Baltimore Jewish Home 5-8-25

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“Together We Rise” Challah Bake Unites Over 100 Women In Celebration And Community

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Parenting Pearls Learning Success

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Baltimore’s Own “Snippers” Capture RCCS Hockey Classic Championship In Last-Minute Thriller

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Contents

Dear Readers,

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

MAY 8, 2025

COMMUNITY Around the Community

6

Greater Washington Community News

10

Greater Washington Minyanim

16

Community Calendar

36

Baltimore Minyanim Guide

37

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Zvi Teichman

32

Torah Sparks

33

Living Kiddush Hashem

50

PEOPLE 613 Seconds — TAG Baltimore

15

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT To Raise a Laugh

46

Centerfold

52

Notable Quotes

54

Dovie Diaries

66

Kids Coloring Contest

68

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LIFESTYLES Beyond The Headlines

34

Parenting Pearls

38

School Of Thought

39

Voice Notes

40

Tech Triumphs

42

Israel Today

44

Forgotten Heroes

48

Dating Dialogue

58

Mental Health Corner

62

Recipes

64

I saw an inspiring story about the parents of Rabi Shimon bar Yochai from Lag BaOmer B’Halacha V’Agadah, quoted from Nachlas Avos. Yochai, the father of Rabi Shimon, was a respected and wealthy man from Shevet Yehuda. His wife, Sarah, was a descendant of Hillel Hazakein, but despite their stature and lineage, Sarah remained childless. After many years, Yochai considered divorcing her or marrying another woman to have children. Sarah, heartbroken, did not speak of it but instead increased her fasting, tzedakah, and tefillos, pouring out her heart to Hashem, pleading for a child – and her marriage.

On Rosh Hashanah night, Yochai had a dream.

He found himself in a forest filled with trees, some healthy and fruitful, others dried out. He leaned against a withered tree when a majestic man appeared, carrying a large jug of water. This man watered some of the trees, but when he came to Yochai’s tree, he used a small glass jar of “mayim chayim tehorim” (pure, living water). Yochai watched in amazement as the tree suddenly bore fruit, its branches covered with ripe apples and fresh leaves, filling the air with a pleasant fragrance. Yochai woke from the dream filled with joy and shared it with his wife, explaining that the trees represented women, and the watering symbolized Hashem’s remembrance. “You, my dear, are the tree I leaned upon, and you will be blessed with children.”

Sarah suggested they consult Rabbi Akiva, who agreed with Yochai’s interpretation and added a

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Israel News

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National News

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Indeed, that Shavuos, Sarah gave birth to a son and named him Shimon, because Hashem had heard her tefillos and tears. On Lag BaOmer, we reflect on the power of davening and the tears of women in Klal Yisrael. On this day, we daven that Hashem answer their cries in the merit of Rabi Shimon bar Yochai, whose unwavering faith and perseverance have made him the one whom all of Klal Yisrael turns to for a yeshua, generation after generation.

As Rav Gamliel Rabinovich explains in Tiv Ha’Emunah, Rabi Shimon’s unyielding emunah in Hashem despite years of suffering, just like his mother, is why his kever has become a place of refuge for so many. His steadfast hope and belief in the Geulah earned him the special zechus of being the one upon whom Klal Yisrael relies for yeshuos throughout the ages. “B’Zechus HaTanna Elokai Rabi Shimon bar Yochai…”

Wishing you a peaceful Shabbos, Aaron M. Friedman

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deeper meaning. “Sarah,” said Rabbi Akiva, “is one of those women who could never have children by natural means. But her prayers, tears, and pleas have transformed her. The small glass jar represents her tears, which Hashem collected and used to nourish her. From those tears, she will now bear a child.”

Rabbi Akiva assured them that Sarah would conceive and give birth to a son who would light up the world with his Torah.

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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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Around the Community

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MAY 8, 2025

Hebrew Friendship Jewish Cemetery Association Cleanup: Chesed Shel Emes In Action Despite The Rain By: BJLife Newsroom

O

ne of the most meaningful mitzvahs is Chesed Shel Emes as these kind acts cannot be repaid. Despite yesterday’s rainy weather, more than 25 volunteers gathered at the historic Hebrew Friendship Cemetery located at 3600 E. Baltimore Street in Baltimore City to help care for our dearly departed. The JCA has managed Hebrew Friendship Cemetery since 2011.

Over 20 bags of trash and debris were collected and removed by our volunteers, overgrown trees were cut back and removed by the generosity of Pikesville Tree Service. Monuments and mausoleums were power

washed by RPW Renewal Pressure Washing who brought their own water and pressure washing equipment at no charge. Sol Levinson Funeral Home helped coordinate the event in conjunction with the JCA and donated our cleanup supplies that were used.

The Jewish Cemetery Association owns and manages 20 local cemeteries ensuring grass is cut regularly, overturned monuments are reset and burials are handled properly according to Jewish law.

If you want to get involved or help out with future volunteer initiatives, please contact Steve Venick at Steve@JCABaltimore.org.

Mazel Tov To YTS 6th Grader!

E

liyahu Rayman, a 6th grade student at Yeshivas Toras Simcha, won a gorgeous set of Mikraos Gedolos from Pirchei National’s Shnayim Mikra program. He stood proudly for a photo op with his rebbe, Rabbi Shai Scherer.

The Pirchei National’s Shnayim Mikra program encourages boys to Learn Shnayim Mikra vi-Echod Targum weekly.

Yasher Koach!

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MAY 8, 2025

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Around the Community

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MAY 8, 2025

Siyum On Makkos At Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah By: BJLife Newsroom

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large crowd gathered at Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah to celebrate the completion of another masechta, as a siyum was made on Maseches Makkos. The event also featured a Zichru bechina, administered by Rabbi Avraham Goldhar, giving participants the opportunity to review and test their mastery of the Daf Yomi using the Zichru memorization method. Rabbi Yaakov Braffman spoke about the transformative impact of the Zichru program, which has inspired many to take their learning to the next level— especially following its introduction at the Siyum on Bava Basra.

Rabbi Gavriel Horan was mesayem Makkos l’ilui nishmas his father, Shlomo ben Nasson haLevi Horan, z’l, who was recently niftar.

Rabbi Gavriel Horan being mesayeim Makkos l’zacher nishmas his father who was recently niftar.

Baltimore’s Own “Snippers” Capture RCCS Hockey Classic Championship In Last-Minute Thriller By: BJLife Newsroom

T

he RCCS Hockey Classic came to a dramatic close as The Snippers — a team made up almost entirely of Baltimore players — clinched the championship title with a heart-stopping 3-2 win in the final minute of play. With the game tied and tension at a fever pitch, Shmuel Ellis buried the game-winner, sealing the victory and setting off a jubilant celebration on the ice.

Led by Coach Etai Fishbein, Captain Rabbi Shai Meyerowitz and Assistant Captains Niv Fishbein, Josh Erez, and MVP Justin Hoch, the Snippers were a Baltimore powerhouse. Of the 17 players on the roster,

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Rabbi Avraham Goldhar.

15 were Marylanders — and 14 from Baltimore itself. Their chemistry, grit, and hometown pride were on full display throughout the tournament.

But it wasn’t just about goals and assists — the team raised an astounding $117,000 for RCCS, showing the kind of heart and commitment that defines both Baltimore and the RCCS cause.

From the opening puck drop to the final buzzer, the Snippers proved that when it comes to hockey — and chesed — Baltimore knows how to show up.

For more on the team’s campaign or to donate: rccsclassic.org/snippers

Rabbi Yaakov Braffman speaking about the transformative impact of the Zichru program.

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Greater Washington: Around the Community

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n a heartwarming display of unity and tradition, over 100 women from diverse Jewish backgrounds came together for the “Together We Rise” challah bake—an evening filled with singing, dancing, prayer, and the sweet scent of freshly baked challah.

The event was organized by the Lev Organization and led by Lev Director Devorah Buxbaum, whose vision and warmth helped create a meaningful and uplifting experience for all who attended.

More than just a baking session, the event was a vibrant celebration of com-

munity and shared heritage. The joy in the room was palpable as participants kneaded dough side by side, forging bonds and lifting spirits through laughter, music, and heartfelt conversation.

“There was something so special about connecting with each of you,” said Devorah Buxbaum. “It reminded

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

MAY 8, 2025

“Together We Rise” Challah Bake Unites Over 100 Women In Celebration And Community

Silver Spring Sends Smiles: Local Kids’ Toy Drive Reaches Israeli Children In Need

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he generosity of Silver Spring’s youngest residents is now bringing comfort and joy to children in Israel impacted by the ongoing conflict. A recent community-wide effort saw over 800 toys, donated by local kids, packed into nine suitcases and flown across the ocean.

The heartwarming initiative aimed to support Israeli children negatively affected since the war began on Octo-

ber 7th. The logistics were a community effort in themselves: a local yeshiva bochur and a young Silver Spring family each transported a suitcase. The bulk of the toys, however, embarked on a particularly poignant journey with a 20-year-old Hatzalah Air volunteer.

Upon landing in Israel, this young volunteer was met by an 80-year-old man – himself born in Lublin, Poland, in 1945-- who then personally delivered the toys to Jerusalem.

Some of the donated toys have already brightened faces at a carnival for children from displaced families.

The remainder will be distributed by *GoChesed* , an organization dedicated to supporting children of soldiers and those suffering from anxiety and war-related trauma. It’s an incredible story of compassion bridging generations and continents, all starting with the generosity of Silver Spring’s children.

us all how much light and strength we bring when we rise together.”

Special thanks were extended to the dedicated committee whose hard work made the evening possible. The success of the challah bake served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when community comes first.

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Greater Washington: Around the Community

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Kulam Hosts BBQ Cook-Off, Giving Local Boys A Chance To Shine

K

ulam—a local organization committed to providing boys with healthy and meaningful outlets—hosted an unforgettable BBQ and cook-off that showcased creativity, teamwork, and community spirit.

At the heart of the event was a friendly cooking competition. The boys, working in pairs, were challenged to come up with an original dish, shop for the ingredients themselves, and prepare either a side dish or dessert to serve at the Kulam BBQ. The results were delicious and inventive.

Culinary highlights included schnitzel served over crispy hash browns, beef kebabs with homemade onion rings, a savory salami and egg combination, and the winning dish—a playful dessert “moose” topped with whipped cream and crushed Oreos.

Seeing how focused and engaged the boys were made the day truly special—many tapping into talents that don’t often get recognized in a traditional classroom. They not only created their own dishes but also tasted and judged their friends’ creations with genuine enthusiasm.

“These events are so powerful,” Rabbi Zucker, a rebbe at YGW, shared. “You see all the boys coming together in a healthy space, each given a chance to shine. It’s especially meaningful for those who may struggle in more formal settings.”

Kulam continues to be a vital part of the community, creating opportunities for boys to grow, express themselves, and build lasting connections in a positive, supportive environment.

Beyond the cooking, the BBQ was packed with energy and fun. The boys enjoyed tailgating games, spent time with friends, and took part in grilling and serving the food. The atmosphere was full of laughter, learning, and connection.

Greater Washington Parents Gather For Inaugural Parenting Symposium

P

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arents from across the Greater Washington area came together for the inaugural Parenting Symposium, a collaborative event hosted

by Chabad of Silver Spring and The Gan Montessori.

Held in memory of Adel Raizel bat Avraham Dovid Wolvovsky, A”H, a beloved and influential educator, the morning opened with moving words from Rabbi Berel Wolvovsky, who paid tribute to his mother’s enduring impact on generations of students and families.

Attendees enjoyed a hot breakfast as they listened to an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Erica Brown, followed by a dynamic panel discussion featuring educational leaders from several area Jewish day schools. The panel, titled “Parents as Partners,” focused on the vital collaboration between families and schools in raising resilient

children who are deeply rooted in their Jewish identity.

Panelists included: • Rabbi Dr. Hillel Broder, Berman Hebrew Academy • Rebecca Prigal, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School • Melissa Davis, Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School

and Tali Rasooly, OHD, and moderated by Laura Goldman

• Rabbi Shmuel Lichtenstein, Torah School of Greater Washington

• Empowering Parents: Setting Our Kids Up for Success — led by Malka Florans, M.A., CCC-SLP, and Shani Malka, MS, OTR/L, moderated

by Miriam Stein

The conversation provided a wealth of insight and practical guidance, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and direction in their parenting journeys.

In the second half of the morning, participants selected from two handson workshops: • Healthy Body, Healthy Mind — led

by Rachel Engelhart, RD, LPC,

The symposium proved to be a meaningful and energizing morning of learning, connection, and community. Parents left feeling empowered, supported, and inspired, with tools to strengthen both their family lives and broader educational partnerships.

With school leaders from across the region present, the event underscored the deep sense of unity and shared mission that defines the Greater Washington Jewish community.

Organizers are already planning for the second annual Parenting Symposium, set to return next spring.

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community to say “yes” responsibly, with the right protections in place.

BJH: Can you share some numbers that show how much TAG Baltimore has grown?

BJH: TAG Baltimore has become a true vital resource in our community. For those who may not know, can you share what TAG is all about and how your team is making a difference?

BJH: It sounds like you’re addressing a need that’s only grown in recent years.

TAG Baltimore: That’s exactly right.

Technology touches every part of our lives—education, business, communication. While it brings tremendous opportunity, it also presents challenges. That’s why TAG Baltimore is here—not to say “no” to technology, but to empower our

• We provided 2,422 consultations—a 26% increase over last year.

• We handled 4,452 support emails, which is a 59% increase.

• Our team responded to 2,580 support calls, marking a 43% increase.

• We serviced 2,052 devices, up 18% from 2023.

• Most notably, our volunteers and staff dedicated 6,989 hours of service—a 45% increase!

These numbers reflect both rising demand and our expanded capacity to serve. It’s not just more volume; it’s deeper engagement and wider reach.

BJH: That’s truly impressive. What would you say is driving this surge?

TAG Baltimore: A few things. First, increased awareness—families and schools now understand more than ever the risks of unfiltered access and the need for proper guidance. Second, the technology itself has become more com-

BJH: It seems like this kind of growth needs serious support. Tell us about your upcoming annual campaign.

TAG Baltimore: We’re very excited about our campaign, which runs Sunday through Tuesday, May 11–13, and we invite the entire community to join us at shiftyourfuture.org. Every dollar will be matched by a group of generous donors.

The theme this year is “Shift Your Future,” a play on the computer keyboard design featured in our materials. It’s a reminder that with just a small shift— like pressing the “Shift” key—we can transform outcomes. That’s what TAG helps people do every day: shift how they interact with technology and, ultimately, how they shape their lives and families.

Even seemingly minor choices— like enabling a filter, delaying a device, or setting boundaries—can have profound and lasting effects. These shifts don’t just change how we use technology today; they shape the values, habits, and well-being of the next generation.

Small changes, big futures—that’s the power of shifting with intention.

This campaign is critical. TAG’s ability to serve the community—offer-

ing free guidance, training volunteers, and staying ahead of ever-changing digital challenges—relies entirely on your support. Every dollar raised directly strengthens our collective ability to protect homes, support schools, and guide families toward healthier, more intentional tech use. The impact is real and far-reaching: smarter choices, stronger values, and a safer digital environment for our entire community.

BJH: How can people get involved?

TAG Baltimore: First and foremost, visit shiftyourfuture.org. Our goal is broad participation—not just large donations. Every contribution, big or small, sends a clear message: our community values safe technology and wants to see TAG continue to grow and thrive.

BJH: Before we wrap up, any message you’d like to leave readers with?

TAG Baltimore: Absolutely—this work is about the future. Not just about devices or filters, but about the future of our children, our schools, and the values we hold dear. Every consultation we offer, every device we service, is one more scroll in the right direction. It’s an honor to be part of this journey, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who partners with us to make it possible. For more information or to make an appointment visit us at tagbaltimore.org.

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TAG Baltimore: Absolutely. TAG stands for Technology Awareness Group.

TAG is dedicated to assisting people in navigating the complex digital landscape.

Our objective is to empower individuals to use technology in a safe and responsible manner and to ensure that every person served by TAG is comfortable with the guidance and service provided.

We assist the community as they engage with the ever-evolving digital landscape by offering consultations, support, and hands-on services like device filtering.

TAG Baltimore: Definitely. The growth in 2024 has been significant.

Just to give you a snapshot:

plex. And third, our reputation—word of mouth plays a big role. People trust that we’re knowledgeable, effective, and aligned with our community’s values.

MAY 8, 2025

613 Seconds with TAG Baltimore

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The Week In News

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MAY 8, 2025

The Week In News

U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal

The United States and Ukraine signed a key minerals deal last week. If the agreement is ratified by the Ukrainian parliament, it would allow the U.S. to extract important minerals and natural resources from Ukraine. The deal also includes the creation of a reconstruction fund for Ukraine.

“This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered

shacharis

natural resources will be contributed to the fund, while the U.S. will contribute direct funds and equipment, such as air defenses. After 10 years, profits will be taken from the fund, Svyrydenko said.

Those profits will be used for mining, oil, gas, and infrastructure projects.

Would-Be Bomber Killed by Her Bomb A 38-year-old woman died on Saturday in Thessaloniki, Greece, when a bomb she was carrying exploded in her hands. She had been carrying the device to plant it outside a bank at around 5 a.m.

Only the would-be bomber was killed in the blast. Several storefronts and vehicles were damaged by the explosion.

The woman had a criminal record related to drugs and had been involved in at least one robbery and thefts in the past. The Greek police’s division for organized crime was investigating the in-

cident, and authorities were also investigating whether the woman might have had ties to extreme leftist groups.

Greece has seen occasional bombings, as well as targeted killings, attributed to various organized crime groups. The country also has a long history of politically motivated violence dating back to the 1970s, with domestic extremist groups carrying out smallscale bombings that usually cause some damage but rarely lead to injuries.

The groups that had been most active in the 1980s and 1990s have mostly been dismantled, but new, small groups have emerged.

Last year, a man believed to have been trying to assemble a bomb was killed when the device he was making exploded in a central Athens apartment.

A woman inside the apartment was se-

Greater Washington Weekday Minyanim Guide

6:15 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

M-F

Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah

T, W, F

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

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

6:30 am Beth Sholom Congregation

M-F

7:05 am Kesher Israel

M, Th

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sfardi)

Beit Halevi (Sfardi)

M, T

7:15 am Kemp Mill Synagogue

M, Th

Chabad of Silver Spring

M-F

Kesher Israel

T, W, F

8:05 am Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville 8:15 am Ohr Hatorah

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY

M-F S

Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue

M-F

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah YGW

M, Th

Ohr Hatorah

S

6:35 am Ohr Hatorah

M, Th

6:40 am YGW

S, T, W, F

Chabad of Potomac

M-F

Chabad of Potomac

S

M-Th

JROC

M-F

Kemp Mill Synagogue

T, W, F

Kemp Mill Synagogue

M, Th

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

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6:50 am Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah

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7:45 am YGW (Yeshiva Session Only)

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8:45 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

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Silver Spring Jewish Center

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8:00 am Beth Sholom Congregation

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Chabad of Upper Montgomery County

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

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on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Just over a month ago, an earlier version of the deal was scrapped after a televised press conference between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devolved into a heated confrontation.

This deal allows the Ukrainian government to decide what minerals the U.S. can extract, as well as which areas are accessible to the United States. Currently, the agreement includes 55 minerals, including rare earth elements, though the two countries can agree to more. The deal also allows the U.S. to extract oil, natural gas, and other resources. Profits made from extracted resources will not be used to repay Ukraine’s debt.

The agreement doesn’t specifically include security guarantees for Kyiv. However, Ukrainian officials believe the deal will help them win the U.S.’s continued support against Russian aggression.

According to Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the U.S. and Ukraine will equally contribute to the reconstruction fund. Half of all future profits from government-owned Ukrainian

6:55 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

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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

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

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Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah

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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

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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)

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8:15 pm OSTT (OLNEY) 8:45 pm YGW 9:30 pm YGW Silver Spring Jewish Center 9:45 pm Ohr Hatorah 10:00 pm YGW

2:15 pm Silver Spring Jewish Center 2:20 pm YGW

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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 [Ashk + S] 1132 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902

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S-Th School Days S-Th Spring/Summer M-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

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verely injured. It was unclear what their intended target might have been.

In April, a new group calling itself Revolutionary Class Struggle claimed responsibility for a bomb that exploded in central Athens near the offices of Hellenic Train, Greece’s main railway services operator, and the planting of another bomb near the Labor Ministry in early February. The explosion near the train offices resulted in limited damage to the building and no injuries. It had been preceded by an anonymous call to local media 40 minutes before the blast warning about the device, leading police to evacuate and cordon off the area.

The group that claimed responsibility said the bombing was part of an armed struggle against the state.

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Dead Snake Harms Children More than 100 children became sick in the northeastern town of Mokama in India after eating school lunch. Supposedly, the school cook had found a dead snake in the food and removed the serpent. The food was then served to about 500 children.

Dozens became sick after eating the tainted food. For now, authorities are investigating if the school lunch caused them to become ill.

The country’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded local police provide a “detailed” report of the incident within two weeks, which is expected to include the health status of the affected children.

dia rolled out a cooked Mid Day Meal Scheme in 2001 which provided a free lunch for children in public schools for at least 200 days a year. It is the world’s largest school food program, providing food to over 113 million children between the ages of 6-10.

Food safety complaints related to school meals are not uncommon in India.

In 2013, at least 23 children were killed by a free school lunch contaminated with concentrated pesticide. The students fell ill within minutes of eating a meal of rice and potato curry, vomiting and convulsing with stomach cramps.

Argentina Declassifies Nazi “Ratline” Papers The Argentine government recently announced the release of nearly 1,850 classified documents that show how Nazi fugitives escaped to the country after World War II. The trove of documents were declassified and made available to the public this week at the urging of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish advocacy group named for the famed late Nazi hunter.

The papers will shed light on the financing behind scores of escape routes for Nazis, thousands of whom escaped to South America via so-called “ratlines” after the war.

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If the reports are true, the case will raise a “serious issue of violation of the human rights of the students,” the commission said, adding that villagers, angered by the reports, had blocked a road in protest.

While India has achieved food sufficiency in grain production and steady economic growth, the country still accounts for a quarter of the world’s hungry people and is home to over 190 million undernourished people, according to the United Nations.

In a bid to combat hunger, In-

Last month, Argentine President Javier Milei ordered the declassification of the documents after a meeting with leaders from the Simon Wiesenthal Center. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, also requested the records in a letter delivered by representatives of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Argentina’s Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers Guillermo Francos said Milei gave the order “because there is no reason to continue withholding that information,” according to Argentinian outlet Perfil.

The documents are now publicly available through Argentina’s National Archive, the Argentinian government announced in a post on X. The released documents include banking and financial transactions

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that show how Nazis were able to resettle in Argentina as well as records held by Argentina’s Defense Ministry.

Notorious Nazis are mentioned in the papers, including Adolf Eichmann, the architect of the Holocaust who was captured by the Mossad in 1960 and was later tried and executed in Israel, and Josef Mengele, the Nazi doctor dubbed the “angel of death.”

It is estimated that up to 10,000 Nazis and other fascist war criminals escaped justice for Holocaust atrocities by fleeing to Argentina and other Latin American countries. Some say that 5,000 of them ended up in Argentina.

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Jerusalem Wildfires On Thursday, authorities reopened roads and train lines near Jerusalem and allowed locals, who evacuated due

to approaching fires, to go back to their homes. Hours later, the Fire and Rescue Service announced that the wildfires that raged for nearly 30 hours were finally under control.

No one was killed or seriously injured in the Jerusalem hills fire. However, it burned down about 5,000 acres of land, including 3,000 acres of forest land. Around 70% of Canada Park, a national park in Judea and Samaria, was destroyed. The fires also led to most Independence Day celebrations being cancelled.

The exact cause of the fire is currently unclear, according to the Fire and Rescue Service. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Palestinian arsonists for starting the wildfires. Netanyahu said that 18 individuals were detained on suspicion of starting the fires.

However, police officials corrected the premier, noting that they had arrested three people. Channel 12 has suggested that Netanyahu’s confusion may have stemmed from the fact that there were 18 cases of incitement to arson.

On the other hand, Israeli news outlets, including Channel 13, claimed that

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Two IDF soldiers were killed and two others were wounded in an explosion in a booby-trapped tunnel shaft in southern Gaza’s Rafah on Saturday.

The two heroes were named as Cpt. Noam Ravid, 23, from Sha’arei Tikva, and Staff Sgt. Yaly Seror, 20, from Omer. Both served in the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit.

According to an initial IDF probe, the Yahalom soldiers, operating under the Golani Brigade, were scanning the

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While the wildfires raged, some Palestinians urged others on social media to start more fires. Police on Thursday arrested a 19-year-old East Jerusalem resident who celebrated the fires on social media, expressing the hope that they cause more destruction so as to punish Israel’s “destruction of Muslim lands.”

That same day, authorities detained another suspect, a 50-year-old who is believed to have started a fire in an open field in south Jerusalem. Authorities have not revealed the reason the third suspect was arrested.

On social media, Netanyahu said

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that there was a “very serious suspicion” that arsonists started the fire. He added, “If you love this land, why are you burning it?”

He said, “This is our land, we take care of it.”

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hikers started the wildfires by mistake.

President Isaac Herzog, while at an Independence Day event at his home in Jerusalem, blamed “climate change” as one of the causes of the blazes.

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The Week In News entrance to a tunnel inside a building when they were suddenly hit by an explosion.

The deaths brought Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and in military operations along the border with the Strip to 416.

One of the wounded soldiers was listed in serious condition, while the other was moderately hurt.

In a separate incident on Saturday, a reservist with the Jerusalem Brigade’s 7007th Battalion was seriously wounded in northern Gaza. The circumstances of his injury are still under investigation, the military said.

Also on Saturday, two soldiers of the 401st Armored Brigade’s 46th Battalion were wounded, one moderately and one lightly, in a blast in an army encampment in the area of Gaza City’s eastern Daraj and Tuffah neighborhoods.

According to an initial IDF investigation, the blast was apparently caused by a tank shell that detonated prematurely when it was being fired. Another possibility being looked into was that a mortar struck the area.

Seror was the youngest in his family.

His two brothers also served in the IDF and fought in Gaza.

“Yaly was special,” said his cousin Daniel Karai. “He was one of those people where any words fall short. Always smiling, never complaining, deeply respectful of everyone around him, and always ready to help—even without being asked.”

She added: “He was the youngest in the family, the crown jewel, their whole world. He was always the first to step up—and it was the same in the incident that took his life.

“He was very close to them [his two brothers]. It was more than just a familial connection—three warrior brothers going in and out of Gaza since October 7,” she said. “Yaly loved the army and dreamed of reaching the position he held. Wherever he went, you could feel his light.”

The Samaria Regional Council, in a statement, said that Ravid was a beloved youth counselor for the local Bnei Akiva branch.

“Noam was one of our finest sons and fought heroically in the war, defending the people and the land. He fell in battle in Rafah with great courage. We send our condolences to the extended Ravid family and the entire community,” council head Avi Roeh said.

Soldier Killed in Crash

Sgt. Niv Dayag was killed on Thursday night in a military-related car crash during operational activity in the Golan Heights.

The 19-year-old was part of the Paratroopers Brigade’s 890th Battalion, from Ramat Hasharon.

Three other soldiers were lightly injured in the crash on the Route 98 highway near Ramat Magshimim in the southern Golan Heights, the military and medics said.

According to first responders, the army jeep that the soldiers were in hit a guardrail, flipped over, and caught fire.

A panel of experts has been appointed by the chief of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, and chief of the Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, to investigate the deadly crash.

The team will be headed by Col. Nadav Maisles, the commander of the Yiftah Brigade.

It was the second death of a soldier in a car crash in two days. On Wednesday, Sgt. Shimon Tubol, a soldier from the Hasmonean Brigade, was killed in a crash on Route 457 in the northern West Bank while on leave. The Hasmonean Brigade is a new brigade formed to draft charedi soldiers, and Tubol’s death is its first casualty, though he wasn’t on active duty at the time of his death.

Since December, Israel has bolstered its presence in the Golan Heights, including moving forces into the UN-monitored demilitarized zone on the Syrian side of the mountain range.

the attack injured six people: a man in his 50s, who is in good-to-moderate condition after sustaining trauma to his limbs; two women, a 54-year-old and a 38-year-old, who were hit by the shockwave and are now in good condition; a 64-year-old man who was slightly injured after being hit by a object hurled from the hit area; and a 22-year-old and 34-year-old woman, who were slightly hurt while running for shelter. All those injured were treated at hospitals in central Israel. No one was seriously hurt.

The missile hit a grove next to an access road in the vicinity of the airport, triggering sirens at 9:22 a.m. and forcing Ben Gurion Airport to close its airspace for around an hour. The Israeli military tried to stop the missile but was unable to. Takeoffs and landings from the airport were temporarily paused after the attack, and many airlines canceled flights scheduled for Sunday.

The Houthis’ spokesman, Yahya Saree, declared that Ben Gurion was “no longer safe for air travel” in an apparent warning to airlines. Senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti said that the terror group has “no red lines” in fighting Israel and pointed to the missile attack as proof that the Houthis are capable of attacking sensitive locations in Israel.

Following the strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed how to respond to the attack with security and defense officials.

Benny Gantz, an opposition leader from the National Unity party, urged Netanyahu’s government to retaliate against Iran for the attack.

“This is not Yemen, this is Iran. It is Iran that is firing ballistic missiles at the State of Israel, and it must bear responsibility,” Gantz said, adding that the attack “must lead to a severe response against Tehran.”

The Houthis, in solidarity with Hamas, have been attacking Israel and the Red Sea since November 2023. Recently, the United States began launching major airstrikes in Yemen in an effort to attack the Houthis.

Houthi Missile Hits Airport Grounds

Antisemitism Around the World

The Houthis, an Iranian proxy terror group based in Yemen, claimed responsibility for a Sunday morning missile strike that hit Ben Gurion Airport’s grounds.

According to Magen David Adom,

Israel’s Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry publication on Monday published a report on global antisemitism, including on campuses and social media websites.

The document, a 153-page English report based on data from watchdog groups and media accounts, described the rise in antisemitism since the October 7 massacre, when Hamas invaded southern Israel, murdering 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others.

The report declared Canada, which has seen a 670% increase in antisemitic incidents, the “champion of antisemitism.” Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s December 2023 anti-Israel speech at the United Nations contributed to that rise in antisemitism, according to the report.

According to the report, Australia has seen a 320% increase in anti-Jewish incidents since before October 7, while antisemitism in the United States jumped by 200%.

The report also labeled France and Britain problematic, as 64% of French citizens say that Jews should be afraid to live in France, and 90% of British Jews surveyed by the Campaign Against Antisemitism said they steer clear of city centers during pro-Palestinian protests. The report alleged that Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, has also fueled farleft antisemitism by condemning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Notably, the U.K.’s Labor Party purportedly contributed to antisemitism by enacting an arms embargo against Israel, while England’s state-owned BBC swept antisemitic complaints under the rug and refused to refer to members of Hamas as “terrorists.”

Additionally, 80% of Jews told the Anti-Defamation League that they felt less safe in Germany.

The report called Australia, Canada, France, and Britain “morally ambiguous” because they have been fighting antisemitism and, at the same time, unfairly condemning Israel, thus fueling local Jew-hatred. On the other hand, the report singled out South Africa, Spain, and Ireland for “their asymmetrical application of normative principles, [which] directly undermines Jewish communities’ senses of belonging and security within these societies, as documented through both quantitative and qualitative research.”

The report only recognized the Unit-

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ed States and Germany for genuinely combating antisemitism.

The ministries also condemned the United Nations General Assembly, which passed 17 anti-Israel resolutions in 2024 and only a combined six resolutions against all other nations, and the International Criminal Court, which sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The report labeled the arrest warrants as “among the most severe antisemitic incidents of 2024.”

The report also criticized TikTok, a social media platform whose advertising executives are in favor of terrorist groups, including Hamas and the Houthis. TikTok has also banned Israel’s sponsored campaigns, though the social media platform has recently tried fighting antisemitism and promoting Holocaust remembrance.

According to the report, Instagram deleted 40% of anti-Jewish posts during the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, while Facebook deleted 24%, X 22%, and TikTok 17%.

Additionally, the report covered college antisemitism, with campuses seeing a 477% increase in antisemitism between June 2023 and May 2024 compared to the year prior. The report, citing Amcha Initiative, listed New York’s Columbia University as the U.S.’s most antisemitic college. In 2024, Columbia saw 127 anti-Jewish incidents, 90% of which were perpetrated by left-wing parties. In second place was UCLA, which saw 63 incidents. In third was the University of Michigan, with 35. And in fourth place was Harvard University, with 32.

Israel Strikes Yemen’s Airport This week, Israeli officials warned those in Yemen’s international airport to evacuate.

“Failure to evacuate the area endangers your lives,” Avichay Adraee, the IDF spokesperson, said on social media in Arabic.

The warning came a day after the Israeli military carried out a series of strikes against the port in Hodeidah, Yemen, and a cement factory. At least one person was killed in that strike and another 35 were injured, according to the Houthi-run Ministry of Health.

Twenty IAF fighter jets dropped 50 munitions on the Houthi targets, the military said, publishing images show-

ing the jets preparing for takeoff. IAF refuelers and spy planes also participated in the operation.

The Israel Defense Forces said the Hodeidah port was used by the Houthis “for the transfer of Iranian weapons, equipment for military needs, and other terror purposes.”

The Bajil concrete factory “serves as an important economic resource for the Houthi terror regime and is used for building tunnels and military infrastructure,” the IDF said, adding that the strikes “constitute a blow to the regime’s economy and its military buildup.”

“The strike was conducted in response to the repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel, during which surface-to-surface missiles and UAVs were launched toward Israeli territory and its civilians,” the military said in a statement On Tuesday, after the unprecedented warning, Israel struck Yemen’s airport.

“A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck and dismantled Houthi terrorist infrastructure at the main airport in Sanaa, fully disabling the airport,” the Israeli military said in a statement, adding that several major power stations in the Sanaa area were also hit.

The IDF noted that the airport was used by the Houthis “for transferring weapons and operatives and is regularly operated by the Houthi regime for terror purposes.”

Israel has been upping its attacks against the Houthis after a ballistic missile from the Iran-backed terror group penetrated Israel’s air defenses and struck near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport on Sunday. Several attempts to intercept the missile failed, the IDF said.

Israel had struck Sanaa international airport in December, killing at least three people and injuring 30 others, according to the Houthi-run al-Masirah satellite television network.

IDF Will Stay in Gaza On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli army would, from now until Hamas is defeated and the hostages are returned, retain control of captured regions of the Gaza Strip. Doing so will prevent Hamas from regaining the areas as soon as the Israeli army withdraws.

“This was the recommendation of [IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir]

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The Week In News — to move, as he put it, toward the defeat of Hamas,” Netanyahu said. “He believes this will also help us rescue the hostages along the way. I agree with him. We are not letting up on this effort, and we will not give up on a single one.

That is what we are doing.”

The premier added: “One thing will be clear — we’re not going in and out [of Gaza] just to call up reserves so they’ll come and seize territory, we withdraw from territory, and carry out raids on what remains… That’s not the intention.

What’s our intention? The opposite.”

The war’s new phase has been declared Operation Gideon’s Chariots. According to IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, the aim of the new phase is to bring the hostages home and defeat Hamas.

The new offensive “will include a wide-scale attack and the movement of the majority of the Strip’s population — this is to protect them in an area sterile of Hamas. And continued airstrikes, elimination of terrorists, and dismantling of infrastructure,” said Defrin, adding that the Israel Defense Forces will employ the “Rafah model,” destroying Hamas infrastructure and declaring seized areas as part of Israel’s buffer zone.

Bezalel Smotrich, the minister of finance, said that Israel wouldn’t leave Gaza even if another hostage deal happened.

“Stop being afraid of the word ‘occupation’,” he told Israelis. “We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip.”

On Monday, Miki Zohar, the minister of culture, alleged that Israel aims to completely occupy Gaza. “Such a move endangers those who remain in captivity, but there is no choice left,” Zohar said.

Some have condemned the move, including the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Democrats party chairman Yair Golan, and Yisrael Beytenu party chairman Avigdor Liberman.

Ecuadorian Pres.

Visits the Kotel

eign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Waltz Now U.S. Amb. to UN Ecuadorian President Daniel Naboa visited the Kotel on Sunday. The leader of the South American country came to the Western Wall with an official delegation.

He was wearing a hostage pin on his lapel as he paid his respects to the holy site.

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz of the Kotel welcomed the delegation. The rabbi and the president read Psalm 121 together. After this, the president took a private moment to say his own personal prayers at the Kotel and placed a note between the stones.

Naboa then met with Rabbi Rabinowitz for a private meeting.

Naboa spoke of “his unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish people.

He declared that his country will continue to stand by Israel in its just struggle against terrorism—a struggle he himself is waging in his own country on behalf of citizens who seek life.”

Naboa was elected last month, making history as the youngest person – 37 years old – to be elected president of Ecuador.

Noboa is in Israel on an official state visit along with a high-level delegation to celebrate 75 years of friendship between Ecuador and Israel. The delegation is led by the Ecuadorian Foreign Minister and Ecuador’s ambassador to Israel. Naboa also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, For-

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President Donald Trump, on Thursday, removed Mike Waltz from the position of national security adviser and nominated him as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Until Trump finds Waltz’s permanent replacement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as the country’s national security adviser.

Rubio will be the first secretary of state to simultaneously fill the role of national security adviser since Henry Kissinger. The national security adviser, the leader of the National Security Council, does not need to be confirmed by the Senate.

According to a report by Politico, Trump was considering Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff as Waltz’s successor. However, another source disputed that report.

Alex Wong, the deputy national security adviser, is also leaving his position, according to sources.

Waltz, a former Florida congressman, was criticized after an incident in March when he mistakenly added the editor of The Atlantic to a Signal group chat where government officials were secretly discussing an impending U.S. bombing attack in Yemen. Though Trump and others in the White House publicly defended the national security adviser, the president privately criticized Waltz.

According to reports, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also shared the same details with his wife and brother on a different chat.

Waltz, 51, has also been criticized for being too aggressive with foreign affairs, thus being at odds with the president, who opposes the U.S.’s direct involvement in wars. Some have also accused Waltz of failing to effectively coordinate foreign policy between relevant government agencies.

Additionally, the NSC has been losing staff, with four senior directors and over 20 other employees being fired recently.

Trump: No Funding for NPR, PBS Last Thursday night, President Donald Trump issued an executive order ending federal funding for NPR and PBS, two news organizations the president has criticized as “biased and partisan.”

The executive order demands that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) “cease federal funding for NPR and PBS.” On Friday, the White House said that NPR and PBS have taken “tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds each year to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as ‘news.’”

“Unlike in 1967, when the CPB was established, today the media landscape is filled with abundant, diverse, and innovative news options,” says the executive order. “Government funding of news media in this environment is not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence.”

“Which viewpoints NPR and PBS promote does not matter. What does matter is that neither entity presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens,” Trump added.

Currently, the government gives NPR and PBS, in all, around a half a billion dollars. Less than 1% of NPR’s funding comes from federal funds, according to the organization.

The White House has criticized the two news organizations for providing left-wing coverage on several issues, including the issue of gender and illegal immigration.

“The President’s blatantly unlawful Executive Order, issued in the middle of the night, threatens our ability to serve the American public with educational programming, as we have for the past 50plus years,” said PBS CEO and President Paula Kerger. “We are currently exploring all options to allow PBS to continue to serve our member stations and all Americans.”

The CPB’s CEO and president, Patricia Harrison, rejected the executive order, asserting that the federal government has no control over the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a nonprofit organization.

“The appropriation for public broadcasting, including NPR and PBS, rep-

27

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The Week In News

MAY 8, 2025

resents less than 0.0001% of the federal budget,” said NPR CEO and President Katherine Maher. “The President’s order is an affront to the First Amendment rights of NPR and locally owned and operated stations throughout America to produce and air programming that meets the needs of their communities.”

Three CPB board members were fired recently by the White House. They were notified of their termination with a oneline email. The board members, claiming that the White House doesn’t have the power to fire them in that way, have sued the Trump administration and, for now, have refused to leave their jobs.

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28

Starbase City Howdy, welcome to Texas! The Lone Star State now has a new city: Starbase.

A vote on Saturday passed with broad support to turn part of south Texas into a new city centered around Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The incorporated city will be made up almost exclusively of SpaceX employees and people connected to the company.

The final vote tally Saturday night

was 212 in favor of incorporation and six against; only 143 votes were needed for the measure to pass.

“It’s officially statistically impossible for the measure to fail,” Cameron County Elections Administrator Remi Garza said. “Cameron County is about to have a new city.”

Musk celebrated the vote in a post on X Saturday night. “Starbase, Texas Is now a real city!” he wrote.

Shortly after the vote, an X account for the new city was created.

“Becoming a city will help us continue building the best community possible for the men and women building the future of humanity’s place in space,” the account wrote in its first post, which was reposted to SpaceX’s official account.

The new city of Starbase covers about 1½ square miles at the southern tip of Texas, a coastal spot nestled against the Mexico border. The area is home to SpaceX headquarters, and it’s where the company builds its boosters and engines and launches its huge Starship rocket on test flights.

Saturday’s election also selected Starbase’s first mayor — Bobby Pedden — and two city commissioners — Jordan Buss and Jenna Petrzelka. The candidates for all three positions ran unopposed; all

three are employees of SpaceX. There were 283 people eligible to cast ballots in Saturday’s Cameron County special election, according to county election records. Eligibility was determined based on if a resident’s home would fall within the boundaries of the proposed new city.

Warren Buffett to Retire On Saturday, at Berkshire Hathaway’s 60th annual meeting, Warren Buffett announced that he would be retiring as the company’s CEO and chairman at the end of 2025.

During the surprise announcement, Buffett, 94, also revealed that he expected Berkshire Hathaway’s vice chairman, Greg Abel, to become the trillion-dollar conglomerate’s next chief executive.

Buffett, in 2021, said that Abel would someday be his successor. However, before his retirement announcement on Saturday, the only Berkshire directors aware of his imminent plans were his children, Susan Buffett and Howard Buffett. Abel himself wasn’t aware that

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Buffett had intended to step down so soon. Previously, Buffett said that Howard would become Berkshire Hathaway’s next chairman.

Buffett clarified that, despite his retirement, he would continue to play a role at Berkshire Hathaway.

“I would still hang around and could conceivably be useful in a few cases,” Buffett said. “But the final word would be what Greg said, in operations, in capital deployment, whatever it might be.”

Abel, 62, was born and raised in the Canadian Prairies. In 2018, he joined the board and became the company’s vice chairman, leading non-insurance operations.

In 1965, Buffett gained control of Berkshire Hathaway, then a failing textile company, eventually turning it into an incredibly successful conglomerate. Now, 60 years later, Buffett’s retirement marks the end of an era.

“Warren Buffett represents everything that is good about American capitalism and America itself—investing in the growth of our nation and its businesses with integrity, optimism, and common sense,” stated JPMorgan Chase’s CEO Jamie Dimon. “I’ve learned so much from him to this very day, and I am honored to call him a friend.”

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NOTE: THE DISCOUNT WILL TAKE A FEW MONTHS UNTIL IT FULLY APPEARS ON YOUR UTILITY BILL. DURING THIS TRANSITION, YOU’LL TEMPORARILY PAY FOR YOUR SOLAR CREDITS BY CREDIT CARD, WHILE STILL RECEIVING A 25% DISCOUNT.

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What is the Solar Discount Program?

It’s a government-funded program that lets you save 25% on your utility bill by sourcing your electricity from a solar farm - no panels, or credit card - required.

What if I rent a basement apartment or plan to move?

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If I sign up for the 25% discount, will my utility rates change?

No, the 25% discount will not affect your current utility rates.

How does the solar discount work, and what happens if there isn’t enough solar energy produced?

The discount applies to your entire utility bill. Before allocating customers to a solar farm, an energy estimate ensures sufficient production for all participants.

How long does it take to get on the solar farm and start receiving the discount?

It takes about 2 months to get enrolled in a solar farm. Once you’re on, you’ll receive the 25% discount for the next 25 years.

Who is eligible for the program?

Everyone is eligible, regardless of income. However, low-income customers may be enrolled faster. In order to meet government guidelines, if someone in your household is currently on a government assistance program, providing proof (dated within a year) will make you eligible for the full 25% off your electricity bill.

What Government Programs are Eligible?

WIC, Medicaid, Free and Reduced Price School Meals, LIHEAP, SNAP, TANF, MD Energy Assistance Program, HeadStart, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), The Lifeline Program (administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company), Low Income Household Water Assistance program (LIHWAP), Maryland Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)

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Why is income considered, and will it affect my discount?

To meet government guidelines, 50% of the program participants must be low-income customers. If no household members are on any government assistance programs, then you can receive a 10% discount off of your bill.

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What if I already have solar panels?

You’ll still get the 25% discount on any remaining energy your utility provider supplies, even if you have solar panels installed.

Will any other government programs I am on be affected by joining?

No other government programs will be affected by signing up, including but not limited to WIC, MEDICAID, LIHEAP, SNAP, TANF, LIHAP etc.

What qualifies as proof of low-income status?

Any proof of participation in a government assistance program (WIC, MEDICAID, LIHEAP, SNAP, TANF, LIHAP etc.) within the last year qualifies for the discount.

Which states are eligible for the discount?

Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, (upstate) New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington D.C Once I’m signed up, how does the billing work?

During the transition, you'll get two bills: one from your utility company and one for solar credits. You’ll pay 75% of the solar credits by credit card, which will be removed once the bills are combined. After a few months, the charges will be merged into one bill with your 25% discount automatically applied.

What if I decide to cancel?

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Why is my personal information, such as my date of birth, required?

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Who regulates this program?

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Why do utility companies like BGE or PEPCO support this program?

Utility companies require renewable energy sources integrated into the grid. Programs like this help them secure long-term energy at fixed rates, which supports price stability and benefits customers through more predictable energy costs.

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32

Torah Thought

How Much Do You Weigh?

By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

O

f all the numerous laws outlined in Kedoshim, only one concludes with the assertion: I am Hashem, your G-d, Who brought you forth from the land of Egypt. (Vayikra 19 36) The Sifra sees in this singling out of the command to ‘maintain proper weights and measures’ from all others, as indicating that this one is ‘the sole reason why we left Egypt’.

The Talmud sees in this concluding verse an additional message.

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During the plague of the Killing of the Firstborn, G-d discerned between the drop [of seed that led to the conception] of a firstborn and the drop [of seed that did] not [lead to the conception] of a firstborn.

G-d thus warned, “[Likewise,] I am the One faithful to exact punishment upon someone who secretly stores his weights in salt [thus altering their weight] in order to defraud people who do not recognize them [as weights that have been tampered with.]” (Bava Metzia 61b) Rashi elucidates that this refers to specifically the death of those who were not necessarily the first child born to their mothers but were nevertheless the first conceived through their fathers. Evidently the mother who already bore a child to her ‘husband’ engaged in adultery with other men, bearing them their children as well. Although they were not aware of this deviation, thinking they were one happy family, they too were deemed ‘firstborns’ and died in the plague. Only G-d was capable of being privy to this information. And that same G-d will exact punishment from those who seek to conceal their misdeeds.

How is this detail alluded in the verse that states G-d ‘brought us forth from Egypt’?

This lesson though is perhaps one of the greatest lessons derived from the story.

This was merely an important detail in the story, but not necessarily that which ‘brought them out of Egypt’?

Each one of us is unique and individually responsible to bring to fruition our role in the world, regardless of whatever murky circumstances we may arise from.

The Mechilta points out it was these ‘children’ who compelled Pharaoh to send out the Jews immediately, as they feared it was not only the firstborn that would die, but rather the entire male populace, as evidenced in these children’s deaths even though they were not apparently firstborns.

So, in truth it was precisely this episode that led to the Jews exodus!

Why couldn’t they figure out on their own that perhaps they too were firstborns? Was it so preposterous in that decadent land to suspect that this was the case?

Clearly, they could not fathom that G-d would consider these ‘accidents of birth’ who lived their lives up until this point oblivious to this newfound status — as ‘firstborns’.

They simply could not accept a notion of a G-d attending to them as special individuals distinct from others.

The counterpart to the decimated Egyptian firstborns — the Jewish firstborns — must be redeemed even though they may have been born through an illegitimate marriage, and thus Mamzeirim — illegitimate children, emphasizing their maintaining a special relationship with G-d, despite their dark past.

In the law related to the use of weights and measures — instruments purported to represent accuracy and truth — if one abuses that tool in promoting self-interest in the guise of honesty, one has perpetrated the crime of erasing the very inherent nobility and connection to the One whose image we are forged with, denying our exquisite relationship with Him. All other sins are acts of compulsion or impulse, and although one is accountable, can be understood. But the portraying of greed in the guise of truth and integrity, is inexcusable and so grievous a sin that it tears apart the very essence of our soul and being — our raison d’etre.

We were taken out of Egypt to realize how we are each intimately connected to, and guided by G-d.

Although we may lapse at times despite that status, we must never ever forget who we are, and what we stand for. We can be forgiven for our impulses, but not for abusing the very seal of G-d — Emes / Truth — for personal gain.

The Talmud adds there are two more misrepresentations we are accountable for in addition to falsifying our weights.

One who claims he is lending money with interest merely as the

agent of a gentile lender — when it is truly his own money, as well as one who dyes his Tzizis with blue dye of vegetal origin (Indigo), feigning true Techeiles, will be dealt with and punished likewise.

The holy Munkatcher Rebbe castigated those ‘Shayna Yidden’ among the Jewish lay leadership who seek honor and glory for their contributions, even while that degrade their stature when engaging in questionable behavior under the guise of all sorts of claimed ‘hetterim’, like the disguised usurer.

He similarly took to task the businessmen who feign honesty with all sorts of subterfuge, comparing them to those who tamper with their weights.

Sparing no one, he admonished those Rebbes, Roshei Yeshivos and Rabbinic leaders, who falsely claim righteousness and scholarship, donning garments whose ‘colors’ are poor cover-ups for their moral deficiencies — the purveyors of false Techeiles.

We must each ask ourselves how honestly, we weigh our attitudes and measure up our character to the standards of pure Emes that is worthy of a people who each have an exquisite relationship with Hashem.

It is only when we behold this truth that we deserve to be redeemed.

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

33

PARSHA OVERVIEW

Torah parks S Inspiration. Everywhere.

on

Parshas Acharei/Kedoshim

Quote

”

“Far from being simple or naïve, hope demands, creates and is the expression of indomitable moral courage”

Rabbi Lord J. Sacks zt”l

GEMATRIA

The gematria of ‫ וחי בהם‬- and you shall live by them - is 71, the same as ‫ יונה‬- a dove.

The Jewish people are compared to a dove, which Chazal say is an animal that is very loyal to its mate.

Our loyalty with Hashem is manifested when we "live" by the Torah and mitzvos!

His shiurim and other Jewish content can be found on Torah Anytime and Meaningful Minute.

He can be reached at 443-938-0822 or oristrum@torahsparks.com

The same is true in life. How do you know when someone is truly alive?

Also simple. When you see that he is able to swim against the current; the current of societal pressure and western ideology.

The Torah tells us ‫ ובחקתיהם לא תלכו‬you shall not go in their ways. Just two pesukim later, the Torah says ‫וחי‬ ‫ בהם‬- you shall live by them.

Perhaps, these ideas are linked. When a yid swims against the current ‫ ובחקתיהם לא תלכו‬- then that shows he is truly alive - ‫ !וחי בהם‬There is a powerful message here. We - as Jews are meant to swim against the current of whatever the rest of the world is projecting to us as truth.

Today, more than ever, the battle with the Yetzer Hara is a battle of ‫אמת‬ (truth) vs. ‫( שקר‬falsehood), and it is up to us to be the ambassadors of truth and teach the world what is real. Let us be like the fish and swim against the strong current of falsehood, and instead, let us embrace the Torah!

Have a holy Shabbos!

Thoughts in Chassidus In the Sefer Od Yosef Chai, Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, explains that ‫ וחי בהם‬teaches us how we live through the mitzvos.

Literally.

The 248 limbs correspond to the 248 mitzvos aseh, and the 365 sinews correspond to the 365 mitzvos lo sa'aseh.

As such, we must be careful to perform ALL the mitzvos!

Points to Ponder The names of the Parshios always have meaning and importance. This week, we read Acharei Mos, a reference to death, and Kedoshim, a reference to holiness.

Can you draw a parallel between the names of the Parshios? What lesson does “Acharei Mos” teach us that will enable us to live as “Kedoshim” people?

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

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Rabbi Ori Strum is the author of “Ready. Set. Grow.” “Dove Tales,” and “Karpas: The Big Dipper.”

How do you know when a fish is alive?

Simple. When you see the fish swimming against the current, you KNOW the fish must be alive.

Pesukim - 80/64 Words - 1,170/868 Letters - 4,294/3,229 Mitzvos - 28/51

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Prohibition of entering Holy of Holies. The Yom Kippur service.

Laws of forbidden relationships.

Clarification of basic Torah laws.

Laws of personal sanctity, honesty, and respect.

Punishments for transgressions.

34

Beyond the Headlines A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news

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MAY 8, 2025

By Sivan Rahav Meir The Ketubah that Served Two Couples Ruchama Hershkovitz is the mother of Yossi Hershkovitz, the highly esteemed principal of a Jerusalem high school who fell in battle in Gaza. On Holocaust Remembrance Day, she and her husband Yaakov led a session of ‘Zikaron Ba’Salon’ [a social initiative of informal gatherings in private homes] speaking about Yaakov’s parents’ Holocaust experience.

People from across the spectrum of Israeli society came to hear Yaakov speak movingly about the self-sacrifice and faith of his mother, Chaya, a Holocaust survivor, who would give up her nightly cup of diluted coffee in the camps so that she that could use it to fulfill the mitzvah of netilat yadayim in the morning. Yaakov’s parents survived the Holocaust, married, and made Aliyah.

The presentation had been prepared by Yossi, of blessed memory, who researched the Holocaust and was very close to his grandmother.

At the end of the evening, Yaakov showed the audience his parents’ ketubah, relating how they had held onto their faith under horrific circumstances, and had subsequently produced 254 descendants, including 43 great-grandchildren.

At the conclusion of Yaakov’s presentation, a young woman approached him. “I’m planning to get married in a month from now,” she shared. “I originally had no intention of marrying in accordance with Jewish law, but after hearing about your mother, I’ve changed my mind. I want to get married as she did, with a ketubah.” The woman’s mother also came up to Yaakov and told him, “This has been a painful issue in our home for several months. And now, you have solved the problem.”

Ruchama summarized the experience: “My husband Yaakov’s mother survived the Holocaust and passed away. Our son, Yossi fell in the war.

And now, in their merit, a new couple will establish another Jewish home.”

The Fear Behind the Frame A teenage girl recently stopped me at a gas station to take a selfie. I’ve gotten used to the way teens often

contort their faces in photos—deliberately making themselves look odd or unappealing. I think that this practice is usually rooted in insecurity or body image struggles. One girl once gave me a painfully honest explanation: “If I make fun of myself first, then others won’t do it online.”

But the girl at the gas station showed me something new. She held up her phone, positioned me at the center of the shot—and then shifted herself almost entirely out of the frame. I moved over to give her space, but she refused to step in. Only her ear and a tiny part of one eye were visible. The message was unmistakable: she was ashamed of being seen.

Not just of how she looked, but of her very presence.

This isn’t just her personal issue. It’s a reflection of a wider, troubling trend.

Last Shabbat marked the date of death of the extraordinary Israeli poet Zelda. One of her young relatives, David Zvi Hilman, was privileged to receive letters from her. Long before the selfie era, before filters and TikTok, she wrote to him about something deeper: true self-worth and spiritual independence.

“You were created to bring happiness into the world, and to receive sacred, genuine love,” Zelda wrote to him before his bar mitzvah. “Sometimes I think the darkest and most terrible sin is when a person thinks poorly of themselves. That’s not humility—it’s weakness. It’s a retreat from life, and I believe that building a life is one of Judaism’s deepest foundations. Nurture a love for your inner Divine spark and your talents—they are droplets from the Source of eternity. I believe in your strength and in your future. Life can—and should— be precious and magnificent.”

If I could find that girl again, I’d read her those words.

Last week’s Torah portion says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

But before we can truly love others, there’s a basic assumption: that we first love ourselves.

Why Are We So Happy?

“Why Are Israelis So Happy?”

That’s the title of a recent piece by former Soviet refusenik Natan Sharansky and historian Gil Troy, published in Tablet magazine. In it, the authors explore a surprising finding: According to the newly released 2025 World Happiness Report, Israel ranks eighth among the happiest countries in the world.

This would be remarkable in any year—but especially now. In the wake of a devastating war that has claimed the lives of over 1,800 people, Israel has still managed to outpace countries like the United States (ranked 23rd) and Britain (24th), while war-torn Ukraine sits at 111 and Lebanon near the bottom at 145. Even more striking: 91% of Israelis surveyed said they were satisfied with their lives.

So, what’s the secret? Sharansky and Troy offer three key explanations: 1. Affirming Life In the shadow of tragedy, Israel has experienced a baby boom. While birth rates in most Western countries continue to decline, Israelis are embracing life—literally—by bringing new children into the world. This deep-seated resilience, a refusal to surrender to despair, is woven into the national fabric.

2. Living Tradition A staggering 96% of Israelis recently participated in a Passover Seder—the oldest continually observed ritual in the Western world. For Jews, tradition is not a relic of the past but a living inheritance. The Passover story is

not remembered; it is re-lived. As Sharansky and Troy note, “Prayers, songs, food, and other rituals invite Jews to see themselves as having been personally redeemed.” Despite deep political rifts, Israelis remain bound by a shared story and a collective mission: to pass that story on.

3. Meaning and Hope While youth in many Western nations struggle with an epidemic of despair— losing pride in their countries and stories—Israeli children are steeped in meaning. Schoolchildren conduct shorashim (roots) projects, exploring their family history. Mourning rituals for fallen soldiers and terror victims are public, communal, and deeply moving. Thousands turn out to comfort bereaved families—often strangers—and the grieving respond by building “living monuments” that carry their loved ones’ values forward.

Inspirational quotes from the fallen are printed on bumper stickers and shared across the country, offering daily reminders of courage and purpose.

For Sharansky, this national clarity of identity, peoplehood, and history echoes the values that sustained him during his imprisonment in the Soviet Gulag. He concludes with a message for the West: Learn from Israel.

Strengthen your sense of community, of connectedness, of historical pride.

In short—learn to love your country.

Translated by Yehoshua Siskin, Janine Muller Sherr Want to read more by Sivan Rahav Meir? Google The Daily Thought or visit sivanrahavmeir.com

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Sunday Sunday Iyar 6

Iyar 13

OMER: Count 29

Iyar 20

Monday Iyar 7

Iyar 14

3

‫שבועות‬

Sivan 7

OMER: Count 45

Iyar 29

OMER: Count 38

Iyar 22

OMER: Count 31

Iyar 15

Iyar 8

Tuesday

27

20

13

6

4

28

21

14

7

5

Sivan 9

OMER: Count 47

Next BJH Issue

Sivan 2

OMER: Count 40

Next BJH Issue

Israel EduExpo see page 3

Iyar 24

OMER: Count 33

Next BJH Issue

Iyar 17

OMER: Count 26

Iyar 10

Thursday Thursday

29

22

15

8

6

30

23

16

9

Saturday

OMER: Count 28

Iyar 12

OMER: Count 27

‫פרשת‬ ‫קדושים‬-‫ אחרי מות‬8:54PM

10

7:50PM

Iyar 19

17

‫פרשת אמור‬

9:02PM

OMER: Count 35

7:56PM

Iyar 26

OMER: Count 42

24 OMER: Count 41

Sivan 4

7

‫פרשת במדבר‬

9:20PM

Sivan 11

9:15 PM

OMER: Count 49

‫פרשת נשא‬

31

‫בחקתי‬-‫ פרשת בהר‬9:09PM

Sivan 10

8:08PM

OMER: Count 48

Sivan 3

8:02PM

Iyar 25

OMER: Count 34

Iyar 18

Iyar 11

Friday

Iyar/Sivan

2025 May/June

Sivan 8

OMER: Count 46

‫ראש חודש‬

Sivan 1

OMER: Count 39

Iyar 23

OMER: Count 32

Iyar 16

Iyar 9

Wednesday

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 5

12 TAG Baltimore Fundraising Campaign see front cover LTC Ally Career Event in Israel see page 13

Sivan 6

OMER: Count 44

Iyar 28

OMER: Count 37

Iyar 21

OMER: Count 30

JES Educator Awards Ceremony

19

26

2

‫שבועות‬

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

4

11

18

OMER: Count 36

Iyar 27

Sivan 5

OMER: Count 43

Shearith Israel Centennial Celebration see back cover

25

MAY 8, 2025

1 ‫ערב שבועות‬

8:13PM

Zmanim are courtesy of MyZmanim and are for the 21209 area. Havdalah Zmanim are at 40 minutes past Shkiah.

To have your future event listed in the Community Calendar please contact Ads@BaltimoreJewishHome.com

WWW.THEBJH.COM 36

Baltimore Weekday Minyanim Guide

Shacharis

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 M-F S-F M-F M, Th M, TH M, TH M, TH

M-F S, T, W, F T, W, F S T, W, F T, W, F S S T, W, F M-F S, T, W, F S, M, TH T, W, F M-F T, W, F M-F

7:05 AM Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) 7:15 AM Kedushas Yisrael Kol Torah Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) Ner Israel Rabbinical College

M, TH S S S, T, W, F S-F

For edits, additions, or sponsorships, email ads@baltimorejewishhome.com

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

7:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring Agudath Israel of Baltimore Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Chabad of Park Heights Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Darchei Tzedek Kedushas Yisrael Khal Bais Nosson Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Shomrei Emunah Congregation

S S, T, W, F S S-F S-F S S S S S-F S S-F S S-F S, T, W, F T, W, F

7:45 AM Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Talmudical Academy Darchei Tzedek Mesivta Kesser Torah Mesivta Shaarei Chaim 7:50 AM Derech Chaim Ner Tamid Ohel Moshe

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

8:00 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore 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

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

8:15 AM Kehilath B'nai Torah Kol Torah 8:20 AM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim 8:25 AM Ohr Chadash Academy (School Days Only) 8:30 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Chabad Israeli Center Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) Ohel Moshe Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Shomrei Emunah Congregation Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh 9:00 AM Aish Kodesh Agudath Israel of Baltimore Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Beth Tfiloh Congregation Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Shomrei Emunah Congregation Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

S S S-F S-F S-F S S-F S S S-F S S S-F S S S S S-F S-F

Mincha

Mincha Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Gedolah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/Tzemach Tzedek 1:50 PM Ohel Moshe 1 South Street, 27th 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 Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 3:05 PM Kedushas Yisrael 3:15 PM Hat Box 3:22 PM Ohr Chadash Academy (School Days Only, Call to Confirm) 3:30 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 4:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th) Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 4:30 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 5:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 5:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 6:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Shearith Israel Congregation (S-Th) 6:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 10 Min Before ShkiAh Chabad Israeli Center 14 Min Before ShkiAh Kol Torah

Mincha/Maariv Plag

Ohel Yaakov Shomrei Emunah Congregation Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

Mincha/Maariv Before Shkiah Aish Kodesh Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudah of Greenspring Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Beth Abraham Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Darchei Tzedek Kehillas Meor HaTorah Kehilath B’nai Torah Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Machzikei Torah (Sternhill’s) 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 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 8:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore 8:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore 8:45 PM 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

9:20 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 Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek 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 11:30 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 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 Kehillas Meor HaTorah - 6539 Pebble Brooke Rd Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek - 6811 Park Heights Ave Khal Bais Nosson - 2901 Taney Rd 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 - 3800 Labyrinth Rd 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 Chadash Academy - 7310 Park Heights Avenue 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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7:00 AM Aish Kodesh (upstairs Minyan) Agudath Israel of Baltimore Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Kol Torah Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh The Shul at the Lubavitch Center Tiferes Yisroel

7:20 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Beth Tfiloh Congregation Kol Torah Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Shomrei Emunah Congregation

Mincha

MAY 8, 2025

6:20 AM Agudah of Greenspring M, TH Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S-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 6:25 AM The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel T, W, F 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 6:45 AM B”H and Mesivta of Baltimore (Dirshu Minyan) S-F Beth Abraham M, TH Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue 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

T, W, F S S S M-F

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] Ohel Yakov 6:00 AM Shomrei Emunah Congregation 6:10 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore 6:15 AM Kol Torah Shearith Israel Congregation The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel Neitz

Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel Tzeirei Anash

37

38

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

MAY 8, 2025

Parenting Pearls

Learning Success

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

F

ormal education is a major part of childhood, with kids spending the majority of their waking hours in school. Children are primed for learning with this being their primary task. Even outside the school building, families are focused on homework, studying for exams and school projects. Upon meeting a new child, one of the first questions an adult will ask is “what school are you in?” or “who is your rebbi/morah?”.

While we often focus on school-based education, one could easily argue that a significant portion of their learning will take place outside of school. This isn’t to belittle the crucial role of formal education but to highlight the many life lessons children learn outside the classroom.

As adults, life itself is the classroom Hakadosh Baruch Hu designed for us.

We go through each day, learning lessons and growing as we encounter each new situation. Children, too, learn at home, in the playground, in camp and everywhere they go.

Recognizing and incorporating these opportunities into our child’s day can yield significant benefits. Additionally, parents may find it meaningful to contribute to their child’s development in these crucial areas. We, too, should get the nachas that comes from being a part of their learning during these growing years.

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Seeing Success Success breeds success, and children need to feel a sense of accomplishment to encourage themselves further. There is a quote from basketball, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Often, those who are the most successful aren’t necessarily the most talented but simply those who believe in themselves and try.

Children who don’t feel success in school can struggle with feelings of being “less than.” They may feel pushed down or like a failure. It’s our job to give them opportunities to succeed and recognize their capabilities. Whether it’s signing them up for a sports league, giving them a task we know they will do well or something else they can excel in, we can give

them the chance to accomplish outside of school. Giving them the ability to trust in themselves may be the biggest gift towards their ability to aim for goals and succeed.

The summer is an incredible opportunity to give these children another means of seeing themselves as the competent individuals they are. Camp and other settings introduce them to a new group of peers and areas in which they can excel.

Improve School School is not only a main venue for a child’s education; it’s also a source of a child’s self-concept. Being successful in school is interpreted as being successful in life, along with the opposite negative perception when they’re not doing well.

With the importance of school, we understand there are serious concerns when children are struggling in this part of their life. The first and primary goal is to improve a child’s school situation.

It’s important to do whatever we can to help – even if the problems won’t be fully solved. I want to reiterate the importance of any improvement or step to better their school experience.

The school’s staff is no stranger to the idea that children can struggle and parents should not feel embarrassed to reach out. These educational professionals are the best people to address these particular concerns. As we near the end of another school year, now is the time to evaluate what has worked and what could be improved for the upcoming year.

A World of Learning Most adults are not in school but that does not mean our growth is stagnant.

We are continuously learning and growing. Regardless of if a child is struggling in school, we can – and should – make their home environment one in which learning is natural.

We set the example. When we are growing as people our children will follow.

In a home where reading, seeking knowledge, attending shiurim/classes and curiosity are encouraged, children will recognize this as normal and do the same.

We can share what we’re learning, ask questions, and discuss interesting topics. Kids and teens don’t like being lectured to, and we should avoid giving this impression. If we keep it conversational and interesting, we will be more likely to catch their attention and not turn them away.

Life Skills There are many life skills that children need. Going into adulthood, children will need to be independent and capable of functioning. As parents, we should always incorporate these practical skills into our child’s life curriculum.

I’ll include only a few examples, but any skill we use in our daily life should be passed on to the next generation.

Personal finances and practical math are important but not as easily transmitted in a classroom. Even children who understand addition and subtraction may have trouble bringing those skills into the grocery store, being unable to estimate if they have enough money to purchase their treat – and then we tell them about taxes! Savings and checking accounts, yearly income taxes (an upsetting revelation for any teen employee), rent/mortgages and health insurance are all realities they will face and need to understand.

Basic home repairs, cooking, cleaning, laundry and other domestic skills are best taught at home. Both boys and girls need to learn this area of life as they will inevitably encounter these situations. Beyond the practical necessity,

these hands-on skills allow children to see visible results from their efforts, leaving them with a sense of accomplishment and proficiency.

Social skills and learning to interact with others is a skill that will last a lifetime. Relationships are not only a major part of life but also a source of enjoyment and positive emotional health. Much of our happiness and contentment comes from our interactions and relationships with those around us.

In school, many kids learn to interact with their peers. There are a number of children who will not learn these crucial skills in a classroom environment. Perhaps they are not naturally social or their peer group isn’t a good fit. There are any number of reasons why children may need to be actively taught social skills, but we can’t forget this important area of their development. In many ways, this may be one of the most crucial areas we work on to ensure their future happiness and success.

Every moment of life is a gift and one that can be used to grow as individuals.

While spiritual development is high in our priorities, building skills and improving ourselves and our children in all areas helps to ensure a lifetime of success and happiness.

Sara Rayvych, MSEd, has her master’s in general and special education. She has been homeschooling for over 10 years in Far Rockaway. She can be contacted at RayvychHomeschool@gmail.com.

39

School of

Thought

Q:

Dear Etti, This past week, my daughter’s school gave out the state tests. My daughter was so anxious, and everyone in the carpool was also. She told me that the grade doesn’t even go on her report card, but she was still so stressed out.

Should I just keep her home next time?

What do you advise?

- Stressed for My Stressed-Out Child

Mrs. Etti Siegel holds an MS in Teaching and Learning/Educational Leadership and brings sound teaching advice to her audiences culled from her over 35 years of teaching and administrative experience. She is an Adjunct at the College of Mount Saint Vincent/Sara Shenirer. She is a coach and educational consultant for Catapult Learning, is a sought-after mentor and workshop presenter around the country, and a popular presenter for Sayan (a teacher-mentoring program), Hidden Sparks, and the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools. She is a frequent contributor to Hamechanech Magazine and The Journal for Jewish Day School leaders. She will be answering your education-based questions and writing articles weekly for The Jewish Home. Mrs. Siegel can be reached at ettisiegel@gmail.com.

WWW.THEBJH.COM

can grow through effort. “When subtle, can be internalized deepwe give kids the message that they ly and shape how children view Opting out of can grow their abilities by facing themselves for years to come. challenges and learning from Child psychologist Dr. Lisa tests may feel mistakes, we prepare them for a Damour echoes this in her book lifetime of resilience and perseverUnder Pressure, where she dislike kindness in ance,” she writes. Allowing chiltinguishes between harmful, the moment, but dren to face testing, with guidance overwhelming stress and healthy, and compassion, reinforces this growth-producing stress. “Stress it can also deny empowering belief: I can handle is not the enemy,” she writes. “It’s hard things. Opting out of tests often the vehicle for growth.” children the may feel like kindness in the moShe encourages parents to rechance to prove ment, but it can also deny children frame challenges like state testing the chance to prove to themselves not as crises to avoid but as expeto themselves that they can overcome anxiety, riences to navigate with support. work through difficulty, and come Facing anxiety-producing events out stronger on the other side. with gentle coaching and encourOf course, none of this means we should ignore or agement can actually increase a child’s confidence and emotional resilience. “When we help kids face manage- downplay anxiety. The goal is not to dismiss children’s feelings, but to coach them through rather than rescue able challenges, we also help them build confidence in their ability to navigate the world,” she writes. “Protec- them from hard things. We should be providing tools like breathing exercises, time management skills, reframing tion becomes overprotection when it undermines our negative thoughts, and not removing the challenge. Supchildren’s capacity to function.” porting children through discomfort is how they come Avoiding state tests altogether may provide short-term to see themselves as capable. relief, but in the long run, it can unintentionally rob chilSchool testing, though certainly not the only way dren of an opportunity to build confidence in their own to cultivate grit, offers a practical and age-appropriate coping mechanisms. Stress related to performance, when setting for children to encounter challenge, experience handled with guidance and care, can be a valuable teacher. As the American Psychological Association points out, pressure, and learn to manage it constructively.

If your child is generally healthy and the anxiety is resilience isn’t about avoiding stress but learning how to situational, not chronic or debilitating, consider viewing recover from it. Helping children prepare for tests, manthe testing experience as one more step in their emoage time, deal with nerves, and reflect on the experience tional and academic development. Life will inevitably afterward are all ways to turn testing into a growth opbring bigger, harder tests. Helping your child learn to portunity, not just a measure of performance. meet them with courage now is one of the greatest gifts If we always remove the discomfort, we deny children you can give. the opportunity to discover that they can cope, adapt, Believe in your child and show her that you think her and even thrive under pressure. Tests can be framed as best is all she needs to do. learning experiences, not just academic ones, but emotional ones as well.

Hatzlacha, Dr. Carol Dweck, known for her work Growth MindEtti set, reminds us that kids need to believe their abilities

MAY 8, 2025

A:

Dear Stressed, A smart person once told me that “we are only as happy as our unhappiest child.” It is true for pain and stress as well.

I get it. It’s completely natural for parents to feel concerned when their child experiences anxiety, especially around high-stakes situations like state testing. The instinct to protect our children is deeply rooted in love and care.

But we need to be careful not to love and care too much!

There is a growing consensus among educators and psychologists that while some stress should be addressed and supported, avoiding it altogether may hinder a child’s ability to develop crucial life skills, particularly grit, perseverance, and resilience.

Dr. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, defines grit as “passion and sustained persistence applied toward long-term achievement.” In her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, she argues that one of the most reliable predictors of success is not talent or intelligence but the ability to stick with difficult tasks and push through failure and frustration.

If we remove every stressful or demanding experience from a child’s path, we risk sending the message that discomfort is something to avoid at all costs. Opting children out of testing to shield them from stress can unintentionally send a very different message, one that says, “You can’t handle this.”

Abigail Shrier, journalist and author of Bad Therapy and Irreversible Damage, speaks powerfully about the subconscious messages adults send when we remove all struggle from children’s lives. She argues that while our intentions may be protective, our actions can actually communicate a lack of faith in their strength. “When we constantly intervene to spare them discomfort, we’re telling them they’re fragile,” she writes. “We’re saying: You can’t do it. You won’t make it through. You need someone else to protect you from the world.” That message, though

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

By Etti Siegel

40

Tech

Triumphs

As told to Rebbetzin Sara Gross

W

ho says I have to be available every moment of my day? Response time has shortened into almost no time at all.

When I was contemplating switching from a smartphone to a flip phone, I was worried about response time.

Let’s say I need to Zelle something right away or check my email and there is no computer nearby? These concerns were on my mind along with others.

When I made the switch, I decided that it was okay to have a delayed response. I could Zelle someone when I got to a computer later that evening.

Checking my email in the morning and the evening was also just fine.

What I did not expect was the smug

satisfaction it gave me that I was my own boss. I was in control of my time and when I took care of things.

Looking around at the smartphone users I see, I notice a frenzied need to check for messages constantly and be available and beholden to everyone but themselves. The freedom I feel is wonderful and liberating. I can choose when I want to be available.

DID YOU KNOW: With the recent rise in podcast popularity has come the surge of Jewish podcasts—audio and video productions from within our community covering everything from daily Torah learning to casual schmoozing. Whether this reflects our communal growth or decline is debatable, but one thing is certain: it

raises serious digital safety concerns.

A primary issue is how people access these podcasts. Many listen through major platforms like YouTube and Spotify. But in exchange for hearing a shiur or an interesting discussion, these platforms expose listeners—or their children—to a vast amount of inappropriate content. This can appear as content that auto-plays when you finish your selection, related links, or easily searchable material right alongside the podcast itself.

Thankfully, several podcast and audio apps now offer only Jewish content, creating a much safer experience.

Still, even within Jewish podcasting, not all content is created equal. Some shows offer inspiration or helpful information, while others simply provide a

lighthearted break. But some delve into sensitive or mature topics that are not suitable for children, or even inappropriate speech and gossip. Since most content online isn’t moderated, even platforms limited to Jewish material require discretion. Ultimately, we must be our own advocates—for our children’s safety and our own. Approach podcasts thoughtfully and with caution to ensure a safe and meaningful listening experience for your family.

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

MAY 8, 2025

Constant Contact

Advertise your business in this space - Reach thousands in the heart of the Community!

41

Elementary School

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HIRING

MAY 8, 2025

2nd/3rd Grade Assistant Positions PT/FT Through the end of the current school year For the 2025-2026 School Year

Upper & Lower Elementary General Studies Teaching and Assistant positions P/T and/or FT

SEND YOUR RESUME: TGOTTLIEB@TALMUDICALACADEMY.ORG

Competitive Compensation

Disability & Life Insurance Plans

Group Dental Plans

Qualified Tuition Reduction

Group Dental Plans

Highly Subsidized JCC Membership

Cafeteria Plan for Vision, Dental and Dependant Care

Highly Subsidized JCC Membership

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Benefits!

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

MAY 8, 2025

Voice N

tes

Weak Leadership, Weak Budget, Weak Mask Law

By Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip

A

s a black woman in New York State, I believe there are protections in place to protect myself and my family from intimidation and violence. But, as a Jew, our new state budget has a weak and pathetic mask law that says, “We don’t care.” In fact, it gives a green light to masked protesters who

prey upon Jews throughout our State.

The fact that my family, and all Jews in New York State, continue to be put at risk from masked thugs, terror supporters and protestors doesn’t matter to our Governor.

She clearly refuses to see the protests on our college campuses and in

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the streets. She must have been too distracted to see the anarchy in Crown Heights over the past few days. And, she must have forgotten what happened on the subway when students were threatened by a mask-wearing terror supporter who announced that Zionists had to get off the subway.

During Covid, the mask law was repealed by the Governor and State legislature. This, in effect, took the mask law off the books. It was done at the height of the pandemic for health and safety reasons. That action was never revisited and fixed. It should have been, but there again, is State government at work.

Thus, action had to be taken.

It should be noted that mask laws were enacted to protect minority groups from the KKK. They were developed to take the sheets off the heads of those committing violence, intimidation, menacing and crime.

As the author of the Nassau County Mask Law, I built the legislation by reinstating the prior law and enhancing it. We added medical, religious and holiday usage. I made it a priority to address the issues that are plaguing our college campuses and Jewish neighborhoods by giving law enforcement tools to engage proactively. I listened to law enforcement, advocates and learned law scholars and built upon over 170 years of New York State Law in bringing back the mask law.

So, what did our Governor and State Legislative leaders do? They ducked the problem and simply said that penalties could only be leveled if a suspect is charged with a class A misdemeanor

or anything more serious. In fact, according to reports, their law only swings into action once there is either a crime or victim.

Their action is weak and does nothing to address the problem. How could they come up with such an agreement?

The answer is simple. Our State government has been hijacked by people who live in a dream world and live in fear of the politics from the far left. So, the Jews are expendable.

I would challenge them, as a woman of color and a Jew, to have simply framed this issue as one impacting, Asian, Latino, African American or those who live alternative lifestyles. We all know what the Governor and legislative leaders would have done. They would have been protesting on the streets. They would have demanded justice, and they would not have stopped until the mask law was reinstated. But, they didn’t. The reason? They don’t care.

Instead, our Governor rolled over to the far left in the State Legislature. Senators and assemblymembers cowered in their offices hoping the storm would pass. It has not, and it will not. Even the sponsor of the bill, Senator James Skoufis, is underwhelmed by the result. He said, “We are at least doing something.

It’s narrower than I would’ve liked.”

That’s putting it mildly.

Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip represents the 10th Legislative District in Nassau County including Great Neck and Manhasset. She is the author of the Nassau County Mask Transparency Act.

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A New Medical Discipline in Israel: How to Receive Hostages

By Johnatan Reiss and Isabel Kershner

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

MAY 8, 2025

Israel Today

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J

ERUSALEM — A woman recently released after more than 15 months of captivity in the Gaza Strip refused any medical tests one day at the Israeli hospital that received her.

The doctors were delighted.

“We canceled a whole day’s schedule,” said professor Noa Eliakim-Raz, who heads the department that receives hostages at Beilinson Hospital near Tel Aviv.

The woman’s ability to retake control indicated progress after months at the mercy of her Hamas captors.

This was one of the small victories doctors say they have seen as dozens of freed hostages transition back to everyday life.

For over a year, a team from Israel’s medical, military and social welfare systems has been updating a manual based on what it has learned about helping hostages readjust.

There were few precedents to learn from, officials said, especially as the captives ranged in age from infants to octogenarians.

“We are now writing the theory,” said Eti Kisos, a deputy director general at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs.

About 250 people were seized during the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that set off the devastating war in Gaza. More than 100 hostages were released during a brief ceasefire that November, and Hamas returned 30 more living hostages this year before a shaky ceasefire collapsed.

Many were held in dark tunnels while shackled and deprived of food, according to relatives, doctors and their own testimony. Up to 24 living hostages remain in Gaza. Here’s a look at how the released hostages have been received back in Israel.

Psychologists, Hairdressers and Smartphones After the Red Cross transferred hostages from Hamas gunmen to Israeli forces in Gaza, a mental health professional with the military accompanied them to their first point of reentry — an army facility on the Israeli side of the border.

Physical contact is reserved for those who request it. Some ask for a hug.

“We learned from other countries’ experience that it was essential to enable them a gradual transition process and not

to flood them with stimuli,” said Lt. Col. Uzi, a military mental health officer who agreed only to be referred to by his first name because of the sensitivity of his role.

At the base, the released hostages had their first taste of freedom. One asked to see herself in the mirror, Uzi said. Others asked for nail polish or a comb. Some speak little, while others are eager to share their experiences.

After something light to eat and drink and some time to adjust, they are reunited with close family members.

Often for the first time since they were captured, the released hostages get choices. “What do you want to eat, drink? What kind of clothes to wear, what colors, what sizes? Where to meet their families and to shower before or after?” said Col. Avi Benov, a doctor and deputy chief of the military’s medical corps. He called the gradual transition from captivity to freedom “grounding.”

Health experts also compare it to decompression, the way a diver returns to the surface.

After an initial physical and mental health assessment, returnees can make

phone calls and use the services of a hairdresser, barber or beautician.

At first, only gradual exposure to communications and social media was recommended. But some of the younger hostages found it therapeutic to reconnect with the outside world. Now, every returning hostage is offered a new smartphone.

On their return, some receive difficult news about loved ones who remain in captivity or were killed in the October attack.

One Israeli hostage, Or Levy, was freed in early February. He was abducted as he and his wife, Einav, fled the Nova music festival, where more than 380 people were killed. Military officers broke the news to him that she had been killed, his brother, Michael Levy, said in an interview.

Learning to Eat Again The next stop is a dedicated, secluded wing at one of the three hospitals set up to receive hostages, where multidisciplinary civilian teams await.

At Beilinson Hospital, each returnee is assigned a dietitian, according to EliakimRaz. Weight and muscle grip are checked, and diets are individually tailored.

45 colored ottomans. Towels were rolled up on beds, spa style.

Initial Elation, a Long Recovery Many hostages came back with physical injuries and shrapnel in their bodies, doctors and relatives say. Some require complicated surgery.

“There’s immense joy that the nightmare is over,” she said, “and then, many times, there’s a downfall.”

The first days of freedom are “euphoric,” said Kisos, the welfare ministry official. “Adrenaline is at its peak. There’s immense joy that the nightmare is over,” she said, “and then, many times, there’s a downfall.”

The initial smiles and social media posts can be deceptive, concealing deep trauma. Insomnia and nightmares are common. Some released hostages fall ill.

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slippers, mini-fridges, potted plants, recovery teddy bears and phone chargers, the hospital said in a statement sent to journalists.

Also available: private dining facilities for family meals made by chefs, as well as beauty treatments, manicures and pedicures.

Sheba Medical Center, near Tel Aviv, issued images of lounge areas it had prepared with pastel couches and brightly

and now the body is allowing itself to react,” Kisos said.

Once discharged from the hospital, the returnees are assigned a social worker who can provide emotional support and help with bureaucracy.

“Their trust in the systems, in the state has been shaken,” said Rosi Neuman, a social worker who has accompanied released hostages.

Levy was discharged from the hospital after about 10 days and moved, together with his 3-year-old son, into an apartment provided by authorities. “He went back to being a dad very fast,” his brother said.

Another hostage, Eli Sharabi, came back Feb. 8 to find that his wife and two teenage daughters had been killed in the October attack. Yet like many of the returnees, Sharabi has already thrown himself into the campaign for the release of those still held in Gaza.

He traveled to New York to address the United Nations Security Council last month.

“My name is Eli Sharabi; I am 53 years old,” he told the council. “I’ve come back from hell. I’ve returned to tell my story.”

ea

“There’s a healing power in this group,” Eliakim-Raz said, adding that their physiotherapy became like group therapy.

Preparing for the arrival of hostages, the hospitals described their special wings as if they were vacation spots. Beilinson’s wing features 21 “spacious and luxurious rooms” equipped with soft clothing and bedding, cozy blankets and

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

One of Levy’s first cravings after his release was a shawarma wrap, his brother said. Despite dietitians’ warnings against the high-calorie dish so early on, his brother decided he wanted one, he said.

Doctors have been wary of re-feeding syndrome — the potentially dangerous effects that eating too much, too fast can have on people who have been starved or severely malnourished. Eli Sharabi, who came back from Gaza’s tunnels emaciated, slowly increased his food intake by 100 grams a day, said his brother, Sharon Sharabi.

About 24 living hostages remain in Gaza. Some have been kept in tunnels, shackled, for much or all of the past 18 months, according to the testimony of released captives.

Maintaining the privacy of the returnees is considered essential. But the hospitals also try to reduce the institutional atmosphere, so special wings have been adapted to feel more homey. There are formal protocols to follow, but adjustments are made to treat each case individually.

A group of female lookout soldiers, abducted from the military base near Gaza where they had been serving, for example, wanted to be together after release.

46

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

MAY 8, 2025

To Raise a Laugh I’m Not Getting Any Younger Here

S

o far, this is the oldest I’ve ever been.

going, repeating the same story that I forgot that I told them, like I’m writing an article and trying to fill some kind of word count.

Last week I wrote an article about how I’m getting older. Not that I’m old.

And my memory is slipping in other ways too. Sometimes I’ll call Hungry “Starving” and Bored “Serious.” It’s hard to keep track when they keep changing their names every day.

On the other hand, nobody thinks of themselves as old, as much as nobody thinks of themselves as young. Even a two-year-old, if you ask him, will assure you that he’s a big boy.

I tell my students all the time that they don’t know anything because they’re young, and they say, “Nuh uh; we’re regular. You’re old.”

Then, because I’m their English teacher, I have to teach them that there’s no such thing as “regular”.

But last week, I started making peace with aging by listing some of the things that I do that I didn’t used to do in my 20s, such as go to the doctor. This week, we’re going to talk about some points that I wanted to talk about last week, but I forgot.

For example, my memory is going, apparently. Little by little. For example, sometimes I’ll be telling a story, which takes long and longer these days, because, as I age, my stories get longer to tell because they take longer to happen.

And then the person I’m talking to will tell me that I already told him that story, but I’ll keep going, repeating the same story that I forgot that I told him, like I’m writing an article and trying to fill some kind of word count.

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By Mordechai Schmutter

Another thing that struck me recently is that I finally understand the halacha against sitting in one’s father’s chair. When I was a kid and I heard about it, I thought, “That seems like a pretty minor thing. Really? That was the first example of kibud av the rebbi could think of?”

But now I’m like, “Yeah, that’s the first thing I think of when I walk into the house too. I’ve been thinking about sitting here the whole way home. How about from now on you stand up when I come into the room, just in case?”

Another thing about age is that my memory is going, apparently. Sometimes I’ll be telling someone a story, and he’ll tell me that I already told him that story, but I’ll keep

But on the other hand, it might not be an age thing. My students forget pens and paper when they come to class, and they’re “regular”.

Yet they bother me about my memory all the time. A student will ask, “What did I get on that test the other day?” And I’ll say, “I don’t remember offhand. You think I can memorize 45 grades?” And he’ll ask, “Why not? You’re too old?”

This from someone who forgot there was going to be a test.

Another thing that seems to have happened at some point is that I’m starting to be okay with people calling me “Mister.” Nobody ever starts off comfortable being called “Mister.”

They’re like, “No, my father is Mister.”

“Um, I don’t know your father. To me, you’re Mister.” It’s not like a real name that you can’t use as long as your father is alive, because of kibud av. Is it?

But then you go through a bunch of years where new people you meet are uncomfortable about what to call you – “Rabbi? Doctor?” and you say, “Please call me Mister.”

Or enough people keep calling you Mister and you keep correcting them, and then after a while, you’re like, “I guess that’s my name.”

Every time you’re in the waiting room at the doctor, they call out, “Mr. Schmutter?” And you call back, “My FATHER is mister!”

“Yeah, I don’t care. Get in the office.”

And eventually, the length of time that people have been calling you Mister beats out the length of time that people called you Schmutter (or whatever). You eventually realize, “You This is a losing battle. More and more people keep calling me Mister. Maybe they’re right.”

It’s not worth getting aggravated. You have high blood pressure as it is.

Because that’s another thing. Apparently when you age, your blood pressure gets higher.

In fact, my doctor – the one who’s obsessed with trying to get me to come back once a month – keeps trying to get me to take blood pressure medication (he says it’s, quote, “a little high”) despite my protests that I have it under control. I’m finding that this fight is really not good for my blood pressure.

The thing is, I’m not crazy about the idea of blood pressure pills, because I know people who take them, but I don’t know anyone who’s ever stopped.

So I asked, “Why do I have to take pills if it’s just a little high?”

So he said, “Well, high blood pressure runs in your family.”

So I asked, “How many people in my family have to have it for you to say that it runs in my family? Because I only know of one, unless you count my shver. Why don’t we wait for it to run high with me and then we’ll worry about it?”

So I’ve been taking the pills every day that I remember. I generally forget on Shabbosim.

I’m busy remembering the Shabbos, to keep it holy. It doesn’t help that I keep the pills on my work desk.

I’m sorry if all of this feels like I’m complaining, but recent studies actually show that complaining helps you live longer. This is why Jews are always complaining. Your kids, for example, who were born crying, are definitely going to outlive you. And your mother-in-law is going to live forever.

Your father-in-law, meanwhile, has high blood pressure.

Mordechai Schmutter is a freelance writer and a humor columnist for Hamodia and other magazines. He has also published eight books and does stand-up comedy. You can contact him at MSchmutter@gmail.com.

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Forgotten Her es

Jewish Marine Heroes

By Avi Heiligman

U.S. Marines landing on Guadalcanal, August 1942

E

ntering World War II, the U.S. Marine Corps was the smallest of all the military branches, with just 28,000 marines on active duty. By the end of the war, this number would expand to 485,000 marines. During battles early on the war, the marines weren’t equipped with the most updated equipment. For example, during the invasion of Guadalcanal in August 1942, the marines went ashore equipped with 1903 bolt action Springfield rifles instead of the M1 Garand. Many marines were decorated for their bravery and valor despite being put into some of the harshest battlefields during the war.

Stanley Spierer was born in the Bronx and at 18 years old was with the marines hitting the Guadalcanal beach in August 1942. While attacking a machine gun nest, he was hit by a mortar shell and lost a leg. For this action, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

After the war, Spierer became a leader in both the Jewish War Veterans and Disabled American Veterans chapters and was often seen riding his scooter during Veterans Day parades.

The fighting on the South Pacific island continued for several months.

Fighting on Guadalcanal was especially tough for the marines as they were cut off from supplies because of possible Japanese attacks to the supply ships.

The marines targeted an airfield that

Jonathan De Sola Mendes

the Japanese were constructing that the Americans renamed Henderson Field after its capture.

The harsh fighting continued, and soon Samuel Hirsch and his unit were facing a numerically superior Japanese force on the Lunga defense line. Private Hirsch was from Philadelphia and was with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division.

On October 24, the marines in the front line trenches were dangerously low on ammunition. Even though the enemy fire was intense, Hirsch carried ammunition back and forth to keep the American guns in operation. Enemy soldiers infiltrated near the ammunition dump area, and Hirsch kept on loading the ammunition belts despite the risks. For his heroic action, the Jewish marine was awarded the Silver Star.

Another Jewish marine served in the same unit as Samuel Hirsch and also received a Navy Cross for bravery during the same battle. Private First Class Jack Sugarman was from Media, Pennsylvania, and on October 24, his unit was the subject of a large Japanese frontal assault.

He and three other marines were not only outmanned, but their machine gun was malfunctioning. They had to repair it and put it back into a position where they could place fire on the enemy. The machine gun had to be moved four times as it was in danger of being captured. Sugarman is

Marvin Corff with Rocky in Saipan, 1944

credited with saving the lives of nine American marines, and the vital position remained in American hands.

Pilots and planes from marine air squadrons started landing at Henderson Field, thus providing a huge morale boost for the marines on the island. Marine pilots served throughout the war in the Pacific and like other marine units that were tiny at the beginning of the war saw a huge increase in manpower by 1945. Jewish aviator Jonathan De Sola Mendes volunteered for fight training and flew over 100 missions during World War II. Hailing from New York, Mendes was a scout bomber pilot with VMSB151, and his missions consisted of patrols and protection of convoys. After the war, Mendes stayed in the Marine Reserves and was activated for front line duty during the Korean War. He flew another 70 missions in the F9F Panther jets and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Two of the pilots that served in the same squadron were baseball legend Ted Williams and future astronaut John Glenn.

Colonel Mendes retired in 1973 after 30 years in the marines and serving during two wars.

Private First Class Marvin Corff of Chicago was another decorated Jewish marine. He was with the Military Police Company, Third Marine Division during their assault on Guam in the Mariana Islands. Corff was a dog handler, and

his companion was a Doberman named Rocky. On September 2, 1944, Corff was on a long patrol and started to rest when Rocky alerted him to some movement in the undergrowth. Corff immediately drew his attention to the area and discovered five enemy soldiers hiding. Aiming his rifle, Corff shot four of the enemy soldiers, while the fifth escaped. For his actions that day Corff was awarded the Silver Star.

This was the first time that Rocky had alerted him to a Japanese attack. Later, on July 25, 1944, he alerted Corff to an upcoming attack which turned out to be a Banzai charge. They went on over fifty patrols together, and Corff later recalled, “On many missions, he alerted me to enemy movement, once saving our patrol from ambush.”

Receiving medals for bravery in battle is a much respected honor in the marines. These Jewish Forgotten Marine Heroes are just a few of the many marines whose stories need to be remembered. Their bravery during the long and tough Pacific campaign changed the tide of the war.

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.

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Living Kiddush Hashem

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

MAY 8, 2025

An Amazing Kiddush Hashem In BMG Of Lakewood

By Rabbi Shraga Freedman

W

hen IronRock Security needed a second guard for a shift at BMG, Yosef Mutterperl got the call. “It was just supposed to be one shift,” he said. Though he’d lived in Lakewood for over 30 years, he had never stepped inside Bais Medrash Govoha. Curiosity nudged him to take it.

On Wednesday, around 9:15 a.m., Yaakov Moshe Brog, a kollel yungerman, walked by and greeted him with a cheerful “Good morning.” Yosef, wearing a cap and not noticeably Jewish, responded warmly—and surprised him by asking, “What are you learning?”

“Nedarim,” Yaakov Moshe replied.

Then, on the spot, he added, “Want to learn something together?”

Within minutes, they had a shtender, a Gemara, and a new chavrusa. They learned the first blatt of Nedarim right there. On Thursday, they met again.

Yosef mentioned he didn’t work Fridays, but asked, “Can I still come learn?” He drove in from South Jersey, and one blatt led to another—until they were learning daily.

When Yosef left for Eretz Yisroel, Yaakov Moshe thought it was over— until Yosef suggested, “Why not learn by phone?” And so, every day, across time zones, they continued. From the Kosel to the light rail, Yosef documented their sessions with photos and a Gemara in hand. Rain or shine—they kept going. A blatt a day. They finished Nedarim, then Beitzah, and are now deep into Megillah.

“It all started with a simple good morning,” Yaakov Moshe said.

A simple hello had grown into something much bigger.

“Always be nice to people,” Yosef added. “You never know where it can lead.”

To receive the video, email: LivingKiddushHashem@gmail.com

Recently, their story was captured in a video—and it went viral. A few days later, as the new zman began, Yosef was back on duty during chavrusa tumult.

Dozens approached him, inspired to pay more attention to those around them and reflect the midos of Hashem.

Rabbi Shraga Freedman is the author of Sefer Mekadshei Shemecha, Living Kiddush Hashem, and A Life Worth Living.

Many even asked to learn with him.

But the most meaningful request came from Yosef’s nine-year-old grandson.

“Zaidy,” he said, “my rebbi showed your video in class—and it made me want to learn with you. Can we start learning Mishnayos together every night?”

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51

Political Crossfire

By David Ignatius

I

shuttled between Kinshasa and Kigali in 2023. Her aim was “intelligence diplomacy” that would use U.S. monitoring of M23 and Congo forces to build confidence and reassure both sides. Officials hoped a peace deal might be concluded by the time of Biden’s trip to Angola in December. But by then, Biden was a lame duck, and his clout had disappeared in Africa and most everywhere else.

M23 grabbed a decisive tactical advantage in January, when it seized Goma and other territory along the Congo-Rwanda border. Caught in the crossfire and forced to surrender were about 300 Romanian mercenaries who had been hired to assist the Congolese army. Forces backed by South Africa also departed. M23 declared a ceasefire on Feb. 4; the balance had clearly tipped toward Rwanda’s efficient but authoritarian president, Paul Kagame.

An embattled Congo tried to push Trump’s dealmaker button. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi sent a Feb. 8 letter to Trump proposing that in exchange for American help against the M23 rebels, Congo would “provide the

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South Dakota Republican. After Trump was elected, Coons urged his former Senate colleague Rubio to get involved.

Rubio called the Congolese and Rwandan presidents on Jan. 28, according to Rwandan officials. He then handed the issue to Massad Boulos, the father of Tiffany Trump’s husband – who used his contacts as a Lebanese businessman long active in Central Africa.

The Trump factor here, unsurprisingly, was the prospect of an economic deal.

The war zone in eastern Congo is rich with strategic minerals. A peace pact, if it can be finalized, would encourage big U.S. investments in Congo to mine the minerals and in Rwanda to process them. Yolande Makolo, a Rwanda government spokesperson, told me: “The new U.S. administration has changed the conversation in a useful way that points towards a sustainable solution, where all parties have a stake in ensuring peace and security.”

The Congo nightmare had drawn an earlier mediation effort by the Biden administration. It was led by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, who

U.S. with a strategic advantage by securing critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper and tantalum,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Tshisekedi’s letter laid it on thick, telling Trump, “Your election has ushered in the golden age for America.” But Trump didn’t bite.

Qatar, which has become an indispensable, all-purpose mediator, played a key bridging role. The emirate had long maintained close relations with Rwanda, and Qatari officials told me that Congo had requested Doha’s peacemaking help in 2022. After Trump’s election, Qatar expanded its role, and on March 18, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted a meeting with Tshisekedi and Kagame.

After that breakthrough, Trump on April 1 named Boulos as his senior adviser for Africa. He traveled to the region April 3 to meet “heads of state and business leaders to advance efforts for durable peace … and to promote U.S. private sector investment in the region,” according to the State Department.

Just three weeks later, Rwandan and Congolese foreign ministers were in Washington with Rubio signing the “declaration of principles” for ending the war. Such preliminary deals often fall apart, so it’s too early to break out the champagne. But there’s a chance now to resolve what a recent report by the Council on Foreign Relations called “one of the largest and deadliest humanitarian crises in the world.”

What’s useful about the Congo story is that it shows the broad, bipartisan process – and the intermingling of security and economic interests – that can actually solve conflicts in this battered world. Maybe Qatar, Saudi Arabia or some other freelance mediator would like to help end the war in Ukraine.

MAY 8, 2025

n a darkening world, here’s an unlikely glimmer of light: Last month, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed a “declaration of principles” that could end an unspeakably brutal border war that has killed 6 million people over the past 30 years.

It’s a sign of how crazy Washington is these days that this remarkable good news went almost unnoticed. Maybe that’s because the omnipresent news magnet, President Donald Trump, had little to do with it. Instead, it was crafted quietly by a diverse group that included a bipartisan team of senators, a Biden administration intelligence chief, a Qatari mediator, and, finally, the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany.

The conflict in Congo has long been one of the most vicious on the planet. It began as a gruesome aftershock of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda in which Hutus killed more than 500,000 Tutsis. Hutu leaders fled to eastern Congo. Rwandan-backed Tutsi militias pursued them, and the nightmare of killing and assault continued. Diplomats have tried repeatedly to find a peace formula – to bring a truce between Congo and the Rwandan-backed militia known as M23 – but until now they had failed.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the agreement April 25. He called it a “win-win for everyone involved.” That phrase has become a dreadful diplomatic cliché, but in this case, it’s true. And it’s one of the few examples of a successful diplomatic handoff from President Joe Biden to Trump.

Rubio, often overshadowed since he took over at State, kept the Congo peace initiative rolling.

“As long as the parties kept talking, I was optimistic,” Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, told me. He has worked for peace alongside Sen. Mike Rounds, a

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Did Bipartisan Diplomacy Achieve a Major Breakthrough in Africa?

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MAY 8, 2025

1. *

TJH

Centerfold

Signs That a Racehorse is High-Maintenance Will only eat organic oats—gluten-free, obviously.

Horsin’ Around Spot the one horse below that did not race in the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Demands a hooficure before race day.

Citizen Bull

Publisher

Won’t go near the starting gate unless it gets to pick the music playlist.

Neoequos

Tiztastic

Final Gambit

Render Judgment

Has a TikTok account and more followers than you.

American Promise

Coal Battle

Only drinks Evian. From a silver bucket.

Admire Daytona

Sandman

Sleeps in a climate-controlled stall with mood lighting.

Luxor Café

Sovereignty

Demands to be addressed as “Sir Gallops-a-Lot.”

Maga Ride

Chunk of Gold

Wears designer blinders “for the aesthetic.”

Journalism

Owen Almighty

Demands a carrot-tini after every workout.

Burnham Square

Has a standing reservation at the equine spa.

Flying Mohawk

Travels with an entourage of stable influencers.

East Avenue

Gets Botox…for the muzzle.

WWW.THEBJH.COM

Six horses—A, B, C, D, E, and F—compete in a one-mile race. The horses are all in top form, but the final standings reveal some surprising patterns. Based on the clues below, can you determine the order of finish from 1st to 6th?

Clues: 1. Horse A finished somewhere ahead of Horse D, but not in first place.

2. Horse B finished two places behind Horse F. 3. Horse C was not last and beat exactly two horses.

4. Horse E did not beat Horse F but was not last either.

5. Horse D finished after Horse E.

Answer: 1-A; 2-E; 3-F; 4-C; 5-B; 6-D

Riddle Me This

Answer: Maga Ride

Won’t accept the winner’s roses unless they’re ethically sourced.

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1. Which racetrack hosts the Kentucky Derby? a. Churchill Downs b. Belmont Stakes c. Monticello Raceway d. Saratoga Racetrack

3. Approximately how many calories does a racehorse eat in a day? a. 1,500 calories b. 10,250 calories c. 35,000 calories d. 52,500 calories

5. In order to name a thoroughbred racehorse, what is needed? a. Approval of the name by the Jockey Club

Answers: 1-A 2-D 3-C 4-A 5-A 6-D Wisdom key: 5-6 correct: You are a class A thoroughbred racehorse…but you are still a horse.

2-4 correct: You are in the middle of the pack; no chance that you will win the Triple Crown.

0-1 correct: You are a total Belmont Stakes person… definitely not the big leagues.

Curious, he pulls into the farm.

The farmer points to a horse in the stable.

The man walks up and asks, “You talk?”

The horse looks up and says, “Yes, I do.”

The man jumps back. “This is amazing! What’s your story?”

The horse says, “Well, I’ve had quite the life. I started out as a racehorse—won a few stakes races.

Then I retired and joined the police force; helped solve a couple of crimes. After that, I did therapy work at children’s hospitals. Now I mostly spend my time reading Nietzsche and reflecting on the fleeting nature of hay.”

The man turns to the farmer and says, “This horse is unbelievable.

Why are you selling him?”

The farmer shrugs and says, “Because he’s a liar. He didn’t win a single race.”

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4. What is the typical weight of horse jockeys? a. 108-118 pounds b. 145-170 pounds c. 185-210 pounds d. 240-280 pounds

6. How many of the horses that raced in the 2025 Kentucky Derby were offspring of legendary racehorse Secretariat? a. 3 b. 7 c. 9 d. Every horse in the race

A man is driving down a country road when he sees a sign that says: “Talking Horse for Sale — Inquire Within”

MAY 8, 2025

2. After winning the 2000 Kentucky Derby, how much was Fusaichi Pegasus sold for? a. $600,000 b. $2.1 million c. $14.5 million d. $70 million

b. Registration of the name with the U.S. Patent & Trademark office. c. A name plate must be purchased from the top 5 racetracks in the U.S. d. A horse birth certificate

You Gotta Be Kidding Me

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Horse Racing Trivia

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

The time has come to strike Gaza hard, take full control, impose military rule, seize territory, and carry out President Trump’s plan to relocate 1.5 to 2 million Gazans out of the Strip. There’s no other choice.

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MAY 8, 2025

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- Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich

As of today, I’m leaving the party of paid protests, purple hair, and pronouns, and I’m joining the party of faith, family, and freedom — the Republican Party.

- Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva at the Unite Inland Empire Conservative Conference

The Democrats, they can scream and light their hair on fire, but it’s not going to change anything.

According to the Trump Administration, you are a terrorist… What do you make of that?

- CNN’s Isobel Yeung while interviewing a Sinaloa Mexico cartel member inquiring whether Pres.

Trump hurt his feelings by calling him a terrorist just because he illegally imports drugs into the U.S., resulting in the deaths of thousands of Americans

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They said today they want to talk. Look, China, and I don’t like this. I’m not happy about this. China’s getting killed right now. They’re getting absolutely destroyed. Their factories are closing. Their unemployment is going through the roof. I’m not looking to do that to China now. At the same time, I’m not looking to have China make hundreds of billions of dollars and build more ships and more army tanks and more airplanes.

- President Donald Trump on “60 Minutes”

I think I speak for everyone at the White House. We encourage Kamala Harris to continue going out and doing speaking engagements - White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt when asked for the president’s reaction to a recent cringy speech by Kamala Harris

I could code talk to White guys watching football, fixing their truck.

- Kamala Harris’s former running mate Gov. Tim Walz—who many thought was quite strange— explaining why he was on the ticket

-Senate Majority Leader John Thune talking to Breitbart News about Democrats’ failed efforts not to confirm Trump’s nominees

55 The polls this week show Trump has the lowest 100 day approval rating since they started polling 80 years ago, the lowest.

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- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), at the start of his weekly press conference

There’s a poll out today that has your approval ratings lower than any other congressional leader, 17%. Are you concerned that you may be a liability for your party?

- The last question asked to Schumer at the press conference

Polls come and go.

- Schumer’s response

Would you like to directly tell Hamas right now to release the hostages?

- Piers Morgan questioning former Columbia professor Ahmed Eldin

- Eldin’s response

The time has come for Qatar to stop playing both sides with its double talk and decide if it’s on the side of civilization or if it’s on the side of Hamas barbarism. Israel will win this just war with just means.

MAY 8, 2025

No, I wouldn’t.

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on X

I never saw the person on that debate stage. I was in the Oval Office every day. I’m not a doctor. Aging happens quickly.

- Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki claiming that the first time she realized that Biden has cognitive decline was during his infamous debate with Trump

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MAY 8, 2025

56 It is a sad reflection on the state of our media, and many of the outlets represented in this room, that you obsessively try and shill for this MS-13 terrorist when no coverage occurred in your papers about any of the Americans that were…tortured and murdered by the illegals that Biden was importing into our country.

- White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller addressing the media at a White House press briefing

Most of your papers never covered the story of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray’s brutal … assault and murder by two illegal aliens Joe Biden allowed to remain in the country. To the extent that you covered it at all, it was because President Trump forced you to cover it by highlighting it repeatedly over and over again. He had to shame you into covering it.

- ibid.

And each and every one of you that sides over and over again with these MS-13 terrorists, to the extent that you have the financial means to do so, you all choose to live in condos or homes or houses as far away from these kinds of gangbangers as you possibly can.

- ibid.

If I offered any one of you a rent-free home with no taxes to pay in any of these gang neighborhoods, and I said, “Your neighbors are MS-13 terrorists or Mexican Mafia or Sinaloa cartel or Tren de Aruga,” I couldn’t pay you to live there. But yet you, with your coverage, are trying to force innocent Americans to have these people as their neighbors.

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- ibid.

As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale.

The one we’re sitting in right now. You know, Buckingham Palace, which you visited as well. And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign last several months, it is not for sale – won’t be for sale, ever. But the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together.

- Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, to President Trump at their Oval Office presser this week

Never say never. I’ve had many, many things that were not doable and ended up being doable.

- Trump in response

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MAY 8, 2025

Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

I appreciate your insight every week so I figured I’d reach out about an issue you may be able to help me with.

I’m 25 years old, and have been dating for four years, although it feels like forever.

I was very excited to finally meet someone amazing (for the letter I will call him Eli) two

months ago. I actually met him at a close friend’s vort. She had tried setting us up prior, but my parents gave a “no” to the shidduch. After meeting him in person at her vort, I knew I had to go out with him – he was very much my type!

I went behind my parents’ back, and we have been going out and it is going very well. I recently told my parents about it, and they are very upset I went behind their back. They said no for a very superficial reason. Eli is shorter than me. That’s why they originally said no, and now that I am dating him seriously, they are upset that I went behind their back. They say we don’t “look” right together.

My parents happen to be very superficial and into how things look and what people will say. I could see it now... They are probably thinking about how their friends will say things like, “Look how Kayla couldn’t find a guy so she ended up settling for a short guy” and whispering to each other. It’s what I’ve dealt with my entire life.

WWW.THEBJH.COM

The bottom line is I don’t care at all. I know they’re wrong, and I want to proceed, but I also don’t want my parents to resent him. Is there anything I can do? What can I say to them to get them to accept him?

Thank you for your time, Kayla*

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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MAY 8, 2025

The Panel

The Shadchan

The Zaidy

Michelle Mond

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

T

I

Looking forward!

Michelle, the “Shadchan”

The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

I

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You also need to give this time to resolve. Don’t rush things. And there is no need to share with friends and other than your trusted mentors, rabbis, and stakeholders. You don’t want word to get out that you are getting engaged and your parents will hear that you shared this without their input. It can only make things more tense.

world’s True Shadchan could have orchestrated. OK, maybe your friend has something to do with it, too! But the fact that you connected so quickly and naturally is truly Hashem’s hand.

Approach the conversation maturely. Begin by expressing how much you love and respect them. Then, walk them through what you’ve come to admire and value in Eli, not just emotionally, but in practical ways that show he’s a good fit for you. The goal isn’t to argue but to help them warm up to the idea by understanding how you feel and what you see in him.

If, after all that, they’re still firmly opposed, it might be time to involve your family’s rav to help mediate. That way, the engagement and marriage can move forward in the most peaceful and respectful way possible.

I truly believe your parents will come around. They may just need time to cool off from their initial disappointment over how things unfolded. Hatzlacha!

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.

t’s time to bring some more people into the loop. This is not going to be solved by your talking to them, Kayla. People who know the young man’s values and abilities and who can attest to his growth, character, and worthiness over a long period will be able to help. Rabbis, mentors, family friends, neighbors, and others will be able to give great references, I am assuming.

And they should sit and talk with your parents who will also need to meet his family eventually as well. You do need a third party to help you manage the timing and context of the input of others.

Don’t do this yourself. Do this together as a couple. Consult with someone you both trust and know a long time. This has to be someone who knows them well and knows your relationship with your parents fairly well.

It could be a rabbi, neighbor, or friend.

Your young man will also have to prove himself to them, so to speak.

When things are less tense, in a couple of weeks when your parents have heard from several trusted people how wonderful he is and have see how respectful, menschlech, and responsible he is, he can take them to dinner a few times to get to know them. They will want to feel trust and confidence in him, even if they don’t like his height/looks.

hanks so much for writing into our panel with such an important question. You’re caught between a shidduch you truly want and parents who are disappointed, or at least acting disappointed. I say “acting” because I’m not entirely convinced they’re as opposed to the shidduch itself as they are upset that you didn’t follow their original decision.

As you probably know, it can be very hard for people, especially parents, to admit fault. Your parents truly believe that everything they do is for your best.

This is a really tough spot to be in, and I applaud you for listening to your gut and standing strong against superficial pressures. My advice is to sit down with your parents in a calm and loving way. Let them know that it was never your intention to go behind their backs.

Meeting Eli at your friend’s vort was pure hashgacha, something only the

n 1972, Ricky Nelson sang: “You see, you can’t please everyone; so, you’ve got to please yourself.”

The point, of course, is that it’s your life, and that your happiness and your wellbeing come first. But it’s very sensitive of you to try and get your parents to understand and accept your decision.

Convincing your parents might be a “tall” order, but here are some thoughts for you to consider: First, try a heart-to-heart talk.

Carefully determine if their rejection of your boyfriend is solely based upon his height. Perhaps they have deeper, more relevant concerns that they have not yet shared with you. Sometimes parents mask more serious worries with superficial excuses.

But if their objections are as superficial as you suggest, consider saying something like: “Mom and Dad, I ap-

It takes real courage to follow your own truth when it goes against the grain of what you’ve been taught to prioritize.

preciate how much you care about my future. But, late at night, when the two of you are discussing important concerns, trying to solve problems, and making important decisions, does it matter which one of you is taller? Or, is it more important that you share the same values, the same religious outlook, and the same goals and aspirations?

“Please understand that Eli and I will match perfectly, will bring out the best in each other, and will make each other very happy.

“Please be happy for us and help us enjoy a wonderful relationship with you.”

Second, try a history lesson.

Do your homework. Explain to them that statistically, in the United States today, it’s true that only about five percent of wives are taller than their husbands.

However, this height difference has not hindered many famous women from achieving great success in life. Note that there are many, many highly accomplished, greatly admired women who married shorter husbands.

For exa mple, fa mous Nobel Prize-winning scientists like Marie Curie, Dorothy Hodgkin, and Barbara McClintock were taller than their husbands. Other powerful women in history such as Golda Meir, Indira Gandhi, and Margaret Thatcher married shorter men. Even famous astronauts like Mae Jemison and Sally Ride, or celebrities like Uma Thurman, Venus Williams,

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Reader’s response Rabbi Jack Abramowitz The Educator

T

Pulling It All Together The Navidaters

a better idea if your parents are capable of such things. But despite these worstcase scenarios, the decision is yours and they’re entitled to react – and even overreact – however they feel.

In my experience, parents usually come around, and it usually doesn’t take until the grandkids are born. I can’t give you a guarantee, but if he’s a good guy, that would hopefully be the case. But don’t waste time and energy trying to change your parents. The only ones who can bring them around is them, and that will be when they’re ready.

You’re in a stage of life where your job is no longer to please your parents but to build your own home, with your own values, your own voice, and your own inner compass. That doesn’t mean you need to be harsh or dismissive. It just means you can speak to them from a place of grounded love. You can say, “I know you’re worried about how this looks. But I’m more interested in how it feels, and this feels right to me. I need you to trust me. I want you to be part of this next chapter in my life, not because you agree with every detail, but because you love me.”

And you know what? They may struggle. They may need time. But they also may surprise you. Sometimes when parents see that something isn’t

a “rebellion” but rather a deeply joyful choice, their hearts soften – and sometimes not. Being respectful does not mean it is your responsibility to make life choices that please them. As healthy parents, it is their job to keep their personal disappointments far away from you. You don’t have to manage their feelings.

You’re not a teenager sneaking around. You’re a 25-year-old grown woman who met someone wonderful and chose to listen to her intuition. That isn’t betrayal. It’s called living and being blessed.

Wishing you clarity, confidence, and lots of love along the way.

Warmly, Jennifer Mann, LCSW

micromanage your life, you can’t micromanage their feelings.

MAY 8, 2025

hank you for your question. Some people may not like what I’m going to say, but I’m going to say it anyway: You are an adult. You can date whoever you like. You can marry whoever you like. You do not need your parents’ permission. And, as nice as it would be to have, you do not need your parents’ approval.

Don’t get me wrong: kibbud av v’eim is an extremely important mitzvah, but it doesn’t give parents the right to micromanage their grown children’s lives.

Just like they can’t

They can’t dictate where you live, what career you pursue, or whom you marry.

You should value their input, but all of these decisions are ultimately yours.

What’s important is that when you disagree with your parents, you do so respectfully. You’re never allowed to raise your voice at your parents; that much is non-negotiable.

Now, as far as what you can do to get your parents to accept him: absolutely nothing. Your parents are entitled to feel the way they do, even if you think they’re completely off base. Just like they can’t micromanage your life, you can’t micromanage their feelings.

If you date this boy and he’s a good guy, they may come around, but there’s no guarantee. If you get engaged, or married, or have children, they’re even more likely to come around – but there’s still no guarantee. You simply can’t control the way other people feel.

So, what can they do? Not throw you a vort? Not pay for the wedding? Cut you out of their lives, chas v’shalom? Those would be extreme (and petty) reactions, and you have

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and Zendaya have married men who are shorter.

Third, try sharing some statistics.

Studies seem to suggest that while couples where the husband is taller might experience more initial happiness because of societal expectations, this gap tends to dissipate over time.

Ultimately, happiness in a relationship is far more about compatibility, shared values, and mutual respect, than physical attributes like height.

Finally, good luck to you and your boyfriend. And, I am wondering if, right at this moment, your boyfriend is seeking advice on how to convince his parents that it’s perfectly OK to marry a taller woman.

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

D

of searching, this sounds like some t hing meaningful and g r ou nde d , a nd that matters.

Now, the part that hurts: your parents’ reaction. It makes sense that it would bring up old wounds, especially when you say they’ve always cared deeply about appearances and what other people will say. That kind of messaging can run deep, and even though you’ve come so far in building your own values, those voices can still echo. It takes real courage to follow your own truth when it goes against the grain of what you’ve been taught to prioritize.

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and certified trauma healing life coach, as well as a dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at 123 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email JenniferMannLCSW@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.

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ear Kayla, Thank you so much for writing in. I can feel the depth of your heart in this letter, the excitement of finally meeting someone who feels right, and the ache of navigating your parents’ disapproval. That push/pull between your joy and their judgment is painful, and you’re carrying it with a lot of strength and self-awareness.

First, let’s pause for a moment on something important: you like him.

Not just “kind of like,” but you’re telling us you felt an instant connection, he’s very much your type, and it’s going really well. That is something to celebrate. Especially after four years

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Mental Health Corner The Dark Side Of Dr. Hans Asperger

By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) refers to a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that includes difficulties with social communications and restrictive or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The choice of the word

“spectrum” is due to the fact that this diagnosis encompasses a very wide range of functionality. Individuals on the mild end of ASD are able to function independently, whereas individuals on the other end of the spectrum typically

have severe language and intelligence disabilities and need more substantial support in their daily lives.

This is the situation as of the publication in 2013 of the fifth edition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). However, the fourth edition of the DSM, published in 1994, contained two separate diagnoses for the different ends of the spectrum. Individuals with higher functionality were diagnosed with Asperger syndrome and those with lower levels of functionality were diagnosed with autistic disorder.

The background to this distinction was based on a paper written in 1944 by Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician.

For many decades, Dr. Asperger’s writings were unknown as they were written in German. His work came to light in the 1980s, and after much discussion in the psychiatric community, his classification of a distinct syndrome was approved and the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome was officially named in his honor and enshrined in the DSM.

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Over the course of the next twenty years, many researchers challenged the premise of having two separate diagnoses, and in 2013 their opinion prevailed.

Thus, the DSM 5 has one broad diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder. This all happened before historians discovered the dark side of Dr. Asperger.

However, before we delve into Dr. Asperger’s sordid history, we must first digress into one of Nazi Germany’s infamous programs - Aktion T4. This was a program of institutionalized euthanasia, or in this case murder, of institutionalized people with disabilities. From 1939 until 1945, approximately 300,000 people in psychiatric hospitals were murdered.

The Nazi’s obsession with racial purity led them to believe that not only will “inferior” races destroy their supposed racial superiority, but also individuals with disabilities may taint the genetic pool of the German Volk. One of the hospitals that carried out these killings was the Am Spiegelgrund children’s clinic in Vienna. Over the course of World War II, 789 children and adoles-

cents were killed by lethal injection, gas poisoning, starvation, and “accidents”.

Many of these children arrived at the clinic perfectly healthy and were admitted for trivial reasons such as delinquent behavior and unsuitable parentage.

Dr. Asperger clearly internalized the Nazi’s outlook on genetic purity as demonstrated by a talk he gave in 1938, shortly after Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. He hailed the new era and praised the basic principle of fascism that “the Volk is more important than any single individual”. He also expressed his enthusiastic support for the Nazi’s goal “to prevent the passing on of a diseased heredity”, which is the tenet upon which the Nazi’s justified the murder of disabled people.

We also now know that Dr. Asperger referred some of the children in his clinic to the Am Spiegelgrund clinic. His distinction between the different ends of the autistic spectrum was not merely a clinical theory, but it was the basis for his decision regarding which children will be kept in his clinic and which ones will be sent for euthanasia.

After the war, he followed the path of almost every other Nazi sympathizer and made believe that he never supported the Nazis or their ideals. He enjoyed a successful career in pediatrics and died in 1980 at age 74.

The legacy of Dr. Asperger is therefore mixed. On the one hand, his work inspired the concept of neurodiversity and promoted the concept that individuals with certain limitations can possess incredible talents. On the other hand, he endorsed the position that is the polar opposite of neurodiversity, namely that other children are so undesirable that the world would be better off without them. Perhaps it was not by chance that the official diagnosis is no longer named after a Nazi sympathizer.

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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MarbleSPOOn On thebyMenu Vera newman • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar • 2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard or Dijon mustard • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice • 2 Tbsp orange juice • 1 garlic clove, grated, or 1 frozen garlic cube • ¼ tsp sea salt • ¼ tsp black pepper

Preparation Prepare the roasted butternut squash: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place butternut squash cubes on prepared baking sheet. Spray or drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Spread in a single layer. Roast for 25-28 minutes.

Pareve Yields 6 Servings

Prepare the sweet + tangy dressing: In a glass jar, combine all dressing ingredients; whisk or shake until emulsified. Taste; adjust seasonings, if necessary.

This salad is guaranteed to earn you the most compliments from family and guests around your table. An incredible option as a simcha salad. Can you imagine how sharp it would look in tiny cups? Also, it gets better as it sits, thanks to the sturdy kale; I call that a winner!

To assemble: Place kale into a large bowl.

Add orzo, dried cranberries, pecans, and red onion with about one-third cup dressing. Add roasted butternut squash; gently toss again. Add additional dressing, to taste, if desired. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter.

Ingredients

Note: For a gluten-free salad, substitute quinoa for the orzo.

OrzO Kale Salad

• 4 oz (2 cups) kale, chopped • 1 cup uncooked orzo, prepared according to package directions (see note) • 1/3 cup dried cranberries • 1/3 cup pecans • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced Roasted Butternut Squash

Plan Ahead: Salad will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days when stored in the fridge. Refrigerated dressing will stay fresh in an airtight container for about 2 weeks.

Ingredients

aPrIcOt-SIlan chIcKen

• ½ lb. butternut squash, peeled and cubed • 2 Tbsp olive oil or olive oil spray • ¼ tsp sea salt • pinch black pepper

Meat Yields 6-8 Servings Freezes Well

Sweet + Tangy Dressing • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 Tbsp honey

I think Jews collectively can agree on one thing: We love a good sweet, saucy chicken. There are a bajillion recipes out there; this is my newest one.

Trust me, you are gonna want to try it! Make sure

to serve it alongside fluffy white rice, so you can spoon the delicious sauce over it and get the full experience; honestly, over mashed potatoes or potato kugel it’s pretty great, too!

Ingredients • 6-8 bone-in chicken thighs, with skin (see note) • ½ tsp sea salt • ¼ tsp black pepper Apricot-Silan Sauce • 1/3 cup apricot preserves • 1/3 cup silan • 2 Tbsp oil • 1 packet (4 Tbsp) onion soup mix • 1 tsp paprika • ½ tsp turmeric

Preparation Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken into a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.

Prepare the apricot-silan sauce: In a bowl, combine apricot-silan sauce ingredients.

Pour sauce over the chicken. Bake, covered, for 1½ hours. Uncover, baste chicken with the sauce, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.

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high heat. Add onion; sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until translucent.

One-POt GnOcchI bOlOGneSe

Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking apart any bigger chunks.

Meat Yields 6-8 Servings Do Not Freeze Coziness in a bowl. This is one of my family’s favorite suppers of all time. After a long day, a warm shower, and cozy pjs, all my kids (and I!) want to do is to cozy up to a warm bowl of yummy comfort food, and this, my friends, always hits the spot! The gnocchi comes out pillowy and soft, and the bolognese is so simple yet perfectly balanced!

Ingredients

Preparation In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium-

Add marinara sauce and ½ jar of water; stir well to combine. Add teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Mix well; cook for 1 minute.

Add gnocchi; mix well. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium, and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or longer if desired (gnocchi should be soft and pillowy). Mix well.

Note: If you know your kids won’t try a meat sauce with visible pieces of onion, even if they are tiny, you can grate the onion. This recipe doesn’t have a strong onion flavor.

butterScOtch-Pecan chOcOlate bIScOttI Pareve Yields Approx. 2 Dozen Biscotti Freezes Well

Ingredients • 1½ cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup granulated sugar • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 cup butterscotch chips • ½ cup candied pecans, chopped

Preparation Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, add flour, sugar, cocoa, butterscotch chips, candied pecans, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together.

In a large bowl, whisk together vanilla, oil, eggs, and egg white. Add the dry mixture to the wet; stir to combine into a soft dough. Divide dough in half; form 2 (12-inch) loaves, about ¾-inch thick, on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 22 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, about 10 minutes, before cutting each loaf into ½-inch slices. Place slices, cut-side down, on the baking sheet, leaving some room between each; return to oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Recipes excerpted from Marblespoon – Tried and True

by Vera Newman, published by ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.

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For the entirety of the time I worked on this cookbook, only people close to me knew what I’d been so busy with the entire year. Not because I was trying to be secretive, but just because I was just immersed in cookbooking and didn’t have the time or energy to be publicizing it on social media. The few friends who knew and people who started hearing what I’d been working on would ask, “What’s that one new recipe you’re most excited about?” My mind would immediately land on these. They are seemingly ordinary, but the reality is, they are one of the best biscotti you’ll ever taste. Trust me, out of all the recipes in this chapter, this is the one I recommend you give a try first. They can be made just an hour before Shabbos, and you’ll get to enjoy the most delicious treat with your Shabbos afternoon tea or morning coffee!

• ½ tsp baking powder • ½ tsp baking soda • ½ tsp sea salt • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • ¼ cup oil • 2 large eggs + 1 egg white

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• 2 Tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion, finely diced (see note) • 2 lb. ground beef • 1 (24-oz.) jar marinara sauce • 12 oz. water (half the sauce jar) • 2 Tbsp teriyaki sauce • 1 Tbsp soy sauce • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar • 2 tsp granulated sugar • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp sea salt • ½ tsp onion powder • ¼ tsp black pepper • 2 (16-oz.) packages classic gnocchi

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Note: Feel free to use your favorite chicken parts for this recipe; adjust cooking time accordingly.

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