13 minute read
Your Pesach Finances Your Money
Your Money Your Pesach Finances
Mesila Addresses a Common Question
Q: Ordinarily, my income is sufficient to cover my family’s needs. But when Pesach approaches, we experience a severe financial crunch. The money just seems to fly out the window. There’s extra cleaning help, going out to eat, and babysitting or entertainment during all the days when the children are off from school. Then, there are the costs of matzah, wine, meat, and other Pesach products. And, of course, let’s not forget clothing and shoes for the whole family.
On top of all that, I lose a great deal of time from work during Nissan, so my income during that month is much lower. I cannot help but dread this time of year, since I know that I will end up with an empty or overdrawn bank account and a credit card bill that will take me months to repay.
There are numerous local organizations that distribute money, matzah, and even clothing and shoes before Pesach. Some offer their assistance to anyone, not only to “charity cases.” I am strongly considering approaching these organizations for assistance this year, but I wanted to hear Mesila’s view on the matter.
When making Pesach, it is critically important to maintain a clear perspective of what this time of year is all about. Pesach is a time of the collective rebirth of the Jewish people. It is a time of spiritual rejuvenation and renewal for every individual as well.
If we view Pesach as a burden – financial or otherwise – then the season of freedom turns into the season of bondage. It’s true that Pesach involves a great deal of work and expense, but there are things we can do to prevent ourselves from becoming overwhelmed.
You say that you dread the Pesach season. Do you dread paying income tax? If you are an employee, your income tax is probably deducted off your monthly paycheck, without you ever having to take the money out of pocket. So when tax season rolls around, you should have nothing to fear.
If you approach Pesach expenses in the same way, you will not need to dread Pesach.
You know when Pesach is coming. You know that your income is less during Nissan and that your expenses are high. Don’t just sit back passively and “dread” the terrible financial crunch. Be proactive!
Make a yearly budget that includes your Pesach expenses, the same way it includes your tuition and medical insurance. Then put aside money every month for Nissan. This way, when Nissan rolls around, you will not have to panic. You will be able to make Pesach without going into debt.
Some pre-Pesach expenses are avoidable. By keeping a record from year to year of the actual quantities you use during Pesach, you can ensure that you do not buy too much very expensive shemurah matzah or get stuck with boxes of macaroons that no one will touch after the chag. By preparing a comprehensive shopping list, you can save yourself the time and expense of multiple trips to the corner grocery.
And by taking inventory of everything in your freezer and pantry several weeks before Pesach, you can plan meals that will use up many items you might otherwise have to burn on erev Pesach. This also reduces the need for expensive meals out.
One of the keys to keeping yom tov costs to a minimum is ensuring that everyone in the family maintains their peace of mind. When people are frazzled, they tend to make impulse purchases and spend much more money than they would have if they were not under stress.
If, despite your best efforts, you still cannot cover your Pesach expenditures, then you have two options:
The first, and much preferred option, is to simply scale back your yom tov. Making a more modest yom tov does not require you or your family to have a miserable yom tov. It does, however, require you to do without some of the things you would have liked to have for yom tov.
Last year, in the shadow of Corona, when many were unable to do their usual large-scale Pesach clothing – and even food – shopping, we all had a chance to see that it is possible to break out of old spending habits, tone down, and still enjoy a beautiful and perhaps even more meaningful yom tov. We should carry that insight with us even now, as life slowly returns to “normal.”
If you are working with limited means, you should discuss with your rav exactly how to fulfill the mitzvah
On Motzei Pesach, Plan Ahead!
How much did we really use? How much do we need to buy for next year?
Summary of Pesach (year) _______________
No. of people: Children __________ Babies ________________
No. of meals prepared for Shabbos and Yom Tov _____________
Light meals for Chol Hamoed ______________
Guests ______________ House was ready for Pesach on (date) __________
We were hosted for ________ meals We traveled to: ____________________________
First day of Pesach was on (day of the week) ______________
Products saved for next year Unused amounts left from Purchases
Product remaining Amount Product remaining Amount
Additional shopping to be done for next Pesach: ___________________________________
of simchas yom tov. Then, together with your wife and perhaps your children, you should create a Pesach budget and establish a list of priorities. What is more important to your wife – extra cleaning help or a new dress? Would the children prefer to get afikoman presents or go on a family chol hamoed outing? And so on.
The second option is to accept the assistance of the tzedakah organizations you mentioned. Before you decide to do this, you have to ask yourself, and your rav, if you qualify to be on the receiving end of tzedakah. And make no mistake about it – any distribution of money, food or clothing is tzedakah. Even if the distributors claim that they are offering their assistance to anyone, they are saying this to protect the dignity of their recipients.
When deciding whether to approach organizations for assistance, take into account that there is a limited amount of assistance available, and if you accept such assistance, another needy person will possibly be denied it. That does not mean that you should not take the help, if you need it. All it means is that the decision to accept charity funds is not one that should be taken lightly. Note, however, that it is better to accept tzedakah than to borrow money that you have no way of repaying.
Encouraging people who could manage on their own, with some effort, to accept contributions and rely on others is not true chessed. Mesila’s goal is to give people the tools to support themselves without having to resort to charity or loans. This way, they can release themselves from the vicious cycle of poverty and debt and achieve financial freedom.
May we all be zocheh to enjoy Pesach in the true spirit of freedom.
Mesila is an international organization dedicated to empowering people to achieve and maintain long-term financial independence. Mesila accomplishes this goal both by coaching families and businesses to attain financial stability and by instilling healthy financial attitudes and practices in youths and adults through financial literacy education programs in schools and workshops/ seminars/webinars in the community. info@mesilausa. org 212-784-6790 www.Mesila.org
Classifieds
classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003
SERVICES
Yoga & Licensed Massage Therapy Peaceful Presence Studio 436 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst Separate men/women Group/private sessions Gift Cards Available www. Peacefulpresence.com 516 -371 -3715
Alternative Solutions Geriatric Care Management staff will assist you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust * In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling * Securing reliable home care assistance * Case and Care Management services Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242 MOONBOUNCE FOR RENT $100/day Holds up to 500lbs. Perfect fun for ages 3-8 Call or text 516-220-0616 to reserve your date
GERBER MOVING FULL SERVICE MOVING Packing Moving Supplies Local Long Distance Licensed Insured 1000’S Of Happy Customers Call Shalom 347-276-7422
HAIR COURSE Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009
SHALOM HANDYMAN Plumbing, heating, boiler, installation, sewer, locks, dryer vent cleaning and more… CALL 917-217-3676
SERVICES HOUSES FOR SALE
CAN’T AFFORD YOUR PROPERTY TAXES? MORTGAGE? Must sell for any reason? Call for FREE Consultation. Call now 212-470-3856 Cash buyers available!
HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER: Located on Cedar Hill Road off Reads Lane Best Block in Far Rockaway! Text 516-360-0205 for more details
PRICE REDUCED: Sprawling 4BR, 4BA Exp-Ranch, Oversized Rooms, LR W/Fplc, Formal Dining Rm, Large Den, Master Suite, Full Finished Basement, Storage Room & Office, Deck, Fabulous Property…$1.078M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
HOUSES FOR SALE
Don’t Get Stuck With a Two Story House Ya Know, It’s One Story Before You Buy It But a Second Story After You Own It! Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection Infrared - Termite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com
COMMERCIAL RE
INVESTORS WELCOME GREAT DEAL IN WOODMERE, amazing location, double lot, low taxes ,SD 14 Asking $599, won’t last 25 CONKLIN AVE, WOODMERE Call Alexandra at Realty Connect 1-516-784-0856
LAWRENCE CEDARHURST
Tudor-style Gertzen colonial w/ 5BRs & 3bths upstairs, full finished basement, large yard. 6-12 month lease. Avigail 516-316-3452
$5500/month
WOODMERE
Great 3br starter house close to LIRR, park, shopping. Not in flood zone, low taxes. Chana (516)449-9692
$575K
CEDARHURST
HEWLETT
4BR, 3bth brick colonial on quiet tree-lined street. Large LR & DR. Close to Lirr. Leah (516) 884-6530.
$4200/month
WOODMERE
Mint cond. expanded split-level home w/ 7 total BRs, 4.5bths incl. master suite on sep. level. Many upgrades throughout. 80x100 prop. SD 15, beautiful secluded block $1.49M
Cape-style home 3BR, 1 bath. Low taxes, nice yard, in Hewlett Call Raizy (917)903-1778
$509K
WOODMERE
OPEN HOUSE 735 Longacre 3.14.21 12-1:30pm Exceptionally hi-end gut ren. S/H col. loc. on desirable block in SD14. 5 large brs & 3 baths upstairs, beautiful bsmnt w/ playroom, A Must See! Bruria (718)490-7791
$1.85M
WOODMERE
Spacious 4BR, 2.5bth splanch in District 15. high-end Kitchen & bths. Many upgrades throughout. Water views. Babshie (732)239-7987
$1.199M
1400 sqft with 2 large private offices , 2 open area bullpens and 2 baths.
$3400/month
Classifieds
classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003
COMMERCIAL RE
SF MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE Available, Reception Area, Waiting Room, Kitchenette, 2 Consult, 4 Exam Rooms, 2 Bathrooms, 30 Car On-Site Parking, For Lease …Call Ian 516-295-3000 www.pugatch.com
INWOOD OFFICE SPACE LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! 500-7000 Square feet gorgeous office space with WATERVIEW in Inwood! Lots of options. Tons of parking. Will divide and customize space for your needs! Call 516-567-0100
EAST ROCKAWAY: Retail Stores on Busy Corner, 1000SF& Up Available, Great High Visibility Location, For Lease… Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698
APT FOR RENT
INWOOD Brand new bright and airy basement apartment near LIRR . Never used kosher kitchen , 2 bedrooms , LR/DR central air /heat ,full bathroom washer/dryer $2000 a month Call/text Yitzi (929) 225-3616
WOODMERE: BEST BUY Spacious 2BR Apartment, Washer/Dryer In Bldg, Elevator Bldg, Open Floor Plan, 1st Floor, Close To All...$199K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000
VACATION RENTALS
VACATION IN JERUSALEM: Beautiful Short-term rentals in Jerusalem (Sharei Chesed, Romema, Hanevi'im – City Center) Contact today for great service: Shisha Realty 718-408-8070 vacation@shisharealty.com
VACATION IN JERUSALEM: Beautiful 3 bedroom apartment with porch and view available for short term in the Kaduri – Jerusalem Heights project on the 8th floor. Shisha Realty 718-408-8070 vacation@shisharealty.com
VACATION RENTALS
HELP WANTED
YESHIVA KETANA OF QUEENS is looking for Junior High Teachers for English and Social Studies. Mon.-Thurs. 2:30-5:30. Warm environment, good salary. Please call 917-742-8909 or email resume to rlswia@aol.com
Downtown Manhattan CPA firm seeking office manager/ bookkeeper. Must be proficient in excel, have strong typing skills and be able to multitask. Accounting background preferred. Send resume to officemgr613@gmail.com
CAHAL is seeking Special Education Rebbeim, Teachers and Assistants for the 2021-22 school year. Send resume to shira@cahal. org or call 516-295-3666
JOBOFF: Local school looking to hire a qualified administrative assistant. Job responsibilities include data entry, database management, assisting the administrator in his daily tasks, donor relations, campaign management and creativity. Proficiency in Microsoft office required. Enjoyable working environment, personal, sick, vacation days offered, Yom Tovim and certain legal holidays off. Salary commensurate with experience. Please email resume to admin@shoryoshuv.org
HELP WANTED
CAMP GROUNDS AVAILABLE • 1½ ACRES
FULL SIZE GYM • CLASSROOMS • 80 CAR PARKING LOT AT NEW ORTHODOX SHULIN NASSAU COUNTY NEXT DOOR TO BEAUTIFUL 97 ACRE PARK
CLOSE TO BROOKLYN, QUEENS, FAR ROCKAWAY & FIVE TOWNS Call 646-973-1382 • PropertyNassau@gmail.com
TJH Classifieds
Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Miscellaneous Ads here.
Weekly Classifed Ads Up to 5 lines and/or 25 words 1 week....$20 • 2 weeks...$35 • 4 weeks...$60 Email ads to: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com Include valid credit card info and zip code
HELP WANTED HELP WANTED
LICENSED NYS PYSCHOLOGISTS WANTED
ä Competitive Fee-For-Service Salary ä Flexible Part-Time Hours at Multiple Locations ä Supplement Your Private Practice Income ä Early Career Psychologists Welcome Email CV to: Benzaquen Psychological Services, PLLC @ thepsychgroup@optonline.net
Bnos Malka Academy is seeking the following positions for the upcoming 2021-22 school year. • Kodesh teachers • Resource room teachers • General studies (lower grades) • Middle school science • Middle school math • Middle school ELA • Assistant teachers for the preschool and grades 1-4
Candidates should be warm, energetic, and firmly believe that every child can succeed.
General studies teachers must have teaching certification or a Masters in subject area. Send resume to rungar@bnosmalka.org.
SHEVACH HIGH SCHOOL is seeking a Global Studies teacher, Algebra teacher. Please email resume to Office@shevachhs.org
SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year. Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org
ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AFTERNOON SESSION. Email: fivetownseducators@gmail.com
BAIS YAAKOV IN FAR ROCKAWAY seeking permanent substitute for Preschool and Elementary school. Please call 718-868-3232 ext 211
CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers, Title I Boro Park, Williamsburg and Flatbush Schools *College/Yeshiva Degree *Teaching experience required *Strong desire to help children learn *Small group instruction *Excellent organization skills Competitive salary. Send resume to: Fax: (212) 480-3691 ~ Email: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com
Cabinet Hinge Repair
646-661-1388 info@nadlercabinet.com
HELP WANTED
Seeking full time OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST for Special Education school located in Brooklyn. Experienced preferred. Competitive salary. Room for growth. resumes@yadyisroelschool.org
SPECIAL ED DIRECTOR Responsibility: Curriculum Designer Individual curriculum as needed Staff training Innovative, visionary Requirement: Masters Special Ed and Education Administration or SLP Backgroup Email Resume: specialedresume2018@gmail.com
Looking to hire sales people to train as NY & NJ Public Adjusters. No experience necessary, flexible hours. Call 973-951-1534
SPECIAL ED DIRECTOR Responsibility: Curriculum Designer Individual curriculum as needed Staff training Innovative, visionary Requirement: Masters Special Ed and Education Administration or SLP Backgroup Email Resume: specialedresume2018@gmail.com
5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA SEEKING ELEM GEN ED TEACHERS Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply. Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com
SITUATED WANTED
CERTIFIED MALE CAREGIVER FOR OVER 25 YEARS NY/FL Expert full time care. Experience with many conditions. Cleans, cooks and will travel. upscale references available Call Ralph 212.658-0542 (home) 561.351-7944 (Cell)
MISC
Gemach Zichron Yehuda In memory of R’ Yehuda Aryeh Leib ben R’ Yisroel Dov We have a library of books on the subjects of loss, aveilus, grief, & kaddish. We have sets of ArtScroll Mishnayos to assist with finishing Shisha Sidrei Mishna for Shloshim or yahrtzeit. Locations in Brooklyn, Far Rockaway, & Lakewood. Email: zichronyehuda@yahoo.com
Small Ads at Work
Classifieds
