Issue 479

Light up hearts.

Who Has Time to Go to The Doctor?

SAVINGS ON THE ROAD.

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INBOX

// Talk of Town

COMFORT FOOD

(Re: Leah’s Corner, Issue 478)

I was so excited to see Leah’s Corner, where you’re featuring recipes from Leah Stern, a”h. We miss her so much, and it’s comforting to remember her in this way.

The recipes you are reprinting were collected in her cookbook during her lifetime. After her cookbook was published, she published some additional recipes in your magazine. Regretfully, I didn’t save them, and I would love to have them again. I remember there was a set of soups, as well as a series of dips that were delicious. Perhaps you would consider reprinting those as well. I’m sure many readers would appreciate it.

Thank you!

A HOLOCAUST TREASURE

(Re: No Place to Hide, Issue 478)

Reader

Now that it’s over, I must drop a line regarding the incredible serial story by Yaakov Astor. It was a fascinating, captivating read. The incredible strength and courage young Rachel possessed moved me to tears and held my interest each week. It brought the dramatic Holocaust experience of Rachel to life. Yaakov Astor is a gifted writer, and I look forward to seeing more of his work.

Thank you,

YOUR SIMCHA, YOUR WAY

(Re: Simchas with Simcha, Your Say, Issue 478)

D. Jakubowicz

I just received an invitation to a simcha with an added note not to bring young children who will run around.

Under those conditions, I will regretfully not be able to attend this simcha, but I do understand the baal simcha’s request. It is their simcha, and they are allowed to celebrate it in the fashion that will bring them joy. I hope they will understand, in turn, that while I sincerely rejoice for them, I cannot attend their simcha in person.

Sincerely,

Shabbos

Candle Lighting Starts Here

IMPROVED AND INSPIRED

(Re: POV, Issue 478)

I want to say thank you to the reader who asked that POV questions should have a bit more tochen The questions have improved in this regard lately, and I really gain from reading the responses. I’m loving the balabusta hacks!

Keep it up!

THANK YOU FOR BEDTIME

(Re: Bedtime Is for Everyone, Inbox, Issue 476)

An Avid Reader

words on the packaging. Together, let’s work on bringing awareness and strengthening kedushas Shabbos in this important area.

Thanks for a great weekly read.

Name Withheld

SHABBOS UPGRADE

(Re: A Sweet Solution, Issue 472)

I just wanted to say that not only does The Monsey View enhance my life by giving me quality reading material, it also enhanced my Shabbos by making me aware of the problem of candy wrappers printed with words. I started to open such wrappers before Shabbos.

5:464:16

I want to add my experience to the debate about whether or not teenagers should have a bedtime. I am a teenager who recently graduated high school, and throughout high school, my mother insisted (and still insists, to some degree) that I go to sleep on time. Although I missed out on some things because of this, I can say with confidence that, overall, I thrived throughout high school — because I had a good night’s sleep each night and was able to function well during the day.

My point is not that mothers should be forcing their teens to go to sleep on time, but it’s definitely worthwhile to encourage them to do so. As much as they won’t admit it, teens also need someone to tell them what to do. Not only am I not resentful, I’m actually grateful to my parents for making sure I got a healthy amount of sleep.

Gitty T.

SPREAD THE WORD

(Re: A Sweet Solution, Issue 472)

While we request and hope that kosher candy brands change their packaging and make it Shabbosfriendly, let’s urge shul gabbaim, candy men and anyone giving out candy to children on Shabbos and Yom Tov to buy only those with wrappers that are easy to open in a permissible way. Otherwise, children (or even, chalilah, adults) may unintentionally tear the

Once I became aware of the problem, however, I realized that it extends beyond just candy. For example, I buy Nescafe single-serve coffee packets, which also carry the risk of tearing words. I now open these before Shabbos as well. When I unpack my groceries, I open all packages that we will be using on Shabbos and have writing on them.

Thank you for bringing awareness to this important matter. May the increase in shemiras Shabbos be a zechus for us and all of Klal Yisroel.

Tziporah Goldwasser

COOKIES FOR SHABBOS

(Re: A Sweet Solution, Issue 472)

Shout out to Ostreicher’s for changing the packaging of their chocolate chip cookies to make it Shabbos friendly! We noticed that they had updated their packaging from the iconic paper bag to a plastic bag with text printed on the area you needed to tear in order to open the package. We called the company, and as a result of this Shabbos concern, they adjusted the packaging at their expense.

Mi k’amcha Yisroel! A Reader

SHATNEZ ALERT:

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WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?

75% of our respondents’ most meaningful gifts didn’t cost all that much.

Maybe because, in the words of an ancient philosopher, “A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.”

The most meaningful gift I ever received was an extra freezer from my husband. – Anonymous

As a teacher, I appreciate whatever Chanukah gifts/gelt I receive. However, the most meaningful ones are the cards written by the students themselves. Also, I will never forget when two of my fourth grade students presented me with a cheap clock on the last day of school. I still have it, and the thought of that gift still touches my heart. (Thanks, C.R.G. and C.R.L.!) – A Reader

A stunning painting that my sister painted especially for me. – A Reader

My kids played with my diamond ring many years ago, and it vanished. I didn’t have one for approximately ten years, and recently, my husband gifted me with a new one. It meant so much. – A Reader

As a young girl, I sucked my thumb. My grandmother, with the intention of helping me break the habit, offered me a deal. She bought an adorable needle-point matching my room, and every day that I didn’t suck my thumb, she completed a small part, say a row or two. After a few months, it was complete (and, of course, I no longer sucked my thumb). To this day, this framed habit-breaker proudly hangs in the purple room in my mother’s house. – Bluma

A handwritten letter from my best friend. I held on to it through multiple moves even though I’m a minimalist. – Anonymous

When I was twelve years old, my mother had a baby on Shushan Purim, which fell on a Friday. I was off from school the following Sunday, and I wanted to go out for ice cream with a friend. My older sister made me stay home and clean my bedroom for Pesach instead. Ten years later, on the same date, my doorbell rang. My sister had sent me a milkshake to apologize for the time she held me back from going out with a friend. It was the sweetest milkshake I ever tasted! – Faigy F.

When we were going through a hard time, my amazing aunt had a full grocery order delivered to my door. Not only was it a financial help, but I felt so validated for not being able to manage one of the most basic responsibilities of keeping a house running. – A Reader

My parents bought me a new siddur when I went into high school, and it’s been with me since (I’m thirty-four years old). We’ve been together at mekomos hakedoshim in Eretz Yisroel, the Ribnitzer Rebbe’s tzion, the hospital when giving birth, and so on. This definitely is one of those siddurim that have absorbed so much and carry in it the joys and pains of life.

– A Reader

My son parted with some of his bar mitzvah money and gifted me with an antique leather siddur and Tehillim. I still feel warmed by this gift now, six years later. – Shaindy

A blanket my friend sewed for my baby.

– A Reader

A broom. A broom, you ask? Oh yes, and what a thoughtful gift that was! When going through a physically and emotionally draining time in my life, we told no one but our parents and one especially caring individual who was working with me at the time. I’m a very private person and took a big gamble by sharing, but it was all worth it. The touching card she sent over that night, along with a special type of broom that she tied into her sweet message, really went a long way. It proved to me what genuine empathy can do. So even though it’s years later, F.L., if you’re reading this, know that your kindness is still remembered!

– A Reader

As a seventh grade first-year teacher, I taught public speaking. When one of my students came up to speak, she chose to use her time to thank me. When she finished her speech, she took out a few crumpled dollar bills and put them on my desk. I was so touched! I’ll never forget it.

– A Reader

I lost my father about five years ago, and my mother remarried about four years ago. My mother took a bracelet my father had given her and split it into two parts, which she used to create two necklaces. One she gave me and the other she gave to my sister. This necklace is definitely my favorite gift and is very sentimental to me. – T.C.B.W.

I remember once walking into my house, a few of my kids in tow, after a long day at work. I was coughing, my head was pounding, and I felt feverish. As I dragged myself up the steps, I mentioned to my neighbor standing there that I was really not feeling well. A few minutes later, my doorbell rang, and my neighbor handed me a two-pound container of hot chicken soup. I closed the door, sat down at the kitchen table, and finished the entire soup in one sitting. I still can’t forget that simple gift of chicken soup that literally revived me! – Shany Levy

A huge family picture placed in a beautiful frame. My children bought it for me after I married off my youngest child. Thank you, Hashem! – R.K.

At my twins’ vachnacht, I received tall white pillar candles that were engraved with photos of my newborns. Now they’re displayed on a cute little wall-mounted shelf between their two cribs. Absolutely adorable! – T.M.

I don’t have kids yet. Every time a younger sibling has a baby, my mother/mother-in-law will buy me an expensive gift. I encourage all parents of children who don’t have children yet to do the same. It doesn’t have to be expensive; it can be something small, just to let them know, “I’m thinking of you.” – A Reader

A personalized tea cup with a variety of tea bags. I drink lots of tea, and it feels like a warm hug every time I use the cup. – A Reader

The most meaningful gift I ever received is probably the book I ordered for myself. Not because the book was such an amazing read at all, but because of the note I added, pretending I was getting someone else a gift. That note reenergizes me each time I pick up the book.

– A Reader

Not including my spouse, children, diamonds and chocolate, the most useful gift I ever received is my Presto Eversharp electric knife sharpener. My funniest and most meaningful gift I ever received was from someone who knows how much I dislike people walking onto my wet kitchen floor. She bought me a yellow “Caution — Wet Floor” foldable floor sign. I probably use these two items more than I use my diamonds (but less than I eat chocolate). – A Reader

One of the most meaningful gifts I received, and continue receiving, are bags of hand-me-downs from my sister. It’s a real excitement when those bags, nicknamed zeckalach, walk into the house. She has kids a bit older than mine and has a great taste, so we appreciate getting most of the season’s wardrobe without stepping into stores. – A Reader

My devoted sister surprised me with a beautiful new linen set after the birth of my twins.

– A Reader

The most appreciated gift I got was a good night’s sleep. My baby was being really difficult at night, resulting in my being sleep-deprived and hardly coping. One evening, after an especially hard night, my mother simply showed up at my front door and asked me to hand over my baby and some bottles. She took care of my baby that night, and I slept like a baby. (Not like my baby!) The next day, I felt like I had the energy to continue for many more sleepless nights. Shout-out to Mommy P.! – A Reader

My most meaningful gift by far was the one my mother gave me for my eighth grade graduation. She made a siddur cover on a needlepoint with my name on it. She had it fit onto a siddur along with a plastic cover as a protector. It was exclusive, unique, personal, beautiful and sentimental. Now my mother continues making these covers for the grandkids, too. How I love to daven in my siddur every day! I stroke the cover every time I take it out. Thank you again, Mommy! – R. Silberstein

My kids bought a digital picture frame for me last Chanukah, and they keep sending in new pictures of their kids. I really enjoy looking at them. – M.

A treasured gift I own is one I actually bought myself. It’s a beautiful ring that reminds me of my intrinsic value. – A Reader

When I moved away from Brooklyn last year, the hardest part was leaving my friends and family behind. Recently, when I was going through a minor medical crisis, my friends surprised me with a delivered breakfast. It was meaningful to me because it showed they can still care, even from far away. – A Reader

My daughter recited a poem last year at our Chanukah party, naming all the gifts that I received in past years: jewelry, silver and bags. Then she offered a year’s supply of fresh sourdough challah! Each week, the challah warms my heart all over again! – R.L.

Next question: IF YOU COULD ABOLISH ONE “CITY HALL”

KIND OF RULE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Please submit your answer by Tuesday night, December 31, for a chance to see it in print!

Email or text pov@themonseyview.com

Fax 845-600-8483

Voicemail: 845-600-8484 ext. 811

To receive the POV question in your inbox every week, send an email to pov@themonseyview.com with the word “subscribe” in the subject line.

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PARSHAS MIKETZ –CHANUKAH

One Light or Eight

Y. Levenstein

After the Chanukah lights are lit, we sing Haneiros Hallalu. We note that we are lighting these flames to publicize the nissim that happened long ago.

The song is written in plural, which raises the question: How can we say this on the first night of Chanukah, when we light only one flame? Perhaps on the first night we should change the nusach to “ haner hazeh” — this very light, or omit it altogether.

IT WAS EREV CHANUKAH. The entire village was in an uproar. “The poritz will be coming to town!” The night before, a messenger had visited the home of one of the community leaders. He had come to announce the impending visit, which would take place on the fourth night of Chanukah.

Every night of Chanukah, all the Yidden in town would gather in shul for a public menorah lighting. They would sing and dance together in uplifting unity. It was an occasion nobody wanted to miss — and now the poritz seemed interested in checking it out, too.

The excitement was mixed with a hefty dose of fear. A visit from the poritz was no small matter. The poritz had never before visited in honor of a Jewish holiday. Perhaps he wanted to personally announce a new edict that would affect their daily life?

Everyone knew what could happen if they didn’t find favor in the eyes of the poritz. If someone rubbed him the wrong way, if he caught a whiff of what he perceived as a lack of overstated respect, he was liable to enact changes that could potentially undermine the peaceful daily life in the village for many years to come.

In advance of his arrival, everyone was given a job. The streets were polished, the shul was repaired, and large posters were

hung throughout town. The children were organized into a choir and practiced the traditional Chanukah zemiros to perfection. The entire community was abuzz with activity.

On the fourth night of Chanukah, the community members lined the streets as the grand entourage appeared. The poritz descended from his carriage and was escorted into the shul, and the choir burst into song as the poritz sat down. He looked around, pleased.

After some speeches praising their leader, the rav approached the menorah and passionately recited the brachos. Then he lit four flames. As he turned to face the community, he felt that something was wrong. All was still. The choir did not begin.

The rav looked toward the poritz, who had stood up from his seat. It was eerily quiet as the poritz called out, “What’s this? Why did you stop in the middle? You don’t have enough money for oil for the entire menorah? Continue lighting!”

“Ah!” the rav replied, trying his best to keep his voice even. “Our custom is that we don’t light the entire menorah at once. On the first night, we light just one wick, and every night, we add another flame. On the last night, the eighth night of Chanukah, we light the entire menorah.”

“I don’t understand!” the poritz retorted. “If you have enough oil, and the menorah has eight branches, why don’t you just light them all? What’s this strange custom? It’s so much more festive when the entire menorah is lit!”

“You are right, honored poritz,” the rav explained. “It would certainly be more festive, but…”

The poritz didn’t allow the rav to finish his sentence. “Then what’s the problem? Add more oil, and light the whole thing!”

The rav saw that the poritz simply would not understand. He thought quickly. The poritz had to leave their village satisfied.

The rav looked toward the poritz, who had stood up from his seat. It was eerily quiet as the poritz called out, “What’s this? Why did you stop in the middle?”

MUSIC LESSONS FOR BOYS

As we sing Haneiros Hallalu, we aren’t referring only to the licht we just lit now, but to all the licht that we will be lighting over the course of Chanukah

With no choice, the rav lifted the bottle of oil and filled the remaining four glasses.

The following night, the Yidden gathered in shul once again. They had another miracle to thank Hashem for: The visit had passed in peace!

The rav stood up and publicly thanked Hashem. Then he explained, “You should know, my friends, that what happened last night underscores the difference between a Yid and a nonJew.

“Intrinsically, Chanukah bears the message of ‘mosif v’holech.’ In every aspect of avodas Hashem, we follow a step-by-step path, taking it one level at a time, building on our former achievements as we reach ever higher. A non-Jew cannot fathom this concept. In his eyes, if there are more branches in the menorah, there’s no reason not to light them all. He cannot grasp the fact that to reach a goal, you need a buildup. He needs everything immediately.

“‘Mosif v’holech’ means we understand that every step we take in ruchnius is in and of itself our goal. The means are no less important than the end. Every day of Chanukah, we add another light that illuminates the nefesh inside. Every day of our lives, we advance and ignite another flame that lights up our future path.”

* * * * *

The Maharshal notes that the nusach of Haneiros Hallalu has 36 words, besides the first two words. This references the 36 flames of all eight days of Chanukah combined. As we sing Haneiros Hallalu, we aren’t referring only to the licht we just lit now, but to all of the licht that we will be lighting over the course of Chanukah.

Every night, when we kindle the menorah, it is a very heilige time, and the shaarei orah open wide in Shamayim, inspiring a great shefa on this world. It is a time mesugal for closeness with Hakadosh Baruch Hu. The more flames we light, the greater the eis ratzon

The eighth night of Chanukah, Zos Chanukah, is the peak. Our menorah stands, proudly lit in full. With more flames, there is more light, and more hashpaos. This is one of the reasons Zos Chanukah is such a tremendous eis ratzon

This lofty point of Zos Chanukah doesn’t come upon us at once; we must get to it step by step, by lighting one light on night one, then two, then three… Every night, we are inspired to reach a higher level than the night before.

On the first night, we only kindle one flame, yet ultimately, we’re on our way to lighting eight. This is why it is perfectly fitting to say “haneiros hallalu” in plural on the first night. We may only be kindling one flame tonight, but our goal is to be mosif v’holech, to add more light until we get to the peak.

GREAT CHANUKAH GIFT

Emergencies can happen at any time without prior warning; here in Monsey, we're so bentsched to have esteemed volunteer organizations that respond promptly and faithfully with a warm Yiddishe heart; one such organization is "Matzilei Aish." This organization quickly transformed from a small, new initiative into a full-fledged fire and rescue organization, earning the trust and admiration of the residents of Monsey and the surrounding areas. It’s Chanukah, lets take a look at Matzilei Aish, from its founding until now, its mission and unique approach to fire safety and emergency response, as well as a few stories from within the Matzilei Aish

FROM A HUMBLE START TO A THRIVING ORGANIZATION

Matzilei Aish began with a very modest founding around three years ago, on a cold winter night. A meeting was called by the esteemed Rabbi Yechezkel Weiss Shlita, a meeting with a simple but far-reaching goal: to establish a group of volunteers, Yungeliet from the community, who would serve as a heimish fire rescue organization. To respond with lightning speed to every fire report, at any time and anywhere, with the sole purpose of helping and saving lives while fully adhering to Halacha. This initial group of ten dedicated volunteers laid the foundation for Matzilei Aish, which has now

transformed into a first-class rescue organization.

From that meeting onward, these volunteers were already responding to fires, and gradually, more volunteers joined. Matzilei Aish became more established, and two years ago, after Pesach, they officially launched and, in a significant step forward, established their official emergency telephone number. This was a declaration to all the Rockland County residents that an Erliche, reliable, and dedicated emergency response group of fully trained and certified volunteers from the community was fully prepared to respond to calls for help.

The Monsey community has really embraced Matzilei Aish. In less than two years, they have become the leading responders for nearly every fire-related incident in the area. This quick acceptance shows how effective and professional Matzilei Aish is, and how much the community values their role in keeping everyone safe.

MORE THAN JUST PUTTING OUT FIRES –PREVENTING THEM

Matzilei Aish does more than just put out fires; they're all about hakdamas refuah l'maka - preventing the problem before it starts. They understand that the best way to deal with a fire is to ensure it

never happens. That's why they're so focused on two things: being there fast and promoting fire safety awareness.

You call them, and they're there within two minutes., sometimes even quicker. How? A state-of-the-art dispatch system that gets the call out to volunteers in seconds! And these aren't just any volunteers. They're trained professionals, many equipped with those amazing Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) that can "see" through walls and find hidden fires or overheated wiring.

But they don't just wait for the calls. Matzilei Aish is always working to teach how not to need them in the first place. They're in our chadorim, our yeshivos, teaching the kinderlach all about fire safety. From practical tips on handling candles and electrical appliances to the importance of smoke detectors and escape plans, they reinforce crucial safety habits. By empowering individuals with knowledge and awareness, Matzilei Aish strives to minimize the risk of fires before they occur.

AN ADVANCED DISPATCH SYSTEM FOR A LIGHTNING-FAST RESPONSE

In the world of emergency

SIX

O'CLOCK IN

THE

MORNING, RESIDENTS

IN A LARGE APARTMENT

COMPLEX

SMELLED FIRE. WE ARRIVED AND FOUND SIX FAMILIES WITH SMALL CHILDREN

STANDING OUTSIDE IN THE COLD

response, every second counts. Therefore, they have invested in a highly effective dispatch system with several backups. When a call comes in, it only takes seconds for the information to be relayed to the volunteers. The quick communication, together with the dedication of the volunteers, often results in Matzilei Aish arriving at the scene within 90 seconds, and thus being able to extinguish the fires while they are still small or to handle the situation when it is still in its early stages, like just smoke or a smell of fire.

It is important to note that the effectiveness and speed of each

dispatch depend significantly on clear and concise communication. When calling Matzilei Aish or any other emergency service, one should remember to provide the address and the problem quickly and directly, such as "35 Spruill Court, a fire in the oven." The dispatchers are expertly trained to listen and relay information quickly, and therefore, a typical call to Matzilei Aish lasts only 18-24 seconds. This speed is critical, as fires double in size every 30 seconds.

A HEIMISHE FIRE

The success of Matzilei Aish is not only due to advanced technology and efficient operations. It is deeply rooted in a strong sense of community and connection. Monsey has embraced Matzilei Aish with open arms, appreciating their loyalty, professionalism, dedication, and above all, their Ehrlichkeit and adherence to Daas Torah.

In Monsey, the Matzilei Aish volunteer fire department provides a unique and invaluable service. Understanding of the heimish neighborhoods they serve, they offer a sense of trust and comfort that goes beyond traditional emergency response.

Residents feel at ease calling Matzilei Aish any time, day or night, even for seemingly minor issues. They know they can rely on the discretion and respect of these volunteers who understand the nuances of the heimishe community. As one volunteer eloquently put it, "We have the fifth Shulchan Aruch – we are Heimishe Yidden understanding heimishe Yidden." This encapsulates the profound connection and sensitivity that sets Matzilei Aish apart, making them an integral part of the Monsey community.

FIRE OF SHABBOS

Operating a frum fire rescue organization requires a clear understanding of the laws of Shabbos. Matzilei Aish has developed a protocol in the most meticulous way, ensuring that all their operations are in accordance with the highest standards of Halacha while at the same time being quick and effective in preventing fire damage.

Working with hoses, for example, involves questions about "squeezing" (Sechita). The fire truck pumps run on gas, which is "kindling" (Havarah). Matzilei Aish has a precise procedure for which work is permissible for the Shabbos-goy on shabbos and which work should be done by the volunteers.

In situations of Pikuach Nefesh Matzilei Aish relies only on their volunteers. However, when the situation is under control, and there is no danger, they use professional non-Jewish workers who are familiar with the needs of the community and understand the nuances of shabbos.

Harav Yechezkel Weiss Shlita, the founder of Matzilei Aish, is renowned for his clarity on the technical aspects of Shabbos. He has developed shabbos protocols for many large Jewish organizations across New York State. Matzilei Aish's dispatch system and volunteers are knowledgeable about these halachos, ensuring Shemiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa.

of desecrating the shabbos.

One incident, a dispatcher from Matzilei Aish tells us, occurred in a certain area where a neighbor's alarm sounded on Shabbos when they were not home. When the neighbors checked, they discovered that it was a carbon monoxide alarm. They decided not to call for help since no one was at home, and it was only a carbon monoxide alarm. This was a significant mistake because carbon monoxide can easily travel between apartments. One should not assume that there is no danger. It is crucial to call for assistance, even on Shabbos. Carbon monoxide is invisible and is a deadly gas.

AN ADVANCED MATZILEI AISH

THEY DECIDED NOT TO CALL FOR HELP SINCE NO ONE WAS AT HOME, AND IT WAS ONLY A CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM. THIS WAS A SIGNIFICANT MISTAKE

However, it must be emphasized that it is a dangerous mistake to refrain from calling on shabbos. If there is any doubt about a potential danger, calling is not only permissible but obligatory. The dispatchers know how to handle shabbos calls, and one should never refrain from calling due to a

Matzilei Aish maintains high standards for its volunteers, who undergo extensive and rigorous training to ensure they can respond effectively and safely to emergencies. After each call, they gather and analyze all the information, improving their skills and preparedness. They also write a detailed report after every fire, documenting exactly what happened and what actions they took.

Matzilei Aish utilizes advanced systems and equipment. Many volunteers carry Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC) in their own vehicles, in addition to those mounted on the fire trucks. These cameras detect heat, allowing for quick identification of fires or

potential fire hazards. Overall, Matzilei Aish is equipped with some of the best and most advanced tools available. The organization maintains a fleet that includes two fire trucks, a ladder truck that also functions as a pump truck, and an additional pump truck.

FROM THE CORRIDORS OF MATZILEI AISH

"In the quiet hours, around 3 a.m., a call jolted us awake. A boiler was ablaze in the Shinova shul. With incredible selflessness, 13 volunteers leaped from their beds, reaching the scene within 2 minutes. Thankfully,

REPORTING A FIRE

they extinguished the flames before disaster struck. Every second counts in our line of work" recounts one of Matzilei Aish's esteemed dispatchers.

He continues, "On the eve of Passach, a porch fire threatened to disrupt a family's Yom Tov. Our rapid response contained the fire before it reached the house, ensuring they could enjoy Yom Tov in peace."

We asked the dispatcher to tell us about the mentioned TIC cameras.

"It is a very important tool. One day, at six o'clock in the morning, residents in a large apartment complex smelled fire. We arrived and found six families with small children standing outside in the cold. With a TIC camera, we quickly located one specific apartment and one room in that apartment. A bench that was lying too close to an electric heater caught fire and was burning."

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

Matzilei Aish demonstrates that there are always new heights to reach in community service. Their dedication to constant improvement and innovation establishes them as a true leader in emergency response. As they continue to grow, they inspire others, proving that one can achieve unimaginable heights with dedication and a commitment to Halacha.

When a fire emergency occurs, every second is critical. Here's how to ensure your call to Matzilei Aish is handled swiftly and efficiently:

• Dial 845-426-9111: Keep this number saved in your phone for easy access during emergencies.

• State your location clearly: Provide your exact address, including your apartment number if applicable. For example, "35 Spruill Court, Apartment 2B."

• Briefly describe the situation: Concisely explain the problem, such as "Fire in the kitchen," "Smoke coming from the basement," or "Smell of gas."

• Answer dispatcher questions: Be prepared to answer any clarifying questions the dispatcher may have.

• Stay calm and focused: Speaking clearly and calmly will help the dispatcher understand the situation and relay the information quickly to the volunteers.

ןבאה ייז זא ןסאלשאב

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Tolls Rising Again on Cuomo Bridge

Get used to digging a little deeper into your pocket when you head east to Westchester, with tolls rising once again on the Cuomo Bridge as of January 1.

The 50-cent toll hike is the second of four 50-cent annual increases scheduled by the New York State Thruway Authority. As a user-supported roadway, the Thruway Authority receives no dedicated federal, state or local taxes.

The 570-mile highway will have some of the lowest toll rates in the United States through 2027, according to the Thruway Authority, with only the Massachusetts Turnpike and New Hampshire’s Spaulding Turnpike charging lower per-mile rates for E-ZPass passengers. Travelers using Delaware’s US 301 pay the highest per-mile toll rates for E-ZPass customers in the country, followed closely by the New Jersey Turnpike north of Exit 9, with tolls on both of those roads coming in at more than six times the amount charged on the Thruway.

FAA Issues Temporary Drone Bans in Response to Ongoing Concerns

Be ready to pay the price if you fly your drone in any of several dozen spots in New York and New Jersey, with the Federal Aviation Administration issuing a ban on the aerial devices for security reasons.

The FAA said that drones spotted in the specified locations could be taken down by force, with their pilots facing penal-

ties and even potential criminal charges. A statement issued by the agency last week detailed temporary flight restrictions that remain in place through January 17 in seventeen municipalities including Jersey City, Elizabeth, Edison and Clifton, in addition to previously issued bans at the Picatinny Arsenal and around the Trump golf course in Bedminster.

Hours later, similar restrictions were issued in New York, covering more than two dozen critical infrastructure sites including Brooklyn, Queens, Far Rockaway, portions of Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx, among others. The New York restrictions remain in place until January 18 and are in addition to the state-of-the-art drone detection system delivered last week by the Biden administration. According to Governor Kathy Hochul, the measures are purely precautionary.

“While we have not detected any public safety or national security threats, we will continue aggressively monitoring the situation as we call on Congress to pass legislation to give states and local law enforcement the authority and resources they need to manage this evolving technology,” said Hochul. “Public safety is my top priority, and I will stop at nothing to keep my constituents safe.”

The new restrictions bar any uncrewed aircraft from operating within a nautical mile of the airspace in the specified areas. Usage of recreational drones remains permitted under 400 feet.

Nearly a million drones are registered in the United States. A statement released jointly last week by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, the FAA and the Department of Defense will hopefully allay some of the concerns that have arisen in recent weeks.

“Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” said the agencies.

Lax Bail Laws Has Thief Hitting Pupa Yeshiva Again

New York’s bail laws that have turned state courts into revolving doors are to blame for a theft that took place last at Yeshiva Tzoin Yosef Pupa, the second such incident in a matter of weeks.

The suspect made off with several hundred dollars after breaking into the

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Widman Court school building on December 19. Sources said that the suspect was arrested several weeks ago for a previous theft at the school, thanks to a collaborative effort by the Spring Valley Police Department, The Ramapo Police Detective Squad and Chaverim of Rockland, but was released by the court on December 18.

The Rockland County Sheriff’s BCI Unit has been called in to work with Ramapo police and Chaverim on this latest incident.

Halacha in Action: Airmont Shul Relocates Fruit Tree

In a fascinating confluence of halacha and construction, specialized equipment was brought in to facilitate the relocation of a mature fruit tree as part of an expansion project at a local shul. A tree located behind the Radishitz Shul on Echo Ridge Road in Airmont was successfully relocated on December 17 as part of an effort to increase the size of the shul’s parking lot.

The tree was temporarily sold to a non-Jew, with gentile workers brought in to dig out a several-foot-deep area surrounding the tree’s large roots. After the roots were wrapped, construction equipment was brought to the site to facilitate the tree’s removal and replanting at another spot on the shul’s property.

Safety Concerns Prompt Indefinite Closure at Piermont Pier

Significant deterioration to the end of the Piermont pier had village officials closing the historic concrete pad to pedestrians last month, with no word yet on any potential repairs.

An engineering report showed that deterioration that was discovered in a 2017 engineering report had advanced,

opening up the possibility for ice floes, logs, or other debris to undermine the underwater structure on that section of the pier. According to the report by BlueShore Engineering, that scenario could lead to a collapse at the T-shaped structure located at the easternmost tip of the pier. While an in-place repair could be performed, the report concluded that replacing the area was a more cost-effective solution.

The blacktop portion of the milelong pier, which draws pedestrians, cyclists, fishing enthusiasts and others, remains open to all.

While the concrete section of the pier was built in the 1950s, the blacktop portion of the structure is significantly older, built by the Erie Railroad in 1838 on bedrock. Tracks ran the length of the pier, and when the Erie Railroad opened for business in 1851, passengers would take ferries to the pier, where they could take a train that took them all the way to Lake Erie. During World War II, thousands of soldiers from Orangeburg’s Camp Shanks boarded boats in Piermont that took them to fight in Europe. A 1985 memorial in Piermont pays homage to the soldiers and bears the words, “This monument is dedicated to the many thousands of men from Camp Shanks who left this port to fight on foreign soil in defense of their country during World War II. Their dedication and sacrifice have made America the proud and safe nation it is today. In memory of those who never returned. May G-d be with all of them.”

The pier was also home to Piermont’s famed paper mill for 80 years, with its 1982 closure paving the way for the site to be converted to a recreational area that continues to draw visitors.

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Recap: Kaily and her siblings meet with the doctor, who confirms that their mother has Parkinson’s. Roiza begins physical therapy.

Sink or swim, Perela mused as she took in the scene in front of her. This week, she’d felt like she was sinking in a mountain of unlabeled school supplies, wet swim gear and hospital shifts. But now she was actually staring at the ocean spilling over the horizon, ready to relax and ride the waves.

Perela kicked off her new espadrilles — the wrong choice for the beach — and allowed her feet to sink into the sand. Her breathing slowed as she drank in the sheer beauty of nothing but sun and sky and water.

She, Perela Sternberg, was at the beach. Her eyes closed magnetically as a little rush of foamy water licked her ankles. Only two hours ago, she had been home with bored kids and an endless shopping list, and now she was in a different world.

“Nu? Didn’t I tell you that you have to come?”

Perela opened her eyes and jerked around. Tziri was standing nearby, looking smug.

The woman was either crazy or amazing.

Tziri had called her yesterday, while Perela was in the uniform store debating between size seven and size eight. The tiny basement pop-up shop was jammed with people and boxes.

“Perela, we’re going to Deal tomorrow, and you’re coming,” she said in that delightfully annoying voice. “I want you to get a feel for the business. And it’s fun.”

“Deal? I thought China.”

“Perela,” Tziri had said slowly, “the

beach. For a photo shoot. For next summer’s stock. It’s like business and pleasure.”

Sheva emerged from the makeshift dressing room behind two racks wearing the size eight shirt. Perela frowned. “Sheva, switch back to the size seven.”

Sheva pouted, but went off to change yet again.

“Perela, are you with me?”

“Now I am. What were you saying about the beach?”

“We hired a commercial photographer for the week. She brings child models, a makeup artist and a hairdresser. Tomorrow we’re doing pictures at the beach, and from experience, we need as many hands on deck as possible.”

Perela had known with certainty, then, that Tziri was officially insane.

“My kids are home. I can barely put on my sheitel without my family following me around.”

“If your kids are home, your husband should be home too, no?” Tziri asked snidely. “Aren’t the chedarim off these few days? Come on, you deserve a break.”

Perela snorted.

Tziri pretended not to hear. “You’ve been so busy with your mother. I’m sure your husband will want you to come and recharge. I rented a villa on the beach! It has the best views and these enormous rocks in all kinds of

“IF YOUR KIDS ARE HOME, YOUR HUSBAND SHOULD BE HOME TOO, NO?” TZIRI ASKED SNIDELY. “AREN’T THE CHEDARIM OFF THESE FEW DAYS?”

CHANIE SPIRA

The night is long

EZRIEL HADN’T BEEN THRILLED WITH THE IDEA. INSTEAD, HE’D SAID, “PERELA, I DON’T THINK THIS JOB IS MEANT FOR A BUSY MOTHER…”

fascinating shapes. You’ll love it!”

Sheva was back with the smaller shirt. Perela whispered, “This is good. You can change.” She took her place in line to pay.

“Besides, it’s not all day,” Tziri continued. “We do outdoor pictures later in the day. We start at four and finish at about seven. So you don’t have to leave before two.”

She hung up with the promise to confirm within the hour.

Ezriel hadn’t been thrilled with the idea. Instead, he’d said, “Perela, I don’t think this job is meant for a busy mother…”

She’d silently stalked off to put away the new uniform shirt, only to realize that she’d brought home the size eight.

Afterward, he’d grudgingly signed up for babysitting duty. Her kids had been even less happy at their disappearing mother, and they’d grumbled loudly that she was never home, and they wanted to go to the park.

Perela watched the waves for another minute, allowing her mind to clear. She really did deserve this.

“Okay, these are our two models, Peppy and Liam,” Tziri said, pointing to two blond-haired kids who couldn’t be older than seven. They looked at her confidently and smiled. “They were amazing today! Right, kids?”

“Gotta boost them,” she whispered to Perela. “They’re exhausted already. We did pictures inside the villa first, and we’re just heading out now.”

Imagine, these kids were Sheva’s and Avrumi’s ages, and they’d sold their childhood to become models.

“And this is our super talented photographer, Gili.”

Gili didn’t look too different from Perela. Same style sheitel, same style shoes. Where were her kids? How was she here taking pictures without a care in the world?

“What’s my job?” she asked Tziri.

“Watch for a few minutes, and then you’ll see for yourself.”

Peppy was wearing a basic chambray skirt and an adorable white sweatshirt with the Terry Blass logo embroidered in hot pink. It all worked perfectly with the little tan lace-up booties she was wearing. She was the picture of upscale leisurewear.

Perela watched as the hairdresser gathered Peppy’s hair into a ballerina bun at the top of her head and allowed some hair to fall naturally in front of her face. Then she sprayed the hair lightly to add sheen to the highlights.

The makeup artist brushed some bronzer over Peppy’s nose to emphasize the sprinkling of freckles. Gili positioned her sideways, staring toward the ocean with an eye on the camera.

“Ready?”

Peppy nodded.

“All right,” crowed the photographer. “Smile!”

The model smiled.

“Come on! The dreamy-eyed look.”

The kid’s eyes glazed, and she gave just a hint of a smile. Whoever trained her knew what they were doing.

“Perela, toss me the white linen Shabbos set,” Tziri called from behind the lens where she was checking the results.

Perela snapped to attention. She went to the suitcase, sitting on a rock, and picked out the outfit Tziri had requested. She quickly changed Peppy, while Liam got into the boy’s version.

“Find a yarmulke in the bag,” Tziri asked. She found one and placed it on his head. He didn’t comment, just gave a little snort.

Without thinking, she undid Peppy’s bun, parted her hair to the side, allowed half to fly in the wind, and pinned the other half behind the girl’s ear.

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Some color.

She went back to the suitcase, found a daring magenta sweater, and told the girl to put it on over the outfit.

She turned around to see Tziri watching her intently.

“Lovely. Just lovely, Perela.”

Perela blushed. “Maybe people will enjoy the cardigan for Pesach, if the weather’s still chilly,” she said in a rush.

“Love it! We’ll do some pictures with and some without. It’ll be a winner! Thanks!”

“My pleasure.” Tziri’s appreciation filled her with something new.

The photographer took over. She positioned the kids so the sailboat in the distance was starkly prominent. She added a fake sandcastle that looked like the real thing, and clicked the camera.

“Aha.”

Tziri was inching her way up to her curiously. “I need your help with this twilight pose,” she whispered loudly. “For the melaveh malka line.”

The waves suddenly roared.

“Kaily, I need to go. Can we talk later?”

She heard her sister swallow. “It’s just that Bina is in Monsey today. For her nephew’s bris. And I thought I could take her to choose earrings…”

HADN’T YIDDY SAID THAT KAILY COULD GET PAID FOR WHAT SHE WAS DOING? WHY WAS SHE GUILTING HER LIKE THAT? AND WHY WERE HER KALLAH’S EARRINGS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PERELA’S JOB?

“Dreamy. Snide. Serious. Turn around, I want your backs. Smile. Giggle.”

The kids listened like her own kids never did. She didn’t have a single decent family picture from the summer. And not for lack of trying.

“Perfect!” Tziri cheered. The shoot was magnificent. The tide foaming in the background, the dreamy look, the white sailboat and their hair softly billowing in the breeze.

When they were done, they all sat on the rock, and Tziri produced some drinks and snacks.

Perela glanced at her watch. Who knew what was going on at home now? Where was her bag, anyway? She had completely lost herself in the experience.

She looked around and finally spotted her bag behind the tripod. She went to fetch it slowly and dug her phone out to check if she had any missed calls.

She had three missed calls from Kaily. Ugh. What does she want? Another fifteen shifts because she has to plan her events?

“Hi, Perela. Where am I catching you?”

At the beach.

For some reason, she didn’t think it would fly. “Juggling. You know, the kids are home,” she fibbed.

She trailed off.

All the serenity drained out of Perela. Hadn’t Yiddy said that Kaily could get paid for what she was doing? Why was she guilting her like that? And why were her kallah’s earrings more important than Perela’s job?

“I’m sorry. Not today. It’s crazy busy here, and I have tomorrow’s shift.”

“You’re right,” Kaily said. “Though Bina won’t be in Monsey tomorrow. But don’t worry. It’ll be okay. I’ll just tell Bina that we’ll do it another time.”

“Maybe I can go with you?” Perela offered lamely. “Maybe tomorrow night?”

“It’s fine. Bina can go with her mother. I just…” Kaily’s voice shook just a bit. “I just wanted to go with her.”

“I’m sorry,” Perela said helplessly, this time a bit more sincerely. “I’d love to help, but not today.”

She hung up quickly. She would not allow this to ruin her day. And it wasn’t the first time. First with that Shabbaton, then with the vort. It was almost daily by now. She shook her head to ground herself.

“Sorry, Tziri. I’m with you. What was it? The melaveh malka line, right?”

She took her phone and stuffed it into the bottom of her bag.

* * * * *

After the last of the shots were done and the skies had darkened, they trooped into the house. The models went to the rooms where their mothers were waiting, and the rest of them headed to the kitchen, where UberEats had dropped off a celebratory dinner.

The villa was large and airy with no doors on the ground level. It was all tall ceilings with wide archways.

“Whew! This is the hardest and most exhilarating part of the job,” Tziri said mildly. “To see how it all coordinates. It’s a lot.” She eagerly tore open the greasy paper bags and spread out a plastic tablecloth.

“It’s a lot? That’s the euphemism of the century,” Gili called from where she was carefully cleaning her lens.

She packed the last of her equipment into her duffel bag. “See you tomorrow!”

“Tomorrow is studio day for our basics line,” Tziri explained to Perela. “We rent these models for the week, and it’s nonstop action.”

Perela nodded. Her mind whirled with so many thoughts, she could barely formulate a coherent sentence. She knew one thing, though. Given the chance, she’d hop over to the studio anytime.

“I’ll pack up dinner for you guys,” Tziri said.

Gili started protesting, but Tziri waved her away. “What are we gonna do with so much food if you don’t take it with you?”

When they were all on their way, Tziri sat down with Perela.

“To give you a taste of China, I ordered Chinese,” Tziri winked.

“You know I didn’t agree yet,” Perela said playfully.

Tziri didn’t answer. She dug into her sesame chicken. Perela did the same, but after the second bite, she remembered her cell phone.

She hadn’t checked her phone for about three hours. She reluctantly pulled it out of her bag. “Hope the sand didn’t ruin the phone,” she muttered as she flipped it open.

She saw Ezriel had tried her five times. Okay. Breathe Five times wasn’t all that much, considering he had to take care of supper, bath and bedtime.

She’d call him soon, on the way home.

“I can’t move,” Tziri moaned. She pushed away her plate dramatically, then ceremoniously removed a box from the restaurant bag. “But for dessert, I’ll make room.”

“What did you order for dessert?” Perela asked, looking at her own full plate.

“Fortune cookies!” Tziri crowed. “Because who can resist reading their fortune?”

Tziri handed her a butterfly-shaped cookie. For some reason, she felt her stomach tighten as she broke the cookie in half. There was a paper folded inside.

She didn’t have time to acknowledge the fear before she unrolled the paper and read the words aloud.

“Your future is with us! Welcome to Prance.”

TO BE CONTINUED…

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Is that gnawing question of “What do I make for my mother’s/mother-in-law’s/grandmother’s party?” getting to you?

Here’s the answer. Tried and true winners for that large family Chanukah party. You’re welcome.

PIZZA DOUGH CALZONES

This calzone recipe makes enough to feed a crowd and is the perfect, filling, warm bite to hit the spot.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. pizza dough

4 oz. whipped cream cheese, for smearing over the dough Egg, for egg wash Sesame seeds, for topping

MUSHROOM FILLING

4 T. butter

1 white onion, sliced

1 tsp. salt

4 cloves garlic

2 (8 oz.) boxes baby Bella mushrooms, sliced

1 (16 oz.) container ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ tsp. red pepper flakes

½ tsp. salt

EGGPLANT FILLING

½ bag breaded eggplant sticks

¼ cup marinara sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangular shape.

3. Smear a layer of cream cheese onto your dough, leaving a 1-inch border.

4. Place your filling along the center of the rectangle (see filling instructions below). Fold over the edges to create a long log.

5. Turn the log over so the seams are facing down. Brush with egg, and top with sesame seeds.

6. Using a knife, cut 3 to 4 slits along the top of the calzone so the steam can escape. Bake at 400° for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Slice and enjoy!

FOR MUSHROOM FILLING:

1. Melt butter in a large frying pan. Add the onions along with 1 teaspoon salt, and saute until golden. Add garlic, and saute for another minute.

2. Add the sliced mushrooms, and saute until wilted and all the liquid has evaporated. (This may take some time.)

3. Allow the mushroom mixture to cool. Then, combine with the ricotta cheese, shredded cheese, red pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon salt.

4. Add this mixture on top of the cream cheese dough, and proceed as directed above.

FOR EGGPLANT FILLING:

1. Defrost the eggplant sticks, and toss with marinara sauce.

2. Place this mixture on top of the cream cheese dough, and proceed as directed above.

VEGETABLE RATATOUILLE WITH CHEESE SAUCE

An irresistible and elevated vegetable dish to complement and round out your dairy menu.

INGREDIENTS

5 zucchini, unpeeled and sliced

4 yellow squash, unpeeled and sliced

3 purple onions, sliced into half circles

6 small eggplant, unpeeled and sliced

TOMATO SAUCE

4 T. butter

2 yellow onions, diced

6 cloves garlic, crushed

3 tsp. dried basil

3 tsp. oregano

2 tsp. dried mint

3 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes

CHEESE SAUCE

5 T. butter

3 T. crushed garlic (approx. 7 garlic cloves)

⅔ cup flour

3 cups milk

1 (8 oz.) container whipped cream cheese

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. dried basil

¼ tsp. red pepper flakes

¼ tsp. black pepper

3 cups cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, prepare the tomato sauce: Heat butter and add the diced onion. Saute until translucent.

2. Add the garlic and spices, and saute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Cover and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Preheat the oven to 400°.

5. Pour the tomato sauce into the bottom of a roaster pan. Line up the vegetable rounds into 4 rows lengthwise, alternating between the vegetables as follows:

1 yellow squash, 1 zucchini, 1 eggplant, 1 onion, and repeat.

6. Cover with a wet parchment paper and a foil over it.

7. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

8. While it is baking, prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat the butter and garlic until it starts to bubble.

9. Add the flour, and whisk until the flour has clumped together and is golden.

10. Add one cup of milk at a time, whisking vigorously until a smooth consistency is achieved.

11. Add the cream cheese, and stir until melted.

12. Add the spices and cheddar cheese, and keep whisking until all ingredients are smoothly combined.

13. Remove the veggies from the oven, and pour the cheese mixture over it.

14. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese sauce starts to bubble.

TRADITIONAL BAKED ZITI

You need a batch of this goodness for all the kids at the party.

INGREDIENTS

3 bags ziti, cooked

2 (24 oz.) jars marinara sauce Milk

2 (16 oz.) containers cottage cheese

2 (8 oz.) bags shredded cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.

2. In a roaster pan, add the cooked ziti and marinara sauce.

3. Fill one empty jar of marinara with milk, and add to the pan.

4. Add the cottage cheese and one bag of cheese. Mix well to combine. Cover with a wet piece of parchment paper and foil.

5. Bake for 1 hour. Uncover, and add the second bag of cheese over the top.

6. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

SPINACH EGGPLANT PARMESAN

A true Chanukah delicacy.

INGREDIENTS

5 eggplants, sliced lengthwise Salt

8 eggs

3 cups panko crumbs

1 cup corn flake crumbs

¼ cup sesame seeds

3 T. dried parsley

1 (24 oz.) jar marinara

2 (8 oz.) bags shredded cheese of choice

FILLING

2 eggs

2 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. dried basil

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. red pepper flakes

3 (8 oz.) whipped cream cheese

1 (8 oz.) bag Muenster cheese

1 (24 oz.) bag frozen spinach, thawed and drained

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Lay your sliced eggplants onto a paper towel. Sprinkle salt over both sides, and allow to sit for 20 minutes or until the eggplants start to “sweat.” Wash and dry each slice.

3. Place the eggs in a bowl and whisk. In a second bowl, combine the crumbs, sesame seeds and dried parsley. Dip each slice into the eggs and then into the crumb mixture, pressing down so that the crumbs stick. Place on the prepared baking pans.

4. Place the eggplant slices into the oven for 30 minutes.

5. While the eggplants bake, prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Mix well.

6. Line a roaster pan with parchment paper, and add one layer of baked eggplant slices on the bottom.

7. Top each slice with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce and approximately ¼ cup of the spinach-cheese filling.

8. Add a layer of eggplant slices on top of that, and repeat with the marinara and spinach mixture. Add one last layer of eggplant slices.

9. Cover well, and bake for 40 minutes.

10. Uncover, and top each slice with some more marinara and a heaping handful of cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese starts to bubble.

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The final volume in this illuminating portrait of the life, teachings, and far-reaching influence of “Reb Dovid” creates a reading experience that will elevate, inspire, and transform the hearts and minds of any and all readers.

A gluten-free diet generates a variety of questions and concerns relating to Jewish law, and this comprehensive guide addresses these matters as they relate to the laws of brachos, Shabbos, Moadim, and other unique circumstances you may not have considered. Easy to follow, with extensive footnotes and source material in Hebrew, this is the one go-to guide for any adherent of a gluten-free diet.

Kids are thrilled by his zany escapades. Adults adore his earnestness. Laugh along with Heshy as he sheepishly rolls through one wacky adventure after another.

YOUR GUIDE TO SELFUNDERSTANDING AND MEANINGFUL CHANGE.

A small book that will make a big impact — with a unique and user-friendly approach to personal growth.

Part and Soul provides tools to uncover and understand the various “Parts” that make up who you are. The journey ultimately takes you to the center of your being – your Neshama – and from there, you can unlock the potential for a life of empowered choices and enhanced relationships.

Three Classic Titles from Rabbi Moshe Walter

There is no facet in Jewish life where the halachos of bein adam l'chaveiro are not applicable. Here is a highly-engaging, practical sefer that should be everyone’s “go-to guide” as we each strive “to be a mentsch!” A Must-Have Halachic Guide for Anyone on a Gluten-free Diet!

This unique, groundbreaking guide explores the dynamics and intricacies of the halachic process. It’s an indispensable resource for anyone connected to Torah learning and will greatly enhance your understanding of our sacred tradition.

When the ultimate summer experience turns sinister, Gaily is thrown into a world of espionage and treachery. Join Gaily and her friends in an adventure that will have you breathlessly turning pages.

Jewish life abounds with a crown of glorious minhagim, but what exactly is the inside story? This fascinating guide reveals the majesty and mystery of this magnificent facet of Jewish life.

Will the Super-Agent Gizmo team survive the mysterious Bermuda Triangle? Can they swim against the tide to save Admiral Jones, Professor Egghead, Barney, and Inspector from a menacing enemy bent on their destruction?

Someone has an evil plan to snatch the Oval Office from Moe Robbins, beloved kid president. Matters come to a head when two world powers are at war, and America is thrust into turmoil. Will Moe step up to the plate? Can he prevent disaster?

Reader Friendly with over 85 beautiful illustrations. Makes a great gift!

Your ideal go-to guide to the halachos of the Yamim Tovim and special times in the Jewish year!

An ideal, convenient, one-volume guide that covers all vital concepts and practical halachos relating to the Yamim Tovim, Chanukah, Purim, Rosh Chodesh, the Three Weeks, and more. This user-friendly, easy-to-read text is perfect for home, shul, or classroom; accessible to readers of all backgrounds, and ideal for learning, reference, or review.

Don’t go through the Jewish Year without it!

Chanukah...

If

it’s fun and highadventure you’re after... then welcome to

A guaranteed page-turner that will lift your spirits and warm your heart

The inspiring story of legendary mechanech Rav Shmuel Kaufman. Struck with polio as a child, then orphaned from his mother soon after, Rav Shmuel followed the pathway of his famed zaidy R’ Yaakov Yosef Herman (All for the Boss), grew into greatness, overcoming adversity with fierce emunah and bitachon. With a simcha that was contagious he sought to bring every Jew he met closer to Hashem, and he transformed the lives of thousands through his boundless passion for Torah and love for every Jew.

The fearless Jewish partisans are back, and still on the run…

Open Gates unlocks the richness of Chanukah to reveal the spectacular breadth and depth of this unique festival, as seen through the profound teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. In pages that address all aspects of Chanukah and that range from the practical to the sublime…readers will discover a sefer that offers chizuk, illumination, and a meaningful connection to this sacred time of year.

Shlumi Eli only wants to practice hachnasas orchim like Avraham Avinu, but it’s not as simple as he thought. Instead, he comes face-to-face with pirates, danger, and a mysterious treasure map. Younger readers will be thrilled to join him on this exciting journey where Shlumi Eli’s emunah faces one challenge after another.

A MILESTONE PUBLISHING EVENT

There’s no rest for this brave band of Jewish partisans as they continue their escape from the German and Japanese agents who seek to bring them down. Danger, treachery, and excitement abound on every page of this pulsepounding sequel where the driving force of Emunah combines with graphic storytelling at its very best!

We proudly present Treasures from the Hirsch Chumash - an expansive, twovolume digest that gathers essential, timeless teachings from the Hirsch Chumash – on every parshah. Blending hashkafah halachah, history, and Ta’amei HaMitzvos into a magnificent tapestry of fundamental insights, Rav Hirsch’s commentary on Chumash will completely transform your understanding and appreciation of what it means to be a Jew. Let this remarkable sefer be your guide to a deeper and fuller understanding of the weekly parshah Great Gift Idea!

YOUNG READERS: Meet “the father of all the b’nei Torah in America...”

The inspiring story of REB SHRAGA FEIVEL MENDLOWITZ

In 1913, America was a spiritual wilderness, but R’ Shraga Feivel arrived - uniquely equipped to start a Torah revolution – and so he did! Filled with fascinating Torah luminaries, photographs, and a unique look into American Jewry in the early 20th century, this evocative text bustles with the spiritual energy and vision of one remarkable man.

A Genuine Treasure-trove of Heartfelt Wisdom & Inspiration!

Come and meet 25 contemporary Nashim Tzidkaniyos in a volume you will forever cherish! Brief biographical sketches, captivating vignettes, heartfelt wisdom, noble deeds, along with 22 brilliant, full-color oil portraits that inspire sterling middos, modesty, and character. For women of all ages, these treasured pages offer an authentic echo of our sacred Imahos. Filled with warmth, wise counsel, comfort, hope, and encouragement, you will turn and return to these exquisite pages time and again.

LET THIS CHANUKAH SHINE WITH A SPECIAL KIND OF LIGHT

The Torah of Rav Moshe Wolfson, zt”l, is a masterful blend of Talmud, Midrash, commentaries, teachings of Chassidic masters, and original insights, that creates a textual tapestry that is relevant, refreshing, and will revitalize your connection and understanding of Chanukah.

Plus: Insights and inspiration for Teves and Shevat. An ideal sefer to guide you through the winter season.

SOME STUDENTS CAN BE QUITE CHALLENGING… And then there is Rina Meisels!

Rina’s family must move to a new community in the middle of her 10th-grade year, but Rina brings all her feisty, unpredictable, impetuous ways right along with her. Of course, this leads to a whole array of challenges – at school, at home, and in the hospital where she tends to her twin sister’s extended stay.

A reading experience that invites you to think outside the box!

Get ready to embark upon an intriguing journey where reality and imagination intertwine…as young Tehilla Steinhart does all she can to figure out her life. We can’t tell you any more than that, but along the way you will discover the transformative power of forgiveness, of healing relationships with family and friends, and the richness – as well as the challenges - of living with reality. For young readers, also adults, this truly is a one-of-a-kind novel.

From seating squabbles to mealtime mishaps, the Kichels turn everyday moments into laugh-out-loud opportunities.

The fourth volume in this bestselling series features 80 pages of Kichel comics and is packed with exclusive bonus content, including behind-thescenes, a how-to-draw guide, a deep dive into Nachi Kichel’s plans for world domination…and more.

2 New Titles in the Series!

The wonderous world of Eliyahu HaNavi comes to life in fascinating stories told in comicbook format filled with colorful characters and insightful life lessons.

Chanukah 2024

Week 4 of 4

Revisiting the timeless recipes of our beloved food columnist, Leah Stern, a”h

BASIC POTATO LATKES

This recipe is an oldie but goodie, with roots that are probably set in Europe. I’ve tried many versions over the years — those with flour in the batter, those served with applesauce, and many more. While these more exotic recipes come and go, this one is here to stay.

Yields 10 large or 20 medium latkes

INGREDIENTS

3 large potatoes

3 eggs

1 T. kosher salt

⅛–¼ tsp. black pepper

Oil for frying

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel and grate the potatoes, either in the food processor with the kugel blade or on the small shredder blade of a four-sided grater. Combine this with the remaining ingredients.

2. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.

3. Fry on medium-high heat until golden. Flip over and fry on the other side until all the latkes are done.

Around the Kitchen Table, by Leah Stern, a”h, is available at your local Judaica store.

BAAL SHEM TOV SHUL

CONGREGATION BAIS BARUCH invites you to join us as we welcome

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Prose Picture A CHANUKAH

Picture

תורנה ונא וללה ןיקילדמ

A light unto the nations, illuminating the darkest of nights

We light up the world with our Chanukah lights

A lingering glow from Hashem’s palace of yore

Our menorah bears the torch through every galus detour

And with this everlasting flame that we inherit

The zechus of the Geulah may we soon merit

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םיסינה תואלפנהלעלעו

Basking in the lichtalach’s glow

With spirited song, the emotions flow

Thanking Hashem for the wonders back then

Awakens a desire for closeness again

Each uplifting note, sung in perfect harmony

Dispels daily grind, inspires greater fervency

םהה םימיב הזה ןמזב

In a land faraway, a great miracle took place

In the battle against the Greeks, a victory we aced

It’s a story that happened millennia ago

Yet it’s a story that is ours, in our times also

The miracles that happened to us back then

Recur for us, Klal Yisroel, everywhere, every-when

הכונח ימי תנומש לכו

Eight days of miracles, eight days that attest

That we, as a nation, aren’t suppressed

By the laws of nature, which we defy

We are l’maaleh min ha’teva, that’s why!

For eight days we waited for oil’s manufacture

Setting a precedent for nissim forever after

The Greeks’ decrees targeted our purity

They wished to thrust us into defiled obscurity

Yet on Chanukah, as we bask in the glow

Gazing at our licht, we feel the kedusha flow

That is why we uniquely recite

This double directive, specifying sight

תודוהל ידכ ללהלו

Days of joy, days of praise

Let’s keep the flame of gratitude ablaze

By expressing our thanks, seeing only the good

Acknowledging Hashem as every Yid should Gloom is dispelled, banished to make way

For the brilliance of nissim to light up our day

רוצ זועמ ...יתעושי

Timeless words, each an inspiration

Moaz Tzur tells the story of our nation

Time and again, we were oppressed

Persecuted, annihilated, yet never suppressed It’s a song of hope, as we long and yearn

For the ultimate Geulah, with the Beis Hamikdash’s return

חכב אנא

Mired in galus, in this tefillah we implore

Hashem, how we wish to fulfill Your will to the core

Yet tangled as we are in the yetzer’s grasp

We beg You to untie the knots, undo the clasps

So we can, undisturbed, follow Your authority

And faithfully make Your ratzon our only priority

...רתסב בשוי ונידי

A segulah for protection in the Heavenly embrace

Saying Yoshev B’seser seven times showers us with grace U’maaseh yadeinu, in battle we were involved

Yet, konenah aleinu, Chanukah’s victory evolved —

Only through the blessings of Hakadosh Baruch Hu Who made the work of our hands successfully come through

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חצנמל תוניגנב

On a plate of gold, David was shown

This song engraved, by Hashem Alone

In the shape of a menorah it was designed

And whenever David went to war of any kind

He wore a golden copy as a shield of victory

And we echo his song for shemirah throughout history

EARLY CHANUKAH DEADLINE

ריש רומזמ תכונח דודל תיבה

It’s the time of year of the great celebration

The chanukas hamizbei’ach, the Beis Hamikdash’s rededication

The place where physical and spiritual meet

The center of the world, our nation’s heartbeat

We thank Hashem for our closeness back then

And daven the doors of His home open soon again

Bonus Chanukah

HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY SPEND THE HALF-HOUR AFTER LIGHTING THE MENORAH?

My husband has a minhag not to talk during the half-hour. So we sit and sing Chanukah songs together. Sometimes my daughter will play her guitar too. After the half-hour, I give a small gift or nosh to whoever participated. – A Reader

My husband sings and dances with the kids. We also buy some cheap Chanukah toys and give a new one each night for the children to play with after we light the menorah. The kids really look forward to getting these little trinkets. – D.G.

This half-hour is the highlight of my year. The entire family sits together, and the girls get to sing along since no brothers-in-law are present. – I.C.

We sing traditional zemiros, and then each child gets to choose a song that we all sing together. Afterward, if there is extra time, my husband tells Chanukah stories until the halfhour is up. – S.M.

First Tatty lights the menorah, and then each child gets a turn. This process takes a while, and by the time everyone has had their moment and received personal attention, the half-hour is nearly over. Once the half-hour is up, we have a lovely tradition: Throughout Chanukah, we eat dinner in the dining room with a nice tablecloth instead of dining at the kitchen table. The difference it makes is indescribable; it creates such a warm and inviting atmosphere! It helps us feel the Yom Tov, and our kids can’t wait for the Chanukah supper! – A Reader

This half-hour after lighting is my favorite part of Yom Tov. I’m not allowed to do much else, so the entire family sits, and we sing, dance and give attention to every kid individually. We so enjoy this sacred family time with the candles before us. It’s times like these when I feel the shelo asani goy so strongly! – Y.P.

My husband sings a lot of Skulener niggunim by the candles. It’s really beautiful. – A Reader We spend the time singing, and the half-hour passes very quickly. When the family was younger, we used to record the singing, but now we just relax and watch the dancing flames. – R.A.

IMAGINE UNIMAGINABL E THE

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Happy Chanukah!

Chaunah is a time of miracles, both hidden and revealed.

We Yidden live above teva, and every now and then, individually, we are lucky enough to encounter this truth.

In honor of Chanukah, we asked our writers to tell us about a time they were kissed by a miracle — and knew it.

Eight writers share stories of miraculous salvation

AVIVA NEIMAN

a chanukah spin

This story dates back more than a decade ago, to Chanukah the year I was 21. I worked in New Jersey at the time, and I had a 40-minute commute. It was dark and rainy when I left the office at the end of the work day, but I wasn’t too concerned since I knew the way home with my eyes closed. (Public service announcement: Don’t drive with your eyes closed.)

As I was merging onto the Garden State Parkway, I sped up a bit so that I could squeeze myself in between the cars that were rushing past me.

But as I tried to merge, I lost control of the car.

The pavement was wet, and I had been speeding up. The wheels lost traction, and the car hydroplaned across three lanes of traffic, spinning in a 180-degree arc at high speed. I saw headlights rushing toward me, and in the everlasting instant before the car crashed back down to the ground, I thought, “How can I possibly survive this moment? Whatever happens next is completely in Hashem’s hands.”

I landed in the left lane, facing traffic. Miraculously, nothing happened. My car didn’t get a single scratch, and neither did I. A good Samaritan pulled up behind me (which was really in front of me, because my car was now facing traffic). He hopped out, asked me if I was okay, and offered to turn my car around so I could merge back into traffic. My brain was screaming, Are you for real? There is no way I am ever getting back into the driver seat of my car again, let alone right now! But simultaneously, I knew that if I didn’t get back in my car right away, I would always be scared to make that first move.

I accepted his offer. He turned my car around, and I got back in and drove home without any further incident.

Usually, Hashem hides the miraculous nature of the world in daily routine. But sometimes, He upends the routine so we remember the miracle. One lane of traffic, three lanes of traffic — it’s all the same to Him. But it will never be the same for me again.

TALI EDELSTEIN

infused by a miracle

Living with a complicated medical condition was anything but fun, even if I knew it was temporary. But it did make things easier that I was receiving treatment at home. We were becoming pros at administering my IVs, and my kids enjoyed riding around the house on the IV pole when it wasn’t in use.

One afternoon, I was scheduled to start a new medication. The medicine had to be diluted in at least 500 milliliter of saline solution in order to be administered safely. We knew this, so to be on the safe side, we used a 1,000-millileter IV bag. Once the fluids were slowly dripping into my vein, my husband used the needle syringe to extract the medication from the glass ampule, and then carefully inserted the contents of the small syringe into the bag of fluid. Now, in addition to the saline solution, I would be receiving the medicine.

The only problem was that it didn’t occur to us to gently shake the bag of fluids to mix and dilute the medicine. Which meant that the undiluted medication was very concentrated at the bottom of the bag and began dripping straight into me.

Within moments I started feeling terribly sick. Extreme nausea clawed up my throat, and I became horrendously dizzy. The world started spinning, a roaring sound filled my ears, and suddenly my mouth became suffused with a bitter taste, as if I was taking the medication orally.

I was able to choke out the words, “I’m reacting badly to this,” as I lost consciousness. My husband was still in the room, and he heard me.

He says he’ll never forget what he saw when he turned around. My head and neck had swollen up and turned bright red. My head had fallen backward, and my eyes were rolling. It was clear that I had lost con-

happy cHanukah

From Town Supervisor Michael Specht

May the lights of the menorah illuminate your homes and bring joy to your families. Please remember to practice fire safety while lighting your menorahs.

Warm regards,

Michael Specht Town Supervisor of Ramapo

sciousness. Because Hashem had given me the ability to get out those few words before passing out, the first thing my husband did was stop the IV. Then he stood there, frozen in shock.

Finally I opened my eyes. Well, I felt as if I opened my eyes; my husband said they were open and rolling throughout the ordeal. But my world was black. As I came to, I couldn’t see — my vision was dark with tiny twinkling stars. The volume in my ears was strange; the sounds in the room (like my toddler screaming) were barely audible and very far away. I couldn’t move. My throat felt thick and my tongue was swollen.

But with Hashem’s kindness, I managed to utter the word “Benadryl.” As my vision came into focus, I saw my husband rushing to bring me the little pink pills. I tried to lift my hand to take them, but found I could not move my head, neck or hands. I opened my mouth, my husband put two Benadryl on my tongue, and gave me a sip from a water bottle. My eyes closed.

“Are you okay?”

The sounds were coming closer, louder, more normal-sounding. Speaking was too much of an effort, but I managed a thumbs-up without lifting my wrist to reassure him that I was there. For the next few minutes, we repeated this procedure every few seconds, until at last my eyes opened again.

My husband and I stared at each other as we each realized the magnitude of the miracle we’d just experienced. So many things came together, each one a miracle of its own: my husband was still in the room, I was able to recognize and inform him that there was a problem with the medicine, I knew what I needed and was able to ask for it, and, most importantly, I recovered quickly without requiring medical assistance.

The experience was terrifying, but the miracle was comforting beyond measure. In those few moments, we were never surer of Hashem’s love.

CHAYA SARA BEN SHACHAR

reappearing roots

In December of 2021, my son Chaim, who was two and a half years old at the time, lost the two teeth on either side of his front teeth after one of his siblings rode a scooter through his mouth on our porch.

I’ll spare you the gory details.

Nearly four years later, he was six years old, and the adult teeth still had not grown in. This actually didn’t concern me much, until a brilliant afternoon this past summer, when he was outside on our porch again, and he suddenly fell and banged his mouth.

The blood streaming out of his mouth evoked horrific and traumatic images of his previous injury. My husband offered to take him to the dentist, but the news wasn’t good when they returned.

“The dentist agreed to give his top two teeth a chance to heal, so that he won’t lose more teeth, but there’s a strong chance that they’ll need to be pulled,” my husband pronounced. “He’s not allowed to eat hard foods for two weeks, and we need to apply oxygen to his mouth every night plus administer antibiotics before bringing him back in for a recheck.”

Two weeks later, we were back at the dentist’s office.

The dentist took an x-ray of my son’s mouth. She shook her head. “One of his two top teeth has no roots. It needs to be extracted.”

I inhaled, then exhaled, then slowly closed my eyes. Only one tooth left in a space meant for four would make my son look like an old man.

A sudden flash of inspiration. The Lubavitcher Rebbe had often advised people to seek additional medical advice. “I want a second opinion,” I told the dentist.

The dentist shrugged. “Fine,” she agreed. “But there’s really not much to be done for a rootless tooth.”

Two days later, my son was seen by another dentist, who peered at the x-ray from the other clinic.

“There’s no root there, and that means it’s unsalvageable,” he said. “But just to be on the safe side, I’d like to x-ray the tooth again.”

The dentist took the x-ray and then looked at the screen.

“Are you sure that the x-ray you brought me is of your son’s teeth?” the dentist asked. “Not someone else’s?”

I was sure.

“Well, congratulations. Today’s x-ray shows that your son’s teeth still have roots. There’s no need for an extraction.”

Six months later, Chaim’s front teeth are still healthy and strong. He still has that endearing smile. I hope there will be no more dental adventures, but every time I look at his mouth, I see a miracle.

CHANA GOODMAN

unveiled

I’m not sure if a menorah was an official chasan gift back when we got married. It may have been an “unofficial” chasan gift. In any case, my husband didn’t get one.

We actually got married on Chanukah, so I suppose a menorah would have been especially apropos. And while I remember lighting the menorah together during sheva brachos, neither of us can remember what menorah he actually lit.

When Chanukah came around the following year, the menorah question came around too.

“You probably have one from your bar mitzvah,” I said. He said he didn’t.

The first night of Chanukah, he came home with a small oil menorah from Amazing Savings. It served us well in our small apartment. In time it would be joined by a painted pink menorah and colorful candles. When we moved a few years later, we took with us the Amazing Savings menorah, the pink menorah, and by then also a small blue menorah. One Chanukah after another came and went, and those menorahs were joined by other little menorahs. Through it all, the Amazing Savings menorah remained.

“You can barely see it at the window,” one of my older kids complained last year. My husband and I went outside to look, and my husband announced that it was fine.

I wasn’t so sure, though. I also thought it was time for my husband to have a real menorah. But I wasn’t going to make such a large purchase on my own. I brought it up to my husband a few times, but characteristically, he insisted that he didn’t want or need a new menorah.

That year, we spent Shabbos Chanukah at my in-laws. On Motzei Shabbos, I asked my motherin-law if she knows if my husband has a menorah from his bar mitzvah.

“There are a few up in that cabinet, but I don’t know whose is whose.” She motioned toward a high cabinet in the kitchen.

To humor me, my husband climbed up and took down two small brass menorahs.

“Look again! Look again!” the kids cheered. He climbed up again.

“There’s another one back here,” he said, voice muffled. “It’s big.”

To our amazement, he brought down a large

silver menorah, about two feet tall. We set it on the kitchen island. It was a gorgeous art-deco silver menorah that hadn’t been used in 30 years, maybe more.

“I haven’t seen that one in years. I think it was my father’s. Now it’s yours!” my mother-in-law announced.

It would have been perfect, but it was missing the cup for the shamash. Maybe, we decided, we could take it to the silver store and have one made.

“Let’s look one more time,” my husband said.

He looked in all the high cabinets and low drawers, rummaging among old Kiddush cups and forgotten Havdalah candle holders. We held our breath.

“Found it!” He placed a perfect shamash in the menorah. It was like finding the pach shemen itself.

We took the menorah home the next day. I polished it, and on Zos Chanukah, my husband lit it. Finally, a menorah of our own, which glowed magnificently with the light of this miracle.

AS TOLD TO BAILY KARPEN

a mix-up mi racle

The day after I arrived home with my fourth baby, my cozy postpartum haze was shattered by a phone call from Albany. The New York Department of Health was concerned about an irregularity in the bloodwork done at the hospital. My baby’s thyroid levels were irregular, and they were concerned about hypothyroidism. I needed to get the baby checked out properly, they said.

In the grip of roiling hormones, my mind didn’t feel like my own. My baby was sick? How was that possible? He looked gorgeous.

Insanity set in. I would go to the doctor — but not today. First the baby would have his bris, and then I would send the children off to school. After that, I’d go to my trusted pediatrician and decide what my next step would be.

But a day after the bris, my pediatrician was on the phone. Early treatment was crucial, he explained. I needed to bring the baby in right away.

It made complete sense. Except that I wasn’t completely sane.

“My baby looks fine!” I insisted.

But the doctor was persistent; this was a condition whose symptoms only developed later, he explained.

I told him I’d come the next day, but then something came up. The day after, something else came up. And then again.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur came and went. My hands were busy feeding little mouths and building Playmobil towers. The Department of Health’s phone number kept appearing on my ID.

A week after Sukkos, the kids were back in school, the endless Erev Yom Tovs were over, my baby was seven weeks old, and the mental haze cleared. It suddenly sank in that my baby needed medical attention. I made the appointment with my heart pounding. The receptionist literally applauded when I walked through the door.

The doctor examined my little Shimmy, and then gave me a referral to a thyroid specialist in a different part of the clinic.

Only once I was settled in the pediatric endocrinologist’s waiting room did I glance at the papers my pediatrician had given me.

To my surprise, the name on top of the paper was “Judy Griffin,” followed by my baby’s date of birth, September 8.

Confused, I went over to the receptionist.

“It’s usual to put the mother’s name and then the baby’s DOB on the form,” she explained. “Because the baby didn’t have a legal name yet in the hospital.”

“But that’s not my name!” I said. “My name is Judy Gruen!”

It took a few phone calls and emails, but soon I was on my way home with my completely healthy baby boy, who definitely did not need to see an endocrinologist.

The Department of Health had made a mistake, matching the bloodwork of Judy Griffin’s baby to the contact information of Judy Gruen.

My baby was fine! I sang Hallel on the way home, trembling with joy. It may have appeared to be a simple mix up, but I knew it was no mistake — it was a miracle.

MALKA NEWMAN

left lane mi racle

Afew years ago, my family spent the summer roadtripping out in the Midwest.

One night, we were out in Indiana, staying in a quaint bread and breakfast surrounded by cornfields. Those who have been to Indiana know there isn’t much there aside from corn; the roads are mostly bare, save for the occasional Amish buggy or big rig transporting goods to and from the corn farms.

We were settling down for the night when we realized our son’s sippy cup was gone. The perks of being in the middle of nowhere are many, but convenience isn’t one of them. My husband got dressed and headed outside to the car, in search of a pharmacy or convenience store that was still open. My sleepy four-year-old went along for the ride, and I stayed behind to (attempt to) get the others to bed.

The roads were dark and deserted, and it had been a long day. My husband turned on a shiur as he drove and drove, in search of something, anything, that would be open at this hour out there in the boondocks. At one point, he absently switched into the left lane, not realizing that in these parts, the narrow stretch of road was designed as one lane in each direction, and not two parallel lanes, as we were used to.

There, in the middle of Nowheresville, Indiana, my husband drove along on the left side of the road for quite some time, unaware and undisturbed. Then the road curved, and suddenly, around the bend, he found himself face to face with a massive tanker. Both vehicles were driving too fast, and there wasn’t much place to go. With tremendous siyata d’Shmaya, my husband managed to yank the car back into the right lane with seconds to spare. He then pulled over, shaking, and called me. It was nothing short of a neis

At the time, the shiur playing in the car was one of Rav Shimshon Pincus’s on Shabbos Malkesa. Since then, my husband accepted upon himself to learn from that sefer every single day, to always remember the miracle.

AS TOLD TO RAIZY FRIEDMAN

drowning in nissim

Every summer when we go up to the country, it takes me a few days to get totally settled in, especially because day camp doesn’t start right away, which means I have to do all the unpacking with everyone underfoot. Last year was no different.

But Thursday finally arrived, the first day of day camp. I waved goodbye to the big kids and deposited three-year-old Mindy at the little kids division of the day camp house. She was happy to let me leave, surrounded by all the new friends she’d met on the colony’s grounds over the past week.

Everyone came back to the bungalow for lunch, and then I helped them change for swimming. I smiled as they left the bungalow, pretending not to notice the piles of clothing on the floor, and got to work peeling carrots for chicken soup.

I don’t know how much time passed, but soon I became aware of a lot of noise from outdoors: yelling, sirens, chaos. I looked outside. Something had happened at the pool. Women were running, Hatzolah was there; I heard the insistent, repeated ringing of phones and terse, cracking commands from the radios.

It was every mother’s worst nightmare. And it was Mindy.

My Mindy. My very little baby girl, my three-year-old princess. She was alive — barely. Hanging by a thread.

They took Mindy by chopper to Westchester Trauma Center. My husband accompanied her while I stayed behind to manage the rest of the family. The tears came fast and furious. The entire colony was saying Tehillim; the entire world, I later found out, was saying Tehillim. But all I could do was cry.

The doctors weren’t optimistic; Mindy’s situation was grim. In the meantime, my husband got in touch with the chevra kadisha. But still, we didn’t give up. As long as she was alive, maybe, hopefully, we’d have a miracle.

We got our miracle.

It wasn’t just a miracle. It was a neis gadol. By Sunday afternoon, Mindy walked out of Westchester Trauma Center on her own two feet. It felt unreal, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

It took a couple of days for Mindy to return to her previous sunny self. She was clingy, and I refused to let her go anywhere without me all of Monday. On Tuesday, I accompanied her to day camp and stayed with her. I was shaken to the core, and I found myself sobbing inexplicably every couple of hours.

Wednesday morning, Mindy turned to wave goodbye to me as she ran into day camp, and I knew it was time to move on. As I sorted piles of laundry and organized the pantry, my husband called. Would we be able to host an Israeli bochur for Shabbos?

He was in America, collecting for his wedding, and wanted to spend Shabbos at our centrally located colony in Fallsburg in order to go collecting in the area on Friday and Sunday.

I usually hosted easily; we had the space, and what’s another piece of chicken or plate of cholent? But this week, I was still shaky, still weepy. The house was a mess, and I wanted routine, peace and quiet, maybe even store-bought fish to make things easier for myself. Host? I wasn’t sure.

But then my husband mentioned what a big mitzvah it would be, and honestly, after Hashem had done a miracle for my child, I felt it was only right to do something for one of His children in return.

Yankel arrived on Thursday night. Throughout Shabbos, he was polite and gracious, but it was hectic, my children were rowdy, and I didn’t pay him much attention.

Motzei Shabbos, my husband and Yankel came home from shul, both of them pale but smiling. The story came out in little pieces, as they both kept interrupting each other.

During shalosh seudas at our bungalow colony’s shul, Yankel had overheard two men making a l’chaim, mentioning, specifically, a drowning miracle.

“Wait.” Yankel turned to the man who’d mentioned the neis. “Did someone in this colony drown last week? A child?”

The man nodded soberly.

“And? How is she?” the usually quiet bochur pressed.

“She’s doing just fine, she’s back to herself. It was a real neis! Why, how did you hear about it?”

“Last Thursday at approximately five o’clock,” Yankel recounted, “I was in a shul in Brooklyn, collecting. There were men gathering for Mincha, and one older man lashed out at me for no good reason. He called me names, telling me to go back to Eretz Yisroel and stop wasting everyone’s time. It was humiliating.

“Suddenly, a yungerman approached me, holding his cell phone in his hand. ‘Please don’t answer,’ the yungerman said. ‘I know that man humiliated you, but I just got a text about a child who drowned in a pool and needs rachmei Shamayim Please don’t answer, and let your busha be a zechus for Mindel bas Yittel, l’refuah sheleimah.

“I stood there, heart pounding, angry words on the tip of my tongue — but then I swallowed. I could do this as a zechus. I would do this. I davened Mincha, left the shul, and by the next day, I had completely forgotten about the incident.

“Now, when I heard the two men discussing a drowning miracle, I needed to know whether it was related to the little girl I had in mind when I refrained from answering back. And, indeed, the man told me that the girl is actually my Shabbos host’s daughter!”

The miracle had come full circle.

GOLDY SWIMER

mi raculously normal

“

Had the doctor not gotten him to breathe just then, it would’ve been

o-ver,” the woman in the pink turban proclaimed.

We were in the Aishes Chayil feeding room, cradling our sweet-smelling bundles. As usual, there was one woman holding court. I was no newcomer to the place, and I found it amusing each time again how social dynamics naturally fell into place.

Pink Turban was describing a morning gone horribly awry, and how nurses and doctors tried frantically to save the life of her baby. In the nick of time, Hashem had sent the yeshuah, and days later, her baby was just another squalling bundle in the nursery, cuddled by a weary mommy.

“A miracle,” breathed a woman wearing a sparkly black snood. “You really had a neis!”

A murmur rippled across the room. Yes, this woman had experienced a miracle.

My blue uniformed baby suddenly squeaked, lazily unfolding his muscles into a satisfying stretch. More chicken than child, my wee man had little care for the tales being spun around him in the great, cavernous room. He simply wanted his diaper changed. I picked up the tiny fella.

“And what of you, little mister?” I whispered into his round, red ears. “Are you not a miracle, too?”

I had no dramatic story to tell, nothing nearly as heartstopping, fingernail-biting, or mesmerizing as the tale Pink Turban had told. My little human and I were blessedly “regular.”

Five years ago, when my mother was ill, doctors told us she’d need a miracle to pull through. B’chasdei Hashem, she did. But wasn’t my own health a bigger miracle still? That I did not need to avail myself of medicine’s greatest innovations to keep me alive? That the term “as natural as breathing” was a reality I took for granted?

The biggest neis I see is sheb’chol yom u’manu, the great chasadim He does so casually for us each day. The hum and beat of regular life, the ice-covered roads that melt before sunrise, fluffy challos, and the flames I remember to shut before I retire for the night.

It’s a miracle that I don’t need a miracle.

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It was after 1 a.m. when longtime mohel Rabbi Twersky’s phone rang. The voice on the other end was familiar, but hard to identify.

“Who is this?” Rabbi Twersky asked, groping for his glasses on the nightstand.

“Hi, Rabbi Twersky. It’s Dovid Pretter. I’m sorry for calling so late. Trust me, if it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t have woken you.”

Now Rabbi Twersky was fully awake. He had done brissim for several of Dovid Pretter’s sons over the years; what could make the man call him in the middle of the night?

“Rabbi Twersky, I have a question. Would you be able to do a bris for an adult? A 28-year-old?”

“Um, a Yid?”

“Yes, a special Yid. A ba’al teshuvah.”

Rabbi Twersky thought fast.

“Well, I have a bris in the morning, so the early morning won’t work, and then I have to go say a shiur — I can’t cancel that. Maybe in the evening?”

“No, no, it needs to be a bit earlier. The man has a flight to catch at 7:00 p.m.”

Rabbi Twersky paused.

“What about 2:00 p.m.? Is he available then?”

The arrangements were made, with Dovid Pretter promising to follow up with a location sometime mid-morning. Rabbi Twersky made some early-morning phone calls to a fellow experienced mohel, just as backup in case assistance was needed.

All the while, he wondered: What made a 28-year-old ba’al teshuvah ask for a bris on such short notice?

The story Rabbi Twersky heard the next day touched his very soul.

Rabbi Mordechai Stein was an avreich who dabbled in chinuch He had developed a program that was devoted to the teaching of the 39 melachos that are forbidden on Shabbos. In the mornings, he would travel to different schools, presenting his ideas and getting leads. He also trained rebbeim and created a rewards program for the boys who learned the 39 melachos according to his curricular setup. Life was simple and routine.

One day, Reb Mordechai’s phone rang. On the other end of the line was none other than his

Rosh Yeshivah, the venerable Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach.

“Yes, how can I help you?” Reb Mordechai asked humbly. Other than sharing the simchas of his children’s births, and asking a couple of sheilos about his curricular work over the years, he hadn’t had much personal shaychus with the Rosh Yeshiva.

“I need your help,” the Rosh Yeshivah said.

Reb Mordechai listened as the Rosh Yeshivah described the plight of an agunah who was waiting for her divorce for several years. The husband was a difficult person, and besides refusing to grant his wife a get, he seemed to have also slipped out of town.

“What does the Rosh Yeshivah think I can do?” Reb Mordechai said. “I’m just a simple fellow living in Lakewood. I have no connections, no leads. There’s no way I can help this situation.”

“Still…” the Rosh Yeshivah responded.

Reb Mordechai felt uncomfortable, but this was way bigger than him.

ALL THE WHILE, HE WONDERED: WHAT MADE A 28-YEAR-OLD BA’AL TESHUVAH ASK FOR A BRIS ON SUCH SHORT NOTICE?

Regretfully, he explained the impossibility of the situation to Reb Shmuel, and then returned to his regular life, scratching his head in wonder about the conversation that soon slipped his mind completely.

It was a few months later that Rabbi Stein and his family settled into a rental apartment in Eretz Yisroel. They had come for a family simcha, but Reb Mordechai planned to push in some businessrelated tasks as well.

The knock at his door was unexpected. Hardly anyone knew where they were staying; who could it be?

He opened the door and drew

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back, surprised. “Rabbi Auerbach?”

Rabbi Auerbach smiled. “In person. Shalom aleichem, Reb Mordechai. How are you, and how was your flight?”

Reb Mordechai was uncomfortable. What would make the Rosh Yeshivah come, in person, to visit him? Had something happened?

“Come in, Rebbi. Can I offer you a drink?”

eyes were pools of sympathy as he waited for Rabbi Auerbach to finish his tale.

“And now, I have this talmid, Reb Mordechai, who lives in America. I think he is the perfect candidate to help locate the missing husband and assist the agunah in getting a divorce. But he doesn’t want to do it. I want a psak from the Rav. Should he or should he not get involved?”

REB MORDECHAI WAS UNCOMFORTABLE. WHAT WOULD MAKE THE ROSH YESHIVAH COME, IN PERSON, TO VISIT HIM? HAD SOMETHING HAPPENED?

“No, no, thank you, Reb Mordechai. I’ve come to ask you for a small favor. Do you care to join me for a little trip? Do you have an hour or so?”

Reb Mordechai didn’t think twice. If the Rosh Yeshivah asked, you went.

“Yes, yes of course, I’ll be ready in a minute.”

Shoes, tie, jumble, run. He called his wife to explain the situation, then hurried out the door to accompany the Rosh Yeshivah on an unknown jaunt.

Rabbi Auerbach hailed a taxi, and soon he was counting shekels for the journey.

“Please, just let me pay,” Reb Mordechai said, uncomfortable with all the secrecy.

A minute later, the secret was out, and the two walked into Rav Elyashiv’s humble living room. Reb Mordechai was completely mystified. What was this visit all about?

Rabbi Auerbach sat down and explained the circumstances of a specific agunah’s plight, including all the sadness, the unknowns and the unfairness of the situation. The gadol hador’s

Rav Elyashiv looked thoughtful, but his reply was instantaneous.

“Yes. I pasken that he needs to do whatever he can to free the agunah. It is a big mitzvah, a big zechus.”

Two weeks later, Reb Mordechai Stein was on the phone with every last askan and macher that could help the case. With Rabbi Auerbach’s and Rav Elyashiv’s urgings ringing in his ears, he wasn’t going to let this zechus slip over him.

It didn’t take very long. Soon the elusive husband was located, but that didn’t mean he was willing to engage with the askanim. The man had obviously been slacking off in Yiddishkeit for some time, and he adamantly refused to give his wife the desperately needed get

“What does this man do for parnassah?” Reb Mordechai asked an askan late one night. Maybe they could offer him some bribe, a big work opportunity, in exchange for the get

“He’s in the publishing line. Editing, printing, something along those lines.”

In a flash of clarity, Reb Mordechai

knew what he needed to do.

The next afternoon, he called the recalcitrant man from a different phone number, posing as an innocent customer. He described his 39 melachos project in depth, and then asked the man if he’d be willing to edit his work and help him publish a book on the 39 melachos.

The man was interested, and a meeting was set up. Soon, the agunah’s husband found himself in Reb Mordechai’s living room, where a beis din had been pre-arranged. The atmosphere was tense as the man realized he’d been fooled into showing up at beis din. He tried to run, but the askanim wouldn’t let him leave unless he released his wife.

Angrily, the man did as he was told, and left, seething.

As the l’chaim cups were raised, the men wondered if they had seen the last of the man. Mr. Ex-Husband didn’t look like the kind of person who tolerated things that didn’t go his way.

It turned out to be the beginning of a long and painful parsha. The man had gone to the authorities, armed with a top lawyer and a furious agenda. The weeks passed with legal fees and desperate tribulations, but in the end, Reb Mordechai Stein was sentenced to five years of prison for various crimes he had never committed.

Thus began a black period. Reb Mordechai found himself in a horrible situation he could never have imagined in his wildest nightmares.

One day, in prison, Reb Mor-

dechai noticed a man with a long gray beard and yarmulke visiting the inmates. After a minute, though, he realized that this was no rabbi; instead, it was, l’havdil, a Muslim imam who was visiting the inmates. Reb Mordechai tried avoiding the man, who approached him and broached different faithbased discussions.

“Listen,” Reb Mordechai told the imam, frustrated by his attempts at conversation. “The Jewish nation has been around since the times of Abraham. Different nations have tried to finish us off, but they’ve never succeeded. I’m not going to waver in my beliefs. Let’s just leave each other alone. Please don’t bother me, and I will try not to bother you.”

THE MAN HAD OBVIOUSLY BEEN SLACKING OFF IN YIDDISHKEIT FOR SOME TIME, AND HE ADAMANTLY REFUSED TO GIVE HIS WIFE THE DESPERATELY NEEDED GET

The imam left, disappointed. A few days later, however, he was back.

“Listen, Jew guy,” he said. “I’ve left you a book on the Koran that is sure to interest you. Just read it, and then see if you haven’t changed your mind about your religion.”

A Yid I was born, and a Yid I will die, Reb Mordechai thought, but to the imam, he just nodded his thanks, intent on getting back to the Gemara he was learning.

When it was time to go back to his sleeping quarters, Reb Mordechai found the offending book in his locker. He quickly removed it, intent on throwing it away, but then he noticed a handwritten sheaf of papers stuck into the cover.

Curiously, he started reading, and slowly, beads of perspiration appeared on his brow. The words

Healthy Relationship CHECKLIST:

I am treated with respect.

I feel heard and cared for.

I have a separate identity with unique needs and interests.

I can take time and space for myself. I can express an opinion even if it means disagreeing. I can change my mind.

I can set limits that feel right to me.

I feel safe in my relationship at all times.

WHEN IT WAS TIME TO GO BACK TO HIS SLEEPING QUARTERS, REB MORDECHAI FOUND THE OFFENDING BOOK IN HIS LOCKER.

HE QUICKLY REMOVED IT, INTENT ON THROWING IT AWAY

were shrouded in depth, analyzing the Islamic religion with a thorough explanation that belied its meaning.

This wasn’t written by the imam, Reb Mordechai thought. This was the work of a Yiddishe kup!

The next time the imam visited, Reb Mordechai verified the identity of the handwritten papers in the book.

“Those?” The imam asked. “They were written by the prisoner in cell 24.”

Soon Reb Mordechai was knocking at the door to cell 24. A young man dressed in full Muslim garb greeted him with a handshake.

“I’m Mordechai,” Reb Mordechai said, by way of introduction, holding the handwritten papers he had discovered. “And who are you?”

“Ahmed,” the other man answered.

Reb Mordechai grasped the hand that the man extended.

“That’s not the name you were given at birth, is it? What’s your real name?”

Ahmed flinched, discomfort flitting over his features. “Why do you ask?”

“I’ve read your writing; I can tell a thing or two. You’re Jewish, aren’t you?’

“Samuel. Sammy.” The information came out in a whisper.

answered. “I’m a Muslim believer.”

The compromise that followed was an agreement of sorts; Ahmed would share insights from the Koran with Reb Mordechai for a half hour each day, followed by a half hour of Torah learning.

The arrangement lasted for all of two weeks, after which Ahmed agreed that there was no need to continue with the Koran teachings. The Torah spoke to his soul, and his search for truth was finally over.

The days dragged on endlessly, but the bright light of Torah helped Reb Mordechai and his new friend Samuel survive the interminable motions known as prison.

After three years of indescribable pain, Reb Mordechai was released to his house. Life didn’t go back to normal; there were afterpains and postprison-pangs complete with check-ins and bureaucracy, but Reb Mordechai strengthened his emunah and got into the swing of family life once again.

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The conversation continued with Reb Mordechai wheedling an unwilling Sammy into a chavrusashaft

“Just an hour each day. It’s a pity for you not to know about your birthright! You’re a Jew!”

“It means nothing to me,” Ahmed

A short time later, Samuel was released from prison as well. He returned to his old home in Minneapolis, but he was a new man. Reb Mordechai put him in touch with various kiruv organizations, and soon he was learning with a chavrusa and had regular shiurim online as well.

The weeks and months blurred into a year. Reb Mordechai Stein’s daughter got engaged to a wonderful bochur, and invitations were duly dispatched. Samuel made plans to attend his good friend’s daughter’s wedding. It was a

complex process for an ex-prisoner who needed to file papers and present his itinerary for oversight and approval, but it was well worth the effort.

The wedding was a true simcha, with an uplifting Yiddishe ta’am. Samuel was blown away by the authenticity of the wedding itself, and by the Lakewood community as well. Reb Mordechai had asked a family friend, Mr. Dovid Pretter, to host Samuel in his home, and the two hit it off in no time.

Late at night, after the wedding was over, Dovid chauffeured Samuel around to see some famous Lakewood sights. BMG, the various shuls and the

fice so many things for Yiddishkeit! But what about the foundation?”

Haltingly, Samuel admitted to the fear, the worry, the discomfort and the excuses. There weren’t any local mohalim where he lived, and — and — and —

“What if I could get someone to do a bris for you tomorrow? Would you agree?”

Samuel’s eyes popped open. “Tomorrow? I have a flight out at seven in the evening. I can’t change it; the authorities would go wild. And it’s past 1 a.m. already. How do you think that could happen?”

Dovid pressed. “If I can arrange it,

A SHORT TIME LATER, SAMUEL WAS RELEASED FROM PRISON AS WELL. HE RETURNED TO HIS OLD HOME IN MINNEAPOLIS, BUT HE WAS A NEW MAN

kosher mega supermarkets that were still open all fascinated Samuel.

“Is there a mikvah?” Samuel asked.

“Yes, of course, have you never seen one?”

“Not a big one,” Samuel answered.

“Did you not go to a mikvah after your bris?” Dovid asked. “Wait, when did you have your bris?”

Samuel looked uncomfortable, but Dovid pressed on.

“You’ve had a bris, right?”

Dumbly, Samuel shook his head. Dovid stared at Samuel, shocked. “Wait. You’re basically a frum Yid who’s keeping Shabbos, walking almost an hour each way to shul for the tefillos. You eat only kosher, even though the variety isn’t very impressive where you live. You learn Daf Yomi, you have a chavrusa. You sacri-

are you willing to go ahead with it?”

Samuel smiled, a wide, open smile.

“It sounds beyond belief, but if you can do that, then yes, that would be amazing.”

And so it came to be that Rabbi Twersky got a phone call in the middle of the night, asking him if he could still, somehow, push a bris into his schedule before Samuel’s plane would depart.

There was nary a dry eye at the small minyan around the table when Reb Mordechai Stein and Shmuel finished their story.

At times, it may be hard to see yad Hashem in the darkness of a moment, yet the rays of another Yiddishe neshamah rejoining the covenant where he belonged lit the bris seudah celebration with an otherworldly light.

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The Monsey View

Whether you’re planning a Chanukah party with your own kids or with extended family, there’s nothing like adding a bit of oomph to the program.

Here are a variety of game and goodie ideas that are simple to prepare, yet make the party so inviting and exciting.

LIBBY TESCHER

PartyPoppers

Quick and easy activities that can be planned just before your party. No advance preparation necessary.

Sip It All Up

YOU WILL NEED:

Small water bottles (one for each participant)

2 boxes of straws

List of scenarios detailing life preferences that can be categorized as either luxury or necessity

SAMPLE SCENARIOS:

HOW TO PLAY:

The one leading the game reads the list of scenarios aloud, one at a time. If the scenario announced is a necessity for you, you must take a straw. If it’s a luxury, you should not take a straw. Every new straw you take should be connected to the previous one, until you’ll be left with a super long straw.

When done listing the scenarios and taking straws, all participants, at the count of three, begin drinking from their water bottles with their now-long straw. The one who finishes first is the winner! (Of course, the winner will be the one with the least necessities.)

I must drink a coffee before my kids get breakfast: luxury or necessity?

I must have a cleaning lady on Friday: luxury or necessity?

My kids must have their new winter coats before Sukkos: luxury or necessity?

2

YOU WILL NEED:

Yarn, ribbon or any kind of string

Dreidel

HOW TO PLAY:

First, decide what topic each letter on the dreidel will represent (your chosen topics will depend on the players’ ages). One example when playing with adults would be: hei = household; nun = nature; gimmel = grocery; shin = Shabbos.

Second, decide on three conversation-style words that won’t be allowed to be used by the players on their turn. (These should be words like “um,” “but” and “whatever.)

The first player spins the dreidel and begins talking about the topic indicated. As he begins to speak, he takes the spool of yarn and starts wrapping it around his finger. As long as he speaks, he can continue wrapping the yarn around his finger, stopping only when he mistakenly uses one of the three forbidden words. At that point, the yarn is cut, and the spool and dreidel are handed to the next player.

At the end of the game, the player with the longest string is the winner!

3

Talking Time Dollar Scoop

YOU WILL NEED:

Spatula

Cutting board

Dollars

Scarf

HOW TO PLAY:

Spread dollar bills in one area of the table, and blindfold a brave volunteer. Place the cutting board in their left hand and the spatula in their right hand. The blindfolded player then gets one minute to pick up as many bills from the table as possible, using the spatula to transfer the bills to the cutting board. The player gets to keep all the money picked up!

For added fun, include higher denomination bills or lottery cards in the pile. It’s anyway challenging to successfully transfer anything to the cutting board. (You can put some of those aside to be added at a later point so all players get a fair chance at winning something bigger. One of the first players might get lucky; you never know…)

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Problem Solving 4

YOU WILL NEED:

Colorful paper bags

Pens

Little knick-knacks or prizes

HOW TO PLAY:

Each person gets a paper bag and writes a problem onto the front of the bag. Then all bags are collected, and one knick-knack is placed into each bag. Finally, the bags are handed out again, and each participant needs to give a solution to the problem written on the bag based on the item inside the bag. If you offer a good solution to the problem, you get to keep the prize in the bag.

SAMPLE SCENARIO:

Problem: I don’t have enough space in my car.

In my bag I got a soft, squeezable doll, so the solution can be: Tell everyone to squish together.

Mens Gifting Redefined

PartyFavors

Party favors like these will add that creative touch to your table decor, all while providing a round of fun.

1

Doughnut Towers

YOU WILL NEED:

Doughnuts

Doughnut stands (optional)

Doughnut boxes

Cards

Pens

HOW TO PLAY:

Display a collection of doughnuts on the table. Make sure to have doughnut boxes at the ready. Every person is given a card with a name on it, along with the instructions that they may not show their card to anyone else. Next, they should write a “l’hodos u’lehallel ” to the person whose name is on their card. When their card is ready, they should choose a doughnut from the table, pack it into a box, and place their card on top. Then the doughnuts should be handed over to the correct recipient.

For a fun twist, put the same name (e.g., Tatty, Zeidy, Bubby, etc.) on all the cards. When the boxes and cards are filled and ready, on the count of three, all the boxes should be handed over at once. After reading the cards, the very happy recipient can then hand out all of the doughnuts.

Baby Seats

YOU WILL NEED:

Baby pictures

Pens

Paper

HOW TO PLAY:

Collect baby photos from everyone attending your party. Use those photos to create place cards (size 3” x 5”), and add a number to each card. Finally, give all participants a paper with the numbers listed, and ask them to fill out a seating chart based on their guesses of which baby photo belongs to whom.

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3

Tea Time

YOU WILL NEED:

Sachet bags (get ones that match your color scheme)

Tea bags

Biscuits

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill each sachet bag with two biscuits and a tea bag. Then create a tag that says “Dearest Zeidy and Bubby,” add a few blank lines, and then finish off with the words “With warm wishes for a lichtige Chanukah.” Finally, add these tags to the sachet bags.

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Tziporah is a world renowned sought after nutrition expert specializing in healing Crohn’s & Colitis. She is endorsed by Rabbanim and GI Drs in Manhattan, NJ, NY and Cleveland Clinic.

At the party, young and old should fill in their notes, which they hand over before they leave.

PartyPleasers

These are ideas for little souvenirs guests should prepare for each other before the party. It’s always nice to leave with something in hand!

1

Chocolate Collection

This is great for a party with Bubby. Every person attending the party should buy any kind of chocolate in advance, and prepare a note that connects the chocolate with one of Bubby’s qualities.

At the party, prepare a large basket or tray, along with a large note that says:

NO MATTER THE QUESTION, CHOCOLATE IS THE ANSWER.

NO MATTER THE QUESTION, BUBBY IS THE ANSWER!

As guests arrive, they should add their chocolate to the basket or tray. At the end of the party, Bubby will leave with a large collection of chocolate and notes full of love.

SUGGESTIONS:

Mint chocolate: Bubby you’re worth a mint!

Chocolate coins: Bubby, you’re worth a million!

Chocolate leaves: Bubby is a strong link in our mesorah!

Get creative; this is a great opportunity to show Bubby how much you love her, value who she is, and appreciate what she does.

Gift Cards

2 3

Galore

Every person attending the party should purchase a $5 gift card at any store. Have them wrap it up and write a short poem or a riddle that hints at the store from which the card came.

At the party, each person reads their riddle or poem, and whoever guesses the store gets to keep the gift card. Have fun guessing and gifting!

Get a Book

Each guest is called in advance with the name of someone else attending the party, along with the instructions that they should buy a book (it can be a cheap children’s book) for that person. The book title should somehow be connected to the recipient or their name, and the one giving the book should write a short poem or riddle that hints at the link.

At the party, each guest takes a turn to show the book they bought and read their poem or riddle out loud. The rest of the crowd then needs to guess for whom the book was bought. The best part is that each guest at this party will walk out with a new book.

CHAPTER 4 OF 6

Moshe commits to a five-minute daily workout between sessions.

Ring. Ring.

I glanced at my phone. Moshe. This was not likely to be good.

I wasn’t scheduled to see him for another three days. Why was he calling now? Was he quitting on me? If he gave up now, did that mean I failed?

“Hi, Moshe,” I said, forcing my most professional tone. “How are you doing?”

“Not good,” he snapped, his voice sharp, like he’d been holding it in all day. “I don’t know what you did, but my back hasn’t stopped hurting.”

I winced. Moshe wasn’t entirely sold on this whole exercise thing to begin with. Now he had proof — pain, the very thing he had been trying to avoid.

I kept my voice calm. “Moshe, I’m really sorry to hear that. Back pain is no joke. Can you tell me what happened yesterday?”

“What does yesterday have to do with it?” Moshe’s voice spiked, making me hold the phone away from my ear. His irritation was rising fast.

I glanced at my desk. No way I could handle this while sitting inside. Standing up, I walked toward the window, the warmth of the sun on my face as I stepped outside.

“Well, we met three days ago, right? It’s normal to feel sore the day after, as we discussed. But since it’s been a few days, I just want to figure out what might have happened yesterday.”

Moshe huffed. “Nothing different happened. I did the workout like you told me to, and the rest of the day was normal. I don’t know what you did to me.”

I did the workout. On his own. A sense of victory

flickered in my mind — but that quickly faded as I realized he must have pushed too hard or moved wrong.

“Wait, you worked out yesterday? That’s awesome, Moshe!” I tried to shine a light on the win.

“Awesome?” Moshe shot back. “I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck. Every single move I make today feels like a knife in my back.”

I couldn’t help but empathize. I’ve had my share of those days, the ones where your muscles scream at you for overdoing it. But I had learned to love the soreness that feels like progress. For Moshe, though, it was just pain. No satisfaction. No sense of accomplishment. Just misery.

“I get it, Moshe,” I said, my tone softer now. “It’s actually really common to feel fine right after the workout and only feel the pain a day or two later.”

“That may be, but I can’t do this,” Moshe grumbled. “I can’t afford to be in this much pain. It’s not worth it.”

I could hear it — his motivation slipping away, the frustration overriding any sense of achievement. It’s always tough when someone doesn’t see the point because the pain blocks out everything else. I needed to help him see past it, but first, I had to get him comfortable again.

“Look, I totally understand. It’s hard to keep pushing when you’re in pain like this. I don’t know exactly what happened in your workout yesterday, but for now, let’s focus on getting you some relief. Does that sound good?”

There was a brief pause. I could hear the tension in his silence. “I don’t even remember exactly what I did. All I know

I COULD HEAR IT - HIS MOTIVATION SLIPPING AWAY, THE FRUSTRATION OVERRIDING ANY SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT

is that I’m in pain. What should I do?”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Okay, since I won’t see you until next week, let’s take it easy. No intense movements, alright? But some gentle stretches could help. Do you like taking baths?”

“Baths?” Moshe nearly spat the word, as if I had suggested something offensive. A classic Moshe response.

“ICE, HUH?” MOSHE SOUNDED A LITTLE LESS HOSTILE, BUT STILL GRUMPY. “GREAT. NOW I HAVE TO GO TO THE STORE TO GET AN ICE PACK. THIS REALLY ISN’T WORTH IT. I’M TAKING ADVIL, TOO”

“No problem,” I said. “Since this seems like a sudden pain and not something long-term, you might want to grab an ice pack from the pharmacy and apply it to your back. Some people like heat, but that’s usually for more chronic pain — pain that’s been lingering for a while.”

“Ice, huh?” Moshe sounded a little less hostile, but still grumpy. “Great. Now I have to go to the store to get an ice pack. This really isn’t worth it. I’m taking Advil, too.”

“Advil could definitely help,” I said, leaning against the

wall outside as I tried to project calm through the phone.

“Alright,” Moshe muttered. “Let’s see how this goes.”

“Sounds good, Moshe. I’ll see you next week, okay?”

“We’ll see.”

The line went dead, and I stood there for a moment, feeling the cool breeze tug at my shirt.

Two weeks to go. TO BE CONTINUED…

Tzviki Smith is the owner of Smith System, which helps busy Jewish business owners bring fitness into their lives with personalized training at their home or office. He can be reached at 845-671-9945.

YOURSELF

WEEK 3: SINGLE LEG

Single-leg exercises are super important for movement. When you walk, climb stairs, or get in and out of a car, you’re always shifting from one leg to the other. Single-leg exercises are great because they help you work each leg separately, so if one leg is weaker, you can focus on making it stronger.

To get started, you should first practice standing on one leg to build balance and strength. Once you get the hang of it, you can move on to doing different movements on one leg.

Here’s how to do a single-leg exercise:

1. Stand with your feet hip- or shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward.

2. Tighten your core as you slowly lift one leg, shifting your weight just a little to the standing leg.

3. Keep your knee in line with your toes and balance on the leg for a few seconds before putting the other leg down.

Pro tip: Focus on looking at a specific spot to make balancing easier!

Try to hold this position for 30 seconds. Once you feel strong, you can make it harder by moving your lifted leg to the side, front or behind you, or even closing your eyes for a challenge!

AND HIS SON MISHA LEARN TORAH ON THE TRAIN, FULFILLING THE MITZVAH OF “U’VELECHTECHA BADERECH.”

WE’RE ENDANGERING OURSELVES FOR OUR FELLOW JEWISH BROTHERS — REMEMBER THAT. AND A PERSON WHO SETS OUT TO DO A MITZVAH WILL NOT BE HARMED.

WHAT’S THAT? I HEARD A FUNNY SOUND…

YOU SEEMED TROUBLED BEFORE.

YEAH. OLD JOSE’S WARNING IS BOTHERING ME. I’M WONDERING IF THERE’S ANY POINT TO OUR TRIP, OR IF WE’RE ENDANGERING OURSELVES FOR NOTHING.

HOLA? WHO IS THAT? THE SUITCASE IS MOVING…!

I’LL GO FIND SOME WATER FOR NETILAS YADAYIM.

GREAT JOB, MICHAEL.

WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?! UNCLE YEHUDA WOULD HAVE DISCOVERED US SOON ANYWAY, WHEN HE CAME TO GET THE FOOD.

OOOOOOOOOOW!!!

KIDS!

YEHUDA RUBINOV

RECAP: THE RUBINOVS SET OUT TOWARD SURINAME—– WITH PEDRO AND HIS CRONIES HOT ON THEIR HEELS. ZUSHA FINALLY ARRIVES IN ARGENTINA, EXCITED TO REUNITE WITH HIS FAMILY.

WE’RE SORRY, TIO* RUBINOV. BUT… WE HAD TO COME ALONG WITH YOU, SEE?

WE WERE WORRIED. YOU DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE AS WELL AS WE DO.

…AND THE ROADS ARE SO DANGEROUS!

MISHA SPEAKS PORTUGUESE AND SPANISH FLUENTLY.

MEANWHILE, AT THE TRAIN STATION IN PARAGUAY:

AND HOW EXACTLY WILL TWO EIGHTYEAR-OLDS SAVE US? MORE LIKELY, YOU’LL PUT US INTO DANGER. YOU ARE JEWS. JEWS DON’T SNEAK ONTO TRAINS OR IGNORE THEIR FATHER’S AND GRANDFATHER’S INSTRUCTIONS! I’LL GO PAY FOR YOUR TICKETS. MEANWHILE, MAKE SURE TO BEHAVE.

IT SEEMED SO HEROIC, TO SNEAK INTO THE SUITCASES TO HELP THEM… BUT NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT, IT WAS JUST PLAIN STUPID.

HEY! IT WAS YOUR IDEA!

WHAT’S STUPIDER? TO COME UP WITH A STUPID IDEA, OR TO FOLLOW ONE?

YOU CAN’T GO OUT, JUST LIKE IN JAIL, AND IT’S SO HOT HERE, AND THE CRATE’S HEAVY.

TRAVELING PUTS ME IN A BAD MOOD. BEING STUCK ON A TRAIN FOR HOURS…

MAYBE GIVE IT TO ONE OF THOSE KIDS TO CARRY.

NO! NO ONE’S TOUCHING MY SUITCASE.

BITS OF WITS

SHEVY HOLLANDER

Some regions of the brain — especially those involved in learning, processing information and emotion — are actually more active during sleep than when you’re awake. These include the hippocampus, amygdala, and areas of the frontal cortex associated with emotional processing.

Though you often see it written as one word, the correct way to spell a cappella is as two separate words.

NEW YORK LICENSE PLATES

From 1910 until 1966, the license plates used to change every year, mostly going between embossed light letters on a dark background and dark letters on different shades of yellow.

→ New Yorkers voted in the current license plate design out of

FLOWER POWER

Use the following letters to list 5 words, each using 7 letters and up. Only the center letter must be used, and letters can be repeated. Bonus points for pangrams (words that use all seven letters).

TANACH TEASER

WHICH PARSHA IS NOT READ EVEN ONCE IN SOME YEARS?

The rice terrace fields in Mù Cang Chai (a rural district in the Northwest region of Vietnam), cultivated by generations of farmers, is breathtaking, and people the world over travel to take in their beauty.

THINK OF THE LINK

Find a common factor for this group of four words:

1. Compass

2. Pine tree

3. Sewing kit

4. Porcupine

O A N M T I Z

THINK

Find a common factor for this group of four words

1. Page

2. Dreidel

3. Head

4. Doorknob

NOON

These all have needles. TANACH TEASER

, the son of Aharon, was the grandson of

(Aharon’s father-in-law; Elisheva’s father).

ADD TO DICTIONARY

WORDS YOU MAY NOT KNOW THAT SAY THINGS IN A WHOLE NEW WAY

Vamoose is a verb meaning to depart hurriedly. It is used the same way the word skedaddle is used, and both are very useful and fun words. As in: Let’s vamoose before yet another acquaintance stops to talk to us.

HOW MANY CANS CAN A CANNER CAN, IF A CANNER CAN CAN CANS? A CANNER CAN CAN AS MANY CANS AS A CANNER CAN, IF A CANNER CAN CAN CANS. SAY IT WITH A TWIST

Disposable hot cup lids are designed to double as saucers. They are perfectly sized to hold the cup, and most contain grooves to catch drips.

THE MOST VALUABLE DREIDEL WAS MADE BY ESTATE DIAMOND JEWELRY IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN. THE DREIDEL WON THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD TITLE ON NOVEMBER 27, 2019. IT WAS THEN VALUED AT $70,000. THE DREIDEL WAS CRAFTED FROM 18-KARAT YELLOW GOLD AND WHITE GOLD AND FEATURES A 4.2-CARAT BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND AT THE TIP.

We welcome town 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@themonseyview.com to add your very own bits of wits.

Please include your name and contact information.

Afshin Shaddaie and Benjamin Khordipour of Estate Diamond Jewelry with the dreidel

Yoiny Spira, 5, Skvere Faigie

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@ themonseyview.com or fax to 845600-8483 by Sunday at midnight.

4. Two winners will be drawn each week, each of whom will win a pastrami sandwich and a can of soda!

PLAYING RULES:

Find words on the board containing four letters or more. Letters of a word must be connected in a chain (each letter should be adjacent to the next either vertically, horizontally or diagonally), and each letter can only be used once in a given word.

The following are not allowed in Boggle: Adding “s” to a word • Proper nouns • Abbreviations • Contractions • Acronyms

POINTS

4-letter words: 2 points | 5-letter words: 3 points | 6-letter words: 5 points | 7-letter words: 7 points | 8-letter words: 9 points | 9+ letters: 12 points

HINT

Each Boggle board hides a word of nine letters or more!

M V O S D A E L H O

R W I E K G A N N T

B I F C Y

Family name:

Full mailing address:

Full name of winner:

Amount of points:

Full names of competing players:

List some words only the winner found:

FAMILY

FAMILY

COLOR ME PRETTY

Filling in lines with shades of color is an age-old activity that is as soothing as it is enjoyable. Grab a pack of color pencils or gel pens to find out why coloring isn’t only for children!

Classifieds

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MEN’S CHANUKA GIFT

Gorgeous תרוטקה םוטיפ on klaf in genuine leather/ cowhide cover. $550. Very limited quantity. Perfect for husband/father/chosson. Call/text 845-533-2796

NEOCATE/BABY FORMULA

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HUGE INDOOR GARAGE SALE

Beautiful furniture, housewares, home décor, games, books all in brand new condition and very discounted prices! 1 Emes Lane every day 12-5pm 845371-6063

COAT FOR SALE

Parajumpers coat size Medium. Call 845-356-0241

GIFT HER

Gift your daughters, daughters in law, mother, and teachers! Gift cards available at TyeDye Tichels (Israeli bandanas) Widman Area 845-825-1056.

REAL ESTATE

LINDEN LUXE

New Pristine Cathedral Ceiling House. 6 bedrooms. 3 bathrooms. Stocked Playroom. Patio Seating. Swing Set. Trampoline, gameroom. All Amenities included. 5 min to shul. 3 blocks to grocery/Pizza store. Avail for Shabbos/ Weekday. call/text 718989-1406.

MAIN ST.

1 bedroom furnished apartment - 845-263-2300

FURNISHED APT

Beautiful 1 bedroom Fully Furnished Apartment on Old Nyack. Walking distance to Evergreen. Please call 347512-6561

APARTMENT FOR RENT

Brand New two bedroom apartment for rent in the Chestnut Ridge/ Dexter Park area. Call or text 845- 5870461

FURNISHED APT

Brand new furnished 1

BDRM, D/R and Kitchen available for rent at Calvert Sandspoint area. Please email rcmanageoffice@ gmail.com or text 845-8286781

STORAGE/PARKING

Storage and or parking located in a professional building in Airmont. 347693-4315

Classifieds

FOR RENT

Beautiful furnished studio apartment available for rent on Route 306. For more information call/text: (845) 545-4500

ELM ST.

4 bedroom Apartment With Playroom, 2.5 baths – 845263-2300 FOR RENT

Beautiful 1 bedroom apartment available for rent on Sunrise. For more information call/text: (845) 545-4500

2 BEDROOM APT

Very nice 2 bedroom apartment avail on Bates Dr. 845-746-7251

RETAIL BUILDING FOR SALE

RETAIL BUILDING IN HAVERSTRAW ON RT 9W

4,000 SF, ASKING $999K, GREAT LOCATION, TEXT OR CALL 845.203.1120

WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA

Very nice clean 2 bedroom apartment for rent in Century Village, West Palm Beach Florida. Please call 845-216-6793/ 845-425-7773

SPRING VALLEY/UNION

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms for rent. Call 347-403-9933 leave message.

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 APARTMENT

Spacious 2 bdrm, 2 bathroom apt for rent. newly furnished, brand new appliances. 36th Street corner Collins Ave. Available for Jan, and Feb. Please call or text 646-3457817

SUMMER RENTAL WANTED

Looking to rent a big house for the summer in the Monsey, Monroe, area or Catskills. It should have place for at least 35 people. Please call 347.623.0891

OFFICE FOR RENT

Newly renovated offices for rent on LENORE AVE. please call 845 533 2427

HAVERSTRAW

1000 SF ground floor space + 15 parking spots available for rent call/Text 845.203.1120

OFFICE FOR RENT

Located in Upper Saddle River NJ. - Covered parking - On-site Ownership and Management - Conveniently located on Rt. 17 - Easy access to Route 202, Interstate 287 & Garden State Parkway - Small Suite OpportunityFlexible Lease Terms! - Rare Opportunity. Call/Text: 908-783-2230

RENT CUBICLES

Location: 80 Red Schoolhouse Rd, Spring Valley, NY. Rent: $300/ month. Nice, comfortable office Cubicles available for rent. Ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs,

LAKEHOUSE VILLA

Luxurious 3 bedroom lake house villa in Case Grande Arizona. Private pool fully stocked kosher kitchen. 520.251.4459

WEST PALM BEACH

For the best Real Estate deals, Call: Mrs. Debby Schwartz 203.667.2785

SHORT TERM RENTAL

Airmont, NY - Furnished 6 bedroom house, 20+ beds. Across Lorna Park. Weekday, Shabbos, or Short Term. Call 347-451-9432

Looking paRtnERs &

• CFO, 5+ years forecasting and budgeting experience, knowledge of grant management and compliance for notfor-profit organization, CPA degree required, 225k+, Monsey

• In-house Attorney, National Real Estate company seeking an experienced In-House Attorney w/ 5+ years expertise in contract and employment law, Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, 150k – 200k, Monsey [remote/hybrid]

• Controller for established private school, manage the financial operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Proven success in budgeting, and cost control principles w/ analytical and problem-solving skills, 200k, Monsey

• Director of Finance & Payroll Compliance, 3+ yrs. experience in finance, accounting, payroll tax compliance and managing multi-state payroll tax filings, 175k - 225k, Monroe

• Construction Site Manager, oversee ground-up commercial and residential projects. Full ownership of project management, with a focus on cost savings, efficiency, and strong relationship-building. 5+ years’ experience managing new construction projects required, 175k - 225k, Monroe

• Real Estate Asset Manager, 3+ yrs. experience required, construction experience a plus, driving distance to Monsey, 150k+, Monsey

• Real Estate Asset Manager, 3+ yrs. experience required, construction experience a plus, travel required, 150k+, Monsey

strong knowledge of PM methodologies, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills, 90k – 120k, Monsey

• Implementation Manager, experience in UKG software (formerly Kronos) to lead and manage the deployment of UKG solutions, 80k – 100k, Monsey

• CAD Documentation Specialist, full-time position, be detailoriented professional with a focus on CAD documentation accuracy and efficiency in supporting cross-functional engineering and production teams, 100k, Newark, NJ

• Buyer, 2+ yrs. experience w/ kitchen equipment supplies, negotiate prices, strong communication, analytical and procurement skills, 100k, Monsey

• Payroll Administrator for Real Estate office, 2+ yrs. relevant experience, 100k + full benefits, Monsey

• Warehouse Manager, oversee daily warehouse operations, manage a team of 40+ associates responsible for receiving, packing, and picking orders. Be highly organized and process-driven leader with excellent communication / implementation skills, relevant experience required, 95k115k, Newark NJ

• E-Catalog Content Manager, experience in catalog management, product data processing, or similar roles, 85k - 110k, Newark

• HR Associate, onboarding, recruiting experience a plus, be tech-savvy, multi-task, 75k, Monsey

• COMHAB/Respite Team Leader, Full-time position, Female office, Supervisory experience required, 70k – 80k, Monsey

• Estimator for Commercial / Residential Real Estate company, read plans, write up estimates, present budgets, email proposals, be detailed, organized, enjoy working with numbers, experience in estimating a plus, 75k+, Monroe

• Store Manager for Hardware Store, 70k plus commissions, Passaic, NJ

• Paralegal, full-time position, 70k+, Monsey

• Junior Accountant, Real Estate Management company, hands-on experience working with general ledgers, journal entries, credits/debits, and P&L statements, Familiarity with tax returns and Financial Statements; experience with accounting software, 65k – 75k, Monsey

• Junior Bookkeeper, male office, be familiar w/ QuickBooks, tech-savvy, quick learner and a team-player, 65k- 75k, Monsey

• 1031 Exchange Officer, oversee and facilitate the process of 1031 exchanges, managing the 1031 docs, client communication etc., 65k – 75k, Monsey

• Accountant, 2+ yrs. nursing home industry experience required w/ bank reporting and dealing with lenders, 150k, Monsey

• HR Director, manage Indeed accounts and staffing of Nursing home facilities, relevant experience required, 120k – 150k, Monsey

• Customer Service Operations Manager, proven leader, experience managing large teams in customer service or similar environments. Experience with data analysis, reporting, and process improvement. Enhance service quality and exceed KPI’s, 125k – 150k, Newark, NJ

• Manufacturing Equipment Repair Technician, Hands-on expertise with CNC and/or related equipment. inspect, troubleshoot, and repair CNC and other manufacturing machines, strong mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills, 100k – 140k, Newark, NJ

• CPA, for large Real Estate Management company, Yardi experience required, 100k – 130k, Monsey

• Product Owner, expert in payroll, HR, and tax compliance, with a focus on UKG-Kronos or similar platforms, 100k –125k, Monsey

• NetSuite Administrator, be familiar with NetSuite settings, configurations, and customizations, as well as having the ability to integrate NetSuite with other systems, full-time, 120k+, Monsey, [Hybrid 1-2 days a week]

• IT Project Manager, 2+ years IT - PM experience, lead technology projects from initiation to delivery, manage project scope, coordination, executing project plans have

• Hands-On Property Manager, overseeing daily operations of commercial/residential properties located in Bronx, NYC area. Manage maintenance, repairs, coordinate w/ vendors, handling tenant relations. 75k – 100k, office based in Monsey

• HCBS Intake Coordinator, 3+ years w/ HCBS program and compliance, 95k, Monsey

• Internal Communications and Marketing Specialist, 3+ yrs. experience in internal communications and marketing, Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills, Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, 80k - 90k, Monsey

• HCBS Quality Assurance Compliance Director, HCBS experience required, female office, 80k – 90k, Monsey

• Construction Project Manager, 2+ yrs. commercial construction experience required, travel to Tri-state area, 90k+, office based in Monsey

• Construction Project Manager, 2+ yrs. construction experience required, 70k - 90k+, Monroe

• E-commerce Catalog Listing Manager, maintain, optimize listing performance, running deals, etc. 70k – 90k, Montgomery NY

• Office Admin position for Article 16 OPWDD Clinic, 75k – 85k, Monsey

• Warehouse Manager, Wholesale Building Materials, 8am5pm, 70k – 80k, Bronx

• Inside Sales, Wholesale Building Materials, 8am – 5pm, 70k – 80k, Bronx

• Crew Manager/Sales Rep, manage restoration crews while also driving sales growth through new business development and existing client relationships, 60k plus commissions, Monsey

• Financial tracker, for Nursing home facilities back-office, be attention to-detail, great communication skills and enjoy working w/ numbers, male office, 55k – 65k, Monsey

• Licensed Social Worker for local agency, male population, $65/hr. - $90/hr., based on experience, Monsey

• Behavior Therapist (LMSW, LCSW or MHC) $65/hr. per client session, Monsey

• Mental Health Therapists, Interns positions, salary based on experience, Monsey

• Nurse Practitioners, experience in Psychiatric medication management, Part time, Flexible hours, salary based on experience, Monsey

• Leading Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Brokerage firm, seeks motivated and ambitious individuals to join their team as Real Estate Finance Advisors, develop relationships with real estate owners and developers to arrange financing. Learn to analyze and underwrite deals, 40k plus commissions, Monsey

• Bookkeeper, 2+ yrs. experience required, $30 - $35/hr., Fulltime/ Part-time, Monsey

• QA Coordinator, Female office, Part-time - Friday required, Excellent reading/ writing skills required. $30/hr. Monsey

• Full-time Customer service positions available. $25 - $30/ hr. Monsey

• Fiscal Intermediary Coordinator, 6+ hours daily MondayThursday, Friday a must. Prior office experience required. $30-$35, Monsey

• Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Service Coordinator, relevant experience required, $35/hr.+, Monsey

• AP Rep, AR Liaison, Payroll Rep positions. $25 - $35/hr., Monsey

• Female Care Manager - BA or Equivalent degree required, relevant experience preferred, part-time or full-time $30/ hr.+, Monsey

• Assistant for Project Manager, multi-task, attention to-detail, excellent computer skills, full-time position, $28/hr. Monsey

• Secretary, Real Estate office, full-time position, be organized, multi-tasking, detail-oriented and Microsoft Office proficient, $25 - $30/hr., New City

• Cyber Security Analyst - must have completed basic cyber security coursework, $25 - $30/hr., room for growth, Monsey

• Real Estate Title Coordinator, 1+ yrs. experience required, 70k – 80k, Monsey

Front desk secretary, Part-time/Full-time, $25/hr., Monsey

Warehouse Inventory Quality Control/Packer, inspect items for damage or defects, verify items are accurate and match orders/pack items securely and ensure shipments, $20/

INSIDE SALES position, Energy rebate programs, 3+ years sales experienced required. Excellent communication skills, salary plus commissions based on experience, Monsey

Admin assistant, full-time position, excellent communication skills, basic computer skills required, graduates welcome! $20/hr.+, Monsey

Classifieds

WEST PALM BEACH FOR SALE

Wellington M, 2 Bedroom apt. Ground Floor FOR SALE. Call: 347.760.0639

MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA

Collins Ave. Beautiful ocean view. 1 bedroom apt. for rent. 347.760.0570

FLORIDA RENTAL

Beautiful 3 bedroom 3 bath villa with inground heated pool and hot tub available in North Miami, Price per night $389. Pictures available. Call/ Text 845-327-7153

MONSEY VACATION/ SIMCHA RENTAL

Beautiful fully furnished Shabbos equipped 6 bedroom 4 bath house Highview/ College. Call/ whatsapp 718541-0292

HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA

Beautiful private villa. 4 Master suites with kosher kitchen, huge living area, pool. Walking distance to Shul/ Kosher shopping. Call/ WhatsApp 718-541-0292

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

MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA

Carriage Club North, beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath, ground floor, for rent. Call: 347.499.0031

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.

FURNISHED RENTAL

2 Bedroom furnished apt on Adar Ct. Great for mechutanim or family Simchas. Please call 845-2137732

MIDWEEK GETAWAY!!!

Indoor dining area with outdoor spa heated jacuzzi. View pictures at hotelfifteen.com for questions and inquiries call 845-837-5662email 15taramar@gmail.com

SHORT TERM RENTALS

Luxurious vacation properties some with pools available for short-term rentals in the Monsey area, perfect for accommodating 20 to 150 guests. Designed for large families, Shabbatons, etc. conveniently located. Great Minds 845-520-3250.

NORTH MIAMI FL.

· Couples Only· Kosher Vacation House, · Private Heated Pool· Warm, Relaxing, Dreamy, · Beautiful Patio· 5 Min walk to a Shul. Contact chany for more details @ 845274-7610

HELP WANTED

GREAT OPPORTUNITY

Join B.Y.E. ‘s Co-Teacher’s Program and gain valuable experience in the classroom. Fantastic opportunity for the right candidate. Email resume to resumes@ baisyaakovelementary.org

HELP WANTED

Construction office looking to hire a full-time secretary and project manager. Preferable knowledge of QuickBooks. Please email your resume to officejobs4832@gmail.com

WORK FROM HOME

Great opportunity to manage your own business from home. No experience needed, no computer necessary. Huge potential to grow big. Call: 438.529.1216

OUTSIDE SALESPERSON

Busy construction office looking to hire a outside salesperson, Great growth opportunities for the right candidate. Please send your resume to dmb5082@gmail. com

SECRETARY POSITION

Looking for a secretary for an office in Pomona. Flexible hours. Contact Rebeca 347930-9736/info@abariders. com.

JOBS AVAILABLE

Part-time & Full-time jobs available. Email TopPartTimeJobs@ gmail.com

BCBA POSITION

ABA Riders is looking to hire a BCBA. Well-paid, flexible hours. Contact Rikki 347930-9736/info@abariders. com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Are you in need of extra income with not a lot of time? Then this is for you! Create a successful retail business in the comfort of your home. Full training and support. No risk. To hear more call 605-313-4101 then 6036621# then ref 1#. For more info call 347-756-2666

DREAM JOB!

Easy fun enjoyable job in comfort of your home your availability huge potential!call/text 8452742728 for more info.

BAAL KORAY

Seeking Baal Koray to lein each Shabbos or when available. 45min walk south of Chestnut Ridge. Good pay. Contact: 201.749.2890

Classifieds

150+ JOB OPENINGS!

Stop wasting your time going through all the jobs classifieds. Simply email your resume to Info@ SwiftStaffingGroup.com to explore your options & maximize your career. Or Call/Text/ WhatsApp 732-800-7633 Strictly confidential & completely free.

SEEKING WRITERS

Organization seeking writers as volunteers to write articles, poems, etc to inspire girls in shidduchim. Email singlesinspire@gmail.com

BCBA POSITION

Little Giants Child Center looking to hire a BCBA for Monroe location. Email resume to mkatz@ littlegiantscc.com

SOCIAL WORKER

Local Monsey office is looking to hire LMSW/ LCSW to join our team. Please send your resume to hr@cmadc.com

ATTENTION LADIES!

Do you need extra income? Work only a few hours a week, no risk. Full training and support. Call/text 845324-5182

INUSRANCE REP

An insurance agency is seeking an experienced P&C insurance professional for a temporary, remote position lasting a few months. Contact us at 929-220-3076 or hr@ candorins.com

NURSING HOME TRACKER

Heimish office in Monsey looking to hire a nursing home tracker experienced with RFMS, Pending, income and private collections. Please email resume to healthcaremonsey@gmail. com

LMSW/ LCSW

Local Monsey office is looking to hire LMSW/ LCSW to join our team. Please send your resume to hr@cmadc.com

MIDWIFE

Looking to hire a midwife with delivery experience to join our healthcare team. Please send your resume to hrmonseyjob@gmail.com

HIRING

Seeking a motivated individual to join our HR Department. Recruiting experience a plus. Great environment and benefits. Please Email resume to hschwartz@Yedei.org or call 845-425-0887 #279. $70k +/-

COORDINATOR POSITIONS

Full-time female coordinator positions available: Leah@ hireexteam.com

ADMIN ASSISTANT

Accounting firm in Suffern seeking an admin assistant. All women’s office. Willing to train. Great environment! Option for FT or PT. Send resume to ckohn@ bernathandrosenberg.com

CHILDCARE

GREAT NEWS!

Due to demand we are opening a younger age Kiddie group. 15-21 months. 845-828-0364

Transportation/ extended hours. (Ridge/Rt 59 area)

SERVICES

LASER IN NYACK

Smooth results, unbeatable price! Full-body laser hair removal for just $350 at StarBeam Laser in Nyack, NY. Check our reviews to see why clients keep coming back! 929-490-7375 https:// starbeamlaser.com/

EARPIERCING

12 years experience. Wide selection. Call/text: 845-5387986

ARROWSMITH

Is your child still in the same place after all that tutoring?Join Arrowsmith, a research based program that strengthens the brain and eliminates learning disabilities. Call Mrs Feuer 914-260-6449

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

PETTICOATS FOR RENT!

Complete your look! Adult & kids petticoats for rent, Beautiful floral wreath & crown headpieces for rent, Adorable kids jewelry, and more! Call 845-5020153 leave msg or 845746-7248

AYIN HORAH

The renowned Rebetzin Aidel Miller from Yerushalayim will remove Ayin Horah over the phone. Call till 5:00 PM: 718.689.1902 or 516.300.1490

COACHING= SUCCESS!!!

Smart & talented, BUT.. You Can’t take the first step? pressured? it seems impossible? 1 hour of coaching will break you through to success!! Call for appt 845-400-2202 #2 #1. Get Free 10 min of coaching. E. Danziger,ATC ,MC. Motivational & Relationship Coach

THE HOME SETUP

Declutter,Moves,Home oragizing,kallah apartment set up Call/Text 845-366-6161

WHOLESALE FISH

Buy by the case & save. Baby & Regular Salmon. Hashgucha Volove Rav. Free delivery to your home. Call Eli: 516-270-6755

FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR

Classifieds

EXCLUSIVE OFFER!

You can now get a Haircube wig expertly cut & styled for only $100! Everything included! All colors now in stock. Noriko wigs on sale for only $349. Call Blimy Gelb 845-502-5360

MASSAGE THERAPY

--In The Comfort of Home-*Swedish *Deep Tissue *Lymph *Craniosacral Therapy Call Sarah: 845596-1373

HANDYMAN

Assembly of all types of furniture & Furniture Repairs -Installation of Blinds,Shades,Shelves,RodsServicing Monsey Area Chaim- 347 416 1027

NEW WEBSITE?

Get your Beautiful, Fast, SEO-Friendly Website done in 14 days, guaranteed. Email efraim@rapidquill.com

NEWBORN SHOOT

Affordable newborn photography. Call or Text today! 845-323-7825

ATTENTION SCHOOLS

NEW: keyboard/piano player now offering group sing along sessions in schools and other group settings. Please feel free to contact shira. 845-624-9865 *References Available*

STUDIO

PHOTOGRAPHY

Family. Portraits. Upsherin. Newborn. Book your session today! 845-540-1078 Special Upsherin package, call to inquire.

GLASS PAINTING

Attention: Principals & Curriculum Staff. Book Your Unique Glass-Painting Experience for Chanukah! Explore a variety of options secure your slot today. Limited availability! For information, call: 845-4457265

DEAD SEA CREAM

BS”D Powerful treatment at the source for knees, shoulders, back, arthritis, fibromyalgia. Dead Sea/ Essential oil creams, Yiddishe innovation. English/Yiddish 1(516)259-3169 (Israeli hours).

GARTLECH

we fix knitted & crochet Gartlech & make beautiful professional fringes. We also teach how to knit & crochet. call: 917-414-3281

PHOTO EDITING

Sharpening, upscaling, lighting adjustments, add or remove a person etc. Do you have old scanned photos that you want to adjust and sharpen? Great prices! 845662-5012

WIGS

New, Custom, & Repairs! Quality wigs at great prices. Call/Text: 845-787-9447

THE WII GAME IS NOW LIVE

Exciting new activity for your family and friends! Enjoy hours of fun with interactive, life-size games projected on your wall. Perfect for Chanukah vacation or your Chanukah party. To rent: call or text 845-5870461

GOWNS

MATERNITY GOWN RENTAL

Georgeous selection of maternity gowns affordable prices all sizes...New! Also accepting gowns on consignment. Please call/ text 8458622799

WHITE MATERNITY GOWN

White maternity gown size large to sell for great price call 7183098716

WHITE GOWN

Looking to sell a size 2-4 white gown for sister of the bride, please call 347 628 9586

MECHUTANESTA GOWN

Beautiful Taupe Gown for sale. size 16. 845.502.6491

EVENING DRESS

Gorgeous White Lace Zimmermann Evening Dress - Size 6. $750. Call 845-5872907

GOWN FOR SALE

Beautiful white gown for married sister of bride, for sale. Size 2-4 845-200-4326

WHITE TEEN GOWN

High end teens white gown worn once for sale or rent. Pictures available. 8456249563.

CHILDRENS WHITE GOWNS

2 white gowns to rent or sell childrens size 4 & 6 call 7189388597

SISTER OF BRIDE

Gorgeous gowns for sale: Olive Green size 2-4, Hunter Green size 0-2, Grey size 4-6, Blush size 4-6, Ivory size 4, Grey/ Taupe Winter size 12, Ivory kids size 12-14. 845.502.6491

ODDS & ENDS

PRIVATE BESHOW ROOMS

Looking for a nice private place for a Beshow? A few locations available in the Monsey area. No charge. Call 845-426-5484 or 845-7467251

FULL-TIME SECRETARY

[ FEMALE OFFICE]

- 1+ year office experience - Excellent communication skills - Computer savvy (MS Office)

- Compassionate & intuitive - Multitasking skills

- Salesforce knowledge a plus!

- Yiddish speaking a plus!

Location: In-office, Monsey

Salary commensurate with experience

Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-12pm/1pm

Classifieds

FREE GIVEAWAYS

2 new flour sugar dispensers call text 8453277377

LATE ADS

EXCELLENT JOB OPPORTUNITY!

Seeking female for AR in Heimesha office, Centrally located. Hours required are 9-6. Email resume to gitty@hireexteam.com

ART/DRAWING INSTRUCTOR NEEDED

Seeking a dedicated one-on-one instructor for art or drawing lessons for a boy in the afternoon hours. Must be Englishspeaking, patient, and experienced in working with children. Please send your resume to fstauber@elevateny.org or call 845-200-2925 #829.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Join our team and make a difference in people’s lives! An amazing Home Care Agency is looking for full-time employees. We have a friendly and supportive work environment, competitive pay and benefits package. Send your resume to: hiring@hamaspikcare.org

VIOLIN TEACHER NEEDED

Seeking a dedicated one-on-one instructor for Violin lessons for a Yiddishspeaking boy on Sunday afternoon hours. Must be patient, experienced. Please send your resume to fstauber@elevateny.org or call 845-200-2925 #829.

LOSE WEIGHT

Weekly weigh-in over the phone. Only $11 per week. If you exercise weekly, you pay only $10. Call Perel 845-594-9533

POSITION AVAILABLE

Full-time Pediatric Dental Treatment Coordinator needed at The Smile Spot in Pomona! Handle phones, schedule appointments, and manage patient care. Please call us (646) 448-8773

CARE MANAGER POSITION

Are you good at helping others and making a difference in their lives? Are you a multitasker? Do you like to feel accomplished and successful? If yes, then we are looking for you! Looking to hire a care manager to provide outreach and enrollment services to children presumed to meet eligibility requirements of New

York State’s Children’s Health Home program. BA or equivalent required. Training and support provided. Flexible part-time/ full-time hours. Lots of benefits! Email your resume to: jobopening891@gmail.com

FOR RENT

Brand New! 2 Bedroom apartment available for rent in New City starting January. Please Call/Text 845-641-8466 for more details.

COORDINATOR NEEDED

Are you proactive and dynamic? Are you looking for a stimulating and rewarding job? Local agency in Monsey is looking to hire a care manager to facilitate services for elderly that are on nursing home level care. BA or equivalent required. Flexible part-time/ full-time hours. Paid holiday and vacation. Forward your resume to Jobopening142@gmail.com.

STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE, ENERGIZE YOUR DAY!

Learn the fundamental movements and techniques of Pilates to boost your energy and empower your daily life. Start your journey to a stronger, more vibrant you today! Certified Pilates Instructor. Contact: Liebe Nissen 845-274-1035

P/T BOOKKEEPER

Local Chessed Organization looking for part time Bookkeeper to manage accounts receivable. Prior NFP experience a plus. Email resume ramapojobs@gmail.com

! “ SOLUTIONS “ !

Win! Start “Living” ! Depressed? Stuttering? Beat it! Easily and Quickly. Avi Weinberg 845-558-4027. Under 18 parental consent

OPEN POSITION

Looking to hire a coordinator with a minimum of two years’ service coordination experience to coordinate services for babies/toddlers with developmental delays and their families. Flexible full-time/ part-time hours. Many great benefits! Email resume to Positionopen34@gmail.com

MIAMI BEACH RENTAL

Spacious 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment in Miami Beach available for January and February. Newly furnished, on 36th Street corner Collins Avenue. Please call or text 646.345.7817

סאוו רעד טאה רענעצ טגאזעג ןראפ ?למיירטש

INVITE SHMUELI TO YOUR CHANUKA PARTY

BOOM

Menorah Stand

A STURDY AND RELIABLE TABLE, THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED FOR YOUR MENORAH.

Year Round

A REVERSIBLE LEATHER SURFACE, PERFECT FOR WEEKLY CANDLE USE OR AS A VASE BASE.

Serving Tray

INCLUDES A DETACHABLE TOP THAT TRANSFORMS INTO AN ELEGANT SERVING TRAY.