Five Towns Jewish Home 09.04.25

Mesivta Netzach HaTorah Celebrates a New Sefer Torah

Local Shuls Honor Police Officers

Dear Readers,

After camp and an extended summer vacation that seems to never end, kids are anxious to get back to the classrooms. They’re excited to see their friends and are looking forward to meeting their new teachers and rebbeim. A structured day, even if it means homework and note-taking, is sometimes the greatest elixir for the boredom of the endless days that we seem to have this time of year.

Before my children start school, I daven for them that this year they should get the right shidduch. Yes, when I speak of shidduchim, I’m praying for the years ahead when the real shidduchim will iy”H come around, but as we begin the new school year, I also daven that the rebbeim and teachers that they will have for the next ten months will be the right match for them. They should understand them and appreciate them and teach for them, so they will grow and develop in the optimum way.

Our community is blessed with outstanding schools. The plethora of schools allows for a variety that caters to (almost) everyone. And the teachers and rebbeim at these schools are caring and loving. They give over their lessons imbued with a love of Yiddish-

keit and Jewish values. They spend sleepless nights and busy weekends thinking about our children and their growth. There’s a dedication and devotion that these teachers have that make all the difference in a successful school year.

As parents, we can do our part to set the tone at home to ensure a wonderful year. Establishing routines, showing enthusiasm for learning, and speaking positively about school all go a long way in helping our children feel secure and motivated. When they sense that we value their education, they carry that confidence and excitement into the classroom.

At the same time, let us not forget to partner with the schools. A kind word to a teacher, an encouraging note, or simply expressing appreciation can strengthen that vital bond between home and school.

Together, with mutual respect and shared goals, we can give our children the greatest gift — a foundational education that nurtures both their minds and their neshamas.

May all our children see much success in the coming year. Wishing you a smooth start to a great school year, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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Dear Editor,

On the wall in my office cubicle, I have a picture of a woman at an empty gas station. Instead of using the gas pump next to her car, she stretches the pump from the opposite aisle to pump gas into her car, I put a caption that says, “There’s nothing wrong with being stupid. But please keep it to yourself.”

I used to think that stupid people should be ignored. If you can’t educate them and make them smart – and many can’t be educated no matter how hard you try – then, ignore them, and they’ll be harmless. However, the events on October 7, 2023, drastically changed my view. Since then, there has been a new form of domestic terrorism. It doesn’t involve grenades, bombs, guns or knives. But it is a form of beheading.

Colleges are confiscating students’ heads by teaching them to hate Jews and Israel. They encourage students to support Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, Iran and any other terrorists willing to attack and eliminate Israel. Professors don’t mention Hamas’s brutality that has been ongoing long before Oct. 7, 2023. They don’t mention how Hamas has been treating Gazans since they took control of Gaza about 20 years ago. Students can’t think critically and form their own opinion about this conflict. They are too stupid to realize that they are supporting evil and immorality. Professors, college clubs and the media are engaging in mental terrorism by “beheading” students’ minds. Unfortunately, few of the stupid are keeping to themselves. They’re publicly there, and they’re becoming dangerously vocal. Ron White, a comedian, said, “You can’t fix stupid. There’s not a pill you can take or a class you can go to.” I think he is right. We won’t be able to fix them. But

we can outsmart them and outnumber them, eventually, if we don’t befriend them and defend ourselves with our own moral strength and convictions. If the stupid immoralists won’t give up their fight with spewing lies, then, we need to counter this by not giving up our fight by vocalizing the truth.

Daniel Feldman

Dear Editor,

In my shidduch resume, I’ve never been clearer than ever before in mentioning what I’m seeking in my eishes chayil, and one of them is that she has common sense.

I’ve been dating for around a decade, and experience taught me that few girls cared less about my time or wallet – they just wanted to hang out on the guy’s dime; my friends complained of the same. That’s what stinks about dating for men.

Until I met this considerate woman:

I live in the NYC Metropolitan area; she lives, let’s just say, a day trip away.

For the first date, she compromised by meeting me in a midpoint city that I was somewhat familiar with.

For the second date, she pointblank told me not to drive down to see her, rather, I should save my money and the headache of all that driving in one day by taking mass transit.

Where it gets better? She picked me up and dropped me off from the station in her own car.

While it’s yet to be known what will happen between the two of us, I give her an award for being highly considerate of my hard-earned money in an already expensive endeavor, as well as my time and my health. In all my 10 or so years of dating girls, this was only the second

on page 14

Continued from page 12 of such experiences. She did the least she could do – eliminate the hassle of taking a bunch of taxis in a new place.

It’s about time that women wake up and think about the financial, physical, and mental toll we men go through when dating anywhere and do their part as well; every girl should learn from her example!

Kol hakavod to her!

Sincerely,

Single looking for common sense

Dear Editor,

As we mark Rosh Chodesh Elul and enter the preparatory days ahead before the great judgment, it is a time people generally look toward increasing their zechusim. After all, the greater the folder of merits, the greater chance your defense has of making a good case. Given the tribulations that the Jewish people are going through and the extreme uncertainty of what lies ahead, it goes without saying that we need more merits than ever. Unfortunately, the news screams day and night of just how ugly the voices against Torah are speaking up without any remorse whatsoever, and whether we like it or not, this type of news affects us because not everyone is equipped to handle it. The voices slandering talmidei chachamim and belittling Torah learning has never been more blatant and public, and the younger the mind, the more susceptible it is to treif ideology.

But it is not only young minds at stake. And it’s even harder to explain why many of these voices come from seemingly religious-looking people that spent too long around the wrong people and listening/watching the wrong things. There’s a reason Chazal never stopped emphasizing the importance of a good surrounding and atmosphere. Very often, you will end up just like what you are around. And this is why our own personal Elul campaign must be in some way spent on doing what we can to fight this spiritual battle being waged against tzaddikim and learners. The good news is they made it very easy to determine what needs to be done. The more they speak against those who learn Torah, the more money you should send there. The more they speak against rabbanim, the more you have to defend them. And not just defend them, sponsor their institutions and even do them favors if you are in that position.

The point I’m getting at is that you need to be on their side because ultimately you’re going to need them on yours. A smart person will think ahead and realize right away that those who speak against such great Gedolei Yisrael and avreichim

are most likely not going to be so welcome to the world of spirituality that’s coming toward us. But who is going to be the leaders then? The Rabbanim and Yirei Shamayim that need our support now. Whether it’s Keren Olam Hatorah, or a continued Adopt A Kollel arrangement, or find an avreich on your own. Seal yourself in the Book of Life with one of these holy partnerships and make very clear where you stand! Klemmy

Dear Editor,

From the greatest poet in history come the momentous words (Tehillim 105:5; Divrei Hayamim Aleph 16:22), “Al tig’u b’mishichai v’linviyai al tare’u, Do not touch My anointed ones, and do not harm My prophets.” These words of King David give insight into understanding Moshiach and Rosh Hashana.

The plain meaning of the verse is simply a warning from G-d for other kings not to attempt to do harm to His anointed ones, the prophets, namely the Avot. History witnessed such events with Pharaoh and Avimelech. Piercing deeper, however, b’mishichai is a reference to King David Himself, the anointed one, from whom Moshiach descends. Emphatically, he declares to the nations of the world that his lineage is untouchable. This is the word associated with Moshiach who neither the Satan nor others can halt. His line was besieged by seemingly suspicious happenings such that his emergence can’t be tracked. This is in tune with the Gemara (Sanhedrin 97a) that three things come when we’re not paying attention: a scorpion, a lost object, and Moshiach. Moshiach’s whereabouts are unknown, and he can’t be touched.

The last word King David uses in the verse is tare’u, similar to the word teruah, the term associated with Rosh Hashana. On this day of judgment, man is certainly vulnerable to “harm,” but King David says elsewhere, “Ashrei ha’am yode’ei teruah – Happy is the people that know the sound of the teruah” (Tehillim 89:16). This is because Yom Teruah both elevates and saves us. It’s a mixture of the confident tekiah, for as the chosen people we are beloved; but it also has the shevarim and teruah (see Gemara Rosh Hashanah 34a), the broken sounds, pointing to our need to break ego and not react to any seeming affronts, as all is from G-d.

Knowing that Moshiach is untouchable and that Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity to crown a king with confidence and humility, we can have joy in looking towards the future.

Steven Genack

1,400 Dead in Afghani Earthquake

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake killed over 1,400 people and injured more than 3,000 others overnight Monday in eastern Afghanistan, mostly in the province of Kunar.

Because it was a shallow quake — only five miles from the surface of the earth — the earthquake was especially destructive. Aftershocks were felt in Kabul, the country’s capital, less than 100 miles away, though the city was otherwise unaffected.

Landslides blocked rescue workers from reaching hard-hit villages. Traveling 35 miles from Jalalabad to the Nur Gal District, the worst hit area, took the Red Cross four hours overnight, according to Homa Nader, the acting head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Afghanistan. The road connecting Jalalabad and Kunar Province was eventually reopened. Ambulances streamed toward the disaster zone, while others transported victims back to the city.

The earthquake killed another 12 or more people and injured 255 others in Nangarhar Province, according to the chief spokesman of the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid.

In Kunar and Nangarhar, hospitals were operational and did not sustain major damage. However, the disaster left one village, Mazar Dara, completely blocked in, thus requiring rescue operations by helicopter.

“The U.N. team in Afghanistan is mobilized and will spare no effort to assist those in need in the affected areas,” said António Guterres, the United Nations secretary general.

In the wake of the disaster, the Eu-

ropean Union and a few other countries offered humanitarian support to Afghanistan, including Iran, India, and Japan. Other countries, including the United States, have been hesitant to support Afghanistan, as the Taliban is suspected of stealing aid.

Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan and nearby countries, given that many residents live on or near geological faults. This is the third major earthquake in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power in 2021.

Plane of EU’s Top Leader Targeted

On Sunday, a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was targeted by GPS navigation jamming while trying to land in Bulgaria. The commission received “information from Bulgarian authorities that they suspect this blatant interference was carried out by Russia,” said European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Arianna Podestà.

The Kremlin has denied the allegation.

The plane landed safely, with a source saying that the pilots landed the plane using paper maps.

Von der Leyen and the commission have been staunch supporters of Ukraine as Kyiv tries to defend itself against its neighbor. She was one of the European leaders who attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s summit on Ukraine last week and has consistently urged EU member states to allocate more resources to help Ukraine.

“This incident underlines the urgency of the president’s current trip to frontline Member States, where she has seen firsthand the everyday threats from Russia and its proxies,” Podestà said.

Despite Russia’s denial of involvement, GPS interference that causes disruptions to flights and maritime traffic has long been among the tools in Russia’s hybrid war arsenal

. Authorities in Scandinavian and Baltic states have said repeatedly that Russia has been regularly jamming the GPS

20 signal in the region. After a team of researchers in Poland and Germany closely studied GPS interferences for a period of six months starting June 2024, they also concluded Russia was the perpetrator and that Moscow was using a shadow fleet of ships and its Kaliningrad exclave to do so.

The European Union has previously sanctioned several Russian state-linked entities and individuals for being behind jamming incidents.

The trip to Bulgaria was part of von der Leyen’s tour of several European Union states that border Russia, Belarus and the Black Sea. It was meant to show strength and unity from European nations for Ukraine.

The president visited Latvia and Finland on Friday, Estonia on Saturday, and Poland and Bulgaria on Sunday. She was rounding up the trip on Monday, visiting Lithuania and Romania.

Speaking in Bulgaria’s capital shortly after the plane incident but before it became public, von der Leyen said Europe needed to “keep up the sense of urgency.”

“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin has not changed, and he will not change. He is a predator. He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence,” she said.

“SovCits” in Australia

Most “sovereign citizens” — citizens who believe they are not subject to laws made by the government — non-violently employ tactics known as “paper terrorism,” wherein they flood courts and government offices with false paperwork, complaints, court actions, and arguments.

However, a self-proclaimed “sovereign citizen” in Australia, led by his disdain for the state, is believed to have recently murdered two police officers, marking a violent escalation in Australia’s sovereign citizen movement, which started in the United States.

Last Tuesday, Desmond Filby, who goes by “Dezi” Freeman, allegedly shot two police officers dead after they tried serving a search warrant on his property

in Porepunkah over serious allegations.

As of Tuesday, one week after his escape, authorities have yet to find Freeman, who fled on foot and went into hiding in the bush in northern Victoria. Hundreds of officers, helicopters, and dogs have been searching for the suspect. He is believed to be “heavily armed” and may be able to survive in the wild for a while.

Freeman has, for years, opposed the police. He once submitted evidence to court while attempting to throw out a 2020 traffic conviction, branding police “Nazis” and “terrorist thugs.”

“In the United States, you’ve got a history… That’s very different to this country,” Marilyn McMahon, Deakin University’s law school dean, said, estimating that Australia has some 2,000 “SovCits.” “We had an attempted arson at the old Parliament House… We have had death threats made against politicians by sovereign citizens, and we’ve had assaults, but we haven’t had anything really close to this.”

Alan Skyring was one of Australia’s first sovereign citizens. He became known in the 1980s after he began arguing in court that the only legal form of currency is gold and silver coins. The High Court, Federal Court, and Queensland Supreme Court declared Skyring a vexatious litigant decades later, banning him from filing more claims. He passed away in 2017.

Prince Leonard was another notable Australian sovereign citizen. For almost 50 years, he declared himself the ruler of his own micro-nation in Western Australia. Prince Leonard also used paper terrorism, legally challenging the government’s wheat production quotas.

Sovereign citizens often refuse to pay taxes, mortgages, and fines, insisting that such costs are unlawful. Others refuse to show police their driver’s licenses at traffic stops. However, they act independently, deciding for themselves what laws they want to rebel against.

Experts say this issue was exacerbated by the pandemic and its aftermath, as a growing number of citizens no longer trust the government.

S. Korea’s Former First Lady Indicted

Following the ouster of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in April, a special prosecution team on Friday announced several charges against Yoon’s wife, former First Lady Kim Heon Hee. Kim was charged with a number of crimes, including stock fraud and bribery. The prosecution has accused her of earn-

ing 810 million won ($583,510) by manipulating stocks between 2010 and 2012. An official at the Unification Church also allegedly gave her 80 million won worth of bribes, including two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, in exchange for her influence.

Kim’s legal team has denied the allegations, though she has said she would make “no excuses” and face trial.

The Unification Church, while denying involvement, called its failure to prevent an official’s misconduct “deeply regrettable.”

Yoon and Kim are both in prison now. Yoon faces insurrection charges for declaring martial law in December.

On Friday, prosecutors also charged former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo with abetting insurrection and committing perjury. Han was acting president following Yoon’s ouster but was quickly impeached for allegedly helping Yoon declare martial law. Though the Constitutional Court reversed Han’s impeachment and gave him back his power, he stepped down as acting president to run in the June election. He later dropped out of the race due to divisions within his party, and liberal President Lee Jae Myung ended up winning.

Flooding Hits Pakistan

Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, is facing its biggest floods on record. This week, emergency workers used drones to find people stranded on rooftops by the massive floods. At least 900,000 people were evacuated.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department warned of more heavy rain in Punjab’s flood-hit districts and elsewhere in

the country, where weeks of above-normal rainfall and the release of huge volumes of water from dams in neighboring India last week caused rivers to overflow into low-lying regions.

In Multan and Jhang districts, residents on Monday waded through floodwaters carrying their belongings to roadsides and higher ground. After waiting fruitlessly for rescuers, many crossed the 5-feet deep water to reach safety. Others remained stranded.

Since last week, rescuers, backed by the military and emergency services, have evacuated more than 900,000 people from more than 3,100 flood-hit villages, said Irfan Ali Kathia, director general of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority. More than 600,000 farm animals were also moved to safety.

“Our priority is to save lives and ensure a steady supply of essential items to survivors,” Kathia said. The deluge has swamped Narowal, Sialkot and Kasur districts, while entire villages have been submerged in Jhang and Multan.

Authorities in Punjab say they had set up more than 1,000 relief camps, but government figures show that only about 36,550 evacuees are housed in them. It is unclear where the vast majority were staying.

Evacuations also took place in southern Sindh province, where Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah warned of a possible “super flood” of the Indus River if water levels top 900,000 cubic feet per second.

Heavy rains and a sudden cloudburst on Monday inundated several neighborhoods in Islamabad, leaving roads under water and vehicles stranded, according to local media reports. Television footage showed the main streets of the Pakistani capital transformed into streams as cars struggled to move through the floodwaters.

Punjab, home to some 150 million people and the country’s main wheat-growing region, has recorded 41 flood-related deaths in 10 days.

Pakistan’s weather center said Punjab received 26.5% more monsoon rainfall between July 1 and August 27 compared with the same period last year. Nationwide, at least 854 people have died in rain-related incidents since late June.

Pakistan’s monsoon season typically lasts until the end of September.

U.K. To Produce Warships for Norway

On Sunday, the U.K. secured a deal worth $13.5 billion to build at least five new warships for the Norwegian navy.

The 10 billion pound ($13.5 billion) agreement for Type 26 frigates, designed for anti-submarine warfare, is set to be built at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards and represents the biggest ever British warship export deal by value, according to the Ministry of Defense.

Norway’s purchase forms part of a plan to strengthen security along NATO’s northern flank that will see the two nations jointly operate a combined fleet of 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates in northern Europe.

The deal will put more warships in the North Atlantic to hunt Russian submarines, protect critical infrastructure, and keep both nations secure, British Defense Secretary John Healey said.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the transaction would strengthen both Norway’s and NATO’s ability to patrol and protect the maritime areas in the region.

“This is of great importance to Norwegian, British and allied security in these times of global instability,” he said.

Other countries were vying for the contract, including France, Germany, and the United States.

For the U.K., the order will support 4,000 jobs across the British supply chain until well into the 2030s while providing a 10 billion pound boost to the U.K. economy, the Ministry of Defense said.

The frigates are specifically designed to detect, track down and combat submarines. Both the Norwegian and British vessels will be as similar as possible to allow efficient joint operation while reducing costs and making joint maintenance easier.

Delivery of the ships to Norway will start in 2030.

Finland to Remove Swastikas From Its Flags

Although the swastika has become associated with the hateful Nazi movement, the symbol has been around for many years before Hitler rose to power in Germany. Finland’s Air Force still flies swastikas on a few of its unit flags. The symbol has been on the flags before the birth of Nazi Germany. Now, Finland says it is preparing to phase out the hateful icon. “We could have continued with this flag, but sometimes awkward situations can arise with foreign visitors. It may be wise to live with the times,” Col. Tomi Böhm, the new head of Karelia Air Wing air defense force, was quoted as saying in a report on Thursday.

The Defense Forces said last week a plan to renew the air force unit flags was launched in 2023, the year Finland joined NATO, but said it was not linked to joining the alliance. The aim, it said, was “to update the symbolism and emblems of the flags to better reflect the current identity of the Air Force.”

In an article in daily Helsingin Sanomat on Friday, the reason given for the removal was a perception that the swastika has been an “embarrassing symbol in international contexts.”

Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, joined NATO in April 2023 over concerns related to Russia’s fullscale invasion of Ukraine.

Following Finland’s integration with NATO, policymakers have decided that there is a need to become more integrated with other countries, and some of those countries may view the swastika as a clearly negative symbol. For example, in 2021, German air force units bowed out of a final ceremony following exercises at a military base in Finland’s Lapland region after learning that the Finnish swastikas would be on display.

Finland’s air force adopted the swastika emblem in 1918, soon after the country gained its independence after more than a century of Imperial Russian rule.

Count Eric von Rosen of neighboring Sweden donated Finland’s first military plane in 1918, which bore his personal symbol, the swastika. Von Rosen was the brother-in-law of Hermann Goering, who led the Luftwaffe during World War II under Hitler.

The Finnish air force soon after adopted a blue swastika on a white background as the national insignia on all its planes from 1918 to 1945. After the war, the imagery remained for decades on some Air Force unit flags and decorations as well as on the insignia of the Air Force Academy.

The Finnish air force stressed that its use of the symbol had no connection to Nazi Germany, although Finland entered into a reluctant alliance with the Third Reich during World War II.

New flags — featuring an eagle — will be published when the work has been completed and the flags are introduced into use for events like parades and local ceremonies, the Defense Forces said, without saying when that would happen.

“The traditional Von Rosen swastika emblem, in use since 1918, has already been removed from most other Air Force emblems during earlier reforms, so its removal from the unit flags is a logical continuation of this work,” a statement said.

80 Years of Independence for Vietnam

On Tuesday, Vietnam celebrated its National Day with its largest military parade in decades. Thousands packed Hanoi to mark eight decades since Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French colonial rule on September 2, 1945.

Soon after that day, fighting had resumed as Vietnamese forces battled the French in the First Indochina War, which ended in 1954 when the country was divided into Communist North and U.S.backed South. The Vietnam War followed, during which the Communist North fought the South and its American allies. That conflict ended when Communist forces captured Saigon on April 30, 1975, and the country was unified.

Vietnam’s top leader, Communist Par-

ty General Secretary To Lam, paid tribute to those who died in the fight for independence and reiterated the ruling party’s goal that by 2045 Vietnam will be a “powerful, prosperous and happy nation,” calling it “the aspiration of the entire nation, an oath of honor before history.”

“We want to be a friend, be a trusted partner with all countries in the world,” he said, insisting that Hanoi would never compromise on independence or sovereignty.

Nearly 16,000 soldiers joined the event, including upgraded tanks, large artillery guns on vehicles, amphibious vehicles and missile systems made by a state-owned Vietnamese company. For the first time, it also organized a televised naval parade off the coast of the port city of Cam Ranh in southern Vietnam, featuring warships, submarines, helicopters and sea planes.

Honor guards from China, Russia, Laos and Cambodia also joined the display, which Vietnamese state media said reflected the country’s “international friendships.” China is planning to hold a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the end of World War II.

Landslide Wipes Out Village

Around 1,000 people were killed on Sunday when a landslide flattened a village in Sudan’s western region of Darfur. The event is one of the deadliest natural disasters in the African country’s recent history.

The tragedy occurred in the village of Tarasin in Central Darfur’s Marrah Mountains after days of heavy rainfall, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army said in a statement.

Only one person from the town is said to have survived.

The village was “completely leveled to the ground,” the group said, as it appealed to the UN and international aid groups for help to recover the bodies.

The ruling Sovereign Council in Khartoum mourned “the death of hundreds of innocent residents” in the Marrah Mountains’ landslide. In a statement, it said

“all possible capabilities” have been mobilized to support the area.

Fighting has been gripping the nation, as a civil war has ripped the country in two. The country’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into open fighting in April 2023 in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country. Most of the conflict-stricken Darfur region has become mostly inaccessible for the UN and aid groups, given crippling restrictions and fighting between Sudan’s military and the RSF.

Multiple communities in Darfur, including in the Marrah Mountains, have been cut off after more than two years of war and isolation, these areas becoming “a black hole” in Sudan’s humanitarian response, according to Doctors Without Borders.

The Sudan Liberation Movement-Army, centered in the Marrah Mountains area, is one of multiple rebel groups active in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. It hasn’t taken sides in the war. The Marrah Mountains are a rugged volcanic chain extending 100 miles southwest of el-Fasher, an epicenter of fighting between the military and the RSF. The area has turned into a hub for displaced families fleeing fighting in and around el-Fasher.

The conflict in Sudan has killed more than 40,000 people, forced more than 14 million to flee their homes, and left some families eating grass in a desperate attempt to survive as famine swept parts of the country.

Europe’s Spaceport

Driven by economic incentives and in hopes of reducing its dependence on the United States, Europe is working on developing its own spaceport, which it expects will someday rival the capabilities of the U.S., China, and Russia.

Esrange Space Center, a state-owned spaceport in Kiruna, Sweden, is one of the main places where Europe is advancing its space program. The base, owned and operated by the Swedish Space Corporation, is six square kilometers, while

its rocket landing zone includes 5,200 square kilometers of trees. Esrange is over 200 kilometers (120 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, in a mostly empty territory. Occasionally, Sami Indigenous reindeer herders enter the area, though they’re notified before tests.

“The gap is significant,” Hermann Ludwig Moeller, the European Space Policy Institute director, noted. “I would argue that Europe, to be anywhere relevant in the next five to 10 years, needs to at least double its investment in space. And saying that it would double doesn’t mean that it would catch up by the same factor, because you can expect that other regions will also continue to step up.”

As of now, the only European space base that can launch rockets and satellites into orbit is in French Guiana, which is a French territory in South America. Europe, otherwise, relies on NASA’s Cape Canaveral, which is in Florida.

Isar Aerospace, a private German aerospace company, launched a test flight of its orbital launch vehicle from the Andøya Spaceport on an island in Norway. Thirty seconds after liftoff, the rocket crashed into the sea. However, the company still considered the launch a success, as it didn’t anticipate the craft reaching orbit.

Several countries hope to play a major role in Europe’s spaceport portfolio, including Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In February, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, while speaking at the Munich Security Conference, told Europe that it should stop completely depending on the U.S. for security and defense, thus pushing European governments to take the initiative to reduce their reliance on Washington.

Putin, Xi, Modi Meet

On Monday, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an alliance that includes China, Russia, India, and other countries, held a summit in Tianjin, China, during which leaders from the SCO’s member states met and spoke.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech, he made several references to the United States, which he indirectly criticized for its “bullying practices.” Though Xi didn’t mention the U.S. by name, he pledged to fight “hegemonism,” “Cold War mentality,” and “bullying practices.” Xi, during his speech, framed China as a global leader.

During a two-day summit with over 20 world leaders, Xi declared, “The house rules of a few countries should not be im-

posed on others.” He announced 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in grants for member states of the SCO in 2025, as well as 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in loans to be distributed over the next three years to the organization’s banking consortium.

“We should leverage the strength of our mega-sized markets and economic complementarity between member states and improve trade and investment facilitation,” Xi said.

Xi, later that day, also introduced a

ro-Atlantic models, take into account the interests of the broadest possible range of countries, be truly balanced, and would not allow attempts by some states to ensure their security at the expense of others.”

Putin also defended his decision to invade Ukraine, hailed peace efforts by China and India, and said his “understanding” with Trump at their recent meeting in Alaska would open “the way to peace in Ukraine.” On the sidelines, Putin spoke with Xi and Modi about Ukraine, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. Ushakov also dismissed the likelihood of Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meeting directly.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also at the summit. He reportedly spoke privately with Putin for almost an hour in the Russian presidential limousine while on the way to their official talks.

“India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder even in the most difficult times,” Modi said at the beginning of the meeting. “We have been in constant dialogue on the situation in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts for peace.”

On Sunday evening, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcome banquet for the world leaders attending the summit. There, Xi and Putin interacted warmly. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, China has economically helped Russia survive Western sanctions.

new Global Governance Initiative, which includes new security, development, and civilization initiatives.

“I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system,” Xi said. “We should continue to dismantle walls, not erect them; seek integration, not decoupling.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke, declaring that the SCO “would replace the outdated Eurocentric and Eu-

IDF Recovers Hostages’ Bodies

The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet, on Friday, recovered the bodies of two deceased hostages from Gaza: Ilan Weiss, 56, and Idan Shtivi, 28. The operation was made possible thanks to intelligence provided by the Military Intelligence Directorate, the Shin Bet, and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. On the morning of October 7, 2023,

terrorists murdered Weiss, an emergency response team member who had been protecting Kibbutz Be’eri, before taking his body to the Gaza Strip. Hamas also abducted his wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, who were released during the short-lived November 2023 ceasefire.

“This is an ongoing, principled effort that we will continue to pursue,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. “We will not rest or remain silent until all our hostages are returned by any means possible.”

Weiss was a “loving and devoted family man, [who] excelled at cooking and loved to barbecue,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said. Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Weiss “bravely managed the defensive battle in Be’eri and prevented an even greater disaster, alongside other heroes.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the loved ones of Weiss and Shtivi. Netanyahu also

moment of deep sorrow but also of closure,” President Isaac Herzog said in a statement, expressing his condolences to Weiss’s family. “Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day. In his death, he gave life. And ever since, his family has shown extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return.”

Herzog urged the world to “show moral clarity, apply pressure and act for the immediate release of all the hostages.”

Hamas terrorists abducted Shtivi, a sustainability and government student at Reichman University, from the Supernova music festival, where he saved a number of people.

“When the attack began, Idan helped two strangers he had just met escape from the site. This selfless choice ultimately led to his abduction,” the forum said last year upon the confirmation of his death.

Shtivi had volunteered to photograph the Nova festival. He joined the party at 6 a.m. — just half an hour before the attack started — and called his girlfriend at 7, telling her about the missiles overhead and that he was leaving.

Shtivi left in his car with two people but was blocked by the terrorists on the road heading north. He then turned the car around and started driving south but was driven off the road, lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree.

He was last seen in that location, and the car was later found full of bullet holes and blood. His friends’ bodies were found at the scene.

Forty-eight hostages now remain in Hamas captivity, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

IDF Kills Houthi Cabinet, PM

hailed the security forces for their “determination and courage,” adding that Israel “will not rest until all hostages are returned — the living and the dead.” Katz echoed Netanyahu’s sentiment, praising the IDF and Shin Bet’s “heroic” work, and declared, “We will not rest, and we will not stop until everyone returns home.”

“692 days after he was brutally kidnapped with his wife Shiri and their daughter Noga, Ilan’s body was recovered in a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation. A

According to Channel 12, the Israeli military eliminated Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthis, and his cabinet of 12 ministers with airstrikes on Thursday in Yemen. Reports from within Yemen confirmed the deaths of several Houthi officials, including the prime minister, who was reportedly killed in his apartment in Sanaa, the capital. Al-Rahawi’s funeral was held on Monday.

Israel targeted 10 senior Houthi ministers, who were watching Abdul Malik alHouthi, the terror group’s leader, make a speech outside of Sanaa. Among those targeted were the Houthi defense minister, Muhammad Nasser al-Attafi, and the chief of staff, Muhammad Al-Ghamari. As of late last week, it is unclear if they were killed in the strike. However, Channel 13 news reported on Thursday that “the direction is positive; it seems the attack succeeded.” Ynet added that “there is growing assessment that the entire Houthi military and governmental elite were eliminated in the attack.”

“The Houthis operate as an additional terrorist branch of Iran, continue to attack Israel, and threaten regional and international stability. Our message is clear: there will be no tolerance,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir at a situational assessment on Friday regarding ongoing operations across the region.

Al-Rahwi became prime minister nearly a year ago, but the de facto leader of the government was his deputy, Mohamed Moftah, who was assigned on Saturday to carry out the prime minister’s duties. Rahwi was seen largely as a figurehead who was not part of the inner circle of the Houthi leadership.

Al-Attafi became the rebel group’s defense minister in 2016. He was reportedly the most senior official in the Houthis’ military establishment and was close with Hezbollah and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

Al-Ghamari was previously targeted by Israel in a June strike, which left him seriously injured.

At the funeral this week, the crowd vowed revenge and chanted the Houthi slogan, “G-d is Great, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam.”

“We are facing the strongest intelligence empire in the world, the one that targeted the government – the whole Zionist entity (comprising) the U.S. administration, the Zionist entity, the Zionist Arabs and the spies inside Yemen,” Moftah told the crowd of mourners at the Al Saleh mosque.

Israel originally intended to strike the rebel group’s leaders as part of a separate attack on Sunday, according to reports. However, in the end, the military attacked on Thursday instead.

Flotilla Fail

On Sunday, the Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Barcelona’s port with much fanfare. But hours later, the vessel was back at port after a storm hit Spain overnight. Facing winds of more than 35 mph, some of the smaller boats taking part in the mission would have been at risk, organizers said.

Around 20 vessels with participants from 44 countries were involved in the stunt to head to Gaza to aid the Palestinian cause. But after the delay, when the group attempted again to head out on Monday, it was unclear how many boats were involved.

It is expected that more vessels will join as the group crosses the Mediterranean this week. It may just become the largest group to attempt to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory by sea.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Barcelona ex-Mayor Ada Colau were among those on board. The flotilla also received support from Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Liam Cunningham, known for his role in a popular TV series.

The IDF will likely block the flotilla and send the members home before they get to Gaza.

How Hamas Survives Despite Assassinations

In July 2024, Israel assassinated Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s political bureau chief, and Mohammed Deif, Hamas’s military leader. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in October 2024. In May 2025, Israel eliminated Mohammed Sinwar, the

brother and successor of Yahya Sinwar. Most recently, the Israeli military assassinated Abu Obeida, an infamous spokesman for the terror group.

However, despite Israel’s unrelenting campaign of assassinations against the group, it seems Hamas may be largely unaffected. Last April, the Israeli army killed Hamas’s battalion commander in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood. That same month, Israel assassinated that man’s successor. After the next replacement was installed, the IDF killed that terrorist as well, also in April. Since the October 7 massacre, Israel has assassinated six of Hamas’s seven Shejaiya battalion commanders.

“There is never a vacuum,” explained Michael Milstein, who leads the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University’s Dayan Center. “Even at the level of battalion and company commanders in Hamas’s military wing…there’s always someone motivated to step in, despite knowing that their death is almost certain. It’s quite remarkable.”

Hamas’s division into political and military wings has helped it survive. The most important Hamas political leaders — the officials who govern Hamas’s actions, including whether it agrees to ceasefires — live in Qatar and Turkey.

Hamas has around eight such leaders, the most important of whom are former Sinwar deputy Khalil al-Hayya, who lives in Qatar and has recently been considered Hamas’s Gaza leader; Nizar Awadallah, an early member of the terror group who almost beat Sinwar in the 2021 political bureau election; Mohammed Darwish, who heads Hamas’s Shura Council, which advises the terror group’s political leaders; and Zaher Jabarin, who resides in Turkey and leads Hamas’s West Bank operations.

“In general, Hamas is a network-based organization, one with multiple centers of power,” Harel Horev, a Dayan Center researcher, said. “This was the case even before October 7, and even before Yahya Sinwar.

“Once the war began, Israel started striking all the surrounding centers of power, and that demonstrates Hamas’s resilience. A hierarchical structure is very vulnerable – you kill the head, and it collapses. But when you hit a network, there are always people ready to take their place,” Horev said.

According to Milstein, Hamas, despite its losses, is still able to make decisions based on two Islamic principles: shura (consultation) and ijma (consensus).

“Everything, including the wording of

the ceasefire agreement that Hamas recently announced it had accepted, is the product of consultation,” Milstein said.

“It’s not as if Khalil al-Hayya simply woke up one morning and said, ‘Let’s move this forward. I don’t care what [Gaza-based leader] Izz al-Din Haddad thinks.’”

Hamas’s current military leaders in Gaza are Izz al-Din Haddad and Raed Saad. Haddad was selected as Deif’s successor, though Haddad’s powers are more limited, given his lack of experience, according to Milstein.

“After Israel killed Mohammed Sinwar, it brought Hamas to the bottom of the barrel,” Horev said. “Izz al-Din Haddad didn’t immediately take control. It took him several weeks to get a grip on Hamas’s military wing. He and Raed Saad are the last of the Mohicans in Hamas in Gaza today.

“The moment you take out Izz al-Din Haddad, you’re talking about a network that will operate at a much lower profile,” Horev added. “If a junior figure ends up running the military wing inside Gaza, it’s likely he won’t be listened to, neither from within the Strip nor from abroad.”

Belgium to Impose Sanctions on Israel

On Tuesday, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said that his country will recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly later this month. He also said that sanctions will be imposed on the Israeli government.

“Palestine will be recognized by Belgium at the UN session! And firm sanctions are being imposed against the Israeli government,” Prevot wrote on X.

The Belgian foreign minister said that the move would send a “strong political and diplomatic signal” to preserve the chances of a two-state solution and “mark the condemnation of Israel’s expansionist ambitions, with its colonization programs and military occupations.”

Prevot said that Belgium noted “the trauma that the Israeli people have suffered from the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023,” and that therefore “administrative formalization” of the recognition of Palestine will only be declared by royal decree “when the last hostage has been released and Hamas no longer exercises any form of governance over Palestine.”

In July, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would recognize a Palestinian state at the UN meeting, which will be held from September 9 to 23 in New York. Since then, other Western nations have said they would follow France’s lead. Israeli ministers have lambasted the move as a “reward for terror” in the wake of the October 7 onslaught.

The United States said last week it will not allow Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

Prevot said the decision to recognize a Palestinian state came “in view of the humanitarian tragedy” unfolding in Gaza amid the war, with pressure needed on both Israel and Hamas.

“This is not about punishing the Israeli people, but rather about ensuring that its government respects international and humanitarian law and taking action to try to change the situation on the ground,” he added.

Prevot added that “any antisemitism or glorification of terrorism by Hamas supporters will also be condemned more vigorously.”

Prevot said that 12 steps would be taken regarding sanctions on Israel and detailed a number of them: a ban on the import of products originating from “settlements”; a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies; limitation of consular assistance to Belgians living in “settlements” deemed illegal under international law; possible judicial prosecutions; and bans on overflights and transit.

Additionally, Prevot said “two extremist Israeli ministers, various violent settlers and Hamas leaders” would be “persona non gratae” in Belgium. He did not name the two ministers.

In addition, Belgium will support moves within the EU to suspend cooperation with Israel, including the suspension of the association agreement, research programs and technical cooperation. European Union foreign ministers remained sharply divided during a meeting in Copenhagen on Saturday over the war in Gaza, with some urging the bloc to exert significant economic pressure on Israel, while others firmly opposed such measures.

Prevot also wrote that Belgium will join the “New York Declaration,” which sets out a phased plan that would culminate in an independent, demilitarized Palestine living side by side peacefully with Israel.

In July, Arab and Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, signed the declaration in which they also condemned for the first time Hamas’s onslaught of October 7, 2023, and called on the terror group to release all the hostages it is holding, disarm and end its rule of Gaza, in a bid to end the devastating war in the Strip.

Seventeen countries, plus the 22-member Arab League and the entire European Union, threw their weight behind the text, agreed on at a United Nations conference on reviving the two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.

Prayer After

Minneapolis Shooting

Last Wednesday morning, an 8-yearold boy and a 10-year-old girl were murdered, and 18 others, including 15 children, were wounded in a mass shooting.

The assailant opened fire through the stainless steel windows of the church of Annunciation Catholic School, a school in Minneapolis, during Mass.

Authorities named Robin Westman, 23, as the gunman. Westman, a man who identified as a woman, was once a student in the school, according to a 2017 yearbook. After opening fire, he proceeded to shoot himself dead. Westman carried three guns during the attack.

During the attack, worshipers hid behind pews, and older kids shielded younger children from the gunfire, according to authorities.

Kash Patel, the director of the FBI, said the attack would be investigated as an “act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.”

The injured included three worshipers

who were in their 80s, as well as 15 children between the ages of six and 18. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said all those who were wounded are expected to recover.

The gunman murdered two children: an 8-year-old boy named Fletcher Merkel and a 10-year-old girl named Harper Moyski.

On Friday, Todd Barnette, the Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner, praised the “children who protected their friends from gunfire” and the “school and faith leaders who ran into the church and the scene without worrying about their own safety.”

Sophia Forchas, 12, was among those injured. As of late last week, she was in critical condition following surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center’s children’s ward. There, many teachers, students, nurses, and police officers stood for a moment of silence and prayed.

After the attack, former White House press secretary and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki wrote on X that “prayers does not end school shootings” and “prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school.

“Prayer does not bring these kids back,” she continued. “Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”

But Psaki’s words drew criticism from many.

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said.

“We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know G-d listens. We pray because we know that G-d works in mysterious ways and can inspire us to further action,” Vice President JD Vance replied to Psaki on X. “Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?”

Rep. Omar is a Millionaire

Rep.

is “barely worth thousands.” In fact, on February 10, Omar wrote on social media

that her “salary is $174,000 before taxes.”

“I don’t have stock or own a home and am still paying off my student debt. So if you are going to lie on something that is public, maybe try checking my public financial statements, and you will see I barely have thousands, let alone millions.”

But her latest financial disclosure tells a different story. According to the Washington Free Beacon, Omar’s assets amount to millions of dollars.

Most of Omar’s millions are in the form of partnership income in relation to her husband’s winery business and venture capital management named Rose Lake Capital. The VC is estimated to be valued between $5 million and $25 million, and the winery, between $1-5 million.

The filing lists $15,001-$50,000 in student debt since 2005 and $15,001 to $50,000 in credit card debt.

Amazingly, the congresswoman from Minnesota and her husband, Tim Mynett, saw a shocking 3,500% increase in their net worth in 2024 from 2023.

The disclosure was filed in May.

The member of anti-Israel “Squad” previously told Business Insider that there was a “coordinated right-wing disinformation campaign” to accuse her of having millions.

“I am a working mom with student loan debt. Unlike some of my colleagues — and similar to most Americans — I am not a millionaire and am raising a family while maintaining a residence in both Minneapolis and D.C., which are among the most expensive housing markets in the country,” she told the outlet.

PA Officials Banned from U.N. General Assembly

On Friday, the United States announced that it would ban the visas of over 80 Palestinian officials, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, thus barring them from attending next month’s United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York City. The European Union has urged the U.S. to reconsider the move.

Ilhan Omar has claimed that she

Abbas planned on coming to New York for the UNGA and a French and Saudi-hosted summit, where Britain, France, Canada, and Australia planned to officially recognize a Palestinian state.

In response, Abbas’s office has expressed astonishment at the U.S.’s move, which it asserted was in violation of the U.N.’s 1947 “headquarters agreement,” which forces the U.S. to allow foreign diplomats to come to New York for the U.N. However, the U.S. has reserved the right

to ban foreign officials for security and foreign policy purposes.

Abbas’s office claimed the U.S.’s decision “stands in clear contradiction to international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement, particularly since the State of Palestine is an observer member of the United Nations” and called on Washington to change its mind, “reaffirming Palestine’s full commitment to international law, UN resolutions and obligations toward peace, as conveyed in President

for the U.N., said the United Nations would speak to the State Department about the decision.

“Before the PLO and PA can be considered partners for peace, they must consistently repudiate terrorism — including the October 7 massacre — and end incitement to terrorism in education, as required by U.S. law and as promised by the PLO,” the U.S. said.

“The PA must also end its attempts to bypass negotiations through international lawfare campaigns, including appeals to the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, and efforts to secure the unilateral recognition of a conjectural Palestinian state,” the State Department added, noting that the PA’s legal actions and its campaign to gain recognition from Western countries “contributed to Hamas’s refusal to release its hostages, and to the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire talks.”

The “U.S. remains open to reengagement that is consistent with our laws, should the PA/PLO meet their obligations and demonstrably take concrete steps to return to a constructive path of compromise and peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel,” the State Department concluded.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the U.S.’s move, expressing gratitude to Secretary of State Marco Rubio for holding the PA and Palestinian Liberation Organization “accountable for rewarding terrorism, incitement and efforts to use legal warfare against Israel.” Sa’ar recommended the visa ban when he met with Rubio last week.

This is the U.S.’s first somewhat punitive response to recent plans by France, Britain, and Canada to recognize a Palestinian state at the urging of the PA despite hostages still being held in Gaza.

Nadler to Retire

Mahmoud Abbas’s letters to world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.”

“It is in our national security interests to hold the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority accountable for not complying with their commitments and for undermining the prospects for peace,” the State Department said, adding that the Palestinian Authority’s Mission to the U.N. would still be allowed to attend.

Stephanie Dujarric, a spokesperson

Rep. Jerry Nadler, the former chair of the House Judiciary Committee who helped spearhead President Donald Trump’s impeachment, announced in an interview with The New York Times on Monday that he will not be seeking re-election next year.

Nadler, 78, had served in Congress since 1992. He said that Biden’s loss was a big part of his decision to leave government.

“Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that,” the New York representative told The New York Times.

He reiterated, “I’m not saying we should change over the entire party. But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”

Nadler had already relinquished his role as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee amid private concerns among House Democrats about his ability to stand up to President Trump, prompting a challenge for the Judiciary job from a younger colleague, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD).

Nadler achieved national prominence when he served as a manager of Trump’s first impeachment, though his handling of the impeachment probe leading up to it conflicted with then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

In a statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also from New York, called Nadler a “relentless fighter for jus-

tice, civil rights and liberties and the fundamental promise of equality for all.”

“After the attacks of September 11, 2001, he spent years fighting for the care and support that New York City and his constituents needed to begin to rebuild and heal,” said Jeffries. “As Dean of the New York delegation, Congressman Nadler has been a dear friend and valued mentor to myself and so many others throughout the People’s House.”

Nadler, who is Jewish, was a sharp critic of Benjamin Netanyahu and hardly a friend to Israel. He has backed New York Democrat mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, despite the latter’s staunch condemnations of Israel and embrace of much of the rhetoric of the proPalestinian left.

Nadler already faced a 2026 primary challenger who was trying to turn his age against him. The deep-blue seat is now likely to face a Democratic free-for-all to succeed Nadler.

Spirit Files for Bankruptcy Again

On Friday, budget carrier Spirit Airlines said that it filed for fresh bankruptcy protection months after emerging from a

Chapter 11 reorganization. Despite the need for a restructuring process, the low-cost airline said that flights will continue as usual, with passengers being able to book trips and use their tickets and credits. Employees and contractors will also continue to get paid, the company said.

CEO Dave Davis said the airline’s previous Chapter 11 petition focused on reducing debt and raising capital, and since exiting that process in March, “it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future.”

Flight attendants, meanwhile, were warned by union leaders to “prepare for all possible scenarios.”

“We are being direct because even as we have many ways to fight because of our union, we also want to get you the truth about the situation at our airline and how each of us can take actions to protect and prepare ourselves for any challenge,” the Association of Flight Attendants said in a letter to its members.

Spirit, known for its bright yellow planes and no-frills service, has had a rough ride since the pandemic, struggling to rebound amid rising operation costs and its mounting debt. By the time of its first Chapter 11 filing in November, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020.

The airline now carries $2.4 billion in long-term debt, most due in 2030, and reported a negative free cash flow of $1 billion at the end of the second quarter.

Spirit’s cost-cutting efforts continued after emerging from bankruptcy protection in March, including plans to furlough about 270 pilots and downgrade some 140 captains to first officers in the coming months. Those changes, which go into effect October 1 and November 1, were tied to expected flight volumes in 2026, the company has said. They also follow previous furloughs and job cuts before the company’s bankruptcy filing last year.

Despite the cuts, Spirit has said it needs more cash. As a result, the company said it was considering selling off certain aircraft and real estate.

Spirit operates 5,013 flights to 88 destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Panama and Colombia.

New CDC Chief

Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received a new director. Jim O’Neill will be serving as acting director after Dr. Susan Monarez was ousted from the position.

“Together, we will rebuild this institution into what it was always meant to be: a guardian of America’s health and security,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote, adding that O’Neill would “help advance this mission.”

On Friday, O’Neill acknowledged his new role atop the CDC in a post on X that criticized the agency for losing trust during President Joe Biden’s administration and said that “we are helping the agency earn back the trust it had squandered.”

Last week, the Trump administration declared that Monarez had been fired from the agency, a move that spurred the resignations of four other senior officials at the CDC.

“There’s a lot of trouble at CDC, and it’s going to require getting rid of some people over the long term in order for us to change the institutional culture,” Kennedy said during a news conference in Texas on Thursday.

Kennedy has sought to advance major changes to the federal government’s evaluation of vaccines in recent months.

The dispute with Monarez grew primarily out of the work done by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of independent experts who make recommendations to the CDC on vaccine policy. Kennedy fired all of the committee’s members in June and appointed a new slate.

During his confirmation hearing in May, O’Neill told Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, that he’s “very strongly pro-vaccine” and supported the CDC’s vaccination schedule.

Kraft Heinz to Split

Kraft Heinz will split into two separate publicly traded businesses, the company said this week.

One company will focus on faster-growing businesses, such as sauces,

spreads and shelf-stable meals. Those brands include Heinz, Philadelphia and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The other company will focus on the struggling grocery items and food away from home businesses, including the Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables brands.

“Kraft Heinz’s brands are iconic and beloved, but the complexity of our current structure makes it challenging to allocate capital effectively, prioritize initiatives and drive scale in our most promising areas,” said Miguel Patricio, the Kraft Heinz executive chair, in a statement. “By separating into two companies, we can allocate the right level of attention and resources to unlock the potential of each brand to drive better performance and the creation of long-term shareholder value.”

Kraft Heinz expects the new companies will start operating separately in the second half of 2026.

The split will reverse a massive but largely unsuccessful 2015 merger arranged by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and the investment firm 3G Capital, Heinz and Kraft’s owners at the time. The merger brought dozens of iconic packaged food brands under one umbrella, creating the third-largest food company in North America.

Despite the merger, after a few years, the company started to lose value fast.

Leap of Faith

In the Netherlands, crowds of people gather near canals for the Dutch sport of “fierljeppen” – far leaping – in which athletes hoist themselves over canals on slender poles. Some make it to the other side; others end up splashing down in the canals.

“The moment you are at the top of the pole and you get to jump (off) of the pole, in that small moment you get to fly and that’s just really nice to experience,” 25-year-old athlete Bas van Leeuwen said as jumpers gathered for a competition in a village near Utrecht this week.

Athletes run to a carbon pole that is positioned at one end of the canal. As they run along the jetty, they grab onto the pole, lift themselves up and attempt to make it to the other side of the canal.

Lose momentum, or slip too far to one side, and athletes can end up soaked in the canal. Even a successful landing on the sand means a heavy, even painful, impact.

“The sport is not really that dangerous. I think more people get injured during soccer,” says van Leeuwen, who just recovered from an ankle ligament injury sustained while leaping over a canal. “The most common (injury) is the ankles or the knees because when you land, that is a fragile part of the body. Sometimes it snaps.”

Farmers used to use poles to get

around remote areas. The sport came into vogue in the 1950s and ‘60s.

“We are kind of a family. We know each other, we trust each other,” Wim Roskam, a historian of the sport, said. “I can leave my phone here and it’s all right, no problem. We help each other and when there (are) some sad things, we are there for each other, too.”

Jumping for joy.

All in a Row

On Saturday, three Scottish brothers stepped ashore in Australia and breathed a sigh of relief.

Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan MacLean had claimed a new record for rowing nonstop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean. They were “over the moon” to be back on dry land.

The trio had set off in a carbon fiber dinghy from Lima, Peru, in April for the 9,000 miles journey, enduring violent storms and sickness during their 139 days at sea.

At one point, Ewan was swept overboard before being pulled back into the boat. The group battled exhaustion and feared running out of food.

“The fastest human-powered crossing of the full Pacific Ocean, non-stop and unsupported,” they said on social media after arriving in Cairns.

“After 139 days at sea, we are over the moon to be back on land with our friends and family,” they exulted.

The brothers, from Edinburgh, were given a bagpipe welcome in front of family and friends after the treacherous ordeal.

“Things got tough towards the end, and we seriously thought we might run out of food,” shared middle brother Jamie. “Despite how exhausted we were, we had to step up a gear and make it before supplies ran out, but now we get to eat proper food.”

So what do you eat when you finally get home? Jamie chose pizza for his first meal.

“This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I couldn’t have even contemplated it without my brothers,” said Ewan.

“There have been countless setbacks to overcome, some leaving us lost, but we’ve always lifted each other up. At times, we’ve cried with sadness and with

fear, but our spirits have been lifted, time and time again, by the support of so many rallying behind us.”

This is not the first time the brothers made headlines. They broke three world records crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 2020, without ever having rowed professionally, making the journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in 35 days.

Sounds like they have all their ducks lined up in a row.

$25M Diamond Heist and Arrest

It took just eight hours for police to catch the people behind an extraordinary scam that involved the heist of a pink diamond valued at $25 million.

The scheme took place in Dubai. According to police, the three thieves spent around a year trying to steal the precious 21.25-carat gem. The criminals had convinced the diamond’s owner that a wealthy individual wanted to buy the valuable stone.

To establish credibility, the suspects posed as wealthy individuals by renting luxury cars and arranging meetings at upscale hotels. They then persuaded the dealer to move the diamond out of the secure safe, which allowed them to steal the precious stone.

It took police just eight hours by “leveraging advanced technologies” to track the locations of the thieves and arrest them.

The three thieves were of Asian nationality. The pink diamond was safely recovered by authorities before it could be smuggled out of the country in a small refrigerator bound for an Asian destination that police did not identify.

Dubai Police revealed that the merchant originally had imported the diamond from a European country to sell in Dubai. The thieves had closely monitored its arrival and devised a sophisticated plan to steal it, posing as wealthy intermediaries representing a potential buyer, police said.

The pink diamond has “exceptional clarity, symmetry, and polish,” police said, adding that “its extraordinary value and rarity made it a prime target.”

A gem of a find.

Around the Community

Opening Day at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island With Smiles and Anticipation For a Wonderful Year

Around the Community

SKA Girls Take Their Learning Into the Summer

Who says summer is just for relaxing and chilling? At SKA, our students made time for something extra special, voluntary summer Torah learning.

Girls were offered the opportunity to pick from five different seforim and keep their learning going through the summer – no tests, assignments or incentives attached, just pure, self-motivated growth. And they did it!

Even with busy summer schedules, girls chose to make Torah learning part of their vacation. Thanks to generous sponsorships, the girls were able to take the pocket-sized seforim with them this summer, to maintain their learning schedule. At the completion of their learning, the girls added the sefer to their personal libraries and reminded them of their incredible accomplishment.

In a note to the summer learning

Acclaimed Israeli singer-songwriter Akiva will headline a landmark concert at the United Palace Theatre in Upper Manhattan on Sunday, September 14, 2025, joined by international music icon Idan Raichel. The event, officially affiliated with Yeshiva University and its alumni network, is one of the most anticipated cultural gatherings in recent memory for New York’s Jewish community.

“I grew up surrounded by music, from my father, who was a Chazzan, to my siblings who all play and sing,” Akiva said in a recent interview. “What I discovered later in yeshiva, especially through the world of Chabad niggunim, was that music is not only art, it is a shlichut. It has the power to uplift and unify.”

That vision of music as a mission has defined his rise as one of Israel’s most celebrated performers. His concerts draw an extraordinary mix of audiences – from secular to religious, young to old – all finding common ground in the emotional depth of his songs.

Extending its reach beyond its campus walls, YU is once again bringing together students, alumni, and audiences from across New York for a memorable night of music, unity, and celebration led by Akiva, whose heartfelt music has

program coordinator Rabbi Tzachi Diamond, one of the participants reflected upon the program and said, “Thank you so much for giving us these opportunities to learn lishma,” while another expressed her takeaway: “I’m glad I did this. It was nice. I just wished I had the time to learn more.”

SKA students are incredible! Whether in the classroom or out, SKA girls take advantage of opportunities to learn and strengthen their connection to Hashem.

Akiva Headlines United Palace Concert

made him one of Israel’s most powerful voices. The concert promises to be an exciting evening to complement a dynamic start to the new semester at YU with a celebration of culture, spirit, and togetherness.

The United Palace, with its ornate architecture and historic atmosphere, offers a fitting stage for the collaboration between two of Israel’s most influential storytellers. Just a short walk from YU’s uptown campus, the venue’s location makes it easy for students and alumni to attend while also welcoming Akiva’s fans from across the city.

The highly anticipated concert is not only a kickoff to the academic year and upcoming holidays but also a great opportunity to experience two of today’s most important voices in Jewish music in New York City.

Tickets are now available.

Long Beach and Lido Beach Jewish Communities Honor Local Police Officers

Members of the Long Beach and Lido Beach Jewish communities gathered this past Sunday to show appreciation and honor the dedicated officers of the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) and the Nassau County Police Department. The event brought together law enforcement, their families, and synagogue members for a festive afternoon of food, solidarity, and gratitude.

Now in its fourth year, the annual celebration – hosted this year by the Lido Beach Synagogue – has become a cherished community tradition. It offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize the vital work of local police, especially during the high-traffic summer months when their presence is most visible and essential.

“This annual gathering is our heartfelt way of expressing deep appreciation for the officers who protect our community and their unwavering presence,” said BACH Jewish Center’s spiritual leader and Long Beach Police Chaplain Rabbi Benny Berlin. “As Jewish communities across the country remain vigilant in the face of antisemitism, our partnership with local law enforcement has never been more vital. Their dedication brings us not only safety, but also strength and solidarity.”

In the days of yore, officers were placed outside synagogues to prevent Jews from uttering their most precious prayers,” said Rabbi Elly Krimsky, rabbi of the Lido Beach Synagogue. “Today we live in a free society and a country that guarantees our religious rights. As we re -

cite those prayers later in the service, an officer now stands guard over our synagogue. Instead of preventing us from praying, you officers put your lives on the line to assure that we can pray.”

Under clear skies and summer sun, guests of all ages enjoyed a classic barbecue spread – complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, and grilled chicken wings. The event buzzed with friendly conversation, as officers and community members connected over shared stories and laughter, embodying the spirit of unity and mutual appreciation that has become the hallmark of this annual celebration.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman remarked, “Every house of worship across the United States should be doing exactly what this community has done.” Assemblyman Ari Brown noted that he was inspired by the unity demonstrated by the Barrier Synagogues in this common cause. The event was also attended by Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips; newly appointed Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti; former NYPD officer and Congressman Anthony D’Esposito; Deputy City Manager Phil Ragona; Inspector Mike Corbett and Lieutenant Brett Curtis.

“We are once again grateful to the synagogues of Long Beach and Lido Beach for hosting this meaningful event,” said Long Beach Police Commissioner Richard DePalma. “Gatherings like this remind us that we are not separate groups, we are one Long Beach community. Our shared commitment to one another makes this city so special.”

L-R: Rabbi Elly Krimsky, Rabbi Binyomin Silver, Rabbi Benny Berlin, LBPD Commissioner Richard DePalma, Rabbi David Bibi, Rabbi Eli Goodman, Eric “Ari” Brown, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips

In Landmark FDA study,

MaxiHealth Emerged As Leading the Nation in Accuracy

NEW YORK, NY – In a landmark validation that underscores the importance of quality manufacturing, MaxiHealth Research has been recognized as one of only three brands nationwide to deliver precisely what’s on the label and achieve perfect accuracy in the FDA’s largest-ever such study.

The comprehensive study reveals a significant industry challenge: Out of 110 Melatonin supplements tested, only 2.7% met accuracy standards. While many products showed dosage variations ranging from ZERO content to 667% over-labeled amounts, MaxiHealth delivered precisely 100% of the labeled dosage. The study, featured in The Washington Post, highlights the critical importance of choosing supplements from manufacturers with proven quality systems.

“This FDA validation reflects our unwavering commitment to accuracy and quality that spans five decades,” said a

MaxiHealth spokesperson. “Achieving perfect accuracy isn’t just about melatonin – it demonstrates our manufacturing excellence across all 250+ products in our kosher line. This serves as a powerful litmus test for supplement reliability.”

The study highlights the importance of rigorous quality control, as most of all tested products exhibited significant labeling discrepancies. MaxiHealth’s immaculate accuracy score validates the company’s comprehensive quality systems, which include independent third-party laboratory testing from raw materials to finished products.

“When families choose MaxiHealth, they’re choosing a brand with a proven track record of delivering exactly what’s promised,” the spokesperson added. “Our ‘True to Total Wellness’ commitment means precision you can trust, backed by 50 years of manufacturing excellence.”

In memory of our beloved friend Devorah Schochet, z”l, whose nine-year journey with ALS was marked by extraordinary gratitude and a constant desire to bring joy to others, Chasdei Devorah was created. Each month, in partnership with the Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and Five Towns and the Young Israel of Woodmere Sisterhood Bikur Cholim, we visit the residents of the Woodmere Premier for Rosh Chodesh with the hope to carry forward the warmth and love that defined Devorah’s life.

A Resounding Success: The Launch of the Five Towns Shidduch Lounge

This past Motzei Shabbos, August 30, marked the highly anticipated launch of the Five Towns Shidduch Lounge – and what a successful launch it was! Hosted by Yaakov Barzideh and Zusha Agin at The Lounge in their cutting-edge Cedarwood Suites workspace (4 Franklin Place, Woodmere). The event exceeded expectations in every way.

The Shidduch Lounge initiative, directed by Adina Reich together with her powerhouse committee of talented and dedicated shadchanim, has been months in the making. The vision? To create a warm, relaxed, and thoughtfully curated environment where singles can meet both shadchanim and one another – with games, great food, and music, helping one find their bashert in a natural and organic way.

This inaugural event was designed specifically for Torah-focused working men and women ages 25–32, and the turnout was phenomenal. With 48 participants, plus 10 experienced shadchanim facilitating introductions and conversations, the energy in the room was palpable.

Singles had the chance to meet shadchanim one-on-one and enjoy the relaxed lounge atmosphere. Tables were set with games to spark conversations, the food was fresh and delicious, and the music created an upbeat vibe.

The result? A unique, groundbreaking experience that had participants raving long after the night ended. One attendee summed it up best: “It didn’t feel like the pressure of a typical singles event. It was warm, natural, and so well thought out!”

The Shidduch Lounge is more than a one-time event. Every Motzei Shabbos, will cater to a different demographic, ensuring that singles of all stages can find a space tailored to them, creating countless opportunities for meaningful connections.

Upcoming events include:

- Sept 6: Torah-Focused/Working, ages 19-25

- Sept 13: Modern Orthodox, ages 1925

- Sept 20: Short-Term Learning, ages 19-25

- Sept 27: Torah-Focused/Working, ages 30-38

- October 18: Torah-Focused Baalei Teshuva and those open to BT, ages 2230

- October 25: Second-Time Around/ Torah-Focused, ages 30-40

- November 1: YU Machmir, ages 2128

With endorsements from local rabbanim and the passion of its organizing team, the Five Towns Shidduch Lounge is quickly positioning itself as a game-changer in the world of shidduchim. Its innovative blend of professionalism, warmth, and thoughtful structure is setting a new standard for the shidduch process.

As the buzz grows and word spreads, the excitement is clear: the Shidduch Lounge is here to stay. With Siyata D’Shmaya, may it be a source of many, many happy matches and new Jewish homes.

For more information please visit, www. ShidduchLounge.com.

Yachad Alumni Carnival

On the most beautiful Sunday of the season, a carnival for Yachad alumni took place. It was a carnival like no other. More than 700 people were in attendance to enjoy the rides, games, face painting, yummy snacks and, most of all, the camaraderie. Completely planned and flawlessly exe -

A bochur walking with Rav Shloime Eisen, maggid shiur in Mesivta Chaim Shlomo and Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid, after second seder

cuted by Rebecca Strauss, the Director of Yachad alumni, the event attracted past, present and future Yachad volunteers, employees, participants and their entire extended families.

As always, Team Yachad completely knocked it out of the park!

Local Officials Attend Cedarhurst

Concert

empstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti and Councilwoman Melissa Miller attended “A Night of Jewish Music” on August 26, 2025 at Cedarhurst Park. Also attending were Cedarhurst Village Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and fellow board mem-

bers; Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder; Nassau Comptroller Elaine Phillips; New York State Assemblyman Ari Brown; New York State Senator Patricia Canzoneri Fitzpatrick; and other friends and neighbors.

Around the Community

MTA Faculty Orientation Launches Year of Purpose and Growth

MTA’s faculty came together for a powerful orientation that framed the year ahead with inspiration, clarity, and direction.

Rabbi Schenker set the tone by delving into three core aspects of education that he described as the keys to success in the classroom. His words reminded the faculty that true teaching is not just about transmitting information, but about building relationships, sparking curiosity, and instilling lifelong values.

Building on that foundation, Rabbi Konigsberg shared critical updates on policy and staffing, ensuring that every teacher is equipped with the tools and support needed to help students thrive. His guidance reflected the school’s commitment to maintaining a strong structure that allows creativity and growth to flourish.

The heart of the orientation was the time spent in grade-level meetings, where rebbeim and teachers engaged in thoughtful discussions about how to maximize the potential of every talmid. These conversations highlighted MTA’s belief that each talmid’s growth matters and that through collaboration and care-

ful planning, the faculty can bring out the best in every individual.

The orientation was further elevated by the presence of Yeshiva University President, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, who inspired the faculty with words of chizuk.

“We can inspire the creativity and curiosity of our students because when they are rooted in our Torah tradition, they can then add their unique Toras Adam to their journey,” Rabbi Berman shared.

“We must remember that every student is holy, and when we root them in tradition, we enable them to shine.”

Rabbi Taubes closed the program with words of Torah that connected the faculty’s work to the larger mission of the yeshiva. His remarks reminded the teachers that their daily efforts in the classroom are part of a greater vision of building bnei Torah and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Together, these sessions provided a dynamic and meaningful start to the year.

With inspiration from their leaders and a shared sense of mission, the faculty left orientation ready to welcome students back and guide them toward becoming bnei Torah and leaders for Klal Yisrael.

Mesivta

New Sefer Torah Into Its New Home

Netzach HaTorah Welcomes a

This past Sunday marked a historic milestone for Mesivta Netzach HaTorah as it celebrated the arrival of its very own Sefer Torah, in its new home.

The kesivas osiyos was led by renowned sofer Rabbi Moshe Leiberman, with members of the hanhala, families, and friends of the Mesivta participating in the final letters. Upon the Torah’s completion, the talmidim joined their rebbeim in spirited dancing, filling the room with a palpable joy that reflected the kavod haTorah and simcha of the occasion. The sight of each rebbe and talmid joyfully dancing with the Sefer Torah reflected the profound meaning of the moment for the entire Mesivta.

After the Sefer Torah was danced into the Mesivta’s new beis medrash and placed in the Aron Kodesh, the Menahel, Rabbi Yitzchok Yurman, shlita, delivered heartfelt words of bracha, expressing gratitude to Mr. Mayer Blisko, whose generosity made this Hachnosas Sefer Torah possible.

In his remarks, Mr. Blisko shared that the inspiration to donate a Sefer Torah came simply from seeing the sign outside

the Mesivta’s new building. That spark led him to inquire if the Mesivta was in need of a Torah, ultimately resulting in this extraordinary gift. He dedicated the Torah in memory of Dr. Steve Krauss, zt”l, a beloved pediatric dentist in the Five Towns who passed away suddenly a few years ago. Dr. Krauss, zt”l, was remembered not only for his care as a dentist but also for his selfless service as an early member of Far Rockaway–Five Towns Hatzalah and for his many acts of chesed that touched countless lives.

The Mesivta expressed the hope that all mitzvos performed with this Torah will serve as a lasting zechus for Dr. Krauss’s neshama, while also bringing bracha to the Blisko family, enabling them to continue their outstanding contributions to the community. In the words of Mr. Blisko, “The Mesivta is beginning a new zman, in a new home, with a new Sefer Torah.” With this new Sefer Torah, Mesivta Netzach HaTorah enters a new chapter in its growth, sanctifying its new home with limud haTorah, tefillah, and kiddush Hashem, ensuring that their new building serves as a true and vibrant makom Torah for generations to come.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato Announces Free School Meals For all Students

New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato is reminding families of a major change that is set to begin with the start of the new school year: schools that participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program will now provide every child with free school meals!

The implementation of universal free meals for all schools, including nonpublic and charter schools, has been a focus of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato for years. During the 2025 New York State Budget, Pheffer Amato pushed this issue to ensure that New York State would give every school district the resources to make this a reality. Pheffer Amato ensured that the free breakfast and lunch program would be provided to nonpublic schools, including yeshivas, who participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program.

“We all know that students do better at school when they have full stomachs, and one thing all of us can agree on is that no child should ever go hungry in school,” said the Assemblywoman. “I am proud to be able to stand up and say that through this work, I am able to bring this

to our community and make this a reality throughout the State.”

Parents can still send their kids to school with their own lunch, but the free breakfast and lunch option is now available to everyone, regardless of income.

In addition, the Assemblywoman is pointing out the cost-savings of this program to families. According to a Statewide estimate, this new policy will save families over $165 per child, per month. The Assemblywoman noted that this results in “money back in your pocket where it belongs!”

On Sunday, the BACH Jewish Center’s Youth Department hosted a special Sunday Fun Day, a puppy cuddle event. The program was part of the BACH’s weekly series of youth events during the summer

Rabbi Yehoshua Kurland of Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv giving divrei chizuk to YOSS rebbeim ahead of the Elul zman

Welcoming Dr. Becher to the Suffolk Health/TFC team

Dr. Noah “Yitzy” Becher will be joining the Suffolk Health/TFC team of health care providers under the medical direction of Dr. Hylton Lightman. He will focus on adults and their medical needs.

A graduate of the Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Becher completed his residency in internal medicine at Northwell Health’s Staten Island University Hospital. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Most recently, he has been an internist with Northwell Health Physician Partners.

“I’ve known Dr. Becher for nearly 13 years, even before he began his journey to become a physician,” says Dr. Lightman. “I have always been impressed with his medical acumen and his commitment to our community. I look forward to working with him.”

Dr. Becher is excited that his next

career step is being part of the growing Suffolk Health/TFC team.

“I feel privileged to be able to work with Dr. Lightman and the team,” Dr. Becher says. “He has been a pillar of the community and the medical world for decades and I’m thrilled he will be my mentor. We share the viewpoint that prevention and promoting good health is the optimal way.”

Dr. Becher begins September 1. Our parents (and grandparents) may schedule appointments with him by calling 718-868-4808.

of the

Men’s Health Fair

Your health can’t wait. How many of us don’t even have a primary care doctor? Skipping checkups and pushing off screenings is playing with fire. Do it for your families. Do it for your children.

On September 14th, Achiezer invites the community to a groundbreaking Men’s Health event, where leading specialists will provide critical screenings

and guidance. The life you save could be your own.

WHEN: Sunday, September 14, 10AM-2PM

WHERE: The Oasis Ballroom at Bais Tefilla of Inwood, 259 Doughty Blvd

WHO: Adult men of all ages

For more information please email: dgoldfeder@achiezer.org

A meeting

rabbeim and hanhala of Mesivta Chaim Shlomo at the start of the Elul Zman

TJH Centerfold

Things Teachers Say on Day 1

(That Every Student Knows Aren’t True)

“This will be the most exciting subject you’ve ever studied.”

“Don’t worry; this class is easy.”

“We’ll only use the textbook sometimes.”

“I don’t like giving homework.”

“This syllabus looks long, but we won’t get to all of it.”

“Pop quizzes? Never!”

“I’ll keep lectures short.”

“You’ll learn to love group projects.”

“You’ll thank me for this later.”

“We’ll get through this material quickly.”

“I don’t play favorites.”

“You’ll actually use this in real life.”

“I don’t like giving tests.”

“I won’t assign anything over the weekend.”

“Tests are open book if you study enough.”

“If you read the book, you’ll be fine.”

“Late work? We’ll figure it out.”

“I’ll learn everyone’s names by tomorrow.”

“You’ll only need a pencil and paper.”

“No one fails this class.”

“We’ll do more activities than lectures.”

“This exam will be mostly multiple choice.”

“Homework should only take 15 minutes a night.”

“I don’t get mad easily.”

“I treat everyone exactly the same.”

“No homework over holidays.”

“We’ll watch a movie later in the semester.”

“I don’t believe in trick questions.”

“This is just to see what you already know.”

“I won’t make you memorize anything.”

“You’ll remember this class forever.”

“We’ll finish early most days.”

Writing Assignment

Cheat Sheet

Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary. An exaggeration is a billion times worse than an understatement. One should never generalize. One-word sentences? Eliminate. Who needs rhetorical questions? capitalize every sentence and remember always end it with point Do not put statements in the negative form. Proofread carefully for typoes. Don’t never use a double negation. And don’t start a sentence with a conjunction. Comparisons are as bad as clichés. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos. Don’t overuse exclamation marks!! Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.  Also too, never, ever use repetitive redundancies. If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing. Proofread carefully to see if you words out. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague!

Riddle Me This

Four kids go to four different schools and wake up at four different times. Determine each kid’s first and last names, school, and wake-up time.

First Names: Avi, Baruch, Chaim, Dovy

Last Names: Stein, Jervel, Tumim, Brown

Schools: Darchei Torah, HALB, Yeshiva Ketana, South Shore

Times: 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 7:45 AM

Clues

1. The four people are: Avi; the one whose last name is Stein; the one who goes to South Shore; and the one who wakes at 7:15.

2. No one’s last name starts with the same letter as their first name.

3. The kid whose last name is Stein wakes later than Avi, and Avi doesn’t wake at 7:00.

4. Dovy wakes up 30 minutes after the kid whose last name is Brown.

5. Chaim Tumim wakes 15 minutes after Dovy.

6. Dovy goes to HALB.

7. The South Shore student’s last name is Jervel.

8. Avi does not go to Darchei Torah.

Torah; Dovy Stein — wakes at 7:00 AM, goes to HALB.

Shore; Chaim Tumim — wakes at 7:15 AM, goes to Darchei

Ketana; Baruch Jervel — wakes at 7:45 AM, goes to South

Answer: Avi Brown — wakes at 6:30 AM, goes to Yeshiva

The parsha of Ki Teitzei contains the second most numerous count of mitzvos in the Torah, topped only by the count of mitzvos in the parsha of Kedoshim in Chumash Vayikra. The commentators to the Torah discuss why these mitzvos that first appear in Ki Teitzei, all of whom are ultimately derived from the granting of the Torah at Mount Sinai almost forty years earlier, find their place in the Torah here in Moshe’s final oration to the Jewish people.

Their approach to the issue differs. Some are of the opinion that since many of these mitzvos are related to war, settling the land, domesticated human life and the like, they appear here because of the impending life-altering change for the Jewish people from a miraculous existence in the desert to a more natural and normal society living. They were now in their own land with all of the changes and problems that such a radical shift of circumstances implies.

Others merely say that this is an example of the Talmudic dictum that the

Torah Thought

Parshas Ki Seitzei

By Rabbi Berel Wein z”l

Torah is not bound in its teachings and text to any narrative timeline; there is no chronological order to the Torah. Even though these mitzvos appear to us in writing here for the first time in the Torah text, they were essentially already taught

sight to this matter as well, I would say as follows: The Jewish people are now about to become a nation and to establish their own government in the Land of Israel. They will have to fight many battles, bloody and painful, to establish their

Mitzvos and Torah are the only effective guarantee of Jewish success and survival

to the Jewish people in the desert long before by Moshe.

There are other explanations to the placement of these mitzvos here in our parsha advanced by many of the great commentators to the Torah. All possible explanations are valid, and they are not mutually exclusive.

If I may be bold enough to add my in-

right to the Land of Israel and to establish their sovereignty over the territory that it encompasses.

They will need an army, a civil government, a judicial system, an economy and labor force and all of the other necessary trappings that accompany nation building and establishing a territorial entity and effective government. In the face of these

demands, it will be likely that they will think that they may discard the spiritual yoke of the mitzvos imposed upon them at Sinai. It will be easy to say that mitzvos were necessary in the Sinai Desert where no other demands on our time, energy and service existed for us. But now we have more pressing business at hand, and therefore the punctilious observance of mitzvos is no longer required of us.

Moshe comes in this parsha, in the midst of his valedictory oration to the Jewish people, to remind them that mitzvos and Torah are the only effective guarantee of Jewish success and survival even while engaged in building and defending Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel.

Moshe in effect says to them: “Here are some more mitzvos that will help you succeed in building the land and your sovereignty over it.”

Moshe’s message is as germane to our time as it was to the first Jews who arrived en masse to settle in the Land of Israel thirty-three centuries ago.

Shabbat shalom.

The Torah, in this week’s parsha, lays out the punishment of one who violates one of the prohibitions in the Torah (Devarim 25:1): “You shall lash him 40 times, do not add...”

The Mishnah (Makkos 22a), however, explains the Torah as follows: “How many times do we lash him? Forty minus one, as the Torah says (Devarim 25:2-3), ‘in number forty...,’ i.e., a number that is close to forty.” Rashi explains that this means the “calculation which completes the total of forty, which causes it to reach forty, i.e., thirty-nine.”

The Gemara (Makkos 22b) makes a remarkable comment about this derivation regarding the number of lashes given to a sinner: “Rava says, how foolish are those people who stand up before a sefer Torah but do not stand up before a great man. With regard to a sefer Torah, it says ‘forty,’ but the rabbis came and subtracted one.” In other words, the Torah, on a simple level, says one thing. But the great men of Chazal are so brilliant and so great

From the Fire

Parshas Ki Seitzei

Beyond Black Fire

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin

Wolf

that they demonstrate an understanding of the Torah even deeper than its simple meaning, an understanding that yields a number of lashes one less than the proscribed count in the plain meaning of the Torah’s text. How can one stand up for the Torah without standing up for those who demonstrate a brilliance even more profound than the simple understanding of the Torah?!

Rav Pinchas Friedman, shlita, connects this Gemara to well-known Midrash (Devarim Rabah 3:12): “Reish Lakish said, ‘The Torah given to Moshe is parchment of white fire on which is written black fire.”

This is similar to the Yerushalmi (Shkalim 16b) which says, “The Torah which Hashem gave to Moshe was given to him as white fire imprinted with black fire.” We see from these teachings of Chazal that the black ink of the letters we are able to read in the Torah are compared to black fire and the white parchment in the background is compared to white fire.

Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, zy”a,

explains this idea in Kedushas Levi (Likutim, d’h “B’maseches Megilah”). He quotes Chazal’s explanation (Vayikra Rabah 13:3) of the pasuk (Yeshayahu 51:4), “For Torah will go out from Me,” to mean that “the Holy One said, ‘[In Moshiach’s times,] a new Torah will go out from Me, a renewal of Torah will go out from Me.” He points out that this Midrash is extremely disconcerting in light of the fact that one of the fundamentals of our faith is that the Torah we have today will never be exchanged or changed even iota. What, then, do Chazal mean when they say that when Moshiach comes there will be a new Torah?

The Berditchever explains that the black letters, the black fire of the Torah, is accessible to everyone. It is understandable to everyone on its simplest level, “black on white.” On the other hand, the white parchment, the letters made of white fire, are the embodiment of the hidden aspect of the Torah, the aspect of the mind and intentions of G-d, so to speak, which cannot be expressed in finite words. The

letters of white fire are only accessible to great people, those who have purified their thoughts, words, and actions to such an extent that they are able to look beneath the surface of the black letters of the Torah and into the white parchment below. The true hidden meaning of the Torah, the white fire on which the black fire of the letters of the Torah are written, is the “new Torah” that will be fully revealed at the time of the redemption.

In the fourth chapter of Tanya, the Alter Rebbe, zy”a, explains that just as G-d is infinite, so, too, His wisdom is infinite. Yet, in His mercy, He constricted this infinite wisdom into the finite and comprehensible letters of the Torah. The color white corresponds to chessed, kindness, which is expansive and infinite, and the color black corresponds to justice and constriction. In Hashem’s kindness, He created the black letters of the Torah to constrict His wisdom to enable us as finite beings to grasp this constricted light of His wisdom. While a deeper revelation of Hashem’s

wisdom, the white fire of the Torah, will be accessible to us in the World to Come, Hashem has given a taste of that light to the Sages of each generation who know how to look beyond the black letters of the Torah into the primordial parchment from which they were drawn – a taste of G-d’s infinite wisdom preceding its constriction.

We can now understand the Gemara’s statement, “How foolish are those people who stand up before a sefer Torah but do not stand up before a great man. With regard to a sefer Torah, it says ‘forty,’ but the rabbis came and subtracted one.” The black letters, the black fire of the Torah, seem to require “forty” lashes. But the Sages are so great that they can access the wisdom of the white fire, the deeper essence of Hashem’s will hidden in the white parchment. If one stands for

Rav Chaim Ozer was hoping that the Ostrovtzer would share a novel Torah idea with him. In order to elicit one, the Rav began sharing his own Torah insights, hoping to spark a satisfying debate. The Rebbe, however, was extremely humble. Whatever the Rav said, the Rebbe simply nodded, “Yes, a beautiful idea.” After several minutes of this, the Rav said in frustration, “Didn’t I hear about you that you are a great man?”

The Ostrovtzer then responded, “What does the Gemara call a ‘great man’? One who can turn forty lashes into thirty-nine. Why does the Gemara demonstrate Chazal’s greatness using such a morbid topic? It could have demonstrated this by showing how they took the fifty days counted between Pesach and Shavuos and made them forty-nine, a much more

We see that the Gemara defines a great man as one who sees a Jew suffering, even a sinner, and does what he can to remove even a little bit of his pain.

the simple meaning of the black letters of the sefer Torah, how much more so must one stand for the people we depend on to access the deeper essence of G-d’s will!

But why does the Torah use the way Chazal explain the punishment of a sinner as the paradigmatic example of the depth of a “great man”? Why not something more pleasant? What do we learn from the fact that the greatness of the talmidei chachamim is demonstrated through the fact that they lessen the number of lashes given to one who intentionally violates the Torah?

One of the greatest leaders of his generation was Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, zt”l, of Vilna. His brilliance was beyond expression. It has been recounted that eyewitnesses saw Rav Chaim Ozer simultaneously writing a letter, responding to a halachic question, and correcting his wife’s retelling of a newspaper article from the kitchen.

It happened one summer that Rav Chaim Ozer met Rav Meir Yechiel Ostrovtzer, zy”a, a tzaddik and talmid chacham from the chassidic movement. Rav Chaim was extremely pleased with the opportunity to “talk in learning” with the Ostrovtzer because he had heard extensively of his brilliance in Torah.

pleasant subject.” Rav Chaim agreed that this was a good question. The Ostrovtzer continued, “We see that the Gemara defines a great man as one who sees a Jew suffering, even a sinner, and does what he can to remove even a little bit of his pain. Brilliance in Torah is profound and critical to the Jewish people. But we chassidim define a great man not as a leading scholar, but as one who looks beneath the surface of a wicked man’s life in order to show him compassion.”

An average Jew may only be able to read the black letters of the Torah, whether the surface life of another comports with the simple directives of the Torah. But the sign of a great man is that he knows how to read the white fire below the black text. He knows how to see below the black surface of a sinner’s life to the pain beneath.

May all of us merit to taste greatness while still in this world and witness the full revelation of the white fire of G-d’s wisdom with the coming of Moshiach and the complete redemption soon in our days.

Rav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, is the founding Morah d’Asrah of Congreagation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, NY, and serves as leader of the new mechina Emek HaMelech.

Think. Feel.Grow.

Spiraling Through the Cosmic Symphony of Life Part II

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

There may be nothing more enchanting, mystical, and mysterious than the wonder of music. In our previous article, we began to develop a deeper understanding of the concept of music, its cyclical nature, and the Torah ideas related to circles. To review, a circle represents spiritual death. It is a geometric anomaly; it is the only shape with no newness — no turns, no corners, and no changes. It has no beginning and no end. A circle is a cycle that goes nowhere; it lacks evolution and generates no growth. No point on the circle is unique, with each point equidistant to the center. A circle simply cycles back on itself without making any progress.

On a psychological level, the circle in human life is the mindless cycle of habitual living, without any newness, growth, or evolution. So many struggle to create genuine change, going through the motions instead of growing through the

motions. This is why the Hebrew word for habit is “hergel ,” which also spells ha’regel, “the foot.” The foot is the part of the body furthest away from one’s head, which is the locus of thought, willpower, and decision-making. The feet walk automatically with no need for thought or contemplation. Hergel represents a lifestyle devoid of thought and newness. Fascinatingly, the root of “hergel” is “gal,” and “le’galgel ” means to roll, another circular motion.

Mindless habit creates a lifestyle that leaves one shackled in a mental and spiritual cage. Every week is just about surviving from Shabbos to Shabbos. Every year, it’s the same holidays, the same experiences, the same birthdays, and the same ups and downs. Life becomes a giant circle, a cycle of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. Spirituality becomes ritual; religion becomes habit. Davening, saying brachos, and learning Torah

become items on a checklist instead of an opportunity to connect to Hashem. Relationships becomes tiresome, food becomes boring, and life loses its flavor. This is the spiritual danger of circles, of cycles, of habit. This is a life without purpose, without passion, without an empowering why to all aspects of one’s life. When one lives a Jewish life without questioning, without taking ownership, and without seeking deeper meaning and purpose to all aspects of their lifestyle, they are doomed to live within the cage of circularity, where mindless habit replaces mindful transcendence.

Judaism: A Religion of Newness

Judaism is strongly connected to the concept of newness. Upon leaving Egypt as a newly formed nation, the first mitzvah the Jewish people received was the commandment to declare the new

month, “Ha’chodesh ha’zeh lachem rosh chadashim, this month shall be for you as the head of months” (Shemos 12:2). Why is this the first mitzvah the Jewish People are given, right at the moment of their formation? This seems like a secondary concept, paling in comparison to mitzvos such as Shabbos, bris milah, and other such prominent mitzvos. What is unique about declaring the new month?

Upon leaving Egypt, the Jewish People experienced their birth, their inception as a nation. The Hebrew word for month, chodesh , also spells chadash , which means “new.” Just as the moon constantly changes as it waxes and wanes, we are a people of newness and constant growth, waxing and waning through our continuous evolution. This is why the Jewish people count by the lunar year, built from months. The Western world, in contrast, counts by the solar year, which is based on the earth’s yearly

The Hebrew word for “year” is “shanah ,” which shares the same root as yashan, which means “old,” and comes from the same root as the word yashein, which means “sleeping.” It reflects the concept of repetition and mindless cycles, as the word sheini means to repeat or do something twice. The sun does not appear to change; it remains static. A life of shanah represents a life spent spiritually sleeping, lacking any growth or newness. In a solar year, the months are merely a practical way of breaking down the year. In the lunar year, however, the months are the creative building blocks that come together to form the year. In essence, the Jewish system is built from twelve months of growth and evolution, not a single repeating year. However, to understand the true ideals of Judaism and reframe how we are meant to relate to circles, we must briefly delve into the nature of time.

The Nature of Time

The widely accepted understanding of time is that it moves in a straight line. Hashem created our world of space and time, and since its inception, time has been moving inexorably forward. Along this line of time is the past, present, and the future. If we were to move backward along this line, we could peer through history and find Avraham Avinu at the Akeidah , Moshe Rabbeinu receiving the Torah, and the Rambam writing the Mishneh Torah. Our current experience is taking place in the middle of the line, and if we could move forward along the line, we would see events that have not yet occurred. However, there is a major contradiction to this theory.

There is a piyut in the Pesach Haggadah (Sefer U’v’chen V’amartem) that describes how Avraham Avinu served matzah (unleavened bread) to the three malachim who visited him because it was Pesach at that time. Rashi (Bereishis 19:3) quotes this opinion and says that Lot served matzah to the malachim as well when they came to Sodom. How can this be? The mitzvah of matzah originates from the events of yetzias Mitzrayim , which would not occur for another two hundred years!

In order to understand why Avraham and Lot served their guests matzah before the miracles of Pesach occurred, we must develop a deeper understanding of time. Time does not move along a continuous, straight line; it circles around in a repeating yearly cycle. As the Ramchal explains, Hashem created thematic cy-

cles of time, and each point in the year contains unique spiritual energy. This deep understanding transforms our perception of time. We don’t celebrate freedom each year on the fifteenth of Nissan because that’s when the Jews were freed from Egypt; rather the Jews were redeemed from Egypt on the 15th of Nissan because that is z’man cheiruseinu, the time of freedom. This power of freedom allowed the Jews to escape the slavery of Mitzrayim, and this is why Avraham and Lot ate matzah long before yetzias Mitzrayim occurred. Matzah represents freedom, and Avraham and Lot tapped into the spiritual energy of freedom present at that point in time. Rather

cular system. (This spiral concept also applies to the yearly Torah cycle.)

Bringing Chodesh into Shanah

This is the connection between chodesh, the lunar year, and shanah , the solar year. If time is meant to be a spiral, there is an apparent tension between these two themes: The Jewish system of time is rooted in chodesh (newness), and seemingly opposed to shanah, the circular system of solar years. However, we have already shown that Judaism does not oppose circles, but instead proposes to transform them into spirals. Therefore, we must further develop our understanding of shanah

Deliberate, effective repetition is the key to genuine growth.

than commemorating a historical event, they were tapping into the deep energies of time already inherent at that point in the circle. So, too, when we celebrate each holiday, we do not simply commemorate a historical event; we tap into and experience the deep energies inherent at that point in time. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, and all the chagim give us the opportunity to access unique spiritual energies in time.

Spirals in Time

However, even the circle analogy is limiting. If time were indeed a circle, each point of the year would simply be a repetition of that point from the previous year, from the previous lap around the circle. That would be pointless. We do not seek to re-experience the past each year. Our goal is to expand upon what we have created year after year, so that each time we return to that same point on the circle, we are on a fundamentally different level. Each Rosh Hashana, must be higher than the previous one: each Pesach, a new Pesach; each Shavuos, a new Shavuos, etc. Through our growth and ascension, we convert the two-dimensional circle into a three-dimensional spiral, traversing along the same circle to ever greater heights. We maintain circularity while achieving ascension.

The same is true for all spiritual circles. The ideal is not to transcend the circular system but to uplift it, to transform the circle into a spiral, and to find deeper ways of creating newness within the cir-

your circle into a spiral. This is why the Gemara (Chagigah 9b) says that learning something one hundred times cannot be compared to learning it one hundred and one times. Every time you review something, it should be a revolutionary experience of discovery and innovation. We don’t repeat, we expand; we don’t circle, we spiral.

In truth, our goal is not to transcend the realm of shanah but to transform it into an experience of chodesh within the realm of shanah. As such, we build months within the year, infuse newness within the habitual, and form spirals within the circular frameworks. We do not separate the months out of the year; we use the months to uplift the year. The physical template of shanah is infused with the innovation and creativity of chodesh. This is beautifully manifest within the word shanah itself.

Shanah means that which is cyclical and repetitive, representing mindless ritual. However, shanah also has another distinct meaning: to learn and to change (shinui, l’shanos). This is because when you add chiddush to shanah, i.e., when you infuse newness into the circle, you create spiraling growth. This is why deliberate, effective repetition is the key to genuine growth.

Chazarah is usually defined as “review.” As such, when people review what they learned, many simply read it over, mindlessly repeating what they already know and what they have already understood. But true chazarah, true repetition, is the process of learning old material on a completely new level, achieving elevated levels of clarity and gaining new insights. True chazarah requires bringing everything you have learned since last studying this material into your experience of reviewing it. Each time you repeat this process, you are able to elevate your learning to completely new heights, transforming

The same is true of all experiences within time. Every day is a new day, every moment a new moment. The external templates and vessels — the surface layer of our lives — may seem repetitive, but we can create newness within each action and within each moment. We might daven the same tefillah every day, but as the Nefesh Hachaim explains, every tefillah should be a completely new experience. We may have the same spouse and family for our whole lives, but every day is a new opportunity to deepen our connection and to further build our relationships. We do not pass over time, reactively experiencing life; we actively ride the waves of time, creating spirals from the circles, infusing chadash within the shanah.

In our next article, we will delve deeper into this fascinating topic and try to understand the nature of circles and spirals on an even deeper level, especially as it relates to music. In the meantime, may we all be inspired to continue to embark on the journey of becoming our ultimate selves!

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is the author of the bestselling book, “The Journey to Your Ultimate Self,” which serves as an inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish thought. He is an educator and speaker who has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. He is also the founder and CEO of Self-Mastery Academy, the transformative online self-development course based on the principles of high-performance psychology and Torah.

After obtaining his BA from Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from Yeshiva University’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and son where he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago.

To invite Rabbi Reichman to speak in your community or to enjoy more of his deep and inspiring content, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com.

Miriam strolled into the pasta aisle, wheels turning on her cart and in her head. Tonight was lasagna night, and she was ready to make a great meal.

Her eyes landed on the familiar blue Ronzoni boxes. On the left: regular lasagna noodles, patiently waiting for their turn in boiling water. On the right: oven-ready noodles, boldly declaring, “No boiling required!” Miriam smirked. “Well, aren’t you full of your own sauce,” she muttered.

Skipping the steamy noodle shuffle was tempting. But then she noticed the fine print—the kosher symbols. The oven-ready box bore a hechsher with a “K,” while the regular box proudly carried an OU.

“Ah,” she said aloud, “so that’s the pasta point of no return.” She reached for the OU-certified noodles with a smile.

Why doesn’t Ronzoni’s oven-ready lasagna carry an OU? The answer lies in the laws of bishul akum, discussed in Avodah Zarah. Chazal forbade a Jew from eating food cooked by a non-Jew, even if every ingredient is kosher. This decree applies when two conditions are met:

1. The food is not edible raw.

2. The food is important enough to be “fit for a king’s table.”

Lasagna noodles meet both conditions, so bishul akum applies. Oven-ready noodles are essentially precooked pasta. Though dehydrated for shelf life, they are already edible straight from the box. Since they are not cooked by a Jew, they should technically fall under bishul akum and be forbidden.

Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, however, suggested a leniency. He argued that bishul akum is only a concern when ordinary cooking by a gentile could lead to social interaction. Ordinarily, Chazal did not allow exceptions to their decrees. However, Rav Moshe ar -

Delving into the Daf

Pasta Imposter

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

gued that when the cooking is done with specialized equipment and the process is far removed from ordinary kitchen practice, the rule of lo plug does not extend to it.

Based on this logic, oven-ready noodles could be permitted. Still, the OU will not rely solely on Rav Moshe’s heter.

At one summer camp, it was common for boys to prepare noodle soups on Shabbos that contain ramen. Ramen noodles, like oven-ready pasta, are pre-cooked and technically edible as is—kids do snack on them dry. Thus, reheating them in hot water should not be considered cooking, because of the prin-

No bite is too small for careful thought.

They only use it in combination with another leniency. Since no such additional factor exists here, the OU does not certify Ronzoni oven-ready lasagna. Another agency, however, is comfortable relying on Rav Moshe’s reasoning alone and therefore gives certification.

This issue also connects to another halachic discussion: making instant noodle soup on Shabbos.

ciple ein bishul achar bishul b’yavesh (a dry item that was cooked cannot be cooked again).

However, some manufacturers don’t actually boil their noodles; instead, they steam them. In such a case, the product may be considered steamed or baked rather than cooked. Halacha is stringent that one may not cook a baked item on Shabbos ( yeish bishul achar afiyah).

Tosafos (Avoda Zara 74b) holds that water straight from an urn (kli rishon) can still cook a thin layer (k’dei klipah) of food. Therefore, practically, one may not rehydrate ramen with boiling water directly from the urn.

Complicating things further, the spice and vegetable packets often contain uncooked ingredients, which makes direct pouring even more problematic. The practical solution is to use a kli shlishi (a third vessel). One fills a cup from the urn, pours it into a second empty cup, and only then adds the noodles and flavoring. The boy can likewise pour that second cup into his noodle soup. But both options rely on Rav Moshe Feinstein’s opinion that “there is no bishul in a kli shlishi ,” a ruling not universally accepted.

As an aside, the Mishnah Berurah seems to imply that if someone mistakenly prepared an instant noodle soup with the spice packets on Shabbos directly from the urn, the food may not be eaten. But if he poured the spice packets into a kli sheini (second vessel), it would be permitted. The Dirshu edition points out that this ruling appears to contradict the Chofetz Chaim’s stance elsewhere, where both cases should theoretically be permitted bedi’eved.

From Ronzoni to ramen, the halacha of bishul akum and Shabbos cooking teaches us that no bite is too small for careful thought. Each noodle on our plate is a reminder that even the simplest foods are seasoned with halacha. Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow is a rebbe at Yeshiva Ateres Shimon in Far Rockaway. In addition, Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead, NY. He can be contacted at ASebrow@gmail.com.

Headlines Halacha

Understanding the Earthquake in Afghanistan

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

At least 800 people have been killed and more than 1,300 others injured in Afghanistan after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the country, Taliban officials confirmed on Monday. The earthquake hit 17 miles from the eastern city of Jalalabad, near the border with Pakistan, at around midnight local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Because the earthquake struck a remote mountainous area, “it will take time to get the exact information about human losses and damage to the infrastructure,” said Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Afghan Public Health Ministry. “We have launched a massive rescue operation and mobilized hundreds of people to help people in the affected areas.”

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the death toll had risen to 800 people. Earlier, Afghan interior ministry spokesperson Mufti Abdul Matin Qani had reported 622 people confirmed dead and more than 1,300 injured in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar, which includes Jalalabad, and Kunar. The ministry reported that 1,000 injured people had been evacuated and admitted to hospitals, with Taliban security personnel carrying earthquake victims evacuated by military helicopter from the affected districts.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres mobilized a U.N. team in Afghanistan, with several organizations including the Children’s Fund, the World Health Organization, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the International Organization for Migration providing emergency assistance to the devastated region.

How Should We View It?

Many people view earthquakes as the energy released from the random and meaningless movement of Earth’s tectonic plates. They see it as layers of crust and

brittle upper mantle moving over the asthenosphere randomly colliding with each other, pulling apart, and rubbing against each other. The elastic energy that was stored is simply released – randomly. They see it as nature at work. Nothing more. True, there is a massive release of energy and movement called an earthquake. But, they say, it is devoid of any meaning.

Not so the sages of Israel. The sages view earthquakes as containing messages – deep and profound signals to us.

For example: September 1, 1923, was the 20th of Elul, 102 years ago. An earthquake, a very powerful one, hit Japan’s Kanto plain. It veritably destroyed Tokyo, Yokohama, and its surrounding cities. It killed over 100,000 people. When the news reached the Chofetz Chaim in Radin, he fasted and said that the news should galvanize everyone to do teshuvah. He wrote a Kol Koreh about it (Letters of the Chofetz Chaim 10-12).

The Gemara

The Gemara in Brachos 59b discusses the subject matter at length. Rav Katina identifies the Mishnaic term “Zvaos” as “Goha” – meaning earthquakes. The Gemara relates that Rav Katina was once walking on the road and reached the house of a sorcerer who read human bones. As he passed by, the earth shook.

Rav Katina asked the sorcerer if he knew how earthquakes came to be. The sorcerer raised his voice and answered, “Katina, Katina, why should I not know?! When Hashem remembers that his children are immersed in pain among the nations of the world, he sheds two tears into the Great Sea and His voice is heard from one end of the earth to the other – and this is an earthquake.”

The Gemara concludes that although Rav Katina did not admit it to the sorcerer, the answer he gave was correct. Rav Katina

personally explained based upon a verse in Yechezkel (21:22) that the earthquake is the result of, “And I shall pound My hand upon My hand and I will put My wrath to rest..”

Rav Hai Gaon and Rav Nissim Gaon both explain Rav Katina as saying that these tectonic plates are physically moved as a manifestation of Hashem’s compassion for His people – bereft of the dveikus that could have been achieved through the presence of the Bais HaMikdash, scattered among the nations of the world and living in misery.

Rabbeinu Chananel’s View

Rabbeinu Chananel explains things somewhat differently. In his view, the earthquake is an expression of Hashem’s frustration at the treatment of Klal Yisroel at the hands of the nations and that He remembers the promise made to Noach never to flood the earth again. The earthquake is a sign to the Jewish nation that Hashem has not abandoned or forgotten us. We should patiently wait until the burdens of the exile are lifted. The earthquake strengthens our fear of Hashem and allows us to rededicate ourselves to Torah and mitzvos.

The Maharal

The Maharal (1520-1609) in his Be’er HaGolah (4:7) explains that the phenomena of nature are not solely on account of nature; they have a Divine cause behind them. The Anshei Knesses HaGedolah enacted the blessing of “Whose power and strength fill the entire world.” If earthquakes were solely a phenomena of nature, then why would they enact this blessing? Among the men of the Great Assembly were prophets as well!

The Maharal also explains that this Divine sadness is not actually to be attributed to Hashem because of His complete perfection; rather it must be understood as reflective of us, the recipients. In other words, ex-

plains the Maharal, we, the Nation of Israel, are not functioning as we should – we are broken from our true task – and thus the world appears to be shattering or appears to break.

He further explains that the earthquake is a message that things are not how they should be. Israel should be fulfilling its Divinely ordained role. The place of Hashem in the world should be different than it is now. Thus, the earthquake indicates that things are, in fact, different than they should be.

The message of this earthquake then is twofold: one of what to long for and the other of reassurance.

From the Maharal, we learn that we should not be satisfied with the diminished or limited role that we now have. We long for the time when we can once again be the light unto the nations,where we can inspire the nations of the world to form, as we pray for in the Rosh Hashana davening, “veYaasu kulam agudah achas la’asos retzoncha b’laivav shaleim…that the nations should form one agudah to perform Your Will with a complete and pure heart.”

From the Gaonim, the message is not to give up – to be reminded once more of Hashem’s undying love for Klal Yisroel. It is a message of hope where we can continue once again, renewed with the knowledge of Hashem’s concern and love.

The timing of the earthquake, too, is profound. We need the reminder of the Gaonim at a time when our hostages need a geulah.

We need the reminder of the Maharal right before Rosh Hashana to pray for Geulah, for what should be.

May we all be zocheh to take the message of the earthquake to heart.

This article should be viewed as a halachic discussion and not practical advice. The author can be reached at yairhoffman2@gmail.com.

School of Thought

I’m Not Going Back to School

By Barbara Deutsch

As part of my gym package, I am entitled to a free weights workout session with a professional trainer every two weeks. As it’s not always simple to get my trainer of choice, someone familiar with the peccadillos of my aging body, I booked a session with someone I did not know and who did not know me. Free is free.

After taking a Pilates class, mostly stretching, I waited at the desk at my appointed hour for the trainer, and waited, as she busied herself with folders and papers. Finally, I introduced myself, “My name is Barbara.”

“Ani lo midaberet Anglit.”

“Ani Barbara.”

The trainer then instructed me to mechameim. I responded that I had warmed up in the class; that, she understood. She flipped; muttering variations of “warm up” under her breath in a loud whisper. She ran to the manager to rant about me. Hebrew, English, it was clear about who and what she was saying.

At this point, I was having none of this and announced that I was leaving and requested a different trainer and session. The desk clerk tried to calm me with words of encouragement and kindness.

“She does not mean it.” “It’s just her way.” “She talks like this to everyone.”

It didn’t work. In English, Russian or Hebrew, I am the client and I am paying for a service. In no language is embarrassing someone publicly acceptable.

In Israel, that’s not always simple.

September/Elul, school is starting, and for the first time ever, I am not going. Bob and I decided that we may go back to some kind of an Ulpan at some time, but for now, not to Beit Am. The teachers are sincere and kind, but the methodology is too heavy on dikduk. We also were not learn-

ing the pragmatic language that we need for medical or everyday concerns.

In Israel, as soon as I speak Hebrew, an English response is offered. Our friend Rabbi Heshy Billet told us that even though he speaks fluent and easy-to-understand Hebrew, his audience most often responds in English.

A whole new block of former Ulpan time has opened up on Sundays and Tuesdays; we have no intention of watching television or just hanging out. I don’t know why we feel that that’s not a good thing anymore – we used to watch for hours as a release from the tensions of rigorous work days. We have not turned on our Apple Smart TV with a giant screen (bigger than in America) at all.

We plan to learn Hebrew by living it –probably not such a good idea, so we are looking for new language programs. As the recommended ones are private, it also involves a monetary commitment. It is hard to pay when you can get it for “free.”

I’ve used up too much brain real estate on the subject of Ulpan.

We are blessed with wonderful, longtime friends who try to visit as often as possible. Right now, there are three couples with whom we are catching up and dining out at long and lazy meals. One of them,

Irv and Tara, were the first couple to share a store-bought Shabbat meal with us when we made Aliyah a year ago. We love them and have great laughs as we recount tales of our shared 70- with Irv, 50- with Tara year history.

Tara, younger by eight years, spryer and adventurous, suggested a hike on Sataf, one of the National Park Trails just outside Je -

both our groups were headed to the waterfalls at the bottom.

What we did not understand but soon found out is that we had parked in the lot on the mountains’ peak and it would be a long way down to the waterfall no matter the trail. All of Sataf trails are bumpy, sandy and hilly. As this is ancient Jerusalem, the staircases are rocky, the trees dry and

We plan to learn Hebrew by living it

rusalem. It was mid-morning on a not brutal but warm sunny day, and feeling our age but confident, we chose among the routes at the Map Reading Place. There, we met a lovely Riverdale couple and their kids. They offered to help guide us because their brother-in-law and his daughters were seasoned hiker Israelis.

I also think they thought we looked overconfident for our own good.

The Hoffnung group of about eight, encouraged by their relative youth and the brother-in-law, chose the more arduous and exciting red trail. Our senior citizen group of four opted for the family trail;

prickly, and the rocky sand slippery and scary.

The pseudo-cleared path is at the very the edge of a mountain. We only realized how high up the mountain we were when we looked down over the side of the road and saw the ramifications of a long fall down.

What were we thinking?

At a curve in the descent, we met very modestly dressed Arab artists appreciating the view and memorializing it on canvas; a long, hard way to go to paint a picture. We saw parents with babies in strollers and people with dogs. As we huffed, slipped,

slid and walked, we were awed by the dexterity of the young hikers in flimsy sandals carrying coolers and picnic baskets skipping along.

The Huffnungs made it to the top first. Shock? They waited for us with cold water bottles and offers of a ride to our car. These former strangers ensured that our skeletal remains would not be found by some random hiker.

We are not going back to school and the implications for us are not simple both professionally and to Ulpan. As seniors, we have earned the right to be spoken to with respect, to use our time in any way we desire, with the people who make us feel good and in the places where we feel comfortable.

We will hike again, with more prep. We are not going back to school, and it is making me kind of sad.

I’ll get over it.

Barbara Deutsch is the former associate principal at HANC, middle school principal at Kushner, and Dean of Students at Yeshiva of Flatbush. A not-retired educator, she is trying to figure out life in Israel through reflections on navigating the dream of aliyah as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Israel Today Confronting ChatGPT in the Classroom

By Rafi Sackville

Ayear ago, I stopped giving written homework. It wasn’t a grand act of rebellion—just the weary conclusion that too many of my students were being “helped.“

One boy in particular handed in an essay so slick it could ’ve come straight off the presses of Simon & Schuster. I asked him, gently, if it was really his own. He looked at me with the calm honesty of a boy who has never told a lie in his life and said, “Of course.“

The following lesson I set the same task, only this time in class. The transformation was remarkable. The wouldbe novelist turned into a struggling freshman, sentences half-finished, ideas scattered like loose change on a desk.

But can I really blame them? Not at all. They ’re doing what students have always done – chasing the better grade by whatever means lie at hand. Some have even admitted to using ChatGPT.

One boy quoted his grandfather: “It’s no different from calculators. Once they arrived, nobody bothered with formulas anymore. “

He had a point. So instead of railing against the inevitable, I ’ve decided to invite it in. Over the summer I dug up a paragraph I ’d published in this very paper a decade ago, fed it into ChatGPT, and asked it to rewrite the thing in different voices.

It struck me then: classrooms aren ’t sealed off from the world. They never have been. And like it or not, the conversation now includes a machine. My job, I suspect, is not to drown it out, but to teach my students how to answer back without losing their own voice.

Here is my original paragraph. When we got to Maalot in 2013, we wanted to buy matzah meal to make kneidlach for Shabbat. The clerk in the Supersol supermarket looked at my

wife and said, “But it isn’t Pesach!” We were forced to travel to the Krayot (the outlying neighborhoods of Haifa) to satisfy our regular need. It took some time to convince the supermarket to keep its shelves stocked with what we consider an item that should, by our Ashkenazi standards, be readily available any day of the year.

Here it is again, written in the style of Mark Twain:

But up in Ma ’alot, where we settled in back in 2013, it was another story. First week, we set out to make kneidlach for Shabbat. Needed matzah meal, simple enough, you’d think. We go to the Supersol, ask the young clerk for it. She looks at my wife like she just asked for snow in August. ”But it isn ’t Pesach!” she says.

No use arguing with someone raised by a calendar.

So we had to make the pilgrimage

down to the Krayot—those scruffy suburbs of Haifa—to hunt down our regular ration. Felt like chasing down contraband. Took some doing before the local market caught on that matzah meal wasn ’t some rare seasonal delicacy, but a basic human right, at least where Ashkenazi folks are concerned. And in the style of Shakespeare: When first we came to Ma ’alot in the year two thousand and thirteen, we sought but humble matzah meal, wherewith to fashion kneidlach for the holy Sabbath. Yet the clerk of Supersol, beholding my good wife, spake thus: ”But, lady, ’tis not the feast of Passover!” So were we constrain ’d to fare unto the Krayot, those outer courts of Haifa, to fill our weekly need. Long time it took ere the market was persuaded to lay in store such a staple, which by the custom of Ashkenazim should be found at hand, at all seasons, without fail.

I instantly recognized an easier way to teach Shakespeare; expose them to a modern day style and then turn it into the Bard’s prose.

I had another thought; why not prompt ChatGPT with the following prompt: rewrite the paragraph in the style of … Rafi Sackville.

It did. Yikes! It even asked if I’d like it “to give it more of Rafi Sackville’s trademark wry humor and understated irony, so it reads almost like a short vignette for a local column.“ It recognized my style! I felt exposed.

Sure, I replied. This is what I got. When we moved to Ma ’alot in 2013, we went looking for matzah meal to make kneidlach for Shabbat. Nothing dramatic, just a simple errand. The woman behind the counter at Supersol studied my wife as though she ’d asked for snow in July. ”But it isn ’t Pesach!” she said, matter-of-fact, as though that neatly wrapped things up.

What followed was absurd: a 40-minute drive down to the Krayot, all because a few spoonfuls of ground-up matzah were treated like contraband outside the holiday season. Back home, in the Ashkenazi imagination, matzah

meal is no more seasonal than salt or sugar. Here in Ma’alot, it was as though we were requesting fireworks in February.

It took months of quiet pestering before the local Supersol surrendered a sliver of shelf space to the humble bag of meal. A small victory, yes, but one we toasted with soup and kneidlach—on a Friday night, in the middle of October, no Pesach in sight.

it had pinned down my writing style –that was quite another.

The thought struck me like a the whiff of rotting meat: what if a student handed in an essay that sounded like me? The idea was at once funny, sad, worrisome, and, dare I say, a little terrifying. I spend enough time wondering

My job, I suspect, is not to drown it out, but to teach my students how to answer back without losing their own voice.

dents suddenly started writing like a columnist from New York, the jig would be up before I ’d finished my coffee.

Still, the mind wanders. Imagine a sharp New Yorker feeding my voice into ChatGPT, then smoothing out their own rough edges until the teacher – me –can ’t tell the difference. The possibilities are endless, and none of them end with me looking clever.

As for solutions, I’ve come up empty. I suspect teachers everywhere are in the same boat, paddling furiously with leaky oars. At some point, we ’ll have to find a balance – between writing as we honestly are and writing as we’d like the world to think we are. If I ever stumble upon that formula, I promise to let you know. Though, if I ’m being honest, ChatGPT will probably figure it out before I do.

I ’ll admit it – I was rattled. Not mildly surprised, not quietly amused, but properly rattled. To discover that ChatGPT had managed to dig up my columns from the far corners of the internet was one thing. To then realize

if my own sentences sound like me. Now I ’ve got a machine doing the impersonations.

Of course, I ’m not teaching in the Five Towns or Far Rockaway, where the students arrive armed with a lifetime’s use of the English language. I ’m in Israel, where half the battle is getting the grammar to behave. If one of my stu-

Meanwhile, I’m amused at how easily I could, in essence, plagiarize myself. Do you think I did it for this article?

Rafi Sackville, formerly from Cedarhurst, teaches in a prominent yeshiva in Yerushalayim.

A Leader of Light Remembering Capt. Yair Shushan, Hy”d

BY EliYaHu RoSEnBERg

When Yair Shushan earned the rank of IDF officer, he asked his father for leadership advice.

“I want to know what I should prioritize,” he told his father, Michael.

“When I meet my soldiers, should I focus on being professional or building a relationship with them?”

His father proposed a hybrid approach: Some soldiers excel in settings that emphasize professionalism: with

those, prioritize work ethic and seriousness. Others work best when they have a strong bond with their commander: with those, prioritize building trust and closeness.

“So, meet them, and you will see,” his father wisely suggested. “If their problem is professionalism, make that the priority. If the relationship is the problem, make that the priority.”

The next day, Yair called his father again. After reflecting on his dilemma, the young commander decided that the best approach was the simplest one: From the get-go, focus on relationship first and professionalism second. It’s true, he reasoned, that catering to each soldier differently would be a good idea, but doing so would require time and careful observation. But in the meantime, before he gets to know them, what should he cultivate? Trust and friendship? Or seriousness and intensity? He chose the former. Why? Because, Yair declared, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Leadership, in general, is seen as a balancing act — a tug of war between one’s mission and one’s followers. Many leaders, particularly in the technology and business realm, prioritize progress and innovation, often at the expense of their workers’ wellbeing. Other leaders handle their followers with kid gloves, coddling them in hopes of cultivating trust and camaraderie

but only wind up with an ineffective, spineless workforce that never ventures out of their comfort zone.

Capt. Yair Shushan, Hy”d, was different. He was a rare kind of leader — the kind that seamlessly blended seriousness and sensitivity, authority and approachability, intensity and warmth. On the one hand, he was a fighter, through and through. In fact, he once wrote to his commander, stressing that he wants serious warriors on his team. “I want to see them yelling, throwing grenades, and shouting,” Michael Shushan recalls his son writing. Few chayalim could match Yair’s fighting spirit — his commitment to battling for his country.

But on the other hand, he was gentle and sensitive.

“He listened to his soldiers,” Michael shares. “He would have private conversations with them. He knew everything about them, their parents, their siblings, their problems, everything.” Yair was the biggest encourager of his troops. And he would work tirelessly, helping his soldiers with everything.

One of the soldiers in his unit was having a hard time finishing the running exercises in the allotted time. Yair ingeniously engaged the other soldiers in the unit in a plan to help this soldier. During the running exercises, he arranged the other soldiers around this struggling soldier in a V formation, almost like birds in flight. In this way, the other soldiers blocked the wind that was holding the soldier back, and he was able to complete the run within a satisfactory amount of time.

Perhaps Yair discovered a secret that eludes most leaders: That professionalism and relationship are not mutually exclusive. You can be nice and serious. You can be humble and authoritative. You can have high expectations and be gentle. You can be respected and beloved. Yair understood that true leadership isn’t a balance between professionalism and relationship, as if they’re on two opposing sides. Rather, true leadership is about excelling in both — in building a bond so strong that your vision and your followers’ vision become one and the same.

Yair joined the army when he was 17. When war broke out in the wake of the October 7 massacre, Yair’s job was to train new soldiers for his battalion, the Nachal Brigade Reconnaissance unit. But three weeks later, he decided he wasn’t doing enough to help in the war effort. He left his training role and went into Gaza, joining his original team on the battlefield.

“He told us he saw a lot of miracles in Gaza. A grenade fell on his leg, and it didn’t explode, for example,” his mother, Hadas Shushan, shares. “I knew he risked his life, and he knew that also. But I couldn’t tell him not to go. He wanted to be there.”

Yair had a profound sense of duty. His philosophy was, “If not me, then who?” If he wouldn’t fight for his country, then who will?

“He understood we’re in unique times, a historic time for Am Yisrael,” Michael explains. “He told me, ‘Father, the world will be talking about this war for more than 100 years.’”

Two months into the war, Yair enrolled in the IDF’s officer course. In the summer of 2024, he completed the course, becoming a commander and earning a certificate of excellence from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the chief of staff.

“There were 347 soldiers in the officer course, and only four were excellent. And he was one of them,” Michael says.

“Yair was excellent in everything he did in his life,” his father declares. “But he was so humble that some of the things he accomplished, he didn’t tell us. We didn’t know until later.”

After Yair passed away, Michael went into his room to look for Yair’s certificates to show people who came to visit. Michael found certificates and awards that Yair had earned but that the family never even knew he had. Such was the humbleness of the stalwart soldier.

At one point, Yair was given a special honor in a ceremony. But the ceremony was held in the south, a few hours’ drive from the Shushans’ home. Yair only told his parents about the ceremony after the fact, not wanting his parents to spend so many hours in the car to see him just for a few minutes.

“In each step of the army, he was mitztayen, in everything,” Hadas says. “His commander told us, ‘There was no one ever like him.’ He was the best at everything.”

But Yair’s excellence extended far beyond the army. As his mother explains, Yair was intellectually gifted at a young age. Before first grade, he knew how to read and do math.

One day, when Yair was in second grade, he ap -

proached his father. “Abba, I want to read the entire Bible,” he said. He was only seven years old, but they did it, anyway. Together, the father and son learned Tanach in its entirety… until Sefer Daniel. When they reached that book, the boy looked at the text. At first, he was confused.

“What language is this?” he asked his father.

“Aramaic,” Michael replied.

“Hmm, okay, let’s learn it anyway,” the boy said. “I want to finish everything.”

And so, young Yair conquered Sefer Daniel and went on to learn all of Tanach.

“It was very Yair. If he starts something, he has to finish it,” his father notes.

In sixth and seventh grade, when his family briefly lived in Toronto on shlichut, Yair competed in the Chidon HaTanach. At age 13, he outshone kids five years his senior. He would have won by a landslide had they not disqualified him (since he wasn’t from Canada, he technically wasn’t allowed to participate in the contest).

Yair was also a gifted pianist and a martial arts master. He even taught himself how to speak Arabic fluently. “He was so disciplined. He never slept,” his mother explains.

“He understood we’re in unique times, a historic time for am Yisrael. He told me, ‘Father, the world will be talking about this war for more than 100 years.’”

Not too long ago, Michael Shushan discovered a paper in Yair’s room. It was a daily to-do list that Yair would keep while at home.

“Shmiras HaLashon, every day, he’d mark that. Mesilat Yesharim, one perek every day. Mishnayot, two perakim, every day. Bava Metzvia. Piano, half an hour, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. Tanach, five perakim, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. Shulchan Aruch, five amudim every day. Gemara Kiddushin, half an hour,” Michael shares.

Yair filled his life with purpose, constantly growing and learning, ensuring that each day was packed with progress and tachlis.

O“It was the worst day of our lives,” Yair’s father recalls. “We have the same birthday. And his funeral was on the birthday.”

Two and a half weeks after Yair passed away, his nephew was born. The baby’s bris was held on the day after Yair’s shloshim. In his honor, the baby was named Yair.

It’s easy to go with the flow, to succumb to peer pressure and blindly follow the crowd. But a true leader doesn’t follow — he inspires.

The IDF’s special units have a tradition for new graduates of the officer course. Before formally receiving their certifications, each graduate runs 60 kilometers, enduring a long, sweltering journey up a mountain. When they reach the peak, the soldiers take off their shirts and receive a cigar in celebration of their achievement.

There’s a picture of Yair standing atop the mountain with the other graduates. Everyone was shirtless —everyone, except Yair, who wore his tzitzis. Yair’s message was clear: Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

During Yair’s army service, he asked his father to ask a relative of theirs who was a posek the following question: “I always wear my tzitzis, but in the morning, during the exercises, I find it hard to put them on. Can I be exempt from wearing them for this time?”

The posek answered that for that short time, if Yair was in pain from wearing the extra layer of clothing, he can be meikel and not wear the tzitzis.

But when Yair heard the psak, he told his father: “No, I will wear my tzitzis. My tzitzis are tzitzis barzel, iron tzitzis.”

Yair’s commitment to tzitzis has inspired countless others. In fact, in Israel, there is a movement called Tzitzis Barzel , in which the Shushan family

n January 13, 2025, Yair’s life — his extraordinary life — was tragically cut short. After saving a tank commander’s life, he perished in combat in the Gazan City of Beit Hanoun. Hamas terrorists ambushed Yair Shushan’s troops, killing him and four other Nachal soldiers: Staff Sgts. Guy Karmiel, Yahav Hadar, Yoav Feffer, and Aviel Wiseman. Yair Shushan, the leader of the team, was just 23 years old when he gave his life for his country.

The daily learning list that Yair had made for himself

and others give out tzitzis and inspire others to cling to this profound mitzvah.

Michael recalls, “Somebody from Tom’s River

hugged me and told me, ‘I’m not careful with the mitzvah of tzitzis. It’s very hard for me. But now that I’ve heard the story about your son, I want to tell you that I’m taking upon myself, from now on, to wear tzitzis all the time.’”

“A lot of teenagers began to put on tzitzis because of Yair,” Hadas adds.

He inspired the nation in other ways, too. When Yair first became an officer, he decided to ban his soldiers from cursing.

At first, many soldiers protested his orders: “What do you mean I can’t curse? I curse all the time. I curse my friend; he curses me. How is that your business?”

Yair’s response was as follows: “It is my business. I know that the team will be at its best if there’s no cursing, if you can be friends.” Yair’s unit wound up becoming the best. And to this very day, even after Yair’s passing, his team still doesn’t curse.

“He was very special, everyone appreciated him,” Yair’s mother says. “He was a counselor in Bnei Akiva, and his campers really admired him. He was like a brother and father to them.”

He would tutor the Bnei Akiva boys in English, math, and science — and he stayed in touch with them years later. And he would also mentor them, teaching them how to live life.

One Shabbos, he and his campers were playing the game Settlers of Catan. After the game, some of the kids, giggling mischievously, confessed to cheating in the game. Yair was very upset.

“You have to be honest all the time,” he admon -

ished them. While it may seem like no big deal to cheat in a board game, even that promotes a habit of dishonesty, he said. He explained that it’s a steppingstone to lying about other things. Yair stressed that it’s never okay to cheat — and he himself lived by that rule.

Not too long ago, Michael Shushan found a manuscript in his son’s bedroom. It was a book about leadership that the young soldier had been writing in.

“On the first page, Yair wrote: ‘I believe that HaKadosh Baruch Hu created the world for us to be good. In the world, we have a choice between good and bad, and HaKadosh Baruch Hu wants us to choose good,’” Michael shares. “‘I believe HaKadosh Baruch Hu created me for one reason: so that I can fulfill my tafkid in the world.’”

Yair continued, writing that it’s his mission to inspire others and that it’s his moral and religious obligation to serve his country. He was only 21 years old when he wrote that mission statement.

“He did things in this world that most people can’t do in 80 years,” his father declares.

That was Yair. He didn’t join the army for himself. He didn’t become an officer for his own honor. Capt. Yair Shushan lived and died a hero for one reason and one reason only: Because he wholeheartedly believed that it was his G-d given mission to serve his country and his nation.

Receiving an award from Prime Minister Netanyahu and General Halevi

Nation

Yehuda Kastel A Chassidish DJ’s Journey to Self-Love

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

One year after Yehuda Kastel quit using marijuana, his yeshiva threw him a sobriety party. During the event, he rose from his seat — clutching a speech he had written — and addressed his fellow students. The speech was about his journey reclaiming his life from the throes of self-hatred. And so, he saw fit to start his story from

In His Words…

the beginning: his childhood.

Yehuda grew up in the out-of-town Jewish community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In his words, “It was a beautiful, awesome childhood — a beautiful community,” at the center of which was his grandfather, a man of towering proportions, both literally and figuratively. His grandfather was a founding member of

When someone is struggling, you hear a lot of people saying, ‘ i feel for you. it’s okay, you’ll get through it.’ They’re validating the struggle, but they’re not leaning into the struggle with them. a nd i think that’s something that people need to work on: really feeling people’s pain and being there with them in the darkness. Don’t just validate people. sit and cry with them. a nd when it’s the other way around, go and join in their simcha and party with them.

When you meet people, their introduction to you is, ‘What do you do for a living? oh, that guy’s a banker, that guy’s in real estate, that guy’s in nursing homes.’ so, at the start of relationships, Western culture is not about wanting to know people for their true selves. a nd that’s something we need to work on.

a s Jews, we have to be a light unto the nations. o ur job is to represent and bring out that light.

the shul — a man with a big smile and an even bigger heart. “Everyone noticed him when he would come into a room,” Yehuda remembers. “And he would do comedy skits with his best friend. So, everyone knew him as the court jester of the community.”

So, you could say Yehuda had big shoes to fill. “Clown shoes, if you will,” he jokes.

“I kind of grew up, not with a pressure, but with a little bit of an expectancy to live up to these big personalities in my life,” Yehuda explains, noting that his father was also a pillar of the community. “I felt a little bit of pressure, not from an external place, but internally, for sure. So, I always wanted to be in the spotlight as much as I could, whether it was with my friends or in school, though that wouldn’t always work out for me.”

The fourth of eight children, Yehuda enjoyed a flexible, warm upbringing. His parents — baal teshuvas who became chassidim — raised him according to the Twerski mahalach , which blends modernity and Yiddishkeit by emphasizing both worldliness and tradition. In many respects, Yehuda had a traditional chassidish upbringing. But like most American children, he also grew up watching television and listening to non-Jewish music.

Yehuda had, in his words, a “smooth childhood.” He didn’t rebel. He didn’t get into much trouble (though he did playfully compete with his five rambunctious brothers). Life was simple.

But then, high school hit.

* * *

For Yehuda, two issues were included in the high school “package.” The first: at age 14, he went off to mesivta, leaving behind Milwaukee, his home and haven. Though he doesn’t discuss the move at length, it must have been, as you could imagine, an adjustment — his smooth life in a peaceful community, from one year to the next, uprooted and relocated to a yeshiva dormitory. And second: he, like most teenagers, began craving validation. In high school, Yehuda developed an unhealthy thirst for popularity and respect.

“Fast forward to the end of 11th grade, and I became a DJ,” Yehuda recalls. His transformation from Yehuda Kastel to DJ Hudacris, as he calls his disc jockey alter ego, is nothing short of incredible, like Bruce Wayne turning into Batman. That transformation, in a sense, exposes a duality to his nature. Normally, Yehuda’s a soft-spoken, gentle soul. But when he hops on stage and starts spinning discs, he’s unrecognizably energetic, engrossed in the music.

That transition, in itself, wasn’t problematic. His parents were supportive. His music brought people joy. Indeed, years later, Yehuda is still a DJ. The issue was his “why.” Yehuda became a DJ for the wrong reason: to be seen and liked by his peers.

A year later, peer pressure struck again.

“At the end of 12th grade, I got into smoking marijuana a little bit. It was

never a religious thing; I never swore by it, but I definitely enjoyed it from time to time,” he shares. “And then I graduated high school, and I went to Eretz Yisrael for yeshiva. And when I came to Israel, I started smoking a little more.”

Soon enough, his group of friends mostly consisted of users of the same drug. It was, as he calls it, a “stoner crew.” Eventually, he too adopted the lifestyle of a stereotypical marijuana user: staying up and waking up at crazy hours, eating in an irregular manner, and the like. For a while, he saw smoking cannabis as a relatively harmless habit, though he kept it secret in fear of judgment. But then, one Super Bowl Sunday, everything changed.

It was around 2:30 in the morning. Yehuda was at a party. And, secretly, he took a puff, hoping to get high from the drug, as he usually would. But instead of a high, a dark, awful feeling instantly hit him like a smack across the face. He flew into a frenzy.

“I was put into this very bad trip,” he recalls, referring to the experience he had after using the substance. “There were people there who knew me from being a DJ. And obviously, they didn’t know that I smoked. So, going into that hit, I was already in a bad place of like, ‘Oh my gosh, I don’t want them to see me. I don’t want to be exposed,’” Yehuda recalls. “So I went into the experience in a bad space. And it put me in an even worse space once I took the hit.”

In a panic, he stormed out of the party and fled to the safety of his dorm room. He was going nuts. He started blasting music in hopes of drowning out the darkness raging within him. When that didn’t work, he pounded on his roommate’s door for help.

“So, I was just lying there in my bed, and my roommate was talking to me. And he says, ‘You know, maybe you should consider quitting marijuana?’ I don’t remember what I responded to him,” Yehuda says.

His roommate left. Yehuda continued lying on his bed. And then, suddenly, he had a vision.

“I had this vision, and I saw two ver -

sions of myself,” Yehuda recounts. “I saw a version of myself five years down the line if I continued this way. And I saw a version of myself five years down the line if I stopped today.

“I liked the version that stopped. He looked a lot better to me,” he adds. “So, the next morning, I woke up and I said, ‘That’s it.’ I quit cold turkey, and I haven’t touched it since.”

* * *

His success in quitting marijuana was the reason he got up to speak at his yeshiva sobriety party. But in his speech, Yehuda decided to address another issue that once plagued his life: anxiety.

Anxiety. As a young adult, he’d heard of the word, but he never knew what it meant until he met a therapist in his yeshiva.

You see, Yehuda’s battle with anxiety was initially triggered by his bad experience with marijuana. But eight months later, it was then exacerbated by another troubling episode.

“It was the summer. And that summer, I was working as a security guard for a camp. I took the night shift. I was staying up all night every single night, which messed with my brain. And one night, it was a Motzei Shabbos, and I got really drunk. And the next day was a fast. And I obviously didn’t prepare for the fast. I wasn’t hydrated. And I had to stay up that night, even though I was hungover,” Yehuda recalls. “The next day, I took a nap before the end of the fast. And when I woke up, I had this sensation throughout my body, mainly my arms and legs. It was like pins and needles.”

At first, he didn’t think much of it. He assumed the discomfort had to do with his rough fast. But days passed, and the sensation wouldn’t go away. Soon thereafter, a doctor’s visit and a few blood tests confirmed that he had contracted Lyme disease, an infection spread by ticks. He went on antibiotics and, a few weeks later, the feeling went away. But then, a few days after that, it came back. A nurse told him that it was normal for the sensation to persist for six to 12 months after the diagnosis.

But then, just as his Yeshiva’s Elul

zman kicked off, Yehuda grew sicker. Sapped of all energy, he thought he was dying. “I just got to the point where I had to go to the doctor. I was falling into a very dark place,” he explains. “And I was going back and forth with my parents, trying to figure out what our insurance covers. And so, I was on the phone with my father, and I was sitting right outside the Beis Medrash.

“And we’re going back and forth. And he could hear in my voice that I was getting very fed up and annoyed,” Yehuda recalls. “And out of nowhere, he just says, ‘Yehuda, it sounds like an emotional issue.’

“And when he said that, I got chills. I felt so exposed. It was like I climaxed on the trip I was on. And I’m like, ‘Whoa, that could be.’”

Yehuda then approached his Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yoni Fischer, and confided in him about what he’d been going through.

“You know, it sounds like you’re really hard on yourself,” Rabbi Fischer gently told Yehuda. “It sounds like you had a really intense summer, and now you’re expecting a lot of yourself this year and in yeshiva. It sounds to me like you just need to chill.”

“And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I do need to chill,’” Yehuda says. “So, he sets me up with a therapist in the yeshiva who specializes in anxiety. I go and meet him, and the therapist asks, ‘Do you know what anxiety is?’ I’ve heard the word before, Rabbi Fischer talks about it, but I don’t know much about it. And then he starts breaking down the ABCs of anxiety. And it resonates with me tremendously.”

The therapist explained anxiety like this: imagine you’re in a building when, suddenly, the fire alarm starts blaring. Everyone flies into a frenzy, running for their lives. But as soon as you make it outside, relieved to have escaped the flames, you look back and realize there was never a fire to begin with. That’s anxiety: a persistent false alarm that drives people into panic despite there being nothing to panic about.

“So, that started my journey with anxiety. And then, Rabbi Fischer sent

me away for a few months on vacation to just relax,” Yehuda recalls.

The biggest revelation of Yehuda’s mental health journey, however, came when his therapist taught him about a concept called “internal family systems,” or IFS. It’s a form of therapy that identifies the different parts of one’s personality in an effort to understand and heal oneself.

“I sat down with Rabbi Fischer. He pulled out a piece of paper, and he drew a tree. And the trunk was Yehuda Kastel, and all the branches and leaves were different parts of me,” he shares. “That’s what IFS is: there’s you, and then there’s many parts of you. Anything about you is a part of you. So, I realized that, just like Hudacris is a part of me, this anxiety is also just a part of me. And that really helped me put things into perspective. Like, something’s wrong with my tree’s trunk, and that’s why the leaves are starting to fall off.

“So, I went on this vacation. And I started working on getting to love Yehuda Kastel. I had those three months of getting to know myself, taking walks, and spending a lot of time with myself,” he says. “I took a month break from being a DJ. I didn’t think about it. I spent a lot of time writing. I did a lot of journaling about gratitude and with affirmations.”

And that’s around the time that his yeshiva held a party celebrating his first year of sobriety.

“I got up and I started talking about how I grew up in Milwaukee, about the expectancy and pressure I felt. I spoke about how I became a DJ and how I started focusing on living as that persona while neglecting myself, my growth, and my health, mentally, emotionally, and physically,” Yehuda recalls. “I described how much I hated myself — truly disrespected, spat on myself. And it really resonated with the guys. And so, I decided to start a group as part of the yeshiva called ‘Let’s Talk Anxiety,’ where guys come, share, and go through different methods of working through anxiety.”

* * *

Yehuda Kastel’s story is beautiful, and his courage in sharing his journey

is truly admirable. But there’s one part to his story that, at first glance, doesn’t make so much sense, at least to me.

I understand why he had anxiety, given his traumatizing experience with marijuana and his troubling Lyme disease story. Clearly, he went through difficult times. That’s a given.

But why did Yehuda hate himself? What could he have done that, in his mind, warranted self-hatred?

Well, it wasn’t about what he did. It was about what he didn’t do.

“I hated myself because I wasn’t living for myself,” Yehuda declares. “I was living for the attention, for the reviews, the

likes, the comments. I was doing everything because I thought other people wanted me to do it. So, the whole focus of my life was on giving pleasure to other people but not retaining any of it for myself. So, that’s what it was like living as Hudacris: Hudacris is Mr. Popular, everyone loves him, he’s the life of the party, this and that.”

Hudacris had countless fans. But Yehuda Kastel had not one. Sadly, Yehuda had inadvertently put his alter ego in the driver’s seat of his life, allowing his DJ persona — a tiny fraction of who he really is — to define his entire being.

For some time, Yehuda considered dropping his Hudacris persona entirely. But ultimately, he realized that wouldn’t

be necessary. Because again, the issue was never his career as a DJ. It was that his alter ego existed solely to quench his teenage thirst for attention and popularity. Indeed, his gravest mistake of all was caring for his DJ persona while neglecting the rest of him. But now, Yehuda knows better.

“I used to just be the party guy — the guy who’s always going crazy. And I wasn’t giving enough attention to the soft-spoken part of me — the real me, my essence. I didn’t realize that my party self is just a branch on my tree,” says Yehuda.

Baruch Hashem, Yehuda Kastel has been married for three years now. And thankfully, his wife, he points out, ap -

preciates both sides of him: Yehuda and Hudacris.

“She was exposed to both sides from the get-go, and she caters to both. She’s the best eishes chayil in the world,” Yehuda exclaims. “She lets me go on tour and leave home for weeks on end. She’s very supportive. But then, the other side of me — the soft-spoken, chilled guy who works in yeshiva — she loves that about me also, and caters to that, and nurtures that.”

Indeed, as much as she likes his DJ persona and its energetic, larger-thanlife personality — at the end of the day, it’s the sweet, gentle-mannered man she married that she really appreciates. And that man’s name isn’t Hudacris. It’s Yehuda Kastel.

This article is based on a podcast, “Inspiration For the Nation,” hosted by Yaakov Langer. To catch more of this conversation, you can watch it on LivingLchaim. com or YouTube.com/LivingLchaim or listen wherever you listen to podcasts (just search for “Inspiration For The Nation”) or call our free hotline: 605-477-2100.

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I am writing about a concern I have about the great girl I am dating. For some context, I am 28 and she is 26, we are both professionals and in the modern-machmir world. We have been dating for a few weeks, and things seemed to be going really well. The problem is my roommate just notified me that he actually matched with her on an app (she did not match back with him yet but she’s still on this app as active).

I’m shocked. I realize people double date when only going out with someone a couple times, but I wouldn’t think someone would double date after going out as long as we have. Why would I put in the effort and money into taking her out if she’s possibly seeing other people also?

Thanks, Shmuel*

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions. Our intention is not to offer any definitive conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.

The Panel

Dear Readers,

We want to offer YOU an opportunity to be part of the discussion! Please email us at MichelleMondShadchan@gmail.com, subject line “reader’s response,” if you would like to participate in the new “A Reader’s Response” columnist spot. We will send you a question and publish your answer in an upcoming Navidaters edition.

If you have a question you would like the Navidaters to answer, please reach out to this email as well.

Looking forward!

Michelle, the “Shadchan”

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Bring up with her where the relationship seems to be going. Be smart and careful not to accuse, keeping in mind that sometimes people who rarely use a dating app neglect to update their status. It might be strategic to say to her that you see this relationship going somewhere and have told people who try to fix you up that you are seeing someone now. See how she responds. You will be able to gauge her level of interest and commitment during the conversation. That’s what’s most important. It’s only a few weeks in and perhaps in her circles

this is not much of an indicator. See what happens in the conversation and online before you bring it up this question.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

I

would venture to say that you may not be very active on dating apps, because if you were, you would know how common it is for people to forget they are even on them. I constantly see profiles of people who I know are dating seriously, and when I reach out to them, they usually respond, “Thanks, but I’m already in a relationship.” Many singles don’t find apps very useful, so they don’t bother making it a priority to update their status. With that in mind, I don’t think you need to be concerned. It is very possible

Don’t let early, minor uncertainties make you skeptical and jaded.

that she simply hasn’t thought about removing herself from the app. What really matters is the way she is treating you and the seriousness she is showing in your relationship.

That being said, it may be a good time to have an open conversation about exclusivity. In the more Modern Orthodox world, it has become more common for people to go out with more than one

person until both parties agree they are dating exclusively. Personally, I am not a fan of this mentality, but I must point this out.

Use this as an opportunity to gently bring up the topic and hear her perspective on the topic. It can help clarify where she stands and give you both a stronger sense of commitment moving forward. Hopefully, your roommate’s match request will remain unanswered, and your relationship will continue to grow in the right direction.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

Let’s discuss two quotes that our readers may, or may not, be familiar with:

Quote #1- Casablanca (1942): At the end of this classic movie, Humphrey Bogart tells Claud Rains, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Set during World War II, both characters face uncertain futures. Previously cynical and self-serving, they evolve, learn to

trust each other, and hope to do good together. It’s a powerful and emotional reminder that, even in dark times, meaningful alliances and relationships can form.

Much like Bogart and Rains, singles today navigate a world of uncertainty, hoping to find someone with whom they can build trust, grow together, and create a lasting, meaningful relationship.

Quote #2 – Pirkei Avos (1:6): We are taught to be “dan l’kaf zechus”—judge others favorably.

When information is incomplete, give people the benefit of the doubt. (For example, if you see a friend walking into a non-kosher restaurant, assume it was an emergency restroom stop.)

So, Shmuel, how does this apply to you?

Just because your girlfriend has not yet updated her status on various apps, it doesn’t mean that she isn’t very, very serious about her relationship with you. Many singles keep their status active while exploring a promising connection. Or, perhaps it simply hasn’t occurred to her to take the time to do so. Remember, you’ve been dating only a few weeks— things are still early.

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Dear Shmuel,

I can really understand why this feels jarring. You’ve been investing feelings, time, energy, and money into this relationship, and then suddenly you’re faced with the fact that she is still on the app. That can shake your sense of where things stand.

(It would, of course, be different if she actually accepted a date with your roommate while dating you!)

Dating today is challenging. Don’t let early, minor uncertainties make you skeptical and jaded. Like Bogart, if you hope this is the “ beginning of a beautiful friendship,” be careful to be dan l’kaf zechus. Judge her positively, enjoy the time together, and see where it leads.

The Readers’ Response

Yehuda and Shalva Schoemann

Dear Shmuel, It sounds like you’re hesitant to fully invest in a relationship if the investment isn’t reciprocated. However, you don’t have sufficient proof yet that the girl you’re seeing isn’t putting effort into the relationship. Maybe she just forgot to change her status on the dating app because she got busier after she started dating you.

Whatever her reason is for not changing her status on the app, you need to sit down and have a conversation with her (emphasis on “a conversation” – not just a text). Bring it up calmly and don’t be confrontational. Ask if she thinks that dating more than one person at a time

Either way, until you’ve had a conversation, neither option is “bad.”

is okay, and if so, after how many dates should someone be exclusive.

This is also a good opportunity to check in with her to see how she thinks your relationship is going. You say you’ve been dating for a few weeks, but maybe you thought the relationship was progressing much faster than she did. If she thinks things weren’t going as well or moving as quickly, maybe she thinks it is reasonable to still be seeing other people (three weeks might be long to you but short for her).

You also have to be prepared for her to say that she is okay dating two people at once, and you’ll have to decide if that’s okay with you. The most important thing is not to assume anything without communicating first. Hear the situation from her perspective, hear what she thinks is normal in this context, and be open to communicating and having a non-confrontational discussion. Good luck!

Here’s the thing. Within the dating world, there’s often an assumption that exclusivity happens quickly, sometimes even after just a couple of dates. But at the same time, it’s also true that many people don’t assume exclusivity until it’s clearly spoken about. Both approaches are out there, and neither is wrong. This is why it’s so important to clarify with each other.

in a calm and curious way. This doesn’t need to be an accusation. It’s really just about getting aligned. It’s entirely possible she is dating other people. It’s also very possible she simply forgot to take her profile down. Either way, until you’ve had a conversation, neither option is “bad.” What matters is whether the two of you are on the same page moving forward.

ket” and take things slowly until you and the other person decide otherwise.

I’m a big fan of being straightforward

If you listen to any mainstream dating podcasts, you’ll hear advice that echoes this point. People are encouraged not to assume exclusivity until it’s explicitly discussed. In fact, the common suggestion is to keep yourself “on the mar -

So, as uncomfortable as this feels right now, I’d say this is actually a natural next step in your dating process. If things are moving well and you’re interested in her, it’s time to have the conversation about exclusivity. Ask her directly and gently where she stands and share where you are. You’ll feel better having clarity, and hopefully she will appreciate your honesty and transparency.

Warmly, Jennifer

Health & F tness When Back-to-School Brings More Than Just Books Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Students

By Rivka Kramer, PMHNP-BC

It was the last week of August, and Leah, a bright seventh grader, should have been excited about shopping for new notebooks and picking out her first-day outfit. Instead, she sat curled up on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing.

“What if I don’t remember anything from math last year? What if the teacher calls on me, and I freeze? What if everyone already has their groups of friends, and I sit alone at lunch?”

The worries piled on, one after another, until Leah’s chest felt tight and her stomach ached. Her parents initially brushed it off as “normal nerves,” but when the crying and sleepless nights continued, they realized it was something more: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

On the first day of school, Leah clutched her backpack so tightly her knuckles turned white. She walked into the building with her head down, avoiding eye contact. During lunchtime, she sat alone at the edge of the cafeteria, pushing food around her tray while her heart pounded. When her mother picked her up from school at the end of the day, Leah burst into tears. She hadn’t raised her hand once, convinced she’d say something wrong.

Leah’s story isn’t rare. Each fall, countless children, teens, and even college students struggle with the weight of back-to-school anxiety. For many, the jitters fade after the first week. But for students with GAD, the anxiety lingers, intensifies, and often interferes with learning, friendships, and daily life.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is more than occasional worry. It’s a persistent, excessive, and often uncontrollable form of anxiety that

spans multiple areas of life. A student with GAD isn’t just nervous about a big test—they may worry about grades, friendships, health, safety, family, and even small, everyday issues like being late or forgetting homework.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, GAD affects about 3% of the U.S. population each year, and symptoms often emerge during childhood or adolescence. For students, it can look like:

• Constant “what if” thinking (e.g., “What if I fail? What if I embarrass myself?”)

• Restlessness, muscle tension, or difficulty concentrating in class

• Trouble sleeping before school days

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical explanation

• Perfectionism—redoing assignments multiple times or avoiding tasks for fear of mistakes

The start of a new school year, with

its fresh routines, academic expectations, and social dynamics, is a perfect storm for GAD to flare.

Why Back-to-School Season is a Trigger

1. Academic Pressure

New classes mean new teachers, harder material, and higher expectations. Students with GAD may fear falling behind, not being “good enough,” or disappointing their parents and teachers. Even minor homework assignments can feel monumental.

2. Social Transitions

The cafeteria, playground, or college dorm can feel like battlefields for someone with social worries. Making friends, fitting in, or facing potential rejection are major sources of stress. Students may worry about what to wear, who to sit with, or whether they’ll be excluded from group projects.

3. Separation from Home

Younger children often struggle

with leaving their parents, while college freshmen may feel overwhelmed by living away for the first time. Separation anxiety doesn’t always look like tears; it can appear as irritability, fatigue, or constant texting home.

4. Change in Routine

After the freedom of summer, the rigid schedule of school can feel suffocating. Sleep changes, early mornings, and after-school activities add layers of stress. Students with GAD may become fixated on punctuality, fearing catastrophe if they’re even a few minutes late.

5. Perfectionism & Fear of Failure

Many students with GAD set unrealistic standards for themselves. A single low grade or mistake in class may spiral into catastrophic thinking about their entire future. Perfectionism often masquerades as diligence, so adults may miss the distress behind it.

6. Technology & Social Media Pressure

Today’s students also carry the stress of online comparison. Seeing peers’ highlight reels – new outfits, friend groups, academic awards – can intensify self-doubt and feed anxious thoughts about not measuring up.

The Hidden Toll of GAD on Students

On the surface, a child with GAD may look like the “good student”—always doing homework, following rules, and striving to excel. But inside, they may be battling constant tension and fear. Over time, GAD can:

• Hinder academic performance due to difficulty focusing, procrastination, or avoidance of challenging tasks.

• Strain friendships if worries about being judged or rejected prevent social interaction.

• Affect physical health with recur -

ring headaches, digestive problems, or fatigue.

• Lower self-esteem when students begin to believe they aren’t capable or strong enough to cope.

Leah, for example, started complaining of stomachaches and headaches every morning before school. Her pediatrician found no physical illness—her body was simply expressing the stress her mind was carrying.

Distinguishing Normal Worry from GAD

It’s natural for students to feel butterflies on the first day or worry about a tough exam. What makes GAD different is the persistence and intensity of the worry and the way it disrupts life.

• Normal Worry: “I’m nervous about my math test tomorrow.” (Feeling passes after the test.)

• GAD Worry: “What if I fail this test, then the next one, and then I don’t get into college? What if I forget everything I studied? What if I get so nervous I can’t even write my name?” (The worry continues for weeks, long before and after the test, impacting sleep and mood.)

When worries become all-consuming, unrealistic, and long-lasting, it’s time to consider GAD.

Supporting Students with GAD

1. Open Conversations

Normalize talking about anxiety. Parents, teachers, and counselors can ask open-ended questions like:

• “What worries come up when you think about school?”

• “How does your body feel when you get anxious?”

For many students, just being heard and validated is the first relief.

2. Structure & Predictability

Creating clear routines can reduce uncertainty. A consistent morning schedule, a visual calendar, or walking through the new classroom before school starts can ease transitions. Even something as small as preparing clothes and lunches the night before can reduce last-minute panic.

3. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is considered the gold standard treatment for GAD. It helps students identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with balanced perspectives. For example, instead of “If I make one mistake, I’ll fail everything,” they learn to think, “Mistakes happen, but I can still succeed overall.” Home -

work in CBT might include facing fears gradually—like answering one question in class—until confidence builds.

4. Coping Strategies for Daily Use

• Breathing techniques: slow, deep breaths to calm the nervous system.

GAD need moments of rest—unstructured play, reading, or quiet time away from screens.

• Practice exposure gently: Encourage facing fears in small, manageable steps rather than avoiding them altogether.

The worries hadn’t disappeared entirely, but they no longer controlled her life.

• Grounding exercises: naming five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, one you can taste.

• Journaling: writing down recurring worries to gain perspective.

• Scheduled worry time: setting aside 10-15 minutes a day to write down worries, then moving on.

5. Collaboration with Schools

Teachers can provide subtle support—such as allowing short breaks, giving instructions in writing, or offering quiet test spaces. School counselors can check in regularly and connect families with resources. When schools, families, and clinicians work together students are less likely to fall through the cracks.

6. Medication (if needed)

In moderate to severe cases, psychiatrists may recommend SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or other medications, often alongside therapy. This is especially helpful when anxiety severely impacts functioning.

A Parent and Teacher Toolkit

• Model calm coping: Children watch how adults manage stress. Showing healthy strategies teaches them resilience.

• Limit reassurance loops: Constantly answering the question “Will I be okay?” can feed anxiety. Instead, guide children toward coping skills.

• Encourage balanced routines: Adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical activity all buffer against anxiety.

• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes: Praising hard work instead of grades helps reduce perfectionism.

• Use check-in rituals: A quick morning or evening conversation can help children share worries before they spiral.

• Promote downtime: Students with

Leah’s parents found that validating her feelings (“I know starting school feels scary”) while encouraging small steps (“Let’s just focus on meeting your teacher today”) helped her face her fears gradually without feeling dismissed.

A Brighter Path Forward

By October, Leah was still nervous, but with therapy and support, she no longer cried every morning. She had made two new friends and even raised her hand in class. The worries hadn’t

disappeared entirely, but they no longer controlled her life.

That’s the heart of GAD treatment: not eliminating all anxiety, but giving students the tools to manage it, so they can learn, grow, and thrive despite their worries.

Back-to-school season is supposed to be a time of fresh beginnings. But for students with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, it can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, staring up at an impossible climb.

With understanding, early recognition, and the right support, at home, in school, and in clinical care, that mountain becomes manageable. Children like Leah can discover that while anxiety may be a part of their journey, it doesn’t have to define their story.

Rivka Kramer is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has a psychiatric private practice based in Cedarhurst, NY. She serves as a member of the board of JANPPA, the Jewish American Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Association. She can be reached at 516-945-9443.

Health & F tness

Flour Power A Guide to Different Types of Flours and Their Nutritional Benefits

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

Flour is a foundation in cooking and baking. However, not all flours are created equal and will behave differently in recipes and provide different nutritional benefits. The type of flour you use impacts texture, flavor, and, importantly, your health. Below is an overview of the most popular flours and which ones are beneficial to gut health, blood sugar, and other wellness concerns.

All-Purpose Flour

Nutrition per ¼ cup (30 g):

About 110 calories, 0 g fat, 1 g fiber

All-purpose flour is refined wheat flour that has gone through a milling process in which the outer bran and the nutrient-rich germ are removed, leaving only the starchy endosperm. This refining process gives the flour its smooth, fine texture and extends its shelf life, making it very convenient for storage and baking. Because the fibrous bran and the

germ (which contains healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals) are stripped away, the flour loses much of its original nutritional value. What remains is primarily starch, which digests quickly in the body. This allows all-purpose flour to create light, fluffy textures in baked goods and makes it one of the most versatile options for cakes, cookies, sauces, and breads. However, the same processing that improves its texture also reduces its fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants, leaving it less beneficial for long-term health. As a result, all-purpose flour tends to spike blood sugar more rapidly, offers little to support gut health, and contributes fewer nutrients compared to whole grain flours.

Whole Wheat Flour

Nutrition per ¼ cup (30 g):

About 110 calories, 0.5 g fat, 3–4 g fiber

Whole wheat flour contains the entire wheat kernel—bran, germ, and

endosperm—making it much more nutrient-dense than refined white flour. Because it retains the bran and germ, it provides more fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The higher fiber content slows digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, promotes satiety, and nourishes healthy gut bacteria, making it supportive of both metabolic and digestive health. In baking, whole wheat flour creates a denser texture and a nuttier, heartier flavor, which can be an adjustment for those accustomed to lighter baked goods made with all-purpose flour. It is best suited for hearty breads, muffins, and other recipes where a more wholesome taste and texture are desired.

Oat Flour

Nutrition per ¼ cup (30 g):

About 120 calories, 2 g fat, 3 g fiber

Oat flour is made by finely grinding whole oats into a soft powder, and when

processed in a gluten-free facility, it is naturally gluten-free. Because it retains the entire grain—including the bran, germ, and endosperm—it preserves the nutrients and fiber. It also provides protein, iron, and antioxidants, making it more nutrient-dense than many other common flours. Oat flour has a high content of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber known to lower LDL cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and support heart health. In baking, it contributes a mild, slightly sweet, nutty flavor and produces soft, tender textures. However, it lacks gluten, which means it does not rise like wheat flour and is not suitable on its own for yeast breads. Instead, it works best in pancakes, muffins, cookies, and quick breads, or as part of a flour blend. Beyond baking, oat flour can also be used to thicken soups and sauces, making it a versatile and health-supportive option in the kitchen.

Almond Flour

Nutrition per ¼ cup (30 g):

About 160 calories, 14 g fat, 3 g fiber

Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds and is naturally low in carbohydrates but high in protein and healthy fats. It has a low glycemic index and helps reduce blood sugar spikes, making it a great option for people managing insulin resistance or diabetes. Almond flour creates moist, dense baked goods but lacks the structural properties of gluten. However, almond flour is also more caloric, so even though it is low in carbs and rich in healthy fats, it should be used in moderation for those focusing on weight management or weight loss.

Coconut Flour

Nutrition per ¼ cup (30 g):

About 120 calories, 3 g fat, 9–10 g fiber

Coconut flour is made from dried coconut meat and is extremely high in fiber, which supports digestion and regularity. It is also very low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for blood sugar control. Because it absorbs a lot of liquid, recipes require adjustments to prevent dryness. Its mild sweetness works well in muffins, pancakes, and desserts.

Rye Flour

Nutrition per ¼ cup (30 g):

About 100 calories, 0.5 g fat, 3-4 g fiber

Rye flour is a whole grain flour often used in traditional breads and sourdough. It has a distinctive earthy flavor and produces denser baked goods. Rye is rich in soluble fiber, which slows carbohydrate absorption, supporting blood sugar regulation. It also promotes satiety, helping with appetite control.

Spelt Flour

Nutrition per ¼ cup (30 g):

About 110 calories, 0.5 g fat, 3 g fiber

Spelt is an ancient grain that belongs to the wheat family, though it has remained largely unchanged over thousands of years compared to modern wheat varieties. Like wheat, spelt kernels can be milled into either refined spelt flour, where the bran and germ are removed, or whole spelt flour, which retains all parts of the grain. Whole spelt flour is the more nutrient-dense option, containing more protein, fiber, and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron than standard refined wheat flour. Its gluten structure is more delicate and water-soluble than that of modern wheat, which is why some people find it easier to digest, though it is still unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. In the kitchen, spelt adds a mild

sweetness and a nutty flavor, making it popular in breads, crackers, muffins, and pasta. Its lighter gluten structure can also give baked goods a softer, more tender texture compared to whole wheat flour.

Gluten-Free Flour Blends

Gluten-free blends are mixtures of flour such as rice, tapioca, potato, and sorghum, designed to mimic wheat flour. These blends are convenient, but their health benefits vary. Those made mainly from refined starches can spike blood sugar, while blends containing whole grains and added fiber offer better nutritional value. The nutritional content varies by brand and mixture type.

Flour and Health Conditions

Gut Health

Flours high in fiber and prebiotics support healthy digestion and the gut microbiome. Whole wheat, rye, oat, coconut, and whole spelt flour are especially beneficial. Fiber adds bulk to stool, promotes regularity, and feeds gut bacteria, leading to better bowel health and reduced risk of constipation. Soluble fibers (like beta-glucan in oats and arabinoxylan in rye) form a gel in the gut, slowing digestion and nourishing beneficial bacteria, while insoluble fibers (like those in whole wheat and spelt) add bulk and improve stool passage.

Blood Sugar and Insulin Control

Flours with low glycemic impact are best for blood sugar management. Almond and coconut flour are particularly good choices because they are low in carbohydrates and high in protein or fat, which slows glucose absorption. Oat flour and rye flour also help regulate blood sugar due to their soluble fibers, which slow digestion and reduce glucose spikes. In contrast, all-purpose flour has a high glycemic index and can cause rapid rises in blood sugar, making it less suitable for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Heart Health

Flour like oat, rye, and whole wheat can contribute to cardiovascular health because their soluble fibers help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Almond flour also benefits heart health by providing healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which support better cholesterol balance.

Weight Management and Satiety

High-fiber flours such as rye, oat, coconut, and whole wheat promote satiety, helping you feel full for longer. Almond flour also supports appetite control due

Breakfast Oatmeal Muffins

Ingredients

• 2 cups of rolled oats

• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 large bananas, about one cup

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt Greek or plain

• 2 large eggs

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup; can use honey or agave

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: 1 cup blueberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line

a muffin tin with muffin liners and set aside.

2. In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, bananas, yogurt, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. Mix in blueberries.

3. Divide batter into 12 muffin cups and bake 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

4. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

to its protein and fat content. These properties may assist in weight management when used in place of refined flour, which digest quickly and often lead to hunger soon after eating.

The best flour for you depends on your health goals and your recipe. While all-purpose flour is versatile, nutrient-dense alternatives like oat, rye, spelt, coconut, or almond flour can improve digestion, support blood sugar control, and

promote long-term wellness without sacrificing flavor in your favorite dishes.

Aliza Beer is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail.com, and you can follow her on Instagram at @alizabeer

Health & F tness Upcoming Races That Won’t Break the Bank

By Sara Weissman

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just heard that there are free bananas at the end, racing is exhilarating. Don’t be discouraged by the cost or distance of the glamorous NYC, Miami, or Jerusalem marathons – there are plenty of affordable local races. I scoured the web for races that are not on Saturdays, holidays, or fast days, so you can easily decide which one fits your running goals.

5K

The 5K is a challenge for runners of all skill levels. At 3.1 miles, running a 5K is a common goal among new runners. Experienced runners sometimes say that because it is one of the shorter race distances, it can feel the most demanding due to the relentless speed needed from start to finish. There were a handful of local 5K races this past spring. If this is your distance, keep checking online for new races!

1. Last Bash at the Beach 5K & 10K

Date: September 7, 9:00 AM

Location: Far Rockaway Boardwalk

The entry fee on race day is $44 for the 5K and $49 for the 10K. Details about awards for each age group aren’t listed online. Last year’s results indicate that the field is relatively less competitive than some other local races. To place in the top three overall last year, men needed a 21:30 5K or 51:18 10K. Women needed a 25:38 5K or 55:32 10K. This seems like a fun opportunity to earn a medal!

Half Marathon

13.1 miles – basically just a 5K with a 10-mile warmup. If you have big dreams of doing a marathon, this is a great step

in the right direction. Most of these races are in October, so if you start training now, you’ll be in great shape for race day.

1. Prospect Park Half Marathon

Date: September 21, 8:00 AM

Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Taking place in the “Central Park of Brooklyn,” this course loops the park three times. You’ll take in beautiful views of Brooklyn’s only lake and challenge yourself with some rolling hills. There will be finisher medals for all participants. If you decide to make a trip out of this, you can check out the Prospect Park Zoo and grab some brunch in Flatbush. After September 1, the race fee is $90.

2. Day of the Dead Half Marathon and 5K

Date: October 26, 9:00 AM

Location: Corona Park

This race takes place in Corona Park, one of my favorite places to run. You will see the Unisphere, CitiField, and Arthur Ashe Stadium, and, post-race, you can hop over to Main Street for some kosher food. There will be finisher medals for all participants. The entry fee on race day is $50 for the 5K and $80 for the half marathon. To place in the top three overall last year, men needed a 22:30 5K or 1:30:00 half marathon. Women needed a 24:00 5K or 1:38:00 half marathon.

3. Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon

Date: October 26, 8:00 AM

Location: Rockland Lake State Park

The entry fee is the lowest I’ve seen: $45 through September 28, $53 through October 16, and $60 through October 24. This pancake-flat course has you running four laps around the scenic lake surrounded by the beautiful autumn fo -

liage. There will be finisher medals for all participants. This race seems to be very competitive.

Marathon

“Do people who run marathons know they don’t have to?” -My mother-in-law

This 26.2-mile race can seem impossible to many. However, I think that’s what makes it appealing to so many runners. While daunting, most people with proper training can complete a marathon. If this is your first time running a marathon, make sure you have enough time to safely build up to the full distance without injury!

I did not list the famous NYC Marathon because (a) it is too late to enter the upcoming race on November 2; and (b) registering for the NYC marathon is much more challenging than the races that I listed below. I hope to guide readers on how to do that in a future article.

1. Suffolk County Half / Full Marathon

Date: October 19, 7:30 AM

Location: Start in Babylon / Finish in Gardiner County Park

I personally am counting down to this race. There will be a 10K, half marathon, and full marathon at the same time. The course is pancake-flat and offers picture-perfect views along the Great Bay Bridge and Captree State Park. The entry fee is $114 for the half marathon and $134 for the full marathon. There is a special

discount for runners ages 11-18. The regular bib pickup conflicts with Shabbat, but you can sign up for “VIP race day pickup” (for an extra $25) to get your bib the morning of the race. All finishers receive a finisher’s medal. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers overall, as well as the top three in each of the following age groups: 13–15, 16–18, 19–24, and then every four-year age group from 25–29 up to 75+. This race is relatively competitive.

2. Inclusion in Motion 2025

Date: September 21, 9:00 AM

Location: Heckscher State Park in East Islip

With its breezy air and waterfront views, Heckscher State Park offers a serene setting for your long run. This low-pressure race encourages participants to complete as many 3.1-mile loops as they wish (up to 26.2 miles). While details about awards aren’t listed online, every runner will receive a swag bag. The entry fee is $50 before September 1, $60 after September 1, and $70 on race day. I hope to see you at the finish line!

Sara Weissman is a high school psychology teacher, biochemistry researcher, former adjunct professor of biology, and distance runner. Follow her running adventures on Strava @Sari Weissman. If you have feedback or suggestions for future articles, contact Sara at sara.lifshitz18@gmail.com.

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti,

Maybe this is just a phase, or maybe I’ve completely lost control. My 12-year-old son, who used to throw on whatever I handed him, is now obsessed with wearing namebrand clothes. Nike, Adidas, Lululemon – even the socks have to have a logo! Any time he needs new clothes, he insists on the most expensive options.

He doesn’t throw a tantrum, but he wears me down. I’ll say no, and he’ll argue his case like a lawyer: “Everyone else has it,” “It’s not even that expensive compared to . . .,” and “You want me to feel good about myself, don’t you?” are some common refrains. And truthfully, I don’t always say no. I remember being a kid, and I do want him to feel good and fit in. But his father is much more grounded and refuses to play into it. That creates tension, not just between the two of them, but also between my husband and me.

Thankfully, we’re not struggling financially, but it still bothers me. The cost of one hoodie could buy several shirts. I feel like I’m raising a kid who’s missing the point, and then I feel like a bad parent for even thinking that. I also know peer pressure is intense at this age. It’s not really about fashion. It’s about belonging. So what’s the balance? Do I keep saying no and risk him feeling left out? Or give in and hope this phase eventually passes?

Am I the only one dealing with this? -Conflicted

A:Dear Conflicted, Oh, you are so not alone. Welcome to the brand wars, a modern rite of passage for many tweens and teens. Whether it’s clothes, sneakers, water bottles, earbuds, or backpacks, kids eventually reach a point where the thing itself matters far less than the logo on it. It’s not always about status; it’s more often about social camouflage. Kids this age just want to blend in. They don’t want to stand out in a way that makes them feel “less than.”

What you’re seeing in your son is a developmentally normal (if deeply frustrating) part of growing up. Around 10 to 14, kids become hyperaware of what their peers are doing, wearing, and saying. Brands become a kind of shorthand for belonging, coolness, and in some cases, emotional safety. Adolescents often form their identity through external markers, and clothing is one

of the easiest ways to signal who you are or who you want to be. But that doesn’t mean we hand over our wallets and principles.

What you’re describing – the tug-of-war between guilt, empathy, financial values, and family harmony – is incredibly common. You’re not a bad parent for giving in sometimes. You’re a human parent, trying to navigate a consumer culture that’s turned childhood into a marketing demographic. So what can you do?

I feel like I’m raising a kid who’s missing the point, and then I feel like a bad parent for even thinking that.

• Start with boundaries. Set a clear clothing budget and stick to it. If your son wants the $165 sneakers, let him make the choice: buy them and have fewer items overall, or get more for less. When kids have to make real decisions with limited resources, they learn to weigh value not just style.

• Involve him in the process. If he wants something beyond your budget, ask him to contribute. Ask him to chip in money he received for his birthday, extra chores, or a summer job. It’s amazing how a “must-have” hoodie will feel a little less urgent when he’s footing part of the bill! This isn’t just about making him work for it; it’s about giving him ownership over his choices.

• Open a conversation about marketing . Show him how brands create emotional associations that make products seem more valuable than they are. This can be a powerful way to shift the focus from “I want this” to “Why do I want this?” You’re not lecturing; you’re giving him tools to think critically. He might still want the hoodie, but at least he’ll understand what’s

driving that desire.

• Be mindful of what you’re feeling. As you said, he’s your only child. Wanting to give him joy is beautiful. But sometimes, we overcompensate, especially if we lacked certain comforts growing up ourselves. Saying no doesn’t mean you love him less; it means you’re strong enough to set limits, even when it’s hard.

• Be on the same page with your husband . Your husband’s firmer stance may be part of the solution. Kids benefit from consistency, even if they act like they hate it.

You and your husband don’t have to be identical in your approach but try to talk about a shared message you can both stand behind. That unity creates security for your son, even if he rolls his eyes and groans when you say no.

• Don’t forget to nurture his self-worth beyond the wardrobe. Encourage friendships, hobbies, sports, or creative outlets where his identity isn’t tied to his outfit. When kids feel seen and valued in other areas of their life, the hold of external validation tends to loosen.

You’re teaching your son how to live in a world that constantly tells him he’s not enough unless he buys something. That’s a hard lesson for all of us. But your voice, your limits, your love? They’re the foundation he’ll return to, long after this phase passes.

You’re doing better than you think.

Hatzlacha, - Etti

Anumber of years ago, I was reading a parenting book written by a renowned expert in child development. He was lamenting how modern day society no longer has formal coming of age ceremonies to properly transition a teenager from child to adult, leaving them in an uncertain stage. While not Jewish himself, he stated there was one exception to this rule: the Jewish community.

The bar/bat mitzvah provides a child with a formal transition towards adulthood, while giving them further clarity regarding their status. At a time when a child is already feeling uncertain and self-conscious, this provides a little less ambiguity.

Even with their newfound adult status, they are still going to be “part child.” The average frum teen is ill equipped to be independent at the ripe age of 12 or 13. They will not be funding their own residence or paying for their utilities or food consumption – even as they inhale food faster than adults can

Parenting Pearls Transitioning Into Adulthood

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

shop for it.

It’s a testament to the importance placed on this milestone that even adults often make a bar mitzvah years later if they missed the opportunity on their thirteenth birthday. It’s a very emotional scene when Holocaust survivors, Jews from the former Soviet Union or anyone coming to mitzvos later in life are finally given the chance to formally take on this role.

Being the Teen

It’s very sweet watching these youngsters. Not yet having reached their growth spurt, they often still look like children but begin to feel the maturity that comes with their age.

The transition comes with excitement but also mixed feelings. The teens themselves may feel nervous, anticipation and other conflicting emotions. It’s a big change, and one they don’t undertake lightly. They are very aware that there are greater expectations and

requirements obligatory of them. Just being a teen can be overwhelming; becoming an adult is just another layer.

It can also be confusing. Yes, there is a formal date that marks their transition, but that doesn’t remove all doubts about their status. At times, they may still feel like children – and act similarly. There may be moments when they’re unsure what’s expected of them and whether they are “adult” or “child.” We can help clarify the expectations when they’re unsure.

We should anticipate that they may struggle a bit as they go through this transition period. We should be sensitive to their needs, giving a listening ear, when needed. We shouldn’t be surprised when they act immature. They are still growing and developing, and our expectations should be reasonable.

In addition to the many spiritual and emotional changes that accompany transitioning into adulthood, there are many practical changes, too. Most likely, they have been “practicing” and are

familiar with these expectations, but it’s still a bigger deal when it’s “real.”

Boys have the most dramatic change as they proudly wear their tefillin, balancing it with a new hat. They may have a davening jacket and other items that accompany becoming a man. Thrice daily minyan is an adjustment as punctuality is even more crucial than before. They can now be that famous “tenth man,”and they can get an aliyah, too.

Both genders may find it confusing that fasting is now mandatory. What may have once been viewed as a day off from school is now less of a vacation. It can take a few fasts to mentally shift and adjust to the concept that it applies to them, as well.

While they have been keeping halacha for years, it’s now as required for them as it is for the adults. This, too, is an adjustment. As halacha is our daily guide for life, it’s crucial for newly minted adults to understand the details. Many children may benefit from reviewing the relevant halachos as they

come up. There are many excellent resources that quickly review different areas of halacha in an easy-to-understand fashion.

Being the Parent

Baruch Hashem, I’ve made a few simchas. It’s often surprising – especially for first-timers – just how emotional and overwhelming the experience can be. Even when you’ve had some experience with other children, it’s still the first (and only) time you’re reaching this milestone with this particular child.

Parents, too, may feel a multitude of complex emotions. It took more than a decade to get to this occasion, and we’ve gone through so much to get them here. There were many happy milestones interspersed with various challenges. Parents have had to overcome so much to get their child to this stage, and it’s

when surrounded by so many details that are important yet feel mundane when compared to the overall picture.

Parents should respect their own feelings and take private time to reflect and process the experience. This is a major accomplishment that should be given the emotional respect it deserves. It can also help to remember that most of the details that preoccupy our minds now, and stress us when planning the event, will not be relevant in the longterm. They will not get to the chuppah one day faster if there is one more kugel at the kiddush, a nicer headband on their sister or a brighter tablecloth at the seudah.

Parents should try to find a way to meaningfully express their hakaras hatov to those who help in hosting or preparing the simcha –including those paid professionals. Whether it’s a gift for hosting or a text or a note saying

Not yet having reached their growth spurt, they often still look like children but begin to feel the maturity that comes with their age.

natural we may feel deep emotions accompanying the excitement and joy.

Sadly, simchas are often accompanied by intense stress. The stress can be overwhelming and override any other emotions. Whenever possible, simplify and delegate the tasks. Parents have worked hard for this simcha, and they should enjoy it.

There are a surprising number of seemingly mundane details that go into the simcha. Boys want the right hat and suit; girls want the perfect dress. Parents and siblings, too, need proper attire. Outfitting the family is a major job as each person wants every detail and accessory arranged.

Shabbos events involve hosting relatives, arranging catering and finalizing kiddush details. Weekday events, too, require juggling a multitude of last minute details. Family politics can appear to be magnified, adding more stress to an already overwhelming time period. It’s easy to lose sight of the meaning behind everything when preoccupied with so much else. It’s understandable that we may temporarily forget the spiritual and developmental milestone

“thank you,” we can show our appreciation while teaching our children the middah of gratitude.

The bar/bat mitzvah transition is a major event in the life of a child and their family. That sweet baby we cuddled, fed and stayed up with throughout the night is now taking their place as the next chain in the mesorah. With Hashem’s help, we can appreciate this milestone and enjoy the simcha, too. Mazel tov!

It is a very opportune time for this article as our extended family will, b’ezras Hashem, be celebrating simchas this week. I want to wish a tremendous mazal tov to Emily on her bat mitzvah and Yitzy on his bar mitzvah. May you both continue to bring nachas to our family and to Hashem.

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

Shmooze & Muse It Lives in the Basement

By Mordechai Schmutter

This week, I want to take a moment to discuss a member of your family that no one ever talks about: the basement freezer.

Everyone has a basement freezer. A person can have six full-sized refrigerators in their kitchen, and there’s still a basement freezer. There is no Jewish family whose fridge needs boil down to just one fridge and one freezer. These things are clearly not designed with Yidden in mind. Two shelves for a freezer? Who needs just two shelves? Yom tov alone needs more than two shelves. What if meat goes on sale? Where are you supposed to keep the sodas before the Shabbos seudah so they can land on your foot? Where are you supposed to put the flour when you buy it to make sure nothing’s living in it? What about the three open bags of French fries? Or the ten open bags of frozen veggies, including three sizes of broccoli? What about the secret stash of rugelach? And you know how many ice packs the average frum family goes through? You can’t just have them in the cabinet, and when someone gets hurt, you go, “I’m putting an ice pack in the freezer! It should be nice and cold in like three hours! Hang in there.” What about all the differently-shaped blocks of chopped meat? What about the half container of non-dairy topping that you don’t remember how old

it is? What about the plate with one piece of ice cream cake on it because someone didn’t have room but promised to eat it after their nap? What about the fork that comes with it?

And all this is supposed to fit on two shelves?

So you have a basement freezer, which solves a huge part of the problem except for the part that you’re never sure exactly what’s in there.

You maybe know what’s in the front part, but there are items in the back you haven’t seen in years.

“Maybe this food will be good again someday!”

You don’t even know what’s in back of your two-shelf kitchen freezer that you see every day. Some items are there just to push the things you do use to the front, and there are definitely some kugels back there from Pesach, as well as the last two hot dog buns from every package you’ve bought, and one pita. And when did we buy kreplach?

Occasionally, you will get into your head to check what’s in the basement freezer, and you’re like, “Oh, we do have more chicken cutlets!” and you get all excited. And then you forget about it, until the next time.

You don’t even know what some of

these items are. I have a Ziploc bag in my freezer that is either spaghetti squash or riced cauliflower, and we don’t know which. If they were not frozen, they’d be different consistencies and different colors. But if we thaw it to find out, we’ll have to make it into something, and we don’t want to base a supper around this mystery vegetable. So there it remains, getting looked at once a year, a week before Pesach. And we say, “Well, either way, it’s not chometz gamur!” and it goes back in.

For the most part, this freezer is full of food you will probably never eat but are also afraid to throw out. It’s there for you Pesach time, when you need to put all your chometz French fries and frozen veggies out of sight because they spent the year pressed against the various packages of two hot dog buns. It’s also there for you when it’s not Pesach time, as it’s where you keep the 500 cakes and cookies you made in case you have to unexpectedly throw a shalom zachor or a kiddush. If only Hashem would give some indication of when these simchas might be coming up.

And then, before Pesach, you’re like, “We have one week to finish nine kokosh cakes.”

It’s also where your kids can store snowballs to throw at their friends in the summer.

But for some reason, no one who doesn’t live in the house is allowed to see this freezer. A guest comes for a seudah, and you need, for example, more sorbet, and you say, “Oh, it’s in the basement freezer!” and your guest cheerfully opens the door to the basement and you instantly regret mentioning it. You grab their shoulder.

“Never mind. I’ll get it myself.”

“Why? What’s down there?” they call after you as you head down to the bowels of the house, to the area that you would never subject your guests. Except for their kids, because there’s a playroom down there.

Even you rarely go down to that freezer, except to protect your guests. After cleaning your house like crazy before the guests showed up, the last thing you want them to see are the rooms on the way to the basement freezer. The basement is where you sent all the things you took out of the rooms you cleaned. If they go down, they’ll be like, “They keep their out-ofthe-way frozen storage in a room that’s covered in non-frozen storage? That’s crazy! I thought there’d be like a red carpet leading to this freezer.” And you won’t be down there to say, “Sorry, I didn’t get to shove all this stuff into a less convenient storage space.”

But either way, this freezer is an embarrassment. It brings shame upon your

family. If people see it, it will be bad for shidduchim.

“What color is that? Avocado?” It’s never a freezer that you bought new. Probably it was handed down from a relative who was niftar or moved into an assisted-living facility, and it is not new technology.

It has to be defrosted from time to time, they told you. Or else everything gets covered in snow. And your kids get all excited. Yeah, like I’m going to remember to do that, with a freezer that is always out of sight and never empty. What am I supposed to do with the stuff that’s in there? Should I get a second basement freezer? Who needs to move into an assisted living facility for me to get one?

You might need a second one down there anyway. This freezer is on its last legs always. It could die any day, though you won’t find out for about a week, and either way, you’re never going to get it back up the stairs. It got stuck on the way down the stairs, and the only thing that helped you then was gravity. It’s never coming back up. It’s going to live down there alongside the new one. And then you definitely won’t want to send guests down, so they can open it and go, “Nothing’s in here. Just a smell. Oh, she meant my other left.”

But even if you bought your basement freezer new, it was from the “scratches and dings” section of the appliance store.

“That’s okay,” you figured. “No one’s gonna see it.” And now you have to make sure no one sees it. The salesman asked, “What color do you want?” and you said, “It’s not important. The lighting isn’t great down there anyway.”

tantly opening that up.

“Did they hit a cow?”

The good thing about the coffin model is that nothing frozen ever falls on you. The bad thing is that the bottom layer of foods will never ever see the light of day. If you thought you never see what’s in the back of an upright freezer… Also, I’ve never had one of these, but where does one stick the

“Why? What’s down there?” they call after you as you head down to the bowels of the house, to the area that you would never subject your guests.

Nothing is hanging on the door to this freezer, except maybe the number to Hatzalah. Or a sign that says, “Other Freezer.”

You got what you got. Sometimes, it also has a fridge, which is mostly full of eggs. But usually it’s just a freezer, top to bottom. Sometimes, it opens on top, like a coffin. You definitely don’t need the guests hesi-

number for Hatzalah? On top?

But nobody keeps a coffin freezer in the kitchen, where the guests can see it. It has to live in your creepy basement.

But don’t worry – it’s not just you who’s embarrassed of their freezer. When you ask neighbors if you can use their freezer, like when you’re making a simcha or your freezer needs to be defrosted, they say, “Let

me check if I have room,” because they have no idea what they have down there either. And you say, “I can follow you down with my stuff…” And they say, “No!” And this is the same neighbor that you didn’t let down to your basement.

The thing is, it doesn’t actually have to be in the basement. That’s just the minhag. You can just as easily keep this freezer upstairs. Say, in a bedroom.

It should be in a bedroom! You can keep an ice cube tray in there for drinks! And secret freeze pops! Your kids knock, and you’re like, “Just a minute!” and you wolf down a popsicle and hope to answer their questions before they notice your lips are green.

But you would never send guests up there, either. Definitely not once they start commenting on how many sheitel heads are living on top of it.

“Why would they put sheitel heads on top of a chest freezer?”

Magnets!

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

Fd for Thought

Art of Prime

By Nati Burnside

Art of Prime might be the newest kosher steakhouse around, but it’s not around the other kosher steakhouses.

That’s because of a coincidence involving owner David Khan. An immigrant from Azerbaijan, Khan was an investor in the previous occupant of the space. When it became available, he instantly thought that it would be a great location for a kosher steakhouse. After being interested in the kosher restaurant industry for years, Khan decided to take the plunge and open his own place.

Located in a fairly non-Orthodox triangle-shaped area formed by Flatbush, Boro Park, and Crown Heights, Art of Prime is located on the border of Ditmas Park and Kensington on Coney Island Avenue. Its central location, artful ambiance, fully-stocked bar (with signature cocktails), and well-structured menu have been attracting patrons from all over.

When I was invited to Art of Prime, the first appetizer that caught my eye was the first one I ordered. Their Seared Sweetbread continues the recent expansion of sweetbread preparations in kosher highend restaurants. A decade ago, you’d only see them in classic red or brown (wine or mushroom) sauces. As kosher restaurants have evolved, sweetbreads are served in various ways these days. These were expertly seared and served atop a hummus base with a light salad. Everything about this worked. In fact, I found myself thinking that I could totally see all the contents of this plate being served inside a pita, and it would be some kind of amazing luxury version of street food. Even without my imaginary pita, the smooth hummus works with both the salad and the sweetbreads, and the balance of the plate is really satisfying.

A more traditional appetizer is the Handmade Dumplings. But an interesting feature is your ability to choose whether you’d like the dumplings to be filled with

lamb or beef. As the sauce that comes with the dumplings is a tomato sauce, I chose to go with beef, but feel free to go with the lamb if you’d like. I love a good dumpling – and this is a good dumpling. Honestly, you could just eat the dumplings on their own, and they are delicious. The filling is moist, the outside is chewy, and while the tomato sauce is a nice addition, I wouldn’t say it’s totally necessary. That said, the best thing to do is to cut the dumpling in half and dunk each half dumpling in the sauce so that the sauce fills the extra space inside.

If there’s one more appetizer that you should get, it’s the Lamb Kebab. You’re probably wondering why a lamb kebab would be noteworthy at a place with so many different options, so I’ll tell you. This isn’t a skewer of lamb meat. At Art of Prime, they do the extra step. They grill a kebab featuring four pieces of ground lamb kufta. Then they remove each from the skewer and serve them in individual mini wraps topped with sumac onions and parsley. The result is a combination of the dry wrap you can pick up by hand with the juiciness of the lamb kebab inside. The onions and parsley offer a bit of a textural upgrade and a kick if you’re looking for one.

Speaking of meat wrapped in dough, if you consume social media content involving kosher restaurants, you’d already be aware of Art of Prime’s most famous entrée. Beef Wellington is a topflight dish for restaurants around the world, and there are only a handful of kosher restaurants that offer it. Art of Prime is proud to be amongst that group because of the difficulty level required to produce the dish on a consistent basis. Art of Prime’s version of beef wellington features duxelles made of mushrooms and a layer of spinach; the cured meat wrap is done with bresaola. These three layers are to protect the meat from becoming overdone while the outer puff pastry bakes nicely. The result was perfect, and the meat on the inside was a beautiful

medium-rare to go along with the crispy pastry on the outside. The duxelles, spinach, and bresaola added some nice flavor, the demi-glace that was poured tableside was a nice touch, and the house potato chips were a bonus that helped fill the plate. Even if you choose to split your food with somebody else (it comes cut in half), make sure you order this dish.

Looking for something lighter than meat and carbs? For that, I’d recommend the Chilean Sea Bass. Served atop white asparagus with cauliflower purée on the side, the fish is an enticing golden-brown with the skin still on the side. It is topped with some spirals of red bell pepper and some of those house potato chips, and the sauce is a cashew emulsion. Firstly, the sauce tastes like it could easily be dairy, and it expertly complements the fish, asparagus, and cauliflower. The red pepper spirals add an interesting flavor and a bright splash of color, while the chips add a satisfying crunch that is absent other than the couple glorious bites of skin. All in all, the plate is a great combination of flavors, and for those who can’t pass up Chilean sea bass, it will do “swimmingly” as a pescatarian option.

Art of Prime’s logo is a steak, so you might want to eat one if you’re there. The

Hanger Steak might be an attractive choice for those that favor the leaner cuts out there. Served with chimichurri on the plate, you can enjoy this steak with or without the vibrant green companion. Either way, you’ll be impressed with the depth of flavor of the meat, along with how tender it is. I had no trouble cutting it with the side of my fork. There’s a small side salad that comes with a creamy balsamic dressing that was also quite tasty that might help you try to imagine what types of delicious salads the cow that this steak came from probably ate during its lifetime. The steak might be on the smaller side, but if you’ve properly taken advantage of the appetizer menu, this might be the right thing for you.

In short, Art of Prime is a classy venue with wonderful selections in a location that’s a short drive from many large Brooklyn neighborhoods. It’s an easy place to get to for many, and it’s an easy place to enjoy a meal for everyone.

943 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 718-940-9454 ArtOfPrime.com

Eat Jewish and

Join us in supporting Masbia

Hi, I’m Melinda Strauss. Together, let’s Eat Jewish and share with the needy. Isn’t that awesome? When you donate to Masbia, you can get one of my beautiful new cookbooks. I have been working with Masbia and donating to Masbia for over a decade. It is such a beautiful thing to help people who keep kosher to be able to fulfill the mitzvah even when it’s really hard for them. And that’s why I think Masbia is a special organization, and I love to be a part of it. And I want to invite you guys to donate to Masbia. Help feed the needy.

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In The K tchen

Tzimmes Soup

By Naomi Nachman

For our Rosh Hashana meals I like to incorporate the different simanim into our dishes. This traditional dish made with carrots has a twist as I turned it into a hearty soup.

You can also prep this ahead of time and freeze it.

Ingredients

◦ 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

◦ 2 medium onions, cut into half-moon rings

◦ 2 pounds second cut brisket or strips of flanken on the bone

◦ 1 tablespoon sumac

◦ 1 tablespoon cinnamon

◦ 1 teaspoons kosher salt

◦ 1 teaspoon cumin

◦ 3 large loose carrots, sliced

◦ 3 sweet potatoes, small, cubed

◦ 1 cup dried prunes, pitted

◦ 8 cups broth

◦ 2 cups crushed tomatoes

◦ Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

In a small bowl, mix sumac, cinnamon, salt and cumin. Rub the mixture over the brisket or flanken.

On a high flame, heat a large soup pot and add 1 tablespoon canola oil. When oil is hot, sear the brisket for a few minutes on each side till it forms a nice brown crust.

Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, lower heat to medium and add remaining oil. Add onions and sauté onions until translucent.

Add carrots, sweet potatoes and dried prunes and sauté for five minutes until cooked.

Add the brisket back to the pot along with the crushed tomatoes and 8 cups broth. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook for 3 hours.

Remove meat from pot and shred meat with two forks. Add the meat back to pot before serving.

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

Funfetti Cake

For all the birthday loving, joy seeking, children at heart people out there!

by Danielle Renov and Chana Sara Posen

Ingredients

CAKE

V 2½ cups flour

V 2 tsp baking powder

V ½ tsp baking soda

V ½ tsp salt

V ½ cup avocado oil

V 1¼ cups sugar

V 2 large eggs

V 1/3 cup vegan yogurt

V 2 tsp vanilla extract

V ½ tsp almond extract

V ¾ cup almond milk

V ½ cup colored sprinkles

GLAZE

V 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

V 1/8 tsp salt

V 2 Tbsp almond milk

V ¼ cup sprinkles, for sprinkling!

Preparation

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), grease and flour a bundt pan.

In a medium bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add oil and sugar. Mix for 1 minute on medium-low speed and then add eggs one at a time.

Add yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix on low speed for 1 minute.

With the mixer still on low speed, add half the flour mixture. Mix for 30 seconds and then add almond milk. Continue to mix for an additional 30 seconds. Turn mixer off.

Add remaining flour mixture and sprinkles and use a spatula to mix it into the batter.

Pour into prepared bundt pan, place in oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Use a plastic knife to loosen cake from the sides of the pan and carefully flip onto cake plate. When cake is completely cooled, make the glaze.

In a bowl, add sugar and salt. Add 1 Tbsp almond milk at a time, mixing for at least 1 minute before adding next tablespoon. The mixture will seem thick and crumbly at first, but as the sugar absorbs the liquid, it will also begin to liquify and loosen. Once the mixture is the consistency of a thick cake batter (pourable but not too runny), spoon over the top of the cake and let it sit for 10 minutes so the glaze can slowly settle over the cake. After 10 minutes, sprinkle the sprinkles over the top of the cake. Allow glaze to set completely before covering.

Reprinted from Micro Peas - The Mini Cookbook Series: Bundt Cakes by Danielle Renov and Chana Sara Posen with permission from the copyright holder, ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

In D.C., black people are 112% more likely to be “unalived” than white peoples. In the past 11 days, no black person has been unalived in Washington, D.C. since President Trump federalized the DC Metro Police. So if “Black Lives Matter,” why haven’t black Democrats celebrated this?”

- Black conservative TikToker TONY

Crime has always been part of our history

- Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) on CNN, criticizing President Trump’s efforts to rein in crime in Washington, D.C.

You know what tyranny is? Tyranny is when you can’t walk outside and go to dinner. Tyranny is when they shoot you and the person walks out of jail before you get out of the hospital.

- United States Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro responding to Democrats accusing Trump of tyranny for federalizing the police in D.C.

I feel that now I go down a gear in the race of life.

- A father of four from southern Israel who won 10 million shekels in the lotto after 300 days of reserve duty

Life’s full of surprises. Sometimes, dreams come true at the most unexpected moment.

- ibid.

You got to ask yourself a question: a country that’s capable of taking out the control of all of Iranian airspace in 72 hours, allowing for the B-2s of the United States to come in and obliterate the nuclear weapons operations in Iran, is not capable of ending this war sooner? Of course, we are. But it’s because we’re taking precautions that no other country has ever taken, had to face a situation of 450 miles of terror tunnels under an area that’s 24 miles long.

- Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, responding to outrageous genocide accusations

My own son was killed because we do not kill innocent civilians. He went in on foot into Gaza and led the troops at the beginning of the war and was killed when he went into a Hamas boobytrap. If we were doing what we’re being accused of doing, maybe he’d be alive today.

- ibid.

[Newsom] has surprised all of us and done something intelligent. He has decided to send the California state police into his major cities to help local cops fight crime and violence. Now you don’t have to be a senior at Caltech to know that’s in response to the Trump administration’s threat to send in federal law enforcement officials, but look, I’ll take it. If that’s what it takes to get Governor Newsom to stop being a princess, I’ll take that, too.

- Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) on Fox News

Part of the foster care system that people don’t realize is, there’s a lot of things that kids don’t get taught or miss along the way.

-Doogie Sandtiger, the “Croc King,” explaining that he got into Crocs because he didn’t know how to tie his shoes. He now holds the Guinness World Record for owning at least 3,569 pairs of Crocs

I accepted the challenge of breaking the record for the most neckties worn at once to show that women are equal to men and that women can also wear many ties.

- Canadian politician Marwah Rizqy Rizqy, who broke a Guinness World Record by wearing 360 neckties at once

Barack Obama called out Pres. Trump’s crackdown on crime, saying that he’s worried that it will affect the former president’s hometown. Trump responded by saying, “Don’t worry – we are not going to invade Nairobi.”

- Greg Gutfeld

Trump’s federal crime crackdown in D.C. is working so well that Maxine Waters can now walk her wig at night.

- ibid.

Trump’s poll numbers are now surging. After all, when people don’t get murdered they tend to be grateful.

- ibid.

Universities were corrupted; instead of the search for truth, they became indoctrination factors. Even math became corrupted—two plus two can equal twenty-two…as long as you hate the Jews.

-ibid.

100 Push-Ups And 50 Pull-Ups In Under 10 Minutes. What Could Go Wrong?

- A New York Times headline after Secretary of State Pete Hegseth and Health And Human Services Secretary Bobby Kennedy Jr. completed an exercise challenge to promote healthy habits

When Trump enters the gym, suddenly exercise is fascism.

- Greg Gutfeld

If Trump tweeted to practice good hygiene, the Times would declare that pursuing white teeth is inherently racist.

– ibid.

Really? I didn’t see that.

- Pres. Trump responding to a question about a viral internet rumor last week that he died

Last week, I did numerous news conferences, all successful – and then I didn’t do any for two days and they said there must be something wrong with him. Biden wouldn’t do them for months! You wouldn’t see him and nobody ever said there was ever anything wrong with him. It’s fake news. It’s so fake. That’s why the media has so little credibility.

- ibid.

We may never know why Donald Trump suddenly spends a week hiding from the American public.

-Former Biden press secretary and MSNBC host Jen Psaki

We ain’t gonna act like [Trump] caused this now… It was Biden in office when a full-fledged war against Ukraine took place, courtesy of Russia’s instigation, no matter what they try to say to Trump.

- ESPN host Stephen A. Smith

President Trump has shown in just the last two weeks in Washington, D.C., that if you have the willpower and the strength that you can break the back of these criminal gangs. There has been a steeper drop in crime in D.C., as the mayor herself has acknowledged, than any city has seen in American history over just the last two weeks. Meanwhile, compare that to Chicago, where last weekend, 34 Chicagoans were shot, multiple were killed, and among the dead a five-year-old boy gunned down by gang violence in that city. That is the Democrat policy: bloodshed, gang violence and suffering. President Trump and Republicans are offering no crime, security and peace.

- White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on Fox News

Look, big cities have crime.

– Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D), who is pushing back against Trump’s plan of sending the National Guard to make Chicago safer, when asked by a reporter about the fact that over the past weekend, a total of 54 people were shot in Chicago, with seven fatalities

Israel must treat Hamas and Islamic Jihad the way the Allies treated the Nazis and the imperial Japanese. These terrorists must be totally defeated, and only then should their cities be rebuilt, as German and Japanese cities were. Just as peace wouldn’t have been possible in 1945 if the Nazis and imperialists were allowed to survive and remain in control, so too Hamas and Islamic Jihad must not be allowed to survive.

-Alan Dershowitz in an OpEd in the Wall Street Journal

The message Israel has sent to the world—that Jewish blood is no longer cheap, and those who shed it will pay a heavy price—is a historical imperative. It is long overdue and made necessary by centuries of people around the world tolerating the shedding of Jewish blood without consequence.

-ibid.

The bottom line here is, think about the free buses again. Free buses have been proven to work in many parts of the country.

- Former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio during an interview with MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough in which he endorsed Zohran Mamdani’s socialist plan of free busses

Where?

- Scarborough’s follow-up question

I’ll get you a list of cities.

- de Blasio’s response

A Way Around the Russia-Ukraine Deadlock Political Crossfire

By David Ignatius

Chess players sometimes fall into a situation they call “zugzwang,” in which any move worsens their position. The impasse in the Ukraine peace talks feels like that. But unlike chess players, statesmen aren’t bound by rules. They can escape disaster.

Here’s the deadlock: Ukraine and its European supporters want a peace deal, perhaps freezing the current front line, so long as Kyiv gets “security guarantees” for the future. But Russia demands that the West first address “root causes” of the war, which amounts to its own version of a security guarantee.

President Donald Trump has tried to find an exit. But his attempts to mediate the conflict by ingratiating himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin have so far been a flop. He’s now considering walking away from negotiations, which would be a severe personal failure for him and a disaster for Ukraine and Europe. Meanwhile, the bloodbath continues.

Let’s think about ways out of this deadlock, building on the core question of guaranteeing security. It’s bizarre to talk about security as a future issue when both sides urgently need it now. Ukraine’s civilians are terrorized by drone and missile attacks. Russia has lost more than 1 million dead and wounded, and its economy is slowly bleeding dry. Russia is the aggressor, but its security matters, too.

One tough Western approach would be reciprocity. If Putin continues to attack cities and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, then Kyiv’s allies would give it the means to respond in kind. The weapons are ready: Anglo-French Storm Shadow cruise missiles with a range of 155 miles; German Taurus cruise missiles with a 300-mile range; U.S. ATACMS and Precision Strike ballistic missiles with ranges of 250 miles.

Trump last week bluntly stated the logic of matching Russia’s assault capa-

bility: “It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invaders country. It’s like a great team in sports that has a fantastic defense, but is not allowed to play offense. There is no chance of winning!”

Trump is probably right. But realistically, he and European leaders seem unlikely to enable an all-out offensive on Moscow. A potent but more palatable alternative might be a defensive guarantee.

Ukraine’s allies could announce unilateral steps to limit the suffering in Ukraine if the war continues. I can imagine a range of military options –from a no-fly zone over Ukraine, to a rotating training and advisory force inside Ukraine, to new retaliatory capabilities if Russia keeps attacking civilians or energy infrastructure. These would be security guarantees – not for the future, but immediately.

“A truly convincing security guarantee would be deploying troops to the

front lines of Ukraine,” said Gen. David Petraeus, a former U.S. commander in Iraq and Afghanistan. Short of that, he told me, Kyiv’s allies should increase economic sanctions and provide “more of every category of weapons that can enable Ukraine finally to stop the Russians cold on the current front lines –and counterattack if feasible.”

A robust security guarantee, whenever it comes, will be enhanced by the Trump administration’s willingness to provide “strategic enablers,” including satellite intelligence and air defense, as reported Tuesday by the Financial Times. The mere discussion of such options would make the Kremlin howl. Putin has asserted a right not just to attack Ukraine, but to limit how it responds. But let’s be honest. Russia has a right to be concerned about its security, as does every nation. A sensible approach to peace would invite Russia to present its list of desired security guarantees.

That wouldn’t stop Ukraine’s allies from moving unilaterally to protect Ukraine’s population, by offensive or defensive means. But it makes sense to encourage Russia to join in a security discussion, even as the war continues.

Putin would surely demand as his first security guarantee that Ukraine stay out of NATO. Trump, for better or worse, has already signed off on that. I could accept it, too, so long as Kyiv gets “NATO-like” guarantees of its security, now and in the future. Putin might also insist on limiting NATO weapons inside Ukraine that can target Russia. That’s trickier. The issue should be reciprocity. Russia should agree to whatever limits it demands from Ukraine and NATO.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov this month proposed that negotiators return to what he described as a Ukrainian plan for mutual security guarantees that was floated in April 2022 in Istanbul, two months into the war, and then abandoned. “The Ukrainian proposal clearly meant that these guarantees would be equal, the security of all interested parties, including Ukraine’s neighbors, would be ensured on an equal and indivisible basis. And

that approach at that time … was supported by the Russian side,” Lavrov said.

Let’s talk about it. There are many potential snares in this approach, but Graham Allison, a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School, explains the rationale of reciprocal security guarantees. “Russians, even if paranoid, are concerned that Ukraine in NATO would be a threat to them. If we’re prepared to

antees have helped stop wars for more than two centuries. An initial European framework was laid by the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The great nations sought a “balance of power,” and for nearly a century, diplomats were able to avert most conflicts through treaties, economic sanctions or threats of intervention.

After two catastrophic world wars, a new system of “collective security”

To end conflicts, he said, “nations on both sides tend to see a peace settlement that will bring greater and more lasting security than existed before the fighting broke out.”

recognize that concern as part of mutual security arrangements between Russia, Ukraine and Europe, we might get beyond the current stalemate.”

Embracing what Allison calls “applied history,” we can see that security guar -

curity guarantees – Russia pulled its nuclear missiles from Cuba in exchange for America’s pledge not to invade the island (and to secretly remove nuclear missiles from Turkey). The Dayton Accords that ended the Bosnia war in 1995 had a framework for security guarantees through a U.N.-backed peacekeeping force.

The strategist Fred Iklé wrote a brilliant little book called “Every War Must End,” during the agonizing final years of the Vietnam conflict. Two comments seem especially appropriate now. “Inflicting ‘punishment’ on the enemy is … an ineffective strategy for ending a war,” Ikle cautioned. To end conflicts, he said, “nations on both sides tend to see a peace settlement that will bring greater and more lasting security than existed before the fighting broke out.”

evolved through the United Nations. Thanks to the nuclear balance of terror, big powers avoided major wars. When they got near the brink in the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, the United States and the Soviet Union negotiated mutual se -

If Russia chooses unwisely to fight on, then Europe and the United States should begin providing security guarantees for Ukraine now, not later. This isn’t chess. When a game is heading toward defeat, step away from the board.

©

2025, Washington Post Writers Group

Political Crossfire

The First Lady Pleaded For the Children. Putin’s Reply was More Bombs

On August 15, first lady Melania Trump wrote a poignant letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to make peace for the sake of children affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. “Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart. … They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger,” the first lady wrote. “Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter. In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone – you serve humanity itself.”

On Thursday, Putin delivered his response – launching a massive drone and missile strike on residential buildings and a kindergarten in the center of Kyiv, killing at least 23 people, including four children.

This strike was an insult to our first lady. It was also an insult to President Donald Trump, who personally handed his wife’s letter to Putin at their Alaska summit.

Of course, Putin has been intentionally targeting children since the start of the war. According to the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, more than 3,560 schools have been hit by Russian missiles, drones, artillery and even cluster munitions, including 371 that were destroyed. In those attacks, 652 children were killed and 2,142 injured, while another 2,193 remain missing. UNICEF estimates that, on average, about 16 Ukrainian children are killed or wounded every week. Indeed, many Ukrainian children are forced to study underground to protect them from Russian drones and missiles that target their schools. Classes are regularly interrupted by air raid sirens.

But Putin’s attack last week was different, seemingly intended to send a message to Trump and the European

By Marc A. Thiessen

leaders gathered at the White House that he doubts their resolve. In addition to Ukrainian targets, Russia also struck the European Union’s diplomatic offices in Kyiv, as well as the offices of the British Council, a U.K. government organization that promotes cultural and educational exchange. And in a separate strike, Russia targeted an American electronics manufacturer, Flex Ltd., hitting its plant far from the front lines with two Kalibr cruise missiles.

Trump has given Putin every chance to prove he is interested in peace. With Iran, Trump set a 60-day deadline for the country to agree to end its nuclear program – and when its leaders foolishly let that deadline pass, on Day 61, Israel’s bombing began, followed soon by Operation Midnight Hammer, in which the United States “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites. But in Ukraine, Putin has been allowed to let deadline after deadline pass. Trump has slowly turned up the heat on Putin, recently imposing

secondary sanctions on India for buying Russian oil and increasing arms sales to Ukraine. But he has yet to bring down the hammer on Putin.

Perhaps that is partly because, unlike Iran, Putin has engaged Trump – assuring him, both by phone and in person, that he wants peace. And Trump has been right to give the Russian leader every opportunity to follow up his words with concrete actions. But more than six months into Trump’s second term, Putin has failed to do so.

Trump has had far more success with Ukraine. Since President Volodymyr Zelensky’s disastrous White House meeting in late February, which led to a temporary suspension of U.S. weapons shipments, Ukraine has done what Trump has asked. In March, Ukraine agreed to Trump’s demand for a full and unconditional ceasefire. A few days later, after a call with Trump, Zelensky agreed to a 30-day partial ceasefire focused on energy and civilian infrastructure. Pu-

tin rejected both. In May, Zelensky again agreed to a U.S.-backed unconditional ceasefire. When Putin countered with an offer to meet in Istanbul instead, Zelensky agreed, as Trump requested, to meet Putin without preconditions – before Putin backed out.

What this means is that, for months, Ukraine has acceded to Trump’s requests to stop the fighting, meet at the peace table and negotiate an end to the war. Russia, by contrast, has continued to target Ukrainian civilians while stringing the United States along.

Trump has said that if Ukraine agrees to peace and Russia does not, he will side with Ukraine and impose harsh consequences on Moscow – crippling secondary tariffs on Russian oil and gas sales – while stepping up arms deliveries to Kyiv. He has suggested allowing Ukraine to use U.S. weapons to take the fight to Russian territory, declaring: “Crooked and grossly incompetent Joe Biden would not let Ukraine FIGHT BACK, only DEFEND. How did that work out?”

He’s right. Before the Alaska summit, Trump said there would be “severe” consequences if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. He understandably delayed those consequences in the hope that, with his twin summits in Anchorage and Washington, peace might be within reach. Now, Putin has responded to Trump’s diplomacy, and his wife’s heartfelt letter, with a slap in the face – a barbarous attack that makes clear he does not care about restoring the melodic laughter of Ukrainian children.

That should be the final straw. Putin has demonstrated with his brutality that he won’t stop his assault on Ukraine willingly – that he must be coerced. So let the coercion begin. © 2025, Washington Post Writers Group

Jewish History Accuser of Israel Confesses to Genocide

By Rafael Medoff

Denmark’s prime minister, who has been denouncing Israel and threatening to organize sanctions against it, now has confessed that her country committed horrific crimes against people it conquered, crimes which fit the textbook definition of genocide.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen last week condemned Israel’s pursuit of Hamas terrorists in Gaza as “very violent” and “unacceptable.” She said Denmark is considering extending recognition to the non-existent “State of Palestine.”

Frederiksen also said that Denmark intends to take advantage of its term as head of the European Union to punish Israel for defending itself. She said she is now conferring with other EU members to impose “political pressure and sanctions” against both individual Israelis and “Israel as a whole.”

The Danish prime minister even implicitly compared Israel’s pursuit of Hamas killers and gang-rapists to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In one of those ironic twists that seem to crop up a lot lately, Frederiksen’s blasts at Israel happened to coincide with new revelations about horrific abuses committed by Denmark against the indigenous Inuit people of Greenland.

The violent Danish conquest of Greenland was led by Erik the Red, a killer and slaveowner who had been banished from Iceland in the 10th century CE and went looking for new lands to plunder. Needless to say, Erik and his fellow-settlers did not ask permission from the native Inuits who had preceded them to Greenland by many years.

Denmark’s abuse of the Inuits did not end with stealing their country. The Danes also stole some of their children.

Three years ago, Prime Minis -

ter Frederiksen acknowledged it was “heartless” and “inhumane” that the Danish government took 22 Inuit children from their families in 1951 and sent them to Denmark as part of an experiment in forced assimilation.

The prime minister said she was sorry about that and awarded a token compensation payment of 250,000 kroner

lease its findings.

Apparently to get out ahead of the forthcoming report, Prime Minister Frederiksen last week issued another apology, this time for an even more widespread horror: from the 1960s to the 1990s, Danish doctors, acting at the instruction of their government, implanted certain devices to prevent

Today, what’s rotten in the state of Denmark is the integrity of the country’s leaders.

($37,200) to each of the last six surviving victims.

After that episode, a government commission began investigating Denmark’s overall treatment of the Inuits. Three years have passed, and the commission reportedly is preparing to re -

pregnancy in an estimated 4,500 Inuit women and girls—some of them just 12 years old—without their knowledge or consent. That was half of Greenland’s population of fertile females. The purpose of the implantations was to limit the size of the Inuit population.

The prime minister did not use the word “genocide” in her remarks. But the government policy that she acknowledged amounted to exactly that.

“Genocide” is defined as actions that are “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group,” including “imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.”

In her statement, Prime Minister Frederiksen also alluded to what she called “systematic discrimination and other failures and mistreatments.” She did not elaborate. Presumably, the commission will.

It’s been 425 years since William Shakespeare penned the immortal line in Hamlet, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark…”

Today, what’s rotten in the state of Denmark is the integrity of the country’s leaders. They point an accusing finger at Israel, while only belatedly and grudgingly acknowledging their own country’s genocidal actions—and failing to pay a single krone of restitution to the 4,500 victims of Denmark’s forced birth control policy.

What an upside-down world this is! A country that is not committing genocide is falsely accused of doing so, while a country that admits committing acts which are unquestionably genocidal simply mutters “sorry” and gets away without any consequences.

Dr. Medoff is the founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. His book, The Road to October 7: Hamas, the Holocaust, and the Eternal War Against the Jews, will be published on October 1, 2025, by The Jewish Publication Society / University of Nebraska Press.

Political Crossfire

Only a Rule-Breaking Administration Can Truly Combat Antisemitism

By Jonathan S. Tobin

To say this is the sort of thing that just isn’t done is the understatement of the century. It’s not clear if there is any precedent in the nearly 250 years of Franco-American diplomatic relations for the decision of Charles Kushner, the U.S. ambassador to France, to directly attack the French government’s indifference to antisemitism in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.

The traditional job of ambassadors is to promote good relations between the nations they represent and the government to which they are accredited. To speak out in this manner from that perch is pretty much the opposite of traditional ideas of diplomacy. In fact, that tradition dates back to the ancient world, when the concepts of nation-states and ambassadors, as well as the notion of diplomatic immunity for those who serve as go-betweens in this manner, were first known.

But the issue here isn’t—as some of Kushner’s critics and those of the administration he represents claim—one of an unqualified and even unsuitable ambassador behaving badly. Nor is it a matter of, as Trump’s detractors habitually as -

sert, that on his watch the United States has been alienating its friends while cozying up to enemies. That is often how they misrepresent the president’s efforts to use diplomacy while attempting to solve problems like the Russia-Ukraine war and the North Korean nuclear threat.

The Real Significance

It is true that allowing the U.S. ambassador to Paris to take shots at the president of France is highly unorthodox. And it’s far from clear as to whether it will lead to a policy shift, either in terms of combating antisemitism or affecting its destructive anti-Israel stands.

However, the true significance is being lost amid the usual cacophony of criticism of Trump and his appointees, as well as the snark about Kushner, who is a convicted felon who was pardoned by the president and, more significantly, the father of Jared Kushner, the presidential son-in-law and former White House advisor.

Instead, what matters about this contretemps is that it demonstrates just how seriously this administration takes the

issue of antisemitism and the way America’s traditional allies in Europe have become the allies, whether intentionally or not, of Hamas.

Everything else, including the sniping at Kushner, the foreign-policy establishment and the mainstream media’s horror at Trump’s unusual approach to diplomacy, remains secondary to this very obvious fact about the administration that its critics prefer to downplay or ignore.

The context in which this shot across Macron’s bow should be seen is how Trump has prioritized antisemitism in a way unprecedented for an American president. There is simply no other logical explanation for this move, which clearly happened with Trump’s approval. It’s unthinkable that Kushner would choose to mention the president—and the fact that he and his in-laws share Jewish grandchildren—without the White House’s authorization. Kushner’s article, and the way its publication deliberately courted controversy with the French, is yet another indication that this administration understands that the issue has escalated into a crisis demanding an end to busi-

ness as usual on the part of Washington and its foreign envoys.

Taking Jew-Hatred Seriously

The development reflects Trump’s war on American universities—from the Ivy Leagues to public college campuses—where he has sought to punish those that tolerated and encouraged the surge of Jew-hatred swept in after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7. That effort has also been criticized by Democrats, liberals and leftists for the willingness of the president to take on institutions that Trump’s predecessors never dared to challenge in this manner.

In that case, what has happened doesn’t validate the accusations of incipient authoritarianism that have been leveled at the president. Nor is it violating the rights of the mobs of leftist antisemites, many of whom are foreigners likely violating the terms of their visas, who have targeted Jews while chanting for the destruction of Israel and Jewish genocide (“From the river to the sea”) or for terrorism against Jews wherever they live (“Globalize the intifada”). Instead, the

measures undertaken to pressure these schools via stripping them of federal funding (as is actually required under the law for their violations of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act) are a strategic decision aimed at toppling the reign of woke leftist ideology that seeks the destruction of the Western canon, an attack on America as an irredeemably racist nation as well as falsely labeling Jews and Israel as “white” oppressors.

The Kushner article is similar in that it, too, is an indication that this administration doesn’t feel bound by tradition or the usual constraints when it comes to dealing with matters it thinks are important. It’s also an entirely appropriate rebuke to a French government that is not only failing to protect its own Jewish community, but is also acting in a manner that is undermining U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and encouraging Hamas to continue to refuse to disarm or release the remaining Israeli hostages that they still hold.

For all of the umbrage that the French government has expressed about what it considers to be Kushner’s effrontery in calling them out in this manner, it is Paris and not Washington that should be apologizing for its behavior.

The piece, which took the form of an open letter to Macron, denounced the surge in antisemitism in the wake of October 7. Kushner demanded that Macron and his government enforce hate-crimes laws and ensure the safety of French Jews while adding that it should “abandon steps that give legitimacy to Hamas and its allies.”

That’s a reference to Macron’s announcement that France will—like the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia— recognize a Palestinian state at the annual meeting of the U.N. General Assembly in September. This decision isn’t just an unconscionable reward to the Palestinians for their atrocities on Oct. 7. It has also undermined American efforts to pressure Hamas to agree to a ceasefire-hostage release deal. The terrorists have concluded that they do not need to make concessions since continuing the war that has brought so much suffering to their own people has also garnered them international sympathy from Western nations.

That sympathy is the result of Hamas’s successful propaganda campaign falsely alleging that Israel is committing “genocide” and deliberately starving Gazans.

The call for a Palestinian state by France is the product of two factors.

One is Macron’s frustration over being left out of Middle East diplomacy. Paris and London have indeed been sidelined

in efforts to end the post-Oct. 7 war. But that is a function of the fact that neither has been in any sense a great power for the last 70 years.

It’s a particularly sore point for the French for whom Kushner’s article was a humiliating act of lèse-majesté toward Macron—a devastating blow to their national self-worth, which is rooted in delusions about a past defined by la gloire—not to mention a reminder of their current second-rate status.

Both nations have become irrelevant, and their calls for a Palestinian state— something that the Palestinians have repeatedly rejected for 78 years if it means

The French government thinks that this is none of Kushner’s business—or, for that matter, that of the United States.

Macron’s claim that criticism of French inaction on antisemitism violated an ambassador’s “duty not to interfere in the internal matters of states” rings hollow. As Michael Oren, historian and former Israeli ambassador to the United States, noted, this is the “height of hypocrisy and chutzpah” because France violates “that principle daily with Israel” with its efforts to interfere in Jerusalem’s political controversies as well as its ability to defend itself against genocidal terrorists, who it wishes to empower with statehood.

It is Paris and not Washington that should be apologizing for its behavior.

living side by side with a Jewish one—are a way to intrude into a diplomatic process to which they have nothing to offer but their own inflated sense of self-importance and growing hostility to Israel. That hostility relates directly to the criticism of Macron by Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood and Antisemitism

Calls for a Palestinian state now bolster Hamas and give it a reason to continue to hold onto hostages as well as to keep the war going. They are also a gesture of appeasement to the growing Muslim population in Western Europe and their left-wing allies. The effort to mollify the bizarre red-green alliance of Marxist and Islamist Jew-haters, whose voice grows louder with each passing year on the continent and in their respective countries, is behind Britain’s and France’s turn against Israel. In doing so, Macron is, despite his denials, helping to unleash the storm of antisemitic invective that has made French Jews unsafe, and caused both them and visitors to the country to conceal their Jewish identity to avoid being subjected to harassment or worse. The increasing atmosphere of intimidation and violence with which French Jews have had to deal in recent years is primarily caused by the rising influence of Islamists in domestic politics and culture. And it has led many people to leave that country because they have not unreasonably concluded that there is no future there for Jews.

French antisemitism and sabotage of American Middle East diplomacy was entirely appropriate—and necessary.

Trump and Kushner have given France a taste of its own medicine; Paris deserved a rebuke for its continued failure to battle Jew-hatred. In doing so, they’ve also shown that the administration’s willingness to break the old rules of diplomacy is sometimes exactly what is needed if progress is to be made.

When such rules protect governments that tolerate antisemitism, the right thing for America is to denounce them. That’s just as true when it comes to democratic France as it would be for rogue Third World or Communist regimes that are a threat to peace.

It’s equally true that France’s involvement in the affairs of its former colonies in Africa is not merely a violation of this standard of non-interference but also a vestige of imperialism that harms those countries by draining their resources and contributing to the flow of illegal immigrants to Europe, something Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pointed out. Kushner has himself been subjected to criticism as an inappropriate choice for such a prestigious ambassadorial post, as well as evidence of nepotism. Yet he is far from the first presidential friend, relative or donor to receive a diplomatic appointment, including some past ambassadors to France.

The New Jersey real estate magnate served time in prison for his role in an unseemly plot against his brother-in-law that inflated a private business dispute into a scandal. That his actions were illegal, as well as tawdry, is not in dispute. But it’s also possible to argue that Trump’s subsequent presidential pardon for his daughter’s father-in-law was at least partly justified by the fact that the 2004 prosecution undertaken against him by then-U.S. Attorney and future New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was selective and unduly harsh in nature, in addition to a case of retaliation against a donor to his political opponents.

A Taste of Their Own Medicine

Whatever we might think about this appointment, Kushner’s willingness to use the bully pulpit afforded him by his ambassadorial rank to speak out against

Trump has done this before in Europe with respect to NATO members that aren’t paying their fair share of the costs of defending the continent and exploiting the generosity of the United States. While his sometimes harsh and even crass rhetoric about the obsolete nature of NATO raised hackles in Europe and among the foreign-policy establishment, such tactics are what have driven nations there to begin to pay up rather than depending on the largesse of American taxpayers.

Blunt American talk about feckless European enabling of Jew-hatred and Hamas is just as necessary.

If France or any other Western nation wants to be taken seriously on these issues, they have to cease their efforts to undermine Israeli security and to appease domestic forces that are the engines behind a new wave of antisemitism. Until then, they should be told in no uncertain terms by the United States that they are undeserving of the title of American ally and deserve no deference when it comes to their domestic troubles.

Loath as they are to give him credit for anything that he and his administration do, it’s time for Trump’s critics to acknowledge that his emphasis on the fight against antisemitism, at home and abroad, is laudable. It’s also a needed course correction from the policies of a Biden administration that, like Macron, was more interested in toadying to forces that hated Israel and the Jews than standing with an embattled Jewish people and a besieged Jewish state. The traditions of diplomacy that Washington is flouting are enabling antisemitism and encouraging Hamas. Trump and Kushner are right to scrap them.

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of JNS (Jewish News Syndicate).

Forgotten Her es Israeli Tanks in 1948

By Avi Heiligman

For over a century, tanks have played an important role on the battlefield. Modern tanks are far bigger and more powerful than the early versions that ended the World War I trench stalemates. As tanks evolved, their roles expanded, and they have been deployed on many battlefields worldwide since the end of World War II. Israel has been using tanks to great effect since 1948. The accounts of the tank crews and tanks themselves from the Israeli War of Independence are truly remarkable.

While the Arab armies that attacked Israel in 1948 were well equipped with tanks and armored vehicles, the IDF’s armored units were much smaller in comparison. Most of the tanks they did manage to procure were a hodgepodge of World War II-era vehicles, including the French H39 Hotchkiss light tanks, American M4 Sherman tanks and British Cromwell tanks. As the British were leaving Israel in 1948, two British soldiers deserted the army and delivered two tanks to the newly formed Israeli Defense Forces.

The two British soldiers were Irishman Mike Flanagan and Scottish officer Harry MacDonald. Flanagan was a mechanic, and MacDonald was a tank commander at the small British gar -

rison in Haifa. They were part of the group tasked to evacuate tanks and equipment as the British Army moved out of Israel. Both were sympathetic to the Jewish state mainly because they witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust when liberating Bergen-Belsen three years earlier. They weren’t looking forward to returning to Great Britain and had been thinking about moving to a

Israel’s Arab neighbors. Originally, two Haganah drivers were to take another two British tanks, but they barely managed to escape the British camp without being noticed without filching the two additional tanks.

Incredible as it may seem, the story continues with both soldiers joining the IDF and fighting in the war. They were soon attached to the IDF’s first armored

Shrapnel from an Egyptian shell hit Flanagan, but he told his Czech co-driver that he was well enough to keep on driving the tank.

British dominion. After selling a Haganah agent a truck full of jerry cans filled with fuel they had been tasked to destroy, the two British soldiers were convinced to requisition tanks for the IDF. On June 29, 1948, they took two Cromwell tanks and drove them to Israeli troops in Tel Aviv. These two tanks became vital in the ensuing war against

unit and took part in many of the tank battles of the war.

Jewish Canadian Lionel Druker became the first IDF tank commander. He served during World War II and along with thirty or so Canadian volunteers traveled to the Middle East in the months leading up to the creation of Israel. Druker became the commander

of the Canadian Platoon, as they were called. The unit was involved in early battles of the war. An Israeli officer heard that Druker had experience with tanks and tasked him to become the commander of the IDF first tank unit, the 82 nd Tank Battalion B Company. All they had was one Sherman tank equipped with machine guns and no cannon. The Canadian Platoon was broken up, and Druker soon began looking for more tanks and tankers with experience. At this point, he met up with Flanagan and MacDonald, and they told him about how they got the British Cromwell tanks.

Druker then set to work to find and train crews for the tanks. The Sherman finally received a 75mm cannon, and other former British Army veterans joined the tank force. The small force captured Lod Airport from the Jordanians in July. Towards the end of 1948, the battalion had several more Sherman tanks and took part in major operations. During Operation Yoav in October, Flanagan and MacDonald were in the lead tank in support of the infantry but soon were fighting alone as the second tank, commanded by Desmond Rutledge, had mechanical problems. Shrapnel from an Egyptian shell hit Flanagan, but he told his Czech co-driver that he was okay to

The Cromwell tank

Mike Flanagan, front left, with Harry MacDonald, back right, and other fighters

Mike Flanagan in front of a Cromwell tank

keep on driving the tank. After pushing through barbed wire and running into small arms fire, MacDonald gave the order to turn around and return to friendly lines. Flanagan’s Cromwell managed to tow the other tank to safety, but some of the other tanks in the battalion were put out of action.

The 82nd was soon reinforced by half tracks and armored vehicles and provided armored support for the infantry in the capture of Be’er Sheva on October 21. The tank force soon grew, and vol-

unteers from all over the world joined the armored units.

As a side note, Jesse Slade, a Native American from the Navajo tribe, joined a Machal anti-tank unit because of the respect he received from a Jewish officer during World War II.

MacDonald moved to Canada after the war, but Flanagan stayed in Israel. He converted to Judaism and married a female soldier who had served with him. Flanagan eventually went by the more Israeli-sounding name Michael

Peleg and was a reservist in three subsequent Israeli wars. The two Cromwell tanks taken by Flanagan and MacDonald are on display at the tank museum in Latrun, Israel.

The lessons learned from the tanks during the 1948 war proved invaluable in the subsequent wars. Some of the largest tank battles since World War II took place during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Today, tanks play an important role in the battles against terrorist organizations. Men like Flanagan, Mac -

Donald and Druker set the stage for future Israeli tankers as these Forgotten Heroes played a key role in the defense of the newly created Jewish state.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

A tank used in the battle at Lod Aiport in 1948

Lionel Druker

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Let the Good Times Roll

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

Did you ever accompany a kid to one of those arcades?

I know, ridiculous question.

If you know a kid, have a kid, or spend time with a kid, you certainly have been to one of them.

And what fun it is?!

There are certain arcades where you get a limited number of points to use and when they’re used up, you’re out of luck. The kid can continue to swipe but no green start button shows up. And they, sadly, lose their power to wander into the world of games, rides, and fun.

That’s OK if they are done. But how often does that happen?! They usually want more time.

Taking kids to one of these places can give you a good ulcer because you never know how quickly they’ll run through the usable points. Ergo, it’s impossible to control the time they’ll be kept busy and the added funds you’ll be required to dole out!

You just can’t relax from the minute they start swiping. You stand there worrying that maybe the time will run out before the kid’s energy does! Which is usually exactly what happens.

Once in a while, you find a place with so many bonus points purchasable you can probably breathe for a bit. That is, if you’re a bit more generous to begin

with. But at least this way you know what amount you’re limiting yourself to.

But luckily, there are some places that give you all the games you want for a certain designated period of time. Those are the saviors!

It’s a godsend. You know how much you’re spending and how long the kids will be kept busy! Everyone can actually play as many games as they can get to. And trust me, they get to them all. They seem to get wings when they walk into these places.

The problem, though, is for the bargain to work they all must share one card.

The great thing about it, though, is that all the kids have to keep finding each other and you to use the card.

It makes them a little crazy. But as a parent or caretaker you benefit. They can’t wander away from the card too far.

This tests your grit, though. You’ve got to stay strong. Because the kids often beg for their own card. But you don’t want to do that because then you lose the bargain. And they can all run free, to boot.

Of course, often, you hand the card to one kid to use, and they hold on to it. You become a bit of a wreck keeping an eye on where to find that one.

The way it works is the power stays with the cardholder! Everyone’s always

searching for that cardholder!

If you, the adult, can manage to keep that role, you certainly can stay on top of things much better. The downside is it keeps you quite busy running from kid to kid and game to game.

However, you can enjoy it if you see it as a workout for you, with no extra charge!

For kids, it’s a real high. They just keep swiping. Although, you might think it’s better when they know they can play a limited number of games.

I’m never sure. Because they may go through them just too quickly and then you’re back to what do we do with the kids now?!

And after all, there is an ending here, too. Suddenly, they swipe and swipe and swipe again. And finally, they realize that time’s up. Game’s over.

And the interesting thing is they are usually not too disappointed because now it’s time for the big reveal. How many tickets did they accumulate?! And it’s off to the prize section.

They always stare first at the top row of amazing prizes. Slowly, they recognize that they have to lower their eyes and lower their eyes, till they accept that they need to find a few little items in the glass display actually right in front of them.

The arithmetic and calculations

kick in along with the bargaining between kids. And after much deliberation, everyone usually walks out with something. Somehow, they are satisfied. Amazing!

While there, it seems, some kids play challenging sports like games while others become fascinated with just accumulating prize tickets. And, of course, everyone tries the claw at least once.

Whatever their thing is, they usually walk out with a somewhat mediocre prize. But at least they somehow figured it all out – and had a fun time.

And you have passed another afternoon.

Listen, if you want to buy your kid a great prize, then skip the arcade and go straight to Target. But, if you want to keep them busy and active for a while, then just find one of the fixed-timefor-a-definite-amount-of-money arcades, and let the good times roll.

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.