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Erika Berman Rosenzweig, MD is an internationally recognized expert in the medical field of pulmonary hypertension with over 20 years of experience at Columbia University before joining Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College as Chief of Pediatric Cardiology and Vice Chair of Pediatrics. A brilliant and dedicated medical leader, she is deeply invested in advancing cardiovascular care and is eager to encourage health and wellness in the community. At this event, Dr. Rosenzweig will share her expertise on cardiovascular health and the warning signs - like shortness of breath - that every woman should know.
Esther Lebovic, DNP, FNPBC, PMHNP- BC, CSC, PMH-C: Managing daily stress and strategies for mental well-being.
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(Re: Masters of Deception, Issue 489)
I love reading your fascinating articles. As a history teacher, the one about spies last week was of particular interest. However, the piece on the fictitious major (aka Glendwr Michael in his previous life) was missing the fact that the top-secret documents about the allied invasion were in a briefcase that was chained to the body, and not in his pockets as stated. The British feared that the documents might be lost at sea or overlooked if they were in the pockets of the body. By chaining the briefcase to his wrist, they made him seem like an important military courier who didn’t want to let the documents out of sight even for a second — and therefore ensured that the documents were read by German spies based in Spain, where the body landed. (Another reason they were worried was because the Spaniards were devout Christians and might not inspect the body, being that the major was obviously Catholic — he was wearing a cross around his neck.)
Feel free to fact-check me, and keep up the amazing work! History is never boring, and articles like yours prove that!
Mrs. C. Ross
(Re: POV, Issue 489)
I was very disappointed, even shocked, at some of the responses in the POV column about mishloach manos. The mitzvah is mishloach manos ish l’re’ahu, to send gifts of food to those close to you, preferably something that can be used for the seudah. When your friend sends you a gift, which they took time, energy and money to plan, buy or make, how do you just dump it in the garbage? Is this the way we show gratitude to Hashem for all the goodness and bounty that He bestows upon us in these times of plenty? I understand that, for various reasons, not all of the goods we receive as mishloach manos can be used by you and your family. But let’s be creative and find ways to avoid waste. Let’s show Hashem that we value and appreciate the goodness we have.
An Appreciative Receiver
(Re: POV, Issue 489)
My family and I were appalled at some of the answers in this week’s POV. Throw out good food? I’m not talking about the squashed cake that some kid dropped on the way to your house. Good mezonos, candy and chocolate should be passed on if you don’t want it, not discarded. Send it with bochurim to yeshiva. Give it to your cleaning lady. Find a proper use for good food.
A Reader
(Re: Give in Order to Get, Issue 488)
I wanted to share my story about giving tzedakah and seeing it come right back to me.
I was in between jobs, and our maaser bank account was empty, quite literally, with zero dollars and zero cents. My husband asked me one morning if it would be okay if he borrowed $50 from our checking account to give to some-
one who was collecting. I figured that it would be “advance maaser ” and that Hashem would “owe” us the income, so I agreed.
That afternoon, after months of searching, I finally found a job. My husband suggested that in gratitude for this yeshuah, we should consider the $50 tzedakah and not maaser
That night, I met someone whom I don’t see very often. She handed me an envelope containing a gift. I opened the envelope and was overcome with awe. Staring back at me was a check for $50.
Name Withheld
(Re: The Price of Play, Your Say, Issue 488)
This is in response to the letter writer who suggests that the high schools scale down the professionalism, and thereby the cost, of their plays.
I agree that our society has gone overboard in many ways. Camps, midwinter activities, the food and clothing industries, and many other areas are a far cry from the simplicity of yore. But whether we like it or not, our daughters are growing up in this era. And our girls see highly professional performances and videos on Chol Hamoed and in camp, and they are surrounded by beautiful displays while shopping. They know what real acting is all about, and what proper scenery, props and costumes are.
So while it’s important to teach them to be happy with less and to encourage them to buck trends that are not aligned with the Torah, I don’t think that the high school plays are the place to start, or that it’s worth sacrificing the gains that the school play provides.
Mother of a High School Daughter
(Re: Dignity in Business, Issue 487)
Thank you for your wonderful magazine. I don’t know how we would manage without you!
I’m writing in response to the reader who wrote about raising the standards of kedusha in our local stores.
The writer suggested a uniform for the workers. I’m happy to inform her that such a uniform already exists. It’s called the Maid of Honor. This practical and attractive uniform was created for household help as well as for shop help. Quite a few stores and supermarkets, and even schools, yeshivas, camps and doctor’s offices, already have their employees wear them, not to mention the thousands of homes across the globe that have upgraded their own mikdash me’at by having their cleaning help and aides wear one. Included in the package is a very respectful letter, in English and Spanish, explaining the important position the help holds, and how this uniform honors that position. The feedback is fantastic. Everyone with a sensitive heart is very much appreciative of this wonderful concept.
Shaindy Blau
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(Re: POV, Issue 484)
I’m the kind of person who stays away from anything that involves dough. Somehow, it just never works out for me, either because the mixture is too sticky or because it doesn’t rise. But when I saw the recipe for pizza dough in POV, it looked simple enough to try. And it worked! Thank you to whoever shared that recipe! Confounded Cook
(Re: Your Say, Chinuch Is for Everyone, Issue 483)
Counselor Counselor positions positions Available Available Call or text Dassi: Call or text Dassi: 845-573-1461 845-573-1461
Our beautiful frum community in Rockland County has wonderful mosdos hachinuch and chesed organizations of every kind. At the same time, we need to strengthen our ahavas Yisroel and create solutions for all the wonderful frum boys and girls who do not have a yeshiva or school that is welcoming them. We are all bnei melochim, created b’tzelem Elokim, and if Hashem put these children here, it is our tafkid to include them in our mosdos
These are the words an eighth grader used when discussing who will and who won’t be accepted: “We are the garbage of Monsey and the dumbest girls in town, so no one wants us.” Is it a wonder they look outside the community for acceptance?
Let’s join together to create solutions before more children are hurt.
A Parent and Teacher
I’m a young kollel yungerman who feels obligated to write this letter.
Last Wednesday. I was driving on Ronald Drive when a bochur on an electric bike sped onto the road in an attempt to cross without looking. I saw him right away, but there was literally just five feet between us. I immediately slammed on the brakes and sharply swerved into the other lane. Despite my immediate action, it was impossible for him to stop, and he crashed into my passenger door.
I was shaken to the core. Had I not switched lanes, the story would not have ended well. You would already have heard about it…
Since Hashem spared me and him, I feel obligated to share this miracle, and bring awareness to the public about the dangers of these bikes. If your child owns a bike like this, it could have been him. We all love our children and don’t want to live with regret for our choices. As important and convenient as these bikes may seem, life is more precious.
It’s your child and your decision.
Name Withheld
I used to try to say as much Tehillim as possible, but on such a busy day, it wasn’t really possible to say as much as I would have liked to. The last few years, I stayed up after the meal at night to say my Tehillim. I don’t go to sleep until I finish. Purim is a hectic, tiring day anyway, so being somewhat more tired doesn’t make too much of a difference.
Purim is a chance for me to connect with people who are lonely and yearning for social interaction, especially in the middle of winter. I take the time to personally deliver mishloach manos to such people and stay and schmooze for a while to alleviate their loneliness on this day, when it’s especially painful to feel so alone.
We always tie a pasuk of the Megillah into our theme so as not to put our emphasis only on materialism, but to elevate the gashmius to ruchnius
We try saying brachos out loud so we can remember if we said that bracha. We also make sure to send mishloach manos to at least one person who won’t get any from anyone else.
I try to wake up early to daven, but if it doesn’t end up happening, I just speak to Hashem throughout the day. Our simple prayers are what really count.
I try to be a calm wife and mother and put in extra that effort to make my kids feel amazing about themselves.
I try to pause multiple times throughout the day to say a few kapitalech of Tehillim or to connect my mind and heart to the greatness of the day and murmur my tefillos in my own words.
I like to go to a specific minyan to listen to the Megillah because the way that rav reads it makes it come alive completely, so although the timing isn’t convenient (and the leining takes very long), it is one small thing I can do for myself to connect to Purim.
I keep a paper in my pocket with all of my bakashos, and whenever I remember the greatness of the day, I speak to Hashem in my own language. It makes me feel connected, and despite the busyness of the day, I still feel like I’m being mispallel
As a mother of preschoolers, toddlers and a baby, I spend this great day doing the same things I do each day. Feeding, dressing, changing and taking care of young children is a mother’s most sacred task, and it doesn’t change for 365 days a year. I know that they say Purim is even greater than Yom Kippur, but the moment I take a siddur into my hands, the preschooler helps me point to each word, the toddler wants to start davening right now in just the same siddur I’m using, the other child begs for a drink, and I get dizzy.
So young mothers the world over, take note: The holiest job is ours! When I take care of my children 24 hours a day, I know I’m doing the biggest mitzvah. And if I can actually smile while I’m doing it, even though the kids get extra cranky from all that sugar, I know I’m reaching the highest levels of ruchnius on a very special day.
I’ve decided that Purim isn’t a day that I have to sleep. After the festivities at night, I take my time to prepare for the next day so I have a greater chance of a calm, smooth day. Sometimes I’ll use the late night (or rather, early morning) to say Sefer Tehillim, or I’ll wake early to daven like a mentsch. After that, it’s one big whirlwind of a day, with hardly any time to remember the greatness of the day.
I try to stay b’simcha. The yetzer hara tries very hard to make us get upset/frustrated/ annoyed. It’s just one small day with so much to do, it’s not worth being upset and missing out on being b’simcha.
I try to wake up at dawn to say the entire Tehillim. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it!
We are all so busy on this day, and the satan tries all of his tactics to distract us from this incredible opportunity of connecting to Hashem on Purim. I always try to remember: It’s not all or nothing. Any tefillah, at any time of day, in any language, is accepted and embraced by our loving Father.
My family tries to divide Sefer Tehillim to say over Tannis Esther, Purim and Shushan Purim. I also try to take a few quiet minutes here and there, especially in the morning hours, to ground myself as the sensory overload of the day hits hard. One more thing: I make sure to give mishloach manos to a brokenhearted, lonely person and encourage my kids to think out of their circles of friends and do the same.
I go to shul in the morning to daven Shacharis and hear the reading of the Megillah.
I have everything prepared for Purim beforehand so there is less stress. I wake up early to daven and say Tehillim, and I turn on music and bring simcha into the house.
Please submit your answer by Tuesday night, March 18, for a chance to see it in print! Email or text pov@themonseyview.com Fax 845-600-8483 Voicemail: 845-600-8484 ext. 811
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Chazal say, “Chayav inish l’vesumei b’Puraya,” instructing us to drink on Purim (Maseches Megillah). What is the purpose of this mitzvah?
SHIMON LIVED in a little village on the outskirts of Kozhnitz. He was your classic pauper, without a groschen to his name. He tried his hand at various professions, desperate to feed his growing family, with no success. His home remained bare and his heart broken. How would his wife and children survive if he couldn’t provide them with sufficient food?
As Purim approached, Shimon made his way to the neighboring city to hear the Megillah. He entered the shul and joined the crowd waiting for Reb Yisrael, the heilige Maggid of Kozhnitz, to arrive and begin to lein. As the sweet voice of the Maggid filled the room, Shimon was immersed in the timeless words of the Megillah. He forgot his troubles.
Soon leining was over, and Shimon joined the line of mispallelim waiting to wish the Maggid a freilichen Purim.
“Reb Yid,” the Maggid said to Shimon, “why didn’t you bring me mishloach manos?”
Taken aback, Shimon replied, “I’m not from Kozhnitz. I just came to hear the Megillah.”
“It’s Purim today!” the Maggid exclaimed. “Come up to my home for a l’chaim!”
The table was spread with delicacies and wine. Shimon sat down and ate his fill of good food and drink, and he left the Maggid’s home feeling lighter than he had in a long time. Yet the Maggid’s words echoed in his mind: “Why didn’t you bring me mishloach manos? ”
On impulse, Shimon decided to bring something to the Maggid. He found the local wine seller and selected a fine bottle of wine. “I’ll pay after Purim,” he promised. “And if I don’t — it’s Purim today!” Then he ran to the fruit stand and “purchased” some apples the same way.
Shimon made his way back to the Maggid’s home. When he saw Shimon, the Maggid’s face lit up. “You should be zoche to be able to bring me mishloach manos every year!”
As Shimon left, a thought popped into his head. Why not bring food — and smiles — to
my children’s faces too?!
He ran from store to store, shopping on credit, since, after all — “It’s Purim today!”
Sure enough, Shimon’s children were delighted when they saw the delicacies their father had brought home. They ran to bring a tablecloth and sat down to enjoy the Purim seudah. As they sang together joyously, there was a loud bang on the door.
“It must be some non-Jewish drunkard,” Shimon said, and refused to open the door.
“No,” his wife said. “It sounds like Gregory. He comes around every now and then peddling his wares.”
She opened the door, and a bloodied Gregory stumbled inside. Shimon and his wife cleaned and bandaged his wounds, and offered him a glass of whiskey. When Gregory felt better, he told them that his daughter and son-in-law had thrown him out of their home because they were fed up with his drinking habits. Gregory was left beaten, bruised and in bad shape.
“You know,” he said, “I have a large treasure that I hid in the forest. I was planning to give it to my daughter, but now I changed my mind. You’ve been so kind to me now, and I want to give you the treasure instead!”
Gregory described exactly where he had buried his treasure.
Several days later, Gregory succumbed to his wounds.
Shimon went to the forest and located the treasure — a large box filled with many gold coins. He was no longer a pauper; now he was wealthy.
And of course, every year afterward, Shimon went to Kozhnitz to present mishloach manos to the Kozhnitzer Maggid.
His home remained bare and his heart broken.
How would his wife and children survive if he couldn’t provide them with sufficient food?
8:186:44
Reb Eliezer’s response shocked the king. “If you want us to help stop this terrible decree, you must give us lots of wine.”
It was Erev Purim, yet the Yidden of Amsterdam could hardly think of celebrating. The sea level was rising threateningly high, and if the dam broke, the entire city would be flooded in no time. The water whipped about wildly, and sounds of fish slapping against the wall of the dam could be heard.
The king urgently called for Rebbi Eliezer Rokeach and said sternly, “You Jews must do something! If this doesn’t stop, our entire city will be wiped away. Please pray to your G-d.” Then the king added, “If the water does not begin to drop and the fish don’t stop banging against the walls within the next three days, every single Jew will be expelled from Amsterdam!”
Reb Eliezer’s response shocked the king. “Tomorrow, we’ll be celebrating the holiday of Purim. If you want us to help stop this terrible decree, you must give us lots of wine. Barrels should be placed on every Jewish street.”
“What?!” the king cried angrily. “That is true rebellion! Here we’re talking of a major catastrophe hovering over our heads, and you’re asking for wine?!”
Reb Eliezer remained calm. “If the king wants the decree to go away, this is what we need. We need lots of good wine, so every Jew can become inebriated!” And Reb Eliezer reiterated his request for wine.
That Purim, the Yidden of Amsterdam were happier and more uplifted than ever before. Everyone drank many times the amount they did a regular year, all at the king’s expense, with no inhibitions.
And that very evening, the water began to recede, and the noise of the pounding fish died down.
The king called Reb Eliezer to the palace and demanded an explanation.
“How could it be that you Jews drink to your heart’s content, become completely inebriated, and in the meantime, your G-d does miracles for you?”
“We didn’t drink for pleasure,” Reb Eliezer replied. “We drank to fulfill the
mitzvah of the day. By drinking, we fulfilled the will of our Creator — and when we do His will, He in turn, does our will!”
* * * * *
When Esther sent Hasach to Mordechai to find out what was going on, the pasuk says, “V’yaged lo Mordechai es kol asher karahu” — And Mordechai told him all that had befallen him (Esther 4:7).
The Midrash (Esther Rabbah 8) explains, “Ben beno shel Karahu ba aleichem” — the descendant of Karahu came upon us. This refers to Amalek, who introduced the concept of mikreh, coincidence, as the pasuk says, “Asher karcha b’derech” (Devarim 25:18). Happenstance is the exact opposite of emunah. Believing that world events derive randomly from nature rather than by hashgacha pratis is the antithesis of emunah. The miracle of Purim deflated the ego of a descendent of the one who first influenced Klal Yisroel with his lack of belief in Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
How does this relate to the mitzvah of drinking on Purim?
Every driver knows the rule: Don’t drink and drive. The commandment to drink on Purim is a message to us: We’re not driving. We don’t control or run anything; everything is run by Hashem.
This is also the reason we dress up on Purim. Purim must implant in our hearts the understanding that our entire lives are a play. It’s all a mask. It may seem like someone accomplished something, or that someone hurt us, but that’s not really true; it all comes from Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
Through the mitzvah of being merry on Purim and drinking, we recognize that there is no such thing as nature. Even if it seems as if b’derech hateva there is no way we can be saved, Purim reminds us that the laws of nature are really non-existent. There is no chance; everything happens under Hashem’s direct, explicit guidance.
A bill introduced in Albany last week by Assemblyman Aron Wieder could bring good news to residents of the East Ramapo School District, with a potential tax refund coming their way.
As previously reported in The Monsey View, New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa slapped district residents with a 4.38% tax levy, overturning a decision by voters not to increase their school taxes. Insisting that the money was needed to support East Ramapo public schools, Rosa claimed that the district was looking at a $20 million deficit. But with a surprise surplus of more than $100 million in funding recently discovered, Wieder’s bill, A6313, demands that the district refund the tax levy ordered by Rosa.
“That money belongs to you,” said Wieder, addressing his constituents in a video filmed on the steps of the State Education Department’s Albany headquarters.
Given that East Ramapo has state-ordered monitors in place, including one whose job was to oversee the district’s financial affairs, Wieder’s bill also calls on Attorney General Letitia James to open an investigation into the surplus.
Spring Valley zoning board chairman Moshe Hopstein was sworn in last week as the newest member of the Rockland County Legislature, stepping in to serve the remaining two years of Assemblyman Aron Wieder’s term. As previously reported in The Monsey View, Wieder vacated his seat in order to devote his full attention to his duties as a freshman member of the New York State Assembly.
Hopstein received the recommendation of the Ramapo Democratic Committee, and was named to succeed Wieder in a unanimous legislative vote on March 4. He has long been involved in public service, and in addition to having worked in
the Town of Ramapo’s Assessor’s Office, the Spring Valley resident has also been a board member of the East Ramapo School District, and is currently the chairman of the Spring Valley Zoning Board of Appeals.
“It is a privilege to become part of this distinguished group of public servants, and I feel both humbled and thankful for this remarkable opportunity,” said Hopstein, after being sworn in by Rockland District Attorney Tom Walsh. “I have dedicated myself to serving the public interest for a long time, and I eagerly anticipate continuing this work at the county level.”
Hopstein represents District 13, a largely Democratic district that covers a large swath of Spring Valley, as well as parts of unincorporated Ramapo. Fellow legislator Joel Friedman, whose district includes Chestnut Ridge, seconded the resolution that appointed Hopstein to the Legislature.
“He possesses not only the necessary experience, but also a genuine love for the community, which is essential for any elected official representing their district,” said Friedman.
It was a grim meeting on March 5 for representatives of multiple Monsey mosdos, who came together to discuss the difficult financial realities that have left schools facing debilitating financial issues.
According to reports, schools are having difficulty meeting payroll and covering their operational expenses. Area residents were stunned to hear Bais Shifra Miriam announce last week that it was suspending all classes because of a financial crisis.
Those present at the meeting discussed the various causes of their schools’ financial instability, which include a decline in contributions and families’ inability to meet their tuition obligations, realities that make it difficult for schools to pay their teachers and staff. Possible strategies suggested to alleviate the problem include exploring financial aid options, and recruiting community leaders to help shoulder the cost of running the schools.
The administrators noted that while many people are having trouble making ends meet, the immediate crisis is a growing concern that could have devastating ramifications.
“We recognize that our community is feeling the pressure, but the mosdos are the heart of our chinuch system,” said one of those who attended the meeting. “Without immediate support, we fear that schools may not be able to continue operating as they do now.”
Timing is everything on emergency calls, but in one instance that took place last week, the crisis that was averted involved not a patient, but a member who was assisting in a medical emergency.
A Rockland Hatzoloh volunteer had responded to a call at Northern Metropolitan on Maple Avenue on March 7, shortly before the start of Shabbos. Just moments after he entered the nursing home to assist an elderly patient, a large tree crashed into the side of his minivan, which was parked at the facility’s main entrance. The tree also did extensive damage to a parked car that was directly in its path as it was felled by high winds.
No injuries were reported, and Chaverim members were called to the scene to help clear away the debris.
Reflecting on the accomplishments of 2024, County Ex-
ecutive Ed Day told Rocklanders that they have much to be proud of, even as continued challenges lie ahead.
Day began his March 4 State of the County Address by highlighting the achievements made since he took the helm of county government in 2014. At that time, Rockland was the most fiscally stressed county in New York State, and was struggling with a $138 million deficit. Day emphasized the concerted efforts of the Rockland County Legislature and members of local government in charting a path toward fiscal responsibility, making it clear that the positive accomplishments of the past decade were the result of a group effort, and not his alone.
“To all of our employees, I want you to know how much I value your commitment to the people of this county,” said Day. “We’ve literally transformed this county from worst to first, and now we are one of New York’s strongest counties, with a rainy day surplus shielding us from future crises.”
In his address, Day spoke about Rockland’s strong financial position, detailing $30 million savings on capital improvements that were paid for in advance instead of borrowing money to fund the projects, as well as using $2 million in state dollars to cover the cost of resurfacing fourteen miles of county roads. He also highlighted local infrastructure investments and initiatives that have been launched to improve residents’ quality of life, including $10 million of grant money acquired through the post-COVID American Rescue Plan Act that was used to enhance more than 24 parks, playgrounds and community gardens.
But above all, Day’s speech underscored his administration’s commitment to financial stability and fiscal responsibility.
“Our administration is always searching for savings, both big and small, to help offset any potential losses,” said Day. “Unlike other governments that frivolously waste money and over-tax to cover costs, we focus on making strategic investments that maximize returns for Rockland’s future.”
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Perela struggles with guilt over her new job. Sheva tells her that her play is scheduled for the last day of Perela’s trip to China.
wondered about the elegantly set table, he didn’t say anything.
“Cheshvan is such a tough month in cheder.” His eyes were shining as he said it. A man who enjoyed his job, guilt-free. He sat down at the table.
“Hmm… fruit smoothie!” He picked up a spoon and dug in.
Perela numbly spread her nicer tablecloth on the kitchen table and added an autumn print napkin with a full set of flatware. She hoped Ezriel would be so pleased with the décor, he wouldn’t even notice the supperless-supper. Hint number one that supper is lacking: a nicely set table.
Sheva standing on stage, hoping she’d find her mother’s face. She poured a fruit ambrosia — thank you canned junk fruit, even junkier whipped topping and trusty immersion blender — into a tumbler and placed it next to the napkin. Hint number two: a supper that starts with dessert. Because there is no main course.
How could it be that of all days in the school year, Sheva’s play is on the Monday I’ll be away? Why are they having a play so early on in the school year, anyway? And why don’t they send home a note in advance?
She’d shooed the kids into the playroom after they’d all had grilled cheese and cucumber wheels, and now she had the kitchen for herself. Only the calendar glared at her from its prominent perch on the fridge.
“Hi! Perela?” Ezriel called. “It’s so quiet here.” He hung his jacket and entered the kitchen. If he
Perela nodded, not trusting her voice. Her hands worked quickly. She chopped lettuce and layered cherry tomatoes, corn nuts and soggy microwaved deli, which had still been in the freezer half an hour ago. She drizzled the Not Only Cole Slaw dressing on the salad in pretty lines.
The one burger she had from yesterday’s leftover was quickly rewarmed in the Betty Crocker. She smeared mustard onto a frozen wrap and popped it back into the Betty. She added some pepper and sour pickle strips. Protein, starch, vegetable. Bingo, supper.
“It’s heavy, heavy teaching,” Ezriel continued.
Perela usually enjoyed listening to him sharing his cheder news, but now she waited — and dreaded — for him to remember that it had been her first official day at work.
She also had a day to share with him. Something more than laundry and supper and neighborhood gossip.
PERELA USUALLY ENJOYED LISTENING TO HIM SHARING HIS CHEDER NEWS, BUT NOW SHE WAITED — AND DREADED — FOR HIM TO REMEMBER THAT IT HAD BEEN HER FIRST OFFICIAL DAY AT WORK
EZRIEL WAS BETTER AT CALENDAR STUFF THAN SHE WAS. HIS EYEBROWS SHOT UP. “ROSH CHODESH? ISN’T THAT…” HE TURNED TO PERELA, WHO NODDED
She longed to analyze why, even with all the kinks in her day, she couldn’t wait to go back tomorrow.
“New recipe?” Ezriel asked as he maneuvered through the crispy wrap. “It’s really good!”
Perela smiled tightly.
Finally, he put his fork down and looked at her. Would he notice her uncharacteristically made-up face and finally, finally remember?
“Hey, didn’t you go to work today?” he asked.
Perela nodded as tears sprang to her eyes.
He stared at her.
“No, no, don’t worry. It was great.” She swiped at her tears. “Like really good. Just my mother. I arrived at her house…” Suddenly, she found herself sobbing. “And Yanky was miserable.”
Ezriel looked at her in incomprehension. She poured out the story.
“So Yanky chapped what happened to your mother?” Ezriel asked.
“No! He cried at the babysitter. It was just on top of everything else! And then I missed Charni’s bus.”
“What a day. You know that it doesn’t make sense that only you and Kaily care for your mother. There has to be another way.”
His validation warmed her. She looked at Ezriel. Maybe it was her exhaustion or the extra sugar from the ambrosia, but she finally allowed her heart to open.
“The job was… interesting. Like, I enter the place and I feel so, you know, myself. I was always a macher Head of dance, sewing, drama. And when I’m at Prance, I feel like that again.”
She stole a glance at her husband. His face was open, listening, but there was also bewilderment and maybe hurt?
“I never thought about that,” he said. “I… I always thought you were so happy to take care of the house.”
“I was. I am. And I’m really grateful to you that I was always able to
do it. But maybe now the time has come?”
He nodded slowly. She didn’t dare breathe. Maybe Ezriel did get her?
Sheva broke the magic.
“Ta!” she shouted.
Please don’t tell Tatty. Please? Not yet! Not now.
“I’m having the main solo dance in our play! It’s very soon!”
“Can fathers come?” Same joke every play, but Sheva still laughed.
“No. But Mommy and Babi can. It’s a day after Rosh Chodesh Kislev! It’s about Chanukah!”
Ezriel was better at calendar stuff than she was. His eyebrows shot up. “Rosh Chodesh? Isn’t that…” He turned to Perela, who nodded.
Sheva’s eyes darted between them.
Apparently, he saw her shoulders sagging, or read the desperation in her eyes.
“You’ll show me your dance, right?” he said.
Sheva nodded. Perela exhaled.
But a few minutes later, as Ezriel was leaving, he asked “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know,” she answered truthfully. “I don’t know.”
* * * * *
Maybe it was Nechy’s phone call that made Kaily call Dance Away and book a belated simchas beis hashoeivah
“Yom Tov was hard,” Nechy said simply as soon as she answered the phone.
Or maybe the stress of shopping at Drummer’s and being the only woman in the jam-packed bein hazmanim crush?
Or Perela’s phone call while she was waiting in an endless line to have Sruly’s pants fitted.
“I’m leaving now, because of buses, but I don’t think Ma can be left alone.”
She listened to the whole sorry
tale, left Sruly alone in the crowd of fathers and sons, and rushed home.
Or maybe, probably, because Mira still had a spell over her.
Like the mature woman she was, Kaily texted Mira that she’d booked Dance Away with a Kangoo instructor for Tuesday evening. While her mother napped, she ordered a milchig muffin bar from Muffins ‘N More. And just like that, Mira’s dream simchas beis hashoeivah was scheduled for tomorrow.
THE YELLOW PILL. THE LEVODOPA. SHE’D ONLY GOTTEN SOME SAMPLE PILLS AT THE LAST VISIT, TO TRY AND SEE IF THIS DOSAGE WORKED. TOMORROW, AFTER HYDROTHERAPY, THEY WERE GOING TO THE DOCTOR TO MONITOR THIS VERY PILL
She didn’t respond to Mira’s flurry of texts, but she did read them.
Tuesday night, when Eli came to visit Ma, Kaily slipped out of the house.
Mira was at the mic. “Girls! Research shows that Kangoo jumping burns at least eight muffins an hour!”
The women hobbled around in Kangoo shoes, grabbing poles or each other to steady themselves. Some were giggling hysterically as they tried eating a muffin without falling. They were taking Mira’s research very seriously.
If anyone noticed that the two Sisters OTG heads were only politely interacting, no one mentioned anything.
After a few minutes of mingling, the instructor got the music blaring and the women jumping. Kaily stood in the back, observing them all. She could barely balance herself in these ridiculous shoes, let alone dance. She watched the women who did it all so bravely every single day, and her eyes watered. She’d really missed them.
“I can’t move anymore!” one of the women moaned after a while. The instructor took pity. “You did great! What a group! What energy!”
Mira showed the women into the party room, where a buffet was waiting for them. The ladies were famished. When they were all eating, Mira took the mic again.
“Girls,” she said seriously. They all stopped eating and looked at her.
What followed was a heartfelt farewell. Mira wouldn’t be running Sisters OTG after her wedding. Kaily saw many women tear up at her speech, and she herself found
herself wiping her eyes.
“I’ll miss you all!” Mira concluded, “And I vintch you that you, too, should find happiness, and that this organization should close down because there will be no more need.”
“And thank you, Kaily,” her eyes travelled to meet hers, “for being a true partner in this endeavor. May Hakadosh Baruch Hu repay you.”
Kaily met her eyes. Something within her thawed. Her phone pinged.
Eli: The yellow pill fell out of the pillbox, and I can’t find it. What should I do?
What should he do? He was really asking what she will do.
The yellow pill. The Levodopa. She’d only gotten some sample pills at the last visit, to try and see if this dosage worked. Tomorrow, after hydrotherapy, they were going to the doctor to monitor this very pill.
I’ll be home soon, she texted back.
* * * * *
The pill had rolled under the oven. Kaily lay sprawled on the floor with a wire hanger, trying to maneuver the little pill out of its hiding place, when it hit her. She would never give a goodbye speech at the mic. She wouldn’t even get to say an official farewell to her ladies.
But she, too, had just waved goodbye to her beloved Sisters OTG.
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Purim is here! Bring on the cocktails — in all colors, tastes and types. L’chaim!
This mojito is a bright and refreshing nonalcoholic option, blending lime and mint for a crowd-pleasing Purim drink.
INGREDIENTS
8 cups lemon-lime soda
½ cup simple syrup
6 limes, cut into wedges Ice
SIMPLE SYRUP
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup water
5 mint leaves
DIRECTIONS
1. To make the simple syrup, heat the water and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Do not boil.
2. Pour the syrup into a container, and add the mint leaves. Refrigerate overnight.
3. To assemble: Place all ingredients in a large bowl or pitcher. Mix and enjoy!
Served in a punch bowl with a Bundt pan ice ring, this Cranberry Amaretto Sour is a striking addition to the Purim table, balancing tangy and sweet flavors beautifully.
BUNDT PAN ICE
1 cup cranberries
2 cups cranberry juice
2 cups apple cider
1 orange, sliced
4 cinnamon sticks
COCKTAIL
8 cups ginger ale
¾ cup amaretto liquor
½ cup vodka
2 cups cranberry juice
DIRECTIONS
1. In a Bundt pan, combine all the ice ingredients. Place in the freezer overnight or until fully frozen.
2. Place the Bundt pan under running water, and pop out the ice. Place the ice into a large bowl. Add the remaining cocktail ingredients.
Note: A Bundt stand that can be inverted and used as a bowl is a great choice for this drink. Turn over the tray with the flat top now on the bottom. Next, turn over the cover, and place the handle of the cover into the Bundt pan stand. Fill the bowl and enjoy!
Sweet and tropical, this cocktail combines passion fruit and strawberry with whimsical jello cubes for a festive and colorful treat.
INGREDIENTS
1 strawberry jello
1 (16 oz.) bag frozen passion fruit, thawed
1 (16 oz.) bag frozen strawberries, thawed
2 cups orange juice
1 cups pomegranate seeds
½ cup vodka
8 cups seltzer
DIRECTIONS
1. Start by preparing your strawberry jello according to package instructions. Place the jello into a 9x13-inch pan, and allow to set.
2. Once fully set, cut into small cubes.
3. Place the jello cubes into a large pitcher or bowl along with the remaining ingredients. Mix and enjoy!
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People could never believe that Reb Yisroel (Brudy) Stern, z’’l, from Stamford Hill, London, was a Holocaust survivor. He exuded such joy, mere years after the Holocaust, when others were still deeply grieving the lives and losses they left behind in Europe. It almost didn’t make sense.
But Reb Yisroel’s lifelong mantra, tracht gut vet zein gut (think good and it will be good), was how the sixteen-year-old emerged from his terrible year in Auschwitz and rebuilt his life.
Mengele, ym”sh, directed the selection at Auschwitz. He waved Reb Yisroel’s mother and siblings to the left, as he did to all the old, young and sickly. Strong men and boys were assessed based on what they could offer in skill. The man behind young Yisroel was a carpenter, so in two minutes, he briefed young Yisroel on some basics of the trade, hoping it would be enough for him to convince Mengele he was useful enough to be allowed to live.
Mengele did, in fact, quiz Yisroel to determine if he was a carpenter, as he claimed.
“What’s the most important part of a door?” he asked.
Feigning confidence, the yeshiva bochur answered (incorrectly), “The lock.”
Next Mengele asked, “How tall should a coffee table be?”
Unfamiliar with metrics, Yisroel said, “A meter.”
At that, Mengele swung a sweeping slap across his body, which sent him flying to the right, saving his life.
Yisroel survived the war with his father and one brother, the memories of his mother and four remaining siblings, hy’’d, haunting him all his life. But it never dragged him down. Yes, when he recounted his experiences to his children, on Tisha B’Av and on Seder nacht, he’d stumble over his tears — he missed his mother until his dying day — but the narratives were always with a limud in emunah, in ahavas Yisroel, or in the power of Yiddishkeit, and not just for the sake of offloading his tragic past.
He couldn’t bear tension, so when the many guests who landed at his table, typically broken Holocaust survivors, vented their stress and anger, Reb Yisroel would masterfully defuse the situation with a joke. Everyone would burst out laughing, and the rest of the meal would pass calmly.
Reb Yisroel had an open home. His children say that the only scar of the Holocaust was his generosity, particularly in food. He had to have and had to give away loads of food. Before Pesach, he’d distribute boxes of matzos and wine to needy families, way before organizations existed for that purpose. And although his parnassah swung up and down, he was always on the giving end.
Despite the joyful, busy home he established, for a few years it lacked the sound of children. He and his wife waited, convinced the malnutrition and wretchedness during the war had ruined their chances.
In search of a yeshuah, he went to his mashpia and cousin
Rabbi Shlomo Baumgarten, z’’l, who advised him to get involved in the chinuch of Yiddishe kinder. He promptly joined the hanhalah of Beis Shlomo Cheder, popularly known as Getter’s Cheder, and soon realized that they had no money to pay their melamdim
Wasting no time and drawing on his inherent brilliant wit and acting prowess, Reb Yisroel started producing a Purim Shpiel every Shushan Purim to fundraise for the cheder. It drew the who’s who from far and wide and kept them in side-splitting laughter from start to finish. In fact, when he wanted to give it up after a few years, Rabbi Baumgarten forbade him from doing so, saying that regardless of the wages of the melamdim, to which it contributed significantly, these plays were the only time Holocaust survivors were able to laugh.
Reb Yisroel always served as the main actor, opening the performance with the iconic scene of himself strutting on with a real poodle at his feet. Men and women enjoyed it alike, with one survivor saying she could only start Pesach cleaning the day after the shpiel. Before that, she couldn’t find the energy or motivation.
Besides being the main actor, Reb Yisroel wrote the script, gathered the props, rented the scenery and costumes, and hired a professional theater makeup artist. It was a professional play in every way, so much so that the secular makeup artist insisted on knowing where Reb Yisroel trained, refusing to accept he could get the crowds laughing as they did — with Yiddish humor the non-Jewish artist couldn’t even understand — without professional training.
In his inimitable way, and with his fantastically talented cast, they’d act out the idiosyncrasies of society without stepping on anyone’s toes. The Stern children remember the fun they’d have watching the rehearsals in their home. Their mother, Blanca, tichye, would prepare hot dogs and a spread, and it was party time every night.
The play went on for some 30 years. Producing the play and developing his amazing talent sowed the seeds of his eventual yeshuah.
Reb Yisroel’s father Reb Shlomo regularly traveled to cities in Europe, including Antwerp, Belgium, home to the Pshevorsker dynasty. One year, around Chanukah time, Reb Shlomo attended a bris where the famed tzaddik Reb Itzikel of Pshevorsk, zt”l, was present. Reb Shlomo took the opportunity to ask for a bracha for his son Reb Yisroel who, after five years, was still not blessed with children.
“WHO IS THIS?” WAS THE ONE QUESTION THAT KEPT BEING MUTTERED IN THE CROWD, EVEN THOUGH BY NOW THEY REALIZED IT
WAS NO REBBE, BUT SOME BRILLIANT
Reb Itzikel was an incredible anav and answered, “My zeide, Reb Naftoli m’Lizensk, was a great tzaddik, and all of his brachos would be mekayem. He hardly gave brachos, but on Purim he did, saying that Purim is a time that one dresses up, so he
could dress up as a Rebbe and give brachos.”
The humble Reb Itzikel added that maybe he could also dress up as a Rebbe on Purim and give Reb Yisroel a bracha then.
Back in London, the yungerman Reb Yisroel wasted no time, booking a flight for Purim day, scheduled after his yearly duty of leining the Megillah so no one but his wife and parents would know of his plan.
Following some delays, he arrived at the Pshevorsker shtiebel in Antwerp toward the end of the Purim seudah. Before entering the packed tisch, he pulled out his production bag and disguised his clean-shaven, oberlander appearance into that of an elderly chassidishe rebbe: thick eyebrows, mustache, beard, hoizen zocken, striped bekishe and shtreimel. When he entered, a path cleared as the gabbaim ushered everyone aside to mach platz for this venerable guest. Reb Yisroel had badchaned before the Rebbe previously, at a
Reb Yisroel, like his father Reb Shlomo, was a mohel. Reb Yisroel would traverse the globe performing brissim in many far-flung places, with his devoted wife regularly at his side. From Africa to Singapore to the Soviet Union, he took zero compensation for the zechus, a unique tradition still maintained by London mohalim today.
All this was not without risk.
When he traveled behind the Iron Curtain to perform dozens of brissim at a time, he risked his very life. He stuffed his mohel case with extra bandages, and when the eagle-eyed Soviet airport staff interrogated him as to why he needed so many bandages, he explained that he had terrible blisters on his feet and offered to show it to them. He calmly proceeded to untie one shoe, using all of his acting expertise, and then began removing his sock to reveal what was supposed to be a ghastly-looking sole. Repulsed by the idea of what was coming, they believed him without seeing it and waved him through.
His quick tongue saved him on other occasions. In the days after Reb Yisorel merited a family, he once took his family back to visit Pressburg, where he grew up. Everything being brought in or out of the country had to be accounted for, especially Hebrew books and electronic devices. A documented list would be recorded and then checked. While in Pressburg, the family came across piles of abandoned seforim. Reb Yisroel wanted to bring them back with him, to give the seforim the kavod and usage they deserve. Figuring that his daughter’s bags would arouse the least suspicion, he put them in her suitcase. But in the airport, her suitcase was selected to be checked. She trembled as they called her aside, certain she would be sent to some primitive jail. But as they lifted her suitcase, Reb Yisroel rushed toward the guard, wearing the perfect face to sell the urgency of his request: “Excuse me, where is the bathroom?” The guard shrugged him off, but he persisted. “No, no, it’s an emergency. I need the bathroom. Please show me where it is.” His distraction worked. His daughter’s suitcase was never examined.
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friend’s wedding in London, and he’d observed that Reb Itzikel enjoyed his deep and clever humor. He decided to perform once again, this time with the Rebbe’s heilige son-in-law Reb Yankele and grandson Reb Leibish also present.
He delivered a long hesped on Haman, and being a talmid chacham, he wove in witty Purim Torahs, pesukim and puns from Tanach and Gemara. He then imitated a yekkishe Yid in German, changing accents and costumes while the crowd laughed — the Rebbe included. They’d never seen the Rebbe laugh like this. This was humor, but it was toichen’dige brilliance.
“Who is this?” was the one question that kept being muttered in the crowd, even though by now they realized it was no rebbe, but some brilliant actor.
Soon, the gabbaim brought trays of kugel for the Rebbe to teil shirayim. Reb Yisroel pounced at the opportunity.
“Bizti oich a Purim Rebbe? Are you also a Purim Rebbe?” he inquired cryptically, to which the Rebbe chuckled and rejoined with a curious, “Yoh.”
“Kenzti oich leinen kvittlech? Can you also read kvitlach?” Reb Yisroel continued.
“Yoh,” answered the Rebbe, still smiling.
“Okay, I’ll promise the Rebbe whatever he wants, and you promise me what I want,” Reb Yisroel said. Then he pulled out his kvittel
SHAKING FROM THE REVELATION, REB YISROEL COMPOSED HIMSELF, AND AS ONE DOES WHEN SEALING A DEAL, SHOOK THE REBBE’S HAND WITH A HEARTFELT “MAZEL U’BRACHA.”
and showed it to the Rebbe. Shocked, the Rebbe turned to his guest. “Di bist dos? Are you the one?”
The Rebbe’s face grew serious. Hundreds of eyes were on the dais. Curiosity and suspense roiled the crowd.
The Rebbe ordered everyone to bensch and daven Maariv, noting that the guest had traveled from further than any of them. After waving them all home, he told Reb Yisroel to join him outside for a stroll.
The two of them walked up and down the long road off Belgelei in silence. Finally, the Rebbe spoke.
“Okay, promise me in a year you’ll call me as sandek.”
Shaking from the revelation, Reb Yisroel composed himself, and as one does when sealing a deal, shook the Rebbe’s hand with a heartfelt “mazel u’bracha.”
The Rebbe then ushered him to “gei shoin aheim,” to go home already, but not before reminding him, “Let me know when there’s a shinui l’tovah.”
A few months later, Reb Yisroel’s father, Reb Shlomo, was back in Antwerp for another bris. He visited the Rebbe and delivered
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AFTER THE AGONIZING SIX-YEAR WAIT, THE EUPHORIC NEW FATHER GOT A TASTE OF THE INEXPLICABLE JOY OF NOT JUST BEING BLESSED WITH A CHILD, BUT ALSO OF PERFORMING A BRIS ON HIS OWN SON
the miraculous news that his son was awaiting a simcha exactly a year to the day of the bracha. The Rebbe reminded him of the deal regarding sandekaus
“But it might be a girl,” noted another man who overheard the conversation.
“Zei nisht kein naar. Don’t be ridiculous,” the Rebbe rebuked him. “If I promised it’ll be a boy, it’ll be a boy!”
The Rebbe served as sandek a few days after Purim, even insisting on visiting the kimpeturin in the hospital to wish her mazel tov.
After the agonizing six-year wait, the euphoric new father got a taste of the inexplicable joy of not just being blessed with a child, but also of performing a bris on his own son.
While driving the Rebbe back to Heathrow airport, Reb Yisroel ventured, “Rebbe, what about more children?”
The Rebbe remained quiet for the rest of the long ride, until the very end, when he announced, “Ah, this will cost a lot,” naming an enormous sum. The Rebbe was renowned for his mass tzedakah distribution before Pesach. Every penny he got went straight to the needy.
As soon as they arrived at the airport, Reb Yisroel located a pay phone and called his wealthy father to share the Rebbe’s words.
“Yes, yes,” replied his father. “Tell him I’m ready, whatever it’ll cost.”
Reb Yisroel turned to the Rebbe with the good news. “Vet der Rebbe mich unvintchen? Will the Rebbe bless me?”
Reb Yisroel had arranged a VIP escort service, which in those days meant escorting the passenger until the stairs of the plane. Again, complete silence accompanied them on the long walk to the tarmac. Reb Yisroel was hesitant to go further, as the bracha had not yet been given. They still had a few feet until the plane, but the silence rang too loud.
They reached the stairway. The Rebbe ascended the first step. Reb Yisroel clutched desperately onto his hand, unwilling to part.
Finally, the Rebbe spoke. “Der Eibishter zol helfen, yingelech in meidelech, noch un noch. Hashem will help — boys and girls, more and more.”
Reb Yisroel and his wife merited nine children in quick succession, a blessing rooted in a tzaddik’s deep simcha on the lofty day of Purim, proving that mit simcha ken men poilen.
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When I was a young college student working toward a degree in psychology, I had to take a course that emphasized the importance of respecting cultural diversity. I remember the professor having us watch a short demonstration of two women arguing with each other. “Please, take this painting! It’s a gift from me to you!” said one to the other.
The other responded, “No, no, I can’t take this from you! It’s too valuable. It belongs to you, and you should keep it.”
The first lady responded with more vehemence than before. “Please, take it! You will offend me if you don’t!”
After much back and forth, the second lady gave in. “Oh, you are so kind and so generous. Thank you so much for this gift. I will forever be indebted to you!”
“This,” my professor went on to explain, “is taarof in action. Taarof is a part of Persian culture. It requires you, as a hostess, to offer your guest anything they may express interest in. This includes food, housewares, personal items, you name it. The guest, on the other hand, is supposed to refuse the offer a few times, before they finally give in.”
For the life of me, I could not understand this formality, but I shrugged it off as something that was of no great importance.
FAST FORWARD three years. I am sitting with my new chasan, and he is explaining what taarof is and how I should expect to run up against it when I meet his extended family.
I looked at him in shock and said, “You mean it's real, like in real life?”
He looked surprised. “You’ve heard of this before?”
Persians are known for their handmade rugs. My in-laws have a small rug framed and hung in their sukkah every year. That took some getting used to on my part, since my plebeian eyes do not necessarily appreciate the beauty of each silk strand woven so artfully to form these delicate rugs. But their monetary value can range between a couple thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars!
I said, “Yeah, in college, when they were teaching us about cultural diversity!”
When my chasan finished laughing, he said, “Welcome to the beauty of Persian culture.”
As you may have guessed, my husband is a Persian Jew, which means he follows a set of Sefardic minhagim that originate from the Jews in Iran, also known as Persia (or Paras Umadai). I, myself, was born a Sefardi as well, but not Persian. My family originates from Egypt, although my parents and grandparents were born in America. Because of this, I did not have much of a connection to Egyptian culture as my husband did to his Persian heritage, and I was excited to learn more about it.
The first thing that I would like to point out is the pronunciation of the saf as a taf For example, Ashkenazis say chasan, but as a Sefardi, I pronounce it chatan
We got engaged the day before Taanit Esther and married a week after Shavuot. I went to visit my chatan’s family in LA on Chol Hamoed Pesach, and I was introduced to eating rice on Yom Tov. Contrary to popular belief, rice is not chometz! Ashkenazi chachamim banned the eating of rice on Pesach since it used to be stored with wheat bundles back in Europe, but this was not the case for the Jews who
lived in Iran. Interestingly, there were a few pop-up sushi spots in LA over Pesach, and it was wonderful to see many Jews enjoying themselves in such a novel way. In fact, rice is the most basic staple in the Persian pantry. Since everything and anything is eaten with a side of basmati rice, I am loath to imagine what Pesach would be like without it.
In general, Persian food has definitely got personality. A typical Persian main course is what Americans would call a meat stew, but Persians refer to it as choresh. Of course, it is eaten with a side of rice, and when cooking the rice, many will place thinly cut potato slices to fry beneath the rice. These potato slices are called tadik. They are the perfect combination of fried and crispy, and each slice is fought over in every Persian household.
Another one of the Persian minhagim I learned over Pesach is what my in-laws call “Dayeinu.” Dayeinu is not for the faint of heart; here’s how it works: On Seder night, when the family reaches Dayeinu in the Haggadah, my mother-in-law brings out a stack of scallions, handing out bunches and bunches to each family member. And then it’s just all-out war as everyone acts out the whipping the Yidden endured in Mitzrayim. Everyone begins throwing scallions at one another, parents chase their kids around the table and throw scallions at them, and their kids join forces and plan a mass retaliation. Grandparents with years of experience in scallion warfare help the kids employ artful war strategy; teams are decided, generals appointed, and it's total bedlam in the most exciting and fun way you can imagine. It is such a highlight of Seder night that my kids live all year for Dayeinu
THE PERSIAN LANGUAGE is chock full of expressions that use passionate language to portray a certain thought or feeling. It’s very flowery and descriptive. I was once sitting innocently in my plane seat on the way back from LA when I overheard a teenage brother and sister speaking to each other in Farsi. I didn’t understand what they were saying, but I could tell from my husband’s raised eyebrows that it was a colorful conversation, to say the least.
“What are they saying?” I mouthed to my husband.
“I’m not quite sure how to translate this expression for you,” he replied. “Literally, she just told her brother to choke on his own tongue.”
Another fascinating piece of information about Persians is that they remained unaffected by the Holocaust. It is not a part of their history. There were probably murmurs about a great war in Europe, and unclarified rumors about treatment of the Jews there, but at that time, it was not discussed. Only later on, when Iranians began to emigrate to America, did they learn about the Holocaust and the horrors that European Jewry endured in the 1940s.
This is not to say that the Iranian Jews lived in peace and posterity while their Ashkenazi brethren suffered. Throughout history, Iranian Jews suffered their own version of religious discrimination in the form of pogroms and severe and inhumane punishment for wrongful accusation.
There was, however, a short period of peace when the Shah was in power, from 1941 to 1979. The Shah was more modernized and recognized other religions to be equal to Islam and allowed the Jews the freedom they needed to flourish. There was a two-year period of instability from 1977 to 1979, when many of the Iranians opposed the unfair distribution of wealth, among other things, and thus began a two-year revolution, which ended in the Shah escaping for his life, and Ayatollah Khomeini assuming leadership. Khomeini imposed strict Sharia laws, which led to Jews, once again, running for their lives. The stories that some of my friend’s parents have to tell about their escape from Iran generally involve human smugglers, uncertainty, midnight camelback traipses through the desert in less than ideal conditions fraught with terror, and a desperation to live.
And as all Jews have done over millennia of Jewish persecution, they restarted their lives in various places all over the world, quickly rising from the depths of despair to success and affluence, which after all, is the story of Purim as well. And just like the Jews of Persia saw redemption in the times of Achashveirosh, may all the Jews, everywhere in the world, merit to see the arrival of the Geulah really soon.
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I nodded slowly. “So, is this just regular sibling rivalry, or should we be more concerned?”
My husband blinked in surprise. “Oh, this is nothing. It’s just the equivalent of saying, ‘Be quiet!’ or something like that.”
I shook my head in amazement. “That’s a lot of energy spent on telling someone to stop talking, no?”
He shrugged. “You get used to it.”
PERSIANS ARE also very family oriented. Parents and children keep in close touch with one another even when the children are grown, living across the country, or even across the world. There is great pride and loyalty toward family. Community is an extension of family, and therefore, protectiveness and pride extends to the community as well. To outsiders, the Persian communities appear to be one and the same, whether they’re in Brooklyn, Great Neck or LA. However, to the insiders, communities are divided by the original city your family lived in, back in Iran. There are Shirazis, Teheranis, Esfahoonis, Mashatis and Hamedanis, to name a few. (Fun fact: It is commonly believed that Mordechai Hatzaddik and Esther Hamalkah are buried in Hamedan.)
Of course, there are stereotypes attached to each city, and whether or not they are true, I will never know. Based on what I’ve gleaned from my ten-plus years of exposure to these wonderful Jews, this is what I can say: Shirazis are known for their love of lemon juice, Teheranis are known for their elitist attitude (I say this with much love, as my in-law family is originally from Tehran), Mashatis are known for their distrust of all those outside the Mashati community, and Hamedanis are the Persian version of Hungarians. Again, is this accurate? I have no idea.
I was once standing next to my mother-in-law at a wedding, and a Persian woman came up to her, gave her a warm hug, and began to speak in rapid-fire Farsi. My mother-in-law kindly translated for me and said, “This is my friend Fariba.”
I smiled at Fariba and made a friendly hand gesture. She smiled back at me, and then asked my mother-in-law something in Farsi. My mother-in-law looked apologetic and laughed a little. “She said she’d wanted to know who the foreigner is.”
I looked around. “Which foreigner?”
I was expecting to see someone dressed in outlandish robes with a big turban tied around their head, but I came up blank. Then I saw my mother-in-law’s eye twitch, and I knew this was going to be a good story to tell one day.
“She was referring to you, actually. I told her you are my daughter-in-law, so don’t worry, you’re an honorary Persian now.”
Oh, the irony! Here I am, a third-generation American, in America, listening to an immigrant speaking Farsi, and somehow, I was the foreigner! But there is a lesson to be learned here. Immigration status, Farsi-speaking, and heavily accented English aside, that woman has a strong sense of belonging, provided by the close-knit community she is a part of. What a beautiful way to live.
The year is 1979. Thousands the U.S. Embassy climbing over its walls, storming the building. They take parade them blindfolded in front are representatives of America
Once a close ally of the West, transformed into a bitter enemy secularized ruler, the Shah, Ayatollah Khomeini, an Islamist hatred of Israel and the West.
In the wake of this ties with the United relations into a deep
Thousands of Iranians surround in Tehran and surge forward, walls, unlocking the gates and take 52 Americans hostage and front of cameras. After all, these America, “the Great Satan.” West, Iran is instantly enemy. The nation’s Shah, is replaced by Islamist known for his virulent this seismic shift, Iran severs all United States and its allies, plunging deep freeze.
More than two years later, the fate of the 52 American hostages was still a central focus of global concern. Amid negotiations, the UN arranged for a delegation of four clergymen to visit the hostages and provide support. Since a few of the hostages were Jewish, the clergy selections included a rabbi, Avraham Mordechai Hershberg.
Born in Poland in 1916, Rabbi Hershberg had been accepted into the world-famous Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin. With the outbreak of World War II, he escaped to Vilna and followed the Mirer Yeshiva to Shanghai, China. In 1942, Rabbi Hershberg obtained a visa to enter Canada, and from there he went on to Chicago and opened a yeshiva. In 1960, he became the Chief Rabbi of Mexico.
deliver an address. The American delegation of clergymen was led onto the raised platform, surrounded by fiercelooking guards.
Rabbi Hershberg felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Were they about to be publicly humiliated — or executed? He scanned the sea of faces, sensing the burning hatred directed toward him as a Jew.
Then, in the middle of the proceedings, the unexpected happened. All at once, the crowd knelt and bowed to the ground, their foreheads pressed to the earth. Onstage, Khomeini and the imams followed suit. The three Christian clergymen bowed like everyone else.
Rabbi Hershberg, along with Rabbi Ezrahian who was also present, remained standing.
They stood upright and resolute, just as Mordechai had refused to bow to Haman centuries earlier in the very same land.
They stood upright and resolute, just as Mordechai had refused to bow to Haman centuries earlier in the very same land
He arrived in Iran during Chanukah of 1981. He met with the Jewish hostages and lit a menorah with them, creating a powerful moment. As he later recounted, “After lighting the candles we sang and danced together — there in the middle of Tehran! I can’t describe the great joy of the hostages.”
Then something extraordinary happened.
Shortly after the menorah lighting, Rabbi Hershberg and the three priests were unexpectedly ushered to the central square of Tehran for what was described as an “event.” It was Friday, the Muslim day of worship, and over a million people had gathered to hear Ayatollah Khomeini
One of Khomeini’s aides stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. Approaching the rabbis, he demanded, “Why didn’t you bow with everyone else?”
Rabbi Hershberg’s reply was unwavering. “I am a Jew, and I believe in the Torah of Moshe.”
The aide listened intently to Rabbi Hershberg’s words before turning and leaving the platform. Ten agonizing minutes later, the aide returned with a startling message: “The Ayatollah wishes to see you.”
The rabbi drew on a deep reservoir of emunah as he prepared himself for what might be his final moments. Thoughts of kiddush Hashem filled his mind as he was escorted through the guarded corridors. When he entered the chamber, he found Khomeini sitting in his chair, his head bowed low. The rabbi braced himself.
Unexpectedly, Khomeini lifted his head and spoke.
“I congratulate you,” he said. “You did not flatter me with lies, unlike the priests who bowed out of fear and did not mean it. You did not bow and were unafraid of a human being. That shows me that you are a man of truth.”
Rabbi Hershberg’s experience in Iran followed a long and rich history of Yidden in that country. In fact, the Jewish community of Iran is among the oldest Jewish communities outside Eretz Yisroel. According to some sources, the first Yidden arrived as early as the time of the exile of the Ten Shevatim, more than a century before the Churban of the first Beis Hamikdash, and settled in the area that is known today as Kurdistan.
The story of Persian Jewry begins in earnest with the Churban, when the surviving Yidden were forcibly relocated to Bavel, which is now part of modern-day Iraq. Eleven years before the Churban, the Babylonian monarch Nevuchadnetzar exiled 10,000 Yidden to Bavel. This group included neviim and chachamim like Yechezkel, Daniel and Ezra, as well as the entire Sanhedrin (Gittin 88a). In doing so, he unwittingly established the next 2,500 years of Jewish history. Those 10,000 exiles laid the foundation of the Jewish future.
Yechezkel Hanavi established a yeshiva that lasted continually until the year 1001 CE, a period of more than 1,600 consecutive years. The Babylonian empire, however, was short-lived. Its last
king, Balshatzar, was deposed during a drunken banquet where he desecrated the sacred vessels of the Beis Hamikdash. This famous event, described in Sefer Daniel, culminated with the miraculous writing on the wall as a malach etched cryptic words predicting the imminent downfall of Balshatzar and his empire.
That very night, Balshatzar’s capital and palace were invaded and conquered by the Persian king Koresh.
The political center of the world now shifted from Bavel to Persia, in modern-day northwestern Iran. Many Yidden migrated to Shushan, the capital city (where the Purim story took place). The Gemara (Megillah 11a) describes the Persians in vivid, frightful terms: “They eat and drink like a bear, they are covered in flesh like a bear, they are hairy like a bear and they are restless like a bear.” Yet the Gemara praises them for maintaining a measure of modesty in
“They eat and drink like a bear, they are covered in flesh like a bear, they are hairy like a bear and they are restless like a bear”
The final downfall came from one of history’s most formidable conquerors, Alexander the Great
their habits (Berachos 8b).
The Gemara sometimes refers to Persia by the name Elam, an empire that dominated the region on and off for 2,000 years. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 24a) says that of ten portions of arrogance that descended into the world, nine came to Elam by way of Bavel. Inscriptions remaining from the Persian kings contain the haughty titles, statements and alleged mighty deeds that were traditional among ancient rulers.
It was the first Persian king, Koresh, who gave the Yidden permission to return to their homeland and rebuild the Beis Hamikdash, as recounted in Ezra (1:1–3). However, most did not heed the call.
After Koresh’s demise, enemies of the Yidden in Eretz Yisroel mounted a political campaign back in Persia (Ezra 4:5), telling the new king, falsely, that the Yidden were planning rebellion and that he should revoke their permit to rebuild the Bais Hamikdash. They were successful, and the permit was cancelled.
Shortly afterward, Achashverosh became king. As the Megillah relates, his rule extended from Hodu to Kush — from India in the east to Ethiopia in the west. All the lands in his empire paid him a regular tribute, causing the wealth of the entire civilized world to flow into Persia.
Surviving records suggest that
the annual tribute paid to Persia totaled approximately 15,000 talents of silver. Compare that to the price of 10,000 talents of silver that Haman offered Achashverosh for his “contract on the Jews.” This sum, which Achashverosh waived without much thought, equaled no less than two-thirds of the entire tribute paid by all 127 subjugated lands to the royal treasury each year!
Following the dramatic downfall of Haman and the joyous conclusion of the Purim story, Achashverosh lived a few more years. Upon his death, Daryavesh ascended the throne. He reinstated the original decree of Koresh, permitting the Yidden to return to Eretz Yisroel and rebuild the Beis Hamikdash. Ezra and Nechemiah led the return, and the long and difficult process of rebuilding began.
According to a mesorah, Esther Hamalkah gave birth to a son during her marriage with Achashverosh (Vayikra Rabbah 13:5). It is possible that this son was Daryavesh, the very king who granted the Yidden permission to return to their land and rebuild the Bais Hamikdash.
This connection is another reminder of how Hashem orchestrates history, often using the most unexpected means to fulfill His promises to Klal Yisroel.
Eventually, Persia went the way of all empires. Heavy taxes created an impossible burden, and gradually ate away at the economic, social and political fabric of the empire.
The final downfall came from one of history’s most formidable conquerors, Alexander the Great. Employing great military skill, he defeated Persia’s much larger armies, despoiled the kingdom and destroyed much of its grandeur. The palace in Shushan was also plundered. Alexander needed 10,000 horses and 20,000 donkeys to cart away the staggering load of
gold, silver, jewels and precious vessels he found in the royal treasury.
Alexander died very young, at the age of 33, and his generals vied to take over the empire. After decades of infighting, it was divided into four regional kingdoms. The most powerful was the Seleucid Empire. (The infamous Antiochus of the Chanukah story belonged to the Seleucid dynasty.)
Around 250 BCE, it was overtaken by Parthia. At its height, it stretched from the northern reaches of the Euphrates, in what is now central-eastern Turkey, to present-day Afghanistan and western Pakistan.
For the most part, Parthia became a safe haven for Yidden. The Gemara (Pesachim 87b) says that “Hakadosh Baruch Hu knew that Klal Yisroel would not be able to endure the persecution of the Romans, so He drove them to Babylon (under the rule of the Parthians).”
During this period, the Jewish community flourished. It was here that the Talmud Bavli was developed and ultimately completed.
In the final decades of the empire’s existence, its king was Artaban, a very good friend of the Yidden ( Avodah Zarah 10b; Bereishis Rabbah 35:63). He personally served the great amora, Rav. When Artaban died, Rav expressed his disappointment by saying, “The bundle had unraveled,” meaning that their friendship was severed, and the new leaders would not necessarily be as friendly.
Despite the general tolerance, Yidden experienced periods of extreme intolerance, so much so that living in Parthia was worse than living under the dreaded Romans (Gittin 17a). The reference is to a group of religious fanatics called the Chivri.
The Chvri believed in a form of worship that proposed a god of light and a god of darkness who were in constant struggle against each other. We get a glimpse of the terror of living under their rule from the Gemara (Shabbos 29b): “One who extinguishes a candle [on Shabbos] because of idol worshipers is exempt,” meaning he is exempt from bringing a korban chatas. The meforshim relate this to the situation in Persia/Parthia. There were days in their calendar that were dedicated to the god of darkness. On those days, no one was allowed to have a light lit in the house. If such a day happened to occur on a Friday night, the Yidden were in a quandary; they had to light candles in honor of Shabbos. They did their best to hide it, but if a Persian found out, they would call a policeman or perhaps gather a mob. When the Yid heard the commotion outside his door, he might quickly blow out the candle. It is, of course, forbidden to extinguish a flame on the Shabbos, but if one did so from fear for his life, the Gemara tells us he is patur
Perhaps the most harrowing period took place shortly after the chasimas hatalmud, the “sealing of the Gemara.” This historic milestone, completed around 480 CE under the leadership of Rav Ashi, was the culmination of a collaborative effort by sages from both Bavel and Eretz Yisroel.
Shortly after Rav Ashi passed away, a new “religious” movement became widespread in the empire — Mazdakism, named for its leading proponent, a priest named Mazdak. This radical ideology bore striking similarities to modern socialist-communist principles. It rejected private land ownership, legislated and enforced immorality, and brutally suppressed any competing religious or ideological systems.
It was during this time that the government forbade the recitation of Shema and stationed guards in the shuls on Shabbos and Yom Tov to make sure it was not said. As a result, the custom became to incorporate Shema on those days into the Kedushah of Mussaf, by which time the guards had already left.
During this dark time, Jewish communal leaders were kidnapped and even executed, including the Rosh Yeshivah, Mar Rav Yitzchak (in 495 CE). Eventually, the Parthians (which included the Mazdaks) went the way of all empires and were destroyed during the Islamic invasion in 651 CE.
Life in Persia underwent significant transformations following the advent of Islam — a mixture of tolerance and hardship. During periods of stability, Yidden were granted freedoms and opportunities to rebuild their communities.
They engaged in trade, medicine and scholarly pursuits. But they also faced waves of persecution, including forced conversions, violence and death.
Jumping to modern times, the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979) marked a significant turning point. Under their secular and modernizing policies, Iran began to thrive economically. Anti-Jewish decrees were abolished, and the Yidden not only became wealthy but held a disproportionate level of influence and dominated several industries.
All that changed with the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Yidden had been heavily involved in manufacture and trade, but the Khomeini regime now targeted them economically and began confiscating Jewish businesses and factories.
Tens of thousands of Jews fled Iran for Eretz Yisroel and America, particularly to Los Angeles (which became known as “Tehrangeles”). Many left in haste, abandoning businesses, homes and possessions.
One of those was the Chief Rabbi of Tehran, Rabbi Yedidia Ezrahian.
It was a late wintry afternoon near the end of 1982. The telephone rang in the home of Rabbi Ezrahian. One of the country’s leading prosecutors, a man with whom the rabbi shared a warm personal friendship, was calling. He sounded nervous and said, “Please come to my office now.”
Rabbi Ezrahian frowned. “Now? Is everything alright?”
“I can’t explain over the phone. Just come.” The line went dead.
The rabbi arrived at the man’s office an hour later. The prosecutor sat behind his desk, his face pale. Without a word, he laid a letter on the desk between them.
“What is this?” Rabbi Ezrahian asked.
“This letter came across my desk today. By law, I must
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hand it over to the secret police immediately.” He hesitated, then added, “But you are my friend, so I am letting you read it first.”
Rabbi Ezrahian picked up the letter with trembling hands. He hadn’t even read the first line when the prosecutor’s voice cut through the silence. “Rabbi, listen to me. As a friend, I’m telling you: flee. Flee right now!”
The rabbi froze. “But my position — my work… I have connections…”
“Your connections mean nothing at this time. You must leave immediately.” The prosecutor leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. “If you stay, they will come for you.”
That evening, the rabbi sent a coded message to his contacts in Eretz Yisroel: “I’m ill and need my medical records.” It was their prearranged signal.
The reply came swiftly: “Tomorrow morning there will be an ambulance. We’ll take you to whichever hospital you wish.”
The next morning, a car pulled up in front of his home. Two men stepped out — former agents who had once worked for the Shah’s spy networks. Their expressions were grim. “You must leave everything behind,” one of them said. “Even your tefillin. Just a single change of clothes.”
Rabbi Ezrahian hesitated. “Nothing? Not even my seforim?”
“Nothing,” the man repeated firmly. “There’s no time.”
The men handed him clothes of an Afghan citizen, and the rabbi quickly changed into them. As he left, he kissed the mezuzah for what he knew was the last time. He whispered a tefillah. “Hashem, protect my family and me.”
As the car sped away from his home, the rabbi stared out the window, taking in the streets of Tehran for the final time.
“My wife,” he whispered to the man beside him, “does she know I’m safe?”
“Your family is waiting for you,” he replied simply. “You’ll be reunited soon.”
They drove for hours, stopping at security checkpoints every 30 to 40 miles. Each time, the men produced forged documents, claiming to be engineers inspecting the roads. The ruse worked, but the rabbi’s heart pounded with every encounter. The thought of being caught — and the consequences — was unbearable.
Finally, they reached the border with Pakistan. There, he was handed off to another group who took him across the border. Within hours, he was on a plane to Istanbul, and from there to Eretz Yisroel.
When he stepped off the plane, his wife and children were waiting for him.
“Baruch Hashem,” he said with tears in his eyes.
Later, Rabbi Ezrahian would learn the grim aftermath of his flight. A week after his escape, the authorities came to his home. They broke down the doors, ransacked every room, and smashed anything they couldn’t take. His priceless collection of seforim, including rare manuscripts, was lost forever.
“I don’t know what happened to them,” he would say later, his voice tinged with sorrow. “But I know this: Hashem saved me that day. And for that, I will be forever grateful.”
The story of Persian Jewry is extraordinary, even by the extraordinary standards of Jewish history. From the days of Mordechai and Esther to the trials and tribulations of the modern era, Yidden have endured centuries of upheaval and transformation.
The experiences of figures like Rabbi Hershberg and Rabbi Ezrahian serve as profound reminders of the courage and emunah that have sustained our communities there and throughout history. Their stories encapsulate the resolve to uphold Torah values even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Today, a small but steadfast remnant of Yidden remains in Iran. Together, they try to carry on the legacy of one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities.
As we celebrate Purim, let us remember not only the miracles, but also that legacy. “LaYehudim haysa orah v’simchah v’sason v’yikar — The Yidden had light, joy, gladness and honor” (Esther 8:16).
It is a legacy of light and truth shining brightly, even in the darkest times.
The Second Beis Hamikdash had a chamber named Shushan Habirah.
As recorded in the mishnah (Kelim 17:19), the rulers used in the construction and upkeep of the building and its vessels were stored in a room known as Shushan Habirah. It was located alongside the main entrance on the east wall. The name was derived from a sculpture of Shushan that was placed above the chamber (Middos 1:3). Chazal (Menachos 98a) offer two explanations for this reminder of Shushan: Either it was in deference to the Persian kings who ruled over Eretz Yisroel during the early period of the second Beis Hamikdash, or it was a reminder to praise Hashem for saving the Yidden from such a mighty empire.
What comes to mind when you hear the words Iran and Jews?
It probably isn’t the Purim story. But over 2,300 years ago, Iran was known as Persia, or Paras, the exact location the Purim neis took place.
While we’ve got Shushan Habirah on our minds, let’s explore Persia today, which boasts its fair share of natural wonders that delight the eye.
Dasht-e Lut, or the Lut Desert, is possibly the hottest place on Earth. The highest land temperature ever recorded was in the Lut Desert in 2005 — a whopping 159 degrees Fahrenheit! Despite the extreme heat, this desert is known for breathtakingly beautiful sunsets and sunrises over endless sand dunes.
For years, travelers made their way through the desert using camel caravans. Although today’s visitors traverse the sandy terrain with hardy Jeeps, one can still spot Arabs riding their trusty camels through the desert.
Two mineral hot springs have been flowing down this mountainside for thousands of years. As the water runs down, the minerals they carry are left behind, creating these beautiful stepped travertine terraces. To add mystique to this natural staircase, the water flowing down is colored red, orange or yellow by the minerals. As the water flows down, more and more of its minerals are deposited on the ground, so that at the very bottom, the water is clear and reflects the colors of the sky.
Mount Damavand is a dormant volcano located in the middle of the Alborz mountain range, and it towers on top of its friends as the highest peak in Iran. It’s a favorite among beginner mountain climbers, as they can reach the summit in several hours of hiking, and the effects of the higher altitude are considered relatively easy to acclimate to.
When climbers begin the hike on the lower part of the slopes, the landscape surrounding them is forests full of animals. A little further up lies grassy meadows.
There are also mineral hot springs on the slopes, which are known for their healing powers. These hot springs also indicate that there’s still heat inside the volcano, meaning that it’s not completely extinct. Damavand’s summiters are rewarded with stunning views of their surroundings from the mountain’s majestic icy peak. They also get a close up view of the huge crater formed by the mountain’s last volcanic eruption. The crater is ringed with yellow sulfuric rocks and filled with a frozen lake.
Anzali Lagoon is a shallow wetland, which means that several feet of water covers the ground throughout most of the year. Wetlands have a unique ecosystem of natural species, including the pretty pink lotus flowers that the lagoon is known for. Many fish species swim through the waters as well.
But Anzali Lagoon is most famous for its birds. More than 250 species of birds migrate through the area, including dalmatian pelicans, cormorants and terns, as well as more typical ducks, geese and swans. It’s a favorite bird-watching site in Iran during the migratory seasons, when millions of birds pass through the lagoon’s waters. Visitors to the lagoon will usually take a boat ride through the waters for an up-close view of the wildlife on their scenic journey.
Chahkooh Canyon means “Mountain of Wells,” and it is named for its deep crevices and towering walls. At over 300 feet deep, the canyon is a wonderland of fascinating rock formations. Following its narrow winding paths in a rock-climbing expedition brings visitors up close with the eroded sedimentary rock shapes. Visitors report feeling like they entered another planet, surrounded by otherworldly sculptures and no plant life. Every so often, hikers will chance upon a small hidden lake, which adds to the mystery of the canyon’s corners and contributes to the meaning of the canyon’s name.
This cave offers visitors the chance to explore Persia’s natural wonders from the comfort of a boat instead of hiking through arduous terrain. Ali Sadr features a large underground lake that provides an easy passageway between the cave’s large chambers. It’s known as the world’s largest water cave that allows for boat tours.
Along the ride, visitors are treated to views of the stalactites and stalagmites hanging off the cave, formed by years of calcite deposits that have accumulated from the water flowing through the cave. The minerals color the shapes in red, purple, brown and blue to create stunning colorful effects.
After a short ferry ride out to the isolated Hormuz Island, visitors are greeted with incredible geological wonders. Volcanic activity and rich mineral deposits have created landscapes unlike any other throughout the island’s topography. Visitors to the island say they feel like they’ve landed on Mars, with views that don’t seem to belong on Earth. Here are a few of Hormuz Island’s highlights.
Once on Hormuz Island, visitors can take a tuk-tuk (rickshaw driver) to get to Rainbow Valley. Colorful mountains and rock formations await, their unusual hues created by the unique mineral composition of the island’s soil. During sunset and sunrise, the colors are deeper and more vibrant, drawing photographers to capture the scenes primarily in these times.
These bizarre natural sculptures were created by wind erosion against the rock. People claim to see dragons, birds and giant faces in the towering, jagged rock formations. Unlike the smooth colored hills of Rainbow Valley, the Valley of Statues is rugged. The sharp edges lend themselves to dramatic mystery, especially in the hours of dwindling light, when long shadows cast eerie reflections. With a little imagination, visitors can find themselves surrounded by imaginary creatures and beings.
You may have seen caves with stalactites formed of ice, but these sparkling shimmering formations on the walls of this cave are made of salt deposits. Hanging off the carved cave walls, the stalactites are covered in dazzling salt layers, glittering in the sunlight that filters into the cave. To visitors, they seem to resemble a figure draped in white crystal robes.
While not all parts of the cave are fully accessible, it’s still known as the longest salt cave in the world, at over 6400 meters long.
The salt found in the cave is rich in magnesium, and there are claims that the cave has medicinal properties. Some say that even just breathing in the salty air in the cave can help cure asthma.
Red sandy beaches meet the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf on Hormuz Island’s shores. The red color is caused by the iron-rich earth, and when the waves crash onto the beach, the water often takes on the reddish hue of the sand underneath. This creates the eerie appearance of blood-red water.
In fact, if you swim in these waters, the red sand will color your skin, and the color won’t wash off for days. It’s such a strong dye that the sand has been commercially exported to use for various dyeing purposes.
If your children are not yet immunized, make an appointment with your pediatrician right away. The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and proven to protect against this terrible illness.
Share this message with family, friends, and neighbors. We are responsible for one another.
We must raise awareness and protect our kehillos from a growing danger. In Texas alone, over 200 people have been infected, many of them hospitalized—mostly children. A previously healthy child was niftar, and others are ghting for their lives, some on breathing machines. Every single one of these cases involved individuals who were not vaccinated.
Measles spreads quickly. If even one person unknowingly brings it into our community, it can spread like wild re among those who are not immune. There are already outbreaks worldwide, including in Ontario, New York City, and Bergen County. Experts warn that 2025 may be one of the worst years for measles outbreaks, particularly in undervaccinated communities.
This is not just a health concern—this is pikuach nefesh. Measles is not “just a rash.” It is a potentially deadly disease:
1 in 5 infected individuals will require hospitalization.
3 out of 1,000 will tragically not survive.
Some will suffer lifelong complications, including brain damage.
This is not just a statistic—every life is precious. We cannot allow this to happen in our community.
As Torah Yidden, we are commanded: "Lo saamod al dam rei’echa" – Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is at risk. (Vayikra 19:16) "V’asisa maakeh l’gagecha" – Build a fence around your roof so no one falls from it. (Devarim 22:8) Taking action is our hishtadlus. Let’s ensure that no family in our kehillah suffers an unnecessary tragedy.
May Hashem protect us all from harm and bring refuah shleimah to those in need.
After consulting with residents and community leaders, the Town of Ramapo has decided that this Purim, there will be no special traf c patterns. In previous years, many people felt that the traf c changes made it more dif cult to get around. This year, we are trying a new approach to keep traf c moving with minimal disruptions. However, for this plan to succeed, we need the full cooperation of the community.
Temporary Traf c Lights will be placed at: Blauvelt Rd & Route 306 Ralph Blvd & Route 306
Extra Police Bike Patrols will be stationed along: Route 306 (down to Maple Ave) Maple Ave
These of cers will monitor traf c congestion and respond immediately to prevent backups.
The Ramapo Police Department will have additional of cers on duty throughout Purim to help keep the community safe.
Please do not block traf c while dropping off or picking up passengers. A little courtesy goes a long way in keeping the roads clear for everyone.
Over the past few years, drinking and driving has led to serious accidents. Make the responsible choice—don’t drink and drive!
With everyone’s cooperation, we hope this new plan will help make Purim safer and easier for all.
Wishing everyone a joyous and safe Purim!
Michael B. Specht
Supervisor, Town of Ramapo Town Board Members
Supervisor, Town of Ramapo Town Board Members
The big “P” is here. And, no, I’m not referring to Purim, which is actually here already, but to Pesach — the next big thing on our calendars.
It’s okay if you feel like flipping the page. Seriously?! Pesach before Purim?
But first, listen to this conversation that took place several years ago.
It was a cold February morning, about a week to Purim, and I stood outside with some neighbors while I waited for my girls’ bus. My mind was on the matching hats I still needed to pick up for my farmer girl costumes, the ingredients I’d run out of for my mishloach manos, and a thousand other Purim-related things, when Shani said it. “Where are you up to?”
Five little words that can trigger any balabusta!
I listened silently as my neighbors offered answers that, funnily enough, were as varied as snowflakes.
“Pesach cleaning? Look, it’s all about maintenance. If you keep your house clean and organized all year long, you don’t need to do anything but actually remove the chometz from your pantry the week before Pesach.” Coming from working-mom Peri, who has eight hours a day of cleaning help.
Chaya Ruchy looked slightly offended. I mean, she’s a stay-at-home mom, who’s quite the balabusta But she’d been scrubbing her bedrooms since Tu B’Shevat, and still had quite a way to go.
Unruffled Devoiry, who works out of the house at a nine-to-four job, said, “I don’t start before Rosh Chodesh. I don’t believe in prolonging the stress! Once my kids are home, we roll up our sleeves as a team and turn over our house.”
Well, it’s still pre-Purim here, too, and if you haven’t given Pesach two hoots of your brain space yet, that’s perfectly okay! The reason you’re reading about Pesach cleaning now is because once Purim and Shabbos are over, you’ll probably want to dive right into the next big project: PESACH.
First things first: Remember to pace yourself. Create a schedule that will help you keep on top of things, even if you aren’t the “list type” all year long.
My first step is to take out a calendar and work backward. With Erev Pesach on Shabbos, we have a full week this year to actually “bring in Yom Tov.”
Think about what has to happen the “week of,” which will ultimately push you into understanding what you must do the week before that, and the week before that, and so on. Take a mental stroll through your house, touring each room and noting what needs to get done inside it and how long you expect it to take.
How much time do you need in the kitchen?
When will you kasher or open your Pesach kitchen? (Note: Scheduling this may involve your husband’s schedule!)
Remember to set aside time for shopping. Groceries take a day. Outfitting the family takes…? You fill in the blank!
Here we present a calendar that should work for your average Yiddishe home. Without further ado, we invite you to join The Monsey View’s annual Pesach Cleaning Challenge! Join the fun for the chance to win amazing prizes.
Week 1: March 16 – 20
Getting
Week 2
March 23 – 27
Playroom
Laundry room
Bathrooms
Week 4
April 6 – 10
Kitchen, Part 2
Outdoors
Week 3
March 30 – April 3
Kitchen, Part 1
Dining room
Coat closet
Week 5
April 13 – 17
Wrapping up
Last-minute reminders
16–20)
Now that we have a basic idea of what we’ll do when, the first step is setting the stage.
Keeping necessary cleaning supplies and detergents handy will save you lots of time (and energy). This will also keep your counters/tables/ floors under control.
I suggest creating a cleaning caddy or cleaning station to keep everything neatly contained. Any container that fits everything you need should work great. Once it’s all in one place, you’ll never need to run to the other end of your house for a shmatte, or spend precious time looking all over for the box of Q-tips.
Gloves
Shmattes
Paper towel
A magic sponge
Q-tips
Toothpicks
Toothbrush
Scrubbing brush
Windex
Soft Scrub
Ajax, or any other soaps you like
I also like to keep a handheld vacuum cleaner right nearby.
Nightly cleanup is a game-changer! I used to find myself exhausted after a day of cleaning, and stopped-dropped into bed, leaving everything as is. The next morning, fresh and energized, I’d wake up to find myself… cleaning up last night’s mess!
As anyone who’s cleaned for Pesach knows, we destroy in order to build. The process of cleaning is messy! Things really changed when I began pushing myself to quickly throw all those dirty shmattes into the machine for an overnight load, reorganize my cleaning supplies caddy, tidy up the odds and ends that came out of closets or cabinets (or at least put them neatly in one corner), and give the floor a quick sweep. I just love waking up to a house that’s actually ready to tackle today’s projects!
Let’s take a tour of your house. Which room is used least? Which closets will remain untouched after they’re cleaned? Which closets hold things (think summer clothes, spare backpacks, etc.) that aren’t in daily use? Those are the ones you want to start with.
I consider myself lucky to have my trusty cleaning lady arrive twice weekly. I make sure to schedule myself around her hours, and let her do the inside-closet scrubbing while I take over the organizing part of the process.
Remove all contents. Wash the walls, rod, shelves. Wipe out any bins and containers.
Now, don’t just put everything back into your closet! De-
cide which skirt will never fit again and which dress has simply expired. Pull them aside. Now’s the time to declutter!
Don’t overcrowd your hanging space. Anything that could get folded, should.
Go through each shelf. Dump any worn-out accessories, hosiery, makeup, or things you haven’t used in the past year or two.
If you usually sell your cosmetics or perfumes, make yourself a reminder (I like to keep a master list of all those last-minute odds and ends) to move it to a cabinet or medicine chest you’ll be selling. (If you aren’t the list type, you might want to move it there right now.)
Shoes: Really, only keep those that still fit and have been used in the last year.
Don’t put anything that isn’t currently in use back on the shelves.
Socks: Throw out all those old maids! And the ones with holes at the toe that you were saving for emergency use but didn’t touch in eons.
When folding sweaters, tops, pajamas and the like, try to consolidate them when piling them onto shelves. It’s too early to put away those winter things, but you probably have spring wardrobes piling up already — so it’s important to make space.
Prize drawers, prize boxes or wherever your
WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5
kids keep their precious things: Technically, this is your kids’ department, but you might want to get involved and encourage them to limit what they choose to keep to the amount of space you allot each one.
It’s a great time to think about what you really need handy near your and your kids’ beds. Get rid of anything else!
You don’t really need to move all that furniture in order to bring in a kosher Pesach… but if you want a really fresh-feeling room, you might want to do it. Get help! And push, don’t pull. Furniture is heavy.
Again, totally not expecting to find any chametz here… But say l’kavod Yom Tov as you do it! There really is nothing as fresh and inviting as soap-scented, scuff-free, fingerprintfree walls!
Just like you sweep before washing your floors, use a dry shmatte to dust the walls before getting them wet.
Next tackle the scuff marks or crayon smudges. I like to use a bit of Soft Scrub applied with a shmatte on each stain. (I used to do it with a magic sponge, but that ruined the paint.)
After that, wash the walls from top to bottom, in a circular motion, to avoid streaks. Mild soap and warm water are best for your walls. Some paint companies suggest using dishwashing soap.
Windows can be washed with Windex. Or you can use a homemade solution of warm water with a few drops of dishwashing soap (one gallon of water to 2 to 3 teaspoons of dishwashing soap, if you want to measure exactly). You may want to use a squeegee or microfiber cloth for minimal streaking.
Cloudy days are best for washing windows, when there is no sunshine glare on the glass making it hard to see how clean it is. Also, the sun could dry the soap before you wipe it, leaving streaks and smears.
Schedule a set time to take care of those piles of clothes that can be enjoyed by a new owner. My piles used to go from room to room, table to chair, until sometimes — gulp — I simply dumped them. By now I’ve learned to schedule a time to sort through those items so it actually gets done.
I’ve also learned to stop hoarding old clothes that might or might not be used by my next child. The gender has to match, as does the season, and so I’ve found that it isn’t worth saving clothes for the 25% chance that it’ll work out neatly. (The kids’ clothes I personally still hang on to?
Layette wear, pajamas, shells and basic skirts.)
This goes for all rooms in your house, not just the bedrooms. If you’re like me, this is the one time a year your ceiling fan or chandelier will be touched. The accumulation of dust will be so happy to be poofed away.
Make sure the lights are off. Be gentle, as fixtures are generally fragile.
WEEK 1 WEEK 2WEEK 3
Get a step-ladder or stool, a soap-drenched rag and a dry one, and do a wet-then-dry wipe.
Get rid of smudges on glass or crystal parts with a bit of vinegar mixed with water (three parts water to one part vinegar works well).
There’s something about neatly folded towels and linens that makes one feel like a real balabusta. The truth is that if you develop precise folding habits — and fold the same way consistently — you’ll have no issue maintaining that perfect look. But if you (like me) sometimes find yourself folding a set of linen in a rush, now’s a great time to revamp!
Empty the closet, and wash the insides — shelves, walls, floor — well.
Sort through your towels and linens. Declutter, declutter!
Now, fold each towel following the pattern you choose for that towel size. For example, you might want to do a triple fold for bath sheets. Fold the width in one-third, and bring over other side. Then fold the length in thirds as well.
For medium-sized towels, you might want to fold each towel in half, by length, and then again in half. Then fold in half by width.
The main thing is that the front of the towels should always be closed; fewer edges make neater piles!
Whew! That was a lot. You definitely earned yourself a big bar of chocolate.
Next Up! We’ll be visiting the playroom and laundry room next week, so more on closet organization then. Also on schedule: bathrooms.
I completed Week 1 of The Monsey View’s Annual Pesach Cleaning Challenge!
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Please submit this form by Tuesday, March 25, for a chance to win $200 at Robe Gallery!
Email: contest@themonseyview.com Fax: 845-600-8483
A FREILICHEN PURIM! A FREILICHEN PURIM! A FREILICHEN PURIM!
Supervisor Michael Specht and the Town Board wish everyone a Happy and safe Purim!
Town Supervisor
May this Purim bring abundant blessings, and may the spirit of unity and joy uplift us all.
Michael Specht
and the Ramapo Town Board
A nest of cozy comfort and friendly fun. A nest where special kinderlech come for a get-away Shabbaton, located in Chester, NY, all in the hands of their loving staff. 03 m inutes fromM o yesn
Please reach out to Mrs. Frady Mertz at: 845.376.3164
CAREFUL, MISHA! STEP BACK!
STAY ON THE PATH! ELIAS WARNS IN HIS JOURNAL: “DO NOT STRAY RIGHT OR LEFT.”
I THINK IT’S A WARNING. I’M NOT SURE IF IT’S A TRAP, BUT WHY TAKE THE RISK?
IT’S THE SAME AS IN THE BOOK!
THE TREASURE! WE FOUND THE TREASURE!
UNCLE YEHUDA! MISHA! LOOK! WHAT’S THAT SYMBOL?
I THINK WE NEED TO PRESS THIS BUTTON.
RECAP: THE RUBINOVS ESCAPE FROM A JAGUAR THEY ENCOUNTER AND RUN INTO A BUILDING.
THAT’S WHAT YOU THINK. PIETRO!
PEDRO!
SO, WE MEET AGAIN. BUT THIS TIME, YOU’RE THE ONE BEHIND BARS, MISHA. HOW FITTING.
YES, THAT’S RIGHT. BOOM-BOOM.
DON’T BE AFRAID. HE CAN’T HURT US OR GET INSIDE.
YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES. EITHER OPEN THE GATE, OR PIETRO WILL BLOW IT UP. YOU HAVE UNTIL PIETRO COUNTS DOWN FROM THREE…
TWO…
When a yenta sees something very curious, they have the ability to stare for three minutes without blinking.
Though people believe they are mythical creatures, unicorns actually exist. They are just kind of fat and call themselves rhinos.
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).
Tower View in Dubai, consisting of read and loved View magazines that its readers didn’t want to throw away, is the tallest building made up of paper.
A cribinal is a toddler who learns to escape his bed. The word can also be used to describe a criminal who has a cold.
V’EISPARSHANDASAV’EISDALPH ONV’EISASPASAV’EISPORASAV’E ISADALIAV’EISARIDASAV’EISPAR MASHTAV’EISARISEIV’EISARIDEI V’EISVEIZASA-ASERES. SAY IT WITH A TWIST SO RANDOM!
The word trumpet was named after Donald J. Trump for the similarity in the way they sound. Also notable is that Trump added the initial J. to his name when considering public office for the first time to attract the Jewish vote.
THE LONGEST SHEVA BRACHOS DRASHA WITH SUSTAINED AUDIENCE ATTENTION WAS ATTAINED BY LANGSAM AND FELDMAN IN 2023 WITH A DURATION OF 4 MINUTES 23 SECONDS.
We welcome 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.
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!
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
R D O E F A U M S V
E T N A G F H L I C
L P A S M
Each Boggle board hides a word of nine letters or more! 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
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!
DOONA STROLLER
Doona Stroller, multiple colors avail.cll/txt 1-201-6144045
BEBE ORGANIC SET
Looking to sell a natural color bebe organic set, size 3 mths, with matching bonnet and blanket, beautiful for vachnacht. Please call 347 382 0905
Mattresses Multiple Sizes $100+, Wooden Bunk bed$400, New CB2 King Bed, Sectional, & Loveseat, New Green Sectional - $1500, High Riser - $175, Air Purifiers$219, 4 Arm Chairs - $50/ each, Rugs, Headboards, Nightstands, Lamps. Text/ Call 845-263-7934
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NORTH COLE RENTAL
Spacious 4 bedrooms plus playroom,freshly painted and scraped. Section 8 ok, 845-352-4686
WEST PALM BEACH
APT. FOR SALE
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WEST PALM BEACH FOR SALE
Wellington M, 2 Bedroom apt. Ground Floor FOR SALE. Call: 347.760.0639
NEW ON THE MARKET!
8 bedroom waterfront house for rent in seagate. Available for shabbosim, weekly or daily. For more Information call, text or whatsapp 7188099355
STAY SUITE
New, clean and fresh. Fully furnished studio apartment
for weekly and short term rent. Quiet, private and stylish. Located Grandview and 306 area. Text 845-4185916.
MONSEY VACATION/ SIMCHA RENTAL
Beautiful fully furnished Shabbos equipped 6 bedroom 4 bath house Highview/ College. Call/ whatsapp 718541-0292
RETAIL BUILDING FOR SALE
Retail Building In Haverstraw On Rt 9w 4,000 Sf, Asking $999k, Great Location, Text Or Call 845.203.1120
FOR RENT
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HAVERSTRAW
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1 space left! Womens workspace off viola rd, inc conf room, stocked kitchenette and more (929)487-5650
New Pristine Cathedral
Ceiling House. 6 bedrooms. 3 bathrooms, jacuzzi. Sleeps 20+. Stocked Playroom. Swing Set. Trampoline, gameroom. All Amenities. 5 min to shul. 3 blocks to grocery/ pizza store. Avail for Shabbos/ Weekday. call/text 718989-1406.
LAKEHOUSE VILLA
Luxurious 3 bedroom lake house villa in Case Grande Arizona. Private pool fully stocked kosher kitchen. 520.251.4459
HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA
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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.
Beautiful 3 bedroom 3 bath villa with inground heated pool and hot tub available in North Miami, Price per night $339. Pictures available. Call/ Text 845-327-7153
NORTH MIAMI FL RENTAL
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NORTH MIAMI FL.
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For the best Real Estate deals, Call: Mrs. Debby Schwartz 203.667.2785
MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA
Collins Ave. Beautiful ocean view. 1 bedroom apt. for rent. 347.760.0570
MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA
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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
WEST PALM BEACH
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JOIN OUR CREW!
Bais Yaakov Elementary seeking afternoon JH permanent sub for immediate hire. Email resume to resumes@ baisyaakovelementary.org
JOBS AVAILABLE
Part-time & Full-time jobs available. Email TopPartTimeJobs@ gmail.com
FULL TIME SECRETARY
Property management is looking for a Full time secretary. Data entry, customer service and collection skills required. Please email resume to rcmanageoffice@gmail.com or text 845-828-6781
SCHOOL SECRETARY –IMMEDIATE OPENING
Bnos Leah Prospect Park of Monsey has an afternoon secretary position available immediately due to marriage, B”H. Continued employment next school year. Candidate should be pleasant, positive, be proficient in computers, attentive to details and a quick learner. If you would like to work in a warm school environment, send your resume to jobs@ prospectmonsey.org, with School Secretary in the subject line.
ADMIN OFFICE
School administration office is seeking to hire a full time secretary. Candidate should know basic computers, be able to multi-task, and have good peoples skills. Email resume to jobopening158@ gmail.com
BCBA POSITION
ABA Riders is looking to hire a BCBA. Well-paid, flexible hours. Contact Rikki 347930-9736/info@abariders. com.
• Director of Program Operations & Development, Behavioral Health Services, research/analyze programs, ensure compliance, develop training, supervise staff & provide analytical insights.
• knowledge of behavioral health required, strong analytical/ research skills & leadership experience, 175k – 200k, Monsey
• Nursing Home Controller, 2+ yrs. nursing home industry experience required, Financial Planning and Budgeting, Audit and Financial Statement Preparation, strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills 160k – 200k, Monsey
• Director of Operations, for B2B Finance Services company, have proven operational leadership, w/ full ownership of day-to-day operations, financial & performance oversight, 5+ years of experience in operations leadership, preferably in a B2B service environment. Proven success in scaling operations, implementing processes, and managing cross-functional teams, 150k – 200k, Monsey
• Senior Marketing Operations Project Manager, 3+ yrs. experience in marketing, project management or operations. Oversee large team, have proven management experience, proficient in marketing tools, CRM systems and project management software, problem-solve, adapt, and optimize marketing processes in a fast-paced, high-impact environment, 150k – 175k, Passaic NJ
• Nurse Practitioner/Physician’s Assistant for Skilled Nursing Facilities, 125k - 150k + full benefits package, travel to Bronx and NYC
• Workers’ Comp Underwriter, commercial insurance experience with 2+ years of Workers’ Compensation underwriting individual accounts. Knowledge of large account rating programs (i.e., Large Deductibles, Retrospective Rating, etc.) 80k – 100k, Monsey
• Implementation Manager, experience in UKG software (formerly Kronos) to lead and manage the deployment of UKG solutions, 80k – 100k, Monsey
• Construction Crew Manager, construction experience required, oversee deliveries and construction installations, including scheduling, coordinating w/ team and ensuring seamless execution of projects, travel required, 75k – 90k, Monsey
• Office Admin position for Article 16 OPWDD Clinic, 75k – 85k, Monsey
• HR Administrator, full-time, experience with hiring and recruitment processes, onboarding experience, strong administrative skills, 70k – 85k, Monsey
• Junior Underwriter Real Estate, advanced Excel skills required, highly analytical, detail-oriented, analyze data and financial information to assess risk, utilize Excel to model and forecast financial outcomes, humble and collaborative team player, 70k - 90k, Monsey
• Real Estate Title Coordinator, 1+ yrs. experience required, 70k – 80k, Monsey
• Accounts Payable Specialist for nursing home facilities, experience in accounts payable, strong communication and negotiation skills, and proficiency in related software and Microsoft Office, 65k - 80k, Monsey, NY
• 1031 Exchange Officer, oversee and facilitate the process of 1031 exchanges, managing the 1031 docs, client communication etc., 65k – 75k, Monsey
• Office Secretary / Bookkeeper, full-time, phone calls, emails, write estimates, invoices, A/R and A/P, excellent phone skills and knowledge of QuickBooks required. 60k – 75k, Monsey
• Assistant to Director of Event Planning, seeking creative & organized individual to assist with planning and executing events, Shabbatons, and recognition programs for the developmentally disabled population, 70k+, full-time in-office position, Monsey
• Inside Sales/Customer Service Rep, female office, full-time, 1+ years of experience in customer service and/or sales, Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment, Strong organizational and time management skills, Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and Word, 60k – 70k, Monsey
• Customer service rep, female office, full-time, experience required, computer proficient, be tech-savvy, multi-task, 60k - 70k, Monsey
• IT Help Desk Level 1 for IT Service Provider, provide technical assistance, troubleshoot issues, and resolve problems via phone, email, and in-person, 55k - 70k, Monsey
• Senior Admin & Project Coordinator, for B2B Finance Services company, have proven experience as an Executive Assistant, Operations Coordinator. Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, reporting, and financial oversight. Project management experience, vendor management, contract negotiation and evaluation. Tech-savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Office, financial software, and basic IT troubleshooting, 100k – 150k, Monsey
• Controller, Home care agency, 110k - 140k + full benefits package, East Orange NJ
• Risk Manager for Commercial insurance and risk management company, worker’s compensation loss control experience and commercial loss control experience required (non-workers compensation). Proficient in the New York State/jurisdiction, 135k, Monsey
• Level 3 IT - MSP, relevant experience in technical support and/ or systems engineering role within an MSP or similar setting, 100k – 130k, Monsey
• Buyer/Procurement Specialist - Real Estate Construction Company, construction knowledge/experience required, Manage purchasing, sourcing & supplier relationships. Negotiate with vendors, build relationships & utilize 2020 Design software for kitchen layouts, 90k - 120k, Monsey
• Payroll Compliance Specialist, ensure compliance w/ payroll laws and regulations, manager payroll operations, support benefits administration, 80k – 110k, Monsey
• Talent Acquisition Specialist, experience required, develop and implement effective recruitment strategies to attract top talent, manage the full recruitment lifecycle, providing exceptional candidate experiences, 80k – 120k, Monsey
• Talent Acquisition Specialist, experience in recruiting/hiring required. Recruit Behavior Technicians (BTs) and BCBAs, manage the full recruitment lifecycle, providing exceptional candidate experiences to attract top talent, 75K, Monsey
• Medicaid Application Specialist, full-time, process Medicaid applications, work directly with clients reviewing financial positions as relates to eligibility and overall requirements, experienced w/ processing files, 75k+, Monsey
• Support/Client Implementation Specialist for a Software company, be detail-oriented w/ strong organizational skills. Proficient in computer literacy and software applications. Quick learner w/ ability to adapt to new technologies and processes. Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and clients. Previous experience in a support or client implementation role a plus, 75k – 85k, Monsey
• Bookkeeper, in-office position, female office, 25 hours+ weekly, client billing, cash flow, bank reconciliation, expense oversight, payroll management, commission/ bonus tracking, expense/ subscription management, 4+ hours daily, 50k – 80k [depending on work hours and experience] New City
• Workforce Coordinator, manage facility scheduling of nurses and nursing aides. Excellent computer and communication skills, fast-paced environment, 6+ hours daily, 60k – 90k, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
• Accounts Payable – Real Estate company, reviewing and enter invoices, submit invoices for payment, relevant experience required, full-time, female office, 65k – 80k, Monsey
• Skilled Nursing Home, Billing Specialist - Medicaid Tracker, relevant experience required, full-time, 60k – 80k, Monsey/ Hybrid
• Male Client Advocate Case Liaison, advocate for individuals and families in need, supporting their access to community resources and services, intake assessments and create service plans, collaborate with social service agencies to ensure comprehensive support, 50k - 65k, Monsey
• Licensed Social Worker for local agency, male population, $65/ hr. - $90/hr., based on experience, Monsey
• Landscaping Sales Rep, Rockland County, NY (serving Rockland, Westchester, Bergen, & Passaic counties), Develop sales strategies, build relationships, and grow a landscaping business, 50k + commissions, Monsey
• Outside Sales Rep for custom poly bags manufacturer, 40k + commission, North Jersey
• Outside Sales Rep for Commercial LED Lighting & EV Charger Stations, 40k + commission, 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 + commissions, Monsey
• Behavior Therapist (LMSW, LCSW or MHC) $65/hr. per client session, Monsey
• Mental Health Therapists, Interns positions, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, salary based on experience, Monsey
• Service provider Customer Service Rep, have excellent phone and computer skills, previous experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Strong problem-solving skills and customerfocused approach. Full-time or Part-time, minimum 5 hours daily, $30-$35/hr., Monsey
• Office Secretary work, proficient in Microsoft Office/ Excel, good w/ numbers, communication skills, detail-oriented, prior office experience required, 6+ hours daily, $30 – $35/hr., Monsey
• Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Service Coordinator, coordinate services for individuals with traumatic brain injury or who require nursing home level care, BA required, flexible hours, $35/hr.+, Monsey
• Admin Assistant, quick learner with strong technical skills, a passion for business, and a drive to learn new tools and information., $25/hr. - $35/hr., part-time or full-time, Upper Saddle River, NJ
• Bookkeeper/Secretary – Real Estate construction company, Budgeting, Scheduling, Applications for Planning, Zoning, and Building Permits, professional writing and communication skills. Good with numbers, organized and detail oriented, Monday thru Thursday, 10am-5pm, $30/hr.+, Monsey
• Assistant to Controller, female office, QuickBooks experience required, detail-oriented, 10am - 3pm, $30/hr., Monsey
• Female Health/Early Intervention Care Manager - BA or Equivalent degree required, relevant experience preferred, part-time or full-time, $30/hr.+, Monsey
• Front desk secretary, Full-time, $25/hr., Monsey
Direct Support Professional, Male or Female, provide 1:1 assistance to individuals w/ mental health fragilities, ages 1-21 in daily living activities such as meal preparation, mentoring, personal training, social skills building, tutoring, sports coaching, art therapy or housekeeping, Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities (preferred). $25/hr. – 40/hr. based on experience and level of degree. High school diploma required, Monsey
Entry-level Accounts Payable and Receivable positions, fulltime, female office, strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, $28/ hr., Monsey
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.
Great opportunity to manage your own business from home. No experience needed, no computer necessary. Huge potential to grow big. Call: 438.529.1216
B&C Industries, a fastgrowing packaging distribution company in Lyndhurst, NJ (45 mins from Monsey), is hiring! No experience needed. Contact hr@bcpkg.com for more info. Open positions: •Customer Service •Accounts Receivable •Purchasing •Sales
CREATE BUSINESS
Working 1-2 hours at home. Risk free. Lots of potential and support. No boss. No computer needed Call/text
Want to have money flow into your pocket? Call/text 845324-5182
Nursing home operator seeking an experienced accountant with SNF accounting expertise. Must have a strong understanding of NF financials and advanced Excel skills. Responsibilities include GL management, financial reporting, budgeting, and cost reports. PT or FT available. Competitive salary & benefits. Apply now: SNFPosition2025@gmail.com
WARM BABYSITTER ON BATES
One slot available for 3-6 month old baby. Please call 845-826-2185
HANDYMAN
Assembly of all types of furniture & Furniture Repairs -Installation of Blinds,Shades,Shelves,Rods-
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
MENS PRIVATE YOGA
Find balance, build strenth, reduce stress. Personalized sessions to enhance your body and mind. Book your session today 845-499-4414
IS YOUR CHILD STRUGGLING?
Socially, with fears and anxieties, or other issues, and you think you tried everything? With Hashem’s help Energy Therapy can be the Yeshuah for your child. 15 minute free consultation. Call 845445-8252, or email chany@ rapidrecoverycoaching.com
MAKEUP
Get your flawless natural look! Centrally located. Please call/text Surie 8455177128
MASSAGE THERAPY
--In The Comfort of Home-*Swedish *Deep Tissue *Lymph *Craniosacral Therapy Call Sarah: 845596-1373
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
WHOLESALE FISH
Buy by the case & save. Baby & Regular Salmon. Hashgucha Volove Rav. Free delivery to your home. Call Eli: 516-270-6755
VACATION ARIZONA
Have you booked your Airbnb? Kosher Add-Ons will instantly get your kitchen transformed into an ‘’’All Kosher Kitchen’’ ! Plus, EZ AZ Tours will conveniently get you to all great sightseeings Arizona has to offer. Book today: 845-248-3362
EARPIERCING
12 years experience. Wide selection. Call/text: 845-5387986
MONDAY-FRIDAY
Korean facial+50% spapedi
Facial Acne treatment
Mani + pedi + 10min massage = $55
Waxing+ tint 20% OFF
Gel+ reg pedi = $55
Mani + pedi
Gel -X = $55
Bikini+ full leg 10% OFF
Mani + pedi = $40
10:00-5:00 | Mon-Fri: 9:30-7:00
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
Swim lessons, Lifeguard & CPR courses. Private pool, jacuzzi & sauna rentals. Separate public swim for men & women in an Olympic-sized, heated indoor pool. Learn to swim at Monsey’s most established swim school. Call (845) 578-1888
we fix knitted & crochet Gartlech & make beautiful professional fringes. We also teach how to knit & crochet. call: 917-414-3281
OR HEALER?
Are you overwhelmed with all the tech? I can help you automate emails, payments, scheduling etc., so you can focus on the client sessions only. (While saving money on a secretary!) Call 347-5590275
Dry face? Chapped hands and lips? Try Forever Living amazing moisturizers and lip balm! Call R. Tessler 845.596.9933
Boost your energy and empower your daily life by learning the fundamental movements of Pilates exercises. Certified Pilates Instructor Liebe Nissen 845274-7653
SUPERPATCH HOTLINE
DRUG FREE help for energy, sleep, immune support, mobility, pain management, focus, stress, mood and more. PREGNANCY SAFE.
REAL TESTIMONIALS.
INTERVIEWS. CALL 929992-4453 Option 2,2,3 to get help. SUNDAY 9PM Q&A Option 2,2,6,0
NEW WEBSITE?
Get your Beautiful, Fast, SEO-Friendly Website done in 14 days, guaranteed. Email efraim@rapidquill.com
MATTERPORT virtual tour services, 3d digital models, walk thru of physical spaces, measurements. Architects, Designers, Realtors, starting $275 8457098358 adovkohn@ hotmail.com
FOREVER LIVING
Yes it’s this ad again…. But have you tried it yet?? See amazing results with our all natural products! Call R. Tessler 845.596.9933
CLARINET RENTAL
Clarinet rental for $18 per week. Comes with MP3 lessons in Yiddish or English. 718-435-1923
MECHUTANESTA GOWN
Beautiful Taupe Gown for sale. size 16. 845.502.6491
ELEGANT WHITE DESIGNER GOWN
White designer gown in size 10-12, very slenderizing fit. Perfect for an older girl or Ying Veibel. All year round. Used once- Immaculate condition. Asking $2,000 OBO. Call/Text: 347-451-0989
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
MATERNITY GOWN RENTAL
Georgeous selection of maternity gowns affordable prices all sizes...New! Also accepting gowns on consignment. Please call/ text 8458622799
GOWN FOR SALE
Beautiful white gown for married sister of bride, for sale. Size 2-4 845-200-4326
WHITE GOWN
Looking to sell a size 2-4 white gown for sister of the bride, please call 347 628 9586
Lost something? Found something? The Daily Return: Call/text: 845-538-0193, Email: monseydailyreturn@gmail. com
NEW! JUST IN TIME FOR PURIM!
Forever GIFT CARDS now available! No need to look further, gift teachers, babysitters, therapists or that someone special. Intro promo: Buy 4 gift cards and get 1(for you) FREE!!! Call/txt 845-637-6746.
FULL TIME NANNY
Seeking full time live out nanny, please contact 845 293 2312
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Seeking a responsible and dedicated woman to join our retail team. The position requires communication skills and a positive attitude, with working hours from 12 PM to 6 PM. (Experience a plus.) If you have a strong work ethic, excellent customer service skills, and a passion for retail, please reach out to 10952monseyjobs@gmail. com.
To provide quality patient care services to pediatric clients and families in Orange, Rockland, and Sulivan counties. Services include initial and follow-up assessments and aide supervision. We offer a competitive salary, a generous benefits package, and a supportive/collaborative work environment. Late afternoon/early evening hours are required to accommodate pediatric after-school schedules. Male nurses are preferred.
Qualifications:
• Active NYS RN license or anticipated NYS RN license within 1 year.
• Previous experience in homecare a plus
• Leadership and management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent organizational time management skills
WE HEREBY PUBLICLY EXPRESS OUR SINCERE AND HEART FELT GRATITUDE TO ALL THOSE WHO DEDICATED SO MUCH OF THEIR TIME AND SERVICES OVER THESE PAST FEW MONTHS
Thereby contributing to the overwhelming success and safety of the
Michael Specht, Town Supervisor, Mona Montal Chief of Staff, and the entire Office of the Ramapo Town Supervisor Who graciously accommodated our every need by helping coordinate the logistical challenge of the entire event.
Town of Ramapo Police Department, which showed exemplary coordination and leadership
Chief Danny Hyman, Captain Colbath, Captain Lee Lieutenant Shawn Bakker, Lieutenant Blaine Howell, Sgt. Christopher Rogers and the entire department that worked tirelessly these last four weeks
Sherriff Louis Falco, Rockland County’s Sheriff’s Department The Mounted Unit, Patrol Division, And Chief Adam C. Feuer of the Communication Division
REACT Team Lieutenant Christopher Corbett and the entire team
Joint Terrorism Task Force
Michelle Antosca, Director of Parks and Recreation, Clover Stadium, for the exclusive use of the parking lot
New York State Police
Counter Terrorism Investigation Unit and Patrol Division
Clarkstown Police Department
Rockland County Intel
Chris Jensen, Director of Rockland County Fire Emergency Management Coordinating with Homeland Security and securing Verizon and AT&T Cell Tower Service
Joey Gottlieb, Goosetown Communications, for extensive radio coverage
Fred Brinn, Superintendent, Town of Ramapo Highway Department
Josh Hans and Yossi Margaretten, Directors, Town of Ramapo OEP
Desiree’ Leone-Stoll, EMS Coordinator, Rockland County EMS
Chief Ely Unger of Spring Hill EMS for providing extensive equipment and personnel
Chief Orin Ben-Jacob Hillcrest Fire Department
ON BEHALF OF THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF GUESTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD WHO WERE ABLE TO ENJOY ALL OF THE FESTIVITIES WITH COMFORT AND EASE, KNOWING THEY WERE SAFE AND CARED FOR THROUGHOUT.
VILLAGE OF NEW SQUARE
VILLAGE OF NEW SQUARE NSPS-OEM
8:30 12:30
Imagine a workplace that doesn’t just support your goals but ampli es them. From the moment you walk through its grand entrance, Montebello Gateway invites you to dream bigger, achieve more, and inspire others. Its towering glass façade re ects more than just sunlight—it re ects the aspirations of those within.
My story:
My mother noticed my frustration so we went to On the Ball. My OT there taught me how to stay calm, focused and attentive. She used a mix of auditory and visual processing techniques and now I’m keeping up with my classmates and older siblings. I no longer give up easily, and happily push through my frustration. Hey! I’m Fradel and I’m 11 years old.
I love school but I seem to get lost in the crowd. All those instructions for Yontif projects and fun Rosh Chodesh assemblies are so overwhelming. At home I can only remember one step at a time and I never seem to find my stuff, including my homework, which is so important!
Our therapists are all college educated and NYS licensed. Additional Training can include:
High-quality Italian fabrics. Expertly tailored canvas suits. Large selection of exceptional fits, designed to suit every man.
