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VISIT US ON THE WEB! WWW.THEBJH.COM Vol. 12 Issue #35 | Oct. 29 - Nov. 4, 2026 | ‫ כ״ד חשון תשפ״ז‬- ‫י״ח‬

A Milestone In The Journey Of Torah Learning

JCFL Week 2: Undefeated Teams Emerge, Defending Champs Bounce Back, And A Jersey Mix-Up For The Ages!

A Shabbos Of Simcha, Achdus, And Kedusha; YGW Boys High School Shabbaton

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Rav Forshlager was born in Poland and grew up in the world of the Sochatchover Rebbe, the Avnei Nezer. From childhood, his devotion to Torah was extraordinary. As a young boy, he traveled a great distance to be near the Rebbe and his beis medrash. He became one of the Avnei Nezer’s closest talmidim, learning with him for hours each day. Even after the Rebbe stopped teaching students publicly, he made an exception for Rav Forshlager. The Avnei Nezer valued his judgment so highly that he consulted him before sending out answers to halachic questions. He carried that Torah with him throughout his life. When he came to Baltimore in 1921, it was unusual for a man to sit and learn all day. He did not find an established Torah world waiting for him, but he would not let his surroundings decide what his life could be. When family support disappeared during the Depression, he took whatever work he could find. Eventually, people arranged for him to teach daily Torah classes. He spent his days learning, teaching and writing. He filled thousands of pages with original chiddushim, and more than fifty thousand handwritten pages survived him. Much remained unpublished for decades, but in recent years, people have worked to bring his Torah to a wider audience. His influence in Baltimore was not limited to the seforim he wrote. Rav Forshlager gave Gemara shiurim in local shuls, teaching people who might not otherwise have had access to that level of learning. When one shul changed

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This past Monday, on ‫ט״ו מרחשון‬, was the yahrtzeit of Rav Michoel Eliezer Hakohen Forshlager, zt”l. I have been visiting his kever for many years, and I was there again this year. I have watched the number of people coming grow, especially on his yahrtzeit. This year, hundreds traveled from out of town to daven. Food and drinks were prepared for those making the trip, and people came with tefillos, hoping for yeshuos. It is moving to see so many people turn to a tzaddik for help. But I believe the story of Rav Forshlager himself is also part of what draws them.

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direction in a way he could not accept, he stopped teaching there. Yet the people who learned from him cared so deeply that they continued to support him and found ways to stay connected. His commitment to Torah was uncompromising, but he also had a deep connection with people. The Avnei Nezer trusted him as a young talmid, Rav Meir Shapiro wanted him to lead the yeshiva of Chachmei Lublin, and Rav Aharon Kotler is quoted as calling him the greatest gaon in America. Rav Forshlager declined important positions, choosing a life of learning and teaching. When people come to his kever, they bring their worries, tefillos and hopes. They also come to a story that still speaks to us. Rav Forshlager showed that a person’s surroundings do not have to determine what he can become. He came to a place where full-time Torah learning was far from the norm and remained unwavering in his commitment. He did not keep Torah to himself. He taught, encouraged young people to learn and helped lay groundwork for the Torah growth that flourished in Baltimore and across America after his petirah. Perhaps that is part of what people seek when they visit: not only a yeshuah, but inspiration to use the freedom and opportunity we have to fill our days with Torah. May Rav Forshlager’s legacy continue to lift us, here in Baltimore, the city where his Torah took root and his greatness soared.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Shabbos, Aaron M. Friedman

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The Baltimore Jewish Home is an independent bi-weekly newspaper. All opinions expressed by the journalists, contributors and/or advertisers printed and/or quoted herein are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, Internet or another medium. The Baltimore Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The BJH contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

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A Milestone In The Journey Of Torah Learning By: BJLife Newsroom

orah Institute/Yeshivas Kochav Yitzchak celebrated a special milestone as its four fifth-grade classes marked the exciting occasion of Haschalas Gemara. Parents and grandparents, well over 300 guests, joined the boys for this meaningful next step on their journey toward becoming shtark Bnei Torah. The talmidim, together with their devoted rebbeim, heard divrei chizzuk from Menahel Rabbi Shimon Hirsch, Sgan Menahel Rabbi Nosson Adlin, and Harav Yosef Berger, who inspired the boys as they embarked on this new stage of learning.

After receiving their very first Gemara, the boys joined their fathers and grandfathers to dance in celebration, and then went to their respective classrooms to begin their first limud of Gemara together. Meanwhile, the mothers and grandmothers gathered to hear divrei hisorerus from the Cheder’s CEO, Rabbi Raphael Schochet. The event was a beautiful celebration of Torah, family, and mesorah, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the boys’ growth as talmidei chachamim.

Torah Institute Expansion Takes Shape As Walls Rise And Construction Milestones Continue By: BJLife Newsroom

xciting progress continues at Torah Institute/Yeshivas Kochav Yitzchak as construction of the Cheder’s new building moves steadily forward. With walls beginning to rise and rooms taking shape, the vision of an expanded campus is becoming more visible with each passing week. Recent construction milestones include the paving of an additional section of the parking lot and the beginning of work on the elevator shaft and stairwell areas. Crews are also excavating and pouring wall footings for the new gymnasium, while rock drilling continues in preparation for the next phases of construction. Baruch Hashem, these developments mark significant progress in Torah Institute’s ambitious expansion project, designed to accommodate its rapidly growing enrollment of more than 930 talmidim and provide the facilities needed to support their con-

patience, encouragement, and support throughout the construction process. tinued growth in Torah and chinuch. As the new building begins to take shape, the Cheder looks forward to reaching additional milestones in the

months ahead. Torah Institute’s administration expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the families and broader Baltimore community for their continued

Each new wall, foundation, and completed section brings Torah Institute one step closer to realizing its vision of a beautiful, expanded campus that will serve generations of Baltimore’s Bnei Torah.

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AIM Launches Its Second Pregnancy Workshop Series

ith more than 30 women in attendance, AIM (Association for Infants and Mothers) launched its second Ready, Set, Baby! Pregnancy Workshop series this past Sunday, October 25. The morning was filled with connection, inspiration, and meaningful preparation for the journey of motherhood. Mrs. Esti Kimche opened the four-part series with her presentation, “Welcoming a New Neshama,” guiding participants in exploring the spiritual connection to motherhood and the profound significance of the role of an Imma. Through the stories of three women in Tanach, Mrs. Kimche shared timeless lessons that resonated deeply with the audience. Beginning with Sarah Imeinu, she explored the concept introduced by Rashi of Sarah’s years “Kulan Shavin L’Tova” - recognizing that every stage of life has its purpose and that we are exactly where we are meant to be. She

encouraged women to embrace their roles, remain present in each moment, and recognize that no task in motherhood is mundane or ordinary. Every responsibility, no matter how small, can become an opportunity for spiritual connection and closeness to Hashem. Mrs. Kimche then turned to Rachel Imeinu, our beloved Mama Rochel, highlighting the powerful tools of tears and tefillah. Her message emphasized the strength found in heartfelt prayer and the enduring power of a mother’s connection to Hashem. Finally, she spoke about the Eishes Ovadia, challenging participants to consider a deeply personal question: Who are we within the walls of our own homes, behind closed doors, when no one is watching? True motherhood, she explained, is reflected in the everyday choices and quiet acts of devotion that shape a home and nurture a family. Beyond the inspiring words, the atmosphere itself reflected the spirit of AIM. A beautiful spread was

prepared especially for the women, offering them an opportunity to feel pampered and cared for. Despite the large turnout, participants gathered around the table, creating an intimate setting where women could connect, share, and feel seen and heard. The morning marked the beginning of more than a workshop series; it was the start of relationships, meaningful conversations, and a supportive community of women preparing for one of life’s most transformative journeys.

ated to offer women a space to prepare spiritually, physically, and emotionally for the transition into motherhood.

Following the success and overwhelmingly positive response to AIM’s inaugural Pregnancy Workshop in May, the expanded four-week series was cre-

Through Ready, Set, Baby!, AIM continues its mission of supporting and empowering mothers, nurturing families, and building a healthier community.

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Nearly 600 Torah Institute Talmidim Unite For Powerful BYOM Maamad HaTorah By: BJLife Newsroom

orah Institute/Yeshivas Kochav Yitzchak kicked off its annual Chemdas Mishnayos program on Thursday with an inspiring BYOM (Bring Your Own Mishnayos) event. Nearly 600 talmidim in grades 3–8 gathered in the gym for a tremendous Maamad HaTorah, collectively learning well over 1,000 perakim of Mishnayos. The Chemdas Mishnayos program, established many years ago by Rabbi Juravel, is now led by Sgan Menahel Rabbi Reischer. The special gathering featured divrei chizzuk from fifth-grade Rebbi Rabbi Heine-

man, who encouraged the boys to strengthen their commitment to Torah learning and make the most of the opportunities ahead. Adding to the excitement, each talmid received a bag of chips and a can of soda to celebrate the occasion. The powerful sight of hundreds of talmidim learning Mishnayos together was a beautiful expression of the Cheder’s dedication to fostering a lifelong love of Torah. The event provided an uplifting start to another year of Chemdas Mishnayos, inspiring the boys to continue growing in their learning and reaching new heights in Torah.

Miriam’s Library Kicks Off After-School Program With Over 50 Children And A Surprise Visit From Eli Marcus By: BJLife Newsroom | Photos: Israel Orange Photography

t was an exciting first week at Miriam’s Library as the center officially launched its new after-school program, welcoming more than 50 children registered across six hands-on classes filled with creativity, learning, and fun. The excitement began on Sunday, October 25, when 15 girls gathered at Miriam’s Library, located at 201 Milford Mill Road, for the inaugural Baking & Decorating class, led by Shira Perlman, owner of Delightfully Sweet. With over 26 years of experience in baking and cake decorating, Perlman brought her expertise and enthusiasm to the young bakers. The energy continued as Miriam’s Library rolled out its other exciting offerings, including Merch Making, Hairstyling & Braiding, Guitar, Mosaic Art, and 3D Printing & Design. Each class gives children the opportunity to explore new interests, develop practical skills, and express their creativity in a welcoming, hands-on environment. One of the week’s highlights came on Monday, when popular Jewish singer Eli Marcus made a surprise appearance at the Guitar class, bringing an extra dose of excitement to the young musicians and making the opening week even more memorable.

The launch marks an exciting milestone for Miriam’s Library, which is building a vibrant, inclusive community space where children of all abilities can learn, create, and discover their talents together. With more than 50 children registered for its inaugural season, the program is off to an enthusiastic start. Season One consists of six-week courses, giving participants the opportunity to build on their skills and enjoy meaningful experiences week after week.

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JCFL Week 2: Undefeated Teams Emerge, Defending Champs Bounce Back, And A Jersey Mix-Up For The Ages!

he JCFL by King David Nursing and Rehab returned to the Klaff Sports Physical Therapy Fields this past Sunday for another action-packed morning of spectacular catches, dazzling touchdowns, defensive heroics, and enough questionable tackling decisions to keep the league’s officiating crew busy for weeks! With the beautifully groomed Roof Maven fields ready for action, players sporting their sharp Baltimore Bultins jerseys, and the Conkretely officiating crew enforcing the Fired Up Rules and Regulations, everything was in place for another exciting week of football. Just two weeks into the season, the race toward the Tripping Kosher Postseason and the coveted Premier Financial Trophy is already heating up. And if Week 2 taught us anything, it’s that no lead is safe, no favorite is guaranteed a victory, and apparently, no two teams should ever be permitted to wear white jerseys at the same time! CREZLY Continues to Roll, Cruises Past YL Waitering 39–18 Fresh off their thrilling opening-week upset of the defending champions, CREZLY showed no signs of slowing down, improving to 2–0 with a convincing 39–18 victory over YL Waitering. Both offenses came out firing, trading touchdowns throughout an entertaining first half. But CREZLY’s playmakers ultimately proved too much to handle. Akiva “Stuntman” Stutman delivered an electrifying performance, hauling in two touchdown receptions, adding an extra point, and returning an interception for a pick-six. Meanwhile, quarterback Moshe “Rocketman” Lichtman continued his early-season highlight reel, running, juking, and jiving his way to two rushing touchdowns. After halftime, CREZLY’s defense decided the scoring festivities were officially over. Levi “Pancake Batter” Akkerman and team owner Sunny “Suit & Tie” Smith terrorized quarterback Yitzy “Chip” Hyatt throughout the second half. The defensive highlight came when Akkerman drove offensive lineman Ozzymandias “Ozzy” Marizan backward directly into Hyatt, sending

both players tumbling into a heap. Smith then forced an errant throw that Menachem “Beans” Blackman intercepted, tiptoeing down the sideline for a touchdown. Blackman added another score to close out the game. At 2–0, CREZLY is quickly establishing itself as a team nobody wants to face! Evergreen Benefits Group Survives Advanced Security & Lock, 28–26 In a thrilling battle, Evergreen Benefits Group escaped with an exciting 28–26 victory over Advanced Security & Lock. Advanced Security struck first, jumping ahead 6–0, but Evergreen quarterback Chaim Finkelstein responded with three consecutive touchdown drives. For Evergreen, Avi Frand hauled in a beautiful 30-yard strike down the right sideline, Chaim Fink found an opening in the end zone for another score, and Yoni Finkelstein added a 30-yard touchdown reception of his own. Advanced Security answered with a late first-half touchdown, narrowing Evergreen’s advantage to 20–19 at intermission. The second half became a defensive slugfest, with Advanced Security DL Sammy Sonnenberg practically taking up permanent residence in Evergreen’s backfield. But Finkelstein remained remarkably composed under pressure, making smart reads and delivering timely throws. Frand eventually hauled in his second deep touchdown reception, giving Evergreen a 28–26 lead that would hold until the final whistle. Evergreen’s defense deserves plenty of credit, as Chaim Goldman, Chaim Fink, and Gershon Vegh each recorded interceptions to help preserve the narrow victory. Mixed by Moses Wins Battle of the White Jerseys, 27–23 Vegas gave the white team 100 percent odds of winning, largely because both teams wore white jerseys. The Rosen Team started the game with a successful drive, and Mixed by Moses (MBM) couldn’t respond immediately. But MBM’s defense dug in its heels and gave The Rosen Team QB Dovid Flamm nightmare flashbacks

of his Israel Yeshiva league playoff loss in the early 2000s. Amid Flamm’s disorientation, Avromi Gartenhaus strategically intercepted a pass one yard behind the first-down marker. For MBM, Zacky Lerner was prolific, with six catches, including a touchdown. MBM’s physicality, coupled with The Rosen Team’s tackling woes, was too much for the pink and white, leading to two Yaakov Rosenblum rushing TDs. But one player for Team Rosen bucked the trend of poor tackling. He ran across the field faster than Avraham greeting the angels and tackled Rosenblum. Unfortunately, the tackle came 10 seconds after the play was over and 10 yards out of bounds, leading to a reenactment of the quarrel between Lot’s and Avraham’s servants and causing an unprecedented early start to halftime. The teams headed to their respective locker rooms perplexed. MBM pulled away and led by two scores, thanks largely to terrific defensive stops by Menachem Rubenstein. The Rosen Team scored as time expired, bringing about a tight ending in honor of National Tight Ends Day. With one eye on the clock, and another on the cigar waiting for him, Nosson Waldman made it to his family upsherin. Allstate Responds to Captain’s Emotional Plea, Cruises Past Y & L Landscaping 38–14 Sometimes football games are won through brilliant strategy. Sometimes through exceptional athleticism. And sometimes, a captain just really needs to get to his wife’s speech. Shortly before kickoff, beloved Allstate captain Dany Donaty gathered his troops with an urgent request. “My wife is giving a big speech later, and I’m pretty sure she’s going to thank me. I really want to be there to hear it because, frankly, I don’t get thanked in speeches very often.” Inspired by their captain’s desperate quest for public appreciation, Yaakov Schmell – Allstate Insurance exploded out of the gates. Aaron Hoffman caught two early touchdown passes, Ayden Felps added another, and Allstate quickly built a 19–0 lead. Following a spectacular diving interception by Dani Saks, Allstate struck again. Noam Sonnenberg

graciously went down at the one-yard line, allowing Hoffman to secure his third touchdown reception and send Allstate into halftime leading 26–0. Y & L Landscaping refused to surrender, as quarterback Dan Gutman connected with Avraham Aba Friedman to narrow the deficit to 26–8. But Hoffman quickly extinguished any comeback hopes, hauling in an 80yard touchdown pass over the defense for his fourth score of the morning, much to the delight of his proud parents watching from the sidelines. Hoffman nearly collected touchdown number five late in the contest, but instead generously tipped the ball to Elazar Friedman, who secured Allstate’s sixth touchdown. It was a particularly meaningful redemption moment for Friedman, who had spent part of the first half benched for conduct detrimental to the team. Following the victory, team sensei Mendy Dalfin led Allstate in prayers, including a request for a speedy recovery for injured star receiver Josh Zaslow, mysteriously absent from Sunday’s festivities. Allstate improved to 1–1, but the day’s biggest victory belonged to Dany Donaty, who made it to his wife’s speech on time. And apparently, she absolutely killed it. At least according to Bubby and Saba Masri. With CREZLY and Evergreen remaining undefeated, Allstate returning to form, and Mixed by Moses earning its first victory, the race toward the Tripping Kosher Postseason is already heating up. Two weeks down, plenty of football ahead, and the chase for the Premier Financial Trophy is only getting started!

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A Shabbos Of Simcha, Achdus, And Kedusha; Yeshiva Of Greater Washington Boys High School Shabbaton By: Rabbi Dr. Avichai Pepper

imcha is a word that we use often, yet it can take on many different meanings. For some, simcha is expressed through singing and dancing. For others, it comes from spending meaningful time with friends. And yet, there is another level of simcha, one that comes from recognizing the tremendous privilege of living a life of Torah and kedusha. This past Shabbos, the Yeshiva of Greater Washington Boys High School had the opportunity to experience all of these together. The Yeshiva spent Shabbos on the Aishel campus in New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, with simcha as the theme of the Shabbaton. The boys arrived Thursday evening, enjoying a campfire and time together. Friday began with regular davening and learning, followed by an afternoon of playing ball, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful outdoor surroundings with their Rabbeim. While the activities were certainly enjoyable, the purpose of a Shabbaton extends far beyond the activities themselves. One of its primary goals is to develop a sense of achvah among the boys and strengthen their relationships with their Rabbeim. However, as Shabbos began, it became clear that something much greater was taking place. Following Kabbalas Shabbos on Friday night, the room erupted in spontaneous singing and dancing. The energy was tremendous, but even more meaningful was the feeling of achdus that filled the room. It was not simply the unity between friends or between talmidim and their Rabbeim. Rather, there was a tangible feeling of connection with HaKadosh Baruch Hu. The Gemara in Shabbos (119b) teaches: ‫אמר רב המנונא כל המתפלל בערב שבת‬ ‫ מעלה עליו הכתוב כאילו‬,‫ואומר ויכולו‬ ‫נעשה שותף להקדוש ברוך הוא‬ .‫במעשה בראשית‬ Rav Hamnuna teaches that one who davens on Friday night and recites Vayechulu is considered as though he has become a partner with HaKadosh Baruch Hu in Maaseh Bereishis. Shabbos provides every

member of Klal Yisrael with the opportunity to experience this closeness with Hashem. Perhaps this was part of what made the dancing so meaningful. The boys were experiencing the beauty of being united through something that transcended them to a place much greater than themselves. As the leaves outside began changing colors and the cool autumn air settled over the campus, the warmth, achdus, and kedusha inside were unmistakable. Beautiful zemiros, a wonderful seudah, and a meaningful seder further strengthened that feeling of connection. Yet, perhaps the highlight of the entire Shabbaton came almost inadvertently. At the conclusion of Shabbos lunch, Dovid Pepper, an eleventh-grade talmid, made a siyum on Maseches Gittin. Following the siyum, the room once again erupted in singing and dancing. While there had been plenty of dancing throughout Shabbos, this moment was different. One of the Rabbeim made a particularly meaningful observation. The dancing was not driven by the inspiration of a Rebbi or the direction of a Menahel. It came entirely from the boys themselves. There were two remarkable aspects to this simcha. First, the boys were genuinely happy for their friend, celebrating his accomplishment as though it were their own. But perhaps even more powerful was the recognition of each bachur that they too, have the ability to accomplish the very same thing. Completing a masechta was not something beyond their reach. With dedication and commitment, it was something each of them could achieve.

plishments are celebrated and personal growth becomes contagious.

The joy was genuine, and the inspiration was immediate. In fact, several bachurim commented that they wanted to make their own siyum at next year’s annual Shabbaton.

The remainder of Shabbos was spent learning, davening, and enjoying meaningful time with Rabbeim and friends. Shabbos concluded with an uplifting Havdalah, accompanied by the music of Moshe Buxbaum. As everyone joined together singing “Bein Yisrael La’amim,” the message of the weekend seemed particularly meaningful.

This is perhaps one of the most meaningful forms of inspiration we can provide our talmidim. When the success of one bachur becomes a source of happiness and motivation for his friends, we are creating an environment in which Torah accom-

Perhaps the greatest lesson of the Shabbaton was that the simcha of Torah and the kedusha of Shabbos are not reserved for extraordinary people or extraordinary moments. Just as every bachur has the ability to work toward the accomplishment of a siyum, every

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The Week In News

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The Week In News

Lula Wins Brazil Brazilian right-wing leader Flávio Bolsonaro effectively conceded defeat on Monday to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, backing away from an earlier demand to annul the election after President Donald Trump indicated the United States would not intervene. Bolsonaro initially vowed to challenge Sunday’s runoff, alleging that an extension of voting hours amounted to a “dirty trick” designed to help Lula. The extension, prompted by poor weather and requests from both campaigns, was authorized by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin. But Bolsonaro shifted course Monday, saying he would instead pursue a lawsuit accusing Lula of improperly using the powers of the presidency to influence the election.

shacharis

recognized that an effort to annul the election had virtually no chance of succeeding after Brazilian authorities accepted Lula’s victory. Bolsonaro said separately that federal police had ordered him to surrender his passport amid an investigation into corruption and money laundering. He denies wrongdoing and says he has no intention of leaving Brazil. His planned legal challenge will reportedly focus on Lula’s announcement of an increase in a major social welfare benefit shortly before the runoff. Even Bolsonaro allies reportedly view the lawsuit as unlikely to change the result. For Lula, the victory completes an unexpected political comeback and puts the brakes, at least for now, on the recent string of right-wing electoral victories across Latin America.

9 Killed in Attack on Jordanian Church At least nine people were killed and 34 others were wounded on Friday when

gunmen opened fire on mourners attending a funeral at a church in southern Jordan, prompting a nationwide manhunt and a vow from King Abdullah II to bring the attackers to justice. The shooting occurred at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in the village of Hammoud, in Jordan’s Karak governorate, as mourners gathered in the church courtyard before the funeral had concluded. Surveillance footage showed at least three armed men arriving in a vehicle at the church entrance before opening fire. Witnesses reported that a fourth suspect was behind the wheel. The sudden attack left the small community reeling. “We have victims, we have wounded, we have great pain,” said eyewitness Dirgham Al-Halasah. Describing the village as a peaceful community known for strong relationships among residents, Al-Halasah said the violence was unimaginable. “What happened today is not expected,” he said. Jordanian authorities immediately launched an investigation and began searching for the gunmen, who remained

Greater Washington Weekday Minyanim Guide

6:15 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

M-F

Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah

T, W, F

6:20 am Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY

M, Th

Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac

T, W, F

8:00 am YGW (High School; School-Contingent)

S-F

Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac

S S

6:25 am Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua M-F

7:05 am Kesher Israel

M, Th

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sfardi)

6:30 am Beth Sholom Congregation

M-F

7:15 am Kemp Mill Synagogue

M, Th

8:05 am Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville

M, Th

Beit Halevi (Sfardi)

M, T

T, W, F

8:15 am Ohr Hatorah

Chabad of Silver Spring

M-F

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY

T, W, F

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

YGW

M, Th

6:35 am Ohr Hatorah

M, Th

6:40 am YGW

S, T, W, F

Magen David Sephardic Congregation 6:45 am Beit Halevi (Sfardi)

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“I wasn’t the one who lost; the system won,” Bolsonaro said. He vowed to “organize the opposition to build a fortress against barbarism.” Lula won the runoff with 51.8% of the vote to Bolsonaro’s 48.2%, a margin of roughly 4.4 million votes. The result marked a dramatic turnaround after Bolsonaro finished ahead of Lula in the first round earlier this month. Trump, who has long maintained close ties with Flávio Bolsonaro’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, questioned the result shortly before the younger Bolsonaro softened his challenge. “It looked like another rigged election, frankly,” Trump told reporters. “I didn’t take sides, but it was a terrible look for the world.” He added, “Elections have to be indisputable, and it looked very bad to me. I watched the election and it looked so corrupt, so terrible.” Despite Trump’s criticism, Bolsonaro’s effort to overturn the result gained little support inside Brazil. Kassio Nunes Marques, head of the country’s electoral court and an appointee of Jair Bolsonaro, said the extended voting hours did not affect the final outcome. A Bolsonaro ally said the campaign

M-Th S, T, W, F

Kemp Mill Synagogue

M, Th

Ohr Hatorah

T, W, F

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

M, Th

6:50 am Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah

M, Th

Silver Spring Jewish Center

M-F

Chabad of Upper Montgomery County

M-F

6:55 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

T, W, F

7:00 am Kemp Mill Synagogue

T, W, F

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua S Silver Spring Jewish Center BETHESDA Magen David Sephardic Congregation [S] 11215 Woodglen Dr, North Bethesda, MD 20852 GAITHERSBURG Chabad of Upper Montgomery County [Ari] 11520 Darnestown Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 OLNEY Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah (OSTT) 18320 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD 20832

Kesher Israel Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue Ohr Hatorah 7:30 am Chabad of DC

M-F

Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville

S, T, W, F

Kehilat Pardes / Berman Hebrew Academy

S-F

Silver Spring Jewish Center

M-F

Chabad of Potomac

M-F

JROC

M-F

Kemp Mill Synagogue

T, W, F

8:30 am Chabad of DC

Chabad of Potomac

S S

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

JROC Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue Silver Spring Jewish Center

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sfardi)

M-F

YGW (Summer Only)

S-F

7:45 am YGW (Yeshiva Session Only)

S-F

8:45 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

S-F

8:00 am Beth Sholom Congregation

9:00 am Chabad of Silver Spring

Kemp Mill Synagogue

Kesher Israel

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua M-F

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua S Chabad of Upper Montgomery County

Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah

POTOMAC Beth Sholom Congregation 11825 Seven Locks Rd. Potomac, MD 20854 Chabad of Potomac [Ari] 11621 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac 11618 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854

ROCKVILLE Kehilat Pardes / Berman Hebrew Academy 13300 Arctic Ave, Rockville, MD 20853 JROC 11304 Old Georgetown Rd, Rockville, MD 20852 Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville Ring House TV Room

For edits or additions email ads@baltimorejewishhome.com

mincha

S S

mincha/maariv

Before Shkiah (15-18 minutes), S-TH Beit Halevi (Sfardi) Beth Sholom Congregation Chabad of Potomac Chabad of Silver Spring Chabad of Upper Montgomery County Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville (20 min before, S-F) JROC Kemp Mill Synagogue Kesher Israel Magen David Sephardic Congregation Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue Ohr Hatorah Silver Spring Jewish Center Southeast Hebrew Congregation Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Asheknaz) Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sefarhadi)

maariv 8:45 pm YGW 9:15 pm Silver Spring Jewish Center 9:30 pm YGW 9:45 pm Ohr Hatorah 10:00 pm YGW

2:00 pm Silver Spring Jewish Center 2:10 pm YGW

S-F

2:45 pm YGW 3:00 pm YGW Middle School

S-Th

SILVER SPRING Beit Halevi [Sefardic] 1009 North Belgrade Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20902 Chabad of Silver Spring [Ari] 519 Lamberton Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Kemp Mill Synagogue 11910 Kemp Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Ohr Hatorah 1009 Kersey Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Silver Spring Jewish Center 1401 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902

Southeast Hebrew Congregation, Knesset Yehoshua 10900 Lockwood Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20901 Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah 9001 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Yeshiva Gedola of Greater Washington (YGW) 1216 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (YISE) [Ashk + S] 1132 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902

M-Th School Days M-Th School Days

S-Th S-Th S-Th S-Th S-Th

WASHINGTON Chabad of DC [Ari] 2110 Leroy Pl. NW, Washington, DC 20008 Kesher Israel 2801 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue 1600 Jonquil St NW, Washington, DC 20012

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The Week In News at large following the attack. By Saturday, 22 injured victims remained hospitalized, all in stable condition, according to Health Minister Ibrahim Bdour. King Abdullah II condemned the massacre and promised a forceful response, declaring that Jordan would “confront the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties.” During an emergency National Security Council meeting on Saturday, the king described the safety of Jordanian citizens as a “red line” and ordered security forces to act with an “iron fist” against those responsible. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan blamed the attack on “blind extremism,” while Queen Rania expressed grief over the tragedy. The “heinous crime against worshippers in Karak has devastated us all,” she wrote, offering condolences to victims’ families and prayers for the wounded. Jordan’s Council of Church Heads also denounced the shooting, emphasizing the longstanding ties between the country’s Muslim and Christian communities and rejecting attempts to create religious divisions.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Jordan issued a security alert, warning American citizens to exercise caution amid heightened security measures.

Iraq: Jail for French IS Members An Iraqi court on Tuesday sentenced six French nationals to life in prison and a seventh to 15 years in jail after convicting them of membership in the Islamic State. The men were among 47 French Islamic State suspects transferred from detention facilities in northeast Syria to Iraq last year under a broader relocation arrangement coordinated by U.S. forces and Iraqi authorities. The presiding judge said the sentences were imposed under Iraq’s counterterrorism law as a penalty for joining the Islamic State and spreading fear. He added that the court had opted for life imprisonment rather than the death penalty because the defendants were young. The seventh French national, aged 23,

was given a 15-year sentence. Abbas al-Maliki, one of the lawyers for the defendants, said the group would appeal the sentence in the Court of Cassation. The Islamic State seized large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 before being driven from its self-declared caliphate by a U.S.-led coalition and local forces in 2019. Many of the group’s militants were detained, although remnants of the jihadist organization continue to operate. The United States announced in January that it had begun transferring the Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq amid concerns about the security of detention facilities in northeast Syria after Kurdish-led forces lost control of parts of the region.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan Head to Iran Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan traveled to Tehran, Iran, on Monday for high-level negotiations aimed at preventing another major escalation in the Middle East, even as

Iran-backed Houthi terrorists launched fresh attacks against Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic meeting marked the first major talks between Iran and the three countries since the regional conflict, which began with American and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, expanded into Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the discussions were intended to establish diplomatic channels to “prevent the return of military escalation.” Representing Saudi Arabia was Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Pakistan sent army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, while Turkey was represented by intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. The delegation met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and other senior Iranian officials. The talks came amid growing fears of renewed American military action against Iran. President Donald Trump warned on Friday that Washington could launch another operation, while Iranian officials have reportedly developed plans to target undersea cables in the Gulf if

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The Week In News

The Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group has spent the past three months rebuilding its military capabilities and preparing for a possible renewed confrontation with Israel, reportedly receiving tens of millions of dollars from Tehran to replenish its depleted arsenal. According to Lebanese security officials, Hezbollah has used a relative lull in fighting since June to acquire explosives, manufacture attack drones, and restore military command structures damaged during its recent wars with Israel. The preparations come despite dev-

Who Wins?

Israelis headed to the polls on Tuesday, October 27, in one of the country’s most consequential elections in years. But while millions cast their ballots, the results have left the country with more questions than answers, and no clear path toward forming its next government. With more than 85% of votes count-

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Hezbollah Rearming

OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026

missile and drone attacks.

astating losses suffered by the terrorist organization since 2024, including the deaths of thousands of their terrorist fighters and senior commanders and the destruction of substantial portions of its weapons stockpiles. Israel currently maintains a security zone in southern Lebanon, where IDF troops continue dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure to prevent the group from reestablishing positions near northern Israeli communities. Nevertheless, Hezbollah appears determined to rebuild. Lebanese security sources said Iran recently transferred tens of millions of dollars to support the group’s military operations, in addition to approximately $200 million reportedly allocated to assist displaced families in Hezbollah-controlled areas. The organization has prioritized explosive drones, which can be used to attack Israeli military positions. Hezbollah recently acknowledged that explosives confiscated by Lebanese authorities belonged to the group and were intended for operations against Israel. Security officials also described Hezbollah’s efforts to repair communication and command networks that were severely disrupted during battles in southern Lebanon. Israeli military technology, including armed drones and remotely controlled combat vehicles, reportedly presented significant challenges to Hezbollah fighters, particularly in areas around Bint Jbeil and the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge. Hezbollah, however, disputed claims that its command structures had collapsed and insisted that Israel’s continued military presence in Lebanon justified armed resistance.

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American and Israeli attacks resume. Iranian officials said the negotiations would address regional security, the conflict in Lebanon, American-Iranian relations, and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. However, Tehran ruled out discussing its nuclear program until Washington agrees to lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports and end its blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, violence continued on another front. On Monday, Yemen’s Houthi terrorists claimed responsibility for attacks on pumping stations along Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline and Riyadh’s international airport. As tensions intensified, Egypt’s parliament authorized its military to assist in defending Saudi Arabia, signaling growing regional concern over the Houthi threat. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a mutual defense agreement in August, committing themselves to collective action against threats to their security and sovereignty. Pakistan and Qatar have also played significant roles in mediating between Washington and Tehran, although previous diplomatic efforts produced only a temporary agreement in June before fighting resumed. The widening conflict has disrupted international shipping, driven up oil prices, and exposed Gulf nations to repeated

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OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026

The Week In News ed by Wednesday afternoon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rightwing bloc was projected to win 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while the opposition bloc led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot stood at 48 seats. Arab parties were projected to capture 19 seats, potentially giving them unprecedented influence over the next government’s formation. A coalition requires 61 seats, leaving both major blocs short of a majority. Netanyahu’s Likud emerged as the largest individual party, projected to win 26 seats. Eisenkot’s Yashar party followed with 21 seats, while Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid’s B’Yachad party was projected to receive 12. Within Netanyahu’s bloc, United Torah Judaism, Shas, and Itamar BenGvir’s Otzma Yehudit were each projected to win seven seats, while Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party was expected to secure six. On the opposition side, Yair Golan’s Democrats were projected to win eight seats, while Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beytenu stood at seven. Perhaps the election’s biggest surprise

was the strong showing by Arab parties, with the Joint List projected to win 12 seats and Mansour Abbas’s Ra’am seven. Voter turnout reached 77.7%, the highest in more than two decades, reflecting the election’s significance following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent wars. “The right-wing bloc has a clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public… among the Jewish public and all those who support the state,” Bibi said on Tuesday night. For this reason, “we need a right-wing, nationalist, strong government. That’s what has to be done.” “These are still exit poll results, and we must wait for the final count,” Eisenkot said at his party’s headquarters in Tel Aviv. “But it is already clear that tonight Netanyahu faces a larger and stronger Zionist, responsible majority. The public voted for change. The coalition of failure has lost the people’s trust. The Israeli public voted against Netanyahu continuing as prime minister,” he declared. Despite Likud’s first-place finish, Netanyahu is not automatically entitled to form the next government. Under Israel’s parliamentary system, President

The Week In News

Former FBI Director James Comey is facing yet another legal battle after the Justice Department filed new criminal allegations against him over an alleged leak of classified information nearly a decade ago. Court documents unsealed on Monday reveal that federal prosecutors are seeking to charge Comey with two violations of the Espionage Act, accusing him of directing staff members to disclose sensitive national security information to a New York Times reporter in October 2016. The filing marks the third time the Trump administration has attempted to prosecute Comey, a longtime critic of President Donald Trump. Comey strongly denied the allegations, accusing the administration of misusing the Justice Department. “It would almost be funny if it weren’t such an appalling abuse of the Department of Justice, one that we cannot become numb to,” Comey said in a social media video. The latest case, however, faces a significant legal hurdle. Rather than obtaining a grand jury indictment, prosecutors filed what is known as a criminal information on October 5, the date the 10-year statute of limitations was set to expire. The Justice Department maintains that the filing preserves its ability to pursue charges while the investigation continues. “Filing a criminal information to toll the statute of limitations is a widely recognized practice in federal court and has been approved by multiple Circuit Courts of Appeals,” a department official said. Comey’s attorneys disagree, arguing that prosecutors cannot bypass the legal deadline without securing an actual indictment. A federal judge will ultimately determine whether the case can proceed.

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The Federal Trade Commission has sued the bargain chain Dollar General for what it characterized as “long-running deceptive pricing practices” by charging customers more once they reach the register than the prices that are displayed on shelves and in advertisements. Twenty states joined in the complaint, filed by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. It said that Dollar General failed to correct the issue despite what it said was “extensive corporate knowledge of the problem.” “Dollar General has betrayed the trust of millions of American consumers and imposed significant financial harm on communities and consumers who are already struggling to make their paychecks last,” wrote Christopher Mu-

Comey Charged Again

OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026

Dollar General Sued by FTC

farrige, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Dollar General is based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. The states joining the FTC lawsuit include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin, according to the FTC.

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Isaac Herzog will consult party leaders before selecting the candidate he believes has the best chance of assembling a governing coalition. That candidate receives 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. Netanyahu’s challenge is straightforward: Even with his traditional religious and right-wing partners, he remains eight seats short of a majority. Eisenkot faces an equally complicated situation. His bloc could theoretically reach 67 seats with the support of both Arab parties. However, several opposition leaders have ruled out relying on Arab factions, making that arrangement politically difficult. A national unity government combining Likud and major opposition parties could also produce a comfortable majority. But Eisenkot and other opposition leaders have repeatedly rejected serving under Netanyahu. President Herzog urged political leaders on Wednesday to approach negotiations with an open mind and avoid another election. If no candidate succeeds in assembling a coalition, Israel could face another round of voting. For now, Netanyahu remains prime minister, Eisenkot is determined to replace him, and Israel faces potentially weeks of political negotiations.

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The Week In News The alleged leak was previously examined in investigations by the Justice Department’s inspector general and Special Counsel John Durham, neither of which resulted in criminal charges against Comey. Asked about the latest developments, Trump said he had only recently learned of the case. “I don’t know too much about it. I just heard about it,” Trump told reporters. “I think he’s a dirty cop, James Comey, but I know nothing about it.” Comey is already facing a separate criminal case in North Carolina involving a social media photograph of seashells arranged to spell “8647,” which prosecutors interpreted as a threat against Trump. Another case involving Comey’s congressional testimony about media leaks was dismissed last year.

Soft Layoffs at Microsoft As artificial intelligence reshapes corporate America, Microsoft and Skydance are giving thousands of employees an

opportunity to leave voluntarily, part of a growing trend among companies looking to reduce payroll costs while pouring billions into new technology. Microsoft announced its largest voluntary buyout program ever on Monday, extending offers to approximately 60,000 employees, roughly one-quarter of its workforce. Skydance, meanwhile, introduced its own buyout initiative following its massive $81 billion merger with Warner Bros., although the entertainment giant did not disclose how many workers would qualify. The announcements reflect a broader shift across corporate America, where companies are increasingly turning to voluntary departures rather than largescale layoffs to trim their workforces. Google, Verizon and Intel have adopted similar strategies, while other major companies, including Amazon, Meta and Oracle, have carried out significant layoffs this year. For employers, voluntary buyouts offer several advantages. They allow companies to reduce staffing costs while avoiding the negative publicity and employee anxiety associated with sudden

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OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026

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The Week In News

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untary buyouts carry risks, including losing valuable employees who have strong prospects elsewhere. For workers who decline the offers, experts warn that the next round of cost-cutting may not come with a choice. “If they can’t do it through a voluntary separation,” Challenger warned, “it always turns into an involuntary situation.”

Candy Prices Soar

With chocolate prices soaring, Americans are finding themselves shelling out considerably more to satisfy their sweet tooth. According to an analysis by FinanceBuzz, prices for 17 popular candies given out to trick-or-treaters have risen 15% since last year. A 100-piece bag now costs an average of $16.96, a whopping 71% in-

crease since 2021. For Tami Adolphson, 63, of Utah, the rising prices have nearly convinced her to turn off her porch light as a way to turn away children asking for candy this week. She and her husband retired last year, and their budget is tight. “We are not going to dip into savings for Halloween candy,” she said. But the thought of disappointing neighborhood children has been too much. She ultimately purchased a $21.39 bag of 90 chocolate bars at Costco and opted to skip one restaurant outing to make up the difference. “It’s worth it to keep the tradition,” she said. Others are also feeling the pinch. Renni Turpin, 30, who recently moved into a Charlotte, North Carolina, neighborhood, wants to make a good impression on her new neighbors but estimates that candy this year could cost her $100. “No one wants to be the ‘raisin house,’” she joked. The chocolate crunch comes amid a global cacao shortage that sent prices skyrocketing in 2025. Candy manu-

facturers have responded by shrinking packages and raising prices, leaving consumers paying more for less. A bag of Reese’s miniatures, for example, now weighs 15.8 ounces instead of last year’s 17.6 ounces, while costing $1.50 more. Americans are finding creative ways to keep things sweet without breaking the bank. Some are substituting cheaper fruity candies, stickers and small toys for the more traditional chocolate. Others are thinking outside the candy box entirely. Angie Vasey, an Illinois teacher, has switched to handing out packets of ramen noodles, which she purchased for just 10 cents apiece. In Indiana, Magen Pillar plans to stretch a $25 candy budget by offering neighbors homemade chili around a bonfire. “It is hard to believe that a pot of chili is cheaper than a bag of candy,” she said. Not everyone is cutting back, though. California resident Mitch Collins, 71, spent $269 on full-size candy bars and other treats, hoping to recreate the excitement he felt receiving a full-size bar as a child. “Yeah, it costs a lot,” he acknowledged, “but their joy is worth it.”

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mass layoffs. “It makes the really complicated, emotional letting go of people a little easier,” noted Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a firm specializing in career transitions. Microsoft Chief People Officer Amy Coleman acknowledged that the initiative represented new territory for the technology giant. “We’ll learn from it,” she wrote in a memo to employees. Microsoft previously offered approximately 8,600 workers voluntary retirement packages in April, with more than 30% accepting. The company reportedly expects a significantly smaller percentage to participate in its latest program. Skydance is taking a more individualized approach, promising eligible employees personalized buyout packages and a limited period to decide whether to accept. The company also introduced a new requirement that employees work in the office five days a week. Industry experts say soaring investments in artificial intelligence are forcing executives to reconsider how many employees they actually need. However, vol-

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The Week In News Stephen Hubbard Released from Russia An American schoolteacher who spent more than four years imprisoned in Russia was finally brought back to the U.S. after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his release during negotiations with the Trump administration last week. Stephen Hubbard, 74, a retired teacher from Michigan, arrived in the United States following his release on October 21. The release was announced during a meeting between Putin and President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in St. Petersburg. Hubbard had been detained since April 2022, shortly after Russian forces occupied the Ukrainian city of Izyum, where he had been living for several years. Russian authorities accused Hubbard of joining a Ukrainian territorial defense unit and fighting against Russian troops. Prosecutors claimed he received military training, weapons, and ammunition and had been promised $1,000 monthly for

his services. Following a closed trial in October 2024, a Moscow court convicted him of serving as a mercenary and sentenced him to six years and 10 months in prison. Hubbard’s family and attorneys have consistently disputed the allegations. His sister, Patricia Hubbard Fox, maintained that her brother, who held pro-Russian views, was unlikely to have taken up arms at his advanced age. Hubbard’s attorney said the retired teacher denied ever joining a military unit and claimed Russian soldiers simply seized him from his home.

Before moving to Ukraine in 2014, Hubbard served in the U.S. Air Force and National Guard and spent 25 years teaching English in Japan. During his detention, he was report-

edly moved between several Russian prisons, while American officials were denied consular access. In January 2025, the U.S. government formally designated him as wrongfully detained. His release came as Washington and Moscow pursued renewed diplomatic discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Witkoff thanked Putin for freeing Hubbard, telling the Russian leader, “Because of you, he’s going home to his family.” Trump said Russia had not demanded a prisoner exchange or other concessions in return. Hubbard’s sister expressed overwhelming gratitude to President Trump for securing her brother’s freedom. “Thank you, President Trump, for caring for everyday Americans,” she said, describing the news as “awesome.”

Cancer Vaccine for Melanoma A groundbreaking personalized cancer vaccine is showing promising results

in preventing deadly skin cancer from returning, offering new hope to patients and potentially opening the door to similar treatments for other cancers. Drugmakers Moderna and Merck announced on Thursday that their experimental vaccine, known as intismeran, reduced the risk of melanoma recurring by 42% when combined with standard immunotherapy following surgery. “The field has been looking for a win, and I think this one is a big one,” said Dr. Hussein Tawbi of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who participated in the international study. Unlike traditional vaccines, which protect against infectious diseases, the new treatment is custom-made for each patient using genetic information extracted from their tumor. Scientists identify unique mutations in the cancer cells and create a vaccine designed to teach the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy those cells if they reappear. The vaccine uses mRNA technology, the same approach used in COVID-19 vaccines.

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The Week In News The large-scale trial involved more than 1,100 patients whose high-risk melanoma had been surgically removed. All participants received Keytruda, Merck’s established cancer immunotherapy, while some also received nine doses of the personalized vaccine. After two years, 82% of patients receiving the vaccine remained cancer-free, compared with 70% of those treated with Keytruda alone. “This is a new frontier,” said Karen Knudsen, CEO of the Parker Institute, which supports cancer immunotherapy research. Researchers believe the approach could eventually be used against other cancers, including lung, kidney, and pancreatic tumors. For 62-year-old Tony Hout, who enrolled in the trial after doctors discovered melanoma on his ear, the experimental treatment offered another opportunity to fight the disease. “I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to be here for my family,” he said. Recent scans showed that Hout remains cancer-free. Side effects reported during the tri-

al were generally similar to those associated with mRNA vaccines, including fatigue and soreness at the injection site. Manufacturing each personalized vaccine requires analyzing a patient’s tumor and developing a unique formula, a process that can take approximately six weeks. Moderna and Merck are now discussing regulatory approval with health authorities, although pricing and availability have not yet been announced.

“The Starry Night’s” Night Sky One of the world’s most famous paintings may have been hiding a secret in plain sight — or, more precisely, in the night sky. Scientists in South Korea believe they have identified the exact celestial

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The Week In News scene that inspired Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece, The Starry Night, potentially overturning the long-accepted date of its creation. For decades, art historians believed the Dutch painter created the iconic work in June 1889, shortly after entering a psychiatric asylum in SaintRémy-de-Provence, France. But a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports digs down into the art of

the matter and suggests the painting may actually depict the predawn sky around July 22, 1889, approximately one month later. Researchers led by Elijah Jeonghyun Kim, a doctoral candidate at Kyung Hee University and CEO of a telescope manufacturing company, spent years studying historical astronomical data, weather patterns, and van Gogh’s personal correspondence.

Their investigation revealed that the moon’s crescent shape, the position of Venus, and the Hyades star cluster in the constellation Taurus closely matched the sky visible over southern France in late July 1889.

“No two skies are the same. Something always changes. I believe Vincent noticed those changes and put them into the painting,” Kim said. He was particularly confident about the proposed date. “I am confident that July 22 is the better date. I will bet on this date,” he declared. The discovery could also help explain a longstanding puzzle: The crescent moon depicted in the painting does not match the moon’s appearance during the traditionally accepted June timeframe. Still, some experts caution that the

mystery may not be completely solved. Physicist Jose Luis Aragon of the National Autonomous University of Mexico praised the research but noted that van Gogh likely combined observations from several nights while painting from sketches and memory. “I would see the July date as an intriguing hypothesis rather than a settled answer,” he noted, suggesting the stars are not fully aligned in this revelation. Regardless of the precise date, the research suggests that the masterpiece’s swirling heavens were not simply the product of an artist’s imagination but were inspired by actual astronomical observations. Ironically, Kim has spent years studying every detail of The Starry Night without ever seeing the original painting at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. “Now that the paper is out, I really have to go and see ‘The Starry Night’ in person, don’t I?” he joked. Kim, you’ll see that the difference between seeing a copy and an original is like the difference between night and day.

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Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah: EVERY 15 MINUTES M-F: 6:15 AM, S-F: 6:30 AM, 6:45 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 7:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:15 AM, 8:30 AM, 8:45 AM, 9:00AM, 9:15AM, 9:30AM, 9:45AM, 10:00AM

Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] M-F Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah S-F Ohel Yakov S-F Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S-F 6:00 AM Shomrei Emunah Congregation M-F 6:10 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, Th 6:15 AM Kol Torah M, TH Shearith Israel Congregation M, TH M, TH 6:20 AM Agudah of Greenspring Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S-F Bais Dovid-Bais Medrash of Summit Park M-F Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M-F Kehilath B'nai Torah M, TH Pikesville Jewish Congregation M, TH Shomrei Emunah Congregation S, M, TH 6:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring T, W, F Chabad of Park Heights M-F Darchei Tzedek M-F Kehilath B'nai Torah T, W, F Khal Bais Nosson M-F Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek M-F Kol Torah T, W, F Ohr Yisroel M-F Pikesville Jewish Congregation T, W, F Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F 6:35 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan) M, TH Ohel Moshe M, TH 6:40 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan) T, W, F Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M, TH Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] M-F 6:45 AM The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel M, Th B”H and Mesivta of Baltimore (Dirshu Minyan) S-F Beth Abraham M, TH Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue M-F Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva M-F Ner Tamid M-F Ohel Moshe T, W, F Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim M-F 6:50 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, TH Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] M, TH Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh M, TH Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation T, W, F Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh M, TH Derech Chaim M-F Kol Torah M-F Ohel Moshe S Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] M, TH Shomrei Emunah Congregation M, TH The Shul at the Lubavitch Center M, TH 6:55 AM Beth Abraham T, W, F Kol Torah M, TH The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel T, W, F 7:00 AM Aish Kodesh (upstairs Minyan) M-F Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] T, W, F Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh T, W, F Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh T, W, F Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue S Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek S Kol Torah T, W, F Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah M-F Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S, T, W, F Shearith Israel Congregation S, M, TH Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh M-F The Shul at the Lubavitch Center T, W, F Tiferes Yisroel M-F Neitz

7:05 AM Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's)

M, TH

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7:15 AM Kedushas Yisrael S Kol Torah S Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) S, T, W, F Ner Israel Rabbinical College S-F Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F Shomrei Emunah Congregation S Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel S Tzeirei Anash 7:20 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Beth Tfiloh Congregation Kol Torah Ohel Moshe Shomrei Emunah Congregation

M-F M, TH M-F M-F M-F M, TH

7:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring S Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] S Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore S-F Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh S Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] S Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation S Chabad of Park Heights S Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh S-F Darchei Tzedek S Kedushas Yisrael S-F Khal Bais Nosson S Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) S-F Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S-F Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F 7:45 AM Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Talmudical Academy Darchei Tzedek Mesivta Kesser Torah Mesivta Shaarei Chaim Yeshivas Torah Simcha (school days only) 7:50 AM Derech Chaim Ner Tamid Ohel Moshe 8:00 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Bais Dovid-Bais Medrash of Summit Park Beth Abraham Chabad Israeli Center Darchei Tzedek Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Kehillas Meor HaTorah Ohr Yisroel Pikesville Jewish Congregation Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation The Shul at the Lubavitch Center Tiferes Yisroel Tzeirei Anash Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah

M-F S-F M-F S-F S-F S-F S S M-F S-F S S M-F S S S S S S S-F S S S S-F

8:15 AM Kehilath B'nai Torah S Kol Torah S 8:20 AM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S-F 8:30 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F Chabad Israeli Center S Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) S-F Ohel Moshe S Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh S 9:00 AM Aish Kodesh S Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S Beth Tfiloh Congregation S Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation S Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah S Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S-F

Mincha Mincha Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Gedolah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/Tzemach Tzedek 12:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) 12:50 PM One South Street, 27th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202 Kol Torah 1:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Baltimore Auto Supply Kollel Ruach Chaim

Mincha

1:00 PM 10045 Red Run Blvd Suite 295 Milk & Honey Bistro 1777 Reisterstown RD 1:25 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim 1:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) 1:45 PM Ohel Moshe M-Th Yeshivas Torah Simcha (school days only) 1 South Street, 27th Floor. 1:50 PM Wealcatch Insurance - 37 Walker Ave 2nd floor 2:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Big Al @ The Knish Shop Party Room Kol Torah Market Maven Reischer Minyan - 23 Walker Ave 2nd Floor 10055 Red Run Blvd Suite 295 2:15 PM Pikesville Beis Medrash - 15 Walker Ave 2:30 PM Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Tov Pizza Mincha Minyan Ner Israel Rabbinical College Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Community Kollel) Shearith Israel Congregation 2:45 PM Kollel of Greenspring Shearith Israel Congregation (S-Th) 3:00 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 3:05 PM Kedushas Yisrael 3:15 PM Hat Box 3:30 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 4:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th) Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

Mincha/Maariv Before Shkiah Aish Kodesh Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudah of Greenspring Bais Dovid-Bais Medrash of Summit Park Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Beth Abraham Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Darchei Tzedek Derech Chaim Kehillas Meor HaTorah Kehilath B’nai Torah Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Machzikei Torah (Sternhill’s), 5:00pm Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Ner Tamid Ohel Moshe Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Ohr Yisroel Pikesville Jewish Congregation Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation Shomrei Mishmeres Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel The Shul at the Lubavitch Center Tiferes Yisroel

Maariv

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah: EVERY 15 MINUTES 6:00 PM, 6:15 PM, 6:30 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:15 PM, 7:30 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:15 PM, 8:30 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:30 PM, 9:45 PM, 10:00 PM, 10:15 PM, 10:30 PM, 10:45 PM, 11:00 PM, 11:15 PM, 11:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:10 PM 8:15 PM 8:30 PM 8:45 PM

Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudath Israel of Baltimore Kol Torah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/Tzemach Tzedek Agudath Israel of Baltimore Darchei Tzedek Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) Ohr Yisroel

8:50 PM Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Etz Chaim Building) 8:55 PM Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

Maariv continued

9:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Arugas Habosem Shomrei Emunah Congregation Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

9:15 PM Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva 9:20 PM Kol Torah 9:30 PM Agudah of Greenspring Agudath Israel of Baltimore Kedushas Yisrael

9:40 PM Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] 9:45 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Kollel Erev Birchas Yitzchok (Luries) Kollel of Greenspring Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah

9:50 PM Aish Kodesh Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Ohel Moshe

10:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Darchei Tzedek Kehilath B'nai Torah Kehillas Shaarei Avodah Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Ohr Yisrael Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation

10:05 PM Kol Torah 10:10 PM Ner Israel Rabbinical College 10:15 PM Derech Chaim Khal Bais Nosson

10:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore 11:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudah of Greenspring - 6107 Greenspring Ave Agudath Israel of Baltimore - 6200 Park Heights Ave Ahavat Shalom - 3009 Northbrook Rd Aish Kodesh - 6207 Ivymount Rd Arugas HaBosem - 3509 Clarks Ln Bais Dovid-Bais Medrash of Summit Park- 6800 Sylvale Ct Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim - 3120 Clarks Ln Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore - 6823 Old Pimlico Rd Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh - 6618 Deancroft Rd Baltimore Auto Supply - 1401 Parker Road Beit Yaakov - 3615 Seven Mile Ln Beth Abraham - 6208 Wallis Ave Beth Tfiloh Congregation - 3300 Old Court Rd Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation - 6602 Park Heights Ave Chabad Israeli Center - 7807 Seven Mile Ln Chabad of Park Heights - 3402 Clarks Ln Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh - 3800 Labyrinth Rd Darchei Tzedek - 3201 Seven Mile Ln Derech Chaim - 6603 Pimlico Road Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue 6611 Greenspring Ave. Kedushas Yisrael - 6004 Park Heights Ave Kehilath B’nai Torah - 6301 Green Meadow Pkwy Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva - 6700 Cross Country Blvd Kehillas Meor HaTorah - 6539 Pebble Brooke Rd Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek - 6811 Park Heights Ave Khal Bais Nosson - 2901 Taney Rd Kollel Ruach Chaim - 6229 Greenspring Ave. Kol Torah - 2929 Fallstaff Rd Kollel of Greenspring - 6504 Greenspring Ave. Machzikei Torah - 6216 Biltmore Ave Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah - 6500 Baythorne Rd Mesivta Kesser Torah - 8400 Park Heights Ave Mesivta Shaarei Chaim - 5415 Greenspring Ave Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah - 7000 Rockland Hills Dr Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber One South Street, 27th Floor Ner Israel Rabbinical College - 400 Mt Wilson Ln Ner Tamid - 6214 Pimlico Road Ohel Moshe - 2808 Smith Ave Ohel Yakov - 3200 Glen Ave Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] - 6813 Park Heights Ave Ohr Yisroel - 2429 Lightfoot Dr Pikesville Jewish Congregation - 7644 Carla Rd Shearith Israel Congregation - 5835 Park Heights Ave Shomrei Emunah Congregation - 6221 Greenspring Ave Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh - 2821 W Strathmore Ave Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim - 7504 Seven Mile Ln Talmudical Academy - 4445 Old Court Rd The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel - 5915 Park Heights Ave The Shul at the Lubavitch Center - 6701 Old Pimlico Rd Tiferes Yisroel - 6201 Park Heights Ave Tzeirei Anash - 6706 Cross County Blvd Wealcatch Insurance - 37 Walker Ave 2nd floor Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah - 6819 Williamson Ave

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Cheshvon/Kislev

2026 October/November

Saturday

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Friday

2026 Job Fair

at Shomrei Thursday Thursday

Cheshvon 26

4:41 PM

Kislev 3

4:35 PM

Kislev 10

4:30 PM

Kislev 17

Cheshvon 27

5:41 PM

Kislev 4

5:35 PM

Kislev 11

5:31 PM

5:28 PM

Kislev 18

‫פרשת חיי שרה‬

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‫פרשת ויצא‬

‫פרשת וישלח‬

6:48 PM

Wednesday

‫פרשת וירא‬

Tuesday

Cheshvon 25

The Gift of Menucha Fundraising Campaign

Kislev 16

Next BJH Issue

Kislev 9

Next BJH Issue

Kislev 2

Next BJH Issue

Shoresh BBQ Tailgate Party see page 36

Sara Schenirer Info Session

see page 53

5:49 PM

Monday

‫ראש חודש‬

Kislev 1

Kislev 8

Kislev 15

Next BJH Issue

Sunday Sunday

Bais Yaakov Impressions Auction Early Bird Deadline see front cover

Landiano Medical Center: Shabbos Kestenbaum LIVE! see page 8

Sara Schenirer Men's Division Info Session see page 53

Rabbi Shlomo Porter zt"l see page 7

In memory of

Legacy Sefer Torah Campaign

Cheshvon 24

31 Cheshvon 20

RCCS Event: 'Baltimore Stepping Up' see page 35

‫ראש חודש‬

10 Cheshvon 30

Landiano Medical Center: Shabbos Kestenbaum LIVE! see page 8

Kislev 14

Kislev 7

Sara Schenirer Info Session see page 53

30 Cheshvon 19

Kislev 6

Kislev 13

Cheshvon 23

29 Cheshvon 18

Cheshvon 29

28 Cheshvon 17

Cheshvon 22

27 Cheshvon 16

Sara Schenirer Men's Division Info Session see page 53

Topgolf Networking Event Benefiting Menucha see page 5

26 Cheshvon 15

Cheshvon 28

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Rare Judaica Expo at Johns Hopkins see page 3

Cheshvon 21

25 Cheshvon 14

OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026

Shoresh 'Raven About Shoresh' Campaign see page 36

Kislev 12

Kislev 5

Bais Yaakov Preschool Open House see page 17 Bowl for JEP: A Women's Night Out see page 2

22 Bais Yaakov Impressions Auction see front cover

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Torah Thought

Rock ‘n’ Roll By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

ave you ever wondered what goes through the mind of a Bar Mitzvah boy who after reaching maturity hears his father emotionally recite before the entire congregation the traditional blessing of ‫ברוך ֶשְּפָטַר ִני ֵמָע ְֹנשֹו ֶשָלֶזה‬, Blessed is the One Who has freed me from my punishment due this boy? “Am I really that bad?” “Why is Dad so relieved to get rid of me?” Seems like an awkward way to encourage a young man as he heads out on the journey called life. ‫ — ויגדל הילד‬The child grew, ‫— ויגמל‬ and was weaned, Avraham made a great feast ‫ — ביום הגמל‬on the day Yitzchok was weaned. (‫)בראשית כא ח‬ The simplest understanding of this celebration as a reference to Yitzchok having been weaned at the age of two seems at odds with tradition. Nowhere do we find in subsequent generations the commemorating of the event of a child being weaned.

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Rabbeinu Bechaye suggests that perhaps it wasn’t as much the rejoicing in his being weaned as much as it was the entree of Yitzchok into the world of Torah, as he was now mature enough to leave his mother and begin his education. After all, he claims, Avraham had already discovered G-d at the ripe age of three. This is similar to Chana having brought the young Shmuel after his being weaned to Eli, in fulfillment of her vow to ‘lend’ him to G-d. So why then does the verse emphasize the weaning? Alternately the Midrash says that this refers to the party Avraham threw on the day of Yitzchok’s Bris Milah. This is indicated in the world, ‫)ביום( הגמל‬, this word being a contraction of the sentiment ‫ג" מל‬-‫ ה — "ה‬equaling 5, ‫ ג‬is three, for a total of 8, the number of the day on which we ‫ — מל‬circumcise a child. (‫ ד"ה שש‬.‫)תוס' שבת קל‬

We are still left wondering why the verse uses the verb ‘weaned’ to express the day of his Bris. Lastly, the Midrash avers that this rejoicing was over the day of Yitzchok having reached thirteen, when he was ‘weaned’ from the ‫ — יצר הרע‬the evil inclination, with the arrival of his ‫יצר טוב‬ — his good inclination. (‫)ב"ר נג י‬ It is indeed remarkable how the Torah alludes specifically regarding Yitzchok — the very first child ‘born’ Jewish — the milestones we celebrate with our own children. But why are these all embedded so cryptically within the message of ‫ויגמל‬, of weaning? There is one other fascinating suggestion in the Midrash as to what they were actually reveling in. ‫אמר רבי לוי לא נדנדה עריסה תחלה אלא‬ (‫ — בביתו של אברהם אבינו )שם שם‬Rebbi Levi said, no one ever rocked a cradle until the household of Avraham Avinu. Rashi explains that on the day the child is first placed into the cradle it was customary to celebrate this joyous occasion. In fact in the Sefer Taamei HaMinhagim such a custom is recorded. The Sefer Karan Ohr Pnei Moshe, a work written anonymously over two hundred years ago, that received the approbations of the greatest sages of its time makes an intriguing claim. (‫)פרשת מקץ‬ Quoting the Zohar, he alleges that the soul of a Jew is akin to a flame, it is constantly flickering. This represents our innate quenchless passion to connect with G-d. It is for this reason we instinctively “shuckle”, sway to and fro, when we pray or study Torah. To maintain this ‘holy nature’ and not to succumb to man’s inclination to seek rest and calm, Avraham Avinu invented the cradle. Its rounded base would allow the parent to subliminally influence the infant to ‘keep on rockin’, so that this drive would never become dormant.

The other nations initially built firmly planted four legged cribs figuring the less movement the better it was for the child. When they observed the Jewish custom and its obvious success, they adapted this method to rock the cradle as well. In the days of Yitzchok, however, it was still an innovation, and this is what Rebbi Levi was referring to when he stated, no one ever rocked a cradle until the household of Avraham Avinu. May I boldly suggest there is an additional factor to this ‘Jewish tradition’. From the moment a child is born, although we ideally cling to a child in soothing them, we know that ultimately the greatest accomplishment we can achieve is when we instill within a child the ability to stand by himself. True parental love is when we can adore from the distance and yet allow a child to gain the confidence to stand on its own. There is certainly comfort in the nursing of a child from its mother. However when the mother imparts that love with the goal and hope of leaving go at the appropriate time she experiences an even greater thrill. The word ‫ גומל‬in fact doesn’t literally mean to ‘wean’. It relates more closely to the idea of ripening and maturing. The verb ‫ גומל‬means to ‘provide’ as in ‫גומל חסדים‬, He bestows kindness. When one gives ‘nourishment’, in whatever form is needed in the situation at hand, to another altruistically, allowing the recipient to exist independently without any strings attached or expectation of reciprocity or acknowledgement, one has brought that other to maturation in the relationship. (‫ויגמל שקדים )במדבר יז כד‬, and the almonds ripened. A tree provides its sap, so that the fruit will mature and be detached. An infant is initiated to the world of Torah observance by his bris. In this first encounter with spirituality, he experiences pain. Rav Elyashiv commented that the pain an infant endures during his bris is a valuable subconscious lesson in serving

G-d. Growth comes through challenge and pain, overcoming discomfort for the sake of something much greater. He supports this notion by quoting Rabbeinu Bachya Ibn Pekuda who explains the painful natural process of teething in children as divinely implanted to teach us that pain brings growth. (‫)חובות הלבבות שער הבחירה‬ A child’s journey towards inspired independence begins being placed on a lonely pillow upon the lap of the Sandek. A child continues its foray towards healthy independence when it detaches from the breast of its mother. This is a most powerful expression of ‫גמילה‬, not to wean, but rather to nourish and bestow the ultimate kindness — independence, the ability to accomplish on one’s own. A lad reaching the age where he is ripe to accept the yoke of responsibility has indeed been ‘weaned’ from support and ‘provided’ the gift of self-confidence. The father is not joyously revoking his burden as he declares ‘Thank G-d I am free’ but is affirming his confidence in his child to perform his duties with skill and precision. He is asserting the excitement in knowing he can now trust the child to stand on his own, “Thank G-d I can count on my son!” In ancient times they held on with a tight grasp to their infants not allowing them out of their hands until they were calmed. Avraham Avinu discovered that from that first moment when we place a child in a cradle, we can already begin the journey. We gently rock the cradle from a near distance instilling warmth and concern even while the child sleeps alone. This is the very first act of a weaning that is enmeshed with the powerful force of nurture. May we merit walking this narrow tightrope in the image of our patriarchs, providing the love our children so desperately need together with self-confidence that is so vital for their successful journey towards greatness.

You may reach the author at: Ravzt@ohelmoshebaltimore.com

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PARSHA OVERVIEW Avraham Avinu, despite having just gone through a Bris Milah, goes outside and invites three guests into his home. The angels promise Avraham/Sara that they will have a son. Sedom and Amorah are destroyed; Lot and his family (except his wife) are saved. Avimelech captures Sara and then returns her. Yitzchak is born. Hagar and Yishmael are kicked out. Avraham is tested with his final and biggest test: the Akeida.

“

Quotable Quote

PARSHA STATS

Torah parks S Inspiration. Everywhere.

Parshas Vayeira

QUICK VORT

”

“To build a society of freedom, you have to let go of hate.”

-Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, zt”l

GEMATRIA

The Torah points out that Avraham saw two times, ‫וירא‬, and then again, ‫וירא‬. He did a double take. If you add the two ‫’וירא‬s, it equals 434, which is the same as the gematria for ‫דלת‬, a door. Avraham Avinu sat by the entrance of his home; he so-to-speak kept his door open, in order to be able to see that which was outside. We learn a valuable lesson of positioning ourselves for greatness. Open your eyes. Open your doors. Open your souls!

On October 14, 2012, Felix Baumgartner, an Austrianborn aerobatic flyer, broke multiple world records. He became the first person to break the sound barrier in a freefall reaching a top-speed of 846 mph (or 1,357.6 kph) without the use of any heavy machinery. At the time, this was the highest freefall parachute jump from 24.2 miles above Earth’s surface, which comes out to about 128,000 feet. That’s pretty high up, by the way. After stepping on the edge of his specialty-built capsule, suspended thousands of feet up high in the stratosphere, Baumgartner looked down at Earth below him, and with genuine humility, he said some of the most powerful words you’ll ever hear: “I wish you could see what I can see. Sometimes you have to be up really high to understand how small you are. I’m coming home now.” And he jumped. Greatness and humility are built upon each other; they are two sides of the same coin. There is no such thing as a truly great person that is not humble, nor is there such thing as a truly humble person that is not great. Great people see themselves as “small” simply because they see that their greatness comes from a Higher Being, i.e., Hashem. This is the “Jewish approach” to understanding humility. In Parshas Vayeira, we find that Avraham Avinu referred to himself as ‫ – עפר ואפר‬dirt and ashes – which symbolizes his trait of humility. But we also find that Avraham Avinu viewed himself as great, as important, as an ‫אדם חשוב‬. Rashi says: ‫שאין אדם חשוב רשאי לצאת לדרך בלא ב' אנשים‬ – the reason why Avraham took two people with him is because “an important person is not allowed to travel alone.” If you think about it, the mere fact that Avraham Avinu kept this halacha and took two people with him when he traveled is the greatest proof that he viewed himself as an ‫אדם חשוב‬, a great and important person! So yes, Avraham Avinu viewed himself as a great person, but that did not in any way detract from his viewing of himself also as ‫עפר ואפר‬.

Rabbi Ori Strum is the author of “Ready. Set. Grow.” “Dove Tales,” and “Karpas: The Big Dipper.” His shiurim and other Jewish content can be found on Torah Anytime and Meaningful Minute. He may be reached at 443-938-0822 or rabbistrumo@gmail.com

Pesukim - 147 Words - 2085 Letters - 7862 Mitzvos - 0

Thoughts in Chassidus Sfas Emes in Parshas Vayeira says the following: ‫וכן צריך כל אדם להתבונן כי מעשיו‬ ‫ נוגעין לדורי דורות‬- each person must understand and think about the fact that his actions reach and impact generations to come! If we’d really think about this and realize that our current actions create a CURRENT that will influence generations to come, we’d live with more passion and care!

Did You Know?! R’ Chaim Pallagi points out that Avraham Avinu accepted his guests with a ‫סבר פנים יפות‬, a happy countenance. He didn’t just “fulfill” the mitzvah, he filled the mitzvah! He did it in full, in its totality. Despite his personal pain at the time, he did this amazing chesed!

Points to Ponder The big test of Avraham Avinu was the Akeida. If we stop and think about it, the word ‫ עקידה‬means “bound,” referring to the moment when Yitzchak was bound on the Altar. Why, though, is that the name given for the entire nisayon? Why, for generations, do we refer to it as the Akeida? That was one detail of the story, wasn’t it?!

Even more, perhaps it was because of his greatness that he saw how small he was. Sometimes a person has to be up really high and realize his immense greatness and ‫ חשיבות‬to truly know just how small he is in the grand scheme of life.

Scan the QR code to view Torah classes from R’ Ori Strum on Torah Anytime!

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Forgotten Her es

Jewish Marine Heroes By Avi Heiligman

he roots of the United States Marine Corps go back to before the Declaration of Independence. The Continental Marines were formed in 1775 under Captain Samuel Nicholas, who had raised a battalion of recruits by the end of the year. They soon proved vital during the amphibious raid on Nassau in the Bahamas, which resulted in an American victory over the British forts. Used periodically during the Revolutionary War – including being rallied by General Washington himself at the Battle of Princeton – the Marines were disbanded at war’s end in 1783. Reestablished in 1798 to prepare for war with France, they gained fame for their actions during the Barbary Wars in Tripoli starting in 1801. United States Marines have fought in every major conflict since that war, and Jewish marines have served honorably in their ranks. Many Jewish marines have served with distinction and are remembered for their service to and legacy within the Marine Corps. While Jewish service members comprised only a small percentage of the more than 550,000 marines who served during World War II, several distinguished themselves through meritorious service. Colonel Ernie “Butch” Brydon earned a battlefield commission during the war and went on to build a legendary career working alongside American troops and foreign forces – most notably Israel. He saw action as a scout sniper on Guam and in the Solomons on Bougainville before leaving the active duty Marine Corps after the war. Rejoining the Marine Corps Reserve as a second lieutenant, he saw action during the Korean War as a company commander with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. Wounded twice, he returned to the States and continued to serve in staff and command billets while in the reserves. Over the years, Brydon completed numerous military qualifications, training with the Army Airborne, Green Berets and other elite units. He became a master paratrooper who logged jumps in 30 countries across the globe. In addition, he completed combat medical training, underwater demolition, and combat

rescue, becoming an expert in small arms and tactical warfare. One of the countries with which Brydon trained most extensively was Israel, where he made over 50 jumps with the Israeli Airborne Forces and was awarded their Parachutist Badge. During the Six Day War and the Yom Kippur War, he was present on the ground to observe operations, reportedly participating in airborne missions alongside the IDF. Later, he jumped with paratroopers from many countries including South Africa, Poland, China, the Netherlands, and France and trained with British and Gurkha troops. He earned jump wings from at least eleven countries during his illustrious career. Born in Austria before moving to Chicago, Private Samuel Glucksman served with the 78th Company, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Division, in the American Expeditionary Forces sent to fight in Europe during World War I. On October 3, 1918, the division was assigned to the French Fourth Army to capture Blanc Mont Ridge in France. The ridge was highly fortified by the Germans, yet two Marine regiments – including the 6th – bypassed key strongpoints to reach the summit. Glucksman captured an enemy soldier, but instead of immediately bringing him to the rear, the Jewish marine had the prisoner lead him back to a German dugout. There, Glucksman captured an additional twenty enemy troops. Later in the battle, despite being wounded, he remained on the front lines after receiving first aid until his injuries ultimately forced his evacuation. For his actions in France, Glucksman was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Star. John B. Cohen of Jersey City, New Jersey, served as a major in the Marine Corps during World War II and participated in the invasions of Namur, Tinian, and Saipan. While on the island of Namur on June 6, 1944 – the same day as the Normandy invasion (parenthetically, almost no marines took part in the European Theater of Operations) – Cohen noticed four men drowning in the surf. He led four other marines toward the rough seas and jagged

reef, beginning a rescue operation. At one point, Cohen was swept out into the open sea, but he swam back to complete the rescue effort. For his actions in saving all four men, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Private First Class Michael Ernest Singer, of Canton, Ohio, was an artillery forward observer with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division during the Vietnam War. On July 5, 1968, he was attached to the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines when a patrol came under heavy fire near Singer’s position at Khe Sanh. The North Vietnamese forces were attacking in large numbers with automatic weapons, and Singer realized that the wounded Americans needed to be immediately evacuated from the battlefield. Without hesitation, he left his position and began moving wounded Marines to the rear under heavy fire. Despite being wounded twice, he successfully evacuated several Americans. Two nights later, his company came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire and again Singer voluntarily moved wounded Americans to safety despite the dangerous situation. Tragically, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. For his actions, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. The Marine Corps has several famous slogans and mottos, including “The Few. The Proud. The Marines” and “First to Fight.” However, “Semper Fidelis” (often shortened to “Semper Fi”) is their official motto, meaning “Always Faithful,” signifying their dedication to their fellow Marines, the Corps, and the United States. These stories of Jewish marines are just a few of the many that deserve to be remembered. The bravery and courage of these marines are a vital part of American military history that stands as an enduring legacy of devotion and valor.

Jewish marines performing a service on Iwo Jima in 1945

Colonel Ernie “Butch” Brydon

Private Samuel Glucksman

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

Michael Ernest Singer

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Tech

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A Letter From Rebbetzin Sara Gross:

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Triumphs

My 100th Tech Triumph Article

echvod the Choshuve Baltimore Community,

It is with great pleasure that I share my one hundredth Tech Triumphs article. The stories in these articles were supplied by different men, women and children from the Baltimore community. I am eternally grateful to have the zechus of sharing your triumphs over technology with the rest of Baltimore. So many people have commented on how much they gain from your stories and how much they are challenged by

your thought-provoking insights and experiences fighting the unending pull of technology. Keep up the fight; it’s worth it. With my deepest respect, Sara Gross TECH TIPS: What are the latest headlines? Did I miss something? Is everyone going to be talking about the big story while I sheepishly ask what happened? We all know the

feeling, and it sends a lot of us back to our phones and computers again and again. It’s as if the call might come any minute: “Sir, we need your decision on the latest offer from the Iranians on the Strait of Hormuz.” Meanwhile, all that checking pulls us away from our work and our families, and it can land us on sites with images and stories that compromise our own precious values. To address this struggle, TAG started sending a morning news email. It’s simple, well written,

and gets to the point. The idea is to make it possible to stay informed without repeatedly checking the news throughout the day. A fiveminute briefing covers national and international news, news from Israel, business, the economy, and science. A longer edition provides the same stories with more detail. The news will keep going without us watching it. We can stay informed, then get on with our day, knowing that we don’t have to keep checking to find out what happened next.

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ALUMNAE PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR Bais Yaakov School of Baltimore, seeks a talented individual

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ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Bais Yaakov of Baltimore seeks a talented, highly organized, relationship driven professional to join its Development Office team as, Associate Director of Development. The primary responsibility of the Associate Director of Development will be focused on fundraising, donor engagement, and revenue growth.

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To Raise a Laugh Food Fight!

o apparently, our snake is still alive. And I have to deal

with it.

NOTE: This is a continuation of last week’s article about the baby garter snake that my kids found in our backyard that they then decided to keep. In the house. And that I begrudgingly didn’t make a big deal about, because I don’t know how to take care of snakes, so I figured it would be dead soon anyway, IY”H. Especially since it was Erev Rosh Hashanah when they found it, and I had no time to figure things out until after Sukkos, when I could finally sit down and look up how to feed a snake with Parshas Bereishis fresh in my mind. So the first thing I discovered about snakes, looking up how to feed it way after we first got it, is that if you don’t feed it, it won’t die. It will just wait for you to look up how to feed it. Apparently, snakes don’t die so easily. They stay alive just to spite you. They’re the best pets. It turns out that snakes are only supposed to eat like once a week. You just kind of forget about them, and then once in a while, you’re like, “Oh, that’s right. We have a snake. Did we feed it this week?”

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By Mordechai Schmutter

“I don’t remember. It was a long week.” My son got this information from his friends, a large number of whom own some kind of reptile. They also told him that snakes prefer live food, so they can hunt and catch it on their own. So basically, we have to catch food, keep it alive, and then bring it to the snake and let it loose again so the snake could then catch it himself. It’s kind of like when you turn off a light and your two-year-old says he wanted to do it, so you turn it back on and let him turn it off like he’s doing you a favor. “See? I’m no trouble at all. I hunt my own food.”

So my son and his friends have been spending time every day at recess digging up earthworms, because science kids are not sports kids, and I assume the teacher has no idea he’s coming into class with a cup of worms. He keeps coming home with cups full of earthworms, which I have no idea how he’s bringing home on his bike, and after a few days of this, it occurred to me that I have no idea what to feed earthworms. We have a snake that’s eating once a week, so we have to keep his food alive until he gets around to eating it. This is becoming an ever-increasing cycle. I hope the worms don’t eat anything alive. I can’t figure out how to feed a third thing. My wife said that we’re supposed to put the worms in the fridge so they think it’s winter and go to sleep, and then we don’t have to feed them. So I was like, “Why not do that with the snake?” Meanwhile, my mother-in-law, who’s found plenty of snakes in her garden in her time (her time ended when she bought a bird), said that she would take her snakes out of their enclosure and put it on a piece of newspaper on the dining room table, and then put the food in front of it, either because if you want to make sure it’s eating, you need to watch it eat, or because apparently my mother-in-law feels that all food in her house has to be eaten at the dining room table. Though I don’t know if watching it eat is really something I want to do. It unhinges its jaw and eats everything in one bite. I yell at my kids when they do that. And to me this whole thing is crazy anyway, because as far as I can tell, earthworms are snakes. So it’s basically a snake eating another snake. Why are we siding with the snake here over the worm? And it’s not even like there’s a major size difference. Most of the worms my son digs up are bigger than the snake. Should I be cutting the earthworms in half? That’s supposed to work, right? (NOTE: It doesn’t.)

I’m also not putting the snake on my table. We could barely catch it that time my other son dropped it on the floor. So we’ve been using a fish bowl. And we have cage matches. We put them in the bowl together, and the earthworm takes one look at the snake – I think it’s a look; I can’t tell which side is its face – and it starts hightailing it up the side of the fishbowl. And the snake does not care at all. We keep moving the worm back to the snake, each time feeling bad for the poor worm, which by the way is bigger than the snake, and the snake could not be less interested. It’s wondering, “Why are we suddenly in a fish bowl? And what’s up with my new roommate?... Uch, stay on your side!” Also, just because you eat something doesn’t mean you can beat it in a cage match. I eat cows, but if you put me and a cow in an enclosed space, I am not going to win. So generally what happens is we stare into the bowl for a while, yelling at the snake, until we get bored, and then we dump it back in its enclosure along with the worm. We have no idea whether the snake ends up eating it. We do this like 3 times a week. We keep putting new earthworms in the enclosure with it, and they keep disappearing under the dirt in there. So at this point, I have no idea how many earthworms are in there and how many should be in there. But if the snake hasn’t figured out that they’re food, he probably thinks he has an infestation. My point is that if we wanted to casually starve our snake to death, it would take forever. It would take a full week for the snake to even notice. Plus it’s starting to hibernate now, because our house is not so warm in the winter. So this can go on forever. Mordechai Schmutter is a freelance writer and a humor columnist for Hamodia and other magazines. He has also published eight books anddoesstand-upcomedy.Youcancontacthimat MSchmutter@gmail.com.

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Living Kiddush Hashem

Everyone Can Go Viral By Rabbi Shraga Freedman

here once was a Roman shepherd named Duklat Chazira, whom the Jews treated with great contempt. To their surprise, Duklat Chazira gradually became a powerful figure in the Roman empire, until he ascended to the throne itself. The former shepherd did not forget the insults he had endured from the Jews, and he resolved to use his newfound power to take revenge. This story, which appears in the Talmud Yerushalmi (Terumos 8:4), is cited by many meforshim as an illustration of the Mishnah’s teaching in Pirkei Avos, “Ein lecha adam she’ein lo shaah – There is no man who does

not have an hour.” Any human being, no matter how powerless or insignificant he may seem, may one day rise to a position of great power or influence. This is especially true in the modern world, when technological advances have made it possible for any individual to acquire his own “kingdom” of followers. But the inverse is also true: When a person creates a kiddush Hashem, the positive impact can be beyond anything he can imagine. A case in point is the story of Raoul Wallenberg, the legendary Swedish diplomat who saved thou-

sands of Jews from death at the hands of the Nazis during World War II. Wallenberg risked his life for the sake of his efforts, which eventually cost him his life; he was arrested toward the end of the war while trying to save a group of Jews, and was never heard from again. What led him to his extraordinary heroism? It was discovered after the war that Wallenberg had spent a few months in Israel (then known as Palestine) several years before the war had begun. While in Israel, Wallenberg shared a room in a boarding house with a Jewish young man who had fled to Israel from Germany to escape Nazi persecution. The two roommates developed a close relationship, which led him to develop a deep appreciation for Yiddishkeit and the Jewish people. The two friends parted on good terms, and while Wallenberg’s roommate never saw him again after those days, he was certain that their warm relationship had inspired the diplomat’s rescue efforts. That young Jewish refugee had no inkling at the time that his roommate

would one day save thousands of Jews from annihilation. Treat every person you meet with the awareness that you may be influencing someone who will one day have a far-reaching impact on the world. You never know how far a positive impression can travel or how many lives it may ultimately touch. Rabbi Shraga Freedman is the author of Sefer Mekadshei Shemecha, Living Kiddush Hashem, and A Life Worth Living. Email LivingKiddushHashem@ gmail.com for a free sefer. Visit LivingKiddushHashem.org for more resources Living Kiddush Hashem was founded with the goal of imbuing every Jew with a powerful sense of mission — the mission to be mekadeish Sheim Shamayim in his or her own unique way. We strive to accomplish this by raising awareness of the paramount importance of the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem and its centrality in everything we do.

Mr. & Mrs. Avi Ray on the birth of a son Rabbi Shaul Elchonon & Shoshana Sofer on the birth of a son Rafi & Chedva Cohn on the birth of a daughter Rabbi & Mrs. Akiva Feldman on the birth of a son

Want to see your simcha here? Email mazeltov@baltimorejewishhome.com or text 443-675-6507 to submit your simcha!

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Centerfold

Congressional Sound Bites “When they call the roll in the Senate, the senators

Four politicians run for office, and after count-

do not know whether to answer ‘Present’ or ‘Not

ing the ballots only they know the results. If the

guilty.’” - Theodore Roosevelt

politicians who finished in the top two places are truthful, while the other two politicians are

“Talk is cheap – except when Congress does it.”

lying, then who really won the race?

- Cullen Hightower “The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets.” - Will Rogers “Congress is so strange; a man gets up to speak and says nothing – nobody listens—and then everybody disagrees.” - Boris Marshalov

Here are some clues: Pat: George got first. Mike: Pat did worse than George. Sara: Mike is lying. George: I did better than Sara. Answer: George couldn’t have gotten 1st because then Pat would be the other truth teller

“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it

and would have to be 2nd. Mike would have to

everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and

be lying that Pat did worse than George, which

applying the wrong remedies.” - Groucho Marx

isn’t a lie. Since there is a contradiction, George

“The reason there are two senators for each state is so that one can be the designated driver.” - Jay Leno “The Democrats are the party of government activism, the party that says government can make

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Riddle Me This

was definitely not 1st and Pat is lying. If Mike is the other liar, then George and Sara must be the truth tellers. That means Pat had to have done worse than George, resulting in Mike telling the truth. Since there is a contradiction, Mike isn’t the other liar. Sara

you richer, smarter, taller, and get the chickweed

has to be lying about Mike ly-

out of your lawn. Republicans are the party that

ing, so Sara and Pat are in the

says government doesn’t work, and then get

liars in the bottom 2. George

elected and prove it.” - P.J. O’Rourke “I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is a disgrace, that two become a law firm, and that three or more become a congress.” - John Adams

has to be in the top 2, but since Pat is lying about George being 1st, George is 2nd and Mike is 1st. Sara and Pat are still somewhere in the bottom 2.

1. 1)

2. Two U.S. Presidents have returned to Congress after leaving the presidency. One was Andrew Johnson. Who was the other one? a. John F. Kennedy b. Abraham Lincoln c. John Quincy Adams d. James A. Garfield

5. The mid-term elections feature races (in some locales) for which of the following offices? a. Drain commissioner b. Tree warden c. Fence viewers d. Prothonotary 6. In order to be eligible to serve in the House of Representatives, which of the following three qualifications must one meet? a. You must be at least twenty-five years old; b. Have been a citizen of the United States for the past seven years; c. Be an inhabitant of the state they represent. d. Be able to show up to work for a maximum 1/3 of the year, love to hear yourself talk, think you are the best thing since sliced bread, be self-depreciating enough for people to think you are so normal but not too much that people lose respect for you, speak out of both sides of your mouth, promise that you are going to change Washington, get embroiled in good financial scandals, make laws that drive people crazy, etc. (Do I sound cynical? OK, let me clean that up—note: Obviously, this does not apply to everyone… just most of them).

7. In 1994, the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years. Who led the so called “Republican Revolution” and became Speaker of the House as a result of that victory? a. Tip O’Neal b. Newt Gingrich c. Tom Foley d. Dennis Hastart Answers: 1) A 2) C- The other presidents listed were all killed in office. John Quincy Adams returned to the House of Representatives for eight terms and Andrew Johnson returned to the Senate for 1 year before he died. 3) D- I guess Washington bickering isn’t a new phenomenon. 4) D- Yep, how predictable. 5) All 4- The description of each position is pretty much exactly what the title of the position is, except that “prothonotary” is simply—actually, not simply— Pennsylvania’s way of referring to the chief clerk of the courts. 6) A through C (but D usually fits the bill as well). 7) B Scorecard: 6-7 correct: You are a political junkie. (How many books did you read about “the recount”?) 3-5 correct: You know enough to do OK at a cocktail party (because why not talk about something that is guaranteed to offend somebody?!) 0-2 correct: Please tell me that you answered Question #2 correctly. If not, oy vey.

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3. How did South Carolina Congressman Preston Brooks react after Senator Charles Sumner (RMA, not to be confused with Sen. Charles Schumer) declared on the Senate floor in 1856 that Democratic Senator Douglas of Illinois was a “noise-some, squat, and nameless animal…not a proper model for an American senator”? a. He put forth a bill proposing rules of etiquette for all those delivering speeches from the podium b. He proposed a bill to impeach Sen. Sumner c. He challenged Sen. Sumner to a dual d. He snuck up behind him and hit him with a metal cane until he was unconscious

4. The word “senator” is derived from the Latin word “senex,” which means what? a. Leader b. Listener c. Lover of mankind d. Old man

OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026

1. The closest election in Senate history was decided on September 16, 1975, when Democrat John Durkin was declared the winner of the New Hampshire race, defeating Republican Louis Wyman by a slight margin of how many votes? a. 2 b. 78 c. 195 d. 734

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Congressional Elections Trivia

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OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

You Abdul El-Sayed was born just north of Detroit in a town called Rochester Hills. Yet he is claiming to be, and I quote, “an immigrant from North Africa.” For decades, he’s gone even further than that. He told people he is an Egyptian citizen. Why? Why would you tell people that you were not from the community that you’re actually from? It’s an insane claim to make… [He is] a man who would lie, who is so ashamed of this state that he would lie about being an immigrant from another continent. - Vice Pres. Vance at a rally in Michigan talking about the Democrat nominee Abdul El-Sayed whose family has long-standing ties to the Muslim Brotherhood which is a radical Muslim terrorist organization

We need more mitzvahs in the world; we need more light in the world.

In 1948, there were 950,000 Jews [in Arab lands]. How many of them are there today? Maybe a couple hundred. There are no Jews in Egypt. There were 250,000 in 1948. There are no Jews in Iraq; it was 100,000.… There’s four Jews in Syria. There are no Jews in Jordan; there are no Jews in Saudi Arabia. There are no Jews in Tunisia, Libya, or Algeria. They’ve all been exterminated. That is the real genocide in the Middle East. - HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy while campaigning against Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan

I would rather the Republicans keep the House by five than the Democrats to win by five because if that happens, they’re hostage to the DSA [Democrat Socialists].

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- Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville

You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that, I commend you, and I thank you again. - U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff praising Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” after he released 74-year-old Stephen Hubbard who was wrongfully held in a Russian prison for more than four years

Look up the definition of “humanitarian.” What an embarrassing and outrageous thing to say. You should go back to Ukraine and ask the families of the children Putin has kidnapped and murdered whether they agree your friend Putin is a “humanitarian.” - Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) in response

- A Chabad shliach, who was stabbed with a syringe in Manhattan while at his tefillin stand, explaining why he went right back to the same place and routine the next day

Not sure which benefits you are eligible for or how to apply for them?

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Obama fortified Iran as the world’s largest state sponsor of terror. Trump cleaned up his mess and destroyed them. So now Obama has to tell a complete and total lie. -Scott Jennings on CNN, reacting to Obama’s claim that Iran is now stronger than ever

know, I mentor a lot of young people, and I talk to them sometimes, and part of the advice I give them is, you know, never let someone else with limited ability to see your capacity be a limitation on your ambition. Let me repeat that: Never let anybody else’s, somebody else’s limited ability to see your capacity to be a limitation on your ambition. - Kamala Harris at a Democrat rally delivering another classic Kamalaism

You have hard days, you might be anxious, you might be scared, you might have so much fear. But at the end of the day, to show yourself that you can do really cool things is really special, so I’m really proud. - Canadian pro cliff diver Molly Carlson after making history for being the first woman to dive off a 50foot iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean

During Wednesday night’s Michigan senate debate, Abdul El Sayed passionately denied any ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. No offense, but it’s not the ties that scare us. It’s the vests. - Greg Gutfeld

President Trump is helping Republican candidates by crisscrossing the country, hitting seven states in seven days. Joe Biden once did the same journey…following an ice cream truck.

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– ibid.

An American teacher was released Wednesday after spending four years in a Russian prison. And after spending one day in a U.S. public school, he couldn’t wait to get back to a Russian prison. – ibid.

Zohran Mamdani said that electing Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan is of critical importance to New York City. He claims that El Sayed will then be too busy to get his pilot license. – ibid. ***

It must be acknowledged that this is a Yom Kippur for most pollsters. - Israel’s Channel 12 political analyst Amit Segal after Netanyahu and the right wing vastly outperformed the pre-election polls

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026

A local publication (not this one) published an article incorrectly stating that I am term-limited and can’t serve another term. The fact is, I’m eligible to serve for at least

If you’d like to see me continue serving the community, please support our reelection campaign at www.CouncilmanYitzy.com.

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ANOTHER 6 YEARS.

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OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026

Dating Dialogue

What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I come from a yeshivish family. My mother is a shadchan, and my father is a well-known and successful rebbi. For the past two months, however, I’ve secretly been dating a wonderful boy who is much more modern than my family. I really like him, but I know my parents would freak out if they knew.

Now my mother is trying to set me up with someone she thinks is perfect for me. The problem is he is the guy I’m dating’s first cousin.

Obviously, I can’t go out with him, but I don’t know how to turn down the shidduch without making my mother suspi-

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cious. I’m also realizing that if my relationship becomes serious, I’ll eventually have to tell my parents the truth.

Should I tell my mother now, or turn down the cousin and wait until I know where my current relationship is going?

All the best, Aliza*

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions. Our intention is not to offer any definitive conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.

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The Panel

Dear Readers, We want to offer YOU an opportunity to be part of the discussion! Please email us at MichelleMondShadchan@gmail.com, subject line “reader’s response,” if you would like to participate in the new “A Reader’s Response” columnist spot. We will send you a question and publish your answer in an upcoming Navidaters edition. If you have a question you would like the Navidaters to answer, please reach out to this email as well. Looking forward! Michelle, the “Shadchan”

The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. t’s time to sit down with your parents and share with them what you are looking for in shidduchim in general and to open up about your relationship with this young man in particular. Communicate your needs, wants, and preferences now, whether or not this particular relationship develops further. It’s time to ensure that your parents understand you, you become more aligned in terms of understanding your dating preferences and priorities, and you develop a sense of teammanship. This may require some time and professional help if you have not yet developed this kind of relationship. Learn to communicate and understand each other.

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The Shadchan Michelle Mond here are quite a few questions I would ask you before I begin to give a response. Are you dating for marriage? What are your true intentions while dating this guy? Do you know who you are, what you want to be, and what kind of life you want to build? Are your “modern” hashkafos solid and thought out, or solely based on moving away from how you were raised? It sounds like there is a big divide between who you are and who your parents think you are. My first piece of advice to you at this point is to figure

out the answers to all of these questions. It sounds like you live at home and are still dependent on your parents, based on the fact that this question is pressing for you. After all, there are many people from your background who, when dating a more modern guy, would not care who their parents try to send their way, whether it was a cousin or not. You are clearly writing to us because you care what your parents think. You feel a sense of responsibility to get back to your parents with an answer and don’t know what to say. You are in a difficult predicament. If you are dating this guy seriously and see a purpose in it long term, then I highly recommend you work on being honest with your parents. If you are truly dating this guy seriously for marriage, they will find out sooner or later. Now would be the perfect opportunity to be honest with them. Just because your parents are more yeshivish than you doesn’t mean they will shun your preferences if you are a thoughtful and mature young woman dating for marriage. I understand this won’t be easy, but have the conversation in a way that you think they will be able to listen, even if this means having a mediator there with you to buffer the conversation. Hatzlacha with it! I think you’ll do great!

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler n 1808, Sir Walter Scott wrote, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when

first we practice to deceive!” Aliza, you seem to have found yourself caught in just such a web. Initially, you probably thought it wise to keep your relationship confidential. And perhaps, at the time, you were correct. But secrets become increasingly difficult to maintain, especially in our community. Now your mother’s suggested shidduch has created precisely the complication you hoped to avoid. First, what do you need to clarify? Your attraction to your “much more modern” boyfriend is understandable. You have met someone “wonderful,” whose background differs from your own. Before this becomes more serious, clarify whether your expectations are compatible. Important lifestyle decisions go far beyond the type of hat a person might wear. Have you discussed Shabbos, kashrus, Torah learning, working, raising children, and their education? Some differences are merely cultural. Others involve fundamental values that will affect your marriage and your home. Would he expect you to become more modern? Would you expect him to become more yeshivish? Neither of you should enter a marriage expecting the other to become an entirely different person. More importantly, are your values compatible, and can you agree on the kind of home you hope to build? And does your boyfriend know that you have been keeping the relationship secret from your parents? If not, you owe him an honest explanation, too. There’s another important consideration. Could the two of you support yourselves, or would you depend on financial help from your parents? Don’t assume that your parents will support a marriage they oppose. Discuss how you would realistically manage on your own. Second, what do you tell your mother? If, after considering these questions, you decide to continue seeing each other, I would advise telling your mother sooner rather than later. Please don’t date the cousin simply to avoid suspicion. Nor should you invent objections to him. Find a quiet moment to speak privately with your mother. You might say: “Mom, I need to tell you something, and I’m nervous about your reaction.

Neither of you should enter a marriage expecting the other to become an entirely different person.

I’ve been seeing someone for two months. He isn’t the type of boy you expected me to date, but I like him and want to find out whether we’re right for each other. I want you to hear about him from me.” Your mother may initially be shocked, hurt, or angry about both the relationship and the secrecy. Give her time. Her initial reaction may not reflect how she will ultimately feel. Explain what you admire about his middos and your shared values. Listen to her concerns without turning the conversation into a contest between “yeshivish” and “modern.” Perhaps your mother can also help you approach your father. Remember, Aliza, your parents’ opinions deserve respect and serious consideration. But ultimately, you are the one who would be marrying this young man, not your parents. What matters most is whether the two of you share compatible values, goals, and aspirations. The best way to untangle your web is to stop adding new strands of secrecy. Start telling the truth.

Reader’s Response Ben A Supportive Friend ear Aliza, First of all, how wonderful that you’ve found someone whose company

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you truly enjoy! Two months is already the start of something real, and I’m so happy for you. I also understand why this feels complicated. You’re dating a young man your family doesn’t know about, because his background and hashkafa are different from the home you grew up in. That’s a lot to carry on your own, and the care you’re putting into this says a lot about you. You’re right that you’ll eventually have to tell your parents, and I’d gently encourage you to do it sooner rather than later. This shidduch makes the timing harder to control. If you turn the cousin down with no explanation, your mother may ask why or come back with another suggestion. And since he’s your boyfriend’s cousin, there’s a real chance the connection surfaces on its own. How much better for them to hear it from you, in your own words, on your own terms. You may be surprised

but I don’t feel it’s the right one.” Keep it short and sweet, because excuses are harder to keep up than the truth. And please consider telling your boyfriend about the suggestion, so he isn’t caught off guard if it reaches his family. You’ve got a good head and a good heart, Aliza, and I believe you can handle this beautifully. Much hatzlacha!

Reader’s Response Barak Sonenthal ow Aliza, there’s a lot to unpack here. There are so many details I’m unaware of from your letter such as what your relationship with your parents is like and exactly how much more modern than this boy is than your family, but in the interest of brevity, I’ll keep it short. Here’s what I think you should do. Tell your mother that there’s been

Her initial reaction may not reflect how she will ultimately feels.

something you wanted to talk to her about for the past couple months and if you can find a time to speak. Then explain to her that you met (or were set up with?) a wonderful guy that you like very much but is a little more modern. Explain what you like about him and why you think he’ll still be a good fit with your family. Acknowledge that you should have told her sooner, but you were concerned they would take it well. Offer to introduce him to them, and if they agree, make sure he knows that his goal in that meeting is to put your parents the most at ease that he can. I hope everything goes smoothly.

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by how much lighter you feel once it’s out in the open. No more secrets, no more worrying about what might slip out. When you’re ready, be kind to yourself about how you do it. Write down what you want to say, practice in front of a mirror, or rehearse with a close friend. Remember that these are your parents, who love you deeply and want nothing more than for you to be happy. They may be surprised at first, but in the end, they’re the best support you could have. Tell them who he is, what you value about him, and why this feels like it could be going somewhere. You have a good thing here, and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s OK to say plainly that you aren’t looking to date anyone else right now. If you’re not quite ready for that conversation, you can still decline the cousin graciously without inventing a story: “Thank you so much for thinking of me,

ear Aliza, I wonder if the question here is less about how to turn down this particular shidduch and more about what it means to be dating someone your parents might not choose for you. You’ve been dating for two months, you really like him, and you’re still figuring out what this relationship might become. Meanwhile, your mother is suggesting a shidduch that happens to be his first cousin. I can imagine how complicated that feels, especially when you know that eventually, if this relationship becomes serious, you’ll have to tell your parents.

I think it’s worth asking yourself what you’re hoping to gain by telling your mother now. Would you feel relieved not to be keeping a secret? Are you ready for her to know, even if she reacts in a way that’s painful or disappointing? Or would telling her now mean bringing her into a relationship that you’re still trying to understand yourself? There’s no shame in wanting some privacy while you figure things out. At the same time, there’s a difference between taking time to understand what you want and feeling that you have to hide it because you’re afraid of how your family

will respond. I wonder which of those feels closer to your experience. I also think there’s something important about the fact that your parents occupy such established roles in your community. When your parents are known for their values and their judgment, it can be difficult to give yourself permission to want something they might not have envisioned for you. You may find yourself anticipating their reaction before you’ve even decided what you want for yourself. You don’t yet know where this relationship will lead. But perhaps this is an opportunity to begin asking yourself a bigger question: How do you want to make decisions about your life when what feels right to you may not be what your parents would choose?

You can love your parents, care deeply about their opinions, and still recognize that the person who will have to live with your choices is you. As for the cousin, I think the immediate issue can be handled without making it a referendum on your relationship or your future. The more important work is figuring out what this relationship means to you, what you want it to become, and what you need in order to feel that you can be honest about your life with the people you love. You don’t have to answer all of those questions today. But I hope you give yourself permission to ask them. Sincerely, Jennifer

Jennifer Mann, LCSW, is a therapist and certified life coach in private practice in Cedarhurst, NY and via telehealth. She works with individuals, couples, and families, and is a part-time school social worker at Bnos Malka Academy. Her work centers on anxiety, relationships, life transitions, and narcissistic abuse. She integrates attachment-based therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, and relational work, grounded in the belief that healing and growth emerge through honest, attuned, and meaningful human connection. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512.

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Mental Health Corner

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Vulnerability in Therapy By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman

battery. Similarly, to achieve progress in therapy, vulnerability is a must-have skill. The definition of vulnerable is to be susceptible to emotional and physical

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In life, some tasks require fundamental skills for their successful execution. For example, inserting a battery into a device demands knowledge of the locations of the positive and negative ends of the

harm or attack, and it stems from the Latin word “vulnerare,” which means “to wound.” In therapy, we are required to explore our inner world and divulge our deepest and darkest secrets, which is often frightening due to the fear of judgment and can feel as if one is exposed to emotional attack. However, without opening up and being vulnerable, attaining insight and change in therapy is close to impossible. Additionally, in therapy, vulnerability can be therapeutic in itself, which makes it essential to acquire this skill. But what if you find it hard to be vulnerable in therapy? How can you reach first base in therapy without even standing in the batter’s box? This question has numerous answers based on the specific underlying cause of the difficulty in being vulnerable. Nonetheless, there is one simple strategy that can be used right out of the box that can be very helpful. That one simple strategy is to come to each session prepared.

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Vulnerability is a considerable leap of faith, and it comes as no surprise that you might feel uneasy about opening up and being honest with yourself and your therapist when you walk in unprepared. Preparing beforehand makes the daunting process a lot easier. This involves a few basic steps. First of all, take notes to prepare for each session. Usually, there is a week between sessions. A lot can happen in one week that can trigger a memory or a thought that is relevant to therapy. By keeping a notepad, whether on paper or digitally, you can jot down your thoughts and feelings throughout the week and share them with your therapist during the next session. Another idea is to keep a journal of your thoughts about therapy in general. Why are you in therapy? What do you want to get out of each specific session? How and why is therapy challenging for you? Review what you wrote and you will often find that this builds motivation for genuinely engaging in therapy and it can give you the necessary courage to open up and be vulnerable in therapy. Additionally, do not come into therapy without emotionally preparing for each session. If you just finished shopping and cleaning for Yom Tov and at the last minute you jumped in your car and zoomed over to the therapist, you will be entering

the serene and tranquil space of the therapist as a physical and emotional wreck. Give yourself some downtime before each session. Come early, sit in your car, and relax and breathe for a few minutes. Do everything you can in order to be as relaxed as possible before turning the doorknob by the therapist’s office. Vulnerability comes much more naturally when you are relaxed and emotionally prepared. Finally, if there are specific details that you know are relevant to therapy and you are having difficulty mustering up the courage to tell them to your therapist, consider writing them down on paper and then reading it to your therapist during the session. Alternatively, you can ask the therapist to read it quietly. Ultimately, your therapist is the professional who is trained to help you be vulnerable in therapy. If you at least have the vulnerability to tell your therapist that you are having difficulty being vulnerable, you and your therapist can work on a plan of action on how to work through this issue. The journey through therapy can be likened to the arduous task of mountain climbing, where each step feels like a monumental effort. Every fiber in your body aches and screams for you to give up, while your lungs gasp for air. But just like the reward that awaits at the summit of a mountain, therapy promises a reward that can only be achieved by pushing through the pain and exhaustion. From the mountaintop, you can witness the breathtaking vistas that lay before you, just like how vulnerability in therapy can unlock a new level of understanding and self-discovery. Yet, fear of vulnerability can feel like an insurmountable obstacle on this journey. It is a Herculean effort that demands emotional bravery and grit. The path is steep and treacherous, and no one has ever claimed that it is going to be easy. But keep your focus on the end of the tunnel, where the rewards of your emotional labor await. Trust the process, and embrace the challenge, for the view from the top is worth every step. This is a service of Relief Resources. Relief is an organization that provides mental health referrals, education, and support to the frum community. Rabbi Yisrael Slansky is director of the Baltimore branch of Relief. He can be contacted at 410-448-8356 or at yslansky@reliefhelp.org

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