Baltimore Jewish Home - 2-10-22

N E W LO O K , S A M E G R E AT C O N T E N T !

Volume 8 Issue #3

6

Yeshiva of Greater Yeshiva holds 58th Annual Banquet

44

Ukraine is Just a Small Piece of a Global Struggle

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‫כ״ב אדר א׳‬-‫ט׳‬

Rabbi Pesach Lerner Remembers Esther Pollard, a”h

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FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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Same Great Content!

AD BOOK A compilation of ads from our printed publication that gives a simple visual snapshot of everything going on within Baltimore- from events to sales.

THE BJH GUIDE A collection of resources for visitors to the community and Baltimoreans alike.

Some current listings are, 1. Restaurants, 2. Local food, and 3. Mikvas. This area on the site will be growing rapidly.

PODCAST CENTER A podcast platform that promotes only LOCAL streams of content. Rabbonim, inspirers, mental health professionals, business leaders, and entertainment, are some of the types of podcasts that will be hosted on the site.

TORAH A flow of written Divrei Torah on various topics.

If you need a quick Dvar Torah for the Shabbos table, or perhaps a resource for Daf Yomi or another topic, the Torah area of the site provides this.

thebjh.com Powered by

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The New

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

FOR ADVERTISERS The new site features a newly organized center to view: ad rates, upload print ads, publication schedule, past issues, and much more!

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

NEW LOOK, NEW WEBSITE,

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Contents

Dear Readers,

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

COMMUNITY Around the Community Community Calendar

6 36

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Zvi Teichman

32

PEOPLE 613 Seconds

17

FEATURE Ukraine is Just a Small Piece of a Global Power Struggle

44

Rabbi Pesach Lerner Remembers Esther Pollard, a"h

65

Our new website, while still very much an ongoing work-in-progress, will provide our site visitors with an easy to navigate and pleasant user experience. Some features include:

Centerfold

56

Notable Quotes

58

AD BOOK: A compilation of ads from our printed publication that gives a simple visual snapshot of everything going on within Baltimore- from events to sales.

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT

LIFESTYLES

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Baltimore continues to grow at a fast pace. Our out-of-town city has blossomed into a bustling hub of Torah, Chesed, and commerce. There is so much that goes on within the city that needs amplification. We have Talmidei Chachomim that have much to offer but a small platform, fledgling businesses with limited marketing budgets, and organizations that have so much to offer, yet few people are aware of. It is for this reason that our publication, the Baltimore Jewish Home, has taken the initiative to build a new website for the community and its visitors. For many years we’ve been asked, “Why don’t you have a proper website to complement and augment your print publication”? You inspired us. And now we’re excited to introduce TheBJH.com!

Torah Thought

38

Dirshu

40

World Builders

42

Forgotten Heroes

49

Teen Talk

51

Mental Health Corner

54

Dating Dialogue

61

Your Money

69

In the Kitchen

70

Life Coach

71

PODCAST CENTER: A podcast platform that promotes only LOCAL streams of content.

Rabbonim, inspirers, mental health professionals, business leaders, and entertainment, are some of the types of podcasts that will be hosted on the site.

18

National

22

That's Odd

28

For ad submissions please email ads@baltimorejewishhome.com

443-990-1941 | www.thebjh.com

THE GUIDE: A collection of resources for visitors to the community and Baltimoreans alike.

Some current listings are, 1. Restaurants, 2. Local food, and 3. Mikvas. This area on the site will be growing rapidly.

FOR ADVERTISERS: The new site features a newly organized center to view: ad rates, upload print ads, publication schedule, past issues, and much more!

As part of the introduction of our new site, you may have noticed a slight rebrand as we’ve introduced a new logo and front cover, along with some other improvements. These enhancements are just the tip of the iceberg as the next period of time will feature many more creative additions.

At The BJH, we strive to bring content and information to improve and add value to the lives of our loyal readers. It’s our hope that you appreciate the new look and of course our new site www.TheBJH.com. Please feel free to send feedback to ads@baltimorejewishhome.com.

Aaron Menachem

SEND YOUR NEWS TO BJH!

Send us your: community events, articles & photos, and mazal tovs to editor@baltimorejewishhome.com to be featured in coming editions!

CONTACT INFORMATION Moshe Meir Rubin

NEWS Israel

TORAH: A flow of written Divrei Torah on various topics. If you need a quick Dvar Torah for the Shabbos table, or perhaps a resource for Daf Yomi or another topic, the Torah area of the site provides this.

PUBLISHER

editor@baltimorejewishhome.com

Berish Edelman

AMF Creative

Yitzy Halpern

Aaron Menachem

LAYOUT

MANAGING EDITOR

Michael Czermak

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

DESIGN

COPY EDITOR

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Police & Fire 911

Hatzalah 410-358-0000

Shomrim 410-358-9999 NWCP 410-664-6927

Chaverim 410-486-9000 Misaskim 443-265-2300

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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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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Donors usually return to their normal lifestyle within 2-4 weeks post-transplant, with Renewal available to cover lost wages.

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Around the Community

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Yeshiva of Greater Washington holds 58th Annual Banquet

T

he Yeshiva of Greater Wa s h i n g t o n - T i f e r e s Gedaliah (YGW) held its 58th Annual Banquet on Sunday, February 6, at the Riggs Alumni Center at College Park. The in-person event was also live-streamed. The theme of the evening was “Vision and Determination,” the forces driving the growth of YGW from a fledgling school of six students in the early 1960s to the large and vibrant Torah center for the Greater Washington

community that it is today. The honorees, as described by Rabbi Ahron Lopiansky, the Rosh HaYeshiva, and Rabbi Yitzchok Merkin, Headmaster, are people who carry the mission of Torah with them wherever they go.

The gala evening, attended by more than 375 people, featured an art exhibit by the Girls Division, songs by a duet from the Boys Division, a six course wine-paired gourmet tasting menu created by Signature Caterers, an interactive YGW history triv-

ia competition, and music by Nossi Gross and the Zemer Orchestra.

The mission of the Yeshiva is epitomized by the recipients of the Kesser Torah Award - Rabbi Eliezer and Mrs. Perel Kreiser. Rabbi Kreiser is YGW’s Mashgiach and Rav of Ezras Israel in Rockville, MD, and Mrs. Kreiser is a noted educator in the community.

The Kreisers touch the hearts of their students and continue to guide and inspire them as they grow to adulthood, get married, and raise their families.

Alumnus Dr. Ari Elman and his wife Mrs. Inbal Elman of Baltimore were presented the Kesser Shem Tov Award. Dr. Elman is a fine example of a ben Torah who actualizes his learning and faith and his wife is a beloved educator. Together, the Elmans give generously of their time and energy to numerous responsible and essential volunteer roles in their community, truly living the values and mesorah of YGW. The Community Leadership Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to the welfare of the Jewish com-

munity, the continuity of the Jewish people, and the timeless values of the Jewish faith. YGW recognized Mr. Adam and Mrs. Janel Herman, board member and parents, who are devoted to helping others connect with their own Jewish journeys and have taken leadership positions in local, national, and international Jewish organizations.

These honorees represent the values that speak to the strength and vitality of a bright Jewish future. They embody YGW’s mission: To root each student in Torah, plant a passion for learning, and prepare them for life. We are thankful that the Yeshiva of Greater Washington has played an important role in their lives and that they are integral members of our institution.

We are committed to continuing to educate young men and women who will likewise lead and inspire others in their communities with vision and determination.

Photo credit: Micah Weinman Photography

7

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Around the Community

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learn b’chavrusa with the JEWELS talmidim, practicing keriah, and doing Chumash chazarah.

This has been a wildly successful program, and everyone involved has gained tremendously from the experience. Rabbi Hopfer watched the chavrusa learning before he began the farher, and the Rav was impressed by the way the classroom transformed into a small Beis HaMidrash with a sweet kol Torah! A big thank you goes to The Administration of TA for hosting and fostering this project, and to Rabbi Mordechai Abrahams, the TA Satellite class Rebbi, for always going above and beyond to ensure the best for his talmidim!

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he JEWELS TA Satellite class reached another amazing milestone. The boys completed their third perek in Lech Lecha.

Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer, Rav of the Shearith Israel Congregation came to farher the boys. Some of the boys could read and translate all of the pesukim, and others mastered half of the pesukim.

All of the boys were able to answer questions, and discuss the pesukim with Rabbi Hopfer. The Rav was most impressed!

At the end of November a new partnership began between the 8th grade talmidim at TA, and the JEWELS boys. Each day a group of TA talmidim come to the JEWELS classroom and

RUBY LASKER DESIGNS

RUBY LASKER DESIGNS

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME FEBRUARY 10, 2022

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL AGING An evening hosted by Aventura Assisted Living Baltimore and King David Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion

Wednesday March 2nd 2022 5:30pm-8:00pm

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Join Aventura at The Heights and The Park in showcasing preferred services and resources to the greater community.

10

Around the Community

The Special Medley of Shabbos Menucha

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

By: Rabbi Aryeh Richter BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

S

habbos Shira, Jan. 14/15, brought together 30 families from the Baltimore community for a spectacular weekend of chizuk. Families who are unique with their own beauty, yet share one commonality- they were chosen to raise a most beautiful neshoma embodied in a child with special needs.

HaRav Eytan Feiner, shlit”a and his Rebbetzin joined the families of Menucha and together ushered in an atmosphere of inspiration and courage through a stunning tapestry of ma’amarei chazal from all areas of Torah.

The devorim Ha’yotzim min ha’lev had the participants of the Shabbaton crying and laughing at the same time as they found clarity in the divine mission HaShem has chosen them for.

As the theme of the Shabbos was “Finding the song amid the challenges

of raising a child with special needs”, the the spirited zemiros of the older Menucha children couldn’t have been more appropriate. The camaraderie brought out an energy that was palpable in an environment where families felt perfectly at home with each other.

The shabbos concluded with a community appreciation Melava Malka which gave members of the community a chance the take a glimpse in to the world of Menucha. Commencing with music and dancing then transitioning into a lavish seuda with heartfelt divrei beracha from Harav Feiner yet one more time.

Perhaps one of the most poignant moments was captured when young Tzvi Mark of Menucha requested a beracha from Rav Feiner, but the rav insisted that it be the other way around.

The rav bent over as the the young man bestowed blessings upon the rav from the bottom of his heart.

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Daughters of 14 leaders reminisce about their fathers and mothers

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by Estie Florans

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Inspiring stories, uplifting chizuk, and practical advice on shidduchim INCLUDES SELECTED TEFILLOS

Featuring over 250 unpublished Hebrew teshuvos from Rav Chaim about shidduchim, with English summaries.

NEW!

Volume 6

rom Their Daughters’ Hearts, Volume 2, by Estie Florans, is a collection of interviews with the daughters of 14 luminaries.

The interviews contain fascinating, and often unknown, biographical information, but there is so much more: vignettes of those family moments that biographers seldom capture, warm and human and funny and poignant, inspiring and relatable messages transmitted from a caring parent to his/her dear daughter, and now warmly shared with you.

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Around the Community

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

OCA’s New Group of Participants in the Truman Scholars Program

W

e are excited to announce OCA’s second cohort of 7th participants in the Tikvah Fund’s Truman Scholars Program for advanced Middle School students: Meira Einbinder and Yair Sebbag.

This 18-month program is designed for outstanding seventh-graders from select Orthodox Jewish schools across the country. Beginning this month, our students will join peers from 20 schools across 10 states under the guidance of an incredible faculty, including: Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, Director of the Zahava and Moshael Straus

Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University Professor Ruth Wisse, who recently retired from her position as Martin Peretz Professor of Yiddish Literature and Professor of Comparative Literature at Harvard Dr. Leon Kass, the Addie Clark Harding Professor Emeritus in the Committee on Social Thought and the College at the University of Chicago and the Madden-Jewett Scholar Emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute From the colonial age to the American Founding, from the Civil War

to the World Wars to the civil rights movement, Americans have looked to Tanach to help give voice to America’s loftiest aspirations, at home and abroad. In this innovative enrichment program, students will have the opportunity to discover the Jewish influence

on the American Experiment and the founding of Modern Israel.

They will explore and learn from religious, political, and intellectual leaders who transformed the Zionist longing—through strategy and struggle—into the re-born homeland of the Jewish people.

Students will spend an hour each week studying biblical and rabbinic sources in addition to historic speeches, stories, and court decisions that have crafted two great nations.

We are so proud of our OCA students for participating in this enriching learning experience!

RAJE Students Journey to Auschwitz 77 Years after Liberation

T

his week, 30 RAJE students from across the U.S. including a group from Baltimore, got back from a life-changing 7 day journey visiting Jewish heritage and Holocaust sites throughout Poland and the Czech Republic. RAJE (Russian American Jewish Experience) is a national Jewish outreach program whose mission is to create a vibrant community of young Russian Jews who want to explore their unique national, ethnic, and cultural identity while learning more about their Jewish heritage.

The trip began in Warsaw, journeyed throughout Poland and Galicia visiting concentration camps as well as Jewish holy sites like the grave of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizentzk, the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery, and the Ramah Shul in Krakow. The trip concluded with a lively Shabbos in Prague, where the group visited the famed OldNew shul of the Maharal – the oldest continuously used Synagogue in the world.

One of the highlights of the trip was saying the Kel Maleh mourner’s prayer besides 7 tons of ashes that still remain in the Majdonic concentration camp. Another was the visit to Auschwitz, just a few days before the 77th anniversary of its liberation by the Red Army on January 27th, 1945.

There, students lay tefillin in the barracks – many for the very first time.

“Putting tefillin on in the bunkers was especially moving for me because the

Jews risked their lives to do it under threat of death,” participant Jonathan Kogut, said. “It was beautiful to be able to continue this tradition so many years later, our Jewish faith still strong and intact.”

In Auschwitz students were able to flip through thousands of 6 foot tall pages containing the names of 4.2 million known victims of Holocaust.

Many were amazed to find their last name listed among the names of the victims. Rose and Sofiya Zylberberg of Ellicott City attended the trip together. Their grandfather was from a large religious family in Poland. He was sent to Siberia shortly before the war – which ended up saving his life.

He spent his life searching for any remaining relatives but was never able to locate any surviving siblings or family members after the war. In Auschwitz the sisters were shocked to find 10 pages filled with Zylberbergs from Poland who perished at the hands of the Nazis. “That’s about 5,000 of us that died in Poland almost immediately when the Holocaust began,” Sofiya said. “It was a moment of shock, but it also made me feel more proud than ever to carry my grandfather’s last name. I’m more certain than ever that I must honor our family by continuing on our Jewish heritage.”

“If I had ever considered not raising Jewish kids before, there is not a doubt in my mind that my kids have to know where they came from and what their ancestors did for them to be

able to proudly be who they are,” Rose added.

The goal of the trip is not only to study the history of what was lost in the past, but also to explore one’s Jewish identity and focus on rebuilding the Jewish future. “The ultimate revenge on the Nazis is when we live proudly as Jews,” RAJE Maryland Director, Rabbi Gavriel Horan, said. “That’s the mission of RAJE. Never Forget means

not only that we never forget the Holocaust – but perhaps more importantly that we never forget what it means to be a Jew.” “The trip made me question who I want to become, and what impact I want to leave on the world,” Baltimore participant, Ellie Leybengrub, echoed.

“Not only as an individual, but as a Jew. I intend to make a Jewish impact on the world, and I intend to be proud of it. I appreciate RAJE for making this powerful trip possible.”

Although all that remains of over 1000 years of Jewish heritage in Eastern Europe is ash, graves, and empty shuls, the Jewish people remain and are continuing our great legacy.

Thanks to RAJE, the 30 students returned home with a renewed connection to their Jewish heritage and a desire to continue learning more.

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14

Around the Community

WITS (formerly Maalot) Alumnae Melava Malka

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Rekindling the Connection…

A

lumnae often refer to their time at WITS/Maalot as their most formative year, a year where they gain tremendous inspiration, direction and chizuk from the strong environment. Students, surrounded by inspired, growthoriented friends, are learning from prestigious Rabbanim and teachers, and their time in that environment fortifies them before entering the “real world”. WITS strives to educate women for life. It’s not only the tagline, but also the mission, and it always has been – educating students to be prepared for their desired career path, as well as keeping alumnae connected to their Rabbanim, teachers and friends.

This year, WITS launched an initiative to provide alumnae with opportunities to tap back into the chizuk and friendships they had during their time at WITS. Together with a new

Alumnae Council*, WITS is creating a community for its alumnae to provide connective social events, shiurim, continuing education, and more.

To this end, on Motzei Shabbos, January 30th, WITS held a beautiful Alumnae Melava Malka. It was an evening of nostalgia, connection and inspiration with over 55 alumnae in attendance. Alumnae spanning 23 years of graduates were honored to hear words of inspiration from Mrs. Shifra Rabenstein, a long-time teacher at WITS, enjoy a beautiful seudah from Chef Dan, and have fun making scented candles. Blank cards were provided for alumnae to write words of hakaras hatov to faculty and to staff members who made an impact on their life. The event also included fun door prizes, a raffle to win a $50 gift card from event sponsor Adina B and a memory lane slideshow. “It was so nice reconnecting with my teachers and friends, said

alumna Yakira (Green) Price, life’s busy but I miss my time at WITS.” To connect with alumnae from all over, the WITS website now offers an alumnae page (www.wits.edu/alumnae) with access to resources, such as podcasts, an Alumnae WhatsApp group, alumnae news, job opportunities, ways to get involved and more.

“We look forward to continuing to build our alumnae community and providing meaningful resources, keeping alumnae connected to the strong relationships and chizuk that they received during their time at WITS,” says Sarah Brody, Director of Marketing & Development.

Any WITS/Maalot alumnae who would like to get involved or share their ideas, reach out to Sarah Brody at stbrody@wits.edu. *WITS extends its thanks to the Alumnae Council: Lauren (Grossman) Apt ‘06, Gabrielle Bakaev ‘20, Loni (Jacob) Goldman ‘04, Shira (Beleck) Heideman ‘11, Oriana Kelemer ‘16, Anna (Grynsztein) Mond ‘20, Yakira (Green) Price ‘20, Michal Reitberger ‘20, Shoshana (Usdan) Rosenberg ‘17, Tehila Rosenberg ‘21, Talie (Baral) Shimanovitch ‘07, Devora (Milevsky) Stern ‘05, Gitty (Roberts) Nissel ‘09, Yael Zimberg ‘19.

IMPACT OUR JEWISH FUTURE. Apply for the Morainu: Judaic Studies Educational Fellowship at Beth Tfiloh and learn from the best educators in the field — the renowned mechanchim at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School in Baltimore!

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Rabbi Moshe Frohlich - Bais Yaakov Middle School Principal

As we are just past midway through the school year, we thought it an opportune time to connect with Rabbi Moshe Frohlich, the new principal of Bais Yaakov Rabbi Binyomin Steinberg Middle School. After greeting us with his signature warmth, Rabbi Frohlich treated us to an inside look at what motivates him, his vision and his insight into Bais Yaakov.

What stands out about your experience in Bais Yaakov so far?

My wife, Bracha, grew up in Baltimore and is an alumna of Bais Yaakov. Throughout our marriage, she has always spoken about Bais Yaakov with such fondness. She radiates as she recounts her time at Bais Yaakov; her memories, her connection to her teachers and principals and the opportunities Bais Yaakov afforded her both academically and in extracurricular activities, especially with her involvement in gemach. While I enjoyed hearing her stories, I had trouble relating to her feelings. A sense of such tremendous pride in your alma mater was foreign to me. And then I became part of the Bais Yaakov family. What goes on inside these walls is incredible. Bais Yaakov is truly unique in its inclusivity, warmth and the attention and resources it directs towards de-

veloping the whole child. We strike a beautiful balance between strong academics and extracurricular programming creating a very healthy and wholesome environment for the girls. Each girl is given an array of opportunities in which to be involved and to shine. And yet, with all of its innovative programming, Bais Yaakov remains a venerable institution, true to its founding principles. Influences from educational giants including Rabbi Hirsch Diskind z”l, Rabbi Binyomin Steinberg z”l, and yibadel l’chayim, Rabbi Naftoli Hexter, permeate the school.

What challenges do you think our young women face and how is Bais Yaakov meeting these challenges?

We live in an unprecedented time.

Anxiety is skyrocketing.

Self-image is low. We are constantly bombarded with false messaging about what makes people happy. Now, more than ever, in addition to the home, it is important for school to be a safe haven for our children.

Bais Yaakov does an exceptional job supporting our girls and helping them develop healthy self-esteem. Our social workers give fantastic workshops focusing on many of the issues facing our girls, arming them with the tools to succeed. We teach our girls how to navigate difficult friendships and circumstances and how to be appropriate and effective communicators. Our programming builds resiliency, flexibility and self-awareness;

cultivating the whole child and encouraging personal growth.

What is an example of a program that you brought to Bais Yaakov?

Recently, I was able to bring a meaningful shmitta initiative to our students, complementing our already robust programming repertoire.

This beautiful curriculum, developed by Rav Yosef Efrati, is designed to create a feeling of connection to Eretz Yisroel through lessons about the special mitzvos that only apply there. Girls are treated to engaging classes and discussions over Zoom with Rabbonim in Eretz Yisroel who teach them about the halachos of shmitta, its practical applications and transcendental lessons. Students see the beauty of this unique mitzvah and come to an appreciation for the sacrifice of the exceptional individuals who uphold its laws. This imbues the girls with a deeper love for Eretz Yisroel.

New programs aside, my vision for Bais Yaakov Middle School is that it continues to be a place where every girl is able to contribute and each student feels valued and loved. We will steadfastly uphold our rich mesorah, inculcating within our students a deep sense of yiras shamayim and an awareness of their purpose as exalted members of klal yisroel. With siyata dishmaya, Bais Yaakov Middle School will remain a “small school of hundreds of students,” maintaining personal connections and ensuring that each girl is primed for success.

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What inspired you to go into chinuch?

A wise professor once said, “Know your story.” When a person understands the impetus behind what he is doing, it helps fuel his work. Relationships were much of the driving force that led me to chinuch. Growing up, I had less than a stellar academic experience and undoubtedly gave some of my teachers a run for their money. But throughout my experience, I was fortunate to have exceptional Rabbeim who worked hard to notice me. These were singular individuals who helped shape my formative years by showing genuine in-

terest in my development and building strong relationships with me. Their care for me was so sincere that even when they had to reprimand me, I was able to recognize that it came from a place of love. Because of these connections, I developed a desire to give back and simulate my experiences for others. Rav Avrohom Pam zt”l used to say, “I don’t teach Gemara; I teach students.” That resonated deeply with me. As I got older, I spent my summers as a counselor at camp which allowed me to really reach children and understand their struggles. I saw that I could draw on my own experiences and use my strengths to help Klal Yisroel.

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The Week In News

Vitamin D Helps to Fight Covid Israeli researchers from Bar Ilan University and the Galilee Medical Center have said they can predict how a person will fare if infected with COVID-19 based on their age and vitamin D levels alone.

The study, published recently in PLOS One, showed that a lack of vitamin D significantly raises the risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

ity is extremely strong. Because this study gets such a good picture of patients’ vitamin D levels, by looking at a wide timeframe instead of just the time around hospitalization, it offers much stronger support than anything seen so far emphasizing the importance of boosting vitamin D levels during the pandemic.

“People should learn from this that studies pointing to the importance of taking vitamin D are very reliable, and aren’t based on skewed data,” Dr. Dror noted. “And it emphasizes the value of everyone taking a vitamin D supplement during the pandemic, which, consumed in sensible amounts in accordance with official advice, doesn’t have any downside.”

Bibi: Police Spying in Citizens

The study is based on research conducted during Israel’s first two COVID-19 waves, before vaccines were widely available. Doctors emphasized that vitamin D is not a substitute for vaccination but a key in keeping immunity levels from falling.

According to a 2011 study, nearly four in five people in Israel are deficient in vitamin D. Dr. Amiel Dror, a Galilee Medical Center physician, who was also one of the Bar Ilan researchers conducting the study, said, “We found it remarkable, and striking, to see the difference in the chances of becoming a severe patient when you are lacking in vitamin D compared to when you’re not.”

He told the Times of Israel, “What we’re seeing when vitamin D helps people with COVID infections is a result of its effectiveness in bolstering the immune systems to deal with viral pathogens that attack the respiratory system. This is equally relevant for Omicron as it was for previous variants.”

Dr. Dror added, “We checked a range of timeframes, and found that wherever you look over the two years before infection, the correlation between vitamin D and disease sever-

Opposition leader MK and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday accused Israel Police of illegally spying on Israeli citizens.

The accusation follows allegations over the police’s use of the NSO group’s Pegasus software without a warrant, as part of Netanyahu’s Case 4000, as well as to spy on activists and public figures.

During a Knesset debate on Monday evening, Netanyahu said, “This is a black day for the State of Israel. Without addressing my issue – which, of course, has wide implications – I think this issue concerns all citizens of the country – not right, not left, all citizens of the country without exception.”

Bibi added, “Something unthinkable has happened here. Police officials have illegally used the most aggressive tools in the world to spy on countless citizens – journalists, social activists from right and left, mayors, businessmen, politicians, their families – who was not spied upon?

The private lives of citizens were unveiled here. They followed them, listened to them, got into their most hidden secrets and who knows what improper use they made of this espionage. Spyware designed to thwart terrorism and fight our enemies has become an everyday tool used by police to spy on civilians in violation of any norm, in violation of any law.”

According to Netanyahu, “This is similar to the IDF using the F-35 planes we use against Iran and Hezbollah and Hamas to bomb the citizens of Israel. That never happened and under no circumstances could it be on the agenda.”

He asserted, “There is only one way to deal with it. Not with maneuvers and excuses and not in all sorts of ways that would not be acceptable to all the occupants of this house. The way to do this is through a strong and independent inquiry, which will be acceptable to both sides of this house.

Only in this way will we restore the public’s trust in our country and in our democracy.”

Holocaust Survivor Dies of Gaza War Wounds

A 91-year-old Holocaust survivor who suffered serious wounds when a rocket hit her home last year during skirmishes with Gaza died on Sunday of her injuries.

Naomi Perlman was wounded in May 2021’s Operation Guardian of the Walls, when a rocket from Gaza struck her home on Ashkelon’s Malkei Yisrael Street.

Naomi’s house collapsed, killing her caregiver on the spot, and riddling her own body with shrapnel.

She was rescued by a neighbor and taken to the hospital.

Since then, Naomi has been in and out of the hospital. Recently, her condition significantly deteriorated, and she passed away.

Her death brings the number of Israeli victims from the war to 13.

3 Terror Suspects Killed Three Palestinian terror suspects were killed by Israeli security forces

on Tuesday in a rare daytime operation in the West Bank. The terrorists were about to shoot at officers from the Yamam police counterterrorism unit who ambushed them in Nablus before they were killed.

Israeli leaders heralded the news.

“Our forces proved today, again, that there is no immunity for terrorists,” Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement. “Whoever hurts us will be hurt.”

The three gunmen were allegedly behind recent shooting attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians. They were apparently members of Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, a coalition of armed groups associated with the Palestinian Authority’s ruling Fatah party.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz praised the operation and called it “a preventive action.”

“I recently ordered that preventive actions against shooting attacks and troop presence in central arteries and areas of the [West Bank] be stepped up,” he wrote on Twitter. “We’ll continue with proactive operations, prevent [attacks] and capture anyone who tries to hurt people.”

The gunmen were identified as Ashraf al-Mubsalit, Adham Mabrouk, and Muhammad al-Dakhil by Palestinian media, which said they were affiliated with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades. A Fatah spokesperson confirmed that the three were Fatah members.

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, a loose coalition of armed groups affiliated with Fatah, has been largely dormant since the Second Intifada two decades ago. In a 2007 agreement, hundreds of the terror group’s members surrendered their arms in exchange for amnesty from Israel.

Thousands of Palestinians participated in the funeral of the three men in Nablus on Tuesday afternoon.

“With blood and spirit, we’ll redeem you, o martyr!” the mourners chanted. Yellow flags affiliated with the West Bank’s ruling Fatah party

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The Week In News dotted the procession alongside green banners associated with the Hamas terror group.

According to an unsourced report in the Walla news site, officials decided to order the operation after the Palestinians were seen getting in a car with guns and ammunition.

The report said undercover anti-terror police riding in a taxi and a car in Nablus surrounded the suspects’ car and opened fire on it. Other troops, some of whom were undercover, were also deployed to the area in case of problems.

Israel had received intelligence that the group had been planning an attack Tuesday night.

Aligning with Bahrain Israel and Bahrain last week signed a security memorandum of understanding (MoU), amid increasing threats from Iran.

Middle Eastern countries are understanding that the U.S. now has its

interests elsewhere and that they must work together against Iran.

After signing the MoU, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, “We must strengthen the ‘moderate camp,’ and there is such a thing. Our formal relations allow us to come in and work together against shared threats. We are only in our first year of the Abraham Accords; in the coming decade, there will be significant developments.”

Speaking to reporters, Gantz noted, “This is the first time that a defense minister is coming for an official visit openly, and the truth is that they are the ones doing this in a significant, high-profile way. We signed a security cooperation agreement, which is another milestone in the hugely important process of the Abraham Accords, which we have been ushering through

for more than a year.

“I want to thank the king for the hospitality and the courageous decision to hold the visit publicly. This decision to go openly is a significant decision. It is a step that has been ripening for a long time. There have been relationships between the [two countries’] defense establishments for many years, and it is a historic moment to make them official, formal and public.”

He added, “Bahrain stands on its own as a country that we want and need to develop a relationship with, in all aspects, civilian and military. Formalizing our cooperation allows us to create forums and workgroups that will provide an answer for the operational needs of the two countries. Bahrain isn’t the ‘annex’ of any country — the connection with it is important and significant.

“From now on there will be increased talks and presence in terms of cooperation and defense industries here, and we will find solutions and assist, which will be appropriate for the Bahrainis’ security needs. This is precisely the point of this agreement

— that we can sit together, create workgroups and find concrete solutions.”

Israel has normalized relations with several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, and Morocco.

During Gantz’s trip to Bahrain, he met with the country’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Defense Minister Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Nuaimi.

A New Attorney General

Gali Baharav-Miara is now the attorney general of Israel. The 62-yearold former Tel Aviv district attorney for

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Engagements Yaakov Yehuda Trout (Baltimore) to Eliana Korn (Monsey/Seattle) Tzvi Oratz to Bayla Ahuva Yudkowsky (Both Baltimore) Simcha Luchansky (Baltimore) to Avigayil Braun (Montreal) Gavriel Pearlman to Shiffy Carroll (Both Baltimore) Baruch Friedman to Rivka Linzer (Both Baltimore)

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The Week In News civil affairs took her post on Tuesday, following unanimous cabinet confirmation of her appointment. She is the first woman to take up the top justice role.

Outgoing attorney general Avichai Mandelblit stepped down upon completion of his six-year term on January 31, and State Attorney Amit Aisman had been filling in.

Baharav-Miara enters office amid spiking confusion and outrage over alleged illicit police use of spyware against both suspects and nonsuspects, including persons of interest in the trial of former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and a decline in public trust in the justice system.

“I intend to put the issue of public trust in the legal system at the top of my priorities,” she said at a welcoming ceremony in Jerusalem. “In recent days, there has been a worrying decline in public confidence in public legal advice and law enforcement systems…

Various reasons for this come to mind, including the impact of external events and attacks on the judiciary and law enforcement. But it is wrong to attribute the decline in public confidence in the

attorney general solely to external parties.”

Commenting on the spyware allegations, Baharav-Miara said that “naturally, one of the first issues I will address is the allegations about the measures used by the Israel Police.”

Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar: The Force behind Baharav-Miara’s Appointment Sa’ar has expressed his intention to split the role of the attorney general, who currently serves as both legal adviser to the government and as the state’s chief prosecutor, meaning the same person can be tasked both with overseeing the prosecution of members of the government and with defending their moves — a situation some argue creates a conflict of interest. Mandelblit had opposed such a split, but Baharav-Miara is reportedly

amenable to it.

In his remarks, the justice minister described the role of the attorney general as “the most difficult and challenging in the public service.”

He wished Baharav-Miara success, calling her a “consummate professional” with decades of experience in public legal service, and in particular representing the state in the courts.

The new attorney general will have several high-profile cases to deal with. These include the whereabouts of state gifts given to Benjamin Netanyahu that the former premier was ordered to return, a gift of $20,000 that an Australian billionaire gave to ex-Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, and the alleged harassment of state’s witness Shlomo Filber by two Netanyahu aides.

She will also have to determine whether and how to proceed with negotiations on a plea bargain for Netanyahu, who is on trial in three graft cases and whose lawyers negotiated with Mandelblit, reportedly coming close to a deal, in recent weeks.

Spirit and Frontier to Merge Low-cost U.S. carriers Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines announced plans on Monday to merge, in a move which would create the fifth-largest U.S. airline by revenue passenger miles.

The deal is valued at over $6 billion and would leave Spirit controlling 48.5% of the combined airline and Frontier controlling 51.5%.

The two airlines together offer over 1,000 daily flights to over 145

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The Week In News destinations in 19 countries.

In a joint statement, the airlines said, “Together, Frontier and Spirit expect to change the industry for the benefit of consumers, bringing more ultra-low fares to more travelers in more destinations across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, including major cities as well as underserved communities.”

They added that they expect the merge to allow them to add another 10,000 jobs by 2026, without the need for layoffs, as well as create $1 billion in annual savings for customers.

William A. Franke, chair of Frontier’s board, will serve as the chairman of the combined company. Announcing the merge, he said, “We worked jointly with the Board of Directors and senior management team across both carriers to arrive at a combination of two complementary businesses that together will create America’s most competitive ultra-low fare airline for the benefit of consumers.”

States to End School Mask Mandates The governors of New Jersey and Delaware have announced dates for the end of their states’ school mask mandates.

On Monday, New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy announced that the mask mandate for schools and childcare settings will end n March 7, in light of the increased vaccination rate and drop in COVID-19 cases in the Garden City, as well as the perceived mildness of the Omicron variant.

He emphasized, however, that “masking continues to be an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID,” and individual school district leaders will have the authority to enforce or maintain mask mandates, “should community conditions require.”

Delaware’s Governor John Carney said his state’s universal indoor mask mandate will end on February 11, while school mask mandates will end

on March 31.

Carney explained, “We’re in a much better place than we were several weeks ago in the middle of the Omicron surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.”

He added, “I want to be clear about this point – COVID is still circulating in our communities. And the virus still poses a risk of serious illness, particularly among those who are not up to date on their vaccinations. But we have the tools to keep ourselves and each other safe.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 73% of people in New Jersey and 67% of people in Delaware are fully vaccinated.

Cruise Ships Seized for Millions in Unpaid Bills Two Crystal Cruises ships diverted

to the Bahamas in an attempt to avoid a U.S. warrant for unpaid bills have been seized by authorities.

On Friday night, authorities boarded the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity near Freeport, Bahamas, in relation to a U.S. warrant for unpaid fuel bills of at least $4.6 million.

Crew members were escorted off the ship and released. No passengers were on board at the time of the seizure.

A federal judge issued the warrant for the Crystal Symphony on January 20, authorizing U.S. Marshals to board the vessel and take charge once it approaches the U.S. coastline. U.S. Marshals do not have jurisdiction in the Bahamas. It was Bahamian authorities that took over the ships last week.

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The Week In News cruise company said it would suspend operations through late April in order to “provide Crystal’s management team with an opportunity to evaluate the current state of business and examine various options moving forward.”

Electoral Count Act May Pass

West Virginian Democratic Senator Joe Manchin and Alaskan Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski on Sunday expressed optimism about their attempt to reform the Electoral Count Act. “I think absolutely it’ll pass,” Manchin told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”

He added, “Now, there will be some people saying it’s not enough.

There will be some people saying it’s more than what we should do or we don’t need it. And what we’ll do is try to bring them all together and say, ‘Listen, this is what we should do because this is what caused the problem.

And it’s what we can do. So let’s do that.’”

The Act was intended to provide Congress with a process by which to certify Electoral College votes submitted by the states.

According to Murkowski, the reform aims to find common ground among both parties’ senators.

“I kind of have said, we’re going to take the Goldilocks approach here,” she said. “We’re gonna try to find what’s just right. And it’s not going to be just right for everybody, but will it be a step ahead? Will it be important for the country? Yeah.”

She added that the staff working on the Act is also examining the Help America Vote Act and the Electoral Commissions Act. “We want to make sure that ... if you’re going to be an election worker, if you’re going to be there at the polling booth, you don’t feel intimidated or threatened or harassed,” she explained. “We are sitting down I think,

again, as members in good faith to ensure that election integrity across all 50 states moves forward in a positive way.”

How Kirkland Came to Be Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand brought in $58 billion in sales during Costco’s latest fiscal year, representing a quarter of the company’s total revenue.

The brand is the U.S.’s largest consumer packaged goods brand measured by sales.

The brand was born about 30 years ago. At the time, there were around 30 different Costco house brands, but Costco’s co-founder and then-CEO Jim Sinegal realized they were easily forgotten and went for an overhaul, inspired by a 1991 Forbes article.

That article said that consumers are “starting to switch to house brands....

The trend so far is only a trickle, but it shows signs of growing fairly rapidly.”

At a 2019 talk in Georgetown University, Sinegal explained, “We found that there was a resurgence of private-label product and that was driven an awful lot by the fact that the prices of brand-name products were growing so rapidly.” As the big names rose in price, Costco developed its own brands at 15-20% below the name brands.

“The conventional wisdom said that you had to have a different name for every class of product that you had — a la Sears Roebuck with the Kenmore appliances and the DieHard batteries and the Craftsman tools,” he said in 2019. “We looked at it and we said, you know, we’re in so many countries and we have such a wide array of products we’ll have a room full of attorneys that are doing nothing but trying to clear these names.”

When he asked for suggestions for names, someone offered “Kirkland Signature,” a spinoff of the company’s Washington State headquarters.

“We liked it. We cleared it for every country and every product category that we would have. That made it simple,” Sinegal explained.

In 1995, the new brand replaced all of the smaller Costco brand names.

And when Costco moved its head-

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quarters to nearby Issaquah, it kept “Kirkland” as its name.

“Nobody could spell Issaquah, so we kept it,” Sinegal noted.

Kirkland is exclusive to Costco, and analysts believe it helps Costco solidify its image as a value store with quality products.

According to Costco’s annual filings, “Maintaining consistent product quality, competitive pricing, and availability” is “essential” to keeping members loyal to Costco, since if Kirkland “experiences a loss of member acceptance or confidence,” that may harm sales and profit margins.

WH Scientist Bullied Subordinates Eric Lander, top science adviser to the White House, resigned on Monday, admitting to President Joe Biden in his letter of resignation that he had been “demeaning” to subordinates.

Lander, the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, is the first member of Biden’s Cabinet to resign.

For Lander’s critics, his exit took far too long. They say he shouldn’t have even been nominated.

During his campaign, Biden vowed to make the White House a fair and respectful place to work and said he would terminate bullies under his auspices “on the spot.”

Lander, who was founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, was tapped by Biden for scientific advice before his inauguration.

The resignation came after Politico reported on allegations that Lander had “bullied and demeaned his subordinates,” including his onetime general counsel Rachel Wallace, who resigned and filed a complaint before the White House launched a twomonth investigation.

Multiple women had complained to colleagues about Lander’s behavior, which they generally described as demeaning.

Lander, a noted geneticist, molecular biologist, and mathematician, as well as a principal researcher on the Human Genome Project, apologized again in his resignation letter.

“I am devastated that I caused hurt

to past and present colleagues by the way in which I have spoken to them,” Lander wrote, adding that “it is clear that things I said, and the way I said them, crossed the line at times into being disrespectful and demeaning, to both men and women.”

Following the news of Lander’s behavior, the American Association for the Advancement of Science disinvited him from its annual meeting next week.

The White House was warned about Lander’s behavior when he was nominated.

World’s Biggest Igloo

It took 64 days for 25 people to build what could be the world’s biggest igloo.

But this is no ordinary igloo. It sits on top of a popular skiing resort in the western Himalayas in Gulmarg, India, which is about 540 miles north of India’s capital.

Workers started constructing the ice-house on December 3, 2021. They combined snow and ice in a box and would press the mixture together in a box to create a “snow brick.” Each brick took five minutes to make.

Eventually, the building took shape and is now 38 feet high and has a diameter of 44 feet.

Aside from its huge dimensions, the structure is also a café for those daring enough to climb heights for a cup of coffee. For now, it’s registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest café of its kind.

Hopefully, the coffee will warm visitors as they sip their brew. There is no fireplace there, although there are sheepskin-style rugs and ice sculptures that give a rustic, cozy vibe.

For now, the igloo café is expected

29

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30

‫פואות‬

‫ת‬ ‫עו ·ר‬

‫ט· י‬ ‫שו‬

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Tehillim Kollel is on its way to Lizensk ‫·געז‬ ‫ונ‬

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

‫בס"ד‬

to daven for Klal Yisrael on the yahrtzeit of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech, zy”a '‫כ“א אדר א‬ Send along your name and requests and see your yeshuah soon

From Lizensk, one brings home only yeshuos It was this time of year, nearly one year ago – 21 Adar 5781. Covid restrictions made global travel very difficult, and much fewer Yidden merited taking the trip to the wellspring of yeshuos.

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A group of yungerleit, friends from yeshivah, pushed their way through the hassle and legalese and managed to get to Poland, to the Rebbe Reb Elimelech. What prompted them to undertake such a challenging trip?

While these young men were celebrating the births of one child and another, they had a classmate who was still home alone, single. They decided to try everything in the world to help their friend.

The Week In News to be open until March 15. After that date, the structure may not be safe as temperatures may rise.

Sounds so cool.

So Shocking Desha-Ann and Rashann Kealoha live in Waianac, Hawaii. Living in Hawaii is generally blissful, but they were in for a shock when they opened their electric bill last month.

The couple was billed by Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) for $18,000 because they are said to be the legal owners of the street and are therefore responsible for the electricity of the lights on the road.

Their bill? An outstanding balance of $17,860.09, which is currently more than $18,000 due to “several years of unpaid invoices.”

“Hawaiian Electric recently learned that you both own Halemaluhia Place…” the HECO said in the letter. “Because you own the street upon which the streetlights are located, Hawaiian Electric believes that you are responsible for the payment of electric energy supplied to these streetlights.”

“Yes, I was shocked, overwhelmed and confused, but still remained hopeful that there is some solution to this,” Desha-Ann Kealoha recalled after opening the letter. “My husband has a colorful vocabulary – he was upset.”

The HECO also provided documentation showing which of the streetlights allegedly belonged to the

couple — which have been powered for several years — without any payment to the company.

“During the review, Hawaiian Electric learned that several of these accounts did not have an existing customer,” the letter stated. “One such account relates to the streetlights that are found within the street at Halemaluhia Place.”

Desha-Ann Kealoha said this was the first time she heard about owning

the streetlights.

A spokesperson for the electric company said it does not expect the couple to pay the balance but is working with them and the city to track down whoever should be responsible for paying the five-figure sum.

“We’re working with all parties and have spoken with the Kealohas.

We want to assure them that we don’t expect them to pay the outstanding bill. Our goal is to determine who owns the street where the streetlights are located so that the bill can be paid going forward,” said spokesperson Shannon Tangonan.

Sounds like there’s some light at the end of the tunnel for Desha-Ann.

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FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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Torah Thought

It Makes ‘Scents’!

By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

A

famous anomaly related to this week’s portion is the omission of Moshe’s name from the entire reading.

We are taught that this is due to Moshe after hearing from G-d, subsequent to the sin of the Golden Calf, that He intended to eradicate the entire nation saving only Moshe from whom a new nation would arise, that Moshe protested by stating, forgive their sin… if not, erase me now from Your book, which You have written.

Moshe was willing to forfeit his life and his accomplishments for the sake of his beloved nation. G-d retracted His decision permitting the nation to survive, but symbolically fulfilled Moshe’s request by omitting his name from this one portion.

Why though did G-d select this portion specifically from among many others to carry out Moshe’s entreaty?

G-d’s exact response to Moshe seems at odds with the tradition we have.

In His rejoinder to Moshe G-d tells him: whoever has sinned against Me, him I will erase from My book.

The reply seemed to be a total rejection of Moshe’s suggestion, with G-d seemingly asserting that only the

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32

deserving sinners will be erased from the Book of Life. There is no further dialogue reported regarding this issue.

The third Belzer Rebbe, Reb Yissocher Dov, offers a brilliant interpretation to resolve this dilemma.

Moshe sought to remove his fate from among those recorded in the Book of the Righteous rather than forsake his beloved flock. His intent was to be bonded and fated with them in the Book of the Wicked, if that’s what it took. G-d however had a better idea. Agreeing with Moshe in principle that they shall be entwined forever, but rather than Moshe being inscribed among the wicked, G-d will have them all etched among the destiny of the righteous with Moshe. When G-d states ‘whoever has sinned, him I will erase from My book’, He meant from the book of sinners, but will be placed instead with Moshe among the righteous.

Where is the justice in this? How can sinners be given a pardon based simply on Moshe’s throwing down the gauntlet?

Until this juncture Moshe embodied all of Torah. The nation was expected to follow suit in abiding by all its laws. When they failed miserably

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at the Sin of the Golden Calf, it was over, a botched experiment. G-d therefore called for a new game plan, starting from scratch from Moshe alone.

Moshe understood that this simply wasn’t viable, he couldn’t carry on without them as they were an essential part of him. G-d, consented, but instructed them regarding the deeper consequence of this reality. It was no longer a relationship of a teacher with a disciple, but rather an embodiment of Moshe by the people. The lessons of Torah would be taught through the lives, challenges and failures they would face and endure. It would be a process within everyone, who each possessed a ‘piece’ of Moshe that would have to come to fruition in the lives they lead and the manner they reacted. Every soul although inherently pure, would nevertheless have to struggle to discover its brilliance.

G-d would never give up, for He knew that ultimately the collective ‘soul of Moshe’ would accomplish its task.

Moshe’s disappearance from our portion wasn’t a diminishing of his presence but rather the expression of his submersion within the ‘soul of the nation’ who by living its ideals would become the fullest manifestation of ‘Moshe’.

At the end of our portion the directive to construct the altar upon which the incense would be brought is recorded.

Weren’t the vessels of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, already enumerated in the previous portion? Why is this listed here amongst and after the discussion of the priestly garments and the inaugural sacrifices?

The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that this altar and its service is distinct from all that preceded it.

Everything up until this point was implemented for man’s sake to serve, devote and grow spiritually in that experience atoning for one’s failures.

It certainly was not to fulfill a ‘need’ of G-d as all is His and possessed by Him. The fragrant incense, in distinction, was brought to bring joy to G-d, as it were, and display His personal satisfaction with His servants. It is thus placed separately at the very end.

Is this a ‘need’ that must be filled?

The One who ‘owns and governs all’ cannot possibly ‘need’ this.

The early commentaries point out that the word for incense, ‫קטרת‬, is actually an acronym of the following words: ‫ — קדושה‬sanctity;‫ — טהרה‬purity;‫ — רחמים‬compassion;‫ תקוה‬, hope. (‫)מדרש תנחומא‬ How are these attributes and attitudes unique to the Incense?

In Israel, many schools have report cards with three categories of general comments assessing the child’s standing: ‫ — מאוד טוב‬very good, ‫ — טוב‬good, and ‫—כמעט טוב‬ nearly good. A good-humored teacher who had a particular student who was both greatly challenged and very challenging, added a fourth category, ‫ —יהיה טוב‬It will be good!

G-d wants to be in a state of joy, so that we may sense His love and appreciation.

The scent that rises from the special formula unique to the Ketores, represent the inner essence represented in the vaporized molecules, that which is invisible and ethereal.

G-d acknowledges the inner essence of each our beings, our special souls, which strive towards closeness, even when externally it may not appear as such. G-d knows that we will each come to manifest that spark of Moshe that is bursting forth.

He senses and cherishes those who have reached sanctity‫ — קדושה‬, and even those who have only sloughed off impurity alone —‫ טהרה‬. His compassion understands the struggles of those who are still entrenched in contamination, trying to come clean —‫רחמים‬. And even those who seemingly wander purposelessly, G-d still holds out hope that indeed ‫יהיה טוב‬, it will be good — ‫)תקוה!(שפתי צדיק‬ Although the incense represents the personal and private joy of G-d, yet that fragrance cannot be kept private, since it envelopes every space way beyond the Altar of Incense. It is intentionally so, because it is that pervading presence of G-d that our ‘Moshe Souls’ can connect to wherever we may discover it, wherever we find ourselves.

May we each make ‘scents’ out of the myriad of opportunities that come our way in manifesting new lessons in Torah and Avodah, in the spirit of Moshe, our very essence and soul.

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

33

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1. LOOKING GOOD

14k white gold necklace and pendant with .33 white natural diamonds donated by Samuelson’s Diamonds $500 gift card to Kayla Diamonds $200 gift card to Adina B. Salon $250 gift card to Radcliffe Jewelers $50 gift card to Hats to Hose

3. HEADS ABOVE THE REST

Sary or Irene wig (non-lace top) of your choice with cut from Yehudis Wigs sponsored in part by Norm & Cheryl Gras

4. DISNEY DREAM

Two-night stay at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs Hotel $500 gift card to Disney sponsored by Harborview Capital Partners

5. WANNA GET AWAY?

Studio apartment in Park City, Utah for a mutually agreed upon week donated by Susan Bonowitz $500 gift card to Southwest Airlines sponsored by Harborview Capital Partners

6. IT’S A DATE

$200 gift card to Sushi Sakura $180 gift card to Taam Thai $180 gift card to Serengeti sponsored by Howard & Shirley Blumenfeld $100 gift card to Yesh $100 gift card to Accents $100 gift card to Dougie’s Above two sponsored by Howard & Shirley Blumenfeld

$25 gift card to Croustille Café

7. FAMILY FUN

NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT WWW.SHORESH.COM/VIP $10/TICKET 7 TICKETS FOR $50 15 TICKETS FOR $100

10. MAN CAVE MANIA

TCL 70" LED UHD Smart TV and Xbox series S with Fortnite & Rocket League bundle sponsored by Richard & Jennifer Berman Recliner from Price Busters Furniture

11. BAL’MORE SPORTS FAN

Six tickets (1st and 2nd rows behind dugout) for a mutually agreed upon Orioles game in 2022 donated by Josh Fidler & Larry Macks Two tickets (50-yard line seats) for a mutually agreed upon Ravens game in 2022 donated by John Davison Cal Ripkin autographed 2131 consecutive streak game ball donated

by Isaac Dwek Ravens & Orioles merchandise from Baltimore Sports & Novelty sponsored in part by Simcha & Leah Kossman

12. WASHINGTON REPRESENTATIVE

Four Club tickets for a mutually agreed upon Nationals game in 2022 Four great seats for March 2 MD Terps vs. Minnesota game donated

by Rachel Klein MD Terps merchandise from Baltimore Sports & Novelty sponsored in part by Simcha & Leah Kossman $100 gift card to Al Ha-esh $100 gift card to Oh Mama Grill $100 gift card to Max’s Kosher Café Above three sponsored by Howard & Shirley Blumenfeld

13. SHOPPING SPREE

$500 gift card to Amazon sponsored by Yaakov Resnick in memory of Shmuel ben Yaakov and Rabbi Moshe & Carol Kosman

14. SHOW ME THE MONEY

$500 cash sponsored by Mark & Frayda Prince

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Four passes to Hershey Park 10 tickets to an Orioles game 10 passes to Guppy Gulch $120 gift card to Chef Dan $100 gift card to Playa Bowls $100 gift card to Caramel’s Pizza sponsored by Howard & Shirley Blumenfeld $90 gift card to Goldberg’s Bagels $90 gift card to Mama Leah’s Lunch for four at David Chu’s $50 gift card to Milk & Honey Bistro $50 Fun Pass to Adventure Park USA Four passes to KID Museum

9. SMOKIN’ HOT

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 charcoal grill + smoker sponsored by Adam & Phran Edelman Case of Herzog Alexander Valley Cabernet wine donated by Josh Phillips & Royal Wines $100 gift card to Shlomo’s Meat Market sponsored by Howard & Shirley Blumenfeld $100 gift card to Wasserman & Lemberger sponsored by Howard & Shirley Blumenfeld

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

2. DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Custom-made men’s suit with premium fabric from Gage Court Clothiers $100 gift card to Hat Box $100 gift card to Men’s Wearhouse

8. HOME SWEET HOME

$500 gift card to Klein’s ShopRite Crystal pedestal vase, challah tray and cover, candle sticks, havdalah set and more from Gifts By Gilda One-of-a-kind alcohol ink Hadlakat Neirot print with resin overlay from Abstract Life Studios $100 gift card to Shabsi’s Judaica $100 gift card to Knish Shop $100 gift card to Parisers $100 gift card to Seven Mile Market sponsored by Howard & Shirley Blumenfeld $100 gift card to Market Maven sponsored by Howard & Shirley Blumenfeld $50 gift card to Candy Store $50 gift card to Giant Six-month water cooler rental with three jugs from Blue Mountain Water

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

AUCTION

Sunday Adar A 5

Adar A 12

Adar A 19

7

8

1

Adar B 5

Adar A 28

Adar A 21

Purim Katan

Adar A 14

Adar A 7

Tuesday Tuesday

22

15

8

Adar Alef/Adar Beis

Adar B 4

Adar A 27

Adar A 20

Winter Break

Adar A 13

Adar A 6

Monday

28

21

14

7

9

Adar A 8

Adar A 15

Adar A 22

Adar A 29

Adar B 6

Keys to Success Aging see page 9

2

23

16

9

Wednesday Wednesday

2022 February/March

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

6

13

20

Adar A 26

Adar B 3

Shoresh Auction see pages 34-35

27

6

11

4

25

18

11

5:51 PM

Adar B 8

5:44 PM

‫ראש חודש‬

Adar B 1

5:36 PM

Adar A 24

5:29 PM

Adar A 17

5:21 PM

Winter Break

Adar A 10

Friday Friday

Adar A 11

6:21 PM

Adar A 18

Adar A 25

‫שבת זכור‬ ‫פרשת ויקרא‬

12

‫פרשת פקודי‬

5

6:51 PM

Adar B 9

6:43 PM

Adar B 2

‫שבת שקלים‬ ‫מברכים החודש‬ ‫ פרשת ויקהל‬6:36 PM

26

‫ פרשת כי תשא‬6:29 PM

19

‫פרשת תצוה‬

12

Saturday Saturday

Community Calendar

‫ראש חודש‬

Adar A 30

Next BJH Issue

Adar A 23

Adar A 16

Next BJH Issue

Adar A 9

Thursday Thursday 10

17

24

3

Adar B 7

Mrs. Jackie Bitton see page 23

10

Next BJH Issue

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3

Torah Thought

Parshas Tetzaveh

By Rabbi Berel Wein

I

n the Torah reading of this week, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the preparation of the oil that will be the fuel for the flames of the great Candelabra that existed in the Tabernacle and, later, in the Temple in Jerusalem. The Torah emphasizes that the oil to be used must be of the purest kind, refined to produce only illumination. Through this verse, the

commentators attempt to explain why such a special emphasis is to be placed on the oil.

Perhaps it would be sufficient for the Torah to simply command that the flames that emanated from the Menorah should be of the highest quality and have the greatest power of illumination. We would then understand that to produce flames of

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such a nature and quality, only the finest oil possible would have to be produced for the Candelabra to possess that proper fuel and extraordinarily fine flames. Thus, we see that the Torah emphasizes the preparation of the oil in more detail and with greater urgency than it does the description of the flame of the Candelabra that results.

In a strange way, it is as though the oil itself – which, after all, is only the fuel in the cup of the lamp of the Candelabra – somehow receives

forethought. They are not random acts that rarely occur because of the spontaneity of the moment.

All the holy days of the Jewish calendar require periods of planning – thirty days before the holiday itself, as well as physical, mental, and emotional preparation. One must enter the performance of commandments prepared. They are not to be performed haphazardly and without proper forethought and cognitive intent.

This is also true for the Sabbath

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Holiness and holy acts require preparation and forethought.

more prominence and detailed instruction than the flame itself. Not only that, but the great Candelabra has miraculous powers, and one of its lamps burned continuously, according to many commentaries, without having any added oil to the cup of that lamp. As such, if we are relying on that miracle, then why should the production of the oil for the Candelabra be deemed important at all?

Judaism places great weight not only on the fulfillment and actualization of commandments but also regarding the preparation that precedes the actual fulfillment of the wishes of Heaven. Holiness and holy acts require preparation and

day that occurs every week as well as all the daily commandments that we are privileged to perform on a regular basis. The Talmud teaches us that preparation is an important aspect of life – many times as important as actualizing the commandment.

Without proper preparation, performance of the commandments is likened to a body to which no soul is attached. Therefore, if we understand and appreciate this attitude towards life and commandments, we can readily appreciate why the Torah is so emphatic regarding the necessary methods of production of the oil to be used to light the lamps of the holy Tabernacle and Temple.

Shabbat shalom.

39

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Now Is an e m i T ne u t r o Opp in o J to

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Daf HaYomi B'Halacha

‫לו להקדוש ברוך הוא בעולמו אלא‬ ‫א‬ ‫ר‬ ‫ב‬ ‫ע‬ ‫א‬ ‫מ‬ ‫ו‬ ‫ת‬ ‫אין‬ ‫של ה‬ ‫ל‬ ‫כ‬ ‫ה‬ ‫ב‬ ‫לבד‬ Join Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha as it begins the next cycle on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022 / '‫י"ט אדר א‬ and become proficient in the Halachos of everyday life.

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Dirshu

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FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Dirshu Lomdim Retrace Mesoras HaTorah at Siyum on Second Machzor of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Gedolei Roshei Yeshiva, Magidei Shiur, and Lomdei Dirshu gather for three days in Vilna,

By Ezra Burstein Kovna, Slabodka and Radin, celebrating their dedication to Ameilus BaTorah Preface There are no words to describe the mission, along with the feelings of elevated hisorerus ane chizzuk. But, as the purpose of the mission was to be mechazek limud haTorah across the globe, I try my best to find the words to spread the chizuk haTorah created last week.

Although the words “historic” and “unprecedented” lost their credibility, thrown into news items like the windswept snow in the frigid streets of Vilna, I am confident that this time, those words are true. The Dirshu Mission to Vilna and Siyum celebration of the second cycle of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha, was truly historic and unprecedented.

Vilna - the magical city which until now held secrets locked away in the vaults of history, visible only in the imaginations of those who study, learn, and toil to understand the words of its guiding sages, the “Yerushalayim d’Lita”, upon whose streets walked the great Gaon and tzaddik likened to “the Rashba and maybe the Ramban,” whose talmid HaGaon HaRav Chaim Volozhiner, the “Av Hayeshivos,” paved the way for Torah to flourish again, Vilna, which after 80 years in mourning and solitude, has returned to life - welcoming kavod haTorah once again.

Dirshu is Klal Yisrael The Dirshu Mission was not only a kibbutz galios of two hundred members of the Dirshu family converged to

celebrate limud, ameilus, and chizzuk in Torah, The words of HaGaon HaRav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva Mir, expressed what everyone felt. “When the Bnei Yisrael went to be Oleh L’Regel, it looked exactly as it looks tonight. From Paris, Bnei Brak, New York, Leon, Gibraltar, and Marseilles, each one here is a special yochid, each with his own melody, with his piyyut, with his own path to hatzlocha, and each one a part in the greater tzibbur with Achdus.

“Dirshu is to search out. Dirshu is to seek to raise the banner of Torah which lifts up each and every yid. Dirshu is Klal Yisrael!”

Vilna Dirshu’s mission is to promote, sustain, and facilitate limud and ameilus baHatorah. The brainchild of Rav Dovid Hofstedter, under the guidance of Gedolei Yisrael across the spectrum, Dirshu’s approach to create a daily learning regimen, with review and accountability, revolutionized Limud Hatorah and Halacha for thousands of bochurim, yungerleit and baalei battim. With Siyatta dishmaya, Dirshu has seen unprecedented growth in the twenty years since its founding.

“The Mishnah Berurah began right here in Vilna.” The Chevron Rosh Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlit”a explained. “The Chofetz Chaim writes in the hakdama that after he reviewed all the poskim, his psak is like the Gr”a, the light of Yis-

rael, and the foundation which everyone relies on.

“Reb Chaim Volozhiner founded all of our yeshivos – here in Vilna.

This city is the source of the Torah of our generation!”

Arrival on Thursday Afternoon - Kedoshim of Paneriai Forest The mission began as the Gedolei Torah and Lomdei Torah from all sects of klal Yisrael stepped off the buses in downtown Vilna, and inhaled the air, saturated with Torah for six centuries.

After checking into the five-star Kempinski Hotel, and receiving a warm welcome from Gedolei Yisrael, uniting with their “Dirshu Family” from across the globe, making each guest feel at home, the group set out to the first destination - The Paneriai Forest.

Rav Eliezer Ralbag shlit”a, Rav of Lakewood Courtyard, addressed the gathered, “Here, a makom kadosh where over 75,000 yidden from all over Europe, including the Marcheshes zt”l Hy”d, and HaGaon HaRav Boruch Ber’s Rebbitzen and sisterin-law and nieces and nephews, were murdered.

“The simple vasser treggers of Vilna were umeleiim mitzvos k’rimon, and they were stuffed in wagons and brought here to be shot and buried many of them buried alive.

The oilem was stirred by their words and used the opportunity to be mispallel for their needs in the zchus of the kedoshim.

HaGaon HaRav Boruch Ber zt”l’s Kever Next stop was the site of the recently discovered tzion of the Birchas Shmuel, HaGaon HaRav Boruch Ber Leibowitz zt”l, talmid muvhak of Rav Chaim Brisker zt”l. On the snow-covered hill, surrounded by hundreds of unrecognizable kvorim, stood the lone matzeiva of the Gadol B’yisrael – HaGaon HaRav Boruch Ber zt”l.

Amid falling snow and freezing winds, HaRav Uziel Leibowitz, shlit”a, Rosh Mesivta Birchas Shmuel, and great-grandson of Rav Boruch Ber zt”l, spoke passionately about Rav Boruch Ber’s impact on the oilam hayeshivos, evoking the koach and opportunity those gathered had to be mispallel at the kever.

At the next stop, a visit to the Choral Synagogue of Vilna, Rabbi Mordechai Neugroschel, international historian and lecturer who served as a tour guide and darshan over Shabbos, said divrei zikaron about the community of Vilna.

Maamad Tefillah at Kever of the Vilna Gaon The American and European groups then set out to the kever of the Gr”a, and the group from Eretz Yisrael traveled across the Belarus border to Radin.

Rav Dovid Hofstedter welcomed the oilam in the freezing cold and falling snow, and set the tone for the maamad. “There are so many yidden whose lives are bitter. Let us be mispallel for them – that they too should taste the sweet waters of Torah!”

HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, his voice amplified by the preset sound system, and his face aglow, began. “The Gra is an integral part of the chain of our mesorah of Torah from Moshe Rabbeinu.

“The Gemara in Niddah says (70b), “Me yaase adam viyechkam?

Yarbeh biyishiva … yivakesh rachacim l’mie shehachachma shelo!

We have to do both! Dirshu Hashem V’euzo – Bakshu Panav Tomid! We must continue to learn and continue to daven for havonos haTorah!

Demonstration in honor of Kivrei Yisrael The entire delegation, including the group who had returned from Radin only an hour prior, reunited to demonstrate in the Vilna “Shnípisho” Cemetery, where the local government is planning to build an office and shopping center. HaGaon HaRav Sariel Rosenberg, shlit”a began the demonstration with Tehillim, followed

by Rabbi Reuven Ohana, Chief Rabbi of Marseille, France, and member of the European Coalition of Rabbis, who addressed the assembled.

An Uplifting Shabbos in Vilna HaGaon HaRav Shimon Galai, shilit”a, noted mashpia and Rav of Beis Knesses Hamerkaz and Chanichei Hayeshivos in Bnei Brak, welcomed Shabbos, followed by HaRav Yitzchok Shmuel Schechter, shlit”a dayan of Kiryat Tzanz Netanya.

Many darshonim graced the Shabbos with divrei bracha and chizzuk throughout shabbos, including Rav Binyamin Eckstein shlit”a, HaGaon HaRav Chizkiyahu Mishkovsky shlit”a,, Rav Boruch Sternbach shlit’a, of Antwerp, Rav Zev Hofstedter, Rabbi Naftoli Levy and HaRav Yehuda Toledano, shlit”a of France, HaRav Chaim Heimlich shlit”a, of Manchester, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Koledetsky, shlit”a, Rav Mordechai Greenfield, shlit”a, of Antwerp, HaRav Nissim Kaplan shlit”a, HaRav Sariel Rosenberg shlit”a, Rosh Badatz Bnei Brak, Rav Yosef Weinberg shlit”a of London, Rabbi Yitzchok Levy, of Gibraltar, HaRav Avraham Salim, shlit”a, and HaRav Yechiel Tubol, shlit”a, of Léon, France.

After Shacharis and kiddush, HaR-

av Dovid Cohen delivered a shiur b’inyan tashlumin b’tfillah, creating a rischa d’oraisa and lively discussion regarding HaGaon HaRav Chaim Brisker’s chiddush b’inyan havdalah btfillah on Motzei Shabbos.

Torah, Regesh, Zmiros V’sishbachos The seudos were a continuation of the regesh and achdus of the Shabbos. In a spontaneous moment during Shabbos zemiros, HaRav Shimon Galei stood on a chair, and full of emotion and dveikus, led the oilam in zmiros. HaRav Dovid Cohen, HaRav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, and other gedolei Roshei Yeshivos all joined Zanvil Weinberger and Malchus Choir, singing and enjoying the kedusha of Shabbos, reflecting the purity and caliber of the highest levels of ameilus batorah contained within the room.

Ashrei ayin ra’asa zos!

A Visit to the Home of The Vilna Gaon After the Seudah, a small group led

by HaRav Nissim Kaplan, Rav Shlomo Cynamon and Rav Eliezer Ralbag walked only a few hundred yards to the home of the Vilna Gaon, where the Rabbonim told over the story of the “Ger Tzedek of Vilna,” Avraham ben Avraham, and his last conversation with the Gaon. They then each said over a chidush b’inyna mesiras nefesh al Kiddush Hashem.

Simchas HaTorah! - The Siyum On Motzei Shabbos, after a meeting of Rabbonim and magidei shiur from across the world, led by Rabbi Shlomo Rozenstein and Rabbi Avigdor Bernstein, directors of Dirshu Eretz Yisrael, the Siyum began.

The siyum on Motzei Shabbos was nothing short of derhoiben. HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Meir Stern, shlit”a, Dayan of Zichron Meir Bnei Brak, opened the siyum, HaRav Chaim Pesach Horowitz, shlit”a, Dayan of Machzikei Hadas Belz made the si-

yum and HaRav Yaakov Wreschner, shlit”a, Rav of Be’er Mordche of Manchester, said the hadran.

HaRav Aryeh Zilberstein, Rav of Gur Bnei Brak started the next cycle of Mishnah Berurah, followed by festive rikudim shel simcha.

The excitement built up as Rav Dovid Hofstedter addressed the crowd one last time. He spoke emotionally, describing how each makom kadosh visited over the past three days was filled with the blood of tzaddikim from the past, but “The only way we can overcome, is through the koach of Torah! We have the power to strengthen our limud HaTorah, and to increase lomdim throughout the world!”

HaGaon HaRav Finkel spoke emotionally as well, thanking Hashem for the past nissim which allowed the Mosorah of Torah to continue.

“Many think that to be mekadesh shem shomayim, you need money, charisma, or connections. This is a mistake! One can fill his tachlis by sitting by himself and learning in a beis medrash and his word will spread from one end of the world to another!”

The rest Hashem takes care of! Everything is siyatta dishmaya!”

Mishkadesh B’kdusha Elyonah!

The evening and the Shabbos winded down, but not without leaving everyone with an unforgettable and uplifting experience. The friendships made, chidushim exchanged, and chizzuk derived will be life lasting. But the tefillos at mekomos hakdoshim, and the hashpa’ah from spending three days basking in the presence of Gedolei Yisrael was life changing.

The words from the final drasha of HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen shlit”a will remain forever in the hearts and minds of those fortunate to hear “One who is mekadesh shem shomayim by being lomed al mnas laasos, is ‘miskadesh bikedusha elyonah!’

“This is how we become a mamleches Kohanim v’goy kadosh! – and this is Dirshu!”

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Kovna and Slabodka The dark Friday morning sky saw the return of the group, embarking the buses before dawn, setting out to Kovna. Rabbi Moshe Scheinfeld, Rav of the Moadon Yehudi (Jewish Center) of Kovna, greeted the large group into his shul, and joined the group for breakfast afterwards.

The buses then traveled to one of the most heart wrenching sites in Eastern Europe, where the akeida of HaGaon HaRav Elchonon Wasserman zt”l Hy”d and others took place – the infamous “Seventh Fort.”

Before entering the Soviet built fort, HaGaon HaRav Nissim Kaplan shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Daas Ahron in Yerushalayim, gave a gripping shmuz.

“We are all willing to jump into a fire for kiddush Hashem. But with Hashem’s continued help, we won’t have those opportunities! But do we wake

up early every day? Do we make zman krias shema? How can we enter this makom kadosh without some mesiras nefesh of our own to be metzaref with the mesiras nefesh of the heilige Reb Elchonon!” The group entered the mokom kadosh with a renewed chizzuk.

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Maamad Tefillah in Radin Meanwhile, the group from Eretz Yisrael’s bus climbed the hills leading to Radin, passing old wooden houses adorning the landscape, until it reached the kever of the Meir Einei Yisrael, the Chofetz Chaim zt”l.

Under the bitter cold Belarusian sky, HaRav Shimon Galai shlit”a began the tefillos. With tears and emotion, he led the group, piercing the shaarei shomayim, followed by HaRav Dovid Shimon Zoldan shlit”a and Rav Boruch Sternbuch shlit”a. Rav Masud Ben Shimon shlit”a then said the tefillah composed by HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Hillel shlit”a.

The excitement continued as they placed the “Sefer Hagiborim,” in which was listed the names of the newest members of “Daf HaYomi B’Halacha, on the kever of the saintly Chofetz Chaim.

The simcha continued with a seudas mitzvah in Yeshivas Radin, after which the group returned to Vilna, arriving after daybreak.

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“The Gaon was a kol gadol v’lo yasaf! The Gra’s Torah never stopped!”

The tefillos at that site were indescribable. The emotional and tearful Tehillim, slichos, and yud gimmel middos resembled Nei’lah of Yom Kippur. The tangible aura of kedusha of the time and place was unparalleled.

The tefillos continued at the kevorim of HaGaon HaRav Chaim Ozer and HaGaon HaRav Itzele Ponovezher zt”l, among other Gedolei Yisrael.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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World

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Builders

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Donating and Then Saving a Life PHOTO CREDIT: YECHIEL GURFEIN/UNITED HATZALAH

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

By Raphael Poch

Kenneth Staub (center) together with Lazar Hyman, Eli Beer, Eli Pollack, and Dov Maisel during the ambulance’s dedication ceremony.

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O

n January 16, at around 12:30 p.m., United Hatzalah volunteer EMTs Kenneth Staub and Yossi Horovitz were driving the newly donated ambulance #63 on its first shift in the city of Beitar Illit. Suddenly, they were notified of an emergency on Kidushat HaLevi Street, where a man fell, hit his head, and required immediate medical assistance.

Already at the scene was United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Moshe Vales, who is a resident in the apartment building where the man had collapsed. Moshe was at home when his neighbor knocked on his door urgently to tell him that someone was lying unconscious on the floor in the lobby.

He grabbed his medical kit and ran down the stairs. The EMT found the man with a large bloody gash on his head. He checked for vitals and found none, so he immediately attached a defibrillator and started resuscitation. The defibrillator registered that

the man was experiencing ventricular fibrillation and administered a shock.

Upon arriving at the location, Kenneth and Yossi brought over the necessary medical equipment from

started to gasp for breath, opened his eyes, and shouted and flailed his arms. He was confused as to what was happening to him and tried to push away the EMTs who were perform-

Everyone was shocked but excited that the patient had returned to full consciousness and amazed by the miracle that they had just witnessed.

the ambulance and rushed to help with the resuscitation.

After only four minutes of compressions, the blue color in the patient’s face started to lighten to a gray, and the EMTs felt a steady pulse slowly return to him. Suddenly, the man

ing the resuscitation. Everyone was shocked but excited that the patient had returned to full consciousness and amazed by the miracle that they had just witnessed.

Thanks to the quick arrival of the first responders, the new ambulance

with all the advanced resuscitation equipment, and G-d’s help, the patient’s life was saved and he had a complete recovery.

After the incident, Kenneth spoke about what inspired him to join United Hatzalah, “I was truly inspired by my daughter Ravit, who is a passionate volunteer EMT for United Hatzalah. I also admire the organization and the lifesaving work of Eli Beer and the people around him.”

Amazingly, Kenneth had donated ambulance #63 which was inaugurated the Friday before the incident and was honored to be on the first ever shift on the ambulance with his fellow EMT, Yossi, where the two helped save a man’s life. Kenneth concluded by saying, “The ambulance is a memorial to my parents and what they taught me. I continue to help the organization as a board member, as a volunteer first responder, and in any other way that I can. I do this because saving lives is important to me.”

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Ukraine is Just a Small Piece of a Global Power Struggle

By Shammai Siskind

F

or the current generation, a massive, multinational European ground war is a foreign concept.

When most people today think of armed conflict in that part of the world, it’s in the context of a good action movie. Or maybe a history textbook. Nothing to do with reality.

What the current tensions over Ukraine have reminded us (or should remind us) is that core-geopolitical interests never really go away.

They’re determined by things like

geography and deeply rooted cultural trends – phenomena that typically don’t change.

Indeed, the roots of what we’re now seeing on the news go back a long time.

The historical links between Russia and Ukraine date as far back as the 9th century, when a group of people called the Rus moved their capital to Kyiv — a historical vignette President Vladimir Putin often likes to invoke.

Ukraine was, for a long time, an important economic asset for Russia.

During the decades it was controlled

by Moscow, Ukraine was a strategic component of the Soviet Union, with a large agricultural industry and important ports on the Black Sea. There are also security factors.

Positioned in the middle of warring empires for centuries, Russia’s national security has always been profoundly based on its strategic depth – the geographical buffer that

separates it from hostile neighbors and also acts as a serious deterrent for potential invaders. (Napoleon and Hitler can both tell us a bit about that.)

During the Cold War era, Russia’s satellite states like Ukraine played an important role in forming that buffer.

But for the past thirty years, with Western (and particularly American) influence permeating Central and Eastern Europe, Russia has had to come up with new methods to assure

out. Regardless of how this particular drama ends, Ukraine is just one piece of a much broader power struggle, extending from the Middle East, to Central Asia, all the way to the Pacific.

The Bear and the Dragon

flict between Moscow and Kyiv would be catastrophic for the region, trigger distribution on a global scale, and almost certainly drag Western powers into the fray.

However, while the outcome of the Ukraine standoff is certainly important in and of itself, it’s worth appreciating the much bigger context in which the conflict is playing

slowly been laid for a big reconciliation.

There have been several milestones in this process, the most important having taken place just six months ago when the United States unilaterally withdrew from Afghanistan. The common thread in this trend: a receding West and war-weary United States leaving the global

A Warm Reunion Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Vladimir Putin for the opening of the Winter Olympics. At a meeting during the Games’ commencement, the two leaders took the opportunity to announce their new and aspiring Strategic Partnership. “Friendship between the two States has no limits; there are no forbidden areas of cooperation,” read a joint statement.

The text of the Partnership stated that their relationship “was superior to any Cold War-era alliance” and that the People’s Republic and the Russian Federation would begin broad level collaboration in a variety of domains immediately.

While the interests and ambitions of Russia and China are certainly distinct, they are in many ways strikingly similar – similar enough for the two countries to agree on a strategic collaboration not seen in six decades.

To make this a bit more concrete its worth briefly examining what the ambitions of China and Russia are at the global level:

The Middle East Russia has been heavily invested in the Middle East for some seven years.

At the surface level, Russia’s activities have been focused on its military intervention in the Syrian civil war.

In truth, however, Russia’s long-term goals are much bigger than propping up its failing ally Bashar Assad Putin’s general objective in the Middle East is to establish Russia’s status and role as a major outside power in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

By the time of President Trump’s decision to withdraw from Syria in 2019, Moscow had already acquired enough political capital and used its hard power leverage to become a key intermediary with all stakeholders in Syria, including Turkey and Iran.

This made Russia, in the words of one journalist, a “partner to everyone and friend to nobody.”

Russia’s specific goals include containing and diminishing Islamist extremism and radicalism that might otherwise expand into Russia and its immediate neighborhood of former Soviet states. In recent years, Russia has learned firsthand the danger of

W W W.T H E B J H . C O M

Nearly every aspect of the international goals shared by Russia and China can be seen in the strategic partnership penned earlier this month.

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FEBRUARY 10, 2022

The relationship between Russia and China over the past seventy years has been rocky.

When the Chinese communists came to power in 1949, they were already long-time allies of the Soviets, having maintained close ties for years and even fought together against Japan during World War II. The two countries’ totalitarian dictators, Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin, naturally found kindred spirits in each other. The Friendship Treaty of 1950 triggered fruitful years of collaboration on the industry, critical infrastructure, and maritime development fronts. But alas, the rapport was not to be long-lived. A series of ideological and leadership shifts after the death of Stalin became the catalyst for what is known today as the Sino-Soviet Split of the late ‘50s.

Through the latter half of the 20th century and the beginning of the current one, relations between the two nations have been, well, mixed. To be sure, there have been important cooperative ventures between Moscow and Beijing during that period – mostly in the commercial domain – and diplomatic ties continued even after Russia rejected communism in 1991. But as for a grand joint strategy against the West, it seemed that ship had sailed for the two Asian giants.

Over the last twenty years, however, the geopolitical groundwork has

field open for resurgent powers hungry for expansion.

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its territorial security. This need has become especially pronounced in the face of a 70-year-old military pact in Europe designed from its outset to be an adversary to Russia – i.e., NATO. At the crux of the NATO alliance is the commitment of all members to go to war if another member is attacked. While this provision was ironically never activated during the Cold War itself (that would have to wait for September 11th and the subsequent invasion of Afghanistan), it still presents a massive military power factor in Europe today.

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, fourteen countries have joined the NATO accords, most of them being former Soviet states. This has been a deeply troubling trend to Russian leaders and the reason why the country’s current president has taken a hyper-aggressive stance on Ukraine for the better part of a decade.

All of this context can help explain why the Kremlin has long demanded guarantees from NATO that

Ukraine and Georgia — another former Soviet Republic that Russia briefly invaded in 2008 — will not join the alliance. The Biden administration and other NATO allies say Putin can’t deny Ukraine that right – even though no plans are currently in the works to grant the country membership.

Over the past several months, the world began to see these age-old interests of Russia once again come to a head.

In May, Western European leaders revealed that Russia was maintaining some 100,000 troops near its border with Ukraine. In November, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky brought attention to the uptick in activity and maneuvers of Russian forces stationed to his country’s east, strongly indicating plans for an invasion.

Since then, things have only escalated.

On the 3rd of February, President Biden ordered the bolstering of U.S. troops in Eastern Europe.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said 1,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in Germany would deploy to Romania, and another 2,000 in the United States would be sent to Germany and Poland. Shortly afterward, another 8,000 American servicemen and women were put on high alert.

Three days later, White House national security advisor Jack Sullivan publicly warned war with Russia could be imminent. “We are in the window,” Sullivan said during a weekend interview. “Any day now, Russia could take military action.”

So now the eyes of the world are on Ukraine. As they should be. A con-

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Islam-fueled terror. In tandem with the rise in Muslim populations in the region and inside Russia itself, radical ideology has spread across the country. Since the 1990s, terrorism is a constant threat, particularly in major cities.

Russia also wants to expand its presence in the region’s arms, nuclear, oil and gas, food, and other markets. This vision has already come about to a great extent. For nearly seven years, the Middle East and North Africa have accounted for close to 40 percent of Russia’s arms exports, a business that is only growing. The Russian nuclear industry, represented by the state-owned Rosatom, has built reactors at Bushehr in Iran and is looking for new contracts there.

China, while not engaged in any military activity in the Middle East, has similar concerns in the region.

The first noteworthy fact is that China is a major exporter to Iran.

And not just for little things like sneakers and cars. Over the years, PRC heavily invested in Tehran’s subway systems, dams, fishery, and cement factories. Last March, a desperate Iranian leadership, reeling from international sanctions, signed a deal with China to trade oil for infrastructural investment. The roads, railways, and other major projects will form a major component of China’s notorious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a project designed to transform commerce on the Asian continent and bring economic systems under Chinese influence and patronage.

Looking further west, China, like Russia, is very concerned about rising Islamic extremism. For decades, China has been engaged in a war of attrition with its Muslim Uyghur population concentrated in the Xinjiang autonomous zone. This conflict has produced more than a few Uyghur militant groups that have been a scourge to central leadership in Beijing. One group in particular, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), has made a name for itself as a highly effective military force and has fought alongside ISIS-affiliated factions in places like Syria for years. And this brings us to the next important region of joint Sino-Russian interest.

Afghanistan It’s difficult to overstate the pow-

er vacuum produced by the West’s total pullout from Afghanistan last August.

The vast mountainous country immediately became a battleground for warring factions seeking to control territory. While the Taliban occupies the seats of power in Kabul, there is a slew of jihadist organizations (about fourteen, according to the CIA’s estimation) with strong footholds across the country. The Taliban is also engaged in an active struggle with secular armed opposition movements based primarily in northern regions. Add to this mix the fact that billions of Afghan assets remain frozen by U.S. authorities, and one can understand why the Taliban is in desperate need of outside help.

This has given the benevolent Chinese the opportunity to swoop in.

Roads, factories, mines – all across Afghanistan Chinese projects are visible in every possible sector.

Of course, these substantial Chinese investments aren’t coming for free.

In return, Beijing is demanding exclusive rights to Afghanistan’s highly valuable rare-earth mineral deposits and territorial concessions on which to build BRI infrastructure.

And then there’s China’s security concerns.

The lawlessness of post-NATO Afghanistan allowed jihadist groups, both local and foreign, to develop bases of operations. Today, hundreds of Uyghur ETIM fighters train and

Commemorating the Sino-Soviet Alliance of 1950

pattern to its activities in Syria, has also begun asserting itself in Afghan affairs. Russia has already sent millions in aid to the Taliban government and has led the lobby to release Afghan money locked in the global financial system. Furthermore, as it did in Syria, Russia has positioned itself as a broker between leaders from Kabul and the international community. Moscow has since hosted several meetings of Taliban leaders along with diplomats from China and Pakistan, the governments that have collectively become known as the “extended troika” of Afghanistan.

The Pacific Tensions over China’s sovereign claims in the Pacific have become well-known in recent years. The con-

Ukraine is just one piece of a much broader power struggle, extending from the Middle East, to Central Asia, all the way to the Pacific. conduct missions side by side with the Afghan branch of the Islamic State known as ISIS Khorasan. China doesn’t just want stability in Afghanistan for economic reasons. It also wants to ensure the country won’t continue functioning as a breeding ground for Uyghur militantism. Keep in mind that Afghanistan does share a small section of border with China in its northeast and that cross-line contact is still maintained between ETIM in Afghanistan and Uyghur leaders in China.

Russia, in a somewhat similar

flict known as the South China Sea Dispute has seen several flashpoints involving Chinese, Philippine, Vietnamese, and Malaysian maritime vessels. By far, the most important aspect of China’s territorial assertions in this part of the world is Taiwan, the island nation considered

by Beijing a “rogue province” of the PRC. Over the decades, Chinese leaders have made several outright threats to invade Taiwan and “reunite” the country with the mainland. Security guarantees made by the United

States to Taiwanese leaders have been a staple of Washington’s Pacific policy for a very long time. China, however, has made it clear it has no intention to back down from its claims and has been gearing up to assert all its territorial claims by force.

Last year, the Chinese government passed an unprecedented bill, the “Coast Guard Law,” granting its Coast Guard (CCG) forces authority to engage in “military” operations.

Since the passing of this law, neighboring countries and even far-flung nations like Argentina have reported a surge in Chinese vessels sailing in close proximity to their territorial waters. There have already been several instances in which CCG ships have clashed with unarmed commercial vessels. Piling on to this trend of aggression are the renewed calls by Beijing claiming sovereignty over the Ryukyu Islands, the archipelago that forms the southwestern edge of Japan’s territory. It is no surprise that Tokyo has begun to report more and more on Chinese warships approaching its coasts.

Regarding this regional conflict, the Russians may not have a direct interest, but they’re certainly making money off of it. Indeed, it is the cutting-edge Russian weaponry acquired by China (the fourth-generation Su-30 fighter jet being one notable example) that has given Beijing the military advantage necessary to assert itself confidently in the Pacific.

The Pushback Nearly every aspect of the international goals shared by Russia and China can be seen in the strategic partnership penned earlier this month.

Highlights of the deal included

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Russian support for China’s stance that Taiwan is an “inalienable part of China” and Moscow’s opposition to any form of independence for the Island. China also joined Russia in calling for an end to “NATO enlargement” and supported its demand for security guarantees from the West, specifically citing Ukraine.

Does Russia have specific interests in Ukraine relating to territorial security and national sovereignty?

Sure. But the 100,000 Russian soldiers on the Ukrainian border are not there because of those interests alone. Ukraine is just the most recent move by Russia in a much larger global plan.

The bigger context in which the Ukraine crisis is nested has certainly not been lost on Western leaders.

France’s Emmanuel Macron recently took upon himself the role of shuttle-diplomat in an effort to stave off a Ukrainian war. The French leader was being very honest when he told reporters on February 7 th that the standoff had little to do with Ukraine per se. “The geopolitical objective of Russia today is clearly not Ukraine, but to clarify the rules of

how Moscow lives with NATO and Europe.” Spot on Emmanuel.

Whether or not the Ukraine situation turns into a hot war, the longterm question is this: what will the European/American response be to this troublesome Sino-Russian reconciliation?

Based on what we know now, we can expect to see some specific developments over the next several months.

First is an increase in Western military cooperation in the Pacific.

Last year, the AUKUS trilateral security pact involving Australia, the U.S., and Britain, was initiated by Australian leaders. While there was some feuding among Western powers about the details of the pact (France and New Zealand, for instance, made a fuss over not being included), AUKUS is a natural extension of Western Europe, America, and their allies taking a more assertive stance in the region. Last year, Britain, Germany, and France sent naval patrols through contested waters in the South China Sea, and all have committed to conduct more operations in the region. At this moment,

Washington and Japan are planning military exercises in the Ryukyu Islands area while Tokyo remains in the midst of its largest naval expansion project since World War II. Other U.S.-allied countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia are also bolstering their naval forces.

Second: Russian and Chinese collaboration in Central Asia will most likely require some re-engagement on the part of the U.S. Over the past month, several outlets have reported on overtures being made by the State Department to Taliban leaders. According to some, U.S. diplomats have gone so far as to offer their former enemies intelligence support to help defeat Afghan-based jihadists. While these reports remain unconfirmed, in light of current geopolitical reality, they should certainly not be dismissed out of hand.

In addition to the military front, there will be a substantial increase in infrastructure investment to counter China’s expansion in Asia. Two goals currently being tackled by the U.S. and Japan are the international commercial routes known as the NorthSouth Transit Corridor (NSTC) and

Russia and China’s Strategic Partnership unites them against the West

the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR), the latter being recognized as a direct competitor to China’s BRI. Is Ukraine simply a diversion to draw away the West’s attention and resources?

Whatever it is, the crisis is only marking the beginning of some highly impactful trends that will shape international affairs for the foreseeable future.

A Healing Laugh B A LT I M O R E

B A LT I M O R E

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Using Humor to Cope with Stress

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Forgotten Her es

By Avi Heiligman

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

One of the Avia 199 fighter planes flown by Squadron 101

I

On June 25, on a mission to Ben Shemen, he landed to drop off ammunition and was met with heavy enemy gunfire. He worked to protect his valuable plane by using a tractor to create a sandbag barrier despite the gunfire.

In a battle over Gush Etzion, he was wounded by gunfire but stayed in the fight. After spending a few months in Czechoslovakia, he returned to Israel but was killed when his plane was ambushed by four Egyptian jet fighters.

He was awarded the Title of Israel for his actions on June 25, 1948.

air force in Palestine and joined the 5,000 or so Machal members in Israel.

For his assignment, Levett was sent to a Czechoslovakian airfield that was used by the Luftwaffe (the Nazi air force) about 20 miles from the German border. The motley array of aircraft included 23 Czech-made Avia S-199 fighter aircraft (in an ironic twist of fate, this plane was a spinoff of the German Messerschmitt Bf-109), some bombers, a few cargo planes and some smaller aircraft. Most of the ground crew was Americans, something which

He knew no Hebrew and little Yiddish, so he started screaming some Jewish words he knew: “Shabbos! Gefilte fish!”

Many of the Machal volunteers, including pilots, were not Jewish. They joined for a variety of reasons, and for Gordon Levett it was to find work as an aviator. Levett was born in London and had spent World War II training pilots and flying transports but was kicked out of the RAF for leaving his base in Burma. After the war, while working for a Jewish company back in England, he heard about the plan to build a new

surprised Levett. It would be his and the other volunteers’ job to fly these aircraft to Israel. Known as Operation Balak, this ferrying enterprise proved vital for the success of the fledgling Israeli Air Force (IAF).

Levett later said, “Looking back, I have neither failed nor succeeded, the fate of most of us, but I shall leave the world a better place than when I entered it because I helped found the

State of Israel.” The operation lasted three months with Levett delivering the backbone for the IAF. Some of the other equipment bought in Europe that was airlifted to Israel included: disassembled fighter planes, bombs, firearms and even first aid equipment.

In November 1948, Levett joined Squadron 101, a unit which also included future President Ezer Weizman and which shot down 20 enemy aircraft as a unit in eight months. When Levett joined the IAF, his only operational experience had been in heavy cargo planes, and he never told his commanders that he had never flown a fighter in combat before. The transition from flying the 25-ton C-46 cargo plane to the less-than-four-ton Spitfire fighter was difficult. In all, Levett flew more than twenty combat missions and shot down two Egyptian fighters.

After the War of Independence, he left the 101 Squadron and commanded the 106 Squadron that was composed of mainly American Machal volunteers. Under Levett, the 106 became a regular unit in the IAF and he attained the rank of Sgan Aluf (Lieutenant Colonel).

The first five pilots to be cleared by instructors to fly the S-199 in combat all had previous combat experience: Modi Alon, Ezer Weizman, Lou Lenart, Eddie Cohen and Milton Rubenfeld. Rubenfeld was from Upstate New York and had seen action with the RAF

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n the years leading up to formation of Israel as a country, several units were formed to train Jews for the upcoming war with the Arabs. The British, who were in control of the mandate, were not particularly helpful in the training and reluctantly let some Jews from Eretz Yisroel join the British Army during World War II. However, it wasn’t until 1943 that they let them take pilot training and join the RAF. By 1948, only a small handful of pilots born in the Mandate of Palestine were qualified to join the new Israeli Air Force. The newly formed IAF relied heavily upon Machal (volunteers from outside Israel) recruits who hailed from fifteen countries and, together with local pilots, were able to score some impressive victories during the Israeli War of Independence.

Zvi Zibel was born in Tel Aviv. He joined the Palmach when he was 18 and was involved in some pre-war operations, including assisting in the arrival of an immigration ship. When it became apparent that a war was going to break out with the Arabs, Zibel was chosen for pilot training. He was one of the few pilots ready to fly when the war began, although his plane was small and primitive. Many of his missions included delivering ammunition, medical supplies, and other necessities by parachute or by landing to outposts that desperately needed supplies.

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Pilots in the Early Years of Israel’s Existence

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Zvi Zibel

before the U.S. entered World War II. Later, he joined the U.S. Army’s Air Transport Command to fly missions as a ferry pilot. In the months leading up to the Israeli War of Independence, he was approached by an agent of the Haganah who had heard of his combat record. Rubenfeld agreed to join and went to Czechoslovakia for training.

Rubenfeld was in the IAF’s first-ever mission on May 29, 1948, that was successful in turning back an Egyptian military column heading towards Tel

Gordon Levett

Aviv. To keep up the pressure on the enemy, the next day Rubenfeld and Weizman got into the two remaining airworthy fighters and flew towards Tulkarm. Rubenfeld’s fighter was hit, and he landed in the sea. Nearby, moshavniks starting shooting at him, thinking he was an Arab pilot. Jewish residents were not informed of the new air force and assumed all pilots must be Arab. He knew no Hebrew and little Yiddish, so he started screaming some Jewish words he knew: “Shabbos! Ge-

Milton Rubenfeld

filte fish!” It was enough to convince the Israelis that he was Jewish. Soon after, he returned to the U.S. to receive medical care for his injuries. These first two IAF missions gave the rest of the IDF time to organize a better defense strategy.

Some of the pilots were paid for their time and enemy planes shot down, but the vast majority were there to help the fledgling Jewish country survive. These early pilots had to fight against Arab air supremacy and

parked their planes among orange trees to evade detection. As the war progressed, the IAF obtained more and better aircraft, which led to more of a balance in air superiority.

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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Teen Talk

By Mrs. C. Isbee

a new

TJH, is geared to wards the teens in o ur commu nity.

Answered by a rotati ng roster of teachers, rebbeim, clinicians , an d peers (!), te ens will b e hearing answers to many que stions the had perco y lating in th eir minds wished th an d ey had th e answers for.

questions that have to do with friendship. At the beginning of the school year, my best friend left school to be home-schooled. We keep in touch, and she even came to my house

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

I am a thirteen-year-old girl who has a few

column in

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Dear Teen Talk,

Teen Talk ,

once, but it feels as though our friendship is weakening. Our communication is minimal and far in between. How can I ensure that our connection stays strong?

I have been feeling lonely because I remember this strong connection with this friend in school that I don’t share with anyone else. I am friendly but feel I have no close friends. A friend once noticed I was looking down, and when I confided in her, she pointed out that many girls would consider themselves to be friends of mine.

I am not sure if now I have a bunch of superficial friendships, or maybe they are deep friendships. How do I know if these are quality relationships? And, how can I maintain the relationship with my former best friend?

ear Thirteen-Year-Old Girl, You seem to be a very selfaware and sensitive young lady who is striving to make the most out of your social life. I would like to address your concerns.

I am sure it has been difficult to adjust to school life without your best friend there. Moreover, it seems like the quality of your friendship with her has changed. Welcome to the wonderful world of relationships! As time goes by, our relationships evolve and

change, and if we want to keep certain friendships strong, we need to make adjustments. When you graduate high school and go out into the real world, your closest friend will no longer be together with you on a daily basis, yet you can still both keep the friendship secure. Think of this predicament as getting a head start in dealing with this normal challenge.

Keeping your attachment strong is hard,

because you are not experiencing life together on a daily basis. You are no longer sitting in class simultaneously listening to the same teachers. You are not able to see each other in between sessions in the hallways, and lunchtime is never spent together. The attachment you felt with her was real, however, it was easy to keep it going because you shared events of the day and were in close proximity to her. Now that you are no longer sharing school matters with her,

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keeping close is challenging.

You say that you have gotten together, yet you feel you’re both drifting apart. Next time, when you get together, I would suggest you do something meaningful with her, like learning something together, doing a joint project, or going on an outing together. When you share an experience, it builds your bond, just as in the past, when you shared experiences in school.

It also gives you what to talk about with one another. Every time you meet, you’ll start where you left off and develop a routine with each other. This could be your special friendship outside of school. Just as certain plants

Are you a teen with a question?

If you have a question or problem you’d like our columnists to address, email your question or insight to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com, subject line: Teen Talk.

through giving and positivity. Give of yourself – whether it’s a kind word or a helping hand. When you compliment or praise others, they feel comfortable being in your presence, and hopefully, as a result, solid friendships will develop.

Think about it for a moment. When someone compliments you, it feels good, and you’re more likely to connect with that person. Being a positive per-

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The best way to acquire friends is through giving and positivity. need more water or more sunlight for them to grow, certain friendships need more care in order for them to flourish.

Regarding your relationships with your schoolmates, it’s good you confided in your friend. She assured you that many girls believe they’re friends with you. (You even mentioned that the girl you confided in was your friend!) Just because you don’t feel as connected to them as you did to your best friend does not mean you don’t have friends.

Truthfully, you are fortunate that you had a best friend all these years in school. Not everybody is lucky enough to have that. It sounds like you poured most of your time and energy into this best friend, which means that now that she is not in school with you anymore, you have to seek out or strengthen other friendships.

The best way to acquire friends is

son also makes others feel at ease with you. People don’t enjoy being in the presence of individuals who are negative or sarcastic. My father, HaRav Yonasan Binyamin HaLevi Jungreis, zt”l, used to say that the key to acquiring and keeping friends is to have a lev tov, a good heart. Thinking of others, projecting outwards, and going out of your way to help them with their needs on a consistent basis maximizes your opportunities to forge new friendships.

Now I would like to address your quandary about whether or not you have quality relationships with your friends. I prefer to use the word “quality” to describe your friendships, rather than “superficial” or “deep.” The connections that you may consider to be “superficial” may actually be quite significant! Just because a friendship is not “deep” does not mean it’s not

i m - portant.

Try not to label a casual relationship as “superficial.”

Casual relationships are often quality relationships. They can be meaningful and are essential. I recall having some great times with certain friends in school. They did not necessarily know personal details about my life, and we did not engage in deep conversation, but we used to joke and had really fun times together. It was good for me to have friends who could appreciate a good laugh. These kinds of kinships were healthy for me! I remember I was friendly with a girl from school who lived near me. Yes, it was a friendship out of convenience, as we relied upon each other to walk to and from the bus stops together, however, we spent quality time together. Even though we didn’t share intimate information with each other, the mutual regard we had for one another was very enriching.

Appreciate the status of your connection with someone else and don’t get discouraged because it’s not as potent as you would like. Over time, many of my initially “superficial” friendships actually bloomed into solid, strong, and “deep” relationships. By truly cherishing the essence of every connection you have, you will ultimately bring out each relationship’s potential to its fullest.

Making new friends takes time.

You have to be patient, as it doesn’t happen overnight. If you have your priorities in place about the importance of all kinds of friendships, then you will appreciate the relationships you have as you journey through life.

Mrs. Chayala Isbee is a long-time educator and school counselor at Bais Yaakov of Baltimore.

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Mental Health Corner

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Empty Nest Syndrome

By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman The arc of many marriages begins with life alone with each other, transitions into life raising children, and then concludes with life alone with each other once again. The first phase of marriage is usually a time when couples are spending quality time with each other, engaging in common interests, and forging a bond that is built on their relationship. When they are blessed with children, the focus can change dramatically. Everything from diapers to carpools consumes most of their available time. Additionally, the responsibility of paying the pills often results in long and exhausting working hours. By the time the children grow up and leave the house, over thirty years may have passed. They are now faced with the daunting task of adjusting to their empty nest.

Empty nest syndrome, as it is known colloquially, is not an official diagnosis, but it describes a process of

transition that many couples struggle with when their children leave their home. Many parents derive much of their identity and meaning in their lives from their role as providing a home for their children. When the children leave, they can experience an identity crisis as they wonder to themselves what is their role and purpose in their day-to-day lives. Additionally, anxiety regarding the welfare of their children can be commonplace, as the parents often do not really know with certainty how their children are faring in their lives. Spouses may even experience symptoms of clinical depression during this phase.

This transition can take some time and most parents do emerge on the other end unscathed as they reformulate their own identity and adjust to their new relationship with their children. However, one aspect of the empty nest that can be very difficult

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for some couples is the health of their marriage.

In a healthy marriage, there is a genuine friendship between husband and wife as is alluded to in the sixth blessing of the Sheva Berachos. The years of raising children and making ends meet can be so time consuming and stressful that many couples forget to tend to the friendship side of their marriage. They can live seemingly happily together as a married couple as long as their focus is not on each other but rather on their roles as parents. Once the children leave the home, that type of relationship is no longer possible.

We all know that the best defense is a good offense. If you want to avoid the marital challenges of an empty nest, you must be proactive in maintaining the friendship aspect of your marriage throughout the years of parenthood. There are many ways that

couples can spend quality time with each other on a regular basis. This quality time is vital for the health of their marriage.

If you allow your marriage to take a backburner as you raise your children, you might be faced with an extremely difficult task when trying to resurrect a relationship that has been dormant for decades. Marital counseling might be necessary in order to navigate this journey from individuals living under the same roof to a husband and wife who are thriving in their relationship with each other.

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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TJH

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FEBRUARY 10, 2022

*

Centerfold Football Speak

!

I had pro offers from the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, who were pretty hard up for linemen in those days. If I had gone into professional football, the name Jerry Ford might have been a household word today. - President Gerald Ford

!

I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first. - Saints RB, George Rogers

!

Nobody in football should be called a genius.

A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.- Joe Theismann

!

!

Most football players are temperamental. That’s 90 percent temper and 10 percent mental. - Doug Plank, former player with the Chicago Bears

! as fast as you can, and I’ll throw

Rapport? You mean like, “You run

it as far as I can?” - QB Jeff Kemp on his rapport with WR Jerry Rice

You guys line up alphabetically by height.Houston Oilers Head Coach Bill Peterson

! word all season. One word and one

Men, I want you just thinking of one word only: Super Bowl. - Houston Oilers Head Coach Bill Peterson

! was little.

I’ve been big ever since I

- Refrigerator Perry

! not going to get me to say that.-

I feel like I’m the best, but you’re

Jerry Rice

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You Gotta Be Kidding Me! Over breakfast one morning, a woman says to her husband, “I bet you don’t know what today is.”

“Of course I do,” her husband answers and leaves for the office.

At 10:00 a.m., the doorbell rings, and when the woman opens the door, she is handed a box of a dozen long-stemmed red roses.

At 1:00 p.m., a foil-wrapped, two-pound box of her favorite chocolates is delivered. Later, a boutique delivers a designer dress.

The woman can’t wait for her husband to come home.

“First the flowers, then the chocolates and then the dress!” she exclaims as he walks through the door. “I’ve never had a more wonderful Groundhog Day in my life!”

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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In Tribute to the G.O.A.T., upon his retirement

2. Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers each threw 37 touchdowns this season, tying for fourth place. Yet, Tom Brady threw the most touchdowns this season. How many did he throw? a. 40 b. 41 c. 42 d. 43 3. How many TEAMS in the NFL have played in fewer playoff games than Tom Brady WON? a. 2 b. 3 c. 5 d. 12

5. What percentage of all Super Bowls until now has Tom Brady played in? a. 6%

6. Aaron Rodgers has thrown 47 touchdowns in the playoffs, making him the second alltime in number of post-season touchdowns throws. How many did Tom Brady throw? a. 48 b. 49 c. 50 d. 85 7. How many TEAMS in the NFL played in fewer Super Bowls than Tom Brady WON? a. 3 b. 7 c. 12 d. 27 8. Brady played in 3 Super Bowls after age 40. How many other quarterbacks have done that? a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. 3 9. Peyton Manning ranks second all-time in career yards in the postseason with 7,339 thrown.

How many has Brady thrown? a. 7,400 b. 8,302 c. 9,583 d. 12,248 10. In his final season, at age 44, Brady led the NFL in which of the following? a. Passing yards b. Passing touchdowns c. Passing attempts

d. Passing yards per game e. All of the above 11. According to conservative estimates, how much money did Brady give up so that the Patriots could remain competitive and sign other players to help the team win? a. $5 million b. $20 million c. $45 million d. $100 million !

!

!

!

!

!

!

Answers: 1. G 2. D 3. D 4.D 5. D 6. D 7. D 7. D 9. D 10. E 11. D Wisdom Key: 9-11 correct: You recognize excellence when you see it.

5-8 correct: You are not so mesmerized by Brady. If you are a Giants fan, kudos to you—you guys beat him twice! If you are anyone else, you are simply jealous.

0-4 correct: You are not into Brady.

You think he is overrated. Maybe you are more of a Giovanni Carmazzi fan.

Well, the numbers don’t lie; the numbers never lie. Go back and look at the numbers. Love him or hate him, facts are facts— Brady is the G.O.A.T. Period. Instead of hating on him, learn from him on how to excel at whatever you do! He achieved what he did primarily because of determination and hard work. Indeed, there are many athletes with a lot more talent than him, but they are staring up at his numbers and can only get there in their dreams. (Oh, yes, if you haven’t figured it out, I am a Brady fan!)

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4. In how many of his 22 seasons did Tom Brady’s team win less than 10 games? a. 7 b. 5 c. 4 d. 1

b. 9% c. 12% d. 18%

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

1. Which of the following quarterbacks were picked before Tom Brady was picked by the Patriots in the 199th selection of the 2000 NFL Draft? a. Chad Pennington b. Giovanni Carmazzi c. Chris Redman d. Tee Martin e. Spergon Wynn f. Marc Bulger g. All of the above

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Tom Brady Trivia

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FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Notable Quotes

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

“Say What?!”

Brady’s now in his mid-40s, jobless and has no real traditional work experience, so he’s going to fit right in in Florida.

— James Corden

A lot of people think I like bugs – actually, it’s the complete opposite. I’m afraid of bugs, I hate bugs. But it has multiple meanings, that’s why I put them all over my body.

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- Michael Amoia, of New York, who has 864 tattoos of insects on his body, earning him a Guinness World Record

Watch the morning news anchors on MSNBC. They’re deeply, deeply concerned about these uppity working-class people.

The world’s entire supply of Botox is manufactured on the west coast of Ireland.

That’s a long way from here. In fact, it is a 4,000-mile long supply chain from the… plant in Westport, Ireland to Jupiter, Florida.

Now people at MSNBC might not be aware of this, but our country has no domestic Botox production. Along with vitamin C and antibiotics, it’s one of the life-saving pharmaceutical products we have recklessly off-shored. So if the trucks stop delivering, the Botox stops coming. And suddenly your morning television anchors are going to look like they’re 58 years old, which actually they are.

- Fox’s Tucker Carlson mocking MSNBC’s Morning Joe cohosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski who have been critical of the Canadian truckers that are protesting against Covid restrictions

The Washington Football Team announced today that it officially changed its name to the Washington Commanders, as in “Rams 37, Commanders 3.”

— Seth Meyers

What, he play a hundred years in Tampa Bay? Dude, you were there for three seconds. If you wanna thank Tampa, fine. I didn’t see the Patriots once.

- Barstool Sports President and Patriots fan Dave Portnoy ragging on Tom Brady for not mentioning the Patriots in his retirement message

I’m going to give him until – I almost deaded him. And when I dead somebody, you never come back. But he’s had so many memories and he’s done so much for the community and he’s a part of Boston. I’ve decided I would give him until after his Hall of Fame speech.

– Ibid.

If he wants to unite the country, Biden should nominate Janice Rogers Brown.

Committed constitutionalist who is also an African-American woman. Sadly, Biden personally filibustered her historic nomination to DC Circuit twice when he was in Senate. Now is the time to make amends.

- Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MI) on Biden previously filibustering the appointment of a black woman to the D.C. Circuit court.

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Democrat gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams spent much of Friday running around maskless in a Georgia grade school.

What kind of monster risks the lives of schoolchildren for a political photo-op?

How many children did Abrams infect? How many children will die? How many children infected by Abrams will go home and infect their parents and grandparents? How many of those parents and grandparents will die?

– John Nolte, Breitbart News, borrowing the Left’s rhetoric for comedic affect

I have a couple of pretty simple rules in life: Don’t ever compare anything to slavery, don’t ever compare anything to the Holocaust, and, if you’re a man, don’t compare anything to pregnancy. That’s rule number one. Rule number two: if you’re going to apologize, then just apologize. Don’t explain it, don’t try to mitigate it.

Apologize and ask for forgiveness. And number three, as a culture, we have got to do a better job of figuring out who is just famous and who actually knows what he or she is talking about, ’cause sometimes we confuse the two.

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– Statement by Stacy Abrams’ campaign after she was criticized for the above photo

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It is shameful that our opponents are using a Black History Month reading event for Georgia children as an impetus for false political attacks, and it is pitiful and predictable that our opponents continue to look for opportunities to distract from their failed records when it comes to protecting public health during the pandemic.

- Fox News host and former Congressman Trey Gowdy talking about Whoopi Goldberg’s ridiculous comments about the Holocaust

I know Whoopi. She’s not anti-Semitic. She chose “Goldberg” for her last name for a stage name. She gave a really fulsome and sincere apology.

- Comedian and former Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), on CNN, defending Whoopi Goldberg

I think that what you’re hearing, and what we’re all experiencing is just a huge shockwave to all of our mental health.

Who are we to attack China’s human rights when we have ongoing attacks by the agents of the state against unarmed citizen and we have assaults on the voting rights of the people of color in the various states in this country?

- ESPN analyst J. A. Adande arguing that people shouldn’t boycott the Beijing Olympics despite China’s horrific human rights violations, including more than a million people confined in concentration camps

- The caption in a tweet featuring a photo of a sea of uniformed cops filling Fifth Ave. for the funeral of NYPD Officer Jason Rivera, age 22, who was gunned down in Harlem

So, if all these cops weren’t needed for CRIME that day, doesn’t that mean they aren’t needed ANY day?

-Actress Susan Sarandon’s comment while retweeting the above photo and caption

I saw commercials about the high prize and decided, for the first time in my life, to fill out a lottery ticket. The moment I saw the winning numbers I knew that they looked familiar. I felt a kind of light that I can’t explain.

– An anonymous Israeli man in his mid-30s talking to the media after winning the biggest Israeli lotto in history last weekend ($25 million)

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- CNN host Alisyn Camerota, after CNN president Jeff Zucker was forced to resign

I’m gonna tell my kids this is what fascism looks like.

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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60 I wore my mask the entire game. When people ask for a photograph, I hold my breath.

- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti defending himself after he took a maskless photos at the Rams Championship game with Magic Johnson, violating the mask mandate that he implemented

Russia is simply a gas station that is masquerading, thinly disguised, masquerading as a country. This is going to have a devastating effect on the economy around the world when it comes to the price of gasoline.

- Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) on CNN

What [Tom Brady] accomplished is amazing: 22 years in the league, seven Super Bowl victories, five M.V.P. trophies, and all while eating just one almond a day.

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— Jimmy Kimmel

And now that he’s put up his cleats, the question is, was Tom Brady the best football player of all time? Some people say yes because he holds all the records and won the most Super Bowls. Other people say, “No, because he didn’t do that for my team!” So it will be a big debate for a while.

— Trevor Noah

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Dating Dialogue

Dear Navidaters,

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

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What Would You Do If… My brother, who I am very close with, is dating a girl, and I am worried for him. To give you some background info, I am five years older than him, married with kids, and have always had a close relationship with him.

He’s such a good guy – he’s smart, sweet, the kind of guy who would do anything for others. He is dating a girl I’ll call Perry, who clearly is taking advantage of his kindness. He spends hours planning thoughtful dates, spends tons of money taking her out to really great places; I would love to be treated the way he is treating her. She just does not seem appreciative at all of his gestures. We talk after all of his dates, and he seems to be putting a lot more effort into the relationship than she is. She has never invested/baked/given him anything (they have been dating for almost three months!) He, by contrast, is always looking for ways to give to her.

He is hesitant as he sees a lack of complete interest on her part, but his rebbi keeps encouraging him to keep wants her to marry such a great guy. I – who am there for him and only him – think she does not deserve him.

How can I relay this message without ruining anything?

Thank you, Sarah

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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going. I think he can do better than her and should dump her. His rebbi also has her interests in mind and obviously

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The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. ear Big Sister, You are walking a fine line in your relationship with your brother.

Continue to do so. I would consider telling him about the popularity and the usefulness of the five love languages. I would encourage him to consider whether she gets him and can be supportive of him in tough times and give him the emotional support he needs the way he needs it. These are important practices and predictors in a marriage. Discussing these will give him more ways of seeing that she is not interested nor invested in the relationship, and you can discuss them further.

It’s important for him to know that thinking about his needs, wants, and interests are important and healthy.

And that this is a Torah value. With your nurturing his self-awareness to another level, he will become assertive with his rebbi and with the girl.

You are right in being very concerned. Very giving people often are taken advantage of in relationships. If he is one of those people, you may have to bring this up a notch and ask him some pointed questions about himself to help him out.

It seems like you really understand the situation.

D

The Shadchan Michelle Mond arah, thank you for writing in – you sound like an amazing sister! Your brother is so lucky to have a mentor like you (and your husband) to guide him through shidduchim.

It sounds like you are picking up on something very real that should not be ignored. It sounds like your brother is being taken advantage of by Perry, or at least not being appreciated enough by her. Your brother might be downplaying it now, but down the line it will surely wear him out.

S

My advice is for you to have a heartto-heart with your brother about what you have been witnessing. Start with a blank piece of paper and have him write down all the qualities he is looking for in a future wife. On the other side, you should write all of the things that your brother has to give as a future husband and father. Go over the page with him and talk about how much effort he has been exerting in this shidduch. Then approach the topic gently, “Do you feel that Perry is someone who appreciates all that you have to give?”

He really has to think about this. As someone who is a giver, he will always be looking for people and opportunities to give of himself, sometimes without thinking about his own needs.

Focus more on building him up and allowing him to see what he deserves in a spouse, rather than focusing on Perry directly. Hopefully he will connect the dots with your guidance.

You are correct that your brother should feel appreciated, valued, and excited to connect with his potential spouse. Explore how he “sees a lack of interest on her part” as you wrote, since that is the main red flag that is present. To play devil’s advocate, there are five love languages: time, touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, and gifts.

Is it possible that her love language is different from what he has been doing?

The best way for him to find out is to have this conversation with her.

I’m so relieved to know that he has such a caring sister watching out for him. Encourage him to take his time, that this is the most important decision he will make, and that he does not need to feel pressured to make any decision until he feels confident about his relationship.

There is a fine line between being a loving, helpful advocate and a nosy, intrusive one.

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler

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hat are we dealing with here? Is this a case of: An overprotective big sister?

An influential rebbi who may not be

The Single Tzipora Grodko i Sarah, As a sister that has thankfully helped and watched five of my seven brothers get married, I empathize with you. Unfortunately, many well-intended people focus on getting people married vs. getting people HAPPILY married. As a psychotherapist that worked in marriage counseling, I can confidently say that the most important ingredient in a healthy marriage is communication (as well as compromise, because why not throw that in there?).

Encourage your brother to communicate his feelings NOT with the rebbe and NOT with you but with her.

There is no loss. If they are building a strong foundation for a relationship, they need to step out of their comfort zone and communicate their needs and concerns. How does she react? Is she defensive and rebuttal? Is she understanding and making an effort to reciprocate?

H

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You and your husband (but not your parents!) should invite your brother and girlfriend to a double-date at a nice, quiet restaurant. A pleasant dinner and conversation might help reveal the girl’s nature and the nature of her relationship with your brother.

For your brother’s next date, suggest that he tell his girlfriend, “I’ve been doing all of our date planning for the past three months. I think it will be fun for you to plan our next date.” How

The Navidaters

If they are building a strong foundation for a relationship, they need to step out of their comfort zone and communicate their needs and concerns.

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

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your brother if handled with a little TLC (tender, love, and care).

I understand that I don’t understand all the dynamics in the relationship with your brother and greater family at-large. (If there is any history of you involving yourself or inserting yourself in his personal life, or any history of his resentment toward you, which you have not shared, then the following will most likely not be applicable.)

Since your brother approaches you after his dates and shares his concerns, your first line of defense is to encourage your brother to speak with a professional. It seems as though his intuition may be steering him toward leaving, as he is feeling hesitant. I think your role may be to encourage your brother to pay attention to his own feelings and not ignore or disregard himself. You can gently encourage him to pay attention to how he is feeling on his dates with Perry.

if your brother is open to your feedback, you will simply have more of it to give with a better understanding of their dynamic.

My second suggestion is to encourage your brother to not plan so much. He can say something to Perry like, “It would be so much fun if you planned a date.” And let him see her response. Switch things up a bit! She may come through with flying colors.

Your brother can communicate to Perry that her planning things or doing little things for him is very important to him. Once he has expressed this to Perry, he can reassess the relationship after he sees how she responds to his needs.

Remember, as much as you want to help your brother, ultimately, he is responsible for himself, and he will be making this decision. He is the only one who can break this off. Sometimes being reminded of our own roles and what we ultimately have no control over can be helpful in configuring how we will move forward. Your brother is blessed to you have you in his life.

Sincerely, Jennifer

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. She also teaches a psychology course at Touro College. 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 Sarah, Thank you for writing in! It can be so emotionally challenging to watch a loved one walk into what may be a bad relationship. Not only are we worried and concerned for the person, but we have to weigh and measure how much we can express that concern in fear of losing our own relationship with the loved one.

You are in a tough spot. The very last thing you write/ask is: How can I relay this message without ruining anything? Sensitivity and strategy will be key, but let’s try to remove this pressure about “ruining” things. If you and your brother are as close as I think you may be, and he knows you’ve always had his best interest at heart, I am hopeful that there may be a way to convey your concerns completely outside the stratosphere of “ruining things.” Although any outcome is possible – and I am certainly not one to sugarcoat – I am curious what your thoughts are about the realistic potential worst outcome between you and

Does he feel happy? Safe?

Understood? Cared for?

Does he look forward to seeing her between dates?

Does he feel on edge, unsettled, misunderstood, resentful, unable to freely express his needs, or a general sense that something is wrong or off?

Unfortunately, we know that many well-intentioned friends, family members, mentors, rebbeim, and even dating coaches and therapists will sometimes encourage young people to move forward and get married because “love grows” and “you will never like every single thing about a person.” While there is truth to this, this should never come at the cost of sacrificing one’s own intuition!

If your brother is open to it, might I humbly suggest that you spend some time with each other as couples. Host a casual dinner or go out for pizza.

Perry may not be a giver of things or a planner. She may be incredibly affirming and/or affectionate and give of herself in other ways. (Or, she may be plain awful... we truly have no idea.)

Spending time together will give you a better sense of their relationship, and

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Pulling It All Together

she responds will be revealing.

You (or perhaps your parents or your rabbi) need to tactfully, diplomatically, and surreptitiously, uncover the nature of the rebbi’s relationship with that girl’s family.

You (or your agents) need to make discrete inquiries about the girl’s background. Thoroughly check her references: teachers, principals, friends, neighbors, etc.

Please remember that there is a fine line between being a loving, helpful advocate and a nosy, intrusive one.

Good luck, and I hope you always have someone watching over you and caring for you, the way you watch over your little brother.

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giving good advice?

An ungrateful, unappreciative girlfriend who should be dumped?

An inexperienced young man who does, or does not, know what is good for him?

Without more evidence or corroborating information, it is fruitless to speculate here. However, I do have some suggestions for you. You need to transition from being a helpful big sister to being an effective detective.

My suggestions:

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Nach Yomi OU Women’s Initiative Culminates First Nach Yomi with Siyum Celebration in New York More than 150 women gathered at Congregation Beth Sholom on January 16 to celebrate the culmination of the first two-year cycle of the OU’s Women’s Initiative Nach Yomi program. An additional 1,423 women participated via streaming from across the country. A gourmet lunch, musical performance and inspiring speakers rounded out the beautiful event.

The Torat Imecha Nach Yomi program began in January 2020 and has featured daily downloadable audio shiurim by female Torah scholars on Nach - Nevi’im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). More than 6,500 women subscribed to receive the daily learning modules, which total 742 individual shiurim, and more than 1,000 women have completed the full series.

The program is meant for women of all ages and religious and education-

al backgrounds to learn on their own schedules.

The in-person, women-only event kicked off with light refreshments and opening remarks by Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, founding director of the OU Women’s Initiative.

Rebbetzin Shmidman congratulated participants who completed Nach through the program, and welcomed those considering starting the new cycle starting this month.

“Yehoshua opens with the words Chazak v’ehmatz (Go and be strong.

Be strong and be courageous). It takes a lot of courage to start a twoyear program, but if you think about it as a once a day endeavor, recognize that you will be connecting with holy words… and you will see that the resonating messages are eternal.”

Etta Brandman Klaristenfeld, na-

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tional vice president of the Orthodox Union, spoke about her aunt, Malka Esther Bat Tzvi Yosef, in whose honor her family sponsored this first, 2-year cycle. Because of many tragedies in her life, Mrs. Klarinstenfeld’s aunt never had children of her own, but through the learning of thousands of women in her merit, “Each of you with your learning have become children for my aunt” and fulfilled her lifelong dream.

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the OU, spoke about the importance of the program and how it has created “a community of learners.” Educators Michal Horowitz, Rachel Besser and Pamela Simonsson also spoke.

Guests watched a video featuring women from different communities who participated in Nach Yomi and their reflections on what this learning experience meant to them.

A sumptuous catered lunch followed, and guests enjoyed music by Sorah Shaffren, who sang her original Nach-themed compositions.

Participants said the event had the energy of a family simcha. Hundreds of women excitedly talked amongst themselves about how they were able to finish the entire program.

Also open to streaming guests, the siyum welcomed approximately 460 virtual participants.

“It was such a lovely event. It was

the perfect culmination of this 2 year journey. It has allowed me to learn parts of Nach that many people don’t delve into. Everything from the presentations to the delicious food and music was just beautiful. I was so excited to be there,” says Judi Rosenfeld who traveled to the event from Brooklyn.

Each attendee received an added surprise -- a copy of the Maggerman Edition of the Koren Tanakh graciously dedicated anonymously by a family from Los Angeles, CA in honor and memory of their loved ones.

“Koren worked with us to create a special run of the Tanakhim in honor of the siyum with Torat Imecha imprinted on the cover, “ explained Adeena Mayerfield Program and Operations Manager of the Women’s Initiative, “The edition has tabs for each sefer to make it easier to navigate.”

The next cycle of Nach Yomi begins with Sefer Yehoshua on January 20th and already has over 2800 new participants and is sponsored by Mrs. Nechama Wolfson.

“Each sefer and shiur will have a new lineup of teachers and educators, so even if one has finished the cycle once, this is a chance to learn it from a new perspective,” noted Dr. Shmidman.

To learn more and sign up visit https://www.ou.org/women/nachsiyum/next-cycle/

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BY SUSAN SCHWAMM

“Esther was an eishes chayil. Truthfully, she lived the life of a ‘chayal,’ a soldier – a soldier on a mission. She forged ahead she, eventually, accomplished that mission,” Rabbi Pesach Lerner, Chairman of Eretz Hakodesh at the World Zionist Congress and resident of Far Rockaway, told TJH. Rabbi Lerner has maintained a close relationship with

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

with that mission despite all obstacles and challenges. And

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Rabbi Pesach Lerner Remembers Esther Pollard, a”h

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Jonathan and Esther Pollard for more than three decades.

Esther passed away this week at the young age of 68, leaving her husband heartbroken and her friends and family saddened by the loss of this inspiring, determined woman.

Rabbi

rael, he heard about this Jewish spy who was languishing in prison, but he came away with more questions than answers about Pollard’s situation.

Something didn’t sit right.

Speaking with his mentor, Rabbi Herman Neuberger of Ner Yisroel in Baltimore, and with Chaim Kaminetsky, president of National Council of Young Israel, about the questions swirling around his head, Rabbi Lerner was urged to “follow his gut” to find out more. It was possibly an issue of pidyon shevuyim, he was told, and they both encouraged him to find out more about Pollard’s situation.

But Rabbi Lerner knew that, in order to dig deep, he needed to go to the source. And so, Rabbi Lerner set out to meet with Jonathan behind prison bars.

That was Rabbi Lerner’s first meeting with Jonathan and his wife, Esther. But it wasn’t his last. Over the

three decades that Pollard languished in prison, Rabbi Lerner met with him and his wife over a hundred times.

“My first impression of Jonathan was that he wasn’t what they said he was. He wasn’t a monster,” Rabbi Lerner reflects. “He was articulate and bright. He was someone whom you would love to have as your next door neighbor.”

Rabbi Lerner would bring politicians and activists to meet with Jonathan. He endeavored to “make noise” about this fellow Jews’ plight.

Esther,

in her own right, was making lots

of noise.

Jonathan and Esther were married when Jonathan was already in prison. Her raison d’être was Jonathan – advocating for him, supporting him, encouraging him.

“I can testify that Jonathan would

not have been able to survive being in prison without Esther’s support,” Rabbi Lerner asserts. “She was his rock. She kept him alive.”

The two had been together in summer camp as kids. Esther began to write to Jonathan when she learned he was in prison. She eventually visited him in jail. The rest, as they say, is history.

But people sometimes would ask Esther why she married Jonathan, a convicted spy serving a life sentence in an American prison.

“First meet Jonathan,” she would say with a smile. “And then ask me that question.”

Esther was a force to be reckoned with. She maintained the website “Justice for Jonathan Pollard,” replete with articles about related court cases and detailed facts about Jonathan’s case. She organized letter campaigns and reached out to scores of advocates and politicians, knocking on

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Lerner met Jonathan and Esther Pollard in 1991. At the time, Rabbi Lerner was the assistant to the executive vice president of National Council of Young Israel. In his position, Rabbi Lerner was tasked with dealing with the branches of Young Israel. A program given in the Young Israel of the Lower East Side changed his life.

It was at that meeting that Rabbi Lerner heard about Jonathan Pollard.

Pollard had been convicted of espionage in 1985 after pleading guilty to passing U.S. documents to Israel.

He was sentenced to life in prison, despite a plea bargain agreement in which he was promised a lesser sentence.

The frum world at the time was generally not receptive to Pollard’s plight, and there was not much information about Jonathan’s situation in the frum media. At the program that Rabbi Lerner joined in the Young Is-

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The consummate advocate for her husband

doors, pleading for leniency.

While living in Israel, Esther would go to the Kotel every day to daven. Once a week, she would go on a tour of kivrei tzaddikim, pouring out her heart to the One Above for a yeshua. On Thursdays and Fridays, she organized groups of women to make challah in Jonathan’s zechus.

Esther was strong-willed in her advocacy for Jonathan, but she knew how to advocate without being brash or aggressive. She was known for being a tzanua, for her regal bearing, for her beautiful smile.

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When

Jonathan was first sent to Butner, North Carolina, Esther would stay in a cheap motel near the prison so she could visit him at the odd visiting hours that the prison maintained.

Over Pesach, she was forced to stay at that motel so that she could be close to Jonathan. Rabbi Lerner sent her matzah and other kosher for Pesach items so she would have something to eat during those eight days of yom tov.

Eventually, at Jonathan’s urging, Esther moved to Israel and continued her advocacy there, flying into the United States so she could visit her husband. In Israel, she stayed at an older woman’s apartment – there was no money for her to rent her own.

While in prison, Jonathan was only able to call certain numbers. But those phone numbers had to be direct lines without any switchboards in between. At National Council of Young Israel, Rabbi Lerner had a “Pollard phone” put into his office. This phone went straight to Rabbi Lerner, without any switchboard interference. Esther also had a direct number for Jonathan to call, but if she wasn’t home

On the plane to Israel, making aliyah together

and Jonathan would not be able to call on that line, Rabbi Lerner would be the go-between.

“I would have two phones – one on each ear,” Rabbi Lerner recalls.

“On one phone, I had Jonathan on the line – on my ‘Pollard phone’ at the office – and on the other phone at the office, I had Esther on the line, and I would relay their messages back and forth. We couldn’t put the phones together because the prison wouldn’t allow it. I became their mediator during those calls.”

athan food. Before coming to visit, they would each fill their pockets with quarters for the vending machines found in the visitors’ room. As the prisoners weren’t allowed to purchase food, visitors would buy them food from the vending machines there.

Rabbi Lerner remembers “fighting” with Esther for the privilege of buying food for Jonathan.

“He’s my husband,” she would say.

“It’s my duty and pleasure to buy him food.”

The food that they were fighting

“I can testify that Jonathan would not have been able to survive being in prison without Esther’s support.”

Jonathan was held in a medium-security prison, which meant that gang members roamed the halls.

Jonathan, though, was respected in prison. The prisoners were able to see that he was a man of conviction and that he sacrificed for his beliefs.

At one point in prison, Jonathan switched “jobs” in prison and became an orderly so he could minimize chillul Shabbos. An orderly in prison cleans the prison stalls and the bathrooms. Jonathan preferred to undertake this repugnant job so that he could keep Shabbos and minimize melacha on the holy day.

Keeping kosher in prison was no easy feat. It meant eating lots of bread and vegetables and canned food items. And many times, Jonathan was hungry. During their visits, Esther and Rabbi Lerner would buy Jon-

over were bags of chips and cookies, hardly nutritious fare, but that was all that was available for her to sustain her husband.

Many of the guards in prison were honest, decent officers. They would speak with Rabbi Lerner about Esther’s dedication and loyalty to her husband. They were able to sense that her mesiras nefesh for Jonathan was genuine and unique.

Rabbi

Lerner was present at any visit that Jonathan had with any politician in prison. Throughout the years, Rabbi Lerner accompanied Israel’s ambassadors to the U.S. Ron Dermer, Michael Oren, Sallai Meridor, and Daniel Ayalon on their visits to Jonathan.

He also brought Pastor John Hagee

of CUFI, Christians United for Israel, to meet with Pollard. That visit was 15 years ago, and the group spent two hours together.

After the meeting, Pastor Hagee turned to Rabbi Lerner and told him, “I’m a man of faith. That is my job.

But I never met a man of faith like that in my life.”

Jonathan and Esther were paradigms of faith. They had emunah shleima in their fate, a “temimus,” as Rabbi Lerner puts it. Their attitude was of advocacy, although their belief was that Hashem put them there, and so Hashem would get them out.

They were on a mission together – a team, with one player behind bars and one player advocating from the frontlines.

Rabbi Lerner once brought Rabbi Aryeh Ginzberg, rav of the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center in Cedarhurst, to visit with Jonathan years ago. In the course of the conversation, Rabbi Moshe Sherer’s, zt”l, name came up.

Jonathan recalled that Rabbi Sherer would pick up his call right away if he saw that Jonathan was calling. In fact, Rabbi Sherer told his secretary that if Jonathan called him, she should pick up right away and find him.

Jonathan recalled that Rabbi Moshe Sherer had told him that in prison he should try to keep three things: Shabbos, kashrus, and not be mad at G-d.

Rabbi Ginzberg asked Jonathan, “If Rabbi Moshe Sherer would walk through this door right now, what would you say to him?”

Jonathan responded, “Shabbos? I keep to the best of my ability.

“Kashrus? I keep to the best of my ability.

“Mad at G-d? No. We’ve had some very difficult conversations, but I’m not mad at Him.”

Years

after Jonathan began his sentence, Rabbi Lerner met with James Woolsey, former head of the CIA. Woolsey told Rabbi Lerner, “Rabbi, I know the file. I told the president to keep Pollard in prison after he served five, six years. But now, more than 10 years have passed. It’s enough. He should have been freed already.”

In later years, Woolsey noted that it’s possible that Jonathan was being held for so long because he was a

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

68 Jew, adding that a Korean or Russian would undoubtedly have been freed long ago.

Jonathan was released from prison in 2015. It came as a complete surprise to Esther.

Immediately, Rabbi Lerner and Esther mobilized to find Jonathan an apartment and a job. Finding him a suitable apartment yielded one on a fifth floor with no elevator and just one room. In searching for a job, Jonathan was essentially not able to work at a company with a computer.

He was forced to wear a GPS bracelet.

But Esther was euphoric. Her husband was finally free.

She became his guide. Jonathan had to re-learn the world in so many ways. On his ride to the courthouse that first morning of his release, Jonathan commented that so many people were talking to themselves; he had never seen AirPods. He spoke of the grandeur of traveling in a car; he had not been in a car for three decades.

He would slowly make his brachos on the delicious fruits that he was given. A pineapple would elicit joy and

Jonathan and Esther at the Conference of Presidents in Manhattan

contemplation as he thanked his Creator for the fruit he hadn’t eaten in thirty years.

Esther delighted in showing Jonathan the world. She would hand him a bencher after every meal, keeping the prayer book in her purse so they would always have it handy.

In a way, Rabbi Lerner says, “Esther was Jonathan’s rebbe on so many things, and he was her talmid. She was his guide.”

The two made aliyah in December

Rabbi Lerner with Jonathan Pollard right after his release

2020, fulfilling a life-long dream.

Esther

gave her life for her husband. She suffered from several bouts of breast cancer for many years. At some points during her illness, she chose not to have radiation, hoping that Jonathan would get out of prison and that they would be able to start a family.

Starting a family was not meant to be. But together, as a team, Jona-

than and Esther worked to build up each other’s worlds. She was, as Rabbi Lerner said, a true eishes chayil, a woman of valor.

Shlomo Hamelech says of Eishes Chayil, “Batuch bah lev baaleh,” the heart of her husband trusted in her.

Esther was Jonathan’s advocate, his support, his rock, his guide. “Tinu lah m’pri yadehah,” give her praise for her accomplishments.

Together, they worked to accomplish their mission.

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Renovations - Additions - New Construction - Outdoor Living

Our team is proficient in all architectural styles, from french country to ultra-modern and everything in between.

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Your

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Money

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Let’s Face the Music and Dance

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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Just upload a video of your face, along with your driver’s license or other government-issued ID, and wait for the facial recognition gods to do their work. Easy-peasy!

Of course, the IRS knows most Americans won’t trust them to manage that sort of information. So they’ve paid $86 million to outsource

verify your identity, not one-to-many scanning to pick you out of an electronic lineup. They claim nine out of ten users should be able to verify themselves within five minutes. Those who can’t, wind up video chatting with an actual human after an “average” eight-minute wait. (Just don’t tell that to the poor schlubs who

When yet another site asks you to check a box to prove you’re not a robot, are you ever tempted to just say, “Dude, you’re the robot!”

the job to an (unlicensed, unregulated) for-profit contractor: a Virginia-based company called ID.me that already claims 64 million verified users in their database.

What could possibly go wrong?!?

ID.me says their technology isn’t any more intrusive than using your face to unlock your phone. They say they use one-to-one matching to

spent days on hold using the same system to claim unemployment benefits in California or weeks to get them in New York.)

This won’t be the IRS’s first dance with outside ID verification. The credit-reporting company Equifax used to do it until the IRS suspended them after hackers breached their database and stole information on 143 million

Americans. Bummer.

The legislators who write the tax laws don’t seem jazzed with the whole idea. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden — who proposed a new “Billionaire’s Income Tax” on fat cats with more than $1 billion in assets or $100 million in income — said, “I’m very disturbed that Americans may have to submit to a facial recognition system, wait on hold for hours, or both, to access personal data on the IRS website.” (Naturally, he said it in a tweet.) California Rep. Ted Lieu called it “a very, very bad idea” and said, “The IRS needs to reverse this Big Brother tactic, NOW.” What do you think? Do you trust the IRS contractor with your biometric data? Even Facebook doesn’t ask for that, and their whole business is built around violating your privacy like last weekend’s nor’easter violated the Eastern Seaboard. Only time will tell if the new system makes life easier – or much, much harder!

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

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n March 10, 1876, a Scottish-born engineer named Alexander Graham Bell uttered the words, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want you” and changed how humanity interacts with the world.

Today, Bell’s “talking telegraph” has morphed into the internet, and billions of humans use it every day to work, play, and watch misleading propaganda videos.

But there’s one problem the internet hasn’t solved: verifying who we are when we go to sign in. That password you’ve used since 2005?

Not good enough anymore without at least one special character. Endless security questions, like “what was your childhood dog’s first car?” When yet another site asks you to check a box to prove you’re not a robot, are you ever tempted to just say, “Dude, you’re the robot!”

The IRS, which still doesn’t use email with taxpayers, loses millions every year to thieves who sidestep those verifications. They also run one of Uncle Sam’s busiest websites, with nearly 2 billion visits per year. Last November, they announced a newand-improved verification process.

How will they guarantee it’s you and not some Nigerian prince logging in?

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

In The K

tchen

Korean-Style Ribs

By Naomi Nachman

The Superbowl is always so much fun� I love the hype and build-up. My family has been watching

the game with the same group of friends for over 20 years.

During the half-time show, we switch over to

watch The Nachum Segal Network Kosher HalfTime Show � which is a concert streamed on

the internet at www.nachumsegal.com as a clean alternative for frum viewers.

For me, it’s all about the food (of course!). I

will often debut a new meat dish using this as an opportunity to get everyone’s feedback. I

also usually serve kid-friendly chicken nuggets,

French fries and a salad bar. (I put someone else

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in charge of dessert.) This year, I am making

a brand new recipe called Korean Ribs. This is

a popular street food in Korea where it’s BBQ’d

right on the street. It’s quick and easy to cook as Korean Ribs are basically thin-cut flanken ribs (cut to � inch thick).

Ingredients ◦ 1 cups soy sauce ◦ ½ cup maple syrup ◦ 1 cup mirin ◦ ½ cup rice wine vinegar ◦ 6 cloves fresh minced garlic ◦ 1-inch piece minced ginger ◦ 1 tablespoon Gochujang (fermented bean paste) ◦ 4 scallions, chopped ◦ Sesame seeds, for garnish ◦ 3-4 lbs. Miami ribs

Preparation 1.

Mix all the ingredients for the marinade together and let the beef sit for a few hours in the marinade.

2. Preheat broiler or barbecue to medium-high heat.

3. Remove meat from marinade. Broil each side of meat for 3-4 minutes.

4. To serve, sprinkle meat with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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71

Life C ach

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Stick with the Plan

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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Sometimes, we know people way too long to let them know we don’t know them! We never quite recorded their names to memory. And once we pass a certain amount of time, we feel too familiar to let them know we have no idea who they are.

We get stuck in the I-know-everything-about-you-but-I’m-clueless-as-to-what-they-call-you.

We know things like that they

again?” Therefore, we hope that anyone standing with us is wise to “The Plan.”

Why our brains don’t record their names is a real question. Maybe because names don’t have any real association with who they really are.

The Native American Indians had the right idea! Big Man with Little Fishing Pole. Smart Woman with

Sometimes, we know people way too long to let them know we don’t know them!

recently married off a child, spent a gazillion amount of money on gowns, and even flew in all the guests to Dubai for the ceremony, but we’re totally lost as to what their name is.

This is certainly not the time to say, “I can’t believe I wasn’t invited to the wedding of the century… and by the way, what’s your name

Giant Running Feet. The names gave a lot of information. Why would you ever forget them?

Chloe, Rivi, Ruvei, Basi. What do any of these names convey?

But if you change it to Pretty Girl Who Makes Delicious Apple Pies or Young Man With Great Tech Ability – now, those are names we can remember!

The only way I ever really remember names, easily, is if I keep asking them to remind me of their names throughout the first time we meet. But, by that time, I’ve seemed so thick they probably don’t want to remember me!

Names are our best way of identifying people but really, if we remember someone and not their name, would it be so bad to ask, “Remind me your name again?”

The answer, unfortunately, is that most of the time it would be.

So try to have someone with you as often as possible who knows The Plan and actually remembers to use it. Otherwise, it’s back to trying to make the quick getaway before you have to make an introduction and embarrass yourself and the person you’re speaking to as well.

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program.

She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.

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o person A says to person B, “Here’s the plan: if I don’t introduce you when I’m speaking to people, please ask who they are.”

Person A asks Person B later, “What happened to you? I didn’t introduce you and you forgot to ask who they are.”

B responds, “I didn’t actually forget to ask. You just didn’t seem that interested in talking to them.”

A shoots back, “I just didn’t seem that interested in talking to them because I had no idea what their names were. If you had done your job, I’d have felt more comfortable talking to them!”

B: “So now you’re saying it’s my fault you don’t remember who people are?”

A: “No, of course not. I’m just asking you to be up on The Plan! If I talk to people and I don’t introduce you, just ask them their names! After all, do you think I want you standing there awkwardly not feeling important enough for me to introduce but I can’t tell them your name when I can’t remember theirs!”

Does this sound like a familiar scenario to you?

Buying or Selling a Home?

Experience Matters!

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