SamplePurim5785

‫בס׳׳ד‬

SOULWISE Chabad Lubavitch of Your Town

PURIM 5785

A LITTLE NOSH FOR THE SOUL

ONE NATION

UNDEFEATABLE CELEBRATE PURIM!

MARCH 13-14

HAMAN’S THERAPIST INSIDE:

UNPACKING THE HAMANTASH SCAN TO CONNECT:

JOIN CHABAD FOR A

PURIM PARTY! MARCH 13 AT 7 PM

FROM THE RABBI’S DESK Dear Friend, I wait all year for the joy of Purim. Sure, I look forward to reading the Scroll of Esther, the festive meal, tasty baskets of foods, and the gifts we give to the poor. Yet, there is something in the colorful story of Queen Esther and how a string of seemingly natural events led to one of the most significant victories in Jewish history that is relatable and seems to speak to me personally.

Don't we all struggle with darkness and Haman-like characters that try to bring us down?

DEDICATED TO THE LOVE AND INSPIRATION OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE

To me, Purim is that unexpected moment in our lives when G-d somehow transforms a dark situation into incredible light. The story of Purim doesn't have an open miracle like the splitting of the sea or oil that burns for eight days. Instead, natural events that lead to bitter sadness ultimately end in intense joy.

That's why Purim is that unique Jewish holiday termed the Happiest Day of the Year!

This magazine is our way of sharing that joy.

Published by Chabad Lubavitch of Your Town 123 South Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-718-7180 www.ChabadofYourTown.com

DIRECTORS: Shliach Name Here EDITOR IN-CHEIF: Bluma Marcus EDITOR: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus DESIGN: Carasmatic Design ARTWORK: Yitzchok Moully COPY EDITOR: JewD Fields

©2025 by Soulwise Magazine. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce any portion of This magazine in any form, without prior written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages.

Printed in the USA

Purim 5785 / 2025

You'll find the perfect How-To Celebrate Purim with our step-by-step guide and plenty of meaning and inspiration in all of our traditions.

Please RSVP to join us for Purim festivities by visitingYOURSITE.com Sincerely,

Rabbi Shmuel & Bluma Marcus Directors, Chabad Jewish Center

e m o S d e I’ma Ne

M I M I R R U U P P GL S E S S E S S A S A L G

It all started over 2500 years ago in the ancient Persian empire when the king’s advisor Haman plotted “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants, and women, in a single day.”

Haman had meticulously devised how he would execute his scheme and even drew “lots,” or “Pur,” in ancient Persian, to choose a date for the end of the Jews. The chosen date was Adar 13.

However, in a last-minute plot twist, a string of divinely orchestrated events foiled Haman’s diabolical scheme, and the Jews were saved.

The next day, the Jews established Adar 14 as a day of celebration for all generations.

The holiday was named “Purim” since Haman had thrown lots, or “purim.” This story is documented in the Scroll of Esther.

You won’t find G-d’s name in the Scroll of Esther unless you get a pair of Purim glasses. Then, you’ll see G-d’s name hidden on every page. Sure, you won’t read about any blatant miracles, but with some Purim glasses, you’ll start seeing the hand of G-d behind everything that happens.

So, here’s a guide to seeing the world through these lenses. Now, you’ll appreciate how Purim celebrates the past and, most importantly, the present.

SHABBAT, MARCH 8 | 8 ADAR REMINDER TO FORGET!

Do Not Forget: The Shabbat before Purim is called Zachor, because Zachor means to remember, and the Torah commands us to “Remember to blot out the name of Amalek.”

Haman (a great grandson of Amalek) is blotted out with graggers while reading the Megilah on Purim.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13 | 13 ADAR PERFECT PURIM PREP Ta’anit Esther is a fast day that commemorates the fast observed by Esther. Unlike Yom Kippur, this fast is a custom, therefore, if you have any health issues, contact your Rabbi for guidance.

HALF SHEKEL ANYONE? It is customary to give three half dollars to charity. This custom is in memory of the half shekel given by Jews in Temple times. This biblical tax supported the supply of Divine offerings used in the Temple service. Spiritually, the half shekel reminds us that G-d Himself is our other “half,” and He completes us by making us His partners in perfecting creation. The sages advise us to give three half shekels since the Hebrew word terumah donation, and the words “half a shekel,” are mentioned three times in the Torah.

Purim 5785 / 2025

PURIM NIGHT THURSDAY, MARCH 13 | 14 ADAR

DRESS UP! On Purim, children—and some adventurous adults too—traditionally dress in costumes, an allusion to G-d’s vailed hand in the Purim miracle, which was hidden behind natural events.

THE MEGILAH SHE WROTE Head to your local Chabad for a reading of the whole Megilah.

The Megilah, a.k.a. “The Book of Esther,” is the scroll that tells the Pu Purim story. In her letter to the Jews, Queen Esther asked that we listen to the reading of the Megilah twice: once on Purim n night, and again on Purim day.

BOOOOO! BO Cu Custom: When Haman’s name is mentioned (Chabad custom is that this is only when it is (C accompanied with a title), you can twirl graggers acc (noisemakers) or stamp your feet to eradicate his (noisem evil name.

SPECIAL PRAYERS SPECIA On Purim, we include the brief V’al Hanissim section in all the day’s prayers, as well as in the day’s Grace after Meals.

This prayer describes the Purim story and thanks G-d for the “miracles, redemptions, mighty deeds, saving acts and wonders” that He wrought for our ancestors on this day many years ago.

PURIM DAY, FRIDAY, MARCH 14 | 14 ADAR

YOUR PERSONAL PURIM CHECKLIST MEGILAH

GIFTS OF FOOD

The Megilah, a.k.a. “The Book of Esther,” is the scroll that tells the Purim story. In her letter to the Jews, Queen Esther asked that we listen to the reading of the Megilah twice: once on Purim night, and again on Purim day.

Send a package containing at least two different ready-to-eat food items and/or beverages (e.g., pastry, fruit, beverage) to at least one Jewish acquaintance during the daylight hours of Purim. Men send to men, and women to women.

CHARITY

FESTIVE MEAL

Give money (or food) to at least two needy people during the daylight hours of Purim. This mitzvah obviously brings joy to the poor and, surprisingly, you will notice that the giver also experiences intense joy by giving. So, give joy to get joy.

Enjoy a festive Purim meal with challah or bread, celebrate with good food and fine wine. On a year when Purim falls on Friday, we start the meal before midday in deference to Shabbat.

SHUSHAN PURIM, SHABBAT, MARCH 15 | 15 ADAR In ancient walled cities—Jerusalem is the primary example—Purim is again observed on the 15th of Adar. This is to commemorate the fact that in the ancient walled city of Shushan, the battles between the Jews and their enemies extended for an additional day.

This year since Shushan Purim falls on Shabbat, there are special observances. If you live in an ancient walled city, contact your Rabbi for guidance.. • Purim 5785 / 2025

‫ב״ה‬

The Rebbe’s powerful guidance, related beautifully in this book, is sure to enrich the emotional life of all who read it.

—Dr. Edith Eva Eger Holocaust survivor, clinical psychologist, and best-selling author of The Choice.

Emotional Wellness, guided by the Rebbe. %ºà a´ º´e ý´d inner tranquility?

Le Letters for Life explorres the prrivate correspondencce of th he Lubavitcher Rebbee with in ndividuals in the midsst of heeartbreak, loss, fear, aand confusion. co With startling clarity, boundless empathy, an nd timeless wisdom, the R ti Rebbe’s voice pierces through tthe noise—guiding readerrs towards health, hope, and healing.

KEHOT. KEHO T.C COM COM 877 4 MERKOS Purim 5785 / 2025

ONE NATION

UNDEFEATABLE

By Rabbi Shmuel Marcus

The story of Purim tells us how, although we were dispersed across various lands with diverse customs and languages, the evil Haman called us the “one people” he sought to destroy.

Haman’s lobbying the king for his evil attack displayed his intent, but he also unwittingly highlighted the unifying factor and oneness of all Jews. Haman didn’t know that this Jewish unity makes the Jews undefeatable against their enemies.

Haman used the phrase to tell the king about his plans: “There’s one nation scattered throughout your kingdom.”

Haman emphasized the “scattered,” but it was too late. The power of our “one nation” had already been activated. It’s true that even when geographically “scattered” and immersed in diverse cultures, Jews maintain a collective identity as “one nation.”

Historically, the Torah has been our unifying force, fostering an internal cohesion that transcends external differences.

We’ve faced adversaries like Haman throughout history, but we’ve endured thanks to our “Oneness.” Situations change, but one thing stays the same with every victory: our unity.

Photo by The Smiling Soldiers Project

Today, the Purim observances of sending food gifts to friends and giving gifts to the poor turn this “oneness” and love into action. Although we are always commanded to love our neighbor and feed the hungry, Purim requires us to seek out others and those in need actively.

Purim is the only holiday that cannot be

WE’VE FACED ADVERSARIES LIKE HAMAN THROUGHOUT HISTORY, BUT WE’VE ENDURED THANKS TO OUR “ONENESS.” celebrated alone because we need each other to destroy Haman.

Generally, we give gifts of food to our friends and close associates. In contrast, by reaching out and helping a poor person we may never have seen before, we show that our personal feelings do not limit our

relationships with others. A true sense of Jewish unity implies a love for every Jew, even those we do not know personally.

The Rebbe would often remark that Jewish unity is the powerful antidote to modern day Hamans. Because when we create an atmosphere of love and peace within our home and community, that harmony impacts the world around us.

In other words, we can each shine a light, but our superpower is a collective light that amplifies and blazes through the toughest darkness.

In a way, Haman was responsible for his downfall. His evil schemes backfired, and instead of inflicting destruction, he activated Jewish unity, mitzvah observance, and ultimately our Divine protection.

This year, let’s take a page from the Purim playbook and seek out and connect with others, because together, we defeat Haman.. • (Based on the teachings of the Rebbe) >> Rabbi Shmuel Marcus is the editor at Chabad Magazine.

Purim 5785 / 2025

IDK THE MAKING OF A G N I N I A SPL

QUEEN

TEN S I L D L U O H S WHY YOU TO YOUR KIDS

By Sara Esther Crispe

By Shira Gold

They say to ask a child if you want to know the truth about your appearance. But the holy man in torn clothing wasn’t looking for reassurance about his style. Instead, he was a leader in distress looking for a Divine sign that everything would be okay. So he asked the kids.

Earlier, an evil anti-semite had convinced the King to send an open letter to arm the population for the thirteenth of Adar when they should rise to massacre “a certain group of people.”

That anti-Semite was named Haman (booo). He determined the date by casting lots and withheld the identity of this group until the second decree, which was a sealed order not to be opened before the thirteenth day of Adar.

In this sealed order, the decree spelled it out: The people of Persia should attack and kill all the Jews, young and old, women, and children, wherever they might be in the vast Persian Empire.

The sly Haman had taken every precaution to keep his plan Purim 5785 / 2025

secret so that the Jews would be taken entirely by surprise and would not be unable to avert their doom. Haman probably rubbed his hands with evil satisfaction, giggling his evil laugh.

Haman had already witnessed the royal party, Queen Vashti’s death, and the crowing of a new queen named Esther, but Haman was still clueless about Esther’s Jewish nationality.

Sadly, both decrees were duly signed, sealed, and delivered to the various governors of the provinces. They bore the impression of the King’s royal signet and could not be revoked. The danger was real.

For the first time in history, the entire Jewish population found themselves stripped of governmental protection and were looking at an upcoming calendar date of total extinction.

Mordechai, the Jewish leader at the time, had torn his clothes and donned sackcloth and ashes. Holy men like Mordechai have their ways of getting Divine messages by asking random children to quote a verse from the Torah. So, he stopped three Jewish schoolchildren and asked them to quote him what they had learned that day.

Incredibly, the three verses were the exact truth Mordechai was looking for.

Said one: “Do not fear sudden terror, nor of the destruction of the wicked when it comes.” (Proverbs 3:25)

MORDECHAI, A LEADER IN DISTRESS, GOT THE INSPIRATION HE DESPERATELY NEEDED FROM THREE SCHOOLCHILDREN WHO TOLD THE TRUTH.

Terror had come, and the message from Proverbs was clear: Do not fear.

Said the second: “Contrive a scheme, but it will be foiled; conspire a plot but it will not materialize; for G-d is with us.”

(Isaiah 8: 10) According to this verse in Isaiah, the news was getting better for the Jews, as G-d would foil the evil plans before any terror would come.

Said the third: “Even to your old age I am with you; even to your hoary years will I sustain you; I have made you, and I will bear you; I will sustain and deliver you.” (Isaiah 46:4) The third verse said it best: G-d constantly protects the Jewish people from infancy to adulthood to old age.

Mordechai, a leader in distress, got the inspiration he desperately needed from three schoolchildren who told the truth. Soon, Haman would fall, and instead of the Jews going extinct, Haman and his family would disappear, and Jews would be around forever to celebrate the story of Purim. •

YOU’RE THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE Imagine a world where every single moment of your life feels like it holds the weight of the universe. “The entire world was created for my sake,” as the Talmud states (Sanhedrin 37a). To a child, this sentiment isn’t just a notion; it’s an undeniable truth. In their eyes, they are the center of existence, with parents and the entire cosmos revolving around their needs and desires.

While this perspective can lead to challenging behaviors, it also highlights a vital aspect of human nature. Children possess an innate belief that their lives matter, that their actions carry weight in a universe filled with billions. They embrace their significance without the burden of doubt that often clouds adulthood.

This childlike spirit within us is essential to nurture. It reminds us that our thoughts and actions can ripple through the fabric of society. The Talmud affirms that our actions matter.

Take a moment to reflect and ask your child—or reconnect with the child within you. What small act of kindness can you do that will have a spiritual ripple effect across the world?

(Based on the teachings of the Rebbe)

>> Shira Gold is a staff writer at Chabad Magazine.

Purim 5785 / 2025

MY NONSPIRITUAL JOURNEY

By Benjamin Sherman

I

traveled a lot in my quest for fulfillment, yet I often created an imaginary distance between my ultimate purpose and what I was doing at that moment. At home, work, or even while traveling, I felt trapped in a monotonous existence devoid of connection to my real “purpose.”

In my youth, I would search for extraordinary moments or obvious miracles — anything affirming my sense of purpose and meaning.

But eventually I discovered that the terms ordinary and extraordinary were simply human inventions, and in my quest to touch the Divine, I’d been looking in all the wrong places. That’s when I started to wonder if the ultimate sign or divine connection is not found in miracles but instead in non-miracles.

Take Esther, for example, and how she stayed clear of any obvious miracles and instead navigated a string of ordinary events that ultimately saved the Jewish people from annihilation.

I call this my Purim Epiphany and the moment I began to celebrate non-miracles.

Most Jewish holidays have a miracle you can point to, like Passover, the splitting of the sea, Chanukah, and the jar of oil that lasted eight days. But Esther’s Purim holiday celebrates no tangible miracle. Purim is the only holiday where nothing “miraculous” happened.

That’s why Esther is the queen of ordinary daily routines that demonstrate how G-d doesn’t need to split a sea to save His people.

Purim is that holiday that shows us how every day is a holiday. In other words, nature itself is a miracle worth celebrating. The rising of the sun, or gravity’s pull, happens consistently so we perceive them as non-miraculous and only “natural.”

This Purim epiphany changed my approach to my mission and purpose by helping me understand that the same divine hand that parted the waters also guides us through our daily tasks, from brushing our teeth to getting our children to school on time.

Throughout our lives and history, ordinary and extraordinary events shape us and make us who we are. This interplay between the extraordinary and the ordinary is beautifully captured in the phonetic similarity of the names

IN MY QUEST TO

TOUCH THE DIVINE, I’D BEEN LOOKING IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES.

HOLY KREPLACH Kreplach are traditional triangular dough pockets filled with ground meat or chicken, similar to dumplings. Sometimes boiled in chicken soup or fried and served as a separate dish.

Traditionally eaten on three significant days related to judgment and victory: Yom Kippur Eve: The Day of Atonement, when G-d judges and seals us for a good year, is preceded by a meal. The custom is to eat kreplach at this pre-Yom Kippur feast.

Hoshana Rabbah: The last day of Sukkot, considered the final sealing of judgment and our inscription in the Book of Life, is celebrated with a kreplach feast.

Purim: The Jewish people’s victory over Haman’s decree is celebrated annually by reading the Scroll of Esther, sharing gifts of food, giving gifts to the poor, and, of course, a feast that includes kreplach.

THE SAME DIVINE HAND THAT PARTED THE WATERS ALSO GUIDES US THROUGH OUR DAILY TASKS. Yom Kippurim and Purim.

While Yom Kippur emphasizes the elevation of the soul and the pursuit of spiritual purpose, Purim invites us to recognize the divine in our natural daily lives.

Her name means “hidden” because Queen Esther is the role model for everyday spirituality. We also celebrate Purim with masks that hide our faces because we are not celebrating the apparent miracles racles or anything extraordinary. Instead, we celebrate the hidden hand nd of G-d behind everything every day.

In the end, Purim taught me the art of infusing divinity intoo ordinary daily routine. Yes, Queen Esther gave me a renewed sense of purpose and meaning, understanding that the hidden hand of G-d is at work in every moment, at home, at work, or even while traveling. •

KREPLACH UNWRAPPED According to Kabbalah, meat symbolizes divine strength, while dough, representing bread, signifies divine kindness. Eating meat covered by dough, i.e. kreplach, signifies the hope that G-d will temper judgment with mercy.

KREPLACH METHOD When dealing with difficult people, use the Kreplach method to wrap your harsh judgments in kindness and compassion, promoting a delicious harmony in all your relationships.

>> Ben Sherman is a staff writer at Chabad Magazine.

Purim 5785 / 2025

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

HAMAN’S t s i p a r e h T

By Dr. Mohrd A. Kai, LMFT

Q: LET’S START WITH WHAT YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR OLD CLIENT, HAMAN. A: Thankfully, his demise was well before any HIPAA laws

that may prevent me from discussing my clients. So, I can tell you that Haman is not just a villain with a dastardly plan to kill Jews; he embodies deeper issues like irrational hatred and self-doubt from his ancestors.

Q: WHEN YOU SAY “ANCESTORS,” WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACES) THAT CONTRIBUTED TO HAMAN’S JEW HATRED? A: Haman’s grudge has roots deeper than a well-planted

carrot! It traces back to his great grandparents, the Amalekites, and their surprise attack on the Jews during the Exodus. This incident turned the Jews from untouchable heroes into targets, setting the stage for Hamans of all kinds to attack Jews throughout history.

Q: ARE YOU SAYING THAT HAMAN WAS A TEXTBOOK AMALEKITE? A: Absolutely. Haman displayed the classic symptoms of

Purim 5785 / 2025

a true son of Amalek during our in-take process when he admitted to an irrational hatred of Jews. I mean to the extent that they will attack even if they know they will lose.

Q: DID YOU FEAR FOR YOUR LIFE WHILE HAMAN WAS IN YOUR OFFICE? A: No, but I feared from his modern tactic of “korcha.” As

you know, the Torah describes how Amalek attacked the Jews using the word “korcha,” which can also mean “to cool off,” emphasizing how Amalek introduced a chill that made everyone second-guess their awesomeness. That’s the real danger, letting Haman get into your head.

Q: HOW DID YOU KEEP HAMAN OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND AVOID COUNTERTRANSFERENCE? A: My supervisor warned me that “Amalek” shares a

numerical value with the Hebrew word for doubt, “safek.”

This connection was like a warning label telling everyone in the office to vanquish Amalek by squashing self-doubt entirely. Otherwise, that pesky ember might flare up again when we least expect it!

MY SUPERVISOR WARNED ME THAT “AMALEK” SHARES A NUMERICAL VALUE WITH THE HEBREW WORD FOR DOUBT, “SAFEK.”

Q: DID HAMAN CONFIDE IN YOU THAT HE KNEW HE WOULD LOSE? A: Amalek’s attack is a classic case of irrational hatred—like a

cat who fights a lion! Their relentless pursuit of the Jews, even against all odds, shows us that sometimes, haters just hate for the sake of hating.

Q: HOW DOES THE DSM SUGGEST YOU TREAT THAT SORT OF ILLNESS? A: Not surprisingly, the antidote is irrational love. The one

thing that stops Amelek in its tracks is the Jew. Starting at Mount Sinai, when the Jews enthusiastically declared, “Naaseh VeNishma” — “We will do, and we will listen,” putting action before hearing all the details without a hint of doubt, this proclamation of commitment to G-d’s will created the antidot of irrational love and dedication to the Divine.

Q: THAT’S FASCINATING. WHAT ELSE CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HAMAN AS A CLIENT? A: I can tell you that he was not a good client. First, he

resisted treatment, and second, he never paid for this last session.

Q: DID YOU TRY BILLING THE FAMILY? A: Yes, but when I called Haman’s house. I was told it was

given to Mordechai and Esther and that Haman’s ten sons were hanging with him on a tree.

Q: SO, YOU NEVER HAD A TERMINATION SESSION? A: Correct. That’s the price for agreeing to take Haman as a

client. One day, he’s on your couch; the next, he’s hanging from a tree.

Q: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. A: You’re welcome. Happy Purim. •

THE ORIGIN OF THE HAMANTASH Here’s why Haman gets zero credit for the Hamantash.

The popular triangle Purim cookie, known in Israel as “The ears of Haman,” has nothing to do with Haman and everything to do with Queen Esther.

It all started when the Jewish queen couldn’t find kosher meals at the royal palace. To hide her Jewish identity, she told the kitchen staff that she had a strict diet of beans and seeds. The queen’s faithful messenger, Hathach, a pseudonym for the famous prophet Daniel, also miraculously survived only on seeds.

In Yiddish, the poppy seed is called “Mohn,” and the word for “pocket” is “Tash.” Esther’s seed diet inspired the now-famous Purim custom of eating poppyseed-filled cookies, Mohn-Tash, or as you call it, the Hamantash.

>> Dr. Kai is a fictional name and the interview is an original parody based on Jewish and Chasidic sources relating to Haman and his inner workings.

Purim 5785 / 2025

GOING KOSHER: MY STORY

by Aliza Gavriel

I

Years passed, and after Jacob’s unexpected passing, I found was a widow in the heart of Los Angeles, where palm trees sway under the golden sun. At seventy-five, I myself scrolling through Facebook; I stumbled upon a familiar remembered my childhood in Brooklyn and my kosher name—David, my high school sweetheart. He lived in San home filled with the aromas of my mother’s Fransico and was also single after losing cooking—sweet kugel, savory brisket, and his wife. We arranged to meet, and as The kosher lifestyle freshly baked challah. the day approached, I realized that this that once defined me In high school, I had a sweetheart reunion stirred something deeper within named David, who shared my values and slipped away as Jacob me—a yearning to return to my roots. So, I love for kosher living. Our relationship decided to go kosher. poured over legal blossomed amidst the bustling streets of That’s when I contacted my local Brooklyn, where we dreamed of a future briefs and our lives Chabad Rabbi, and with his guidance, I together. However, life took its course when intertwined with work embarked on a journey to kosherize my I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career home and transform my kitchen into and social gatherings. a sanctuary of tradition. Day by day, I in the film industry, leaving behind not just my hometown but many of the traditions I ventured into the kosher markets of Los had cherished.

Angeles, rediscovering the joy of selecting In the glitzy world of Hollywood, everything seemed to ingredients that aligned with my faith. The shelves brimmed sparkle and shine. I met and married Jacob, an ambitious with products with those familiar kosher symbols, rekindling attorney who didn’t keep kosher, and over time, the rituals of childhood memories. Soon, flour dusted my freshly kosherized my upbringing gradually faded into distant memories. The countertops as I prepared to make my first challah in decades. kosher lifestyle that once defined me slipped away as Jacob As David and I reunited, our shared history and newfound poured over legal briefs and our lives intertwined with work connection blossomed into a beautiful relationship. We spent and social gatherings. evenings discussing old times, savoring meals filled with kosher dishes that I lovingly prepared. The warmth of our companionship brought laughter and joy back into my life.

Today, David and I are happily married, living a kosher life infused with the richness of our traditions. Our home is a testament to the beauty of second chances, with the aroma of kosher meals wafting through the air.

My journey from the streets of Brooklyn to the hills of Los Angeles is a poignant reminder that it’s never too late to return to one’s roots. Embracing kosher at seventy-five, I found a new beginning, proving that tradition can weave together a tapestry of love and joy that tastes so good. • >> Aliza Gavriel is a fictional character based on the true life story of the late Barbara

THE KOSHER SYMBOL: Since 1935, the OK Kosher symbol has meant that the product is kosher. OK Kosher is the world’s leading kosher certification agency, recognized as the global benchmark for kosher standards and integrity. This outstanding reputation has been achieved through continual improvement, innovation, and first-rate customer support. OK Kosher operates an international network of offices, so you can rely on their teams of experts to provide specialized kosher certification anywhere in the world. When it comes to keeping kosher, look for the trusted symbol of the OK. Read more at OK.org.

ART &SOUL

By Kylie Ora Lobell

M

ichoel Muchnik has a long white beard, wears a yarmulke and tzitzit, and lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The prolific artist and Chasid looks like he perfectly fits in with his community, but he wasn’t always like this.

Muchnik, a baby boomer born in a Jewish suburb outside of Philadelphia, came of age as American society was experiencing the sixties when traditional lifestyles and values were traded for the hippie movement, a rebellion against the cookie-cutter image of the past. Muchnik got involved in the counterculture, becoming a hippie and attending the Rhode Island School of Design, where he and his fellow students made psychedelic art.

In the sixties, Muchnik surrounded himself with spiritual seekers, but slowly, he noticed that these spiritual practices were not easy to integrate into daily life.

Soon, the budding artist became disenchanted with the hippie movement and wanted more out of life. So, he started

seeking meaning. In his search, he found Chabad and observant Judaism.

“One thing led to another, and I found an interesting community of people like me,” he said. “I found that Torah, imbued with Chasidic teachings, was able to take you very high, but at the same time, bring you down and be able to be practical and integrate it, which is what I did with my art.”

The first time Muchnik kept Shabbos, he felt incredibly grounded and spiritual.

“I was blown away by the peaceful feeling that was penetrating that I never felt before,” he said.

That’s when Muchnik enrolled in a Chabad yeshiva in Crown Heights. He studied for two years and started a family.

His newfound observant lifestyle gave him ideas he wanted to portray in his art.

“This is a tremendous medium to share on a deeper level what some of these concepts are portraying,” he said. “I enjoy that part of it very much.”

Today, Muchnik is a well-known artist in Crown Heights and throughout the Jewish world. He creates beautiful and meaningful paintings that portray key Jewish concepts.

With his beautiful, meaningful art, Muchnik inspires others and gives them a glimpse into his world. • >> Lobell is an award-winning writer living in Los Angeles.

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