Center Sprit Magazine Pesach 2025

10 RECIPES TO MAKE AHEAD AND FREEZE PAGE 140 DECLUTTERING GUIDE PAGE 112

EDITOR'S DESK DEAR READERS,

As you prepare for Pesach — likely busy with shopping, cooking, and cleaning — our residents at Boro Park Center are immersed in similar preparations. From baking matzah to designing custom seder plates, and of course, tackling the deep cleaning, the Pesach spirit is alive and thriving throughout BPC.

On the topic of deep cleaning, this issue includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our housekeeping department. Ever wonder how such a large facility stays spotless? We sat down with Carlos, who shared the secrets behind BPC’s pristine success.

If you are a long-time reader, you may know that I enjoy highlighting topics I’m passionate about. In my role as Recreation Director, I’ve witnessed firsthand the powerful effect that visitors have on our residents’ mental and emotional well-being. This inspired me to feature an in-depth piece on the special mitzvah of Bikur Cholim — the act of visiting the sick. It’s incredible to see how a simple visit can brighten someone’s day and uplift their spirit.

While I could give you more hints about the other topics covered in this issue, I’d rather keep some surprises — it adds to the excitement and charm of an engaging read!

Some of my most treasured childhood memories are of our family seder. I vividly remember watching my father’s eyes fill with tears as he recited L’shana Haba B’Yerushalayim. As a child, I didn’t fully grasp the deep emotion behind those words. But now, as an adult, I understand. We are still waiting for hostages to return home, for Cholim to experience a Refuah, and many are awaiting their Zivug. Everyone I know is waiting for a Yeshua of some sort. This year, when I say those three sacred words, they carry more weight than ever before. May this finally be the year we experience the ultimate Geulah.

May next year’s letter be written from Yerushalayim Ir HaKodesh, following the arrival of Mashiach, B’mheira B’Yameinu. Amein.

WARM REGARDS, Raizy Pavlov

DIRECTOR OF RECREATION

Project by:

Standing Lucite Matzah Box

Design: Photography: hudig

A NEW YEAR OF

CARE AND COMMUNITY

At Boro Park Center, we take great pride in fostering a family-oriented environment, where the rich tapestry of life is celebrated in all its variety and splendor. Every patient is welcomed as a beloved member of our extended family. Their contributions are valued, and their dignity is always respected. We believe in creating a space where everyone feels cared for and cherished, reflecting the true meaning of community and togetherness.

The Yomim Tovim at the Boro Park Center are always an extraordinary time, and Pesach is no exception. One of the most beautiful and poignant parts of the Haggadah is the opening lines: Kol dichfin yeisei v’yechol—"Let all who are hungry come and eat." These words embody the family atmosphere of Pesach, where no one is left out, and everyone is invited to partake in the joy and celebration. At Boro Park Center, our Seder is a highlight of the year. It’s an occasion where we host numerous guests and families, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that expresses the essence of Achdus. For us, this gathering symbolizes the deep connections we foster with each patient and their family, making it a truly special time.

Another significant aspect of Pesach is the way it marks the moment when the Jewish people became a unified nation K’ish Echad B’lev Echad—a community bound together by shared values, traditions, and a commitment to look after one another. At Boro Park Center, we aim to create a similar sense of community. We understand the importance of mutual support, cooperation, and shared experiences. The care we offer, the high standards of customer service, and the bonds we cultivate among our patients and staff are all part of what makes the center a place of belonging. It’s about creating a space where

KORBAN PESACH AND CARING FOR THE ELDERLY

One of the central themes of the Pesach Seder is the Korban Pesach. Though we no longer bring the offering, its message lives on — especially in how we care for the elderly.

The ritual teaches us to: Protect — like the lamb was sheltered, we protect the vulnerable. Gather — the offering was shared in community, not alone.

people not only receive the help they need but also give and receive strength from each other.

At Boro Park Center, we are deeply committed to honoring our Achrayus to both our patients and their families. We embrace the values of Chesed and Kavod Habriyos, ensuring that every patient receives not only the care they need but the respect they deserve. Our responsibility is to create an environment where each individual is treated with the utmost care, compassion, and dignity. The foundation of our work is rooted in a genuine dedication to the well-being of every resident. We don't simply meet basic needs; we strive to go above and beyond, making sure each person feels valued, supported, and truly seen. This involves continuously evaluating and refining our care practices to ensure they meet the unique and evolving needs of each individual. Our well-trained staff are at the heart of our commitment, equipped to handle any situation with sensitivity, professionalism, and a personal touch. Above all, it’s not just about care; it's about fostering a community where health, happiness, and dignity are always prioritized.

In all that we do, from the daily care we provide to the special Yom Tov celebrations that we cherish, the Boro Park Center remains steadfast in its mission to create a welcoming, supportive, and nurturing environment. We are more than just a place of care—we are a family, and together, we celebrate the Brachos of life, community, and the shared values that bring us together.

Administrator

Remember — it passed down our story, just as our elders do. Give — it required sacrifice, just like caring for others does. Thank — it expressed gratitude, as we should for those who came before us.

This Pesach, may the spirit of the Korban inspire us to honor and care for the elderly — the heart of our community at Boro Park Center.

Jason Zimmerman, DO, FACEP

Medical Director

Nachman Feig

CELEBRATING PESACH WITH TRUE תורח

Dear Residents, Families, and Community, As Pesach approaches, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation. I wish to extend my heartfelt wishes to each of you. Pesach isn’t just about family bonds; it’s a celebration of our collective journey from bondage to freedom. Whether at home, here, or visiting loved ones, may you feel the warmth and light of תורח.

This year, let’s embrace the essence of Pesach. As we recount the story of םירצמ תאיצי, let us remember: *"In every generation, one must see oneself as if they personally had come out of Egypt."* This powerful reminder calls us to seek renewal and liberation in our own lives.

When we break the Matzah during ץחי, let it symbolize breaking free from both physical and spiritual limitations. May it inspire us to move

To the Residents of Boro Park Center,

When I reminisce about starting as the Associate Administrator at Boro Park Center slightly under a year ago, I do not think I truly appreciated what I was walking into. This facility has the unique ability to cater to the needs of our residents and families, from the time they enter until they leave. Customizing care to enhance the experience of each individual as they begin, or continue their journey at BPC. Having worked in facilities across New York State, I can unequivocally say that Boro Park Center is one of a kind.

I had not previously seen a nursing home which creates such a tangibly exciting atmosphere in everything that it does. At any time you can find something going on, parties, daily activities, petting zoos, and holiday celebrations. Having played a role in setting up the Pesach Seders for

toward a future filled with health, hope, and renewed purpose.

I want to express my deep appreciation to our incredible staff. Your dedication and warmth create a true sense of family, where each member feels valued and supported. This unity elevates both our celebrations and daily life.

May this Pesach fill your hearts with joy and your lives with light. May we cherish the freedoms we hold dear, surrounded by family, friends, and the strength of our community. Wishing you and your loved ones a Pesach filled with health, happiness, and unity.

Rav of Boro Park Center

the residents this year, the facility goes above and beyond, emulating a Pesach program.

Over Pesach we recollect the Jewish people leaving Egypt and becoming a nation, embarking on a journey of transformation. So too, us administrative staff and residents should continue this year aiming to transform and be better than we were the day before. Whether that is showing up on the units each day to make a difference in our staff and residents’ lives, or working with rehab and nursing to walk out of the facility and go home. We see a parallel between the Jewish people’s journey and the journey we take each day as individuals. With Hashem’s help this Pesach should be a transformative one for us and lead to a prosperous year.

LNHA, Associate Administrator

Rabbi Aaron Wajsfeld

Aaron Szydlo

ZMANIM PESACH 2025

...........................After 8:43 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 11TH

Burning Chometz/Erev Shabbos ...............................................................Before 11:51 AM

Mincha ...7:00 PM

Candle lighting ....7:13 PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 12TH

Shabbos/Erev Pesach

Shacharis ...7:00 AM

followed by Siyum Bochurim

Latest time for eating Chometz 10:44 AM

Latest time for Biur Chometz .11:50 AM

Mincha ...7:30 PM

Maariv ...8:00 PM

Candle lighting after (not before) ...8:45 PM

First Seder ...8:45 PM

SUNDAY, APRIL 13TH

First Day of Pesach

Shacharis ...9:00 AM

Mincha ....7:40 PM

Maariv ...8:00 PM

Candle lighting after (not before) ....8:45 PM

Second Seder ...8:45 PM

MONDAY, APRIL 14TH

Second Day of Pesach

Shacharis ...9:00 AM

Mincha ...7:50 PM

Maariv ...8:37 PM

Havdalah ...8:47 PM

TUESDAY - THURSDAY, APRIL 15TH - 17TH

Chol Hamoed

Shacharis ...9:00 AM

Mincha ...1:45 PM

Maariv ...8:00 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 18TH

Erev Shabbos/Erev Shvii Shel Pesach

Shacharis ......9:00 AM

Candle lighting .......7:20 PM

Mincha .......7:30 PM

followed by Kabbolas Shabbos and Maariv

SATURDAY, APRIL 19TH

SHABBOS/SHVII SHEL PESACH

Shacharis ......9:00 AM

Mincha ......8:10 PM

Maariv ......8:40 PM

Candle lighting after (not before) ......8:52 PM

SUNDAY, APRIL 20TH

Acharon Shel Pesach

Shacharis/Yizkor ......9:00 AM

Mincha................................................................8:00 PM

Maariv .................................................................8:43 PM

Havdalah............................................................8:53 PM

Boro Park Center invites our residents to join us for a

Please refer to the resident ’s room c a lenda r for date, t ime a nd loc at ion.

For Boro Park Center residents and accompanying family members only.

Photography: hudig

Touched by a Seder

by Rabbi Yechiel Spero

Hachnasas HaSeder

PREPARING FOR THE SEDER

The Chassidim gathered anxiously around their Rebbe, the Beis Aharon, Rav Aharon of Karlin. It was Pesach night and they wanted to hear his every word. Some had traveled from miles away to spend these days with the Rebbe. What earth-shattering insight might he have? In this particular year, however, those listening to the revered Rebbe would hear something very different from what they expected. Eagerly waiting for the Rebbe to start his talk, they listened carefully as he began, "Oy, if only we could all learn from the great Shabsi…”

Now Shabsi, as they all knew, was a simple woodcutter in the village. Certainly, he was an ehrliche Yid, but what had he done to be worthy of such a reference by the great Rebbe of Karlin? A few of the listeners were curious enough to find out what it was all about, so they set out for Shabsi's house on the outskirts of town. Although most in town had already started their Seder, Shabsi was just setting up for his.

They keenly observed the woodcutter, hoping to see some wondrous act that would be deserving of the Rebbe's praise, but all they saw was a simple man preparing for his Seder. When all was ready, Shabsi and his wife performed the rituals of the Seder unimpressively and moved through it rather quickly. They ate the matzah and maror, drank the cups of wine and completed the entire ceremony in a short time.

"Aha!" thought the men watching, "NOW we will see; he will probably stay up the entire night speaking of the wonders of Yetzias Mitzrayim. Or perhaps he will recite Shir HaShirim with fervor and emotion." But neither happened; instead, Shabsi cleaned off the table and went to sleep.

The Chassidim were bewildered; what had their Rebbe seen in this most simple of Jews? They went back to the Rebbe's Seder and spent most of the evening reflecting about the

simplicity of Shabsi's Seder and their Rebbe's glowing remarks about this simple Jew.

The next morning, they approached Shabsi and apologized for having "spied" on him the night before. They told him that the Rebbe had mentioned that they all should only be so fortunate to achieve some of the greatness of Reb Shabsi, although flattered, Shabsi was also at a loss to understand why the Rebbe had mentioned him in this context. What had the Rebbe meant?

The Chassidim realized something then; they had seen Shabsi preparing (quite late) for the Seder, but they did not know what he had been doing before then. So they asked him to describe the events that had preceded his Seder. "I spent the morning and early afternoon trying to prepare all the special foods we need for the Seder. I ground the maror and set the matzos aside and mixed the charoses together. Last but not least I placed the bottles of wine we would be using on the table, then called to my wife that I would be heading to shul just a little earlier than usual to prepare spiritually for the upcoming evening. I wanted to say some kappitelach Tehillim.

My wife came out into our main room and inadvertently brushed against the table and knocked over the bottle of wine. It shattered into a million pieces and the wine splattered all over the place. Now remember, my wife, as you might imagine, had been working day and night for the past few weeks cleaning for Pesach. She would often stay up half the night scrubbing areas that I did not even know existed in our home! For the last few nights, she had stayed up cooking and was completely exhausted.

After having knocked over the wine bottle, she was so distraught that she just lost herself and grabbed the tablecloth and in one sweep pulled it from the table. In a second everything was everywhere. The matzah and maror and charoses and wine were strewn all over in one tremendous mess. The scene was pathetic. Becoming

hysterical, seeing the mess after all she and I had done to prepare for Yom Tov, she ran to her room and cried herself to sleep.

I went out for a while, and when I returned to the house, I was shocked to see that the place was still a mess. I woke my wife to see if she was all right. She began to scream and yell at me that it was all my fault that the wine had fallen over and caused such a mess. I thought for a moment and realized how much pressure she had been under for the past few weeks and how very careful I had to be. All I told her was, 'I'm sorry. It will never happen again.'

I walked into the next room and began to clean up the mess. It took me a long time but I was able to get everything back into shape. I carefully set the table with items for the Seder. Not wanting to wake my wife, who had gone back to sleep, I began the Seder, but just then she appeared. With a smile on her face, she sat down and we celebrated the Seder together.” Turning now

toward the Chassidim who had been listening to him, Shabsi looked around and shrugged his shoulders. "I really don't know why the Rebbe told you anything special about me or my Seder. It was really nothing special."

The Yetzer Hara is very cunning and shrewd. He knows that on Seder night we are all but untouchable. We have displayed limitless effort and work to ensure that we have a house completely free of chametz. We will talk about Yetzias Miztrayim all night. So, he designs a plan to attack in another way. He causes us to get angry; he is able to do this because we are so totally focused on the performance of the mitzvos that we fail to realize what else is going on. On a night as important as this one, let us garner our strength to overcome whatever may come our way. If we are, nothing can temper our desire to make this a truly memorable, patient, and understanding night.

Maggid

Take it or leave it:

Hearing the great Lelover Rebbe, Rav Moshe Mordechai Biderman, address the Ribbono Shel Olam was a shocking experience. Instead of the soft pleading tones one is accustomed to hearing, Rav Moshe Mordechai would make outright demands of Hashem, in a rather brazen tone. It was not something easy to listen to, and it made one wonder about what this special individual carried in his heart that caused him to speak in this manner.

In the 1980s, one Pesach night, Rav Moshe Mordechai began his Seder in Bnei Brak. The weeks before Pesach had been quite trying. Many who had terrible tzaros had come knocking on his door for help. A young man, recently orphaned, whose father had suffered a long and terrible illness; a father whose little daughter had just been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor; a middle-aged man who had lost his job and did not have money for bare necessities, much less to marry off his children.

Upon hearing the heartbreaking stories over and over again, the Lelover Rebbe would not just nod his head sadly and promise to daven and say Tehillim for the poor souls, he would cry and fast SO that these people should somehow find their yeshuah. By the time the Seder arrived, he was prepared not only to relive the redemption of long ago but also to celebrate new redemptions, and hope that all those who were suffering would no longer need the tefillos of their brethren.

As the Rebbe reached Ha lachma anya, he mentioned to those seated around his table that there are some who maintain that the correct wording is Hei lachma anya….

Suddenly he stood up and, in a strong voice filled with emotion, he began a heartfelt plea: "Hei lachma anya…. Heilige Bashefer … Hei… Here it is …. take it … If You will not put an end to these tzaros then we will no longer be able to go on. The yesomimlach, the orphans, need You. The almanos, the widows, need You. The sick, the poor, the suffering need Your help. We don't want the lachma anya anymore. Hey,

Take it .... Here it is… I know that it is not usual for a simple person like me to make such audacious demands, but I carry the name of Moshe Rabbeinu who, when the Yidden were in danger of being destroyed, placed his future on the line." He proclaimed, "Ve’im ayin, If You will not forgive them, then mecheini na misifrecha, erase me entirely from Your Book."

"If that is not enough, then take my other namesake, Mordechai, who also gave everything away for his people. He lost his wife forever when Esther was taken by Achashveirosh. If that was how the Jewish people could be saved, then it would all be worth it. So, then, the same is true with small, insignificant me, and once and for all, beg You, call out to You, heilige Basher Hei lachma anya. We don't want to commemorate this night any longer in galus. We want the final geulah-when Your children will not have to suffer anymore.''

After sobbing his way through the rest of the paragraph, the Rebbe finally declared, "Leshanah haba'ah bnei chorin, Next year may we be free men!"

The Korban Pesach:

Our ancestors in Mitzrayim displayed incredible mesiras nefesh and courage. Despite their harsh existence, they persevered and did the best they could. The reality is that freedom, cheirus, has less to do with physical independence than with getting ourselves to live the way we are meant to, a mental state according to the age-old principles of our Torah, without subjugating ourselves to the villains who attempt to destroy us. This strength of spirit has shown itself time and time again throughout Jewish history, perhaps never more so than during World War ll. The story below reveals that the mesiras nefesh displayed in Mitzrayim made its way down through the generations.

As the last parts of the Warsaw Ghetto were being dismantled and Jews were being deported to their deaths, there remained a small element of Yidden who would not stop living as Jews. Led by Rabbi Menachem Ziemba and others, they heroically determined that they would celebrate Pesach, Z'man Cheiruseinu, with the traditions that Jews had practiced for thousands of years. Somehow, unbelievably, they had managed to procure flour, had found an oven and kashered it, and had gotten ready to bake matzos. Now they needed volunteers to do the actual baking.

It did not take long. Tens of volunteers were ready to risk their lives for the chance to do something, anything to participate somehow in the baking of the matzos. Children and adults alike gathered together as the process began. They combined the flour and water and then mixed them together, doing so with great trepidation - not because of the fear of the Nazis but because they knew they had only 18 minutes to complete the baking of the matzos. From the mixing to the next stage they stood in their makeshift matzah factory, savoring every moment. It was drastically different in so many ways from the manner in which they had performed this mitzvah a mere few years ago. But in one way it was so very similar. Because as Reuven Nayerfeld rolled out the matzos with his rolling pin, he began to sing the niggun of Betzeis Yisrael MiMitzrayim It was as if a small flame had been ignited in the souls of this courageous group of people, and the sounds of the shira poured forth from the depths of their hearts. The song of hope now silenced their cries, Rav Menachem Ziemba encouraged them; he didn't want their song to falter, he wanted them to feel strong.

He had once told them an interesting explanation of the pasuk in Tehillim (1:6): Yodei'a Hashem derech tzaddikim v'derech resha 'ïm toveid. Simply understood, the pasuk means that Hashem attends the way of the righteous but the way of the wicked will be destroyed. Rav Ziemba explained that during times such as these, times of tragedy, the words can have a different meaning. The way of the righteous is to believe that yodei'a Hashem, Hashem knows what He IS doing and we must not worry. But

what the wicked would like for us is toveid, to feel that all hope is lost. Once we feel hopeless, we are indeed lost.

This notion is what drove these brave individuals as they carried on each and every day with strength and valor, but above all with hope. Through their song, as they baked these special matzos, they expressed the wish that they would also be saved just as their forefathers were Betzeis Yisrael Mi Mitzrayim, when the Jewish people went out of Egypt.

Reuven led them in this joyous song and rolled out matzah after matzah, which were placed inside the oven and taken out brown and crispy. All watched with pride in their hearts as if Reuven were handling precious gems, not matzos.

But suddenly the door burst open. The Nazi soldiers stormed through the doorway of the makeshift matzah factory and suddenly the song went silent. "Who is responsible for this?"

In the group were young men and women, and children who had seen too much killing and death for them to be considered children anymore. But the one to step forward was Reuven. He hoped that by doing so the others would be spared, "You are trying to celebrate your holidays?" the soldier grinned sadistically at Reuven.

With that the head Nazi soldier ordered that Reuven be shot, then just as suddenly changed his mind, deciding that he didn't want to waste a bullet on the Jew. Instead, he grabbed the rolling pin Reuven had used to roll out the matzos a few minutes earlier and began to pummel Reuven with blows. Harder and harder to the horror of the others and as Reuven tried to shield himself from

the vicious beating, his strength gave out and he fell to the ground, dying. As his life ebbed away, everyone heard the sound of Reuven's sweet voice singing the familiar song. Betzeis Yisrael MiMitzrayim….

The korban pesach had been brought after all. The next night the others in the group did indeed arrange a Seder, without Reuven but with the matzos that were baked by him. In a sense, they all knew, and were sure that Reuven did as well, that they were indeed free at last!

An Important Favor

It is difficult to describe what Rav Shach's house looked like in the weeks preceding Pesach. There were of course the tens of people who came each day to ask for his help and advice on all sorts of global and personal issues. One needed guidance as to how to establish a new yeshivah and the other needed a bracha for an unmarried daughter. A third might need a letter of recommendation and yet another might ask a question in learning. Add to all of these the usual pre-Pesach preparations and we can begin to imagine how busy this home was just before Pesach.

It is one thing to relate how many approached this gadol for assistance, but it is even more amazing to describe Rav Shach's sensitivity in responding to each one's needs. In order to understand, let us recount the words of the Rambam in Hilchos Yom Tov (6:17-18). To summarize, the Rambam states that on

Yom Tov a person is obligated to be happy and have joy, he and his children and his wife, as it says, V'samachta b'chagecha. How does one bring happiness to his wife? By buying her clothing and jewelry, according to his means. And when a person eats and drinks, he must also make food available for widows and orphans, and for other poor unfortunate people.

One year, there were more people than ever approaching Rav Shach for help. As he dealt with one after the other, never seeming tired or worn out, he paused for a moment and asked one of his assistants to go to the home of a specific woman and ask her to come to see him. It was very important. He needed to ask her for a favor.

This woman had lost her husband a few years earlier and had only one young son, no other family. She could not imagine how she could help the great Rav Shach, but nevertheless rushed to his home as soon as she was asked to.

She arrived, nervous about having been called to the home of the gadol hador. She had so much to deal with as it was, but was determined to do whatever Rav Shach would request of her. When he was informed that she had arrived he asked that she come into his study.

Rav Shach walked over to his desk and handed her an envelope. "Could you please do me a favor? Please buy yourself a new dress for Yom Tov."

Shocked, the young almanah smiled sheepishly. She fought back the tears that came to her eyes, thanked the Rosh Yeshivah for his thoughtfulness, and walked outside. The others in the room stood in awe. Silently they went on with their business. Explaining his action, Rav Shach said quietly, "She doesn't have a husband to buy her jewelry and clothing. She just needed someone to remind her that she deserves to have it".

Failure and Fortune

Levi was only 16 years old and had just come to the end of his first few months in the Slabodka Yeshivah in Poland. He had learned with tremendous enthusiasm and had begun to work on personal growth and refinement of middos. Being so far away from his Warsaw home now for almost a year, he looked forward to the upcoming bein hazemanim, Pesach vacation, and the magnificent Sedarim they celebrated. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved to be at Alter of Slabodka. As he sat planning his return home, the Rosh Yeshivah - Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel - called him over and strongly suggested that since he was a relative newcomer to the yeshivah it might be best for him to remain in the yeshivah over Pesach. Levi knew very well that when the Rosh Yeshivah suggested something. There was no other choice. Somewhat disappointed but determined to do what the Rosh Yeshivah

thought best for him, Levi made plans to spend his first-ever Pesach away from home. He would not be able to taste his mother's special foods, or hear his father singing and saying over divrei Torah at the Seder. He knew it would be different, and difficult.

A few days before Pesach the Alter gathered a few boys in his home and spoke to them about preparing for Pesach. He spoke not of the physical cleaning and searching for chametz, but of the spiritual groundwork necessary to help them experience their own personal and unique exodus from their own private "Mitzrayim." The young men left the Alter's home in an elevated mood, excited about the upcoming days. This inspirational talk imbued Levi, the youngest by far of the group, with a new sense of purpose. He thought about his own spiritual preparations and hoped that he was doing the "groundwork" in a way that would make the Alter proud.

The Alter approached Levi the next morning and asked him if he was prepared for the upcoming Yom Tov, which was to begin the following evening. Trying to reflect on precisely what the Alter meant, and wanting to let him know he had indeed understood the shmuess of the day before, Levi found himself stuttering in his response. The Alter smiled. "Levi, I actually wanted to know if you have a new suit and shirt and shoes for Yom Tov. After all, if you would have gone home you would have been given these items. Run now to the store and tell them that you want to get a whole new outfit in honor of the upcoming Yom Tov." Elated, Levi ran to the store, amazed that the Alter had sensed the need for him to

acquire new clothing, and pay for no less. And the best was yet to come.

On the first night of Pesach, Levi sat near the Alter in shul and listened carefully as each and every word of Maariv was enunciated. "Ha'oseh lanu nisim u'nekamah BePharoh, He Who has performed miracles and taken revenge on Pharaoh." The words were pronounced so clearly. And then he continued, "... hamakeh b'evraso kol bechorei Mitzrayim, He Who smote with anger the firstborn of the Egyptians." Levi felt as if he were reliving the events right then.

The euphoria from Maariv ebbed considerably during the Seder. Each of the boys who had remained in the yeshivah had their Seder at the home of a family in the town. Levi was disappointed that he was sent to a family where the father ran through the Haggadah rather quickly. In addition, he became even sadder thinking about his family's traditional songs and special additions on this night. As soon as the Seder was over, he thanked his hosts profusely and went straight to the Alter's home. He found his beloved Rosh Yeshivah speaking to a group of young men about the recitation of the ten makkos and the reasons given for removing a bit of wine from the cup as one says the name of each makkah.

The Alter explained that while we celebrate Yetzias Mitzrayim, we must also feel the pain of the Mitzrim who were punished through the makkos and who perished in the sea. They too were a Tzelem Elokim born in the image of G-d. Their deaths and suffering are also a tragedy.

He then turned to young Levi and said, "When you fully comprehend the magnitude of the statement I just made, then you will understand why it was worthwhile for you to miss your family’s seder at home." Levi could not fathom what the Alter was referring to, but one day he would.

The rest of the Seder was moving and inspiring. Levi loved watching the Alter and basked in his presence. The Seder ended in the early hours of the morning and Levi could hardly sleep as he thought about the ramifications of what the Alter had told him.

During the years that Levi spent in the yeshivah, he became close to the famed mashgiach of Slabodka, Rav Avraham Grodzinsky. The mashgiach was famous for his talks to the young men about emunah and refinement of character traits. He fell ill just about the time that the soldiers invaded and took over the entire city. Although he was brought to the local hospital, the soldiers had instructed the hospital staff to leave the ailing and not to treat them; the Nazi beasts had no regard for useless, sick individuals. As his health deteriorated, Rav Avraham spoke one final time to some of his talmidim, among them Levi. He began to cry, but reassured them that he was not crying because he was sick or because he was going to die. K'shem she'mevarchin al hatov kach mevarchin al hara. In fact, he was not even crying for the other patients who were going to die at the hands of the merciless Nazis. Rather, he was

crying because of the lost Tzelem Elokim. The Nazis were not only killing the Yidden but were acting in such a subhuman and diabolical fashion that they were killing the Tzelem Elokim within themselves. "And for that I am crying!"

The depth of what he said made its mark on all of them, but especially on Levi. He thought back to the Alter's Seder and the words he had expressed at that time. He too had lamented the Egyptians' destruction of their Tzelem Elokim, and had cried over the tza'ar of the Shechinah because of this. The Alter's sensitivity for the pain of the Shechinah was astounding.

The message would remain with Levi throughout the war years. He would witness unimaginable atrocities. Nazis destroyed not only millions of men, women and children, heilige Yidden, but also their own humanity. They had removed the very last spark of godliness from within themselves, much like the Egyptians had centuries before. It was as if the Alter had taught him to feel the pain of the Almighty.

As for the war, Levi managed to survive. Thereafter, every year at his own Seder he would recount the story of the Alter and of the mashgiach, Rav Avraham. He would recall Rav Avraham's final words. Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu ... For the Tzelem Elokim that You have placed inside of man and is now completely destroyed, it is for that I cry. Save the Tzelem Elokim!

And then the mashgiach spoke his final words: Hashem Echaaaaad…..

The Tzelem Elokim would go up in flames….. As pure as when it had come down.

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Featured & Stories Articles

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6 Behind the Scenes: Housekeeping Matzah Thins

2

3

The “Techias Hameisim” of Techeiles in The Modern Era

4

Lesser Known Kevorim of the Tri-state Area

5

Kids and Crafts It’s Pure Sugar!

the Behind scenes

Housekeeping

Pesach is a season when we all dedicate time for deep cleaning and decluttering. At Boro Park Center, it is no different, as the Housekeeping crew is committed to making the building sparkling clean

By Meir Segal

Anursing home or rehab center is expected to be a very clean and sterile place. After all, these places are filled with elderly patients and other people who are immunocompromised. Walking through the Boro Park Center, one would think it is a luxurious ICU. Not because it looks like an intensive care unit, but the cleanliness and hygiene would make every ICU proud. T he lobby boasts a warm, shining, and sparklingly clean entrance. The hallways are spotless, the elevator keys have no fingerprints, and the washrooms are cleaner than my kitchen. For a nursing home and rehab center with over 510 patients and another 500 employees to be kept in such pristine condition is no easy task. Many residents and their families are amazed when they first encounter the cleanliness at the Center. The team in charge of this monumental task is the housekeeping team, headed by its unlikely leader, Carlos Albert.

in time for Pesach and beyond! We interviewed Carlos, the director of Housekeeping at BPC who shares with us the intricacies of what it’s like to keep a huge facility like ours so clean and orderly.

“My parents came here from Puerto Rico and taught me the value of hard work. I worked at odd jobs for a while until one day I got an opportunity to work at the predecessor of the Center when some of the workers went on strike. After the strike ended, I stayed on.”

For two years, Carlos worked in the housekeeping department and later transferred to another department where he worked for a number of years. W hen the current management took over, they

The team in charge of this monumental task is Housekeeping, headed by its unlikely leader, Carlos Albert.

offered Carlos a job as mana ger of his department. “After a couple of years, I was informed that there were issues in housekeeping. Things were dirty, workers didn’t show up, or did not do their work properly. Because of my previous experience and the work I did as manager of the other division, I was hired to manage housekeeping.”

Twenty-five years of hard work, loyalty, punctuality, and reliability later, Carlos is leading a forty-seven-person team in charge of cleaning and maintaining the Boro Park Center. C arlos oversees everything to do with the team. “ I have to interview potential workers and decide whether to hire them. It is also my responsibility to fire someone should the need arise.” But Carlos says that although it is hard, firing is not the most difficult thing. “It is uncomfortable, but I must think about what is in the best interest of the Center and the team. The most challenging aspect of my job is to retain my best employees. This type of work doe sn’t pay like other lines of work. The re is also limited upward mobility. That is why people look to work elsewhere with a better chance to advance.”

ter every discharge, and we ensure that there is no cross-contamination. We disinfect the areas and follow proper procedures to make sure other people don’t get sick.” With forty-seven workers, it is difficult to keep track of who is in charge of what at which time. Carlos prepares a four-week flexible schedule, which allows him to insert a name when someone takes off or is out sick. “When our employees arrive in the morning, they must sign in. There are two parts to the building: west and east. Each employee has his destination and job predetermined, and they go to their assignments.”

His responsibilities encompass various areas. “All offices, rooms, break rooms, and corridors are under our management,” Carlos explains, adding with a laugh, “basically the entire building. We make sure the rooms are cleaned daily, the rooms are cleaned af

Carlos Albert, Housekeeping Director

Sometimes there are surprises. “ Patients come back from the hospital with a head wound that has not fully healed, and they need either a special mattress or to have the linen cleaned multiple times a day. I radio whichever worker I think has the most time or is best suited for this specific job and direct them to take care of it.” Even aside from such occurrences, the job is neither boring nor mundane. “ We have some elderly people who are hoarders. Their rooms smell, and our staff hates going in there to clean. There is one patient who we must visit at least once a week to convince her to throw out her rotten fruit and old banana peels. The room will fill up with flies pretty fast.

Carlos and Adria doing a routine mattress and bed inspection.

T hen there is another guy who asks us to label his clothing every week and then after a week, he asks me for it. He forgets that I gave it to him and buys more, which leads to congestion. We try to explain to the residents that having a lot of stuff and hoarding non-hygienic things will lead to fruit flies, cockroaches, bedbugs, and a terrible smell.” T wice a week Carlos goes in and educates them on what they must throw out. “ They will hide food that they don’t finish because they grew up in circumstances where they could not afford to throw it out. But I have to explain to them that aside from the infestation they could cause if they keep food under the mattress or in a dark corner in the closet, it can also be a health hazard if they eat it or give it to someone else to taste.”

Pesach is a more stressful and difficult time of the year. “We have to clean much better, and we need to cover up a lot of surfaces. Not only because of Jewish law but also because the residents are used to that from home and will not be comfortable unless it looks like it did when they were home.” But the busiest

time is when the weather begins to change. “During the winter, our residents st ay inside. When spring comes, we have to power wash the patio furniture, the benches, and tables, and make sure the area is sanitary for the residents to use. This must be done frequently because of garbage that is left behind and also because birds are not potty trained.”

As to whether Covid has changed cleaning protocols, Carlos sighs. “It has gotten a lot harder. Protocols have definitely tightened, and we have to go to great lengths to ensure that everything is properly cleaned and disinfected.” However, according to Carlos, stricter protocols are not the main issue. “ The main issue is that it has changed people's mentality. Some workers are so afraid of germs or Covid that they run in and out of a room without cleaning it properly. They have almost become germaphobes.”

C arlos hates to micromanage but says that when it comes to hygiene, he can’t compromise. “Aside from the law, our patients are our first and foremost priority. Most of them have preexisting conditions and are immunocompromised. I can’t allow sloppiness because of my aversion

to micromanaging.” But Carlos is also aware of the root of those fears. “I know people who were sick during Covid and even some team members who have lost loved ones, and those experiences definitely impact their psyche. So, I try my best to be understanding while at the same time ensuring that the patients’ needs are taken care of.”

He has also seen the opposite. “ Some are tired of the regulations and neglect to wear masks when necessary or don’t fit them the way they are supposed to. We have regular meetings, and I try to impress on them the importance of simply keeping to the rules. Any complaint can get the Boro Park Center in serious trouble, and more importantly, the well-being of our patients is our top priority.” C arlos’ greatest enjoyment at the helm of the housekeeping team at the Boro Park Center is the sense of family. “ These are not simply employees; we are a family. I speak to many about their personal lives and have met their children. I enjoy bonding with them and try to make them happy. If someone comes in grumpy, their work will reflect that.” “When eployees are happy and feel respected and treated as family, they bring their best, and I get results. These are forty-seven people from different backgrounds and situations. That is why sometimes I won’t reprimand someone who

does a bad job—I’ll simply have it fixed.” C arlos understands that not everyone wants to share. “ There are plenty of workers who are very private and don’t want to discuss what is bothering them, and I respect that. A part of being a people person is to understand who wants what.” Being a part of a family is also the goal when it comes to the residents and patients. “We view and treat them as family members. We get donations from certain organizations. I will only allow clothing that I would put on my own mother. If something is old and shabby, I will never pass it on to dress one of our patients.”

Just as with other departments in the Boro Park Center, Housekeeping's main job is to treat the residents like family.

One of the rooms being emptied for polishing and disinfecting.

Carlos with a housekeeping

By Faigy Kahn

Inside Chareidim Matzah Bakery

One Pesach I spent the first days of Yom Tov with my grandparents at a hotel, and an elderly couple had a few boxes of super thin matzos. Being a very slow chewer, in addition to having difficulty with matzah in general, I was very intrigued by the almost transparently thin matzos. I mustered up my courage and shyly asked if I could try some. “If you knew how much these cost you would really be ashamed,” the husband said with a huge smile. As I bit into the matzah he generously offered me, I did not feel like I was eating matzah. It tasted as if I was eating a light cracker as thin as a potato chip, easy to chew and swallow. I realized If I had a box of these matzos, it would not be such a struggle to eat all the shiurim by the Seder. The box cover said Chareidim Matzah Bakery and I made a mental note to remember it by the time next Pesach came around.

4312 New Utrecht Avenue is home to Chareidim Matzah Bakery, creators of the paper-thin matzah. The inside looks just about like every other matzah bakery. There are tables for kneading, rolling, hole making (redeling). On the other side of the room, workers are washing the bowls and other utensils, and in the front of the room the matzos are draped on the poles and go into the ovens. I came here to speak with the owner and manager, Pessy Weber. She has very little time since she runs the entire operation. “I get here by 6 AM to make sure everything is in order before baking begins at 8:30 AM,” Mrs. Weber tells me. “I take care of the bookkeeping, hiring, ordering, making sure we have all our supplies. Baruch Hashem, it is hard but very rewarding work.” The bakery was founded by her husband in 1984. “Shlomo Zalman had previously worked for a few bakeries and was prompted to open a Belzer matzah bakery in Brooklyn. After consulting with a few people including the Belzer Rebbe shlit”a, he went forward with the bakery plans.” Though they saw immediate success, there was not much differentiating it from other more established bakeries. “Other than the fact that we are Belz, we offered the

same product as the other bakeries.”

As a woman, though, Mrs. Weber has a different vantage point than the other people working at matzah bakeries. “Women in general have trouble with standard shmurah matzah. I figured that in order to differentiate ourselves and to create a loyal and exclusive customer base we should attempt to make our matzos thinner and easier to swallow and digest.”

The response to the new-style matzah was overwhelmingly positive. “We got feedback from people of many backgrounds telling us how much they love the matzah. Those with gastrointestinal issues told us that they had an easier time digesting the matzah. Others told us that although they couldn’t chew regular matzah, they were able to eat ours. Patients in the hospital let me know how much it helped them. Some who have celiac disease claimed that they were helped, too. Then there were people who simply loved the texture of our matzos.”

When I ask why nobody has copied their trademark thin matzos yet, Mrs. Weber is quick to explain the difficulty behind making these matzos. “They are much more difficult to roll out. there is more loss than with regular matzos during preparations as well as in the oven. We have to be more careful when we pack them up because thin matzos are much more fragile. As opposed to other bakeries we pack matzos by number of matzos

rather than by weight. We put ten matzos in every box, which weighs about nine and a half ounces. Training workers is harder because we use a different, more difficult process. We can’t just hire people from other bakeries and put them in the assembly line, so to speak. Each run takes a little more time, and the extra time from all the runs adds up, which means we can’t produce as many matzos as other bakeries, even if we expand our facility. All these reasons make our matzos more expensive than others.”

Mrs. Weber had, at that point, begun running day-to-day operations of the bakery because her husband fell ill. “He passed away when our youngest was only six years old,” Mrs. Weber tells me, without any self-pity. She knew that she couldn't feel sorry for herself and that she had to continue working

to support her young family. “Baruch Hashem, we have the best children. My schedule is unforgiving but they made it easy for me. Nobody complained or acted out. Each child helped the next and they made it work. I know that each parent says that about their children, but I have the story to prove it,” she says with pride in her voice.

I attempt to steer the conversation towards the novelty of a woman overseeing a Chassidish matzah bakery, but Mrs. Weber dispels that notion and tells me, to my surprise, that she has never encountered any issues. “There are many shailos that come up. No Rav or Rebbe has ever refused to meet with me or given me a hard time. I go to the farms to attend wheat cutting in the summer. There are numerous Rabbonim and Mashgichim present and they discuss all matters with me without any hesitation. The yungeleit who work for me treat me with the utmost respect. There never have been any obstacles or issues when it comes to that.”

The wheat cutting ordeal is amongst the most arduous of the many complicated and difficult ones in the matzah baking process.

“We have to check the weather to make sure it is nice and dry. When we get there, we need to check the wheat and be certain that it is in perfect condition for us to be able to cut it and store it safely without allowing it to get moist.” Mrs. Weber laments the times they went to a field and found that the grains were unusable. One year they had to go to a field near Buffalo. “We go there with Mashgichim, Rabbonim and others to inspect everything and make sure it was kosher for us to use, only to find it completely unacceptable. We had to scramble to find another supplier, which is easier said than done. We process about 160,000 pounds of wheat every year.”

After cutting, the wheat is stored in burlap bags in a dry location until the baking season begins. It has to be shmurah from the time of cutting until the time of baking. “We start soon after Sukkos. We

do all our milling in-house and

usually have a week's supply of flour ground. Halachically, there must be at least three days between milling and making matzah.”

Mrs. Weber arrives at the bakery at 6 AM., the first dough begins at around 8 AM. and they bake until 8 PM “We have about 50 people working, between volunteers and yungeleit. Each run can last a maximum of seventeen and a half minutes. After we finish making our matzos, we have chaburos who come and bake until late into the night.”

Over the last few years production has become more difficult. “We suffer from the same labor shortage as everyone else. It is very difficult to get people to work. Since

Covid we have produced much less matzah than usual. Material costs have also increased immensely, which is why we have had to increase our prices.” Mrs. Weber lauds her relationship with her customers who are truly loyal to her. “It is not only because we deliver a product like no other, it is also because they know us and trust us. Trust is a major factor. They know that we aren’t increasing our prices because we are looking to increase our profits, it is only because we were forced to.”

Mrs. Weber is a dynamo. She works all day, and doesn’t ask for help. She hires the workers, finds volunteers, orders supplies, deals with customers and does the bookkeeping. Frankly I am surprised that she doesn’t do the kneading, rolling, and baking herself. I ask her how she can do everything,

and if it doesn’t get to be too much for her. “When you are enthusiastic about what you do, it is not really work,” she states. Though it is an old trope and cliché, she truly exudes the mark of a person who takes great pleasure in what they do. She quickly adds, “Don’t get me wrong. It is exhausting. But loving what you do and knowing that people appreciate your product gives plenty of satisfaction and motivates me to keep going.”

of Techeiles in The Modern Era “Techias Hameisim” The

For over a millennium, a critical element of Jewish life was missing. The sacred blue dye, known as Techeiles, which once adorned the tzitzis and the garments of the Kohanim, vanished from Jewish practice. Today, thanks to meticulous research and historical detective work, many believe that Techeiles has made a dramatic return. The story of its rediscovery is not just about a lost tradition but also about perseverance, scholarship, and a profound commitment to fulfilling a mitzvah in its most authentic form.

The Halachic Importance and Deep Symbolism of Techeiles

Techeiles is first mentioned in the Torah in connection with the mitzvah of tzitzis: “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make for themselves tzitzis on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they should place upon the tzitzis of the corner a thread of Techeiles” (Numbers 15:38). This distinctive blue thread served as a visual reminder of the Divine commandments. Techeiles was also a key component in the Kohen Gadol’s garments and the coverings of the Mishkan.

The color blue holds profound significance in Jewish thought and tradition. Beyond its usage in Tzitzis and Bigdei Kehuna, blue symbolizes spirituality, divinity, and the vastness of the Heavens. The Gemara elaborates on this symbolism, stating that Techeiles resembles the sea, which reflects the sky, which in turn

mirrors the Kisei Hakavod. This cascading imagery serves to elevate the wearer's thoughts from the mundane to the Divine, fostering a constant awareness of the spiritual dimensions of existence. In Kabbalistic teachings, colors are imbued with deep mystical meanings. Techeiles, in particular, is associated with Ruach Hakodesh and the Sefirah of Chochmah. The blue thread serves as a conduit, connecting the physical and spiritual realms, and acting as a reminder of the wearer's covenant with the Divine.

Throughout Talmudic discussions, Techeiles is described as deriving from a sea creature called the Chilazon. The sages noted its rarity, its deep blue color resembling the sea and sky, and its high cost. However, as Jewish communities faced persecution and changes in political landscapes, the knowledge of Techeiles’s true source was lost, and for centuries, Jews wore only white tzitzis, as a substitute for the absent blue.

A drawing of a cuttlefish, the Chilazon identified by the Radzyner Rebbe Different ways of tying Techeiles Tzitzis (Photo Credit: tekhelet.com)

The History of Techeiles and Its Disappearance

There is ample historical information regarding the presence of Techeiles in the ancient world, going back as far as 1750 BCE, with archaeological evidence tracing its origins to Crete. By 1500-1300 BCE, the Tell-elAmarna Tablets in Egypt reference "subatu sa takilti," a garment of Techeiles, underscoring its significance. The Exodus around 1312 BCE marked Am Yisroel’s departure from Mitzrayim, and by 1272 BCE, under Yehoshua’s leadership, they conquered Canaan. Around 1200 BCE, chemical analyses of dye stains on vats at Tel Shikmona revealed the use of Murex snails, indicating an established dyeing industry along the Canaanite coast. In 586 BCE, the destruction of the First Beis Hamikdash led to Galus Bavel, and between 100 BCE and 68 CE, Roman authorities, including Caesar and Augustus, restricted purple and blue dyes to the elite, with Emperor Nero further limiting

the right to wear such garments. During the Late Antiquity period, from 337-383 CE, Emperors like Constantius imposed strict regulations on dye usage, turning the production of these prestigious colors into state-controlled monopoly. By around 550 CE, the Talmud mentions Techeiles being brought from Israel to Babylon during Rabbi Ahai's era, marking the last positive reference to its use. The Arab conquest of Israel in 639 CE is believed to have led to the decline of the snail-based dyeing industry, and by 750-760 CE, texts like Midrash Tanhuma lamented the loss of Techeiles, noting, "and now we have no Techeiles, only white." The halachic work, Sheiltos d’Rav Ahai, also omits mention of Techeiles, suggesting its discontinuation. From the Renaissance to the Modern Rediscovery, between 1500-1685 CE, scholars such as Guillaum Rondelet and Fabius Columna identified marine snails like Murex brandaris and Murex trunculus as sources of ancient dyes, and William Cole observed the color-changing properties of mollusk-based dyes. In 1857, French zoologist Henri de LacazeDuthiers discovered three dye-producing snails in the Mediterranean: Murex brandaris, Murex trunculus, and Thais haemastoma. Finally, in 1864, excavations in Sidon uncovered large mounds of Murex trunculus shells, providing evidence of their use in Techeiles production.

The Search for Techeiles

Historical records indicate that the decline of Techeiles was due to a combination of factors. During the Roman Empire, laws were enacted restricting the production of purple and blue dyes to royalty, effectively outlawing their use among commoners, including Jews. This led to a gradual disappearance of Techeiles from Jewish practice. Additionally, overharvesting of the sea snails believed to produce the dye contributed to its decline, as their populations dwindled. With the Islamic conquests of the Middle East and North Africa, the last remaining traces of Techeiles production seem to have vanished completely. From that point on, Jews only had textual records of Techeiles but no practical means to produce it.

The revival of Techeiles began in earnest in the 19th century when Rabbi Gershon Henoch Leiner, the Radziner Rebbe, sought to rediscover it. His search was fueled by a deep conviction that no mitzvah in the Torah could be permanently lost. With remarkable determination, Rabbi Leiner traveled extensively, scouring ancient texts, consulting with chemists, and seeking out marine life that might match the Talmudic descriptions of the chilazon. After extensive investigations, he concluded that Techeiles came from a species of cuttlefish. He worked with dye experts to develop a blue dye extracted from the cuttlefish’s ink and began producing tzitzis dyed with it. However, despite his enthusiasm, his discovery was met with skepticism, as later chemical studies determined that the resulting dye was identical to synthetic Prussian blue and lacked the necessary characteristics of a natural secretion. While Rabbi Leiner’s identification was ultimately proven incorrect, his pioneering efforts reignited interest in the search for authentic Techeiles and laid the foundation for further investigations that would eventually lead to what many believe to be the rediscovery of the true chilazon.

The real breakthrough came in the 20th century when Rabbi Isaac Herzog, who later became Israel’s Chief Rabbi, conducted extensive research into ancient dyes. He hypothesized that the true source of Techeiles was the Murex trunculus, a sea snail Rav Herzog (Photo Credit: yadchaimherzog.org.il)

found in the Mediterranean. Rabbi Herzog spent years studying Talmudic sources, ancient historical accounts, and scientific methodologies in an effort to verify his theory. He consulted marine biologists, chemists, and dye experts to analyze the properties of different sea creatures that could fit the description of the chilazon.

One of his most significant contributions was his rigorous chemical analysis of the dyes extracted from marine sources, which helped him determine that the Murex trunculus had the potential to produce the correct hue. However, he faced a major obstacle: the dye extracted from this snail appeared purple rather than the deep blue described in Jewish texts. Despite this, he meticulously documented his findings, leaving behind a substantial body of research that future scholars would later build upon. Rabbi Herzog's pioneering work laid the intellectual foundation for later breakthroughs. His relentless pursuit of truth and his synthesis of halachic, historical, and scientific inquiry exemplify the fusion of Torah and worldly wisdom, ensuring that the quest for authentic Techeiles would continue beyond his lifetime.

The Modern Rediscovery

In the late 20th century, the quest to rediscover the authentic source of Techeiles experienced a significant breakthrough. Building upon the foundational research of Rabbi Isaac Herzog, who had posited that the Murex trunculus sea snail might be the original source of the dye, contemporary researchers sought to address the challenges that had previously hindered its acceptance: the color discrepancy between the purple dye from the Murex and the blue dye described in the Torah.

The turning point came with the realization that exposure to ultraviolet light could influence the dye's final color. Researchers discovered that by exposing the dye to sunlight during the dyeing process, the resulting color shifted from purple to a vibrant blue. This serendipitous finding aligned perfectly with ancient descriptions and provided a practical method to produce the desired hue. Further scientific analysis revealed that the presence

of certain chemical compounds in the dye, when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, underwent a molecular transformation, leading to the blue coloration. This not only validated the historical accounts but also demonstrated the sophistication of ancient dyeing techniques.

Archaeological evidence further bolstered this rediscovery. Excavations in the Mediterranean region uncovered remnants of ancient dyeing facilities, complete with vats containing residues consistent with Murex-based dyes. Notably, large mounds of discarded Murex shells were found near these sites, indicating large-scale production. These findings provided tangible proof that ancient civilizations had harnessed the Murex trunculus for dyeing purposes, supporting the hypothesis that this mollusk was indeed the source of Techeiles.

In response to these compelling discoveries, the organization Ptil Tekhelet was established to revive and promote the use of authentic Techeiles. Dedicated to meticulous research and adherence to traditional methods, Ptil Tekhelet collaborates with marine biologists, chemists, and Talmide Chachamim to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the dyeing process. They have developed a sustainable method to harvest the Murex trunculus and extract its dye, which involves carefully timed exposure to sunlight to achieve the precise blue hue.

Through educational programs, factory tours, and a comprehensive online library, Ptil Tekhelet aims to make this once-lost mitzvah accessible to Jewish communities worldwide. Thus, the production of Techeiles from the Murex trunculus was revived, and a growing movement within Jewish communities began incorporating it back into the mitzvah of tzitzis.

The Challenges of Reintroducing Techeiles

Despite compelling evidence and enthusiasm, the reintroduction of Techeiles has faced skepticism. Many hesitate to adopt the practice, unsure if this is truly the authentic Techeiles due to the absence of an unbroken tradition. Others argue that if previous generations' leading Gedolim did not reinstate it, it is not their place to do so. Additionally, practical challenges exist in producing and distributing Techeiles on a large scale. The Murex trunculus, the source of the dye, is not as readily available as synthetic alternatives, and the extraction and dyeing process is complex, requiring skilled labor and strict adherence to halachic guidelines. The cost of authentic Techeiles is also significantly higher than traditional white tzitzis, limiting accessibility for some.

Another obstacle is overcoming historical inertia. For centuries, Jewish communities wore only white tzitzis, as Techeiles was unavailable. Shifting such a deeply ingrained

(Photo Credit:

practice requires widespread education and rabbinic endorsement. Some prefer to wait for a consensus among halachic authorities before embracing Techeiles, while others have already adopted it based on recent historical and scientific discoveries.

Theological debates persist as well, with some rabbis arguing that wearing white tzitzis, as practiced by earlier generations, is still more appropriate, while others believe that if the correct source for Techeiles has been identified, fulfilling the mitzvah in its fullest form should take precedence.

Despite these challenges, the Techeiles movement has steadily grown. Increased awareness, accessibility, and rabbinic endorsements have encouraged more people to adopt the practice. As further research and halachic discussions unfold, Techeiles continues to gain ground, bridging ancient tradition with modern rediscovery. Proponents emphasize that Judaism has always sought truth and revived lost mitzvos when possible, citing parallels to the return to the Land of Israel, the revival of Hebrew, and the rediscovery of other aspects of Jewish life. The spread of Techeiles has been a grassroots movement, driven by scholars,

researchers, and passionate laypeople. Over time, more rabbanim have supported its use, acknowledging the historical and scientific evidence. Notably, the search for Techeiles has strengthened Jewish learning and engagement. Many who explore the topic deepen their knowledge in Talmud, Jewish law, archaeology, and chemistry, transforming the mitzvah of tzitzis from something that is often taken for granted into an avenue for deeper connection and exploration.

As awareness spreads, more Jews worldwide are embracing Techeiles. While not yet universally accepted, its presence in shuls and religious communities is growing. Some see it as a harbinger of the era of Mashiach, when lost elements of Jewish tradition will be fully restored.

The return of Techeiles is not just about reclaiming an ancient dye—it is a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people, their dedication to fulfilling the Mitzvos, and their ability to blend tradition with modern discovery. What was once thought lost has now been found, offering a vivid reminder of the continuity of Jewish life and the unbreakable link between past, present, and future.

Unearthing Kedusha: Lesser Known Kevorim of the Tri-state Area

By Efraim Nussbacher

The power of visiting kivrei tzaddikim is well known. Throughout history, Jews have traveled great distances to daven at the resting places of our gedolim, seeking inspiration, connection, and yeshuos. Many make the journey to Eretz Yisroel, Morocco, and Europe, visiting the kevarim of tzaddikim whose legacies continue to uplift and guide us. The experience of standing at these sacred sites, pouring out heartfelt tefillos, is truly profound.

However, what many don’t realize is that there are countless kevarim of great tzaddikim and powerful Torah personalities much closer to home—right here in the Tri-State area. One does not need to travel halfway across the world to connect with the kedusha of our gedolim. Throughout New York, New Jersey, and beyond, there are hidden gems—resting places of tzaddikim whose lives were devoted to Torah and avodas Hashem, and whose influence continues to resonate today.

This article will explore the graves of lesserknown tzaddikim, as well as the resting places of family members of some of the most legendary and revered figures in Jewish history. These sacred sites have evolved into meaningful destinations for davening and reflection, where the special atmosphere offers a unique opportunity to connect with the righteousness and legacy of these individuals.

Whether known for their own extraordinary deeds or their close connection to great leaders of the past, these kevarim invite those who seek brachos and yeshuos to visit and daven. You may find yourself drawn to these holy sites, inspired to pray and connect with their enduring kedusha.

Rav Yehuda Tzvi Ben Reb Moshe: From Kerstir To Staten Island

One of the most visited and revered kevarim in the world is that of the legendary Reb Shayale in Kerestir. Known for his extraordinary acts of chesed during his lifetime, Reb Shayale’s legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, as many believe that his intercession brings miraculous yeshuos even after his passing. For decades, his image was famously used as a protective charm against mice in homes, but in recent years, a deeper appreciation for his greatness has spread globally.

Reb Shayale’s older brother, Rav Yehuda Tzvi (Herman) Steiner, was born in 1850 and was known for his own devotion to Torah and community. In 1891, he moved to the United States and settled in New York City, where he became recognized for importing and selling Judaica items, such as tefillin, esrogim, and matzos, sourced from Europe. Rav Yehuda Tzvi passed away in 1916 and is buried at the Baron Hirsch Cemetery on Staten Island.

A chasid of Reb Shayale once shared that Reb Shayale appeared to him in a dream, instructing him that anyone unable to travel to Kerestir should instead visit the kever of his brother, Rav Yehuda Tzvi, in Staten Island, as it would bring the same spiritual benefits. Since then, visiting Rav Yehuda Tzvi’s grave has become a cherished custom for many.

Shimon Charach, inspired by Reb Shayale’s legendary hospitality and acts of chesed, started an organization that collects and

distributes leftover food from simchas and restaurants and distributes them to needy individuals. He also organizes yearly events at the kever for Rav Yehdua Tzvi’s yahrtzeit, Yud Beis Iyar, where thousands of people come to daven.

Miriam Freida Kagan: The Wife of The Gadol Hador

Miriam Freida Kagan, the second wife of the Chofetz Chaim, played a vital role in supporting her husband's scholarly pursuits. Born in Łapy, Poland, she was the daughter of Rabbi Hillel Schneider, who was married to the Chofetz Chaim’s mother. The Chofetz Chaim married her when he was about 65 years old, a decision he made in consideration of his mother's Shalom Bayis. Despite his advanced age and financial struggles, he adhered to the directive of Chazal to remarry and have more children. He ended up living for another 30 years and having two children with his second wife.

Miriam Freida was thirty years younger than her husband, yet she proved to be an exceptional partner. The Chofetz Chaim later remarked that marrying her was the

best decision he could have made. She was a dedicated wife who allowed him to focus on his Torah learning and writing his s’farim. To support their household, she managed a small shop in Radin, ensuring that her husband could immerse himself fully in his spiritual endeavors.

Towards the later years of his life, the Chofetz Chaim strongly desired to move to Eretz Yisroel. He and Miriam Freida went so far as to purchase a house in Petach Tikva and set a departure date. However, on the very day they were to leave, Miriam Freida became too ill to travel. Recognizing his duty to his wife, the Chofetz Chaim gave up his longcherished dream of living in Eretz Yisroel and remained in Europe to care for her. This act of devotion allowed him to continue serving the Jewish people until his passing.

Miriam Freida was also known for her meticulous preparation for Shabbos. She had a custom of setting her table by noon on Friday, embodying the importance of honoring Shabbos with readiness and anticipation. This practice serves as a timeless lesson, encouraging families to prepare for Shabbos in advance so that its sanctity can be felt from the earliest moments.

During World War II, Miriam Freida fled the turmoil of Europe, journeying through Shanghai before eventually arriving in the United States in 1941. She settled in New York City, where she lived until her passing on February 23,

Grave of Miriam Frieda Kagan, second wife of the Chofetz Chaim (Photo Credit: David Weider)

Letter written by Miriam Freida Kagan (Photo Credit: Tiferetauctions.com)

1946, at the age of approximately 70 or 71. An interesting story about her is recorded in the biography of Rav Nota Greenblatt. As a young bochur, Rav Nota would visit Miriam Freida with his rebbe, Rav Moshe Feinstein. On one such visit, they found her crying bitterly. When they asked why, she explained that years earlier, she had fallen ill, and the Chofetz Chaim had comforted her by promising she would live another twenty years. That day marked the twentieth anniversary of his promise, and she passed away later that same year.

Her Yahrtzeit is Chof Beis Adar, and she is buried in Mount Judah Cemetery in Ridgewood, Queens.

The Freehold Tzaddik: The Mysterious Gado of the Forests

Tucked away on the outskirts of the Freehold Hebrew Benefit Cemetery, just 15 miles from Lakewood, New Jersey, lies an unassuming kever that, for nearly a century, stood in quiet

obscurity, visited only by the occasional passerby. Yet recently, word began to spread that buried here was no ordinary man, but rather a hidden luminary—Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Klugman, a tzaddik whose righteousness had remained concealed during his lifetime.

As awareness of his story grew, so did the number of visitors, transforming the once-lonely kever into a destination for those seeking inspiration and blessings. In response to the influx, cemetery caretakers erected a modest tent stocked with warm refreshments, offering some comfort against the freezing temperatures during late wintertime visits. A tall, generator-powered light tower was also set up, to illuminate the graveyard for night time visitors, who are eager to connect with the legacy of this remarkable yet mysterious figure. Who was Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Klugman, and why has his kever, long-forgotten, suddenly become a place of spiritual longing and devotion?

Rabbi Avraham Yitzchok Klugman, known as the "Tzadik of Freehold" or the "ValdMensch" (Forest Man), was a Belarusian-

Plaque at the entrance of the cemetery where the Freehold Tzaddik is buried

born Jew who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. Initially residing on the Lower East Side of New York City, he eventually sought a life of seclusion and spirituality. Between 1912 and 1924, Rabbi Klugman lived an ascetic existence in the forests between Lakewood and Freehold, New Jersey. Dressing in rags and avoiding human contact, he dedicated his days to Torah study and prayer, enveloped in his tallis and tefillin. In 1923, secular writer Reuben Brainin became intrigued by local tales of the reclusive figure and sought to learn more. After gaining Rabbi Klugman's trust, Brainin published a four-part series in the Yiddish daily, "Der Tog," shedding light on the life of this hidden tzaddik. Remarkably, on the very day the first article appeared, Rabbi Klugman was tragically struck and killed by a train in the forest. At the time of his passing, he was carrying a bundle containing a Gemara Sanhedrin and

tzitzis, items he sold to support impoverished Jews in Israel. Following his untimely death, a dispute arose between the Freehold Hebrew Benefit Society and the Workmen’s Circle over the honor of burying Rabbi Klugman. They reached a compromise by interring him on the dividing line between their respective sections, with his head in one and his feet in the other.

For seventy years, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Klugman’s kever remained forgotten. It wasn’t until post-Holocaust migration, the rise of Lakewood’s Torah community, and a change in cemetery ownership that it gained recognition. Rav Dovid Thumim of Lakewood first uncovered the tzaddik’s identity about 45 years ago through historical records and located his daughter, Bertha, who confirmed his hidden greatness. Though Rav Thumim encouraged visits to the kever, his passing in 1999 left its whereabouts unknown to his family. In 2015 his son, Heshy Thumim, rediscovered the kever through Rabbi Yosef Gluck, who had heard of it from Rav Shlomo Pollak. Further details emerged in 2019 when Rabbi Gluck met Skverer researcher Rabbi Aharon Feder, who had independently verified the tzaddik’s story.

Today, Rabbi Klugman’s resting place has become a site of spiritual pilgrimage. On January 17, 2024, marking the 100th yahrtzeit of Rabbi Klugman, a significant gathering took place at his gravesite in the Freehold Hebrew Cemetery. Visitors from across the region came to pray and reflect, drawn by the renewed recognition of his spiritual legacy. Today, the "Tzadik of Freehold" is remembered as a symbol of humility and unwavering devotion, inspiring many who learn about his life and visit his resting place.

Kever of the Freehold Tzaddik (Photo Credit: Zev Zuckerman)

Kever of Rav Shmuel Meir Issacs

(Photo Credit: Shmuel Amsel/ Kevarim.com)

Rav Shmuel Meir Issacs

An Early Pioneer of Orthodoxy in America

Rev. Shmuel (Samuel) Myer Isaacs, was a pivotal figure in American Jewish history, particularly in the 1800s, when he worked tirelessly to promote Torah observance and Jewish education. Born in Leeuwarden, Holland in 1804, he later moved to London, where he became a student of Chief Rabbi Solomon Hirschell.

In 1839 he moved to the United States and became the spiritual leader and chazzan of the B'nai Jeshurun congregation in New York. He worked to raise the level of Torah observance and founded a full-day yeshivah for boys in 1842, though it later closed due to a lack of funds. In 1847, he left B'nai Jeshurun to establish Shaarei

Tefillah, where he served as mara d’asra for the next three decades.

Rav Isaacs was also instrumental in helping to establish key institutions like Mt. Sinai Hospital and the Board of Delegates of American Israelites. He fought against the Reform Movement and used his writing and public speaking to promote the Torah perspective on various issues. He passed away on Tes Zayin Iyar, 1878, and was buried in Beth Olam Cemetery in Ridgewood, Queens. His grave was rediscovered by Baruch Amsel of the Institute for Judaic Culture and History. The Institute encourages visitors to honor his memory and pray at his kever.

The Buffalo Rebbe: Bringing the Spirit of Mezhibezh To American Shores

Rabbi Eliyahu Yosef Rabinowitz, affectionately known as the "Buffalo Rebbe," was a pivotal figure in the early 20th-century American Chassidic community. Born in 1856 in Justingrad, Kiev province, Russia, he was the son of Rabbi Gedalyah Aaron, a distinguished scholar. Emigrating to the United States in 1899, Rabbi Rabinowitz initially settled on New York City's Lower East Side. In 1908, he accepted an invitation to lead the Jefferson Street Shul in Buffalo. Despite his brief tenure, his influence was profound; he endeared himself to the local Jewish community through his piety, modesty, and exceptional Torah knowledge.

Beyond his role as a spiritual leader, Rabbi Rabinowitz addressed the pressing issue of agunos. He proposed

halachic solutions to alleviate their plight, demonstrating his commitment to communal welfare.

Rabbi Rabinowitz passed away on November 14, 1910, and was buried in the B'nai Israel Cemetery in Cheektowaga, a suburb of Buffalo. His gravesite features a modest brick ohel near the cemetery's entrance off Pine Ridge Road. Over the years, the ohel has become a pilgrimage site, especially on his yahrzeit, the 13th of Cheshvan, with visitors seeking spiritual connection and intercession.

Rabbi Rabinowitz's legacy endures as a bridge between the chassidus of Eastern European and its rejuvenation on American soil.

The Kever of Rabbi Yehuda Tzvi Steiner, brother of Reb Shayale fun Kerestir (Photo Credit: Shmuel Amsel/Kevarim.com)

and

Whenever you’re heading out on the road with kids, it’s important to find a way to keep them busy – and happy. Failing to do so means more stops for bathroom breaks, more whining, and possibly kids who sleep in the car – then

Cars Kids and Chol Hamoed!

By Charna Milstein

don’t sleep when you get home. Fear not –here are some ideas to assure that your kids remain calm and content, wherever your Chol Hamoed destination may be!

Creative and Artistic Activities

If you want your kiddos to stay quiet and have some introspection time while you’re navigating city highways, you may want to consider having some artistic activities to choose from.

Portable Art Kit

Portable art kits like the Art on the Go kits by Bright Stripes are a great option for kids on road trips. These fun portable kits include chunky crayons –making them great for younger passengers (and easier to find should one slip from a kid’s hand), stickers, and plenty of fun coloring pages.

Keep Travela Journal

Interactive Games and Activities

If you’re up for it, or if you have multiple kids you’re road-tripping with, classic interactive games can be a lot of fun. Here are a few classics that will keep kids entertained while you drive.

Keeping a travel journal is a great way to stay busy in the car and record any memories your child might want to hold onto. A kids' travel journal, like this one by Promptly Journals, not only has various prompts for your child to fill out to record their experiences on your road trip but also fun travel activities. You may even wish to pair the journal with some fun pens to make the experience even more special.

Window Clings

Window clings are a great way to keep kids entertained while looking out the window. You can find clings with letters, numbers, or fun designs.

Washable Window Markers 20 Questions

This is sure to be a favorite. Make sure that the markers you choose are washable from all surfaces, and be sure to have erasers and wipes on hand for easy cleanup!

Spy

I Spy is another classic game that can be adapted for road trips. There are a few different ways you can play this in the car. The first is bringing along some of the I Spy books for your child to use. The second is picking something out that you see and saying “I spy with my eye something…” and having your child guess what it is.

20 questions is another fun activity when you’re on the road. Someone comes up with a word and others have 20 questions to ask until they guess what the item is. You can play the game organically, or you can use an electronic 20 Questions game. My oldest loved the electronic version, and not only was it a road trip staple, it became a staple any time we traveled by plane.

The License Plate Game Road Trip Bingo

When you’ve got a lot of traffic around you, the license plate game is fun. Have your children see how many plates they can spot from different states! Alternatively, you can have kids look for letters of the alphabet –in order – or numbers.

Road Trip Bingo is a classic activity for road trips with kids. Before heading out, you can make a bingo card or you can download one – like the one created by The Road Trip Expert. Once you’re on the road, kids can keep their eyes out for different objects. If playing against each other, the first to call out Bingo and have five in a row wins. This is a great game if you’ve got a scenic drive ahead.

One of my favorite games to participate in with kids is the progressive story. One person starts the story and then another continues it, with each person adding on the next part of the story. This is a fun activity for a road trip because kids love to add in features they see out their windows. There are a few ways to do this – you can set a timer and when the timer goes off the next person picks up the story where the first left off, by sentence, or when you see certain landmarks.

The choice is up to you!

Storytelling Music and Sing-Alongs Snack Packs

While there’s something to be said about running into the convenience store for everyone’s favorite junk food, convenience store foods and beverages add up quickly. Instead, pack everyone’s favorite snacks ahead of time – and consider packing a picnic lunch or supper if you’ll be on the road for those meals and the weather will be favorable. Pulling off at a park with a playground is a great way to help kids burn off energy and help you stretch after being in the car for a long time. Choose containers that keep food from spilling everywhere.

Who doesn’t love music and singalongs in the car? When choosing the tunes for your trip, make sure to include ones that are fun to sing along with. Whether you’re grabbing CDs or putting together a playlist, this is another area where it makes sense to involve your passengers in the song selection process. They’ll be more excited about the trip if they know they’ll get to hear some of their favorite songs.

Finally, don’t forget to keep your favorite small people fed. This will help prevent unplanned stops for pulling off at convenience stores along the way when someone is inevitably so hungry or so, so thirsty. By planning some snacks ahead of time, you save money and driving time.

It's pure sugar

By Mordechai Schmutter

A lot of people complain that there’s nothing to eat on Pesach, but the truth is that it’s a great opportunity to eat healthy.

You can’t eat most carbs, and no cake or candy is good enough to make you break a serious diet. You’re just eating four-course meals of nutritious foods for eight days straight. What could be healthier?

But if what you want is candy, you might be in a bind. On most Shabbosim, for example, I give my kids candy for answering questions. What do I do on Pesach? Well, technically, on Pesach, they’re supposed to be asking the questions and I’m supposed to be answering. But I want my candy.

Plus, the halacha recommends that you give your kids some kind of treats to get them to ask questions in the first place.

(The Gemara actually recommends nuts, but not with today’s allergies. My household doesn’t really eat nuts. In fact, there are no nuts in our charoses. It’s basically just applesauce and wine. It doubles as a great baby food for a baby, if you want the baby to go right to sleep.)

So most years, I give out grapes. And this is great, because kids love grapes. But occasionally, one of them says, “Wait… Why am I working so hard to earn grapes? Grapes are a fruit, and I can take fruit any time I want!”

And I give him a grape for asking.

And the situation isn’t helped by the fact that our minhag is not to buy things like candy. Not that the candy is that great. The jelly candies you can buy on Pesach, for example, are the same basic consistency as the jelly you smear on matzah. I know this because sometimes, when it’s not Pesach, I buy Pesach candy just to see what I’m missing, and it’s never worth it.

And you’re going to say, “Pesach food isn’t supposed to be good after Pesach, obviously.”

To which I say, “Candy isn’t supposed to have an expiration date.” If I wanted something with an expiration date, I would eat grapes.

So what do we give them?

We can get creative. Like I saw something in the store the other day called “meat lollypops”. It was a strip of meat, swirled into the shape of a cinnamon bun, stuck on a skewer. Totally kosher l’Pesach. And I said, “We can give those to the kids! Who wouldn’t eat meat lollypops?” I know they’d probably be my favorite kind of lollypop.

There’s also something you can make called “candied orange peel”, which is when you fish orange peels out of the garbage, cover them in sugar, and then your kids suck off the sugar and throw them back in the garbage. You can probably also do this with lemon peels, apple

peels, or whatever other peels you have lying around. Potato peels! Unless you don’t eat peels. Baruch Hashem, though, I have some candy recipes that everyone should be able to use:

FRUIT LEATHER

Fruit leather is pretty simple to make. First, you make applesauce or some other fruitbased sauce. Just take the fruits, cook them if necessary, and puree.

anything in the pan yet, but you know the fruit is coming.

At that point, you can slide the pan into the oven at 140 0 F for about 8 hours. When you take it out, it should have a leathery consistency that would scare you if you’d never heard of fruit leather. At that point, you can cut it up with a pizza slicer, assuming you have a Pesachdikke pizza slicer. Why would you not?

This is a great recipe, because it’s healthy, and it’s fruit, but the kids don’t know it’s fruit, and what better time of the year to tie up your oven for eight hours at a time?

Come to think of it, you could probably also make this out of charoses. This would be a good way to get rid of your leftover charoses, because frankly, one apple makes enough of it to build a pyramid. And then you’re supposed to dip a huge spoon of marror into a little bit of charoses, and then shake most of the charoses back off. So by the time both sedarim are over, you should end up with all of it left – more in fact, because you have all that you started with plus little gross flecks of marror. Why not use that to make fruit leather? Besides for the marror, I mean.

Once you have whatever mixture you’re using, spread it out on a parchment lined cookie sheet, about 1/8 inch deep.

If you don’t have a way of measuring 1/8 of an inch because all your rulers are chometzdik, an 1/8 of an inch is about how much snow it takes for your kids’ school to cancel classes. In fact, by that logic, you don’t even need the 1/8 of an inch of fruit to be in there. You can call it 1/8 of an inch when there isn’t even

In fact, if you want to have even more fun with it, you can take cookie cutters and make fun shapes. What do you mean you don’t have Pesachdikke cookie cutters? And if fruit leather doesn’t take long enough for you, you can always make…

ROCK CANDY

Rock candy isn’t a You start by boiling up a really thick sugar water. Like salt water, but thicker. Like, Yam HaMelach thick. Then you pour this mixture into individual cups or jars, one for each stick. Place a chopstick into the center of each one and figure out how to keep it from popping back up.

Wait, you don’t have Pesachdikke chopsticks? Me either. I have never paid for chopsticks in my life, but I don’t feel like the ones from the

chometz restaurant should be used for Pesach food. Who knows whose hands went into the chopstick bin at the restaurant? Probably people who were eating with their hands until someone said, “You’re not an animal! Use chopsticks!”

Alternatively, you can use the skewer that came with your meat lollypop. Once you’ve done that, it’s just a matter of time until the rock candy forms around your sticks! Set your oven timer for two weeks. Yes, two weeks. If you think two weeks is a long time, bear in mind that according to scientists, actual rocks take way longer than that to grow. Just be happy it’s not tying up your oven for all that time.

which is 15 pounds. For ten lollies. If sugar is 50 cents a pound, let’s say, that’s $7.50 (I think the meat lollies were cheaper). Though I guess that for $7.50, you also get a fun science experiment, plus a lifetime of stickiness all over your limited Pesach food prep space. Um, why not just keep them in the van all week?

“You better enjoy this lollypop,” is what you should tell your family as they attempt to suck jagged rocks off a meat skewer. “It took us two weeks to make it.” You can ask your kids to help you make it, but I’d suggest you don’t. No one who helps you make the rock candy is going to want any.

Let’s put it this way: If you can manage to kasher your kitchen about a week before Pesach, then your rock candy will be ready… approximately the last day of Pesach. Which is awesome! That way, you don’t have to wait until the very next day to have actual candy and every day counts!

My wife and I tried making this once, and our idea was to bring it to my parents’ house for the last days of Pesach, but we didn’t want to take the sticks out of the solution two days before we had to, so we had to figure out how to transport 15 cups of incredibly sticky syrup in our minivan. Luckily, our minivan comes with 16 cupholders! (And you wondered what use that could be in a van built for 8 people.) We just had to line them all for Pesach.

You need to make sure to buy enough sugar, though. The recipe I saw calls for 3 cups of sugar for every 1 cup of water. This means that if you want to make rock candy for ten people, for example, you’ll need 240 ounces of sugar,

It happens to be that it’s not bad, if you’re into rock candy. And it definitely gives you a good idea of what people mean when they tell you that candy is pure sugar. My mother-inlaw says this all the time: “That candy you’re eating is pure sugar.” Is that supposed to deter me? Pure is a good thing, right? If I saw a candy in the store that had a little label on it that said, “Pure sugar!” I’d be more likely to buy it. I don’t want adulterated sugar.

So what have we learned today? I learned that you can actually make candy from the comfort of your own home,

if you’re willing to be a little uncomfortable. And also that candy isn’t something that involves a lot of ingredients – it’s mostly just sugar and kishuf (or applesauce and kishuf). And time. Which is why the thing about these recipes is that I still can’t give out the candy willy-nilly. So basically, the plan is that my kids can earn them every certain number of questions. And we keep track of how many questions they’re up to using grapes.

Bikur Cholim

1 Bikur Cholim: The Halacha, History, And Fascinating Stories Behind A Fundamental Mitzvah

2 Bikur Cholim: A Sacred Call

3 Your Home in the Hospital: A Look into the Amazing Work of Chesed 24/7 with Mrs. Chavy Greenberg

4 Happenings at Boro Park Center

THE

HALACHA, HISTORY FASCINATING STORIES BEHIND MITZVAH

AND

A FUNDAMENTAL

Olam Chesed Yibaneh - In the ultimate act of kindness, Hashem created this world for us as an arena in which we could emulate his Divine beneficence. So much of our duty in this world revolves around acts of kindness: giving to others, taking care of their needs, and developing a sensitivity to their feelings. By learning to give, we slowly mold ourselves in the image of our Creator, the Ultimate Giver.

One of the highest forms of kindness that we are all taught about from our earliest years is the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim. Good health is the foundation of all that we do, and when it is

BY AVISHAI NEIMAN

affected in any negative way, Chas Veshalom, we all need support. Whether it is a friendly visit to cheer us up while we get over a virus or crucial medical assistance to those facing severe health issues, Bikur Cholim presents one of the richest opportunities for us to practice impactful Chesed. In this issue of the Center Spirit Magazine, we will turn our lens onto Bikur Cholim, examining its source in the Torah, some fascinating examples of how the mitzvah has been practiced, and inspiring stories from the past and present of those who excel at this amazing mitzvah.

TORAH SOURCES FOR BIKUR CHOLIM

The concept of Bikur Cholim is introduced in the Torah in Parshas Vayera, when Hashem appears to Avraham as he recovers from his bris. This emphasizes how Bikur Cholim is such an important part of “V’halachta Bidrachav - walking in Hashem’s ways.”; Hashem himself serves as the first role model of Bikur Cholim. And this divine Bikur Cholim is all-encompassing. As the Gemara tells us in numerous places, the Shechina rests above the bed of a sick person. Not only Avraham, but every individual merits a visit from Hashem if they are sick.

Throughout the Gemara, Bikur Cholim is presented as one of the most important and valuable mitzvos we can do. There are many good effects listed, such as removing the illness of the sufferer and earning expansive spiritual rewards. Each and every morning, we mention Bikur Cholim as part of the rarefied category of mitzvos whose merit we enjoy in this world, but whose benefit remains intact for us in Olam Haba.

What is the actual source of this mitzvah? The Gemara in Masechtes Sota 14a says that the pasuk of “V’halachta B’drachav” in Devarim 13:5 is the primary source for the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim. The Gemara in Bava Kama (100a) presents an additional source from the pasuk in Shemos (18:20): “And warn them about the laws and the teachings, and make known to them the way they are to go and the practices they are to follow.” The Gemara interprets the phrase “the way they are to go” as a reference to visiting the sick.

Based on these two sources, there is a technical debate among the Rishonim about whether Bikur Cholim is D’oryasa or D’rabanan. The Ritva and Rabeinu Yona maintained that Bikur Cholim is a Mitzvah D’oraysa, while the Rambam and Tur held that it was a Mitzvah D’Rabanan, instituted by Chazal on the basis of values and practices that had been part of Klal Yisroel since ancient times. Interestingly, the Rambam held that Bikur Cholim had an element of D’oraysa, because it is a part of one of the most important Mitzvos: V’ahavta L’reyacha Kamocha. All are in agreement about the importance of Bikur Cholim and its immense spiritual value.

HALACHOS & ADVICE FOR FULFILLING THE MITZVAH OF BIKUR CHOLIM

Like any other mitzvah, Bikur Cholim demands more than just a desire to fulfill the mitzvah; it requires a knowledge of what the mitzvah entails and its Halachos. Bikur Cholim is also categorized with mitzvos such as Tzedakah and Nichum Aveilim, where delicacy, tact and sensitivity to the needs of the person involved are essential. As a sick person once said, “I’m not your daled minim, don't come in here and shake me!”

The Shelah HaKadosh, teaches that the mitzvah of visiting the sick consists of three essential components: with one’s

WITH ONE’S BODY

A personal visit is important, but it should go beyond simply showing up. One should actively uplift the patient’s spirits and provide comfort in tangible ways. This might include bringing reading material, adjusting the bed, brightening the room, or assisting with small tasks that nurses may not have time for. Most critically, bringing food is often a very important element. Some hospitals do not have any kosher food, or their food is of low quality. When sick people are at home, they often cannot cook for themselves and others in the house who are helping them may not have the time or energy either. Bringing good food will really help in these situations.

The Rambam says that when visiting the sick, one should be ready to share uplifting stories or engage in light

body (beguf), with one’s soul (benefesh), and with one’s money (bemamon).

conversation to momentarily divert the patient’s mind from their illness.

He further emphasizes that visitors should enter the patient’s room with a cheerful demeanor, as the patient is highly attuned to the mood of those around them. One should not sit near the head of the bed, as we know that the Shechina rests at the head of the bed of the sick person. However, it’s crucial to use discretion—avoiding long visits or coming at inconvenient times. The Gemara tells us not to visit during the first or last three hours of the day. If that is the only time it is possible, one should go, as it is better than not visiting at all. If one cannot visit, a phone call still has value and is a partial fulfillment of the mitzvah.

WITH ONE’S SOUL

Saying Tehillim and davening for the patient’s recovery are essential. Before leaving, one should give a bracha to the patient for a refuah sheleimah. The Rama states that visiting the sick without davening for them does not fulfill the mitzvah. Similarly, the Gemara warns that one who neglects to daven for the sick when they are able to do so is considered a sinner. Therefore, it is very important to daven for sick people and have Kavana by the Mishebierachs we say on their behalf in Shul. When davening for a sick person, one should not use any titles, such as “Rebbi Moiri” or “Adoni Avi” but use the simple title, Avi or Rebbi, and then the Choleh’s name and their mother’s name.

WITH ONE’S MONEY

Accomplishing Bikur Cholim with money is another option when direct physical visits or hands-on care may not be possible. Providing financial support to those in need—whether to individuals, families, or organizations dedicated to Bikur Cholim—is a meaningful way to participate in the mitzvah.

Monetary donations can help cover essential services that alleviate the burden on patients and their families. This can include funding medical treatments, purchasing medications,

paying for hospital transportation, or covering the costs of temporary lodging for family members who need to stay close to a loved one in the hospital. Donations can also go toward providing meals, medical supplies, and necessary equipment that may not be covered by insurance.

Organizations that provide these services rely heavily on donations to meet the needs of those they serve. By donating money, individuals ensure that patients have the support they need during difficult times, helping them feel cared for and reducing their stress. Every contribution, large or small, enables people to perform this mitzvah on behalf of others.

BIKUR CHOLIM THROUGHOUT HISTORY

In our modern era, we are blessed with many amazing organizations that help with Bikur Cholim. From those who visit the sick, to those that help with obtaining difficult to find and expensive medical equipment, there are Ba’alei Chesed who have fully dedicated themselves to this mitzvah. Anyone who has ever had to spend time in a hospital in the NYC area is familiar with the Bikur Cholim room in the hospital, where one can get kosher meals and snacks 24/7. Almost every hospital also has Yidden who circulate and make sure to visit and lift the spirits of those suffering.

However, these communal efforts are not just a feature of modern life. As we have seen, Bikur Cholim is one of the oldest mitzvos we have, stretching back to the times of Avraham Avinu. In every era of our history and in every

place we have lived, Jews have never lost sight of this timeless obligation. Bikur Cholim has always been one of the central values of Yiddishkeit, and beyond individual fulfillment of this mitzvah, many communities throughout history worked together to provide for the needs of the sick and suffering. Often, these organizations were known as “Bikur Cholim societies” and the earliest ones can be traced back to the era of the Rishonim.

Another related idea was the concept of the “Hekdesh”, an institution meant to help those sick and suffering, as well facing other challenges. Unlike the more developed hospitals of later periods, these institutions were primarily communal initiatives, maintained by charity and a sense of Achrayus for the Tzibbur.

The term hekdesh comes from the Hebrew word meaning "sanctified" or "dedicated", a word used to describe money or items that were dedicated to the Beis Hamikdash. During the Middle Ages, the concept evolved to denote money or institutions dedicated to

Painting from 1772, commissioned by the Prague Chevra Kadisha, depicting a Bikur Cholim Visit (Photo Credit: Jewish Museum of Prague)

aiding the poor, sick, and travelers. This shift mirrored the Jewish community's response to the absence of state-sponsored social services, prompting the establishment of self-sustaining support systems. Many major Jewish communities had a hekdesh, including Minsk, Vilna, Amsterdam, Krakow, Prague, and Frankfurt.

Hekdesh institutions served multiple roles: they provided medical care for those who could not afford private treatment, functioned as shelters for the poor and homeless, and acted as rest stops for travelers in need of food and lodging. Typically situated near shuls or within central areas of the Jewish quarter, hekdesh facilities varied in size and capacity. In larger communities, they might consist of multiple rooms or buildings, while in smaller towns, a single room often sufficed. For instance, in medieval Germany, the hekdesh was often a single-room shelter located near the Jewish cemetery, aiming to provide refuge for wandering peddlers and those without family support.

As Jewish communities evolved, so did the structures supporting the sick. The formation of Bikur Cholim societies became prevalent. These societies were dedicated to visiting the sick, providing comfort, and ensuring that medical needs were addressed. In some Western countries and Eastern European communities, this tradition of medical selfhelp led to the development of private hospitals under Jewish communal sponsorship.

The management of the hekdesh and Bikur Cholim societies was a communal effort. Oversight was typically provided by appointed gabba'im or other local chesed organizations, such as the Chevra kadisha. These

organizations ensured the facility's proper operation and the well-being of its residents. Some institutions had dedicated staff, including caretakers, cooks, and sometimes even Jewish physicians, though many relied on volunteers.

Funding for these institutions came primarily through Tzedakah. Donations were collected during davening, particularly on Mondays and Thursdays when there is a longer davening with Krias Hatorah. Wealthier members of the community also made personal grants to support these initiatives. In some regions, individuals established private charitable foundations, known as hekdesh trusts, to support these institutions and other communal needs. The involvement of communal leaders, including the leaders of each Kehilla, was crucial in maintaining these facilities and ensuring their sustainability.

Despite noble intentions, many hekdesh facilities faced significant challenges. Limited financial resources often resulted in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Even in major Jewish centers, space remained scarce. In Vilna in 1765, for instance, the Jewish hospital had only 18 beds—10 for men and eight for women. In Frankfurt, as late as the eighteenth century, a Jewish hospital had no kitchen or bathing facilities, reflecting the modest resources available. Special accommodations were made for specific cases within the hekdesh. Women in labor, for example, were sometimes permitted to stay, though strict regulations governed their access.

By the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the traditional hekdesh and Bikur Cholim societies began to decline, influenced

by the advent of modern hospitals and social welfare programs. In Western Europe, particularly in London, the medieval concept of the hekdesh transitioned into more formalized institutions such as almshouses and hospitals. The Spanish and Portuguese congregation in London founded an almshouse in 1703 and a hospital in 1747, marking a shift toward organized healthcare and social services within the Jewish community.

CEDARS-SINAI: A HISTORICAL CASE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF BIKUR CHOLIM

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is the biggest hospital in Los Angeles and one of the premier hospitals in the United States. Patients are treated there from all over the world, and medical students are trained in its incredibly advanced environment. Annually, Cedars-Sinai produces billions of dollars in revenue and serves over a million patients a year. All of this has its roots in the simple Bikur Cholim efforts of the Jews of Los Angeles over a 100 years ago.

The 1918 flu pandemic was one of the worst in recorded history, killing millions of people worldwide. Los Angeles, like other major urban areas, was badly affected by the pandemic, and naturally the Jewish community did whatever it could to provide for the needs of those suffering. In the aftermath of the

The legacy of these institutions can be seen in their modern counterparts, the many chesed organizations dedicated to helping the sick and their families. Additionally, many older shuls and kehillas still bear the name “Bikur Cholim”, reflecting their past association with this mitzvah. Another modern expression of our historical dedication to Bikur Cholim are the many Jewish hospitals around the world. We will focus on one notable example, which illustrates how modest efforts of Bikur Cholim can evolve into something far greater.

pandemic, the community realized that they needed a formal organization to take care of sick people, and under the leadership of Charles Groman, they formed a Bikur Cholim society. One of their first steps was purchasing a small home, which would serve as a hospital for “incurables”, people who were suffering with long term illnesses and incurable conditions. Originally it was called Bikur Cholim Hospital, but as it grew and expanded its mission, its name was changed to Mount Sinai.

News of the merger between Mount Sinai and Cedars of Lebanon (Photo credit: The Los Angeles Times)

Before this, there was the consistent problem of tuberculosis that afflicted many people at the turn of the century. Many Jews with tuberculosis flooded into Los Angeles from the East Coast, hoping that the dry, warm climate would help them deal with their ailment. The community tried to provide what it could for these ailing Yidden, but their need was too great for the local Bikur Cholim societies. Most of the new arrivals were poor, and they could not afford the treatment they needed. Jacob Schlesinger, the President of the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Los Angeles, realized that the community needed to respond with a more organized effort. Along with Kaspare Cohen, a Poilishe Yid who had become a successful banker, he started a hospital to offer free treatment for tuberculosis patients. The hospital continued to develop, even after advances in antibiotic medicine greatly reduced the impact of tuberculosis. By the early fifties, Cedars of Lebanon had grown from a small two floor house to a large hospital with almost 300 beds. In 1961, Cedars of Lebanon Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital merged to form Cedars-

Sinai Medical Center. This consolidation aimed to enhance healthcare services for the community by combining resources and expertise. The merger was the culmination of years of planning and discussions. In 1959, Steve Broidy, then President of the Jewish Federation Council of Los Angeles, proposed the unification of the two hospitals to better serve the community's needs. After overcoming initial resistance from both hospitals' governing boards and medical staff, a compromise was reached in February,1961. Following the merger, the newly formed Cedars-Sinai Medical Center embarked on a decade-long planning and construction phase. In 1972, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new facility, and the first patients were moved into the complex in 1976. Today, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center stands as a leading healthcare institution in the United States. But let it not be forgotten, that the engine that produced this institution was the simple, modest and selfless efforts of Yidden trying to help the sick of their community.

Cedar-Sinai Medical Center

(Photo Credit: Cedars-sinai.org)

AMAZING BIKUR CHOLIM STORIES

Bikur Cholim is a powerful mitzvah that each of us can participate in, in one way or another. With countless opportunities to get involved and an ever-growing need, it has remained a central value within Jewish communities throughout history. But how can we take action? There’s nothing more motivating or inspiring than hearing a good story. To help spark that inspiration, we’ve gathered a collection of moving Bikur Cholim stories, from tales of gedolim to personal accounts that highlight the profound impact of this mitzvah. We’ve also reached out to friends and readers from across the globe to share their own experiences with Bikur Cholim. May these uplifting stories encourage all of us to deepen our commitment to this meaningful mitzvah!

The Klausenberger Rebbe, Rabbi Yekusiel

Yehuda Halberstam, was renowned for his dedication to Bikur Cholim even in the most horrific circumstances, such as during his time in Auschwitz. Despite enduring unimaginable suffering and hardship, he remained deeply committed to caring for those around him, especially the sick and weak. The Rebbe noticed the suffering of his fellow prisoners, particularly those who were ill and left without care. He would go from barrack to barrack, offering words of comfort, encouragement, and spiritual solace to the sick, even when it meant risking his own life. He tried to find small, clandestine ways to help the sick, whether by providing extra food or comforting them in whatever way possible, even in the bleakest of situations.

One of the most harrowing moments in his life occurred during a death march in 1944, as the Nazis led prisoners through brutal conditions. As they marched, the Rebbe was shot through the hand by the Nazis. Unable to continue and left for dead, he fell to the ground, pretending to be lifeless in order to escape further violence. Once the soldiers and other prisoners had passed, the Rebbe,

(Photo Credit: Jewish Action)

in a desperate attempt to survive, managed to crawl to a nearby tree. There, he fashioned a makeshift tourniquet from branches and leaves to stop the bleeding from his hand. Miraculously, the wound healed, and he survived. It was in that moment of suffering with a wound that needed care that the Klausenberger Rebbe made a powerful vow to God: "If I survive this hell, I will dedicate my life to healing others." He promised that, with God’s help, he would establish a hospital in Eretz Yisrael, one where every person—no matter their background—would be treated with compassion and dignity.

One of the Rebbe’s most powerful contributions towards caring for sick people is Laniado Hospital in Netanya, which he founded in 1975. His motivation to open the hospital came directly from his experiences during the Holocaust.

Rabbi Aryeh Levin, affectionately known as the "Tzadik of Jerusalem," was renowned for his unwavering commitment to Bikur Cholim. Every Friday, he would traverse the hospitals of Jerusalem, seeking out patients who lacked

visitors. After consulting with nurses to identify these individuals, Rabbi Aryeh would spend hours at their bedsides, offering words of comfort and companionship. His visits took him all over Eretz Yisroel, where his presence brought immense joy to patients who had long been isolated from the outside world. Once, he found a woman weeping at the Kosel, and Rabbi Aryeh learned that her child was confined in the leper hospital. Moved by her plight, he began regular visits to the hospital, bringing food prepared by his wife, Tzippora Chana, and offering solace to the patients.

Rabbi Getzy Rubashkin of West Kendall & The Falls in Florida, experienced a Neis Nigleh while visiting a recovering community member named Ellen. She had recently been hospitalized with severe chest pains, which were later found to be caused by blood clots in her lungs. After undergoing a successful procedure, she was recuperating at home.

Rabbi Getzy and a mutual friend, Ed, decided to visit Ellen, and as they arrived, a UPS truck delivered a package to her house. Ed, offering to help, brought the package inside, where they discovered an oximeter ordered by Ellen's

The Klausenberger Rebbe Consulting with doctors at Laniado Hospital (Photo Credit: Laniado Hospital Media Department)

Rabbi Aryeh Levin (Photo Credit: Lehi.org)

son. Ed, who had a medical background, volunteered to set up the oximeter for her. When they tested it, they realized Ellen's heart rate was dangerously high, over 200 bpm. Despite Ellen’s reluctance, Ed called 911, and Ellen was rushed to the hospital, where she was stabilized. Rabbi Getzy reflected on how

the timing of their visit—just moments after the oximeter was delivered and just before the dangerous condition was detected—was nothing short of miraculous. Ellen expressed her belief that Hashem’s hand was at work, ensuring her survival through the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim.

FAIGY M.

from Flatbush

shared a powerful story about how a revered figure took the time out to be mevaker choleh a sick friend, and the powerful impact it had on her.

“When I was in high school, my best friend was sick with an autoimmune disease and wasn’t doing well. I was really afraid of what would happen next. I organized a few hours of a Yom Tefillah gathering in my basement, and we had maybe 80 people attend. The Toldos Aharon Rebbetzin gave a shiur over the phone for everyone there. Then, a little while later, when she was visiting New York, she went to my friend's house to visit her. She had really wanted to go and make that connection. While she was here, she went to my friend's house and gave her a letter. I was actually looking at the letter

last week, and she wrote something thanking her, wishing her a refuah shleimah, and also expressing gratitude for the tremendous chesed—the opportunity to be with such a precious neshama. The impression she gave was that my friend had given her the chesed of allowing her to come in and do something special, which really made my friend feel so good. It wasn’t about the Rebbetzin going out of her way to come speak and visit—it was framed as an honor for her to meet someone so incredible and special. She also gave my friend many brachos, and my friend felt so supported at that moment. Amazingly, after the bracha and the davening, she took a tremendous turn for the better. Just seeing how someone of the Rebbetzin’s stature—so humble and so deeply connected—was able to uplift her in such a way was truly something special.”

NECAHAMA S.,

a young mother from Lakewood, shared the following story of how her spirits were lifted in the hospital on a day where anyone would rather be somewhere else.

“In March 2020, I was in the hospital after surgery and unfortunately had some complications, which kept me there for a few extra days, including Purim. It was really disappointing to miss one of the most fun days with the kids. That night, a total stranger came to read the Megillah for my husband and me. He could have gone to any number of parties or family events, but instead, he went around the hospital looking for frum people in need of hearing the Megillah. The next day, my sister and her husband came to visit in their costumes (he was dressed as the "man in the yellow hat") and played guitar for me.

I was alone at that point and had sent my husband home to be with the kids and have a seudah. I was feeling pretty awful, and their visit really lifted my spirits. They truly made my entire Purim. Bikur Cholim really does work”

MOSHE S. from Great Neck related a story about how a simple act of Bikur Cholim in the past came back to repay him, in a way that truly illustrates that there are no coincidences.

“My grandmother’s friend’s grandson was in an accident while studying at Yeshiva in Israel and was hospitalized at Shaare Zedek. Since his family hadn’t arrived in Israel yet, my grandmother asked me to visit him. Although it felt a bit strange to visit a Jew I had never met, it was also comforting, and I believe he found it comforting as well.

That was in 2019. Fast forward to 2024, five years later, and I see him sitting just two tables away at my Shabbat Chatan. I had never seen him before in Great Neck, and there was no real reason to explain why he was there. He just happened to come that week. He recognized me, and thanked me for the visit years earlier, and told me how much it had meant to him. To know that I had been there for him at a time when he needed, and to see that he somehow showed up to join in my simcha, felt like a message from Hashem. If you are mechazek others, Hashem will be mechazek you.”

CHANA J. from Jerusalem is a talented young musician who dedicates much of her spare time to visiting hospitals and playing music for the patients. She shared the following inspiring stories about the impact her visits can have on the patients.

“I’ve been playing in hospitals for about six years, and I’ve gained a lot of experience seeing how visitors and music can change a person’s mood. Many people tell us that all they see are doctors and medicine, and when they see someone from outside the hospital, it brings in the energy of the outside world, and they feel like they can breathe again. A lot of times, people tell us they don’t need anything else — no painkillers — that our visit is better than any medicine. I have many stories, but I’ll share two that stand out. I believe and know that every person, even if they are unconscious, can hear.

One time, a friend and I went into a room and asked if they wanted to hear some music. The family said, “No, he’s unconscious and can’t hear.” We insisted, “we believe he can,” and asked if we could try. They agreed, though they didn’t really believe us. We played the Baal Shem Tov Nigun, a special melody. The man, who was surrounded by many machines,

opened his eyes and sat up, looking at everyone. It was shocking. His family rushed to him and hugged him. The minute we stopped playing, he lay back down and closed his eyes. We then tried playing a happy tune, but he didn’t react. When we played Ka Echsof, the same thing happened — he sat up again, opened his eyes, and only lay back down when we finished playing. It felt like a resurrection. We saw firsthand how much music can do. Since then, I know this is the type of music that can help wake people up.

Another time, we played for a sick man who began singing along with us, and his children started crying. When we left, his daughter told us that her father hadn’t spoken for a month, and this was the first time he made a sound. Every time we meet such special people, each one reacts in their own unique way.

And every time I go home and go to sleep, I think of all the smiles from the people we met. They may be in pain, but for a few minutes, we helped them forget they’re sick. It’s not just healing for them; it heals us too, and we get so much out of it. Anyone can do this. If you know a few chords on the guitar, or if you have any talent, you can gather a few friends and spread joy to others. You will make yourself and other people happy, and spirit your light to the world.”

BIKUR CHOLIM

Sacred Call A

When illness dims the world outside, And aching hearts must sit and hide, A silent hope still fills the air— That someone kind will soon be there.

A knock, a voice, a touch so kind, A moment's light for heart and mind. The lonely sigh, the silent tear, Now melt away—for you are near.

You bring no cure, no healing hand, Yet offer more than wealth could stand.

A smile, a word, a laugh, a song, A visit brief—but never wrong.

For in that room, so small and bare, A world is changed by simple care.

The bed-bound soul, once grieved alone, Now feels their sorrow overthrown.

The elder waits, their hands so worn, By time and toil, by nights forlorn.

Yet when you show, they stand up tall, As if no years have passed at all.

For kindness lifts, and kindness mends, And kindness makes the stranger friends. No act of love is lost in vain, Each visit soothes another’s pain. And know, dear heart, that when you give, You help another soul to live.

Yet more than this—this mitzvah so great brings so much joy-lets celebrate!

For those who lift the weak and ill, Who sit beside and love them still, Who bring them hope and dry their tears, Will find reward beyond the years.

In Olam Haba, the world to come, Where crowns are shaped by deeds well done, The ones who cared, who eased a sigh, Shall find their names inscribed on high.

So go, dear friend, and walk this way, Bring light into another’s day.

For in each visit, pure and true, The one you heal may just be you.

A look into the

of Chesed Amazing24/7Work with Mrs. Chavy Greenberg

BY ESTHER POLLACK

A hospital visit is an inevitable part of life. While we all hope to step through its doors for joyous occasions, more often than not, hospital stays come with stress, worry, and countless challenges. For a frum person, the added concerns of davening, kosher food, and keeping Shabbos and Yom Tov can make an already difficult time even more overwhelming—especially when a loved one is hospitalized for an extended period.

For those in New York City and the surrounding areas, Bikur Cholim rooms have become an essential source of comfort and support. People have come to expect and rely on these incredible spaces, knowing they will find kosher meals, a quiet place to daven, and

the reassurance of a warm, supportive community during difficult times. These rooms provide a sense of stability in the midst of uncertainty, offering both practical and emotional support to patients and their families when they need it most.

How did these Chesed rooms come to exist in New York’s busiest and most prestigious hospitals? Who ensures they are maintained at such high standards? To find out, we spoke with Chavy Greenberg, who, alongside her husband, founded Chesed 24/7 35 years ago. She shared insights into the incredible work her organization does— bringing kindness, dignity, and unwavering support to those navigating some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

Rabbi Shulem Greenberg, founder of Chesed 24/7

Thank you so much for making time to talk to us. Can you give our readers an introduction to what your organization does?

Chesed 24/7 supports families and patients that go through illnesses and medical challenges. We offer services in three areas: home, community, and the hospital, but our work in hospitals is really the main focus of what we do. We have 30 chesed hospitality rooms in the Tri-State area, from Upstate New York to Elizabeth, New Jersey, in Westchester County

and throughout the five boroughs. Regardless of how confident someone is before they come to the hospital, at a certain point, everyone gets lost and feels alone. They have a lot of questions, and we're here to guide them.

Our slogan is “Your home in the hospital” and that really sums up our goal. We want our chesed rooms to create a home environment, where people can be comfortable and have access to what they need. If someone feels that they need to get away from the bedside, whether they

want to have a meal, a coffee, to daven, or just relax, they can utilize the chesed room. One of the most beautiful features of the chesed rooms is that they create the opportunity for camaraderie and to spend time with people who are going through the same thing as you. When you meet any kind of Jew in the room, you immediately feel connected, because you are both dealing with all the challenges of a hospital visit.

Everyone is dealing with something, and the room creates a space where we can

be together, to really feel like brothers and sisters who are supporting each other through these times where we are so vulnerable.

I remember when a family member of mine was sick, and we spent a lot of time in the chesed rooms at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and this camaraderie with other families made such a strong impression on me.

Ialways get called up after Yom Tovim from Memorial, and people say that they never spent Yom Tov with such a broad diverse minyan. You have Litvish people, Yekkim, Chasidim, people with leather yarmulkas and people who are taking a yarmulke from a basket and putting it on their head, and they are all davening together. They all say they never experienced

a minyan like this. They are all so comfortable with each other and happy to daven together, because they have that achdus of going through the same experience, and the recognition that while they have to be away from their regular minyan, it's a special opportunity to be able to have a minyan in the hospital.

How did Chesed 24/7 get started?

My husband founded the organization as an outgrowth of an ongoing chesed project at the time. Almost 35 years ago, there was someone in our neighborhood who was organizing meals for Kimpeturin, women who had just given birth, and we got involved. From there, it naturally expanded—once we were providing meals,

someone suggested, "What about people in the hospital? They could use a meal too."

At first, it wasn’t even formal meal deliveries. Local girls would drop off food to neighbors after school, and the neighbors would bring it when they could. Then, when there was a need, we thought, "Maybe we can bring meals to the hospital." Once we started sending meals to hospitals, we realized no one else was really doing this. So we began providing meals to our local hospital, Good Samaritan, and as we got more involved with patients, new needs kept emerging.

People needed transportation to and from the hospital, so we started arranging rides. Then came requests for medical supplies—someone needed a wheelchair, another needed assistance bringing an elderly parent home. We didn’t have these resources at first, but we made it our mission to find them. Little by little, the services grew.

Originally we were called Chesed of New Square, but as we expanded the name started to be problematic. We realized that the name gave the impression that we only helped people from New Square and were funded by New Square,

which wasn’t the case. To better reflect our broader mission, we changed our name to 24/7. Then, as we became more involved with food and transportation and medical supplies, we noticed another issue.

Our local hospital here in Suffern, Good Samaritan, is a Catholic hospital, and religious imagery was displayed throughout the building, which makes it very hard to daven. Patients told us, "I can't even say a bracha here. It would be amazing if there was a little place where we could say a kapittel of Tehillim and daven Mincha.” There was a Jewish member on the hospital’s board, so we approached him and explained, "This is a bit sensitive, but we’ve been receiving feedback from patients. Would it be possible to secure a small space where someone could say a Jewish prayer?" It took some time because such a concept didn’t exist at the hospital. After a while, they agreed and designated a small area. They even put up a sign calling it a "Meditation Room."

Initially, in their mind it was just a place for davening, which it was in the beginning. But you know how it is; if there’s Yidden there davening, then we need to make sure there's a little water and some coffee, and if there's coffee we have to bring in some milk and sugar, and then you need some cake. Slowly, the menu and services started to grow. Eventually, people started to know about our chesed room, and the feedback was amazing. At the same time, people pointed out that Good Samaritan only dealt with the most minor problems. For anything serious, people would get sent to the Manhattan hospitals. We realized that the real need for these chesed rooms was there, but that was a much bigger undertaking.

What are some of the challenges that are involved in securing these spaces and having the autonomy to do what you need to do in the hospital?

That’s an excellent question, because it's e asy to forget how challenging it was when we started. Now, it’s a given. People don’t even ask if the hospital has a chesed room anymore. They just call and ask, “Where’s the chesed room? How can you help us?” But 35 years ago, it was a completely different story. I’ll never forget when I went to Columbia Hospital. At that time, there were no testimonials, no brochures, and no websites—those things didn’t exist because we hadn't done it yet. I went with my husband to meet with the president of the hospital, and after some small talk, when our time was almost up, she asked, “What do you want?”

I said, “I’m Chavi Greenberg from Chesed of New Square, and we serve meals to people in need. Could we have a space in the hospital to provide kosher food and allow people to pray?” I’m sure she thought, “Where is this coming from?” When I left, I thought, “I’m never calling her again. She must think I’m crazy.” But she was very professional and cordial. She said, “I’ll bring this to my board, and you can call us in a couple of months.”

I thought to myself, “I’m never calling her back. We’re asking

for something that’s unheard of.” They had never heard of us, never heard of New Square, and hadn’t seen us deliver food there yet. They knew nothing about us, and here we were, asking for precious space in their hospital. Why would they even consider our request? I learned a valuable lesson that day: we don’t have to make cheshboinis. If you're doing something for Hashem’s children, you just do it. If it works, it’s because Hashem wanted it to. I kept calling her, and every time, she would say, “We haven’t made the presentation to the board yet.” I thought that was an excuse, but as long as she kept answering the phone, I kept calling. After about a year and a half, she finally said, “I have a room for you on the ninth floor.”

I’ll never forget—it was our first room in Manhattan. After that, it became easier. When you can say, “I have a room at Columbia, and here are the testimonials of how amazing it is for the patients,” it helps. It doesn’t make opening the next hospital easy, but it definitely makes it easier.

Did you ever encounter opposition, or antiSemitism during the process of setting up the rooms?

Well, sometimes they would say, “How can we have a room just for Jews?” to which I explain that it really goes back to the special diet we need to observe. One hospital actually suggested that we share a room with the Muslims, because they also have a special diet. I thought to myself, that will go well.

Look how well it works out in the Middle East.

Exactly. So we definitely have faced some obstacles. But Baruch Hashem, we now have a network of 30 rooms, and all the big hospitals are covered. At this point, hospitals even come to us and ask if we can open a small pantry because there’s such a need. What’s happening now is that people go in and ask, "Where’s the chesed room?" And the hospital staff says, "We don’t have one." They start to understand how important it is because other hospitals have them. So now, it’s become a more established service that the hospitals are familiar with. In the past, when it was just Columbia and Memorial and a few other hospitals, it was really Michutz Laderech HaTeva to get our access, and we had to pay a lot of money to make it happen. But once

we built those relationships, we were able to keep the rooms running.

Do you need to pay rent for the rooms, or is it a one time fee?

We pay a one time fee for them to dedicate and allocate the room to us. This also covers all the specific

Maintaining the room is an ongoing challenge because it gets so much use. Some of these rooms are like revolving doors, and all types of issues can come up: the fridge might break, or the lights could be out. The rooms need constant maintenance. I want everyone who visits to feel that the room is well-

needs of the initial set up of the room, to put in the cabinets and new lighting, and whatever else the room needs to be updated for the use we will require.

Are there issues with maintaining your rights to the room? Or once you have the room, is the main focus keeping it supplied and running smoothly?

maintained and clean, and welcoming. I always say that as difficult as it was to get the room started, maintaining it is even harder. You never want anyone to walk in exhausted or hungry, and find that there’s no milk for their coffee, or no coffee at all, or feel that the room is run-down.

To take care of this, we have regular employees, but also a fleet of volunteers who clean, stock, and shuttle back and forth to the warehouse. It’s a full operation. We

have a warehouse where volunteers come in all day to prepare blintzes, challah, tuna, jello, pudding, and a variety of other foods. We have a set list of food items that get prepared. Then, at night, volunteers come to package everything they need, including dry items like forks, spoons, knives, plates, napkins, coffee cups, and newspapers and magazines, and deliver all of it to the rooms. The volunteers then go to the hospitals, clean the room, and make sure everything is in order. If there’s any leftover food, or if something looks out of place, they dispose of it, clean up, and make sure the room is fresh, tidy, and welcoming.

Could you tell us about the apartments that your organization has around the hospitals? Is that a newer thing, or is that also there from the beginning?

The apartments are newer than the rooms because we only recently realized the need for them. We recognized that family members, unfortunately, often have to stay in the hospital for long periods. They don’t want their loved ones to be alone—especially if they are elderly or children. Sometimes, they simply need to take a shower, or they need to be there over shabbos but there’s no way to do that in the hospital. They can’t just sleep on a chair, so they need a place. They might also want to observe holidays, like lighting Chanukah licht or making a seder, or even just to change their clothes and take a break from the hospital environment. That's what apartments are meant for. No matter how many we have, it’s never enough. There are always more people who need them. We stock the apartments with Shabbos foods,

and the linens are always fresh and clean. We rent most of the apartments, but we own one near Hackensack Hospital, which was generously donated to us by a doctor.

Can you share one or two of the most inspiring or memorable stories from your work with Chesed 24/7?

I’ll share one story that relates to the way that people’s paths cross in amazing ways in our rooms. Twenty-five years ago, a man thought his co-worker stole money from his coat. He told their boss and the co-worker was suddenly fired. In the aftermath, the man realized he wasn't 100% sure that the co-worker had stolen the money. He felt guilty that he might have falsely accused someone and caused them to lose their parnassah. For years, he tried to track down his co-worker with no success. During this time, his life had many ups and downs, and he felt perhaps it was because he had wronged this other person. One day, he was in Cornell Hospital with a sick child. He went to the Chesed 24/7 Room to get him some ice cream. There were a few people in the room and he thought he recognized his co-worker from many years before. The father was overwhelmed, confirmed it was him, and slowly unburdened what he was carrying in his heart all these years, begging him for mechila. The man immediately was mochel, and together they went up to the son's room to give him a bracha for a refuah shleimah.

One Erev Shabbos, a Chesed 24/7 volunteer, who is also a nurse, was delivering Shabbos boxes to Jewish patients. As she entered one room, she noticed the patient was sleeping. She quietly placed a Shabbos Box on his tray and happened to glance at his monitor displaying his vital signs. Alarmed by what she

saw, she hesitated—she was there as a Chesed volunteer, not in her capacity as a hospital nurse. Concerned, she went to the nurses' station and urged them to check his vitals, as she was uncomfortable with his numbers. The nurses immediately responded, bringing several doctors into the room, ultimately saving the man’s life. These are just two of the many incredible stories we witness through the Chesed that we are Zoche to do.

Your organization is at the forefront of Bikur Cholim on a massive scale. Can you share any insights about fulfilling this important mitzvah?

Any need, no matter how outlandish it may seem, should be honored if it is important to the choleh. Even fulfilling just one of their needs can bring them happiness. It doesn’t have to be monumental—sometimes, simply being there is enough. Often, a person wants to help the choleh in the way they think is best, assuming they know what is good for them. But true Bikur Cholim means helping the choleh in the way they want to be helped. Many people assume that after years of hearing and sharing so much of Klal Yisroel's pain on a daily basis, you become somewhat immune. However, as anyone involved in a Chesed organization will attest, that is far from the case. I’d like to highlight one of the great benefits of being part of such a special group of providers, professionals, and volunteers. Every Friday, after watching everything fall into place—the Chesed apartments filling up (often overfilled), the patient and family’s special Shabbos meals delivered to the right hospital rooms, and, last but not least, the young men and women volunteers who sacrifice their comfort and privacy to care for a fellow Yid they have never met before—when you bring in shabbos

like this, licht bentshen becomes a deeply meaningful and emotional experience. It is in those moments that I realize how fortunate we are to be part of such a special nation. MI KE’AMCHA YISROEL!

To end off, what would be your advice for those who want to get involved in doing this mitzvah?

Iwould always ask people in what capacity they would like to contribute. Some individuals feel deeply grateful and want to give back, so they choose to donate because they feel a strong sense of indebtedness. Others, who may not be in a position to donate financially, express a desire to become volunteers and offer their time and skills. We have a wide range of opportunities for people to get involved, whether through donations, volunteering, or other forms of support. Bikur Cholim is an incredibly important mitzvah, and we truly believe that everyone can contribute in some way. Whether it’s through direct assistance, offering a listening ear, or helping out in our various programs, every act of kindness makes a significant impact. Through our work, we’ve seen firsthand just how meaningful and rewarding this mitzvah is. We encourage everyone, no matter their resources or abilities, to find a way to get involved and be part of this important cause.

The Dementia Path

1 Discovering Windows of Connection in Dementia Care

2 Vitamins and Minerals: Preventing and Managing Dementia

3 Stimulating Toys & Sensory Gadgets

4 Zicharon: Remembering Dignity and Chesed When Memory Fades

5 The Role of Exercise in Preventing and Managing Dementia

Windows of Connection Discovering in Dementia Care

BY ESTHER WITKIN

Imagine this, you’ve taken time out of your busy schedule to take your loved one out for dinner. It's a lovely August evening, and you arrive at their favorite restaurant.

Only a few minutes pass, and the antics begin.

“When are we going to go home? Why did we come here? It’s so dark out there! Why are you doing this to me?!”

You feel like you're making a scene as they struggle to eat a simple meal. You sit there in a daze, reflecting on their condition (Dementia) and the profound changes it’s brought to your relationship with this person you love so dearly.

So much has changed from what it used to be. Why are they being so difficult? Why are they so uncomfortable? Who have they become? Their struggle looks so real, but how can I relate to this pain that seems so puzzling to me? Furthermore, how can I possibly connect to them like this?

To answer these questions, which are valid and faced by most individuals in this very tough predicament, we must first understand a few basic facts about this challenging disease.

Understanding The Disease

Although each case is unique, and every stage has its own complexities, one thing is clear: They are suffering tremendously. And their pain is real and legitimate.

Your loved one may be experiencing a variety of symptoms, including agitation, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. These emotions are not random, they are real, deep, and rooted in the cognitive decline that comes with the disease. The difficult symptoms, unique to each individual, may appear incomprehensible but they are actually an outcry of the individual’s inner turmoil. The brain undergoes physical changes due to the disease, and it’s these changes that lead to the difficult behaviors and emotions we may witness.

When we internalize and accept this reality, we can view them with compassion. They are not giving us a hard time- they are going through a hard time.

It may help to think of it this way: If a family member has an amputated leg, should they be viewed as “the amputee”?

Of course not! They are loved and cared for like any other person. The loss of their leg shouldn’t define them but rather be seen as a challenge they face.

Similarly, a person with dementia should

not be reduced to a “Dementia Person.”

They have dementia — they are not dementia.

We shouldn’t blind ourselves to their strengths despite their condition.

Despite the challenges they currently face, we can still connect with them in a deep, meaningful way.

The more we develop this mindset, the more we can identify windows of connection.

Practical Approach

Throughout this journey, we must work to create moments of connection where we can relate to our loved one on some level. Although the challenge is nuanced and will present itself differently in those affected, here are some practical ideas you can personalize and start implementing.

● Reading their favorite book, although they may seem uninterested or anxious, that one piece that resonates with them and brings them joy is worth so much.

● Playing their favorite music, enjoying the familiar oldies they cherish, and maybe even sing a song together. In those moments, we not only lift their spirits, but we also create something truly special: a moment of connection that is real, heartwarming, and priceless!

● Spending quality time, being present, and engaging in simple activities together. For example, taking a walk, preparing meals, reminiscing with old photos, painting/drawing, gardening, or playing trivia games.

Focusing on what’s remaining instead of what’s lost by utilizing their current abilities. When you engage them in purposeful tasks it will help preserve their dignity and give them a sense of control and achievement. This might look like pairing socks, decluttering a drawer, folding laundry, or organizing mail.

Understand that for your loved one, the details of the past are difficult to remember and planning for the future creates fear and anxiety. The key is to remain present when implementing these ideas since ultimately, they will be your most cherished moments.

Understanding and Empathy

It is very important to show empathy and to avoid inadvertently belittling them. Don’t talk about them as if they’re not there. Always speak to them directly, honoring their presence and dignity. Avoid testing their memory or refuting their reality, as doing so can be detrimental to their emotional well-being and should be avoided as much as possible.

The journey of caring for someone with dementia can be incredibly challenging, but it’s also full of opportunities to connect in ways that matter. By focusing on what remains, showing empathy, and making the most of every connection, we can still share meaningful moments with our loved ones. And in those moments of connection, we experience something beautiful and truly priceless.

With years of experience in geriatric and dementia care, Esther Witkin is dedicated to helping families navigate this complex and emotional journey. She provides education, support and comprehensive care plans as well as hands-on training for caregivers. Esther is passionate about the power of being present and entering the world of those living with dementia.

Esther Witkin, Certified Dementia Practitioner www.intheirworld.org | esther@intheirworld.org | 347-986-9833

Vitamins and Minerals: Preventing and Managing Dementia

BY REBECCA KAGANOFF

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive function, affecting memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but other conditions such as vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia also exist. As the global population ages, the prevalence of dementia is expected to rise, making the search for prevention and treatment strategies more critical than ever.

While there is no single miracle cure for dementia, there is growing evidence that certain vitamins and minerals may play a role in preventing or managing cognitive decline. This article explores the vitamins and minerals that have shown potential in supporting brain health and combating dementia.

1. Vitamin E

Role in Brain Health

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to brain aging and the development of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.

Evidence for Dementia Prevention

Some studies suggest that vitamin E supplementation may slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease. Its antioxidant properties are believed to help protect brain cells from damage and support overall brain function.

Sources of Vitamin E

● Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds)

● Spinach and broccoli

● Vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower, and wheat germ oil)

● Fortified cereals

Note: Excessive vitamin E intake from supplements can have side effects, including increased risk of bleeding. It's best to consult a healthcare provider before taking high doses.

2. Vitamin D

Role in Brain Health

Vitamin D is crucial for overall health, including bone health and immune system function. It also plays an important role in brain function. Research has shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Evidence for Dementia Prevention

Vitamin D receptors are present in areas of the brain involved in memory and learning. Studies suggest that individuals with low levels of vitamin D may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Supplementation with vitamin D may help reduce the risk of dementia in people with deficiencies, though more research is needed.

Sources of Vitamin D

● Sunlight exposure (the body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight)

● Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)

● Fortified foods (milk, orange juice, cereals)

● Egg yolks

Note: Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially in older adults, so supplementation may be beneficial for those at risk.

3. Vitamin B12

Role in Brain Health

Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. It is particularly

important for brain health as it helps maintain the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells. A deficiency in B12 can lead to memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline, which can mimic symptoms of dementia.

Evidence for Dementia Prevention

Low levels of vitamin B12 have been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Some studies suggest that B12 supplementation can improve cognitive function in people with B12 deficiency, particularly in older adults.

Sources of Vitamin B12

● Animal products (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy)

● Fortified plant-based foods (such as fortified cereals and plant-based milks)

Note: Older adults, vegetarians, and vegans may be at higher risk for B12 deficiency and may need supplementation.

4. Folate (Vitamin B9)

Role in Brain Health

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is involved in the production of neurotransmitters and the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It also helps in reducing levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that at elevated levels can damage blood vessels and contribute to cognitive decline.

Evidence for Dementia Prevention

There is evidence suggesting that low levels of folate may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. Some studies have shown that

folate supplementation can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, especially when combined with other B vitamins like B6 and B12.

Sources of Folate

● Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale)

● Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)

● Citrus fruits

● Fortified grains

5. Vitamin C

Role in Brain Health

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect brain cells from oxidative stress and supports the immune system. It also aids in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is important for mood and cognitive function.

Evidence for Dementia Prevention

While the direct link between vitamin C and dementia prevention is not fully understood, its antioxidant properties are believed to play a role in protecting the brain from damage. Some studies suggest that vitamin C, in combination with other antioxidants, may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Sources of Vitamin C

● Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)

● Bell peppers

● Strawberries

● Broccoli

6. Magnesium 7. Zinc

Role in Brain Health

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, including those that support brain function. It helps regulate neurotransmitters, and a deficiency in magnesium has been linked to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive decline.

Evidence for Dementia Prevention

Research suggests that magnesium may have neuroprotective effects and could help prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Some animal studies have shown that magnesium supplementation improves memory and learning, though more human studies are needed.

Sources of Magnesium

● Leafy green vegetables (spinach)

● Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds)

● Whole grains

● Legumes

Role in Brain Health

Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a role in various enzymatic functions in the brain. It supports immune function and is involved in neurotransmitter signaling. Zinc deficiency has been linked to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.

Evidence for Dementia Prevention

Some studies suggest that zinc supplementation may support cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia, particularly in individuals with low zinc levels. Zinc is involved in regulating brain synapses, which are crucial for memory and learning.

Sources of Zinc

● Meat (beef, lamb, chicken)

● Legumes

● Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, cashews)

8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)

Role in Brain Health

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential fats that are vital for brain function. They are important components of cell membranes in the brain and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Evidence for Dementia Prevention

Multiple studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and may improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that are thought to help protect the brain from damage associated with dementia.

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

● Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)

● Flaxseeds

● Walnuts

● Chia seeds

While no single vitamin or mineral can prevent or cure dementia, a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support brain health may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve quality of life for individuals with dementia.

Vitamins like E, D, B12, B9 (folate), and C, along with minerals like magnesium and zinc, play important roles in protecting the brain, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting neurotransmitter function. Omega-3 fatty acids also contribute significantly to brain health.

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, as excessive intake of certain vitamins and minerals can have adverse effects.

TOYS & S E N S O RY GADGETS FOR DEMENTIA CARE Stimulating

BY DR. JENNIFER SEGAL

Engaging individuals with dementia in stimulating activities can enhance their quality of life, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of comfort. Sensory toys and therapeutic gadgets can be highly beneficial for individuals with dementia by offering tactile, auditory, and visual stimulation.

Choosing the right sensory toys and gadgets for dementia patients can significantly improve their daily lives, offering comfort, stimulation, and a sense of engagement.

Caregivers and family members should select items that best suit their loved one's preferences and needs. Incorporating sensory play into daily routines can be a valuable tool for enhancing well-being and emotional connection.

FIDGET TOYS

Fidget toys are excellent tools for individuals with dementia, especially those who experience restlessness or anxiety. These toys help with fine motor skills and provide soothing stimulation.

Recommended Fidget Toys

● Fidget Quilts

Soft quilts with zippers, buttons, and textures for engagement.

● Fidget Spinners & Cubes

Simple handheld tools to keep hands busy.

● Tangle Therapy Toys

Flexible and twistable toys that promote hand

SENSORY AND WEIGHTED BLANKETS

Weighted blankets provide a gentle pressure that mimics deep touch stimulation, which can help reduce anxiety and agitation in people with dementia. These blankets also help with better sleep and relaxation.

Recommended Weighted Sensory Products

● Weighted Lap Pads

Small, comforting blankets to place on the lap.

● Textured Weighted Blankets

Soft blankets with different textures for tactile stimulation.

AROMATHERAPY AND MUSIC GADGETS

Scent and sound play a crucial role in triggering memories and soothing emotions. Aromatherapy diffusers and music players designed for dementia care can have a profound effect on relaxation.

Recommended Gadgets

● Essential Oil Diffusers Lavender and chamomile oils help with relaxation.

● Music Players with Simple Controls Devices preloaded with familiar songs.

● Therapeutic Sound Machines Play nature sound or calming melodies.

INTERACTIVE AND SENSORY PETS

Many dementia patients find comfort in interactive pets, which mimic real animals' movements and sounds. These toys help reduce loneliness and offer a sense of companionship.

Recommended Interactive Pets

● Robotic Cats and Dogs Lifelike movements and purring sounds provide comfort.

● Soft Plush Animals with Heartbeats

A soothing sensory experience.

PUZZLE AND MEMORY GAMES SENSORY BALLS AND THERAPY DOUGH

Keeping the brain engaged with puzzles and memory games helps slow cognitive decline and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Recommended Puzzle Toys

● Large-Piece Jigsaw Puzzles

Simple, colorful images for easy recognition.

● Matching and Sorting Games

Engages memory and cognitive skills.

● Electronic Memory Games

Simple button-press games that encourage recall.

Hand therapy tools such as sensory balls and therapy dough promote hand strength and provide calming benefits.

Recommended Sensory Toys

● Squishy Stress Balls

Soft and textured balls for squeezing.

● Therapy Putty or Play Dough

Engaging hands in kneading and molding.

● Tactile Massage Balls

Stimulating textures to improve circulation.

Choosing the right sensory toys and gadgets for dementia patients can significantly improve their daily lives, offering comfort, stimulation, and a sense of engagement. Caregivers and family members should select items that best suit their loved one's preferences and needs. Incorporating sensory play into daily routines can be a valuable tool for enhancing well-being and emotional connection.

Zicharon: Remembering Dignity and Chesed When Memory Fades

An Interview with Leah Horowitz

BY ESTHER POLLACK

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are devastating diseases, diagnoses that fill families with fear and trepidation.

They profoundly impact both the patients and their families, bringing overwhelming emotional and practical difficulties. Through her work with Zicharon, Leah Horowitz provides guidance, support, and invaluable resources to help families navigate this painful journey. She graciously made time to share her insights, shedding light on a crucial aspect of this month’s them of Bikur Cholim.

Please tell us about what your organization does.

I run an organization called Zicharon, dedicated to assisting dementia and Alzheimer’s patients at all stages, as well as supporting their families through every step of the journey. We focus on educating and empowering families, offering training on essential skills such as effective communication, safety strategies, and how to navigate the complex realities of caring for a loved one with dementia. Our work includes running support groups, providing medical referrals, and bringing in leading experts—many of whom have authored books on dementia—to share their knowledge and insights. Through these efforts, we aim to equip families with the tools and understanding they need to face the challenges that arise. A significant part of our mission is education—not just about the medical aspects of the disease, but also about fostering unity within families, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when making crucial decisions.

How did Zicharon get started and how did you get involved?

Many years ago, there was a woman whose husband began to lose his memory. Their neighbor, who prefers to stay anonymous, reached out and asked her who was helping her. She responded that there was no one. There is an Alzheimer's Association, but they didn't understand the unique challenges for frum people, issues that come up with Shabbos, Yom Tov and going to shul, and she wasn't getting any real support. This neighbor decided that if there was no organization dedicated to help people with this huge challenge, there needed to be one, and that motivated him to found Zicharon. At the time, I was already involved in a lot of work assisting elderly people, and they brought me in to work on this new initiative of focusing on dementia and Alzheimer’s. This began in 2012, and I’ve been very involved with it since then.

What are the biggest challenges that families face when they first encounter these illnesses?

I would say that there is a very different experience faced by the spouse and the children of the patient, and that difference creates a challenge of its own. The spouse tends to see things a different way, and it can become very confrontational between parents and children. At the beginning stages, a patient is very good at covering up their lapses. Only the spouse, who is

with them all the time, can really start to pick up on it. They are seeing odd behavior patterns, forgetfulness, failure to do routine things they should be doing, losing things. Despite all that, all of a sudden when they are communicating with others, they seem to be doing just fine. A person with Alzheimer's walking in the street will see a neighbor and say, “It's so nice to see you,” because they are smart enough to say generic things and cover up for the fact that they don't remember who the person is. The spouse is the witness to all this confusing behavior. When the children come to the house, he is at his best, because there's a part of him that's doing a very good job covering up. When the spouse starts bringing up concerns to the kids, the kids say, “We didn't see it that way” and can be dismissive. Then the spouse becomes resentful, that's usually the pattern. Because they believe that deep down, there's a part of this person that, if they tried hard enough, they could get it right.

They almost start to blame the patient…

Yes, and the kids see this and are surprised, and shocked to see their parents fighting all the time, and they start to be upset either at one or both of the parents, thinking they are just being difficult or insensitive. It takes a long time for the pieces to fall into

place and for everyone to understand what is actually going on. Also, sometimes the spouses will be covering up for the patient as well, because they want to protect their dignity and they don't want their children to see the entire picture. Other times, people will be in denial, because it’s such a horrifying reality that people don't want to accept it or believe it. So much of our work focuses on education and communication to help families through all this, and trying to avoid the negative, painful and destructive dynamics that often accompany these illnesses.

Is

there a simple way to determine whether someone has dementia or Alzheimer’s, such as with a blood test?

It’s much more complex than that. There are doctors who diagnose people too quickly, and I think it's a terrible thing. A patient goes into a doctor's office, they ask the person three questions, and based on that very superficial inspection, they make a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s. In my opinion, it's almost medical malpractice. No one should ever accept a diagnosis of dementia without proper diagnostics.

An MRI is a must. There are other

illnesses, like brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and mini-strokes that can look just like Alzheimer's disease, but some are curable. Once they pick a diagnosis, then you start going down a certain path of treatment and ignore other possibilities. The best thing is to have a clearest possible picture of what's actually going on from the very beginning. don't remember who the person is. The spouse is the witness to all this confusing behavior. When the children come to the house, he is at his best, because there's a part of him that's doing a very good job covering up. When the spouse starts bringing up concerns to the kids, the kids say, “We didn't see it that way” and can be dismissive. Then the spouse becomes resentful, that's usually the pattern. Because they believe that deep down, there's a part of this person that, if they tried hard enough, they could get it right.

When a patient is suffering from these illnesses, it is incredibly difficult for the family members, both in terms of practically taking care of the person and dealing

with the emotional challenges of the experience. What advice do you give people on how to cope with the pain of seeing a loved one lose their memory and identity?

As dedicated as a caregiver will be, you can't make it your entire life. You have to go out, you have to give yourself time and space. You have to do something you enjoy, which is different for every person. For some it is just taking a walk around the corner, and for others it's taking yourself off for three years to Florida. Allowing this challenge to completely take over your life leads to a rut that many elderly people, especially spouses, fall into. You need to give yourself a break and something else to focus on other than just this. As far as the emotional side, it's one of the most devastating things that someone can experience, where they feel that their spouse or their parents are becoming a stranger to them. The advice I give people is that the emotional part of the brain stays alive forever, so surround them with love and warmth, because that's one thing they'll still feel, even if they don't recognize that it's you.

We often hear in the news about breakthroughs in research or new treatments for Alzheimer’s.

As someone on the front lines, what is your reaction to these developments? Are you seeing

them change the experience for people?

On the one hand, it’s very thrilling to hear about these new treatments, because it creates the hope of a cure for these dreaded diseases. On the other hand, there is massive debate among doctors with no strong consensus on what will work, and the new treatments often come with incredible risk. I don't want to speak about it too in-depth, because it's very complex and each situation is unique. Just to give a small illustration, there's a whole new theory in dementia, and there are many doctors that are doing phenomenal research in this area. Their basic premise is that dementia is a result of an autoimmune response, not a disease in and of itself. Based on this new medical theory, they are working on immunosuppressant treatment for people and are hoping to eradicate the whole disease. The one thing I would say is that with any new treatment options, each of them comes with a considerable risk. Everyone needs to ask a shayla, and speak to their Rav about risk versus benefits on an individual basis and deal with it accordingly.

What advice would you give to

people about the practical challenges and frustrations of dealing with a dementia patient?

What creates a lot of frustration is that everything we do in life is based on logic, but the first sense to go in dementia is the sense of reasoning. This gap creates enormous difficulty. We function with reason all our lives. It's day, you're up. It's night, you go to sleep. You turn on the lights when you want to see, and if you want darkness you shut the lights off. If it's cold, you put on a coat, and so on, for every big and small decision and thought we have throughout the day. The first sense to go is the sense of reasoning, and the sooner people realize that—and stop trying to explain or approach things logically—the easier it will be for them to interact with the patient. Accepting this reality makes everything more manageable. It’s a painful truth, but it’s a fact. Never argue with them. The person is

always right. A dementia patient is always right, no matter how senseless what they’re saying may seem. If you start with the rule of never arguing, everything becomes so much simpler.

What’s your advice for interacting and communicating with dementia patients, whether it is caregivers or someone who is just visiting?

For the caregivers, one very overlooked thing is malnutrition. Many elderly people do not eat enough, especially proteins. That will cause memory loss. When you ask them if they ate, they will say they did, but that could mean two teaspoons of applesauce. We have seen patients with severe dementia, who after they get a feeding tube and get proper nutrition suddenly perk up and their behavior changes.

Another important thing is to surround them with things they love to do. Go back to their past and think of the hobbies they like, or topics that they like to discuss. Show them old photo albums and movies, and play old music for them. Music can be a great tool, but it has to be music that they will feel connected to, such as a favorite song or music from their childhood. Playing them the new hits from 2025 will probably agitate them rather than put them at ease.

I can also share my advice and strategies for the best way to communicate and act around dementia patients, which can be equally helpful for caregivers and visitors. When interacting with individuals with Alzheimer’s, it’s essential to approach them with patience, respect, and understanding. Always make eye contact, be at their level, and let them know what you’re going to do before doing it to avoid startling them. Speak slowly, use short sentences, five words or less, and ask only one question at a time, avoiding complex "why" questions. The best environment for them is a quiet one, with as little outside noise as possible, which can be very disorienting for them. Never test them. Instead of correcting or arguing, validate their feelings and accept their reality, even if it differs from yours. Use their name frequently and engage them with familiar activities, such as music, pictures, or simple exercises. Avoid pointing out their memory loss, and instead, respond to repeated questions or stories as if they are being shared for the first time. Never assume they don’t remember something, and

focus on reminiscing about the past rather than recent events. If agitation arises, change the subject or activity. Offer comforting physical touch when appropriate, treating them as the adult they are rather than talking down to them. Limit stimulation by ensuring visits aren’t overwhelming, and if they don’t recognize you, focus on the joy of the moment rather than their memory of who you are. Ultimately, the goal is to create a positive, reassuring, and meaningful interaction that prioritizes their emotional well-being.

Can you end off with an inspiring story from your work with Zicharon?

There’s a beautiful story that really highlights the work that we do to bring Kavod back to the patients and their families. There was a wonderful man who we helped, an elderly Holocaust survivor. His wife had dementia, and every day she would want to bench licht, and she would say “It's Shabbos, it’s Shabbos”. Every day, he set the table with a white tablecloth and put a leichter on the table, and she would bench licht probably five times a day. He was so sweet, and patient, and accepting of her how she was. That really sums up what we are trying to do and communicate to people. It's about protecting

the Kovod Habriyos of the patient. You have to walk in their shoes and go into their reality, because you'll never get them into your reality. You're never going to change the mind of an individual with dementia. Caring for a patient with dementia is extremely stressful. If you feel that you are losing patience and getting irritated, take yourself out of the room. When a demented individual decides something, their brain gets locked on it, and the only way to relax them and to unlock that lock is to agree with them. Once you agree with the person suffering from dementia, you can change the subject and eventually get him/her back into the real reality.

THE ROLE OF EXERCISE IN PREVENTING AND MANAGING DEMENTIA

Dementia

is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While there is no cure, research has consistently shown that exercise can help prevent dementia and slow its progression in those already diagnosed. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, boosts brain function, and reduces inflammation, all of which contribute to cognitive well-being.

Exercises Beneficial for Dementia Prevention and Management

Different forms of exercise offer unique benefits for brain health. Here are some specific types of exercise that have been shown to be particularly effective:

1. Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic activities increase blood flow to the brain, which supports cognitive function. Studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise reduces the risk of developing dementia and can slow cognitive decline in those already affected.

• Examples: walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing

• Recommended Frequency: minimum 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise

2. Strength Training

Strength training improves muscle mass, coordination, and balance, which can help prevent falls and maintain independence in individuals with dementia.

• Examples: resistance bands, weightlifting, and bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges

• Recommended Frequency: 2-3 times per week

3. Balance and Flexibility Exercises

Balance and flexibility exercises reduce the risk of falls and improve mobility, which is essential for older adults with dementia.

• Examples: Tai Chi, yoga, and stretching exercises

• Recommended Frequency: 2-3 times per week

4. Mind-Body Exercises

Mind-body exercises combine physical movement with mental focus, improving cognitive function and reducing stress and anxiety.

• Examples: Tai Chi, Pilates, and yoga

• Recommended Frequency: 2-3 times per week

5. Mind-Body Exercises

Group activities provide cognitive stimulation and social engagement, which are crucial for mental health.

• Examples: dancing, group exercise classes, walking groups, gardening

• Recommended Frequency: several times a week

Encouraging Exercise for Individuals with Dementia

Encouraging physical activity in individuals with dementia can be challenging, but the following strategies can help:

1. Create a Routine

Establishing a consistent schedule makes exercise a habit and reduces confusion.

2. Make It Enjoyable

Choose activities the person enjoys to increase participation.

3. Exercise Together

Exercising with a caregiver, friend, or family member provides motivation and social interaction.

4. Modify Activities as Needed

Adapt exercises to fit mobility levels and cognitive abilities.

5. Ensure Safety

Use safe environments, proper footwear, and supportive equipment to prevent falls.

6. Incorporate Movement into Daily Life

Encourage simple activities like walking around the house, gardening, or doing household chores.

7. Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise efforts and progress to encourage continued participation.

Exercise is a powerful tool in preventing and managing dementia.

Engaging in regular physical activity, whether aerobic, strength-based, or mind-body focused, can improve brain function, reduce cognitive decline, and enhance overall quality of life. By incorporating enjoyable and safe exercises into daily routines, caregivers and loved ones can help individuals with dementia stay active and engaged, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

Declutter Diaries

Your Go-to Guide for Transforming Cluttered Spaces into Organized, Functional Havens

As the last wisps of winter's chill dissipate, many of us welcome the arrival of spring with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

For many, this seasonal shift marks the perfect opportunity to tackle the oft-dreaded task of Pesach cleaning. But before you break out the brooms and dustpans, consider this: decluttering is just as essential when it comes to truly refreshing your space. By clearing out the clutter that's accumulated over the past year, you'll not only create a more peaceful and organized living environment, but also set yourself up for a more streamlined, stress-free Pesach-cleaning season ahead.

Coat Closets that Give you that Warm Feeling Inside

Even if you don’t have a large entryway, you can still keep this space neat and organized. Small changes, like using vertical storage or creating designated spots for shoes and bags, can make a big difference.

Empty the closet so you can make a thorough assessment and clean the space. Inspect every item and consider donating or storing off-season items. Replace bulky hangers with slim, strong ones that can handle a winter coat but still take up less space and give your coat closet a sleek, tidy, affordable upgrade.

Install hooks or pegs along the inside of the door or on the closet wall for scarves, hats, briefcases, and umbrellas. If your closet has shelves, use baskets or bins to store small items like gloves, mittens, or extra hats. Label each container for ease and use soft fabric bins so little hands have easy access without the risk of heavy falling objects. If you have room on the floor, consider a shoe rack or a mat for shoes, boots, and other footwear.

Finally, regularly go through your coat closet, especially at the start of each season. Make sure you only keep what you need and put items back in their designated spots to prevent clutter from building up again.

Laundry Rooms that are Crisp and Clean

Even if your laundry room is small, there’s no reason it can’t be efficient and tidy. Focusing on smart storage solutions and decluttering essentials will make laundry day easier (and maybe even more enjoyable!).

Start by clearing out the entire laundry room so you can assess what you need. It’s also the perfect opportunity to wipe down shelves, clean appliances, and refresh the room. You can also run an empty washer cycle with cleaner or vinegar to clean the drum.

Next, toss anything that’s expired or nearly empty and combine supplies in clearly labeled bins for easier access. Maximize wall space with shelves, cabinets, or hanging hooks. These can hold

Fridges & Freezers Clean Enough to Eat off of

detergents, towels, and even small tools. A slim shelf between or beside your washer and dryer can be a game-changer in small spaces.

You can also make laundry day more efficient by placing a hamper in each bedroom or bathroom to streamline the sorting process. Invest in separate laundry baskets, sorted by type, for easy sorting when it's time to wash.

Keep in mind, filling the detergent dispenser to the top is unnecessary and can lead to detergent buildup, which may damage your washing machine over time and using less detergent can help preserve the fiber in your fabrics.

Organize items in your fridge and freezer by category. Keeping similar items together makes finding what you need quick and easy. For example, create sections for dairy, condiments, drinks, leftovers, fruits, and veggies in the fridge and create sections for meats, vegetables, frozen meals, and desserts in the freezer.

Use clear bins and drawer dividers to keep small items contained and visible. Consider

Study/Offices so Organized you’ll Never have to Look for

a Pen

Start by organizing your seforim and books and cleaning your book shelves. See if anything requires repair and consider making a bin for Sheimos.

Your desk should be a place for focus, not chaos. Keep your desk tidy by organizing essential items like pens, notebooks, and electronic devices. Consider drawer organizers or desk trays to keep your workspace streamlined.

Label shelves, bins, and folders so you always know where

things belong. Labels also help anyone else who may be using the room to quickly find and put away items.

Papers, notes, and documents can quickly accumulate. Use a filing cabinet or hanging file system to sort important documents by category.

Don’t forget about wall space!

Wall-mounted racks are great for storing books and materials. Vertical storage is a great way to keep things organized without taking up valuable floor space.

A functional study/office can still have some personality and meaningful items. It’s about balance, keeping things organized and focused, but don’t feel the need to purge everything that adds to the atmosphere of the room.

stackable bins in the freezer to maximize vertical space. For your fridge, bins can help organize fruits, vegetables, or deli meats more effectively.

The fridge door is the warmest spot, so use it for condiments, dressings, and other nonperishable items. Avoid storing milk or eggs here, as they require consistent cooling. Store frequently used items in easy-toreach spots. Reserve the back areas for less

frequently used items. and use shelf liners to keep items from sliding around.

Use the First-In, First-Out Rule (FIFO) by placing newer items behind the older ones. This works for both the fridge and freezer and helps minimize food waste. For food safety and quality, set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C). Freezing food at higher temperatures can cause ice crystals to form, which affects texture and taste!

Pantry Transformations to Make you Smile

Start by removing everything from the pantry and wiping down the shelves. Go through each item and and toss anything old or no longer usable. If you have multiples of the same item, combine them to free up space. Next, categorize food by grains, canned goods, spices, snacks, and so on.

Store items you use most often at eye level, and less-used items on higher or lower shelves. That way, you’re not constantly digging through the pantry for ingredients you use daily. Use wire bins for easy access and organization.

For pantry staples like pasta, flour, rice, and cereal, opt for clear containers. This makes it easy to see how much you have left and helps prevent buying duplicates. Make sure to use airtight containers to keep everything fresh!

If you’re short on shelf space, use shelf risers or stackable racks for items like cans. This will help you store more items without overcrowding the shelves.

Pantries can also be great for storing household supplies, such as cleaning products, paper towels, and even extra toiletries. With a little creativity, you can turn your pantry into a multi-functional storage area.

Linen Closets You’ll Want to Curl up and Take a Nap in

Store your everyday towels and sheets on the center shelf. Everything else — mismatched pillowcases, bleachstained towels, and your daughter's hot pink robe can be tucked in baskets on higher or lower shelves.

Use bins or baskets to keep similar items together. Keep extra towels in one basket, sheets in another, and any other linens in their own space. Labeling each container makes it easier to grab what you need without having to search.

If your closet has shelves that tend to collapse under the weight of stacked linens, try using shelf dividers to create

neat sections. This will prevent stacks of sheets from toppling over and keep everything organized.

Neatly fold towels, sheets, and blankets into uniform sizes. You can even roll towels to save space and make it easier to see everything at a glance. Try an under-shelf organizer in your linen closet to hold rolled-up towels and linens.

Linen closets can be versatile storage spaces for other household items as well, like toiletries, extra toilet paper, and even cleaning supplies. With the right organization, you can make your linen closet work harder for you!

Junk Drawers

Shouldn’t be Filled with Junk

As always, start by emptying the drawer. Lay everything out on a table or countertop so you can see what you’re working with. Throw away anything that’s expired, broken, or simply unnecessary.

Group similar items together. Put all the pens, paperclips, and rubber bands in one pile. Gather batteries, screws, and other small tools in another. You’ll soon see that the mess isn’t as overwhelming as it seems once you break it down into categories.

Invest in some drawer organizers to separate and contain your items. Small containers or dividers can work wonders in creating separate spaces for each category. The goal is to have a home for everything, so the drawer doesn’t become a free-for-all. Wire organizers can be a lifesaver if you constantly find yourself untangling a knot of cables to find the one you need.

Once your drawer is organized, take a moment to label the sections. This will make it easier to return items to their designated spaces when needed. Lastly, set a routine for maintaining it. Give it a quick tidy-up once a month, and you’ll never fall back into clutter-chaos.

Cars that Move you Without Getting Lost in the Clutter

Clear out the entire car, including the trunk, glove compartment, and seat pockets and create a toss-or-keep pile. Use a handheld vacuum to suck up crumbs hiding in small crevices and a damp cloth to wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, and screen.

Next, designate zones for essentials, so the front seat should only house what you use daily like phone chargers, sunglasses, and tissues. Store important documents (registration, insurance), a small first-aid kit, and a flashlight in the

glove compartment and use the center console for small items like gum, hand sanitizer, or spare change. Back seat organizers are great if you have kids. Use them to store toys, snacks, and wipes neatly.

Finally, contain the trunk chaos. Invest in a trunk organizer to hold jumper cables and emergency supplies and use bins or collapsible crates to prevent things from rolling around.

Declutter your Home One Step at a Time

Decluttering and organizing in stages can keep the task manageable. Take on one area of your home at a time, work in stages and before you know it, your entire house will be the picture of organization.

Excerpts from BoroPark 24 Decluttering Diaries Series By Y.N. Lowy

Health Section The

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Pesach and Constipation

Pesach Flours

3

Pesach Food on the Go

4

All the Different Types of Eggs

Pesach

Constipation and

By Suri Sprei, HHP, NC

We all love the Yom Tov of Pesach, but more often than not this holiday comes along with indigestion and constipation struggles. This is mostly due to the fact that we are quite limited in the foods our systems are accustomed to year-round. Along with that, we also tend to overdo it on the constipating foods like dairy, matza and meats. Eliminating properly is essential for optimal wellbeing and experiencing a problem in that department can greatly affect mood and put a damper on the chag. In this article I will share some wonderfully simple and helpful tips that can relieve any constipation you may be experiencing during this festive time.

Fruits

Fruits are kosher for Pesach! Of course you knew that, but I find many people don't eat enough of them on Pesach! You can and should be doing a lot of fruit. Many have the custom to peel fruits and will only eat those you can peel, and that's sufficient to get a good amount of the good stuff in. Fruits contain soluble dietary fibers that create movement of the bowels and push waste through easily. The fruits that rank the highest for constipation are apples, kiwis, pears and papaya.

Fruits also have a mild laxative effect on the bowels, which can greatly help alleviate constipation. However, be careful to always eat ripened fruit, when the sugars are mature. This is especially important with bananas which many consume when they're not ripe. This causes them to get even more constipated and blame the banana. Unripe fruit can also cause other digestive issues and should be avoided. But that doesn't mean you should avoid fruit altogether, just make sure to ripen them properly and then enjoy!

Raw vs cooked vegetables

Another great constipation tool is eating uncooked raw vegetables together with your proteins. Chicken and meat have no dietary fiber and will sit in the bowels, causing inflammation in the intestines and slowing down the flow of waste matter. This will end up causing constipation, gas and bloating. A great way to minimize these effects is to combine your dish with raw vegetables. Raw vegetables have important digestive enzymes that help break food down properly and also keep food moving through the intestinal tract.

When combined with proteins they ensure that protein waste doesn't sit and putrefy and instead helps push it all on the way out. Cooked vegetables are also good for you and very valuable but they do not provide the constipation antidote that raw vegetables do. Some dishes you can make are cucumber salads, romaine lettuce salads, kohlrabi slaws and shredded carrot salads. You'll enjoy the freshness of the raw vegetables at a time when food variety is so limited.

A very helpful herb to consider is aloe vera. While you may already be aware of the benefits of aloe vera used externally, when properly consumed internally it can be highly medicinal and extremely helpful for constipation. All you have to do is take two inches of the peeled aloe vera leaf and run it through a high-speed blender with a cup of water. Once it's blended well drink it on an empty stomach.

Aloe Vera Ginger

You can make this drink before Yom Tov and drink it throughout when you don't have access to a blender. Aloe vera is a very helpful herb that has been used for thousands of years for a multitude of health issues including ulcers and reflux. The benefits you'll be getting from aloe vera go far beyond constipation. Aloe vera can be found in most Mexican fruit stores as well as in well stocked kosher supermarkets.

Ginger is another fantastic herb and spice that is cheap and easy to find in all supermarkets. It is especially available during the Pesach season because many people use ginger to make charoses. Ginger is an incredible antiinflammatory herb and those properties will take pressure off the lower intestines. It also is a gentle laxative and will therefore help the bowels move easily. Ginger aids in digestion and assimilation, which we can always use more of on Pesach. Ginger is a star when it comes to heartburn and nausea too,

so you'll be getting plenty of benefits by utilizing this wonderful herb. Some ways to use ginger are to include it in food you're preparing like soups, vegetable sides and salads.

Something else that's very helpful is making ginger tea by simply taking an inch of ginger root, cutting it into paper thin coins and letting it steep in a cup of freshly boiled hot water. After allowing it to steep for 15 minutes, it's ready to drink. You can also make an iced tea and sip throughout the day.

Fresh juice

Nothing gets things moving like freshly pressed juice does. Obviously, you can only do this Chol HaMoed but it's so amazing that it's worth it just for then. I invested in a Pesach juicer my first year of marriage because I knew how important having one is. Fresh juice gets peristalsis action going immediately which then starts causing movement in the bowels. You can add ginger to your fresh juice too for a double whammy. You can juice peeled lemons, apples, pears, pineapple, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, beets, carrots and celery. Try combining some fruits with some vegetables. Add apples to all your combinations to make sure they're palatable and enjoyable. If you have a slow juicer, you can make juice ahead of Yom Tov and have some the first days when you feel like you need some help. Juice typically lasts 3-4 days in an airtight container.

I truly hope these tips help to alleviate any digestive or constipation issues you may experience over Yom Tov and you get to enjoy a symptom-free Chag. Wishing you and your family a Chag Kosher VSameach!

Suri Sprei is the founder of Wellness Redefined and is a graduate of the Global College of Natural Medicine. She is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Nutritional Consultant and has 15 years of experience in her field, helping clients navigate chronic health challenges through food, herbs and supplements. Her Instagram is @Wellness_Redefined1

Flours Pesach

By Suri Sprei HHP, NC

It's funny how Pesach is typically a time where restriction is prevalent, where we have less choices and less variety. We learn to make do with just a handful of ingredients and create extravagant menus and meals with those few food choices. However in the world of health and gluten free eating the Pesach choices have virtually exploded. Especially when it comes to different flours one can use for cooking and baking. In this article we will explore the different flours available on the Kosher market that is also kosher for Pesach. With these flours you can create the most decadent desserts and pastries and they can also be used all year round on a gluten free diet.

In this article, we will explore the different flours available on the Kosher market that are also kosher for Pesach.

With these flours, you can create the most decadent desserts and pastries, and they can also be used all year round on a glutenfree diet.

Almond flour

Moving on, we have the decadent almond flour. Almond flour is a bit more expensive than potato starch and is also a flour that is heavier due to its fat content.

Almond flour is made by simply grinding blanched almonds into a fine powder. Almond flour is very versatile and can be used in treats like biscotti and macaroons. It can also be used as a dredge coating for

Potato starch

Let's start with the most basic flour, which is potato starch. This is the flour that's been used by our ancestors for decades and is the most common flour used on Pesach in all religious sects.

chicken breast or as a crumble on top of apple pie.

Almond flour has been used by gluten-free enthusiasts all year round for many years, and therefore we now have an abundance of kosher for Pesach recipes available at our disposal. I use almond flour personally in my chocolate chip cookies recipe which is a hit every Pesach.

Potato starch can be used as the main ingredient in cake and cookies and it can also be used as a thickener in soups and sauces.

Potato starch is made in a tedious process of collecting the starch that accumulates when potatoes are grated and soaked in water. The starch that settles on the bottom of the soaking water is then strained and collected. Potato starch used in baking results in very soft and pillowy cakes and kugels.

Growing up, I remember my parents using potato starch in our egg lukshen to thicken it and create a more substantial noodle. Feel free to get creative and explore with this versatile Pesach flour.

Quinoa flour

Quinoa flour isn't as readily available as the other flours, but if you're really looking for a low-calorie carb alternative, you can grind quinoa up in a high-speed blender and make a beautiful flour that can be used in cookies and cakes interchangeably with potato starch.

Quinoa flour makes for a great pancake and muffin option too.

Not everyone is ok with consuming quinoa on Pesach, so double-check with your LOR if this is an option for you.

Coconut flour

More recently, coconut flour has made its debut on the Kosher for Pesach scene.

With its delicate and subtle sweet flavor, coconut flour makes for an ideal choice for desserts and even savory recipes.

It’s a wonderful coating for chicken, fish, or other proteins. Coconut flour blends well with other nut flours to create superior gluten-free baked goods.

Due to its high dietary fiber content, recipes featuring coconut flour often call for extra eggs because coconut flour absorbs a lot more liquid than other flours.

Coconut flour is a good source of medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid, “healthy” fats found in other coconut products like coconut milk and coconut oil.

If you're new to coconut flour, make sure to use coconut flour recipes specifically tailored for coconut flour to make sure your baked goods turn out delicious.

I like using coconut flour in macaroon recipes for a delicious coconut-flavored cookie.

Tapioca starch is another versatile flour that is now available kosher for Pesach. I enjoy using this flour often all year round for its great binding abilities.

I often add it to potato knishes or kugels instead of eggs. It also makes a great dairy-free mozzarella cheese when blended with some nuts and garlic.

Tapioca starch is made similarly to potato starch — soaking and grinding cassava root, which is then squeezed out to separate the starch. It's budget-friendly and a great glutenfree option for baking and cooking.

Tapioca starch Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients:

2 cups blanched almond flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup applesauce

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

3. You will get roughly 18 small cookies from this batch, so you may need to use 2 pans, or cook 2 separate batches.

4. Use your hands to flatten the cookies, then bake at 350ºF for 12 minutes, or until the edges look lightly golden.

5. Let cool completely.

Pesach Food OnTheGo

Fast forward to today, we have grown up and are raising our own families and have figured out some pretty clever snacks that are easy to make, easy to transport, AND will satiate hungry bellies.

Savory Potato Waffles

These are crunchy and delicious and easy for small hands to hold. They hold together nicely and don’t make a mess. You can use these as a bread and make a sandwich with avocado. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and are loaded with b vitamins. They also hold a decent amount of calories which has the capacity to satiate for long periods of time. I wouldn’t consider this a recipe but rather a technique. Simply mash steamed or boiled potatoes, add salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add sautéed onions or minced garlic to the mix. Heat a non-stick waffle machine to high heat. Add the mashed potato until the base of the waffle machine is evenly covered, then close the machine and cook until the waffle is crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Repeat with rest of the mashed potatoes until done. These freeze beautifully but are best consumed fresh or the day they are made.

When I was a kid, one of the most challenging parts of our Pesach Chol Hamoed trips was figuring out what snacks to pack along on the trip to keep us kids from going hungry. What was easy to pack without getting super messy, what was filling enough to be worth packing, what was kosher for Pesach enough, etc.

We would end up just packing loads of chocolate bars and bags of potato chips and boxes of lady fingers. Sometimes a hard-boiled egg or two would make it into the car as well. And of course, a ton of crumbling matza that would shower the car floor with matza crumbs. The problem is that most of those snacks were devoid of nutrition and really didn’t keep us full for more than 10 minutes and we would end up famished until we made it home to dinner.

Candied Almonds

Apple pie cookies

These cookies are a favorite all year round in my home for its simplicity and minimal ingredients. There’s never enough and it’s always gone within a day or two. It’s egg free and even oil free, making it allergy and vegan friendly. It’s a delicious and nutritious cookie to hand out to the kids on a long road trip. Make sure to make enough because they go quickly.

• 2 peeled apples chopped

• 2 cup almond flour

• 4 Tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of sea salt

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Process apples in a food processor until puree. Place the almond flour in a bowl. Add 1 cup of apple puree, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Stir until completely blended. Using a cookie scoop drop tablespoons of batter onto prepared cookie. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Freezes beautifully.

Nuts on Pesach is a great snack option and a good way to satisfy your sweet tooth. These roast in 20 minutes and will make your whole kitchen and house smell amazing.The maple syrup creates a crystallized coating on top of the almonds which is absolutely delicious.

• 1 cup of almonds

• 1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Evenly spread out 1 cup of almonds onto the cookie sheet and bake them for about 5 minutes. Remove the almonds from the oven, but keep the oven on. They will smell a bit like popcorn at this point. Put the almonds into a bowl and top with 1 Tbs of maple syrup. Mix. Then top the almonds in 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, mix again. Evenly spread out the almonds onto the lined cookie sheet again and bake for 12-15 minutes, mixing them half way through. They will smell sweet and roasted at this point and will have turned a darker brown.

Coconut Macaroons

These macaroons are incredibly easy to throw together with minimal ingredients.

• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup almond flour

• 2 tbsp solid coconut oil

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

• Pinch of sea salt

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add all the ingredients to a food processor—pulse a few times until the mixture is uniform and the coconut shreds are smaller but still noticeable. Using a cookie scoop, scoop out firmly-packed balls of coconut mixture and place them on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes, until golden on the bottom. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a cooling rack. Makes: 12-16 macaroons

Types Eggs of All the different Explained

BY JULIA EHRMAN

Eggs might just be the ultimate kitchen workhorse. They can be cooked any which way—scrambled, fried, baked, poached, or boiled—and they are the most popular ingredient in our favorite Pesach dishes.

But what's up with all the different types of eggs at the grocery store? Does it really matter what you buy?

First things first: Let's clarify that we're talking about types of chicken eggs here.

There are many other kinds of eggs you can seek out, like quail eggs and duck eggs, but if you're staring at the refrigerator case at your supermarket, you're likely looking at cartons and cartons of chicken eggs. Even with that piece of information, though, you might still find yourself scratching your head as you try to decide what to buy. Why not just grab the closest carton within reach and run, right?

Well, it turns out that decoding the labels and grades bestowed upon the humble egg is a really good idea—and it's actually pretty easy, too, once you learn a few basics. Read on for our guide to all the different types of eggs out there—then get cooking!

What are the six classifications of eggs?

It all comes down to size. According to the USDA, there are six different weight classes for chicken eggs, so the size labels on a carton are determined by "net weight per dozen eggs"—not by the egg’s dimensions or how big it looks.

Jumbo:

30 ounces (63 grams). Jumbo eggs, which are somewhat rare, can be more than 20% larger than "large" eggs.

Extra-large:

27 ounces (56 grams). Slightly bigger than large eggs, extralarge eggs may be called for in some ingredient lists.

Large:

24 ounces (50 grams). Large eggs are the most common— when recipes don’t specify size, it’s safe to assume this is the size to be used.

Medium:

21 ounces (44 grams). These are likely the smallest size you'll find at the grocery store. They also have thicker shells, making them a good option for hardboiling and peeling.

Small:

18 ounces (38 grams). Small eggs come from young hens and are not readily available in most grocery stores.

Peewee:

15 ounces (32 grams). Peewee eggs, aka pullet eggs, also come from young hens, and are not readily available in most grocery stores.

What are the different grades of eggs?

The egg grades you see on a carton of eggs (AA, A and B) are based on official USDA standards to specify the quality of the eggs— that is, their texture, appearance, and behavior when cooked.

Grade AA: These are the highest quality eggs, as they have an almost perfect appearance. When cracked open, they cover a small area; the egg white is thick and the yolk is firm and round. These eggs are ideal for any use, but particularly for poaching, frying, and cooking in the shell.

Grade A: These eggs are of high quality. When cracked open, they cover a moderate area; the white is reasonably thick and the yolk is firm. Like Grade AA eggs, these are great for poaching, frying, and cooking in the shell. They are the grade most commonly sold in stores.

Grade B: When cracked open, these eggs cover a wide area; they have a small amount of white, which appears weak and

What are the ways to cook an egg?

The possibilities are endless! The most common methods are scrambling, frying, baking, poaching, and boiling. Within these categories there are dozens of options—it's all just a matter of preference. Be sure to store your eggs in a cool environment for optimal freshness, and enjoy your egg-cellent

Why are there different kinds of eggs?

There are different kinds of eggs because there are different kinds of chickens! If you're wondering about egg colors, they can range from snow-white and soft brown to blue, green, chocolate brown, and even pink, with the color being determined by the chicken’s breed. The most common supermarket egg varieties are white and brown, and generally speaking, white eggs come from hens with white feathers and brown eggs from hens with reddishbrown feathers. Nutritionally, white and brown eggs are the same.

If you're wondering about the names and labels on an egg carton, these are used to designate how the hens were raised and fed. If you don’t see any of these labels, that means you have a carton of conventional eggs (those laid by hens in enclosures/ small cages that also serve as nesting space).

Cage-free:

These eggs are laid by hens free to roam in a building, room or open area that includes nest space and perches.

Free-range:

These eggs are the same as cage-free, but the hens must have access to the outdoors.

Pasture-raised:

These eggs are laid by hens who roam and forage on a maintained pasture area.

Certified Humane:

These eggs come from facilities that meet specific standards for farm animal treatment according to the Humane Farm Animal Care Organization.

American Humane Certified:

These eggs come from facilities that have passed a third-party audit/certification program from the American Humane Association supporting the humane treatment of animals.

Certified Organic:

These eggs are laid by cagefree or free-range hens that are raised on feed that is certified organic.

Pasteurized:

These eggs are heated to a specific temperature to destroy pathogens.

Omega-3 Enriched:

These eggs are laid by hens fed a special diet rich in omega-3s.

Vegetarian-fed:

These eggs are laid by hens fed a vegetarian diet.

Ready, Set Cook!

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5

Potato Kugel Cups

10 Almond Blondies

Overnight Brisket

Tomato Chutne Short Ribs Lamb Stew with Apricots, Pear, and Mint

Terriyummy Beef Strips

Broccoli Kugel Spinach Kugel Cupcakes

Butternut Squash, Apple & Ginger Soup

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

10

Make ahead and freeze Pesach recipes

By Jamie Geller

Your kitchen is ready for Pesach; now is the time to cook ahead!

Cook whatever meals you plan to store in the freezer. That means your briskets, kugels, cookies and soups, stock your freezer now and Pesach eating will be easier than ever.

Planning in advance is one of the keys to a successful and relaxing Yom Tov. Stocking your freezer with ready-to-heat seder and Yom Tov meals—makes all the difference.

And I've got your back. Browse the following pages for all the recipes you can make ahead and freeze.

Pesach Recipes

Almond Blondies

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 30 min

Ingredients

• ¼ cup oil

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1½ cups almond flour

• 2 eggs

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup chocolate chips

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

Servings 8

2. Mix all ingredients together until fully combined, adding in the chocolate chips at the end.

3. Pour mixture into a parchment-lined, 8-inch brownie pan, and bake for 30 minutes.

4. Allow to cool and cut into squares.

Tomato Chutney Short Ribs

Prep Time 10 min

Ingredients

Cook Time 3 hr 20 min

Servings 4-6

• 4 pounds English cut short ribs

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup sliced onion

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 cups cola

• 2 cups tomato chutney

• Radish sprouts, for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven or ovenproof pot over medium-high heat.

3. Season ribs with salt and pepper, then place in the pot. Sear ribs until browned on all sides. Set aside.

4. Lower heat to medium-low and add onions. Sauté for 10 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes more until tomato paste starts to brown.

5. Pour in cola to deglaze pot. Increase heat to high. Cook for 5 minutes, then add chutney and stir until fully combined. Turn off heat and add ribs back to the pot. Cover and place in 350°F oven for 2½ hours.

6. Remove from oven; transfer liquid to a separate saucepan and cook for 15 minutes, or until sauce is reduced.

7. Pour sauce over ribs and place under a broiler for 3 to 5 minutes to glaze meat.

8. Serve immediately. Top with radish sprouts, micro herbs, and julienned radishes.

Potato Kugel Cups

Prep Time 15 min

Ingredients

Cook Time 60 min

• 1½ cups extra virgin olive oil

• 3 eggs

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 6 large Idaho potatoes

• 1 large onion, quartered

Steps

Servings 4-6

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Liberally oil six (4 to 6 ounces) glass dessert dishes or custard cups with 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil each. Place custard cups on a baking pan.

2. Fill a large bowl with cold water and, as you peel potatoes, place them in cold water to prevent browning.

3. Place the pan of cups in 425°F oven to heat up the extra virgin olive oil (be very careful with glass, extreme temperature changes can cause it to shatter).

4. Beat eggs in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper, mix well, and set aside.

5. Pour ¾ cup of extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan and place over medium-low heat.

6. Cut potatoes lengthwise into halves or quarters so they fit into food processor feed tube. Process potatoes and onions using the blade that creates thin, shoestring-like strips.

7. Transfer potatoes and onions to a large bowl, add egg mixture and heated oil from stovetop, mix very well. Remove any large pieces of potatoes or onions that weren't processed properly.

8. Remove heated cups from the oven and spoon potato mixture evenly into hot, oiled cups.

9. Bake at 425°F for 1 hour. If the sides are still pale, cook for 20 minutes longer until the tops look crunchy and sides look golden and browned. Loosen edges with a knife, unmold and serve on a platter.

Broccoli Kugel

Prep Time 5 min

Ingredients

Cook Time 75 min

Servings 8

1 (2-pound) bag frozen chopped broccoli cuts, thawed and drained

1 cup light mayonnaise

4 eggs

1½ teaspoons kosher salt

¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper

1 pinch cayenne pepper

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.

2. Liberally coat a 9-inch round baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

3. In a large bowl, place broccoli, mayonnaise, eggs, salt, black and cayenne peppers, and mix well.

4. Pour broccoli mixture into prepared baking dish.

5. Bake at 375°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until set with golden edges.

Butternut Squash, Apple & Ginger Soup

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 40 min

Ingredients

• 1 diced onion

• 1 chopped butternut squash

• 4 chopped apples

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon coriander

• ½ inch fresh ginger

• 4 cups stock or water

Steps

Servings 4-6

1. Start by sautéing a diced onion in a large pot. When onions are translucent, add one chopped butternut squash and 4 chopped apples. Sauté for about 10 minutes or until squash and apples are golden and begin to brown.

2. Add 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin and ½ teaspoon coriander. Add a ½ inch of ginger, either whole or diced, depending on how much ginger flavor you like. Adding a whole piece and removing it after simmering will impart a more subtle flavor; dicing it into the soup will give it a powerful taste.

3. Add 4 cups of liquid (chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water) and simmer 30 minutes, or until very soft.

4. Purée in a food processor or with a hand blender.

5. To garnish, either chop an apple and toss with a little lemon juice, or cut ginger into thin matchsticks and fry into crispy ginger chips.

Overnight Brisket

Prep Time 15 min

Ingredients

Cook Time 10 hrs

• 3 large onions, thinly sliced

Servings 10+

• 3 whole heads of garlic, sliced in half to reveal the cloves

• 1 whole brisket (fat on) or 2 second cut briskets, such as Grow and Behold brisket

• Kosher salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 cup dry red wine

• 3 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 225°F.

2. Layer sliced onions and garlic in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven. Season brisket with salt and pepper.

3. Place brisket on top of onions and garlic. Pour red wine, broth and tomatoes, if using, into pan. Cover food directly with a layer of parchment (foil will leech onto your food) and then seal tightly with foil.

4. Roast at 225°F for 10 hours.

5. Gently transfer brisket to a cutting board to cool before slicing. While brisket is cooling, strain onions and garlic from pan juices, being sure to press all juices out. Skim fat off of pan juices and reduce pan juices stove top until it coats the back of a spoon.

6. Slice brisket across the grain and transfer back to braising pan. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month (freeze reduced braising liquid separately).

7. Reheat brisket, covered in a low oven at 250°F, until hot. Serve with reduced pan juices.

Lamb Stew With Apricots, Pear, and Mint

Prep Time 20 min

Ingredients

Cook Time 2 hr 10 min

Servings 8

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

• 3 pounds boneless lamb, cut into 1 1/2-inch (4-cm) pieces

• 2 medium onions, cut in half and thinly sliced

• 6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

• 1/3 cup (80ml) fresh orange juice (from 1 orange)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 cups (480ml) beef, chicken, or vegetable broth

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• 6 ounces (170g) dried apricots

• 1/2 cup (45g) sliced almonds, toasted (see below)

• 1 large pear, not peeled, cut into 2-inch (5-cm) cubes

• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh mint leaves

Steps

1. In a large, wide saucepan or dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the lamb pieces in batches and cook, use tongs to turn the pieces, until well browned on all sides. Do not crowd the pan.

3. Remove the browned pieces to a large bowl.

4. Add the onions and garlic to the saucepan plus the other tablespoon of oil and cook, scraping the bottom of the saucepan to avoid sticking, for 5 minutes, until the onions are browned. If the onions start to burn, turn the heat down to medium.

5. Add the lemon zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick, honey, and broth to the saucepan and bring to a boil.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Return the lamb pieces to the saucepan, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 1/2 hours.

8. Add the apricots, almonds, and pear cubes to the pan, stir, and cook for another 40 minutes. Add the mint, stir, and serve.

Terriyummy Beef Strips

Prep Time 30 min

Ingredients

Cook Time 60 min

• Two top rib roast cut into 1 cm thick 'Boksburg Ribs', often found as flanken. Ask your butcher to cut the strips vertically (1/2 inch) so that you will have a strip of meat with about 7 little bones

• 2 beef bouillion cubes

• 2 cups boiling water

• 1 cup coca cola (not diet)

• Oil for frying

• 2 cloves fresh garlic crushed

Steps

1. Preheat oven 350 °F

Servings 4-6

• 2 inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and grated

• 1 red-eye chilli (finely chopped)

• Bunch of coriander (This gives it that fresh Thai taste)

• 2 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 tablespoon sweet wine

• 1 tsp potato starch dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water

2. Fry meat strips until golden brown. These can also be cooked on the braai/BBQ first. Remove and set aside.

3. In a small pot, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in boiling water over medium heat. Don't simmer for too long as you don't want the liquid to evaporate too quickly.

4. Fry garlic and ginger in a little oil for a minute.

5. Add sugar, honey, wine, coke and return to heat. Whisk as you bring it to the boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add dissolved potato starch while still whisking.

6. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat.

7. Add the fresh coriander to the sauce.

8. Pour sauce over meat and roast covered for 30 minutes.

9. Reduce heat to 300°, remove cover and continue to cook, for about another 30 minutes, basting every now and then until golden brown. Cover until ready to serve. Then reheat.

Spinach Kugel Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 (8-ounce) carton button mushrooms, sliced

• 1 (1-pound) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

• 2 eggs, lightly whisked

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon sugar

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

• ½ teaspoon celery seed

• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons minced onion

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2. In a large, nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Saute mushrooms until golden brown.

4. In a large bowl add mushrooms, spinach, eggs, mayonnaise, turmeric, sugar, celery seed, minced onion, onion powder, parsley, salt and pepper, and mix until well combined.

5. Pour into a well greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Let cool, then serve.

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallow Topping

Ingredients

• 2½ pounds sweet potatoes (4 medium), peeled and cubed

• 4 tablespoons margarine or extra virgin olive oil, such as Colavita

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

• 1 (10-ounce) bag marshmallows

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.

2. Cover potatoes with water in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.

3. Drain well and return to the pot. Add margarine, egg, vanilla, and salt. Mash with a fork or potato masher until slightly chunky. Stir in pecans.

4. Transfer to prepared baking dish and smooth top. Cover with marshmallows and bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

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Saturday, April 12th 9AM - 9PM

Monday, April 14th 1PM - 12AM

Saturday, April 19th 9AM - 9PM

Sunday, April 20th 1PM - 12AM