This is my friend Fariba.”
I smiled at Fariba and made a friendly hand gesture. She smiled back at me, and then asked my mother-in-law something in Farsi. My mother-in-law looked apologetic and laughed a little. “She said she’d wanted to know who the foreigner is.”
I looked around. “Which foreigner?”
I was expecting to see someone dressed in outlandish robes with a big turban tied around their head, but I came up blank. Then I saw my mother-in-law’s eye twitch, and I knew this was going to be a good story to tell one day.
“She was referring to you, actually. I told her you are my daughter-in-law, so don’t worry, you’re an honorary Persian now.”
Oh, the irony! Here I am, a third-generation American, in America, listening to an immigrant speaking Farsi, and somehow, I was the foreigner! But there is a lesson to be learned here. Immigration status, Farsi-speaking, and heavily accented English aside, that woman has a strong sense of belonging, provided by the close-knit community she is a part of. What a beautiful way to live.
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The year is 1979. Thousands the U.S. Embassy climbing over its walls, storming the building. They take parade them blindfolded in front are representatives of America
Once a close ally of the West, transformed into a bitter enemy secularized ruler, the Shah, Ayatollah Khomeini, an Islamist hatred of Israel and the West.
In the wake of this ties with the United relations into a deep
Thousands of Iranians surround in Tehran and surge forward, walls, unlocking the gates and take 52 Americans hostage and front of cameras. After all, these America, “the Great Satan.” West, Iran is instantly enemy. The nation’s Shah, is replaced by Islamist known for his virulent this seismic shift, Iran severs all United States and its allies, plunging deep freeze.
A Rabbi in Tehran
More than two years later, the fate of the 52 American hostages was still a central focus of global concern. Amid negotiations, the UN arranged for a delegation of four clergymen to visit the hostages and provide support. Since a few of the hostages were Jewish, the clergy selections included a rabbi, Avraham Mordechai Hershberg.
Born in Poland in 1916, Rabbi Hershberg had been accepted into the world-famous Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin. With the outbreak of World War II, he escaped to Vilna and followed the Mirer Yeshiva to Shanghai, China. In 1942, Rabbi Hershberg obtained a visa to enter Canada, and from there he went on to Chicago and opened a yeshiva. In 1960, he became the Chief Rabbi of Mexico.
deliver an address. The American delegation of clergymen was led onto the raised platform, surrounded by fiercelooking guards.
Rabbi Hershberg felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Were they about to be publicly humiliated — or executed? He scanned the sea of faces, sensing the burning hatred directed toward him as a Jew.
Then, in the middle of the proceedings, the unexpected happened. All at once, the crowd knelt and bowed to the ground, their foreheads pressed to the earth. Onstage, Khomeini and the imams followed suit. The three Christian clergymen bowed like everyone else.
Rabbi Hershberg, along with Rabbi Ezrahian who was also present, remained standing.
They stood upright and resolute, just as Mordechai had refused to bow to Haman centuries earlier in the very same land.
They stood upright and resolute, just as Mordechai had refused to bow to Haman centuries earlier in the very same land
He arrived in Iran during Chanukah of 1981. He met with the Jewish hostages and lit a menorah with them, creating a powerful moment. As he later recounted, “After lighting the candles we sang and danced together — there in the middle of Tehran! I can’t describe the great joy of the hostages.”
Then something extraordinary happened.
Shortly after the menorah lighting, Rabbi Hershberg and the three priests were unexpectedly ushered to the central square of Tehran for what was described as an “event.” It was Friday, the Muslim day of worship, and over a million people had gathered to hear Ayatollah Khomeini
One of Khomeini’s aides stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. Approaching the rabbis, he demanded, “Why didn’t you bow with everyone else?”
Rabbi Hershberg’s reply was unwavering. “I am a Jew, and I believe in the Torah of Moshe.”
The aide listened intently to Rabbi Hershberg’s words before turning and leaving the platform. Ten agonizing minutes later, the aide returned with a startling message: “The Ayatollah wishes to see you.”
The rabbi drew on a deep reservoir of emunah as he prepared himself for what might be his final moments. Thoughts of kiddush Hashem filled his mind as he was escorted through the guarded corridors. When he entered the chamber, he found Khomeini sitting in his chair, his head bowed low. The rabbi braced himself.
Unexpectedly, Khomeini lifted his head and spoke.
“I congratulate you,” he said. “You did not flatter me with lies, unlike the priests who bowed out of fear and did not mean it. You did not bow and were unafraid of a human being. That shows me that you are a man of truth.”
Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Hershberg in his younger years
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Persia: The World’s Oldest Jewish Community
Rabbi Hershberg’s experience in Iran followed a long and rich history of Yidden in that country. In fact, the Jewish community of Iran is among the oldest Jewish communities outside Eretz Yisroel. According to some sources, the first Yidden arrived as early as the time of the exile of the Ten Shevatim, more than a century before the Churban of the first Beis Hamikdash, and settled in the area that is known today as Kurdistan.
The story of Persian Jewry begins in earnest with the Churban, when the surviving Yidden were forcibly relocated to Bavel, which is now part of modern-day Iraq. Eleven years before the Churban, the Babylonian monarch Nevuchadnetzar exiled 10,000 Yidden to Bavel. This group included neviim and chachamim like Yechezkel, Daniel and Ezra, as well as the entire Sanhedrin (Gittin 88a). In doing so, he unwittingly established the next 2,500 years of Jewish history. Those 10,000 exiles laid the foundation of the Jewish future.
Yechezkel Hanavi established a yeshiva that lasted continually until the year 1001 CE, a period of more than 1,600 consecutive years. The Babylonian empire, however, was short-lived. Its last
king, Balshatzar, was deposed during a drunken banquet where he desecrated the sacred vessels of the Beis Hamikdash. This famous event, described in Sefer Daniel, culminated with the miraculous writing on the wall as a malach etched cryptic words predicting the imminent downfall of Balshatzar and his empire.
That very night, Balshatzar’s capital and palace were invaded and conquered by the Persian king Koresh.
The Persian Bear
The political center of the world now shifted from Bavel to Persia, in modern-day northwestern Iran. Many Yidden migrated to Shushan, the capital city (where the Purim story took place). The Gemara (Megillah 11a) describes the Persians in vivid, frightful terms: “They eat and drink like a bear, they are covered in flesh like a bear, they are hairy like a bear and they are restless like a bear.” Yet the Gemara praises them for maintaining a measure of modesty in
“They eat and drink like a bear, they are covered in flesh like a bear, they are hairy like a bear and they are restless like a bear”
Hamedan
The final downfall came from one of history’s most formidable conquerors, Alexander the Great
their habits (Berachos 8b).
The Gemara sometimes refers to Persia by the name Elam, an empire that dominated the region on and off for 2,000 years. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 24a) says that of ten portions of arrogance that descended into the world, nine came to Elam by way of Bavel. Inscriptions remaining from the Persian kings contain the haughty titles, statements and alleged mighty deeds that were traditional among ancient rulers.
The Persian EmpireTanachin
It was the first Persian king, Koresh, who gave the Yidden permission to return to their homeland and rebuild the Beis Hamikdash, as recounted in Ezra (1:1–3). However, most did not heed the call.
After Koresh’s demise, enemies of the Yidden in Eretz Yisroel mounted a political campaign back in Persia (Ezra 4:5), telling the new king, falsely, that the Yidden were planning rebellion and that he should revoke their permit to rebuild the Bais Hamikdash. They were successful, and the permit was cancelled.
Shortly afterward, Achashverosh became king. As the Megillah relates, his rule extended from Hodu to Kush — from India in the east to Ethiopia in the west. All the lands in his empire paid him a regular tribute, causing the wealth of the entire civilized world to flow into Persia.
Surviving records suggest that
the annual tribute paid to Persia totaled approximately 15,000 talents of silver. Compare that to the price of 10,000 talents of silver that Haman offered Achashverosh for his “contract on the Jews.” This sum, which Achashverosh waived without much thought, equaled no less than two-thirds of the entire tribute paid by all 127 subjugated lands to the royal treasury each year!
Following the dramatic downfall of Haman and the joyous conclusion of the Purim story, Achashverosh lived a few more years. Upon his death, Daryavesh ascended the throne. He reinstated the original decree of Koresh, permitting the Yidden to return to Eretz Yisroel and rebuild the Beis Hamikdash. Ezra and Nechemiah led the return, and the long and difficult process of rebuilding began.
According to a mesorah, Esther Hamalkah gave birth to a son during her marriage with Achashverosh (Vayikra Rabbah 13:5). It is possible that this son was Daryavesh, the very king who granted the Yidden permission to return to their land and rebuild the Bais Hamikdash.
This connection is another reminder of how Hashem orchestrates history, often using the most unexpected means to fulfill His promises to Klal Yisroel.
Eventually, Persia went the way of all empires. Heavy taxes created an impossible burden, and gradually ate away at the economic, social and political fabric of the empire.
The final downfall came from one of history’s most formidable conquerors, Alexander the Great. Employing great military skill, he defeated Persia’s much larger armies, despoiled the kingdom and destroyed much of its grandeur. The palace in Shushan was also plundered. Alexander needed 10,000 horses and 20,000 donkeys to cart away the staggering load of
gold, silver, jewels and precious vessels he found in the royal treasury.
Alexander died very young, at the age of 33, and his generals vied to take over the empire. After decades of infighting, it was divided into four regional kingdoms. The most powerful was the Seleucid Empire. (The infamous Antiochus of the Chanukah story belonged to the Seleucid dynasty.)
Around 250 BCE, it was overtaken by Parthia. At its height, it stretched from the northern reaches of the Euphrates, in what is now central-eastern Turkey, to present-day Afghanistan and western Pakistan.
A Safe Haven
For the most part, Parthia became a safe haven for Yidden. The Gemara (Pesachim 87b) says that “Hakadosh Baruch Hu knew that Klal Yisroel would not be able to endure the persecution of the Romans, so He drove them to Babylon (under the rule of the Parthians).”
During this period, the Jewish community flourished. It was here that the Talmud Bavli was developed and ultimately completed.
In the final decades of the empire’s existence, its king was Artaban, a very good friend of the Yidden ( Avodah Zarah 10b; Bereishis Rabbah 35:63). He personally served the great amora, Rav. When Artaban died, Rav expressed his disappointment by saying, “The bundle had unraveled,” meaning that their friendship was severed, and the new leaders would not necessarily be as friendly.
Perils in Parthia
Despite the general tolerance, Yidden experienced periods of extreme intolerance, so much so that living in Parthia was worse than living under the dreaded Romans (Gittin 17a). The reference is to a group of religious fanatics called the Chivri.
The Chvri believed in a form of worship that proposed a god of light and a god of darkness who were in constant struggle against each other. We get a glimpse of the terror of living under their rule from the Gemara (Shabbos 29b): “One who extinguishes a candle [on Shabbos] because of idol worshipers is exempt,” meaning he is exempt from bringing a korban chatas. The meforshim relate this to the situation in Persia/Parthia. There were days in their calendar that were dedicated to the god of darkness. On those days, no one was allowed to have a light lit in the house. If such a day happened to occur on a Friday night, the Yidden were in a quandary; they had to light candles in honor of Shabbos. They did their best to hide it, but if a Persian found out, they would call a policeman or perhaps gather a mob. When the Yid heard the commotion outside his door, he might quickly blow out the candle. It is, of course, forbidden to extinguish a flame on the Shabbos, but if one did so from fear for his life, the Gemara tells us he is patur
Mazdakism — A Communist Ideology
Perhaps the most harrowing period took place shortly after the chasimas hatalmud, the “sealing of the Gemara.” This historic milestone, completed around 480 CE under the leadership of Rav Ashi, was the culmination of a collaborative effort by sages from both Bavel and Eretz Yisroel.
Shortly after Rav Ashi passed away, a new “religious” movement became widespread in the empire — Mazdakism, named for its leading proponent, a priest named Mazdak. This radical ideology bore striking similarities to modern socialist-communist principles. It rejected private land ownership, legislated and enforced immorality, and brutally suppressed any competing religious or ideological systems.
It was during this time that the government forbade the recitation of Shema and stationed guards in the shuls on Shabbos and Yom Tov to make sure it was not said. As a result, the custom became to incorporate Shema on those days into the Kedushah of Mussaf, by which time the guards had already left.
During this dark time, Jewish communal leaders were kidnapped and even executed, including the Rosh Yeshivah, Mar Rav Yitzchak (in 495 CE). Eventually, the Parthians (which included the Mazdaks) went the way of all empires and were destroyed during the Islamic invasion in 651 CE.
In Yishmael’s House
Life in Persia underwent significant transformations following the advent of Islam — a mixture of tolerance and hardship. During periods of stability, Yidden were granted freedoms and opportunities to rebuild their communities.
They engaged in trade, medicine and scholarly pursuits. But they also faced waves of persecution, including forced conversions, violence and death.
Jumping to modern times, the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979) marked a significant turning point. Under their secular and modernizing policies, Iran began to thrive economically. Anti-Jewish decrees were abolished, and the Yidden not only became wealthy but held a disproportionate level of influence and dominated several industries.
All that changed with the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Yidden had been heavily involved in manufacture and trade, but the Khomeini regime now targeted them economically and began confiscating Jewish businesses and factories.
Tens of thousands of Jews fled Iran for Eretz Yisroel and America, particularly to Los Angeles (which became known as “Tehrangeles”). Many left in haste, abandoning businesses, homes and possessions.
One of those was the Chief Rabbi of Tehran, Rabbi Yedidia Ezrahian.
Flee Right Now!
It was a late wintry afternoon near the end of 1982. The telephone rang in the home of Rabbi Ezrahian. One of the country’s leading prosecutors, a man with whom the rabbi shared a warm personal friendship, was calling. He sounded nervous and said, “Please come to my office now.”
Rabbi Ezrahian frowned. “Now? Is everything alright?”
“I can’t explain over the phone. Just come.” The line went dead.
The rabbi arrived at the man’s office an hour later. The prosecutor sat behind his desk, his face pale. Without a word, he laid a letter on the desk between them.
“What is this?” Rabbi Ezrahian asked.
“This letter came across my desk today. By law, I must
The interior of the tomb of Mordechai and Esther in Iran
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hand it over to the secret police immediately.” He hesitated, then added, “But you are my friend, so I am letting you read it first.”
Rabbi Ezrahian picked up the letter with trembling hands. He hadn’t even read the first line when the prosecutor’s voice cut through the silence. “Rabbi, listen to me. As a friend, I’m telling you: flee. Flee right now!”
The rabbi froze. “But my position — my work… I have connections…”
“Your connections mean nothing at this time. You must leave immediately.” The prosecutor leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. “If you stay, they will come for you.”
That evening, the rabbi sent a coded message to his contacts in Eretz Yisroel: “I’m ill and need my medical records.” It was their prearranged signal.
The reply came swiftly: “Tomorrow morning there will be an ambulance. We’ll take you to whichever hospital you wish.”
The next morning, a car pulled up in front of his home. Two men stepped out — former agents who had once worked for the Shah’s spy networks. Their expressions were grim. “You must leave everything behind,” one of them said. “Even your tefillin. Just a single change of clothes.”
Rabbi Ezrahian hesitated. “Nothing? Not even my seforim?”
“Nothing,” the man repeated firmly. “There’s no time.”
The men handed him clothes of an Afghan citizen, and the rabbi quickly changed into them. As he left, he kissed the mezuzah for what he knew was the last time. He whispered a tefillah. “Hashem, protect my family and me.”
As the car sped away from his home, the rabbi stared out the window, taking in the streets of Tehran for the final time.
“My wife,” he whispered to the man beside him, “does she know I’m safe?”
“Your family is waiting for you,” he replied simply. “You’ll be reunited soon.”
They drove for hours, stopping at security checkpoints every 30 to 40 miles. Each time, the men produced forged documents, claiming to be engineers inspecting the roads. The ruse worked, but the rabbi’s heart pounded with every encounter. The thought of being caught — and the consequences — was unbearable.
Finally, they reached the border with Pakistan. There, he was handed off to another group who took him across the border. Within hours, he was on a plane to Istanbul, and from there to Eretz Yisroel.
The newspaper of Iranian Jews between 1921 and 1925 called Hachaim.
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When he stepped off the plane, his wife and children were waiting for him.
“Baruch Hashem,” he said with tears in his eyes.
Later, Rabbi Ezrahian would learn the grim aftermath of his flight. A week after his escape, the authorities came to his home. They broke down the doors, ransacked every room, and smashed anything they couldn’t take. His priceless collection of seforim, including rare manuscripts, was lost forever.
“I don’t know what happened to them,” he would say later, his voice tinged with sorrow. “But I know this: Hashem saved me that day. And for that, I will be forever grateful.”
Legacy of Emunah
The story of Persian Jewry is extraordinary, even by the extraordinary standards of Jewish history. From the days of Mordechai and Esther to the trials and tribulations of the modern era, Yidden have endured centuries of upheaval and transformation.
The experiences of figures like Rabbi Hershberg and Rabbi Ezrahian serve as profound reminders of the courage and emunah that have sustained our communities there and throughout history. Their stories encapsulate the resolve to uphold Torah values even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Today, a small but steadfast remnant of Yidden remains in Iran. Together, they try to carry on the legacy of one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities.
As we celebrate Purim, let us remember not only the miracles, but also that legacy. “LaYehudim haysa orah v’simchah v’sason v’yikar — The Yidden had light, joy, gladness and honor” (Esther 8:16).
It is a legacy of light and truth shining brightly, even in the darkest times.
Did You Know?
The Second Beis Hamikdash had a chamber named Shushan Habirah.
As recorded in the mishnah (Kelim 17:19), the rulers used in the construction and upkeep of the building and its vessels were stored in a room known as Shushan Habirah. It was located alongside the main entrance on the east wall. The name was derived from a sculpture of Shushan that was placed above the chamber (Middos 1:3). Chazal (Menachos 98a) offer two explanations for this reminder of Shushan: Either it was in deference to the Persian kings who ruled over Eretz Yisroel during the early period of the second Beis Hamikdash, or it was a reminder to praise Hashem for saving the Yidden from such a mighty empire.
Pump up the joy!
What comes to mind when you hear the words Iran and Jews?
It probably isn’t the Purim story. But over 2,300 years ago, Iran was known as Persia, or Paras, the exact location the Purim neis took place.
While we’ve got Shushan Habirah on our minds, let’s explore Persia today, which boasts its fair share of natural wonders that delight the eye.
CHAYA BEER
The Lut Desert
Dasht-e Lut, or the Lut Desert, is possibly the hottest place on Earth. The highest land temperature ever recorded was in the Lut Desert in 2005 — a whopping 159 degrees Fahrenheit! Despite the extreme heat, this desert is known for breathtakingly beautiful sunsets and sunrises over endless sand dunes.
For years, travelers made their way through the desert using camel caravans. Although today’s visitors traverse the sandy terrain with hardy Jeeps, one can still spot Arabs riding their trusty camels through the desert.
BENEATH THE LAYERS: Badab-e Surt
Two mineral hot springs have been flowing down this mountainside for thousands of years. As the water runs down, the minerals they carry are left behind, creating these beautiful stepped travertine terraces. To add mystique to this natural staircase, the water flowing down is colored red, orange or yellow by the minerals. As the water flows down, more and more of its minerals are deposited on the ground, so that at the very bottom, the water is clear and reflects the colors of the sky.
HIGHER UP:
Mount Damavand
Mount Damavand is a dormant volcano located in the middle of the Alborz mountain range, and it towers on top of its friends as the highest peak in Iran. It’s a favorite among beginner mountain climbers, as they can reach the summit in several hours of hiking, and the effects of the higher altitude are considered relatively easy to acclimate to.
When climbers begin the hike on the lower part of the slopes, the landscape surrounding them is forests full of animals. A little further up lies grassy meadows.
There are also mineral hot springs on the slopes, which are known for their healing powers. These hot springs also indicate that there’s still heat inside the volcano, meaning that it’s not completely extinct. Damavand’s summiters are rewarded with stunning views of their surroundings from the mountain’s majestic icy peak. They also get a close up view of the huge crater formed by the mountain’s last volcanic eruption. The crater is ringed with yellow sulfuric rocks and filled with a frozen lake.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER:
Anzali Lagoon
Anzali Lagoon is a shallow wetland, which means that several feet of water covers the ground throughout most of the year. Wetlands have a unique ecosystem of natural species, including the pretty pink lotus flowers that the lagoon is known for. Many fish species swim through the waters as well.
But Anzali Lagoon is most famous for its birds. More than 250 species of birds migrate through the area, including dalmatian pelicans, cormorants and terns, as well as more typical ducks, geese and swans. It’s a favorite bird-watching site in Iran during the migratory seasons, when millions of birds pass through the lagoon’s waters. Visitors to the lagoon will usually take a boat ride through the waters for an up-close view of the wildlife on their scenic journey.
STONY SILHOUETTES:
Chahkooh Canyon
Chahkooh Canyon means “Mountain of Wells,” and it is named for its deep crevices and towering walls. At over 300 feet deep, the canyon is a wonderland of fascinating rock formations. Following its narrow winding paths in a rock-climbing expedition brings visitors up close with the eroded sedimentary rock shapes. Visitors report feeling like they entered another planet, surrounded by otherworldly sculptures and no plant life. Every so often, hikers will chance upon a small hidden lake, which adds to the mystery of the canyon’s corners and contributes to the meaning of the canyon’s name.
Ali Sadr Cave
This cave offers visitors the chance to explore Persia’s natural wonders from the comfort of a boat instead of hiking through arduous terrain. Ali Sadr features a large underground lake that provides an easy passageway between the cave’s large chambers. It’s known as the world’s largest water cave that allows for boat tours.
Along the ride, visitors are treated to views of the stalactites and stalagmites hanging off the cave, formed by years of calcite deposits that have accumulated from the water flowing through the cave. The minerals color the shapes in red, purple, brown and blue to create stunning colorful effects.
Hormuz Island Highlights
After a short ferry ride out to the isolated Hormuz Island, visitors are greeted with incredible geological wonders. Volcanic activity and rich mineral deposits have created landscapes unlike any other throughout the island’s topography. Visitors to the island say they feel like they’ve landed on Mars, with views that don’t seem to belong on Earth. Here are a few of Hormuz Island’s highlights.
A MOUNTAINOUS PALETTE:
Rainbow Valley
Once on Hormuz Island, visitors can take a tuk-tuk (rickshaw driver) to get to Rainbow Valley. Colorful mountains and rock formations await, their unusual hues created by the unique mineral composition of the island’s soil. During sunset and sunrise, the colors are deeper and more vibrant, drawing photographers to capture the scenes primarily in these times.
CARVED IN STONE:
Valley of Statues
These bizarre natural sculptures were created by wind erosion against the rock. People claim to see dragons, birds and giant faces in the towering, jagged rock formations. Unlike the smooth colored hills of Rainbow Valley, the Valley of Statues is rugged. The sharp edges lend themselves to dramatic mystery, especially in the hours of dwindling light, when long shadows cast eerie reflections. With a little imagination, visitors can find themselves surrounded by imaginary creatures and beings.
CARVED IN SALT:
Salt Cave in Namakdan
You may have seen caves with stalactites formed of ice, but these sparkling shimmering formations on the walls of this cave are made of salt deposits. Hanging off the carved cave walls, the stalactites are covered in dazzling salt layers, glittering in the sunlight that filters into the cave. To visitors, they seem to resemble a figure draped in white crystal robes.
While not all parts of the cave are fully accessible, it’s still known as the longest salt cave in the world, at over 6400 meters long.
The salt found in the cave is rich in magnesium, and there are claims that the cave has medicinal properties. Some say that even just breathing in the salty air in the cave can help cure asthma.
A TRIP TO MARS: Red
Beach
Red sandy beaches meet the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf on Hormuz Island’s shores. The red color is caused by the iron-rich earth, and when the waves crash onto the beach, the water often takes on the reddish hue of the sand underneath. This creates the eerie appearance of blood-red water.
In fact, if you swim in these waters, the red sand will color your skin, and the color won’t wash off for days. It’s such a strong dye that the sand has been commercially exported to use for various dyeing purposes.
Stick to the set
Bondoux collections are designed to mix & match for picture perfect family moments. Dressing them is now a joy which turns each moment into cherished memories. Complete your collection and watch their smiles shine brighter with every summer adventure.
WE NEED SIMCHA BECAUSE HE DELIVERS FOR US
SIMCHA FELDER HAS A LIFELONG RECORD OF STANDING UP FOR HARDWORKING FAMILIES. AS HE HAS FOR DECADES, SIMCHA FELDER FIGHTS FOR THE COMMUNITY, FOR OUR SECURITY, FOR FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS AND PARKS, AND TO PROTECT SMALL BUSINESSES. AS OUR COUNCILMAN HE’LL CONTINUE TO CHAMPION SAFETY ON OUR STREETS, STRONG SCHOOLS, AND A MORE AFFORDABLE CITY FOR ALL.
DRIVEN BY EMPATHY AND DETERMINATION, SIMCHA FELDER SEEKS RETURN TO CITY COUNCIL
of the community, serving in several government positions for more than three decades.
“As our community's voice on the City Council, I will continue to fight against unfair taxes, protect small businesses, and push back against policies that make life harder for families. I will stand up for the values we all hold dear, and fight every day to make our neighborhoods stronger and more affordable.”
-Simcha Felder
Felder, best known in the community as Simcha, has been more than just a representative. The son of Rabbi Zvi Mordechai Felder ZT”L, leader of the famous Felder’s Shul on 18th Avenue, Felder first began his career in public service as a tax auditor for the New York City Department of Finance and later served as chief of staff for former Assemblyman Dov Hikind. Since entering the City Council in 2002 and serving for the past 12 years in the State Senate, Felder has been in a unique position to defend the values of his community and protect its religious way of life.
As a Councilmember — serving as the chair of the Government Operations, Sanitation, Solid Waste Management, and Landmarks committees, as well as a member of the Education Committee — he was an outspoken advocate and a fearless leader on bread-and-butter issues that are a priority to the community. He transformed city-owned lots into new housing and community
RE-ELECT SIMCHA FELDER FOR CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY • MARCH 25
centers, secured increased funding for parks and playgrounds, worked tirelessly on neighborhood development, and led successful efforts to fund after-school and special education programs. He was in the spotlight opposing the bag tax, arguing that it was an unnecessary financial burden on hardworking families.
Felder also served for two years as deputy to the City Comptroller, the city’s chief accountability officer and independent watchdog.
He continued to shape policies that directly benefited our community when he was elected in 2012 to represent a heavily Jewish district in the State Senate, the state’s upper chamber.
In his first few years, Felder was a
key player in the power-sharing coalition. When Democrats took control in 2018, Simcha stood strong as a fearless defender of our values and traditions. He remained resolute in the face of scrutiny of our educational institutions. He secured millions of dollars for Chevra Hatzolah of Boro Park to keep our emergency services well-equipped and passed laws that saved the community substantial amounts in taxes and fines.
He also introduced legislation requiring localities to station armed officers in front of schools as protection against mass shootings.
Now, Felder is seeking to return to the City Council, a seat that became vacant in January after Councilman Kalman Yeger won a seat in the State Assembly and resigned.
Community leaders describe the March 25 special election as a crucial moment for our community. If elected, Felder would not only be one of just six Jewish members in the 51-member Council, but he would also bring his years of dedicated service and a proven record of fighting for our rights in local government at a time when it matters most.
Matanos L’evyonim
This Purim, help provide a staggering amount of food to those in need.
By directly feeding the poor on Purim, you’ll fulfill the Mitzvah of Matanos L'evyonim in its purest form.
100% of the funds we raise through this campaign will be spent on food. The more we raise, the more we can distribute. So please, give as much as you possibly can.
PESACH CLEANING WITH JOY
HEY, LADIES!
The big “P” is here. And, no, I’m not referring to Purim, which is actually here already, but to Pesach — the next big thing on our calendars.
It’s okay if you feel like flipping the page. Seriously?! Pesach before Purim?
But first, listen to this conversation that took place several years ago.
It was a cold February morning, about a week to Purim, and I stood outside with some neighbors while I waited for my girls’ bus. My mind was on the matching hats I still needed to pick up for my farmer girl costumes, the ingredients I’d run out of for my mishloach manos, and a thousand other Purim-related things, when Shani said it. “Where are you up to?”
Five little words that can trigger any balabusta! I listened silently as my neighbors offered answers that, funnily enough, were as varied as snowflakes.
“Pesach cleaning? Look, it’s all about maintenance. If you keep your house clean and organized all year long, you don’t need to do anything but actually remove the chometz from your pantry the week before Pesach.” Coming from working-mom Peri, who has eight hours a day of cleaning help.
Chaya Ruchy looked slightly offended. I mean, she’s a stay-at-home mom, who’s quite the balabusta But she’d been scrubbing her bedrooms since Tu B’Shevat, and still had quite a way to go.
Unruffled Devoiry, who works out of the house at a nine-to-four job, said, “I don’t start before Rosh Chodesh. I don’t believe in prolonging the stress! Once my kids are home, we roll up our sleeves as a team and turn over our house.”
Well, it’s still pre-Purim here, too, and if you haven’t given Pesach two hoots of your brain space yet, that’s perfectly okay! The reason you’re reading about Pesach cleaning now is because once Purim and Shabbos are over, you’ll probably want to dive right into the next big project: PESACH.
So, let’s get started!
First things first: Remember to pace yourself. Create a schedule that will help you keep on top of things, even if you aren’t the “list type” all year long.
FONT:
My first step is to take out a calendar and work backward. With Erev Pesach on Shabbos, we have a full week this year to actually “bring in Yom Tov.”
BAILA GOLDMAN
Think about what has to happen the “week of,” which will ultimately push you into understanding what you must do the week before that, and the week before that, and so on. Take a mental stroll through your house, touring each room and noting what needs to get done inside it and how long you expect it to take.
Some things you might want to take into consideration:
How much time do you need in the kitchen?
When will you kasher or open your Pesach kitchen? (Note: Scheduling this may involve your husband’s schedule!)
Remember to set aside time for shopping. Groceries take a day. Outfitting the family takes…? You fill in the blank!
Here we present a calendar that should work for your average Yiddishe home. Without further ado, we invite you to join The Boro Park View’s annual Pesach Cleaning Challenge! Join the fun for the chance to win amazing prizes.
Week 1: March 16 – 20
Getting
Week 2
March 23 – 27
Playroom
Laundry room
Bathrooms
Week 4
April 6 – 10
Kitchen, Part 2
Outdoors
Week 3
March 30 – April 3
Kitchen, Part 1
Dining room
Coat closet
Week 5
April 13 – 17
Wrapping up
Last-minute reminders
WEEK 1 (MARCH
16–20)
GETTING STARTED
CLEANING CADDY
Now that we have a basic idea of what we’ll do when, the first step is setting the stage.
Keeping necessary cleaning supplies and detergents handy will save you lots of time (and energy). This will also keep your counters/tables/ floors under control.
I suggest creating a cleaning caddy or cleaning station to keep everything neatly contained. Any container that fits everything you need should work great. Once it’s all in one place, you’ll never need to run to the other end of your house for a shmatte, or spend precious time looking all over for the box of Q-tips.
Cleaning Supplies
Gloves
Shmattes
Paper towel
A magic sponge
Q-tips
Toothpicks
Toothbrush
Scrubbing brush
Windex
Soft Scrub
Ajax, or any other soaps you like I also like to keep a handheld vacuum cleaner right nearby.
PRO-TIP!
Nightly Cleanup
Nightly cleanup is a game-changer! I used to find myself exhausted after a day of cleaning, and stopped-dropped into bed, leaving everything as is. The next morning, fresh and energized, I’d wake up to find myself… cleaning up last night’s mess!
As anyone who’s cleaned for Pesach knows, we destroy in order to build. The process of cleaning is messy! Things really changed when I began pushing myself to quickly throw all those dirty shmattes into the machine for an overnight load, reorganize my cleaning supplies caddy, tidy up the odds and ends that came out of closets or cabinets (or at least put them neatly in one corner), and give the floor a quick sweep. I just love waking up to a house that’s actually ready to tackle today’s projects!
BEDROOMS
Closets
Let’s take a tour of your house. Which room is used least? Which closets will remain untouched after they’re cleaned? Which closets hold things (think summer clothes, spare backpacks, etc.) that aren’t in daily use? Those are the ones you want to start with.
I consider myself lucky to have my trusty cleaning lady arrive twice weekly. I make sure to schedule myself around her hours, and let her do the inside-closet scrubbing while I take over the organizing part of the process.
Master Bedroom
Remove all contents. Wash the walls, rod, shelves. Wipe out any bins and containers.
Now, don’t just put everything back into your closet! De-
cide which skirt will never fit again and which dress has simply expired. Pull them aside. Now’s the time to declutter!
Don’t overcrowd your hanging space. Anything that could get folded, should.
Go through each shelf. Dump any worn-out accessories, hosiery, makeup, or things you haven’t used in the past year or two.
If you usually sell your cosmetics or perfumes, make yourself a reminder (I like to keep a master list of all those last-minute odds and ends) to move it to a cabinet or medicine chest you’ll be selling. (If you aren’t the list type, you might want to move it there right now.)
Shoes: Really, only keep those that still fit and have been used in the last year.
Kids’ Bedrooms
Don’t put anything that isn’t currently in use back on the shelves.
Socks: Throw out all those old maids! And the ones with holes at the toe that you were saving for emergency use but didn’t touch in eons.
When folding sweaters, tops, pajamas and the like, try to consolidate them when piling them onto shelves. It’s too early to put away those winter things, but you probably have spring wardrobes piling up already — so it’s important to make space.
Prize drawers, prize boxes or wherever your
don’t
THE BORO PARK VIEW’S ANNUAL PESACH CLEANING
kids keep their precious things: Technically, this is your kids’ department, but you might want to get involved and encourage them to limit what they choose to keep to the amount of space you allot each one.
Nightstand
It’s a great time to think about what you really need handy near your and your kids’ beds. Get rid of anything else!
Beds and Furniture
You don’t really need to move all that furniture in order to bring in a kosher Pesach… but if you want a really fresh-feeling room, you might want to do it. Get help! And push, don’t pull. Furniture is heavy.
WALLS AND WINDOWS
Again, totally not expecting to find any chametz here… But say l’kavod Yom Tov as you do it! There really is nothing as fresh and inviting as soap-scented, scuff-free, fingerprintfree walls!
Just like you sweep before washing your floors, use a dry shmatte to dust the walls before getting them wet.
Next tackle the scuff marks or crayon smudges. I like to use a bit of Soft Scrub applied with a shmatte on each stain. (I used to do it with a magic sponge, but that ruined the paint.)
After that, wash the walls from top to bottom, in a circular motion, to avoid streaks. Mild soap and warm water are best for your walls. Some paint companies suggest using dishwashing soap.
Windows can be washed with Windex. Or you can use a homemade solution of warm water with a few drops of dishwashing soap (one gallon of water to 2 to 3 teaspoons of dishwashing soap, if you want to measure exactly). You may want to use a squeegee or microfiber cloth for minimal streaking.
Cloudy days are best for washing windows, when there is no sunshine glare on the glass making it hard to see how clean it is. Also, the sun could dry the soap before you wipe it, leaving streaks and smears.
PRO-TIP! Pass-Along Clothes and Other Items
Schedule a set time to take care of those piles of clothes that can be enjoyed by a new owner. My piles used to go from room to room, table to chair, until sometimes — gulp — I simply dumped them. By now I’ve learned to schedule a time to sort through those items so it actually gets done.
I’ve also learned to stop hoarding old clothes that might or might not be used by my next child. The gender has to match, as does the season, and so I’ve found that it isn’t worth saving clothes for the 25% chance that it’ll work out neatly. (The kids’ clothes I personally still hang on to?
Layette wear, pajamas, shells and basic skirts.)
LIGHT FIXTURES
This goes for all rooms in your house, not just the bedrooms. If you’re like me, this is the one time a year your ceiling fan or chandelier will be touched. The accumulation of dust will be so happy to be poofed away.
Make sure the lights are off. Be gentle, as fixtures are generally fragile.
Get a step-ladder or stool, a soap-drenched rag and a dry one, and do a wet-then-dry wipe.
Get rid of smudges on glass or crystal parts with a bit of vinegar mixed with water (three parts water to one part vinegar works well).
LINEN CLOSET
There’s something about neatly folded towels and linens that makes one feel like a real balabusta. The truth is that if you develop precise folding habits — and fold the same way consistently — you’ll have no issue maintaining that perfect look. But if you (like me) sometimes find yourself folding a set of linen in a rush, now’s a great time to revamp!
Empty the closet, and wash the insides — shelves, walls, floor — well.
Sort through your towels and linens. Declutter, declutter!
Now, fold each towel following the pattern you choose for that towel size. For example, you might want to do a triple fold for bath sheets. Fold the width in one-third, and bring over other side. Then fold the length in thirds as well.
For medium-sized towels, you might want to fold each towel in half, by length, and then again in half. Then fold in half by width.
The main thing is that the front of the towels should always be closed; fewer edges make neater piles!
Whew! That was a lot. You definitely earned yourself a big bar of chocolate.
Next Up! We’ll be visiting the playroom and laundry room next week, so more on closet organization then. Also on schedule: bathrooms.
I completed Week 1 of The Boro Park View’s Annual Pesach Cleaning Challenge!
Please submit this form by Tuesday, March 25, for a chance to win $200 at Myself Lingerie!
Email: contest@thebpview.com Fax: 718-408-8771
OAAAR!!
CAREFUL, MISHA! STEP BACK!
STAY ON THE PATH! ELIAS WARNS IN HIS JOURNAL: “DO NOT STRAY RIGHT OR LEFT.”
I THINK IT’S A WARNING. I’M NOT SURE IF IT’S A TRAP, BUT WHY TAKE THE RISK?
IT’S THE SAME AS IN THE BOOK!
THE TREASURE! WE FOUND THE TREASURE!
UNCLE YEHUDA! MISHA! LOOK! WHAT’S THAT SYMBOL?
I THINK WE NEED TO PRESS THIS BUTTON.
RECAP: THE RUBINOVS ESCAPE FROM A JAGUAR THEY ENCOUNTER AND RUN INTO A BUILDING.
THAT’S WHAT YOU THINK. PIETRO!
PEDRO!
SO, WE MEET AGAIN. BUT THIS TIME, YOU’RE THE ONE BEHIND BARS, MISHA. HOW FITTING.
YES, THAT’S RIGHT. BOOM-BOOM.
DON’T BE AFRAID. HE CAN’T HURT US OR GET INSIDE.
YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES. EITHER OPEN THE GATE, OR PIETRO WILL BLOW IT UP. YOU HAVE UNTIL PIETRO COUNTS DOWN FROM THREE…
TWO…
THREE…
UNCLE YEHUDA, HELP! IT’S UNCLE PEDRO!
A SPRITZ OF WITS
SHEVY HOLLANDER
A LITTLE BIT OF SCIENCE WONDER
When a yenta sees something very curious, they have the ability to stare for three minutes without blinking.
THE CHANGING FACE OF:
Though people believe they are mythical creatures, unicorns actually exist. They are just kind of fat and call themselves rhinos.
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).
WHERE DO YOU FIND SARAH IN THE READING OF MEGILLAS ESTHER? TANACH TEASER
Tower View in Dubai, consisting of read and loved View magazines that its readers didn’t want to throw away, is the tallest building made up of paper.
Answer: In the Ezras Nashim Answer: Words following the sound that “shoe” makes.
A cribinal is a toddler who learns to escape his bed. The word can also be used to describe a criminal who has a cold.
V’EISPARSHANDASAV’EISDALPH ONV’EISASPASAV’EISPORASAV’E ISADALIAV’EISARIDASAV’EISPAR MASHTAV’EISARISEIV’EISARIDEI V’EISVEIZASA-ASERES. SAY IT WITH A TWIST SO RANDOM!
The word trumpet was named after Donald J. Trump for the similarity in the way they sound. Also notable is that Trump added the initial J. to his name when considering public office for the first time to attract the Jewish vote.
THE LONGEST SHEVA BRACHOS DRASHA WITH SUSTAINED AUDIENCE ATTENTION WAS ATTAINED BY LANGSAM AND FELDMAN IN 2023 WITH A DURATION OF 4 MINUTES 23 SECONDS.
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.
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
Each Boggle board hides a word of nine letters or more!
R D O E F A U M S V E T N A G F H L I C L P A S M
Full mailing address:
Full name of winner:
Amount of points:
Full names of competing players:
List some words only the winner found:
FAMILY
NAME
FAMILY
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
Beautiful 3 bedroom 3 bath villa with inground heated pool and hot tub available in North Miami, Price per night $339. 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
MIAMI BEACH RENTAL
2nd floor comfortable 2 bedroom condo Bi-weekly. Call for full summer special! Near Masada. Nice porch view. Text 347-300-7198
LINDEN LUXE
New Pristine Cathedral
Ceiling House. 6 bedrooms. 3 bathrooms, jacuzzi. Sleeps 20+. Stocked Playroom. Swing Set. Trampoline, gameroom. All Amenities. 5 min to shul. 3 blocks to grocery/ pizza store. Avail for Shabbos/ Weekday. call/text 718989-1406.
WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA
For the best Real Estate deals call Mrs. Debby Schwartz 203.667.2785
WEST PALM BEACH
No. 1 Real Estate Broker. Aaron Rose 561.308.5766
LAKEHOUSE VILLA
Luxurious 3 bedroom lake house villa in Case Grande Arizona. Private pool fully stocked kosher kitchen. 520.251.4459
MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA
Carriage Club North, beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath, ground floor, for rent. Call: 347.499.0031
NORTH MIAMI FL RENTAL
2-bedroom, 2-baths with private heated pool and spa. Feb. all booked. $325 per night. Call/Text: 917-3824810, 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
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 845.238.5633
MOUNTAINDALE VILLA
Magnificent 3 bedroom, 2 bath Villa available in Mountaindale. Near shuls. $189 per night (pictures available). 845-327-7153
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
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
VACATION RENTALS
Luxurious vacation properties for short-term rentals in the Monsey area. can accommodate 18 to 150 guests, ideal for large families, Shabbatons, and more. AVAIL. FOR PESACH. Great Minds 845-520-3250.
Classifieds
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 / 929-441-5709 Arizonakoshervilla.net. Villa in Tuscon also available.
AIRMONT RENTAL
Magnificent colonial house to rent in Airmont. Available for weekend, days or week. Available for the summer now. Towels, linen and all amenities included. Immaculately clean and elegantly furnished. Very close to shul and Mikvah. Call or text. With option to rent pool. 347-420-4945
PASSOVER: HIGHLAND MILLS RENTAL (NEAR KJ)
Fully furnished beautiful spacious house. 4 bedrooms available For Passover. Linen, towels and all amenities. Beautiful private grounds, with heated Hot-tub outdoor. Near shul. Call/Text/ WhatsApp 917 705-9667
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
WEST PALM BEACH FOR SALE
Wellington M, 2 Bedroom apt. Ground Floor FOR SALE. Call: 347.760.0639
WEST PALM BEACH
Century Village- 136 Somerset G, 2 Bedroom 2 bath upgraded 2nd fl. corner Central Air with Lake Views
$220,000 Call 917-709-3848
AIRMONT GETAWAY
Fully Furnished, 5 BR, 2 Bath, Deck, lg. playground. Linen, Towels and all amenities. Near shul. Avail Long/Short Term. Call/Text 347-485-4149
HELP WANTED
GREAT OPPORTUNITY
Ideal work hours, plus awesome environment! Sipuk clinic in Boro Park seeks a front desk secretary to join their vibrant team. Hours are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 1:00-5:00PM. officejobs@hamaspikkings.org
F/T BOOKKEEPER
Bais Yaakov type of school in Brooklyn is looking for a full time Bookkeeper Mon- Thurs 9:30-3:30. Please email resume to dcbklyn1@gmail.com.
SECRETARY WANTED
BP Insurance office. F/T. Email resume brandy@ sdfassociates.com
JOBS AVAILABLE
Part-time & Full-time jobs available. Email TopPartTimeJobs@ gmail.com
TEACHERS & ASSISTANTS
STATEN ISLAND
Yeled V`Yalda Staten Island
Seeking PART TIME or FULL TIME Teachers and assistants for the coming `25-`26 school year. With a degree or without! Reach out to hear options!. Send your resume to: YeledStatenisland@gmail. com Or call: 718.514.8865
PRESCHOOL TEACHER (STARTING AFTER PESACH)
Seeking passionate, experienced preschool teacher, loves working with young children. Fosters a warm, nurturing and engaging learning environment. Requirements: Prior experience in early childhood Education (credentials needed). Passion for teaching young learners. Strong communication & classroom manage. Send resume and references to: ygutman@yeled.org Or call: 929.475.5628
CASE COORDINATOR
Office in Boro Park seeking a full time Case Coordinator. Great work environment. Resume to boroparkjobopportunity@ gmail.com
SUB TEACHERS
Bais Yaakov of Boro Park is seeking substitute teachers for pre-school and grades 1-8 A.M. & P.M. Please call Mrs. Weinman at (917) 331-3714.
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
SALESLADY WANTED
Seeking saleslady for Jewelry store in Boro Park. Sunday, Monday & Thursday. 1pm7pm. Email jewelscsg@gmail. com or call 929-359-0321
PARA POSITIONS
Now hiring paras to work full time in a special education school for the 25-26 school year. Supportive and heimish environment. Transportation provided. Resumes@ yadyisroelschool.org
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
Find a position that suits YOU
Beginner or expert, full or part time, extrovert or introvert – we have a position for you.
HCBS COORDINATOR
Help clients access services and resources to support and enrich their lives.
Requires efficiency, excellent communication, problem solving, and collaboration skills. Work experience required.
POLICY TRACKER/AUDIT SUPERVISOR
Ensure compliance by monitoring procedures, conducting internal audits, and preparing documentation for external audits.
Requires strong analytical and collaboration skills.
Help clients with fiscal intermediary services.
Great communication and written skills needed. Needs to be a team player, detail oriented and adaptable to change.
SIPUK FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST
Greet clients, answer calls, and provide excellent customer service.
Requires consistent communication, responsibility, and a friendly demeanor.
NISCHAZEK OFFICE MANAGER
Oversee office staff and the daily operations in the office.
Support team with administrative tasks and department management.
No Degree Needed Boro Park Full Time
NHTD GENERAL ASSISTANT
Assist clients in determining eligibility and enrolling in services.
Requires excellent communication skills, writing skills, and efficiency. Drivers license needed. No Degree Needed Flatbush Full Time FI COORDINATOR
HR COORDINATOR/FRONT DESK
Manage onboarding applications, employee data, and front desk support while ensuring clear communication.
Requires strong organization and interpersonal skills.
HR DIRECTOR’S ASSISTANT
Assist the HR Director by scheduling meetings, managing documents, tracking transactions, and coordinating projects.
Requires strong organization, attention to detail, and effective communication skills.
DATA ENTRY COORDINATOR
Enter, update, and maintain accurate data.
Requires attention to detail and efficiency.
EI SERVICE COORDINATOR
Walk parents through the process of having their child evaluated for therapeutic services.
Includes overseeing that services are administered correctly.
Degree/Experience
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST
Manage outgoing transactions including invoice payments and credit card transactions.
Requires bookkeeping knowledge and proficiency in Excel.
Assist prospective clients in determining eligibility for services and directing them to the right department.
Basic computer knowledge and excellent communication.
SCN QA COORDINATOR
Support and lead a team by ensuring quality standards and providing employee support.
Requires strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills..
COMPLIANCE INTERNAL AUDITOR
Support compliance with OMIG 521-1 regulations by conducting audits, identifying risks, and ensuring adherence to Medicaid requirements.
Needs strong analytical skills, discretion, and auditing or compliance experience.
COMPLIANCE SUPPORT MANAGER
Assist CCO with compliance tasks by providing immediate support to department directors and ensuring smooth daily operations.
Attention to detail and excellent communication skills needed.
NHTD COORDINATOR
Help enhance quality of life for elderly people.
Experience working with the disadvantaged population, and a driver’s license. Degree
Classifieds
DAYCAMP DIRECTOR
Chassidishe Boys Camp upstate looking for experienced girls day camp director. Bung. included. 718633-6060
SCHOOL SECRETARY
SI Girls School Seeking Full Time 12 Month Secretary. Yiddish Speaking a Must. Great Work Environment. Graduates Welcome. Email Resume to SIresumes@ bnoschaya.org
MASTERS TEACHER
Seeking a Masters Level Teacher for a Summer Preschool Position in a Chassidish Girls Daycamp in Staten Island. Great Pay. Email Resume to siresumes@ bnoschaya.org
SUMMER DAYCARE POSITION
Looking for high school girls to join a small daycare in the summer. good hours, no fridays plus fun pirks! SYEP preferred. Also looking for a young lady for main teacher. Call 929-399-6397 leave a detailed message
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Looking for Paraprofessionals for after school and / or Sundays and Fridays. BP, Staten Island, and Flatbush. No degree needed. For more details please call 718.614.1191 or email info@ flyingcolorsaba.com.
SPECIAL ED TEACHERS
Now hiring a devoted special ed classroom teacher for the 25-26 school year. Small class size, excellent training, supportive environment. Resumes@yadyisroelschool. org 718-650-6400
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
ABA EVENING SUPPORT ROLE
Want to make a positive impact on children’s lives? Join us as an ABA evening mentor in Boro Park or Flatbush! Help kids develop their social skills and confidence after school hours. Excellent rates for evening shifts. Please call: 917.968.2292
OFFICE LOGISTICS ASSISTANT
needed at all women office in the heart of Boro Park. Hours: 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Paid time off, competitive pay. Call: 917.968.2292
JOB OPPORTUNITY
A Heimishe playgroup in boro park is looking for teacher and assistants. Must be warm, loving, and caring. Please call 7184377261
THE JOB YOU’RE LOOKING FOR!
Want to have money flow into your pocket? Call/text 845324-5182
GREAT OPPORTUNITY
Are you efficient, able to multitask and have great communication and computer skills? ABA Agency is seeking additional female Case Managers and Staffing Coordinators to join their growing teams! Offices are located in Boro Park and Crown Heights. *Great work environment * Room for growth *Competitive pay and bonuses* Please email your resume to chayala@ appliedabc.com or text (240) 332-4993.
FULL TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Join our growing Healthcare Finance office (AP and AR) in a Frum and friendly office atmosphere. Lots of room for growth! Full training provided! Email resume to jobs@fcc-corp.com
PLACEMENT REPRESENTATIVE
Hiring Placement representative (All girl ABA office) Boro Park 1312 38th Street, 9/9:30-3/4/5. $25$40 an hour depending on experience. Generous Paid Time Off and benefits. To apply call: 347.946.4506 or email: smarkovic@yeled.org
CARE MANAGER
SUPERVISOR (BP OFFICE)
HCS is seeking a dedicated Care Manager Supervisor at our Boro Park office. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates looking to gain experience in social services, therapy, or administration. Candidates should be organized, responsible, and possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills. A BA degree is required, and prior experience as a Care Manager is a must. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a supportive and growth-oriented work environment and a competitive salary! To apply, please send your resume to jobs@hcsny.org or call (718) 854-2747 ext. 1167 for more information.
SALES HELP
New store coming to Boro Park! Looking for sales help. Great pay! Please call 718473-6132
CAMP COUNSELOR
Looking for a compassionate and qualified counselor to assist a 24-year-old female, who is non-ambulatory and nonverbal, at a sleepaway camp for 6 weeks. If you have a passion, to radiate warmth to others Please send your resume to dsp@hcsny.org or call 718-854-2747 ext.1507.
Classifieds
SUNDAY SECRETARY
Chevraya Sunday program is seeking a Sunday secretary from 2:30-4:45. Position for highschool and graduates. Great pay and benefits. Please call Z. Vogel 929-236-5293
SUMMER CAMP HEALTH DIRECTOR
HCS Summer Camp is looking for a heimish Camp Health Director to oversee all medical operations at the summer camps, ensuring the health and safety of all campers and staff. This includes managing a team of healthcare professionals, providing first aid and emergency services, administering medications, and addressing any medical concerns that arise. The Health Director is also responsible for maintaining accurate health records, conducting health screenings, and ensuring compliance with local health regulations. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential, along with a background in medicine, nursing, or a related field. Candidate must be a certified Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA). The HCS Camps are located at the HCS Resort, formerly the Raleigh Hotel of South Fallsburg, NY. It is a warm, heimish, environment. We are providing beautiful accommodations and hotel amenities for the full summer. Competitive pay! For more details, please reach out to n.mandel@hcsny.org or call 718-854-2747 extension 1237.
REGISTERED NURSE (RN)
HCS Individual Residential Alternatives Homes is seeking a dedicated heimishe Registered Nurse (RN) to join our team. This role involves overseeing the medical care of special needs individuals, ensuring comprehensive documentation, and providing evaluations. Key Benefits: Jewish-Friendly Environment: HCS upholds a Jewish mindset and cultural values. Generous Holidays: Receive all legal holidays, all Jewish holidays, including Chol Hamoed, Erev Yom Tov, and Tisha B’Av, plus, an additional 3 weeks off. Work-Life Balance: A 40-hour workweek across 4 locations in Boro Park and Flatbush. Comprehensive Benefits and Compensation: Includes a family health, dental, and vision plan. This position is ideal for anyone seeking a supportive, understanding work environment. For more information or to apply please send in your resume to Jobs@hcsny.org or call 718854-2747 Ext. 1114.
FEMALE PARA
Looking for a female para for 3 year old girl. Monday- Thursday 9-3. Friday 9-12. Email Resumes5785@gmail.com
ABA PARAS
Seeking dedicated ABA Paraprofessionals to support clients’ academic and social skills in non-classroom settings. Positions are available in Brooklyn, Queens, Monsey, Staten Island, Five Towns, Verona, NJ, and Clifton, NJ. Great Pay Email: Resumes@Lbaps.com
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
HCS is seeking male DSPs to work at our Flatbush residence for afternoon shifts 3-11 pm daily. Please forward resume’ to jobs@hcsny.org Please call 718-854-2747 ext. 1114
SALES HELP
Looking for a young energetic sales lady or girl for a pop up shop in Boro park, a few hours a day. 718.496.8730
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Generations Maternity (Brooklyn, NY) is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead our seasonal collections and manage our growing portfolio. Responsibility includes sourcing materials, overseeing fit sessions, managing production, coordinating with manufacturers (domestic & overseas), and optimizing inventory. Requires 3-5 years of apparal product development experience, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of garment construction. Competitive salary + growth opportunities. Apply today! Send your resume to leah@ generationsmaternity.com
SCHOOLWORK HELP
Looking For someone to help a 9 yr old girl with schoolwork 4-5 pm, 13-40 area. Must have a BA. Great Pay. if you are approved for CFTSS with C.A.R.E.S. you can start immediately! Please email: Ms@Meirimny.org
SERVICES
WOOD REPAIR PROFESSIONAL REVAMPING, REPAIRS & TRANSFORMATION TO UR KITCHEN THRU DESIGNER COLOR CHANGE. WE ALSO RESTORE ESTATE FURNITURE, REFURBISH, REDECORATE UR EXISTING DRM, CHAIRS, BDRMS, LIBRARIES, STAIRCASES, EXTERIOR WOOD DOORS. UPGRADE UR ORIGINAL PCS. THE QUALITY OF YESTERYEAR, DESIGN OF TODAY! TXT FOR DECORATORS CONSULT, BEST PRICING & SVC. 212-9918548.
DOULA Lifsha Kleinman, Experienced Doula 718-744-7135. Doula on Demand - Call even in labor. Medicaid accepted. LaborSweetDoulas@gmail. com
IS YOUR CHILD STRUGGLING?
Socially, with fears and anxieties, or other issues, and you think you tried everything? With Hashem’s help Energy Therapy can be the Yeshuah for your child. 15 minute free consultation. Call 845445-8252, or email chany@ rapidrecoverycoaching.com
STRESS/ANXIETY RELIEF
Delete Stress/Anxiety with Mind- BodySoul Healing! Schedule Your FREE EFT TAPPING Laser Session: Miriam Langsam 347-693-1177
PAINO LESSONS
Offering piano lessons for elementary aged girls in the 18 and 47 area. For more info call 718 288 7560
MAKEUP ARTIST
Certified makeup artist for all your special occasions. Call: Yides Neuwirth 917.309.6000 or 718.858.0815
MAKEUP ARTIST
Your makeup professionally done for all events. Great pricing! Call/text Malky 3473628626
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 718-435-1923
GARTLECH
We fix knitted & crochet Gartlech & make beautiful professional fringes. We also teach how to knit & crochet. call: 917-414-3281
HANDYMAN & ELECTRICIAN
Electrician, plumber, sewer service, Carpentry, sheetrock, locks, etc. 718.951.0090
All Electrical work, outlets, switches, fixtures, new lines for washer/dryer or a/c, shabbos clocks, circut breakers. 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
BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE GARTLECH
Hand crochet, Hand knit, Silks & more with beautiful Gartel bag. Text or call: 718.283.4589 Wholesale orders available.
LIGHT ALTERATIONS
Please Call: 718.450.4700
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
FURNITURE REPAIRS
Furniture, Cabinet & General Repairs, specializing in Chosson-Kallah Apartments. Call: 718.633.6231
NEW WEBSITE?
Get your Beautiful, Fast, SEOFriendly 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, 917-704-3514 YEHUDA
WHOLESALE FISH
Buy by the case & save. Baby & Regular Salmon. Hashgucha Volove Rav. Free delivery to your home. Call Eli: 516-2706755
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
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
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
Classifieds
FENCES
“It’s the happiest month of the year, ADAR, Stay happy all year with your fencing “outdoor”. Catskill Fence Co. 845-53-FENCE 845-533-3623
ATT: SCHOOLS, SPECIAL EDUCATORS AND BCBA’S!
Let us take care of all your writing needs! Reports/ Reassessments/ School Letters etc. We specialize in progress reports for hearings. Contact us at: 732-994-3956 reportsdone1@gmail.com
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
PRIME HOME IMPROVEMENT
Remodeling/ Fix All. Electrical-Doors-MoldingPlumbing-BathroomsWindows. No job too small. Call Chaim @917-744-2016
ROWENTA REPAIRS
Expert repairs on Rowenta steam stations. Reasonable prices. Fast service. Located in boro park. Call 646-2613809
NATURAL CURE
Get rid of Molloscum and Warts the “Natural Painless Easy” way. Call Now: 929683-6384
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. LIGHT-fixture+switch+outlet in new room . We work Sunday too. Call/Text:929430-7551 /646-288-0185. E-mail:roomdividers11219@ gmail.com
ARE YOU A COACH, THERAPIST, CONSULTANT OR HEALER?
Are you overwhelmed with all the tech? I can help you automate emails, payments, scheduling etc., so you can focus on the client sessions only. (While saving money on a secretary!) Call 347-559-0275
“BEE”T SEASONAL ALLERGIES
“Bee” from the many happy customers who were symptom free with Bee Pollen! Simple, effective & affordable! Call Aloe Island 929-318-7969
CUSTOM ALBUMS
Looking to create a custom wedding or vort album for a decent price. Let us do it for you! Contact 3474984892
HAIRSTYLING FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Great prices! Call or text Tziporah 929-316-9337
CLARINET RENTAL
Clarinet rental for $18 per week. Comes with MP3 lessons in Yiddish or English. 718-435-1923
PROFESSIONAL ALBUMS
Professional wedding and engagement albums. Well priced. Please call 845-5373993
PHOTOGRAPHY
Portraits, Family, Upsherin, Lifestyle. Special service for newborn, we come to you with all the props. Photo Dreams 347.563.5153
PHOTOGRAPHY
For all your photography needs! (Portrait, Family, Upsherin, Baby, etc.) Many props avail! Great rates! Photos by Devorah 929-3274621
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
VAN SERVICE
Yossi`s Van Service 15 Passenger van Local & long distance Airports & delivery. Call: 718.962.4664
DRIVER
A shomer Shabbos driver is available for long and short distance at reasonable prices. 248-880 3043
WASH & SET
Give Your Wig A Fresh WASH & SET! Special: $45. Text /Call 347-581-0495, 15/56 st Wigs By Yides
GOWNS
WHITE GOWN
Looking to sell a size 2-4 white gown for sister of the bride, Please call 347 628 9586
LOST
Diamond earring 929-6275486
Diamond tennis necklace in BP Shabbos Morning 3/8, 929888-9050
Gold diamond bracelet 347228-2129
DIU phone case in packaging 917-627-1250
Diamond Tennis 929-6300284
Bag of shoes 47/46th 13th to 10th Ave 917-285-0593
Girl’s briefcase March 7 347512-7750
FOUND
girls bracelet on 49th st b/w 13/14347-622-1135 lv msg
girls bracelet Feb 9 on 49th st b/w 13th and 14th ave 347622-1135.
Pink pacifier with clip on 40th St Corner 13th 718-9862819
Fuzzy pink blanket in front of Gemspot Lee corner Penn 718-930-4378
Velvet black gloves on Penn St 718-930-4378
In front of Bus stop Lee corner Tailor thin gartel 718-9304378
Hand made Gartel, 15corner 56th. Street. Shabbos, February 22. Call: 347 406 2310
Airpods in January on 12th and 43rd 718-436-8471
Megilla a few years ago 718909-7374
SD card with pictures on New Utrecht and 55 street. Call 718 812 5309.
FREE GIVEAWAYS
Lady sewing box, basket for mishloach manos , misc kitchen items and toy box 718-435-6343
Lots of binded yiddish licht in perfect condition 917-6182200
LATE ADS
GREAT OPPORTUNITY
Are you efficient, able to multitask and have great communication and computer skills?
ABA Agency is seeking additional female Case Managers and Staffing Coordinators to join their growing teams! Offices are located in Boro Park and Crown Heights. *Great work environment * Room for growth *Competitive pay and bonuses* Please email your resume to chayala@ appliedabc.com or text (240) 332-4993.
