Five Towns Jewish Home 09.18.25

Dear Readers,

Afew days ago, I came into my room and saw something glinting on the floor.

Bending down to pick it up, I realized that it was my diamond earring. I had taken out some jewelry a few hours before, and this earring must have fallen down. Seeing the piece that could have been stepped on or vacuumed up or ultimately lost, I felt so happy and so relieved. I hadn’t even known that I was missing it, but when I finally found it, I was ecstatic to be reunited with it once again.

On Rosh Hashana, our focus is crowning Hashem as our King. When we crown Him as our sovereign, we enter His world and become one of His servants. Living in Hashem’s world, viewing the world as one truly led and run by Hashem, helps us to refocus our lives. It gives us the realization that every action we take in this world is on an elevated level, every deed we do is brought to a higher plane.

As part of davening, we ask Hashem to reveal His glory to us and to the world. We entreat Hashem to elevate His nation in the eyes of the world, as the Jewish people are representatives of His chosen nation. We also ask Hashem to instill fear in the other nations so they will recognize Him as the Ruler of the world. And we beg Him to punish the evil-doers and to remove any malevolence from humanity.

Once we finish with our entreaties, we then speak of a world where Hashem will be recognized as King over all of mankind. In the moving piyut “V’ye’esayu kol l’avadecha,” we recount how the nations of the world will discard their idols and their idolatrous notions and will ultimately crown Hashem their King. The piyut

speaks of the joy the nations will have once they finally recognize that Hashem is the true Melech. That is the joy one has when they finally see themselves – with clarity – as part of Hashem’s world. It is a joy of not even knowing that you were once lost but have now been found.

On Rosh Hashana, each of us feels that elation, when we crown Hashem as our King and reenter His world. It is a happiness of feeling that reconnection, a realization that we may have strayed but we are now reunited once again with our Creator.

We sometimes don’t realize what is lacking in our lives until we experience the clarity of Rosh Hashana. The tefillos, the shofar, and the powerful themes of the day help us find what may have slipped from our grasp over the year — our awareness of Hashem’s presence in our lives. When we “find” that connection once more, the joy and relief are immeasurable, like being reunited with something infinitely more precious than a sparkling jewel.

As we enter these awe-filled days, we have the chance to reset, to realign, and to truly crown Hashem as our King.

May we merit to feel that closeness deeply, to embrace our role in His kingdom, and to hold on tightly to the treasure of our relationship with Him throughout the year. And may this year bring with it a realization from all of the nations of the world that Hashem is the true King, with the coming of the geulah, may it come soon in our days.

Wishing you and your family a kesiva v’chasima tova, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman, MANAGING EDITOR ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shoshana Soroka, EDITOR editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis

Editorial Assistant

Nechama Wein

Copy Editor

Rachel Bergida

Shana Brecher

Lani White

Design & Production

Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics

P.O. BOX 266

Lawrence, NY 11559

Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857

Classified Deadline: Monday 5:00PM classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003

PAYMENT VIA CREDIT CARD MUST BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH CLASSIFIED ADS

The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

Dear Editor, In Parshas Ki Savo we read about the bringing of bikkurim, the first fruit. One of the reasons given for this unique mitzvah is actually to straighten out our brain. One may think that it was all his hard planning and work that led to having delicious fruit. Therefore, we take the first product of the field and bring it to the kohen to show that it has nothing to do with us – it is all Hashem! Similarly, the meforshim explain that this is the reason for the mitzvah of Pidyon Haben. One may have thought that having their precious child is all their doing. Says the Torah, you must realize it is all Hakadosh Baruch Hu Who provides!

I just had the tremendous zechus to perform the not so common mitzvah of redeeming my dear bechor. But I was bothered. What is so special about the bechor? Why was it that before the bechorim sinned with the Chet Ha’eigel, they were originally chosen to do the avoda? Based on the above, I would like to suggest that since the bechor is a walking and breathing manifestation of thanks to Hashem, who can be more fit to serve in the Beis Hamikdash? He is a model of what it means to be a true eved Hashem.

The firstborn portrays this recognition, that we are subservient and thankful to the Master of the Universe. My sweet young bechor is a reminder that Hashem is the One who performed this neis, and we must continually thank Him.

As Rosh Hashana is fast approaching, let us take this message with us. It is all about recognizing Hashem and thank-

ing Him. That is the true avoda. In that zechus, may Hashem answer all of our tefillos l’tova!

A gut g’benched yur, Yossi Hecht

Dear Editor,

It’s axiomatic that the parsha of the week points toward the events of the week. Nitzavim, of course, refers to the fact that we will soon be standing before G-d on a day of kedushah—Rosh Hashana.

Last week’s parsha, Ki Savo, tells us that we must be prepared when this day comes. This parallels an idea by Rav Soloveitchik: there’s no kedushah without hachanah—no holiness without preparation.

What is kedushah? According to Rav Soloveitchik, kedushah—holiness—is not something we simply encounter, but something we actively create through our actions. On Rosh Hashana, we bring holiness into the world by proclaiming G-d as our King and reflecting on our lives to see whether our everyday actions and choices are infused with this sense of kedushah Steven Genack

Dear Editor,

Charlie Kirk was assassinated this past Wednesday, September 10, 2025, while engaging in a free speech dialogue on the campus of Utah Valley University. All Jews should recognize that he was a great friend and supporter of Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in a moving tribute citing Charlie Kirk as a Continued on page 12

Continued from page 10

“once in a generation figure” and comparing his assassination to that of his brother Yoni. Any online comments regarding Charlie Kirk’s anti-Israel stance are bogus and should be disregarded.

Jan Henock

Woodmere

Dear Editor,

In this week’s issue, it would only be appropriate to write a tribute to one of our nation’s most influential and respected conservative voices: Charlie Kirk.

Born in 1993, Charlie Kirk was an entrepreneur who saw a flaw in America’s education system which led him to start what would be known as the most successful youth movement in America. With his outstanding ability to debate people, Charlie Kirk would go from campus to campus debating different topics from abortions to the idea of getting transgenderism out of our schools and everything in between. While debating the most woke people, Charlie Kirk brought common sense to these campuses encouraging these very brainwashed students to get married, have kids and follow in the ways of G-d and to stop wasting their time in college as many don’t use their degrees and are often left in tons of debt with no career.

Through all the hate, negative comments and insults, Charlie never stopped or backed down and always stood for the truth and good morals. Even while the rest of the world and many conservatives turned on Israel and the Jews, Charlie didn’t and did just the opposite. While everyone would denigrate Israel and its right to exist, Charlie Kirk chose to use his platform to speak about the great importance and role Israel has in the world and the sacred and holy place it is. He always unequivocally defended the Jewish people and the State of Israel through everything. With his brilliance and determination, Charlie Kirk shaped the minds of millions of young Americans who knew nothing more than what they were brainwashed to think and was able to debate people about any religion, knowing each cover-to-cover in depth, and once again always defending Judaism.

Not only did he speak these values, he lived them. He got married young, had 2 beautiful children, spoke about the importance of religion as well as believing in G-d and inspired millions of his followers to do the same. He spoke at the RNC, CPAC and many other popular conservative organizations, attracting billions of views from all of his short clips and speeches which were posted to his social

media platform that were geared towards young Americans and people seeking truth. He has met with many world leaders and has accomplished more in his short thirty one years than most people do in their lives which is very impressive.

On the fateful day of September 10, 2025, like millions of Americans who were inspired by Charlie Kirk, hearing of his passing was devastating, heartbreaking and left many people feeling hopeless as there is no one who will ever replace this great man who had so much wisdom with every word he spoke. He was a fierce, determined, passionate and intelligent man who will forever be remembered for his courage, sacrifice and commitment to defending Western values and always standing up for his beliefs. He will be missed greatly.

May G-d bless his wife and grant his family with comfort during this very difficult and painful time as they mourn over his loss. And may G-d bless this great and wonderful nation with more great people to follow in Charlie Kirk’s footsteps and stand up for the beliefs that we as Jews and Americans hold. May the great and honorable Charlie Kirk rest in peace!

Sincerely, Y.W.

Dear Editor,

One phrase from the High Holiday Amidah draws my attention when I read it, yearly. “All wickedness will vanish like smoke when you remove the rule of evil from the earth.” Recently, IDF has been sending tall towers in Gaza city toppling in piles of smoky rubble. Most of the world has blamed Israel for genocide, famine, and other false accusations. There are many who support Hamas directly. We see the direct support from student protesters, the Squad and Mamdani. We have many indirect supporters such as the growing number of politicians who support Mamdani. Both groups of people are not just supporters of evil, but they are also evil.

The “rule of evil” doesn’t just refer to actual groups of people like Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorists causing evil. It refers to a general mindset that is evil. Supporting terrorism, assault, beheading, murder and intentional destruction clearly demonstrates an evil mindset. This also needs to vanish like smoke.

When we say this phrase in our Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Amidah, let’s realize that the IDF is helping to erase evil and replace it with truth and peace. Let’s pray that G-d helps them in their difficult mission and makes them successful. Daniel Feldman

Brazil Imprisons Bolsonaro

A panel of five Brazilian Supreme Court justices sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in jail, finding him guilty of planning to overturn the 2022 election.

Four justices voted to convict Bolsonaro, while one voted against, arguing that the 70-year-old political leader isn’t linked to the allegations with any direct evidence.

On January 8, 2023, Bolsonaro sup-

porters raided Brazil’s Congress to protest the results of the 2022 election. Bolsonaro alleges that Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won because of election fraud, a claim that the country’s electoral court rejects. The justices ruled that Bolsonaro’s disputed claims led directly to the riots. As such, he, in effect, attempted a coup. Additionally, a two-year police investigation indicated that Bolsonaro knew about one of his army general’s plans to assassinate da Silva and other leaders of the then-opposition. Bolsonaro’s attorney argued against that notion, noting that he never took part in any actions resembling a coup and, in fact, peacefully transferred power to da Silva.

Bolsonaro may spend the rest of his life in jail, though he may be freed early due to health problems caused by a near-deadly 2018 stabbing.

Around 51% of Brazilians are in favor of the ruling, with Bolsonaro’s opponents asserting that the court decision shows that no one — not even former presidents — are exempt from the law. Many Brazilians celebrated his sentencing. However, many Brazilians believe the court case was politically driven and unjust. Two of the justices are affiliated with the opposition. Tens of thousands of people protested in the streets on Sunday for Brazil’s

Independence Day, waving Brazilian and American flags, while urging U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene on behalf of Bolsonaro.

The justices included Cármen Lúcia, Cristiano Zanin — da Silva’s former personal lawyer — Flávio Dino — a former justice minister of da Silva — and Luiz Fux, who was the only justice to vote to drop Bolsonaro’s charges.

Trump, drawing parallels between himself and the former Brazilian president, has condemned the court’s treatment of Bolsonaro as political prosecution. Trump penalized the country last month by implementing 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports.

“The president is not afraid to use economic or even military means to protect freedom of expression around the world,” a government spokesperson said last Tuesday.

Protests Mar Spanish Sporting Event

After anti-Israel protesters tore down road barriers and fought with police, disturbing the final round of the Spanish

Vuelta cycling race in Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the protesters and attacked Israel, declaring to his fellow Socialist Party members that the Jewish state shouldn’t be allowed to participate in international sporting events.

“The sports organizations should consider whether it’s ethical for Israel to keep participating in international competitions. Why expel Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza?” Sanchez said.

“Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition.”

The protest, which involved over 100,000 rioters, cut short the race on Sunday and led to two arrests and 22 light injuries. During the chaos, the Israeli team continued playing, but they took off the team name from their uniforms.

In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar branded Sánchez an antisemite.

“An antisemite and a liar,” Saar said in a post on X. “Did Israel invade Gaza on Oct. 7th or did the Hamas terror state invade Israel and commit the worst massacre against the Jews since the Holocaust?”

Sánchez was also condemned by José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the conservative mayor of Madrid, who said Sunday was a

sad day for the city.

“It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us,” said Jona Vingegaard, a Danish rider who was deemed the race’s winner, though the customary podium ceremony was called off. “Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also criticized the rioters for “spoiling” the game and Sánchez for

any other type of debate. All we wanted to do was to be able to finish the race with normalcy, and that wasn’t possible.”

The UCI expressed its disapproval of the protests and any “exploitation of sport for political purposes in general, and especially coming from a government.”

“We also regret the fact that the Spanish Prime Minister and his government have supported actions that could hinder the smooth running of a sporting competition and, in some cases, expressed their admiration for the demonstrators,” the UCI said. “This position is contradictory to the Olympic values of unity, mutual respect, and peace. It also calls into question Spain’s ability to host major international sporting events, ensuring that they take place in safe conditions and in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Charter.”

Abductee Freed From Iraq After 2.5 Years

In March 2023, Russian-Israeli Princeton University student Elizabeth Tsurkov was abducted by the pro-Iran Iraqi militia Kataeb Hezbollah while conducting research in Iraq. She had entered the country with her Russian passport. Last Wednesday, two and a half years later, was freed.

Images and videos show Tsurkov, 38, smiling in Israel’s Sheba Medical Center, and struggling to walk as she was reunited with her family Wednesday night.

“praising” the demonstrations.

“Instead, I want to praise the athletes and everyone who doesn’t spoil things for others,” Frederiksen posted.

Javier Guillén, the director of the Vuelta, also spoke out in favor of Israel staying in the competition.

“The Vuelta’s position was clear. We had to abide to the norms of the International Cycling Union. It’s the UCI that regulates the right of admission to the race,” Guillén said. “We never got into

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Tsurkov told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the “harsh conditions” she was kept in. Shortly before her abduction, she had a spinal operation. Now, she suffers from severe back pain, which was worsened by her captivity.

Tsurkov expressed her gratitude for Netanyahu’s efforts to bring her home.

While in captivity, she was able to listen to a radio. As such, she knew about the October 7 massacre.

Kataeb Hezbollah, a militia funded by Iran, kidnapped her, falsely claiming that she was an Israeli spy. The terror group only provided proof she was alive once — in November 2023.

According to reports, the U.S. and Qatar played an important part in negotiating her return. On Tuesday, she was freed to the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. In exchange for Tsurkov’s release, the son of a senior militia figure was reportedly freed.

Writing about her release, President Trump said that Tsurkov had been freed after “being tortured for many months.”

U.S. Targets Drug Traffickers on Boat

Around two weeks after killing 11 alleged drug traffickers aboard a speedboat from Venezuela, the United States, on Monday, struck another boat, killing three more people.

“The Strike occurred while these confirmed narco-terrorists from Venezuela were in International Waters transporting illegal narcotics (A DEADLY WEAP-

ON POISONING AMERICANS!) headed to the U.S.,” President Donald Trump posted on social media. “These extremely violent drug trafficking cartels POSE A THREAT to U.S. National Security, Foreign Policy, and vital U.S. Interests.”

The airstrikes are part of the U.S.’s war on drug trafficking from Venezuelan cartels to the U.S. Trump has said he might authorize land strikes soon.

“We’re telling the cartels right now we’re going to be stopping them, too,” Trump said. “When they come by land, we’re going to be stopping them the same way we stopped the boats.... But maybe by talking about it a little bit, it won’t happen. If it doesn’t happen that’s good.”

In reference to the cartels, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed that the U.S. would “track them, kill them, and dismantle their networks throughout our hemisphere at the times and places of our choosing.”

Some U.S. lawmakers, particularly Democrats, have questioned the strikes’ legality and necessity. Some groups have suggested the strikes break international law.

The Trump administration legally justified the first strike, claiming it was self-defense against what Secretary of State Marco Rubio called “an immediate threat.” That first strike, according to the

White House, targeted the terrorist-designated Tren de Aragua gang. It wasn’t immediately clear if Monday’s strike also targeted Tren de Aragua.

On Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the Trump administration, saying that the U.S. is only blowing up ships in the sea “to intimidate and seek regime change” in Venezuela.

While on Fox News that same day, Rubio said that the U.S. doesn’t recognize Maduro as the leader of Venezuela. Rather, the U.S. sees Maduro as the head of a drug cartel.

“We’re not going to have a cartel, operating or masquerading as a government, operating in our own hemisphere,” Rubio declared.

13 Killed in Gas Truck Explosion

Last week, a gas truck explosion that generated a “shock wave” in Mexico City killed at least thirteen people and left 90 injured, many with second- and third- degree burns.

Flames shot into the air as people screamed and ran from the scene. Large

plumes of smoke billowed from the truck as emergency workers tried to extinguish the blaze.

The explosion generated a “shock wave” that damaged 32 nearby vehicles, the Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office said late on Wednesday.

According to authorities, the explosion occurred after the vehicle carrying 49,500 liters of gas – known in Mexico as “pipas” – overturned at a highway in the Puente de la Concordia area.

An investigation was underway “to establish accountability and ensure comprehensive care for the victims and their families,” the prosecutor’s office said.

“Forensic experts … are working at the scene to gather initial evidence and determine the cause of the incident,” it added. It’s possible that the driver of the truck was driving too fast and hit an object that punctured the tank.

Among those who died was Alicia

24 Matias, 49, whom the Mexican press had dubbed “the hero grandma” because she protected her two-year-old granddaughter with her body during the explosion. Matias was covered with burns on 90 percent of her body and was walking around with her young granddaughter, seeking help for her. Matias later died of her injuries.

“Her act of love has left a profound mark,” Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada wrote Saturday on X.

Belarus Frees 52 Political Prisoners

As part of a deal between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump, Belarus released 52 political prisoners who had been incarcerated in prisons in the country. Many of those were trade union lead-

ers, journalists and activists, although more than 1,000 political prisoners remain in jail.

In exchange, the U.S. has said it will relieve some sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia, allowing it to buy parts for its airlines.

The prisoner release came on the eve of joint military exercises involving Belarus and close ally Russia, and after what neighboring Poland called an unprecedented Russian drone incursion into its airspace.

Poland closed its borders with Belarus last week because of the Zapad-2025 drills, which last until Tuesday. Latvia closed part of its airspace.

Russia’s foreign ministry condemned Poland’s leadership for its “confrontational steps” in closing the border. Meanwhile the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, warned that “Putin is mocking the efforts” by the West to deal with him.

Lukashenko, 71, has said that the release of the prisoners was a humanitarian gesture. The leader who has been at the helm of Belarus since 1994 has quashed opposition since taking power. He met with Trump special envoy John Coale in the capital Minsk on Thursday. The two men discussed how they could re-establish a trade relationship, including re-

opening the U.S. embassy in Minsk.

The U.S. closed its embassy in the capital in February 2022 after Russia’s Vladimir Putin used Belarusian territory to launch his full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Belarus is eager to build an economic relationship with the U.S. having been hit with a raft of Western sanctions because of its connection to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Belarus’s national airline was sanctioned after Belarusian flight controllers ordered a Ryanair jet traveling from Greece to Lithuania to land in Minsk in 2021, and police then arrested journalist Roman Protasevich.

Many of Belarus’s political prisoners have been in jail since Lukashenko brutally stamped out protests in Belarus in 2020, after he claimed victory in presidential elections widely condemned as rigged.

“The Americans are taking a very constructive stance on the so-called political prisoners. We do not need political prisoners or any other prisoners,” Lukashenko was quoted as saying by state news agency Belta.

The 52 prisoners pardoned on Thursday join 314 others released since July 2023 in an attempt to soften Belarus’s relationship with the EU and the U.S., according to Human Rights Watch. Another 14 prisoners were pardoned and released in June during the visit of a U.S. special envoy, including Sergei Tikhanovsky, the husband of exiled Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Thirteen others were released and forced into exile.

Among the 52 freed were 69-year-old philosopher Vladimir Matskevich, journalist Igor Losik and senior opposition figure Mikola Statkevich, who was a presidential candidate in 2010.

Russia’s

Brainwashing Camps

According to a recent investigation, Russia is running an extensive network of more than 200 camps to re-educate, Russify and militarize Ukrainian children.

The facilities are located in Russia and

in occupied Ukraine. They include camps as well as schools, military bases, medical facilities, religious sites and universities.

Ukrainian children are being taken to the sites and are forced to endure patriotic indoctrination, combat drills, paratrooper training and classes on how to assemble drones for the Russian armed forces.

The investigation and report was compiled by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health and was titled “Ukraine’s Stolen Children: Inside Russia’s Network of Re-Education and Militarization.” It found that at least 130 of the camps have been involved in re-education, including efforts to indoctrinate children with pro-Russia narratives.

According to the report, at least 39 of the facilities operate militarization programs where children as young as eight are put through weapons training, grenade-throwing competitions and tactical medicine courses.

The findings follow a Guardian report last week in which children from occupied regions of Ukraine described being forcibly taken to such military-style camps and groomed to be ready to fight for Russia.

“What we have here is an unprecedented network of facilities, expressly built and expanded since 2014, to turn Ukrainian children into Russians,” said Nathaniel Raymond, director of the Humanitarian Research Lab. “It is a pipeline for Ukraine’s children to be re-educated –brainwashed – and turned into soldiers.”

At least two of the camps are under construction, as Moscow prepares to bring in more children to these sites.

In 2023, the international criminal court launched an investigation into President Vladimir Putin and children’s rights commissioner Maria LvovaBelova over the alleged abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children. Russia denies any wrongdoing, claiming that children have only been relocated for their safety and insisting that none have been forcibly taken.

Andriy Yermak, head of the office of the president of Ukraine, said the Yale report “provides irrefutable evidence contradicting Russian denials and misinformation” and that it “demands action.”

Jihadists Kill Christians in DRC

According to Open Doors, which monitors Christian persecution around the world, jihadists killed at least 89 people who were worshipping at a funeral ser-

vice in the eastern area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the villages of Potodu and Ntoyo.

Many more villagers are missing. The U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors militant activities, said that the death toll had approached 100. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) group, also known as Islamic State Central Africa Province, linked to ISIS — the same group that allegedly killed 49

Christians while they were praying for peace in a church in the DRC village of Komanda in July and 66 others in Irumu.

A local pastor, Rev. Mbula Samaki, told an Open Doors partner from the scene, “They arrived and started killing. Those who tried to flee were shot dead, and others were killed with machetes.”

An African Open Doors partner said that there have been multiple other attacks by the ADF that have not been reported.

President Donald Trump announced a peace deal for the DRC in June. But local combatants only appear willing to get it to work in the area around the eastern city of Goma. The ADF, by contrast, is increasing its attacks. This area is almost exclusively Christian. The ADF attackers are all Islamist militants bent on forcing Christians off their land and determined to stop Christians from practicing their faith.

DRC forces are ineffectively trying to push back against the ADF.

Skier Dies in Training

An Italian skier died this week at the age of 25 after suffering a head injury during a training session in Chile.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) said Matteo Franzoso sustained “head trauma” after losing control on the first small jump of the training course on the La Parva slope near Santiago.

Franzoso competed in 17 World Cup races, with his best result coming in January 2023 when he finished 28th in the Super-G Slalom event at Cortina d’Ampezzo. He also won the Italian national alpine combined title the same year. His last World Cup appearance came in March.

“If we take just August, there’s been over 10, we have documented 10 attacks, but there have been a lot more which go unreported. And sometimes two or three villages are attacked at the same time.

“The people, they say we are tired, when will this come to an end? Because it’s every day you hear someone has been killed. You can find a family where two or three family members have been killed, or a child whose both parents have been killed. So it’s pain, it’s agony.”

The FIS said Franzoso was taken to a nearby hospital by helicopter after colliding into a wooden fence at the side of the course. He was admitted straight into intensive care and placed into an induced coma. He died a few hours later.

Franzoso’s death comes less than a year after Italian alpine skier Matilde Lorenzi died at age 19 from injuries also sustained in a training accident.

Lorenzi had suffered a serious crash

28 during a session in Italy and later died in hospital on October 29.

Flavio Roda, president of the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), said Franzoso’s death was a “tragedy for his family and for our sport” and one that brought back memories of previous grief.

“It is a drama that brings us back to the feelings of less than a year ago, when we lost Matilde Lorenzi,” he added in a statement.

“It is absolutely necessary to do everything possible so that such incidents are not repeated. In this sad and painful moment, I want to tell all athletes and coaches, in all sports, that the federation stands by their side and that they will find all the support they need.”

South Sudan VP Charged with Murder

Riek Machar, South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar, has been charged with murder, treason and crimes against humanity for his alleged involvement in attacks by an ethnic militia against federal forces in March.

Hours after the justice minister’s an-

nouncement on Thursday, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar from his post.

The charges against Machar and his suspension escalate a feud between the country’s two main political camps – the other led by Kiir – which faced off in a 2013-2018 civil war in which an estimated 400,000 people died.

Kiir also suspended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, who was charged alongside Machar.

Machar has been under house arrest since March in connection with attacks by the White Army militia in the northeastern town of Nasir.

International powers have repeatedly called for Machar’s release, warning his detention could tip the country back into civil war.

“Evidence further reveals that the White Army operated under the command and influence of certain leaders

of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in Opposition (SPLM/A-iO), including Dr. Riek Machar Teny,” Justice Minister Joseph Geng said. “While the government of the Republic of South Sudan appreciates the engagement of international partners, public and media on the Nasir incident, this matter is now sub judice.”

Kiir and Machar had served in a unity government as part of a peace deal that ended the civil war, but their partnership remained tenuous. Sporadic violence has continued between the two sides.

Twenty other people were indicted in the case as well. Thirteen of those are still at large.

Edmund Yakani, executive director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, a South Sudan activist group, said in statement that he hoped the court trying Machar and the seven others would be fair and “a competent court of law, not a kangaroo court of law.”

up with the belts of our pants.”

According to the police, the assailant has a history of security offenses.

The hotel is located in Kibbutz Tzuba, which is near Jerusalem.

Police detained three other individuals suspected of involvement in the attack. Though Hamas praised the attack, it did not claim responsibility.

Initially, Magen David Adom found the 23-year-old victim in the hotel parking lot. Later, they found the 50-year-old in the hotel’s dining room. The two men were being treated in Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem. According to the hospital, both men were conscious.

20K Soldiers Treated Since 10/7

Terrorist Stabs 2

Last Friday, a Palestinian hotel employee stabbed two people at a hotel, injuring them in a terrorist attack hailed by Hamas as “heroic.”

The terrorist, a man from Shuafat in East Jerusalem, reportedly grabbed a knife from the kitchen of the hotel he worked in, yelled, “Allahu akbar,” and stabbed a 50-year-old man and a 23-yearold man, inflicting serious and moderate injuries respectively. According to witnesses, the terrorist yelled that he wanted to die. He was then stopped and detained by an off-duty officer, a cousin of one of the victims, who had been staying at the hotel for a family event.

“I overpowered the terrorist with my hands rather than gunfire to reduce the danger to the civilians at the scene. With the help of other brave civilians, I laid him on the floor and restrained him,” the officer said, crediting civilians David and Itzik Razani for their help in stopping the terrorist. The Razanis said, “We tied him

Since October 7, 2023 — when war broke out in the wake of the Hamas-led massacre — the Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department has treated around 20,000 soldiers, the department announced on Sunday. Fifty-six percent of those wounded are suffering from mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

Around 45% have physical wounds, 35% have PTSD and mental health conditions, and 20% are suffering from physical and mental health conditions. Around 9% sustained moderate-to-severe injuries. Those injured include 99 amputees with prosthetics and 16 paralyzed individuals.

Around 64% of the wounded soldiers are reservists.

The rehab department treats some 1,000 soldiers injured in the ongoing Gaza war a month. The department received around 600 requests from soldiers who fought in past wars. In all — counting all wars — the rehab department is treating 81,700 veterans, 31,000 (38%) of whom have been struggling with mental health conditions. By 2028, the department expects to treat around 100,000, around 50% of whom will likely have mental health conditions, including PTSD.

The rehab department has a NIS 8.3 billion ($2.5 billion) budget, around half of which is used for treating mental

health conditions.

“In the coming years, alongside the national challenges of the increase in the number of wounded, the continuation of the war, the treatment of those dealing with mental health conditions, the concern about suicide, and the shortage of therapists, there are challenges that require immediate response,” officials said. That includes “a shortage of staff, with a ratio of 1:750 patients per rehabilitation worker; the need to simplify bureaucracy; and new and unique needs required for the newly wounded.”

Recently, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Beztalel Smotrich unveiled a public committee led by Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, the Leumit Health Services chairman. The committee’s goal is to recommend ways to boost treatment and rehabilitation for injured soldiers.

Since October 7, 904 soldiers have been killed in combat, including 329 during the massacre, 460 during the IDF’s ground campaign, 29 from Hezbollah attacks in Israel, and 51 during the IDF’s ground offensive in Lebanon. Seventeen were killed in Israel, including five murdered during counter-terrorism operations in Judea and Samaria. A drone attack from Iraq killed two soldiers, and an Iranian ballistic missile attack killed one soldier. Some of the casualties came as a result of friendly fire.

Israel’s 12-Day War

Channel 13 news released a report on Sunday, publishing quotes from top-secret meetings with ministers and security officials held before and during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran.

The first meeting took place in secret at a Jerusalem Hills bunker on June 12. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “We are at a historic moment with a crucial decision. If we don’t stop [them], within a few years, they will get tens of thousands of kilograms of [nuclear] explosives. Iran has already enriched fissile material at a level that is enough for eight to nine bombs, and they are working on the weaponization. If we don’t act, we simply won’t be here. We will deal a big blow to the command and control, hit senior sci-

entists and other components. May [G-d] help us.

“They are getting close to being the second-biggest powerhouse on ballistic missiles. After we destroy some of their sites and scientists, negotiations for a deal will be held in a different reality. We have held marathon discussions over many months,” he added.

During the meeting, a senior military official declared that they hoped the operation would lead to Iran being unable to go nuclear for a while and “improve Israel’s strategic balance.”

Among the stated goals of the operation was the destruction of the Natanz nuclear facility, the elimination of those responsible for the nuclear program, and the targeting of sites where Iran converts enriched uranium into the bomb’s metal core. An official declared, “Fordo will be destroyed only if the U.S. attacks it.”

Only the U.S. had the powerful bunker buster bombs capable of destroying the Fordo nuclear site, which was buried deep beneath a mountain. The official added that Iran would still have enriched material by the operation’s end and be capable of hitting Israel with hundreds of rockets. The official predicted that Iran would hit several dozen targets in Israel with large warheads and many more targets with light warheads.

“The operational achievements won’t suffice and will have to be completed through diplomacy,” the official added.

During the meeting, Ronen Bar, the chief of the Shin Bet, noted that Israel was coming up with a plan to address potential Arab-Israeli unrest during the operation. By the end of the meeting, the operation was unanimously agreed upon. It began on Friday, June 13, at 3 a.m. with a number of surprise strikes targeting Iranian air defenses, nuclear scientists, and military leaders. Hours later, Iran responded with a large barrage of missiles.

The day of the strike, the ministers and security officials met again and discussed potential U.S. involvement. The ministers wanted the U.S. to attack Fordo and provide Israel with refueling aircraft. Ron Dermer, the minister of strategic affairs, said during the meeting that Netanyahu had “pushed and maneuvered” U.S. President Donald Trump to decide on providing Israel with the refueling planes, which would enable Israeli jets to maintain their attacks on distant targets.

Dermer added that he believed Trump was likely to approve a U.S. strike on Fordo, “but [with] the right timing.” Defense Minister Israel Katz said that he explained “the importance of striking Fordo” to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete

Hegseth. Katz also said that Hegseth told him that the refueling planes transfers were in progress. Days later, the planes arrived in Israel.

Eyal Zamir, the IDF Chief of Staff, noted the opening strikes’ “extraordinary achievements.”

“Everything can be done very fast. If the U.S. cooperates with us, we can make the hit within 48 hours. Iran is shaken by the strikes,” Zamir said, noting that Iran had been firing fewer rockets than anticipated.

During the meeting, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stressed the importance of finding Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, apparently in reference to assassination plans that didn’t end up panning out.

On Saturday, during a small security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said striking Fordo and “creating a huge balance of terror” with Iran was the “main thing.”

Among Israel’s top priorities, Netanyahu noted, was to set ablaze Tehran fuel de-

Iran continues to attack us, Trump will still want to wrap this up anyway,” the premier said.

During the meetings, the ministers weighed the merits of striking civilian infrastructure in Iran, such as oil refineries.

“Relocating the population is practical and symbolic. We should strike civilian national infrastructure that destabilizes the leader,” Katz said.

But Dermer argued, noting, “If we attack civilian infrastructure now, it could end the war before we achieve our objectives and before an attack on Fordo. Khamenei is confused but determined and a religious fanatic. He, like Nasrallah, thinks we’re a weak society.”

“They’re working hard to reenlist the proxies. Hezbollah still won’t jump onto the bandwagon and therefore, [Iran] has an interest in exhibiting strength,” Katz responded, stressing that the war wouldn’t be done by Friday. “Khamenei is a stubborn fanatic. If they surrender, he will lose his life’s work. I support ending this only if we deal with Fordo and a few other things. But it’s not up to us, so we have to deal with things as they are. We’ll destroy dozens of buildings after evacuating civilians if Iran continues to target our civilians. There are military targets in Tehran amid the population. If people escape Tehran, that’s a victory.”

Katz said that Israel would have to target civilian infrastructure if Iran targets Israeli infrastructure.

Then, Zamir said that the IDF was “preparing to deepen the attack throughout the week with a strike on Natanz, an attack in Fordo, and attacks in Tehran.”

“It’s hard to grasp the size of our success in Iran. More than 120 rocket launchers have been destroyed, and at least 80 are not functioning,” he added.

During a meeting on Monday, defense officials suggested ending the war, an idea that Netanyahu dismissed.

pots, target the successors of neutralized officials, and assassinate Khamenei. Civilians should also evacuate from Iranian neighborhoods and districts, and the Islamic regime should be destabilized, Netanyahu added.

A strike on Fordo would have two benefits, Netanyahu noted. First, it would destroy Iran’s nuclear program. Second, “if Khamenei reacts to an American strike, it could be the end of the regime.”

“Fordo gets the war ended quickly. If

“Stop talking about ending the war,” Netanyahu said. “There will be no such thing. We haven’t finished, and it has to stop. It will go on for as long as we need to achieve our objectives. We’re on the brink of victory. You say that we’ve run out of targets, what message are we sending our enemies? So the IDF spokesman says we need to finish it? There’s a policy. Work accordingly. We continue until we’ve achieved our goals. The public here is very strong.”

In the end, the war lasted for 12 days, shortly after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Thirty-one individuals were killed and more than 3,000 were injured in Israel.

Gadi Eisenkot’s New Party

This week, former Blue and White-National Unity party number two and former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot announced that he established a new political party called “Yashar! With Eisenkot.”

Eisenkot quit Benny Gantz’s National Unity party in June. He says that his new party “will work for repair, healing, and hope for Israeli society.”

According to Matan Kahana, a member of the party, the name “Yashar” was primarily a reference to comments made by freed Hamas hostage Eli Sharabi, who said in an interview earlier this year that releasing the other captives was “not about right or left [wing], but straight (Yashar).”

The party was co-founded alongside

120 members from Israel’s tech, political, and military leadership, including former Religious Affairs Minister Kahana, who resigned from Gantz’s National Unity party shortly after Eisenkot’s departure.

Following Eisenkot’s and Kahana’s resignations, the party changed its name from National Unity to Blue and White-National Unity.

Other members of the new party include former director general of the Prime Minister’s Office Yoav Horowitz; retired major general Tal Rousso; Wix president Nir Zohar; and Shir Siegel, daughter of former hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel and an activist and advocate for the hostages.

“The establishment of Yashar! With Eisenkot, it is both a personal and national imperative,” said Eisenkot in a statement. “The party will place Israel’s security and national interests above all other considerations, establish a broad governing alternative, and serve as a foundation for further unity, all to ensure the State of Israel’s existence as Jewish, democratic, and strong, in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence.”

He added, “The citizens of Israel deserve leadership that serves the public with integrity and with a deep commitment to our shared future, to Israel’s prosperity as a model society in the eyes

of its citizens and of the world.”

Since leaving Blue and White, Eisenkot has stated that while he and Gantz had worked together for many years and continue to respect each other, their differences eventually drove them apart politically. He has since been sharply critical of his former running mate, urging him to step down and pave the way for an alternative slate, as the party is now hovering around the electoral threshold.

He has also become an outspoken critic of the government’s approach to the war.

Eisenkot’s son, Gal, was killed while serving in the IDF in Gaza in December 2023, while Eisenkot was a member of a since-dissolved emergency war cabinet formed in the wake of the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, massacre and launch of the Gaza war.

Since resigning from the Knesset, he has said that Netanyahu’s government “is not worthy” of his son, of other soldiers and of hostages who have lost their lives in the nearly two-year war, due to “cowardice, because of political indecision, because of the political and ideological considerations of people who want to resettle the Gaza Strip.”

Ex-Exec at Mars Stole $28M

Paul Steed, a dual U.S. and Argentine citizen, was once a sugar market expert for candymaker Mars Wrigley, with his last position at the company as a global price risk manager. Last week, the 58-year-old appeared in federal court in Connecticut to plead guilty to fraud and tax charges in connection with his theft of $28 million from the company, federal prosecutors said.

He agreed to pay $28.4 million in restitution to Mars and owes another $10 million in back taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut David Sullivan said in a statement. Steed is free on a $5 million bail. A federal indictment accused Steed

of stealing from Mars beginning in 2013 through various schemes, including diverting funds to companies he set up. Steed sent more than $26 million of the stolen funds to one of his companies, MCNA LLC, which was created to mimic an actual Mars company, Mars Chocolate North America, prosecutors said.

Authorities say they have seized more than $18 million from Steed’s bank accounts, and Steed has agreed to forfeit the money. The government is also seeking to liquidate a home in Greenwich, Connecticut, that Steed allegedly purchased using $2.3 million of the stolen cash. Prosecutors say Steed sent another $2 million to Argentina, where he has relatives and owns a ranch.

Mars Wrigley is a subsidiary of McLean, Virginia-based Mars Inc., the maker of M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, Altoids mints and Doublemint gum, as well as other food products and pet food.

Steed’s sentencing is set for December 9.

Nadine Menendez Sentenced

On Thursday, a federal judge sentenced Nadine Menendez, the wife of disgraced former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, to 54 months in prison, following her bribery conviction in April. She was also fined $1,400.

Prosecutors asked for a sentence of seven years or more, while her lawyers asked for a one-year sentence because she is currently being treated for cancer. The official federal minimum sentence for her crimes is 17 and a half years. However, Judge Sidney H. Stein decided to lower it to four-and-a-half years because of her childhood trauma, her cancer diagnosis, and her charitable work. Additionally, her surrender date was set for July 10, 2026.

With that being said, Stein stressed that Nadine Menendez was “a central participant,” not an innocent bystander, which her lawyers portrayed her to be.

On Thursday, after arguments were made, Nadine Menendez spoke to the court, tearfully claiming that she blindly did what her husband asked her to do, never imagining that he would do anything unlawful. When asked about her

marriage, she said she has no plans of divorcing her husband.

Nadine Menendez, 58, and her senator husband were convicted of giving political favors for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash bribes and gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz, and more.

“Nadine Menendez and Sen. Menendez were partners in crime. Over the span of five years, Nadine Menendez agreed to accept and accepted all sorts of bribes – including gold bars, cash, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and a no-show job – all in exchange for the senator’s corrupt official acts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky, following her guilty verdict. “Together, Nadine Menendez and the senator placed their own interests and greed ahead of the interests of the citizens the senator was elected to serve.”

Prosecutors said, during her trial’s opening statements, that “she did the dirty work” in the couple’s schemes. They “engaged in a corrupt relationship with three New Jersey associates and businessmen” and gave sensitive information to Egyptian government officials.

When the FBI searched their home, officials found over $480,000 in cash kept in envelopes hidden in several places, gold bars, and $70,000 in her safe de-

posit box.

Weeks after being found guilty for bribery, Bob Menendez resigned from the U.S. Senate. He is now serving an 11-year sentence, though he has said he would appeal.

Mangione State Terrorism

Charges Dismissed

The state terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, were dismissed this week when he appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing in New York City.

Mangione, 27, faces both state and federal charges in the killing of Thompson, a husband and father of two, last De-

cember outside a Manhattan hotel. The 11 state charges included murder and terrorism, and the federal ones carry the possibility of the death penalty.

His lawyers have been fighting to get the state charges thrown out entirely, arguing the parallel cases amount to double jeopardy. In his written decision on Tuesday, Judge Gregory Carro ruled against their request.

The defense had also asked for the two terrorism charges to be dropped, arguing they don’t apply. Prosecutors, however, alleged Mangione’s intent was to “violently broadcast a social and political message to the public at large.”

The judge ruled to dismiss both terrorism charges – murder in the first degree in furtherance of an act of terrorism and murder in the second degree as a crime of terrorism – writing they were “legally insufficient.”

“There was no evidence presented of a desire to terrorize the public, inspire widespread fear, engage in a broader campaign of violence, or to conspire with organized terrorist groups,” Carro wrote. “Here, the crime – the heinous, but targeted and discrete killing of one person – is very different from the examples of terrorism set forth in the statute.”

Mangione will still face second-degree murder and eight weapons-related charges in the state case. If convicted of the top count, it carries a sentence of 25 years to life.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty.

“We respect the Court’s decision and will proceed on the remaining nine counts, including Murder in the Second Degree,” the Manhattan District Attorney’s office said in a statement after the ruling.

The defense also wants to suppress evidence from Mangione’s backpack, including a gun and notebook, claiming it was obtained without a search warrant Prosecutors deny those allegations.

TikTok Deal

Following two days of trade talks, the U.S. and China agreed on an outline for a TikTok deal. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the deal will be

confirmed after President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s call on Friday.

China has, until now, resisted negotiating on the issue of TikTok, a video-sharing app that Trump saved in January from a U.S. ban, as the U.S. president prefers instead to get a deal in which ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, would sell the app to U.S. investors. However, Beijing has recently made concessions in hopes of securing a state visit from Trump.

It is unclear if such a deal would also include the sale of TikTok’s algorithm, which is on Beijing’s export-control list.

The deal, if finalized, would resemble the one the U.S. proposed in April, according to a White House official. A group of U.S. investors would take an ownership stake in TikTok.

American and Chinese negotiators met in Madrid to agree on the deal’s framework. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng led China’s delegation.

Both sides said the talks were indepth, respectful, and constructive.

China hopes to have a summit between Trump and Xi this year. Though the U.S. has suggested the leaders meet in South Korea for the Asia-Pacific leaders’ gathering in October, Beijing has insisted on hosting the meeting as part of a bilateral summit in China. This month, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the United Nations General Assembly, where he will try to convince American officials to have Trump visit China this year in exchange for a U.S. visit from Xi during the G-20 summit next year.

Charlie Kirk Murdered

Last Wednesday, President Donald Trump confirmed that Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative political activist, had been shot dead while speaking in front of a group of 3,000 students and visitors at Utah Valley University. Kirk, an influential Trump ally and radio talk show host, was killed by a single bullet that hit his neck.

Following Kirk’s tragic murder, authorities launched an investigation to

38 find the gunman. On Friday, Trump announced that authorities had arrested the suspected murderer, a 22-year-old man named Tyler Robinson.

Robinson, who was identified by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, was arrested on Thursday night and faces felony charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. Robinson has no criminal record. He’s being held without bail.

Robinson was captured after a family member told a family friend, who informed authorities that the suspect had “confessed to them or implied that he committed the incident.” Authorities also linked Robinson to the crime through online messages, interviews with friends and relatives, surveillance video, and fingerprints.

Robinson, who has refused to cooperate with authorities, was in a relationship with a man who identifies as a woman. It is unclear whether that contributed to Robinson’s motive in killing Kirk, a Republican, though officials have said that the alleged murderer was an extreme leftist. Robinson was expected to appear in court for the first time on Tuesday, September 16, at 3 p.m., according to Christopher Ballard of the Utah County Attorney’s Office.

“I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump said. “What he did – Charlie Kirk was the finest person.”

Cox has asked prosecutors to pursue the death penalty for Robinson.

Robinson is a third-year student in Dixie Technical College’s electrical apprenticeship program in southwestern Utah.

Neighbors and former classmates of Robinson said they were shocked. He was very quiet, perhaps in a strange way. Robinson was deeply involved in internet and meme culture. He also stuck out politically in his conservative family.

“It looks like he became radicalized over the internet, and it seems like he has wonderful parents, born in a wonderful neighborhood, smart guy, great boards, great marks, great student,” Trump said. “Then something happened to him over a fairly short period of time.”

In social media posts from a few years ago, Robinson’s mother described him as a talented pianist, tech genius, and academically gifted.

Written on the bullet casings were several messages containing internet, meme, and movie references.

Kirk, a deeply religious man, was a highly influential figure in conservative politics. His intellectual, calm demeanor during debates on college campuses and

other settings struck a chord for many young individuals. He helped get Trump reelected and influenced the president to pick J.D. Vance as vice president.

Following her husband’s death, Erika Kirk vowed to keep her husband’s mission alive.

“The evil-doers for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done,” she said during a Turning Point USA’s YouTube livestream. “They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of G-d’s love,” she added. “They should all know this. If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you have unleashed across this country and this world.

“You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife,” she said, adding that her husband’s campus tours, radio show, and podcast would continue.

On Monday, Vice President Vance, a close friend of the late political activist, hosted a tribute episode of Kirk’s show, during which the vice president had on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and others. Vance remembered Kirk as a “true friend,” blamed left wing extremism for Kirk’s murder, and called for political peace in the U.S.

Trump ordered flags at half-staff after Kirk’s murder and said he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Honor. The Trump administration also said it would crack down on leftwing extremist groups, with the president considering designating Antifa and other groups as terrorist organizations.

Kirk will be buried in Arizona, where he lived with his family. Kirk’s funeral services will be held on Sunday, Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other high-ranking officials have promised to attend the funeral. Kirk’s body was transported from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Phoenix, on Thursday by Air Force Two.

Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children.

U.S.: Colombia Not Ally in Drug War

Each year, the U.S. government formally certifies whether several countries are fully co-operating with U.S.-led counternarcotic efforts. This week, the Trump administration officially named Colombia as a country which has “demonstrably

failed” to uphold its obligations to control drug trafficking.

The Trump administration noted that cocaine production in Colombia had surged to all-time high records under its left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, which the Colombian leader denied.

Still, the U.S. said it would not cut off the flow of aid to the country, citing “U.S. national interests” for its decision.

Other countries the U.S. said had failed to meet their targets were Afghanistan, Bolivia, Myanmar and Venezuela. Colombia was added to the list for the first time since 1997.

President Petro took to social media to respond to the U.S. allegation that during his time in office the area planted with coca bushes and the production of cocaine had reached record levels. Coca leaves are the key ingredient in cocaine.

A survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) found that coca bush cultivation had increased by 10% in 2023. The figures for 2024 are due to be released next month. Petro insists that it had been during the government of Iván Duque, his predecessor in office who governed from 2018 to 2022, that the area planted with coca saw large increases.

According to figures released by the Colombian presidency, a record 1,764 tons of cocaine were seized by government security forces between August 2022, when Petro came into office, and November 2024. Drug seizures have continued at a high level in 2025.

Petro also said that in order for coca cultivation to decrease, what was needed was for demand for cocaine to go down in the U.S. and in Europe.

The U.S. has pointed out that Petro’s peace talks with several armed groups that make their money through drug trafficking have hindered the fight against drugs.

“His failed attempts to seek accommodations with narco-terrorist groups only exacerbated the crisis,” the presidential determination submitted to U.S. Congress said.

The U.S. has suggested the Colombian government take “more aggressive action to eradicate coca and reduce cocaine production and trafficking.”

Clearing House’s Bankruptcy

Remember Publishers Clearing House and their envelopes that would come in the mail promising a windfall of money for the rest of your life? Well, all those promises are blowing in the wind, with the company declaring bankruptcy.

ARB Interactive, a mobile gaming company that bought PCH’s remaining assets, said that under the terms of the sales agreement, it would not honor payouts for those who won their life-changing prizes before July 15 of this year.

John Wyllie, 61, of Bellingham, Washington, had been promised $5,000 a week for life. He didn’t know the compa-

ny was in trouble until his annual check of $260,000 didn’t show up. Now he’s looking for a new job, but he’s not hopeful, since he hasn’t worked for more than 10 years. He is currently living on the proceeds of sales of some of his prized possessions, like a jet ski and a trailer.

“Why didn’t somebody give me a heads up? ‘Hey, we’re going out of business.’ It’s not a good way to treat anyone,” he said. “Pretty sure I’m going to lose my home.”

“This feels like a nightmare. I thought this was going to go on for the rest of my life, so I didn’t really have to worry about money,” Wyllie said.

The PCH Prize Patrol with their balloons and oversized checks became almost universally known across the county from the 1970s through early 2000s, long before national lotteries and billion-dollar jackpots started grabbing headlines. Ulike state lotteries, Publishers Clearing House allowed people to win without buying tickets or even the magazine subscriptions it was hawking.

Publishers Clearing House was started by Harold and LuEsther Mertz and their daughter Joyce in the basement of their Long Island home in 1953, selling magazine subscriptions for multiple publications at the same time through direct

mailings. PCH earned a commission on any subscriptions it sold.

In 1967, to attract attention for its mailings, the company started offering its first direct mail sweepstakes. Customers could enter for a chance to win prizes, regardless of whether or not they purchased a magazine subscription.

That part of the business expanded into its famous “Prize Patrol” in 1989, in which PCH employees would show up at winners’ home with a camera crew and oversized checks.

But Publishers Clearing House’s annual revenue dropped dramatically in recent decades, falling from $854 million in 2017 to $182 million in 2023. At the time of its bankruptcy filing in April, the company reported liabilities of between $50 million and $100 million, including the promised prizes. Assets totaled only between $1 million and $10 million, leaving it with little chance of paying its past winners.

Hochul Endorses Mamdani

Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Zohran Mamdani this week for the position of mayor of New York City.

Hochul will be facing a challenge in her party from Lt. Gov. Antonion Delgado in her next election. Many are seeing Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani as an effort to appease the far-left and stave off a primary challenge next year.

“Delgado is gaining ground on her and they want to neutralize him. There’s concern of him running to the left. She’s losing ground in the suburbs and upstate and they have to consolidate the downstate vote,” one Democrat operative noted.

The governor, in both her op-ed endorsing Mamdani and subsequent comments, gave no signs that Mamdani had offered any concessions on his controversial stances for her endorsement.

Hochul, in her op-ed, claimed to have found common ground during frank conversations with Mamdani on affordability, fighting antisemitism and his newfound respect for police.

“I disagree with many statements and I’ve said that,” she said. “But also I believe that we need someone who’s going to be open-minded and optimistic and have an attitude, a can-do attitude, that I share about knowing that the city’s best days still lie ahead.”

Hochul added, “I want to make sure that I have someone who’s not tainted or compromised because the president, who should be more concerned about dealing with the bad actors on the global stage, and let us handle our local elections here in New York and elsewhere,” she said.

“That was the final calculation.”

Mamdani’s plans for New York include a “tax the rich” plan. He has called the NYPD racist and supports the BDS movement against Israel. He has advocated for city-owned grocery stores.

Mamdani still hasn’t received official backing from other prominent Democrats in New York including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican who is vying for Hochul’s position, said that Hochul now “owns” all of Mamdani’s radical positions.

“Kathy Hochul is clearly too scared of her own abysmal polling among Demo-

crat voters that she is desperately shoring up her Far Left Democrat flank and choosing to destroy New York for hardworking families across our state,” Stefanik said in a statement.

Hochul cannot vote in the NYC mayoral election. She is registered to vote in Buffalo.

From Kitchen to Criminal

is a wonder in the kitchen. A former executive chef at San Francisco’s North Beach restaurant and part owner of Ottavio, he was celebrated for his delicious fare. But this week, the

62-year-old became known for something a bit different than delicious dishes.

Luchin was taken into custody this week after having robbed three banks in one day in a bizarre spree.

According to police, witnesses said they saw a suspect – whom they identified as Luchin – enter one bank and pass a handwritten note to terrified tellers, who handed over a bag of cash. He was later linked to two other robberies all on the same day.

The alleged robbery binge is not the first time Luchin has been connected to a bank robbery, with the chef having been arrested in 2018 after allegedly walking out of a Citibank in Orinda, California, with $18,000 in cash. Surveillance footage captured a man dressed in a hoodie, black sunglasses and white gloves reportedly brandishing a semiautomatic BB gun.

Luchin was arrested at his home the same day, with authorities recovering the cash and pellet gun.

He told the East Bay Times at the time he “thought it was a good plan” before stating: “But it was not.” He added: “My action wasn’t aggressive. It was a fake gun. I don’t even know how to load a real gun.” The chef even went on to claim he had written an apology to the bank

teller he threatened with the weapon. It is unclear whether he was ever charged in relation to the alleged robbery.

Italian Luchin has worked in the U.S. since 1993 and quickly became celebrated in California as a purveyor of his home country’s cuisine at the famous Rose Pistola.

Luchin had defaulted on a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan payment before his restaurant Ottavio closed, and he and his wife reportedly owed $110,000 with just $27,000 in assets.

Clearly, he has money issues.

Wallet Behind a Wall

Tom Schopf was 17 years old and a student at Stoney Creek’s Orchard Park Secondary School when he lost his wallet. Knowing that his wallet was probably

Valentino Luchin

never going to be found, the teen worked on getting himself a new driver’s license and other important documents that had been there. But 51 years later, Schopf was shocked when his wallet made an appearance.

Workers doing renovations at the high school in Ontario made a surprising discovery behind a bathroom wall: Schopf’s wallet.

Lorna MacQueen, caretaker at Stoney Creek’s Orchard Park Secondary School, said construction workers were tearing down a bathroom at the facility a few weeks ago when they found the wallet.

The wallet contained items belonging to Tom Schopf, who was a 17-year-old student at the school in 1974. The contents included student IDs, a driver’s license, a social insurance card, photos of family and friends, a Eurail transit pass, price lists from a Canadian distillery and a 35-cent ticket to a hockey game.

“To find something like that and see things from before we were even born, it was pretty cool,” MacQueen said. “We thought, ‘We’ve got to find this guy and give it back to him. After 50 years, he’s going to want it.’”

MacQueen and her team were able to contact the now-67-year-old Schopf on Facebook.

“Initially, I thought it was a prank,” Schopf said, “because they’re saying there’s a social insurance card and a birth certificate in there, and I thought, ‘Well, I already have those things.’ But in reflection, I remembered I renewed them at some point and said I might as well go down to the school and check this out.”

Schopf visited the school on Friday afternoon and discovered it was indeed the wallet that he had forgotten ever losing.

One of the photos in the wallet included a shot of his childhood home.

“The house was built in 1960; my mom still lives there. I went over to show her and we had a good chuckle looking at everything,” he said.

It is most likely that Schopf had dropped his wallet in the bathroom and someone discovered it and threw it into the ceiling tiles after removing the cash.

“Flipping through the things in there, it was trip down amnesia lane,” Schopf said.

There are some things you just never forget.

Stone Skimming Scandal

A scandal at the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland has been rocking the boat and has led to the disqualification of several competitors.

The event is held every September in the western Scottish island of Easdale.

The rules of the competition require the stones thrown by competitors to skim across the surface of the water to be naturally occurring slate from the island, but several competitors in this year’s event were found to be wielding rocks that appeared to have been shaped and smoothed by machine.

Some of the stones appeared to have artificial notches created to aid in throwing.

“I got calls from concerned compet-

itors. They were worried people might think that’s how things are done here,” Kyle Mathews, the event’s “Toss Master,” shared. “I contacted the individuals, who admitted their transgressions, and I had to disqualify them. To give them their credit, they deeply apologized for bringing the sport into disrepute and accepted disqualification, and we accept that’s the end of the matter.”

Mathews said organizers are considering new rules for future competitions requiring participants to choose from stones selected by officials instead of finding their own.

The winner of the championships wins a trophy.

The first round of the competition features competitors attempting to skip their stones across the surface of the water to the back wall of the quarry, a distance of about 206 feet. Those who qualify for the second round then engage in a “toss off” to determine the winner.

Kentucky man Jonathan Jennings became the competition’s first-ever American winner in the adult male category of this year’s event. Lucy Woods won the adult female category for the sixth time.

Can we say they hit rock bottom?

Around the Community

History in the Making: HANC Opens New Campus in West Hempstead

History was made on September 4, as the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC) proudly opened its brand-new, state-of-the-art Reinstein Family Campus in West Hempstead, housing its Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School divisions all under one roof. This marks the first new school building to open in West Hempstead in decades, and it represents not only a new beginning, but the fulfillment of a dream that was years in the making.

Under a sparkling clear blue sky, Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, Head of School for HANC Nursery-8th Grade, welcomed more than 700 students and staff to the magnificent 100,000-square-foot facility. He shared words that connected the moment to the school’s rich legacy: “We stand on the shoulders of the founding Torah giants that came before us. Rabbi Fendel, Rabbi Gottesman, and Rabbi Kelemer ran the 25 miles of the marathon that brought HANC to this moment. Today we are the lucky ones who get to cross the finish line.”

That sense of history was felt deeply throughout the day. Seventy-five years ago, HANC began humbly in a small

house on Hempstead Avenue with just ten children. From those modest beginnings, the vision of providing a Torah-true education has grown into a flourishing Yeshiva community that now fills a magnificent new home. Indeed, how far we have come!

The celebration was as joyous as it was historic. With festive music playing, students walked a red carpet and entered through an archway of balloons, their faces lit with wonder as they stepped inside their long-anticipated school for the very first time. Just inside the atrium, they encountered the Rabbi Moshe Gottesman zt”l Beit Midrash, the spacious focal point of the first floor, testifying to the Torah’s central place in all of HANC’s educational programs.

The new facility was designed to enhance HANC’s robust curriculum and provide students with every opportunity to learn, create, and grow. Beyond advanced classrooms and cutting-edge teaching technologies, the building includes collaborative learning spaces, a music room, art studio, STEAM labs, designated instruction rooms for resource and support services, an Early

Childhood indoor play space, calming rooms and quiet spaces, a sensory play space, and multidisciplinary therapy rooms. The third floor is home to HANC Middle School, with large colorful classrooms, enrichment spaces, additional STEAM labs, an art studio, and a student lounge, all carefully designed to foster independence, spark creativity, and encourage intellectual exploration.

Behind the school building lies an expansive outdoor area with playgrounds, basketball courts, and grassy fields, offering children a multitude of opportunities to run, climb, and play. This vibrant

space will also serve as a gathering place for school-wide events and community celebrations, further strengthening the bonds of the HANC family. With its student population already surpassing 700 and expected to grow dramatically, the new campus provides ample space to meet the increasing demand for a warm, nurturing, Torah-centered education. More than just a school building, the new HANC campus stands as a symbol of vision, perseverance, and community, a crown jewel of Jewish education in the United States and beyond.

Shulamith School for Girls Ushers in Rosh Hashana with Sound, Reflection,

and

Emunah

As Rosh Hashana approached, the halls of Shulamith School for Girls were filled not only with the sounds of preparation but with meaning, introspection, and connection. In grades 1-4, Mrs. Fraida Levine led an unforgettable and immersive workshop that brought the shofar to life in a tangible and emotional way. Her program, titled “The Museum of Sound,” invited students to experience how different sounds affect our hearts, our minds, and our growth. The workshop began with a hands-on demonstration of the shofar and its distinct sounds—tekiah, shevarim, and teruah. Mrs. Levine explained the kedusha and emotional messages behind each blast, emphasizing how these sounds affect our connection with Hashem. Each station encouraged discussion and reflection on how sounds influence our emotions and actions.

For the middle school students, a meaningful program was led by Dr. Gross and Mrs. Farbman, focusing on the powerful symbolism of the shofar’s sounds— especially the contrast between brokenness and wholeness. Students broke into small groups where they shared personal reflections on moments from the past year when they felt “broken” or challenged. These discussions fostered a sense of connection, empathy, and vulnerability, helping each girl see that she is not alone—and that there is strength in shared experience and in faith. To conclude the program, each student con-

tributed to creating a mosaic trivet. The mosaic served as a powerful metaphor: just like broken pieces can form something whole and beautiful, our broken moments can lead to growth and healing when we hold on to emunah in Hashem. Together, these two programs reflected the heart of Rosh Hashanah—a time to listen, reflect, grow, and believe.

At Shulamith, students are not only learning about Jewish holidays; they are living them with emotion, understanding, and connection. As we enter the new year, may all our students and families be blessed with health, happiness, growth, and the strength to turn every broken sound into a song of wholeness. Shana tovah u’metukah!

Achdus at HALB

The eighth grade girls at HALB spent the day at Adventure Park. They focused on team building and achdus. The girls all had a blast!

New Partnerships at MTA

MTA is taking student life to the next level this year with exciting new partnerships that enrich both extracurricular opportunities and community service. At the annual Club Fair, talmidim explored more than 50 clubs and publications, made even more accessible through MTA’s new partnership with ClubHub. This initiative streamlines the process of learning about and joining clubs, ensuring that every student can find an amazing opportunity to get involved.

Beyond clubs, MTA has also deepened its commitment to chessed through a new

partnership with JustOne Chessed, which tracks and incentivizes the acts of kindness performed by talmidim. Already, talmidim has begun making an impact: 10th graders spent time cleaning a Jewish cemetery, while 11th graders volunteered at Yad Leah, preparing clothing to send to aniyei Eretz Yisrael.

Together, these partnerships reflect MTA’s mission of fostering growth, leadership, and responsibility both in and out of the classroom. With so many opportunities to get involved, this year promises to be one of unparalleled energy, achdus, and meaning for every talmid.

A New Zman at Yeshiva Kol Torah

HAFTR HS Boys’ Shabbaton Generates a Sense of Belonging

HAFTR High School’s Boys’ Shabbaton at Camp Seneca Lake this past Shabbat was extraordinary. From the moment the buses arrived until the final notes of Havdalah echoed in the air, the weekend was filled with ruach, achdut, and the kind of shared experiences that make HAFTR a true makom shelanu — a place of belonging. Throughout the weekend, the beautiful facilities of Camp Seneca Lake provided the perfect backdrop for sports, relaxation, and camaraderie. Whether playing basketball, football, or simply enjoying time together, students deepened friendships and celebrated the joy of being part of the HAFTR family.

The Shabbaton began with excitement as students gathered for the first-ever HAFTR Bowl, a flag-football tournament that brought energy and teamwork to the

fields. Teams were drafted by the senior captains on Thursday night and set a tone for spirited competition and school pride.

The highlight of the Shabbaton was the presence of YU Maccabees basketball star Zevi Samet, who inspired students both on and off the court. Zevi not only showcased his skills in friendly drills with the boys but also shared words of Torah and encouragement, reminding them that true greatness comes from making a Kiddush Hashem in everything we do. His message of combining athletic achievement with Torah values resonated deeply with the students.

The Shabbaton was also marked by uplifting spiritual moments. Tefillot were filled with song and spirit, zemirot and divrei Torah were especially moving, and the general feeling of achdut was inspiring. Perhaps most meaningful were the

bonds formed between talmidim and Rabbeim. From engaging shiurim to heartfelt conversations, from singing at the oneg to simply spending time together, the Shabbaton created space for lasting relationships to grow.

Of course, no Shabbaton would be complete without plentiful and delicious food, which added to the warmth and enjoyment of the weekend and made every seudah feel like a true celebration.

By the time students returned home, they carried with them several memories and a sense of belonging. Students came back with strengthened friendships, renewed pride in their Jewish identity, and an even deeper appreciation for the values that define HAFTR. The Shabbaton was a living expression of community, belonging, and inspiration, setting the tone for a year filled with growth and achdut.

Rabbi Sacks’ Chumash Published: “The Culmination of His Life’s Work”

Koren Jerusalem has released the Koren Sacks Humash, featuring Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ complete translation and commentary on the Five Books of the Torah, alongside Rashi and Targum Onkelos.

The volume represents more than forty years of Rabbi Sacks’ scholarship and teaching. Thousands of copies have already been pre-ordered and donated to synagogues worldwide to enhance Torah readings, while its extensive bibliography supports serious, long-term study.

At its core, this Chumash embodies Rabbi Sacks’ lifelong project: Torah commentary that engages the world. His insights bridge ancient wisdom and contemporary thought, offering intellectually rigorous and spiritually deep Torah study for a generation seeking relevance without compromise.

Matthew Miller, publisher at Koren Jerusalem, said: “Rabbi Sacks created Torah commentary for our generation – deeply rooted in tradition yet fully engaged with the modern world. This Chumash reflects that vision, bringing his insights to the heart of Jewish study and synagogue life, and ensuring his voice continues to inspire future generations.”

Joanna Benarroch, president of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy, added: “This Chumash is the fulfillment of one of Rabbi Sacks’ lifelong dreams and the culmination of his life’s work. It brings together his translation and commentary in a way that makes his thought accessible to every reader, and we are proud to see it now in the hands of communities around the world.”

Lady Elaine Sacks said: “I find it very special to see how many people, in so many parts of the world, are already using the Koren Sacks Humash. To know that my husband’s voice will continue to guide future generations, is deeply moving for myself and my family.”

Rabbi Sacks was a unique leader whose moral clarity and intellectual depth inspired both religious and secular audiences worldwide. Through his books, lectures, and public presence, he influ-

enced hundreds of thousands, making him one of the most significant Jewish voices of modern times.

His philosophy was always of a Judaism engaged with the world: showing how Western thought could enrich Jewish tradition, and how Jewish values could, in turn, heal a fractured world.

The release of the Koren Sacks Humash comes as Rabbi Sacks’ global influence continues to grow. King Charles III eulogized him as “a light unto our nation,” yet his reach extends far beyond the United Kingdom. His works have been translated into 15 languages, and in Israel he has become both a bestselling rabbinic author and a household name.

For individuals, this Chumash offers Torah commentary that connects timeless wisdom to the questions of modern life – family, ethics, purpose, and meaning. For institutions, it provides a resource for communities seeking Torah study that speaks seriously to contemporary thought while remaining deeply anchored in tradition.

Talmidim at Siach Yitzchok preparing for the upcoming yomim tovim

Rav Yaakov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva, delivering a vaad to the Kollel and Kibbutz of Yeshiva Darchei Torah

The Lev Chana students are all ready for Rosh Hashana! They spent the first few weeks of school learning all about the shofar, the new fruits and the importance of the day.

Elul Comes Alive at DRS: A Week of Ruach and Inspiration

DRS opened the month of Elul with a week packed with energy, inspiration, achdus, and preparation for the Yamim Noraim. Last Thursday night, the juniors gathered for a spirited “Leil Shishi” that featured a BBQ, a crackling bonfire, and lively singing as Rabbi Kaminetsky played guitar and led songs that set a warm, upbeat tone. At the same time, the seniors joined Rabbi Aryeh Cohen for their weekly chizuk session, a focused opportunity to gain inspiration and direction as the Yemei HaDin approach.

By Friday afternoon, the building was buzzing with pre-Shabbos ruach, the lob -

by filled with voices singing together in anticipation of Shabbos. That evening the senior class continued the momentum at a tisch hosted by Rabbi Yudin, where stories, songs, and words of Torah strengthened the sense of unity and purpose.

The excitement continues in the weeks ahead with a DRS Moms Leil Iyun featuring shiurim from our Rabbeim, a Father-Son Kinus Teshuva for shared reflection and inspiration, and the much-anticipated Freshmen Shabbaton at Camp Kaylie. With each event, DRS is helping its talmidim embrace Elul with growth, connection, and authentic ruach.

5 Towns Flag Football Week #2

Week 2 in the 5 Towns Flag Football League delivered an amazing slate of games across all ages, with crazy plays and big wins highlighted by first-grade matchups where the Giants beat the Patriots and the Jets topped the Broncos, followed by second grade as the Jets defeated the Broncos and the Patriots upset the Giants, then third and fourth grade action seeing the Steelers beat the Packers, the Patriots defeat the Raiders, the Giants overcome the Broncos, the Jets edge the Eagles, and the Seahawks topple the Vikings, while in the fifth and sixth grades the Panthers defeated the Vikings, the Broncos beat the Giants, the Jets and Steelers tied, and the Patriots beat the Eagles, and in the seventh and eighth

grades the Patriots defeated the Eagles. Standout plays came from Ari Kapnick, Hillel Goldberg, Ariel Fleksher, and Yaakov Frishman, making Week 2 a thrilling showcase as we look ahead to Week 3 with more exciting matchups on the horizon.

Shulamith ECC students were all smiles exploring their new sensory gym

A Work of Heart

Each year, HALB Middle School girls choose a theme which guides their activities and discussions. Last week, the eighth grade Theme Heads kicked off this year’s theme: A Work of Heart! Everyone is very excited to experience the fun activities and programs using this year’s theme.

Yeshiva Har Torah Early Childhood Kickoff Brings Smiles and Excitement

The new school year began on a high note at Yeshiva Har Torah Early Childhood with the annual Early Childhood Kickoff event, welcoming Pre-K and Kindergarten students in the most joyful way!

The big highlight of the Sunday morning event was a lively balloon show, sponsored by the PTA. Giggles and cheers filled the room as bright and colorful balloon animals, crowns, and silly shapes came to life. The children’s faces lit up with excitement, and the playful energy was contagious.

But the kickoff was about more than balloons and fun – it was also a chance for families to meet and connect! With many of our children coming from different neighborhoods, this gathering created a wonderful opportunity to build friendships, strengthen bonds, and feel part of the YHT family right from the start.

Students, parents, and teachers joined in the fun, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for the

year ahead. Thanks to the PTA’s generosity, the Early Childhood Kickoff was the perfect way to launch a year filled with learning, laughter, connection, and growth. The event ended with a special touch, a small gift to help families get ready for Rosh Hashana: a simanim card for each family to enjoy together!

HAFTR kindergarten visited Gourmet Glatt to learn about the simanim for Rosh Hashana and had some unique experiences, including learning about the pomegranate, seeing a real honeycomb, and even touching a fish!

HANC High School Back in Action

By Eyal Traeger

On Tuesday, September 2, HANC High School hosted their annual Freshmen Orientation. Students were greeted on the lawn by administrators, directors, upper classmates, music and great vibes.

In addition to important information sessions including a student panel, with Annie Goldschmiedt, ‘26 and David Alper, ‘28, the freshmen participated in team building activities which included balloon races and rolling down a series of disconnected pipes. It was truly great to see so many students from different middle schools bonding together as the new Class of 2029!

Students also received schedules and Chromebooks, set up lockers and emails, and met with administrators all to ensure a seamless transition to a successful high school career. To conclude the eventful afternoon, the students enjoyed an early pizza dinner.

Not to be left out of the excitement, the rest of the student body joined their teachers at a Welcome Back BBQ. Rabbi Rudansky hosted the 10-12 grade boys, and Mrs. Hus hosted the 10-12 grade girls. The students enjoyed great food, divrei Torah and spending time with their friends. They played games and

shared stories from their summer vaca tions.

nual Opening Ceremony kicked off the new school year, for the entire school in the Hurricane Center. Prior to the cer emony, the Class of 2026 received their senior shirts and then made their grand entrance into the auditorium with ru ach and excitement. Jonah Galanti ‘27, led with Tehillim. Rabbi Slomnicki, the Menahel/Principal, warmly welcomed the Freshman Class of 2029, the entire school and shared divrei Torah. Rabbi Slomnicki introduced new faculty, and welcomed back the administrative team, department chair and all faculty. A special warm welcome was extended to HANC High School’s new Assistant Principal, Ms. Ariella Simpson.

The excitement was palpable amongst all in attendance as for the first time in HANC’s history, the High School occupies the entire Mitchel Field Campus. Students were thrilled to learn about the newest spaces available to them and the new opportunities for this year.

Before heading outdoors for music, s’mores and great vibes amongst the students and faculty, surprise raffles were awarded to lucky students and everyone celebrated the winners and the start of the new academic year.

Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky, rav of Khal Mevakshei Hashem in Lawrence, selecting a beautiful esrog from Eretz Yisroel in preparation for the Yom Tov of Sukkos

Supervisor John Ferretti and the Hempstead Town Board hosted a 9-11 Memorial Ceremony at Point Lookout to mark the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001

Protecting Your Home: Using a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT)

For many families, the home is more than just a financial asset—it is the place where memories are made and the foundation of a family’s legacy. Yet, when long-term care becomes necessary, that cherished home can suddenly be at risk. Medicaid, the program that helps cover nursing home and in-home care costs, has strict rules that allow it to place a lien on your home during your lifetime or recover its value after your death to pay for the care it provided. This is where a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, or MAPT, can be a lifesaver.

A MAPT is a specialized irrevocable trust designed to protect your home and other valuable assets from being counted by Medicaid when determining eligibility for long-term care benefits. Here’s how it works: when you transfer your home into a MAPT, you no longer legally own the property. Instead, the trust owns it, and you name a trustee—often an adult child or another trusted family member—to manage it on your behalf. While you give up direct ownership, you typically retain the right to live in the home for the rest of your life. The trust also protects the property so that, after your passing, it can go to your heirs instead of being seized by Medicaid.

Timing is critical. Medicaid imposes a five-year “lookback period,” meaning that any transfers of assets within five years of applying for Medicaid coverage are scrutinized. Transfers made during this window can result in a penalty period where you are ineligible for benefits, forcing you to spend down your assets before receiving assistance. This is why setting up a MAPT well in advance—ideally when you are healthy and still independent—is so important. The earlier the trust is established and properly funded, the sooner that five-year clock starts

ticking, and the greater the protection for your home and other assets.

Consider the example of Mr. and Mrs. Kaplan, a couple in Westchester. In their late 60s, they worked with an estate planning attorney to transfer their family home, valued at $600,000, into a MAPT. They continued to live in the home as they always had, paying the taxes and upkeep, but legally, the trust owned the property. Seven years later, Mr. Kaplan needed nursing home care. Because the lookback period had long since expired, their home was fully protected, and Medicaid covered his care without forcing Mrs. Kaplan to sell or risk losing the house after his passing. After both spouses passed away, their children inherited the home—exactly as their parents intended.

Contrast this with the story of Mrs. Fields, who never planned ahead. When she required nursing home care at 82, her family applied for Medicaid and was stunned to learn that her home would be subject to a lien. After her passing, Medicaid recovered nearly the entire value of her house to cover the cost of care, leaving her children with nothing. A MAPT established years earlier could have preserved that asset for her family.

The benefits of a MAPT go beyond protecting the home from Medicaid. Because the trust is irrevocable, assets in the trust are also shielded from creditors and certain lawsuits, providing an additional layer of protection. A MAPT can also help streamline the administration of your estate, since assets in the trust avoid probate. And because you typically retain the right to live in your home for your lifetime, there’s no disruption to your daily life.

It’s important to understand that while you give up legal ownership, you do

not give up control entirely. By carefully choosing your trustee and setting clear instructions in the trust document, you can ensure that your wishes are followed. Many families appoint a child as trustee while naming a backup trustee in case circumstances change. The trust can also allow you to receive income from certain assets, though you cannot access the principal without risking Medicaid protection.

Creating a MAPT requires careful planning and skilled legal guidance. A poorly drafted trust or improper transfer of assets can jeopardize your eligibility for Medicaid or create unintended tax consequences. That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced elder law attorney who understands both the legal requirements and the practical realities of Medicaid planning. A good attorney will tailor the trust to your specific needs, coordinate it with your broader estate plan, and ensure all the necessary paperwork is properly executed and recorded.

Tax implications are another area where professional guidance is key. When you transfer your home into a MAPT, you still retain what is known as a “step-up in basis,” meaning your heirs won’t face significant capital gains taxes if they decide to sell the property after your death. This makes the trust an efficient tool for passing the home to the next generation while preserving its full value.

Another common concern is what happens if you want to sell your home after it’s in the trust. The good news is that the trustee can sell the home, and the proceeds stay protected within the trust. The funds can then be used to purchase another home, or they can remain in the trust as an investment. This flexibility means that setting up a MAPT doesn’t lock you into one property for the rest of

your life.

The peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is protected is invaluable. Families often describe a sense of relief once the trust is in place, knowing that the home they worked so hard to build will remain in the family no matter what the future brings. It also gives adult children clarity and confidence in managing their parents’ care, since they know that financial decisions won’t put the family home at risk.

Planning ahead also avoids the stress and family conflict that often arise when long-term care needs appear suddenly. Without a plan, families may be forced to make quick, difficult decisions under pressure, often selling assets or scrambling to find ways to cover care costs. By setting up a MAPT early, you give your family the gift of time, options, and security.

Every family’s situation is unique, and a MAPT is not the right tool for everyone. Some families may benefit more from different planning strategies, especially if they have significant liquid assets or complex investment portfolios. The key is to start the conversation early and explore your options with a professional who can help you balance your goals for care, asset protection, and legacy planning.

For families who value their home and want to ensure it passes to the next generation, a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust can be one of the most powerful tools available. It offers a way to protect what matters most while still qualifying for the benefits you may need in the future.

To learn how to protect you and your family, visit www.haaszaltz.com or call 516-979-1060. You can also email info@ haaszaltz.com for a consultation.

Learning About Bravery: YOSS Learns about

the Heroes of 9/11

Although Mrs. Sebag’s second graders at YOSS are too young to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, they spent time this week learning about the day and honoring its heroes.

The students began by reading Fireboat by Maira Kalman, which tells the true story of the John J. Harvey, a retired fireboat brought back into service on 9/11 to help save lives. They were then privileged to welcome Chief Richie Taylor, the highest-ranking frum police officer in the NYPD, who spoke about his experiences as both a Hatzalah EMT and an Auxiliary Police Officer at Ground Zero on 9/11. His stories gave the children a meaningful glimpse into courage, faith, and service during one of America’s darkest days.

SKA

To conclude this powerful learning experience, the students wrote heartfelt letters of gratitude to local firefighters, police officers, and Hatzalah members, thanking them for their bravery and for keeping the community safe each and every day.

Prepares for Rosh Hashana with Meaningful Programs

As Rosh Hashana approaches, the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls (SKA) calendar is filled with uplifting programs to inspire both students and the wider community.

The week began with a schoolwide kumzitz led by Avigail, visiting from Israel, whose husband is currently serving in the IDF. Her heartfelt words and powerful songs helped set an introspective tone for the new year. Another hallmark SKA tradition is Tefilla on the Beach, where students gather at sunrise along the shore to daven together, making their prayers more meaningful and deeply connected to the Creator of the world.

On Thursday night, students and faculty joined together for a special Leil Shishi program, where teachers and students explored the machzor in order to enhance their Rosh Hashana davening. Taking SKA on the road again, we are proud to offer continued learning opportunities

for alumnae and mothers through our Shabbos Shuva Shiurim taking place in the Five Towns, West Hempstead, and Brooklyn.

These are a sampling of our innovative and creative programs. SKA continues to foster an environment of growth, connection, and spiritual preparation for the Yamim Noraim. The entire SKA family wishes the community a year of health, joy, and blessing.

Wishing Klal Yisroel a year of brachot and yeshuot!

Around the Community

Chai Lifeline Brings Simchas Yom Tov to Families Nationwide

As Jews everywhere prepare their homes for Rosh Hashana and Sukkos, families struggling with the challenges of serious illness face an even heavier burden. In the midst of hospital stays, mounting medical bills, and the exhaustion of caring for a sick child, the thought of Yom Tov can feel anything but joyous.

That’s why, in community after community, Chai Lifeline staff and volunteers are working around the clock to ensure no family is left to navigate the holidays alone.

In the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashana, Chai Lifeline regions across New York, New Jersey, the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and West Coast have been coordinating practical, finan-

cial, and emotional Yom Tov support for families in need.

Thousands of meals and grocery packages are being delivered to homes and hospitals for those unable to prepare on their own, along with beautiful dinnerware to help enhance the Yom Tov experience. Families struggling under the weight of medical expenses are receiving financial assistance, as well as help with pre-Yom Tov needs such as wash-andsets and sukkah building. To bring added simcha to the holidays, each region is also arranging special programming and Chol Hamoed outings for children and their siblings.

“Illness doesn’t stop for yom tov,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “But neither does the chessed of Klal

Yisroel. Our staff, volunteers, and supporters ensure that every family, no matter what they’re going through, can welcome the new year with hope, and joy.”

Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff, Chai Lifeline’s National Director of Client Services, added, “Each package delivered, each meal prepared, each sukkah built is a message to our families: you are not alone. Klal Yisroel stands with you, carrying your burdens and helping you find moments of simcha during yom tov.”

Thanks to the generosity of Chai Lifeline’s supporters and the dedication of its volunteers, hundreds of families facing the unimaginable will sit at their Yom Tov tables this year with a little more peace of mind, a little more strength, and the comforting knowledge that the Jewish community is by their side.

Niggun Chabura: Elul Inner Awakening

What an unforgettable evening unfolded last Wednesday night in the Aish Kodesh trailer. The space, usually modest, was transformed into a glowing venue filled with 250 beautiful Jewish souls, all gathered with a single purpose: to be uplifted by niggunim, Torah, and the spirit of unity.

From the first notes, it was clear that this was far more than a concert. Niggun Chabura created an experience where music, Torah, and tefillah merged seamlessly into one. Every person in the room became part of it — not passive listeners, but active participants swaying, singing, and pouring their hearts into each melody.

To support Chai Lifeline families this Rosh Hashana, visit chailifeline.org/rh.

The music was led by Chaim Ghoori, Gavriel Reichmann (EKEV), and Shlomo Ghoori, whose voices and melodies carried the room upward. They were joined by Daniel Gur (percussion), Tani Frisch (guitar), and Nati Broyde (keys), with sound and lighting by Kol Veor and engineering by Yoni Greenwald. Interwoven throughout was the Torah of Reb Yirmi Ginsberg, whose words framed the evening with meaning and opened pathways for the music to be felt not only in our ears but in our souls.

Yet what stood out most was the achdus. The musicians never placed themselves at the center; rather, they invited everyone in. The room became a single voice, a single tefillah, rising higher with each song. At moments, the kedusha was tangible — a holiness that could be felt in the air, in the sway of the crowd, and in the tears and smiles that flowed as naturally as the music itself.

Rav Kook once wrote: “There are times when a simple niggun can lift a person out of his narrowness and open for him the gates of heaven, something that even

the most elevated discourse in Torah or mussar cannot accomplish.” (Orot HaKodesh II, p. 437)

To everyone who was there — thank you. You didn’t just attend an event; you helped create it. Niggun Chabura is built on this very truth: that when we come together with music, Torah, and sincerity, we discover who we truly are.

ABOUT THE NIGGUN CHABURA: The Niggun Chabura blends soulful music with deep Torah insights to inspire and connect hearts. It was founded in 2023 by Reb Yirmi Ginsberg, a mashpia in Kehillas Aish Kodesh of Woodmere.

- Join our Whatsapp Announcements Chat: www.tinyurl.com/niggunchat

- Learn More: www.niggunchabura. com

- Contact Us: niggunchabura@gmail. com. Reach out if you’re a musician looking to join this meaningful initiative or want to bring the Niggun Chabura experience to your community!

YUHSG Launches Year with First Annual Schoolwide Retreat

The 2025-2026 school year is already off to a memorable start at the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central), with an eagerly anticipated highlight of the fall calendar: the first-ever YUHSG schoolwide retreat, which was held September 11 and 12 at Camp Kaylie. Anchored by this year’s school theme, Full Hearts, Full Souls, the retreat united all four grades for two days of connection, spirit, and community building.

“We’re so excited to be launching our first-ever schoolwide retreat!” said YUHSG’s Director of Student Activities, Mrs. Sydney Yaros, who arranged this year’s event. “It’s an amazing opportunity for us to start off the year together as a whole school – having fun, bonding, learning, and setting goals for our year.”

The theme was woven into programming throughout the retreat, as students were encouraged to bring their full selves – heart, soul, and spirit – into every activity.

Festivities begin on Thursday morn-

ing with grade-wide trips ranging from shopping trips to Woodbury Commons to visits to stops at the Liberty Heights Trampoline and Adventure Park, giving students the chance to enjoy time together outside of the classroom. Later in the day, students headed to Camp Kaylie for an afternoon filled with classic Wildcat team-building activities intended to inspire the high points of the theme – a sense of passion and purpose for the school year ahead. Thursday night also brought a retreat highlight: the epic grade-wide dress-up Chagigah (the theme for this year’s Chagigah: Sporty Style, in tribute to YUHSG’s brand-new outdoor sport court). The Chagigah was followed by a schoolwide Erev Shabbos Tisch, bringing students together in song and ruach as they prepared for Shabbos. Thursday night closed with a senior bonfire under the stars, complete with more food, music, and camaraderie. Friday opened with breakfast and a schoolwide closing program before buses bound for the Holliswood campus arrived.

All four classes of Wildcats enjoyed the chance to relax, recharge, and learn with one another. For the class of 2029, the retreat served as a particularly important milestone, offering the newcomers a chance to feel fully welcomed into the YUHSG community. Just as the school’s new renovations provide fresh physical spaces for learning and growth, the retreat provided a spiritual and communal foundation for a year of

unity, happiness, and purpose. And the new semester is just getting started: Back to School night will take place on Monday, September 15, and provides Central parents a chance to meet their daughters’ teachers and experience their daily schedule. Other September events include YUHSG Club Day on September 18 and YUHSG’s Community Challah Bake on Monday, September 29.

Ezra Academy Begins the Year with Unprecedented Energy and Growth

Ezra Academy has launched the new school year with extraordinary momentum, welcoming one of the largest incoming ninth grade classes in its history. The excitement is palpable throughout the building, as students and faculty alike feel the buzz of fresh beginnings, new friendships, and renewed commitment to both academic and spiritual excellence. With so many new faces joining the Ezra family, the energy in the hallways and classrooms is brighter than ever before.

As always, Ezra Academy is placing a strong emphasis on spiritual growth, and the students have taken ownership of this mission in remarkable ways. The newest members of Ezra immediately stepped

forward and volunteered to participate in an early morning Kollel program. Motivated by the inspiring example of the senior class, they have shown their dedication by arriving before school hours to immerse themselves in Torah learning. Their enthusiasm has set a powerful tone for the entire student body, reminding everyone that true growth begins with commitment and consistency.

Not to be outdone, the girls of Ezra have already launched a new initiative of their own. They encouraged their Rabbi to arrive early on Thursday mornings to begin a program focused on tefillah called Shalhevet Chava. This program allows the girls to explore the depth, meaning, and beauty of prayer in a warm and

empowering setting. Their eagerness to go above and beyond their regular schedule reflects the passion and drive that have come to define Ezra Academy students.

With incredible new morahs, rabbis, and teachers joining the staff, the atmosphere in school is simply electric. From the energy of the ninth graders, to the leadership of the seniors, to the creative initiatives sprouting up across the grades, Ezra Academy is thriving. As the students continue to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally, the school itself continues to expand and flourish. Ezra has always been a place where passion and purpose meet—and this year promises to be one of the most inspiring yet.

Ezra Academy is abuzz, and the future has never looked brighter.

Rav Aaron Wahl’s fifth grade talmidim at Yeshiva Darchei Torah learning about tekias shofar and about the schach of a sukkah

Work At It Runs Workshop On “Building Student Motivation” for Machon Sarah TAG Faculty

With the school year starting, Work At It continues to expand its operations to ensure that every young person, even those who do not naturally fit into the conventional school system, has a comfortable place in our community. On Tuesday, September 2, Rabbi Yaakov Mintz, educational advocate for Work At It, ran a workshop for the TAG faculty aimed at understanding the learning motivation of teens and giving research-based approaches to best meet the needs of students who lack motivation to learn.

Over the summer, TAG principal, Mrs. Aliza Kadosh, worked closely with

Rabbi Mintz on ideas for a workshop that would be meaningful and relevant to the faculty. Mrs. Kadosh identified the trend of decreasing student motivation as a concern that she has seen and decided that this would be an important area to focus on in this workshop.

In this interactive program, teachers worked in groups to identify the common patterns observed in their students’ classroom motivation, as well as build systems to help stimulate student curiosity and motivation to learn. Workshop material was rooted in theories of motivation and brain chemistry, as well as the work of Dr. Judy Willis, MD, on ap -

JSL Week Two Recap

The regular season of JSL, brought to you by FM Home Loans, kicked off with highlights galore! Each boy received their team jersey and there were a ton of close games this week!

K/P Hockey

Smash House took care of business with a 4-2 win over Standout Care, powered by Shmuel Ozeri, who notched 4 saves and 2 assists to earn Game MVP honors.

Maidenbaum topped Marciano PD, thanks to the stellar defense and allaround brilliance of Nosson Tzvi Fogel, who controlled the game from start to finish.

SD Shades pulled off the most dramatic finish of the week, as Aryeh Kletzick buried the buzzer beater to secure a 2-1 win over Demo & Cleanouts, who got a terrific effort from Yoni Braun.

1st Grade Hockey

SR Whee outlasted Tikva Fire 5-4 in a back-and-forth classic, with Dovy Perl proving to be a difference maker.

Posh powered past 5TownsCentral 9-5, behind a commanding performance from Eliyahu Dancykier, who led the charge on both ends of the court.

2nd/3rd Grade Hockey

Eliyahu Zauderer scored early and often, leading J Works Construction to an 8-4 win over Growtha.

Custom Closets edged out Town Appliance in a tight 6-5 battle, with Dave Erez turning in a Game MVP-worthy performance.

Styles Designs Interiors beat Newman

plying principles of neurological science to classroom practice. Each department was given the chance to explore areas in their curriculum that students tend to find the least engaging, and use solid tools in framing these lessons in a way that would maximize student motivation.

Work At It is a strength-based program focusing on working one-on-one with young people (16-24) who have left the education system. They also run student workshops in yeshiva high schools. Their professional development program is helping teachers in schools understand the population of students who do not thrive in school and give them the tools

to engage them productively in the classroom. Thank you to Cal Nathan and Community Chest for helping to sponsor this workshop. We are grateful to Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (Assembly District 23) for her support in making this workshop possible.

Dental 6-2, with Yaakov Polansky stepping up in goal to give his team the boost they needed.

In a defensive showdown, the Sushi Tokyo Ninjas outlasted Built By Nate 3-2. Michoel Ruzohorsky delivered a hat trick, while goalie Dovid Hoffman put on a highlight-reel performance with save after save.

4th/5th Grade Hockey

J Works Construction squeaked out a 3-2 win over Wieder Orthodontics, thanks to Ezra Donowitz’s game-winning goal.

In another defensive battle, Styles Design Interiors slipped past Wieder Orthodontics 2-1, with Aaron Marmorstein shining as the X-factor.

Extreme Vent Cleaning rode a 5-goal outburst from Pinny Weinstein to an 8-7 win in one of the week’s most entertaining matchups.

Smash House outpaced Tal Academy in a fast-paced game, led by Dovid Feigenbaum, who buried 5 goals in the win.

6th-8th Grade Hockey

Cachet beat Wieder Orthodontics 7-4, with goalie Zach Bornstein turning away shot after shot to help secure the win.

Emporio picked up a 7-4 victory over Extreme Vent Cleaning, carried by Gavriel Abbitan’s 4-goal effort and strong defense from Moshe Sherman.

Town Appliance dominated Sperling Productions 6-1, with Moshe Geizhals locking down the defensive zone in style.

Basketball

1st Grade Basketball

The boys hit the hardwood for skills clinics, working on dribbling, passing, and shooting with the JSL staff. They then put their new tools to the test in friendly games, with Posh Home & Bath facing Growtha, and Seasons squaring off against Marciano PD. Smiles, hustle, and fun were the name of the game!

2nd Grade Basketball

Wieder rolled past Five Towns Landscaping 20-6, with Shauli Bauman leading all scorers in a winning effort.

Rita’s defeated Rip It 22-8, thanks to Julius Berger’s standout defensive play.

3rd Grade Basketball

Elegant Lawns shut down Central Pizza Co. 6-2 in a defensive slugfest, with Coby Adler making hustle plays all over the court.

Tikva Fire got a huge lift from Dani Grabie, who scored 10 points and played elite defense in a 16-6 win over Seasons Express.

4th/5th Grade Basketball

Newman Dental cruised past Wieder Orthodontics 30-5, behind a monster performance from Dovid Bauman, who dropped 18 points.

Addictive Ads handled Rip It 22-14, with Avi Schiowitz leading the charge, scoring 10 points and controlling the tempo.

6th/7th Grade Basketball

Elegant Lawns rolled to a 40-12 win over Tal Academy, with Yehuda Lip-

schitz dominating offensively. Maidenbaum took down Eden Gardens, powered by the dynamic duo of Dovid Putter and Eli Oratz, who were nearly unstoppable.

Men’s Basketball

Kol Ve’or defeated SR Whee 83-69 in a shootout. Yakov Dvir led the way with 25 points, including five triples. Yoni Levine also buried five threes, but it wasn’t enough as Kol Ve’or ran away in the 2nd half.

Town Appliance earned an 80-65 win over Smash House, behind a monster 39-point outing from Effy Freundlich, who was unstoppable from start to finish. Advantage PT rolled past Emporio 8560. Ariel Ohayon paced the winners with 19 points, while Yitzy Weider shined for Emporio in defeat, pouring in 27. Maidenbaum edged Hewlett Auto in a tightly contested matchup, with Jordan Appel proving the difference-maker, scoring at will to secure the victory.

Mayoral Candidate Curtis Sliwa Speaks at 9-11 Commemoration at YIKGH

Five Towns Premier Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Honors Local Heroes

Organizers and participants of a 9-11 commemoration at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, attended by over 500 people, included (L-R) Dr. Paul Brody, President of ZOA Long Island & Queens, who led the assemblage in the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikva; Curtis Sliwa, Republican candidate for NYC Mayor; Host Zev Brenner (back row) of Talkline Communications; Daniel Rosenfelt, rav

of YIKGH, who recited Tehillim; Yaakov Serle, co-publisher, Queens Jewish Link; Rachelle Kirschner and Tzippy Feldman, among the organizers of the event; and speaker Yoni Hikind. Not shown: NYC Council Member Bob Holden, who spoke, and Tali Brody, music teacher at the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ), who musically accompanied her father, Dr. Paul Brody, in the singing of the National Anthem.

Shofar Workshop at HAFTR LS

HAFTR LS students got excited for Rosh Hashana by participating in the Shofar Workshop by Tzvios Hashem. They learned how they’re made, what makes a kosher shofar, and even had the opportunity to make their own. It was an exciting experience that provided hands-on experience for a truly amazing mitzvah!

The Five Towns Premier Rehabilitation and Nursing Center held a heartfelt 9/11 remembrance ceremony on September 11 to honor and express deep gratitude to our local first responders.

Residents, families, and staff gathered together in a touching tribute that featured the Five Towns Premier Choir performing a selection of patriotic songs, stirring emotions and uniting the audience in shared reflection. Words of thanks and praise were extended to all the first responders in attendance, recognizing their unwavering commitment to service and community safety.

A poignant poem dedicated to all res-

cue workers was recited, highlighting the bravery and selflessness that define these everyday heroes. The program concluded with a powerful group rendition of “G-d Bless America,” followed by a special salute to each first responder present—a symbolic gesture honoring their dedication and patriotism.

“This ceremony was a small but meaningful way for us to show our appreciation to the first responders who risk their lives for others,” said Joseph Benden, Administrator of Five Towns Premier. “Their heroism on 9/11 and every day since is something we will never forget.”

Screen-Free Continues at HALB

HALB’s Screen Free to be Me Program is now on its second year and is more popular than ever!

For the first two weeks of school, a record breaking 550 students completed the challenge. Each evening, students are

encouraged to put down their devices for a significant amount of time, focusing on family time and hobbies. Parents and students alike have noticed improved moods and an overall happier atmosphere at home. Success!

New “Bat Ami” Program Brings Israeli Spirit and Hebrew Infusion to Mercaz Academy

At morning drop-off and afternoon recess, chatting in Hebrew with students, running challah bakes, holiday programs, and Israel lessons, teaching in ulpan, popping into classrooms, leading bracha achrona at lunch, and spreading ruach: Mercaz Academy’s new b’not sherut have been transforming the campus by bringing vibrant Israeli energy and Ivrit into every corner of school.

Mevaseret Zimmerman and Einat Shapira, both 19, are at Mercaz as part of the Bat Ami program, which places young Israeli religious women doing their sherut leumi – national service – in community service roles throughout Israel and the diaspora. Bringing Bat Ami to Mercaz was a collaborative labor of love by the school board, Young Israel of Plainview, and Mercaz staff, all of whom worked hard for over a year to work out the logistics of finding accommodations for the girls, scheduling their volunteer work, and ensuring they are integrated into the community.

The program, says school principal Rabbi Kalman Fogel, is a natural expression of Mercaz’s Zionist values. “Our mission is to feel Eretz Yisrael in our school,” he explained. “With Bat Ami, having energetic young educators from Eretz Yisrael here who are part of the children’s daily lives is immensely impactful.”

The girls agree. “My hope is really to succeed in bringing a sense of ‘Israeliness’ here – to bring identity, to make it feel truly like being in Israel. I want them to really experience it, not just talk about it in abstract terms,” said Mevaseret.

She and Einat speak to the students only in Hebrew, helping them build the conversational skills that are “critical to kids growing as Jews,” said Rabbi Fogel. “They welcome everyone in Hebrew in the morning, they walk the halls in Hebrew, they help out with lunch and recess in Hebrew. They make conversational Hebrew a part of life.”

For their part, the b’not sherut feel welcomed and inspired by their students.

“I really enjoy teaching the children Hebrew – seeing their eagerness, their curiosity, their connection to learning and understanding,” said Mevaseret.

YOSS PTA welcomed back students to school with a Rita’s truck on campus

Around the Community

Sweet or Not: Luscious Wines for a Sweet New Year

By Gabriel Geller

Acolumn about recommended wines for Rosh Hashana should not automatically be about either sweet and/or new wines. It is certainly appropriate to include such wines but not exclusively. I have therefore decided to put wines in the spotlight that are luscious in their essence, but only some of them are sweet. Or new. Or both. Let’s get this year started with great wines, sweet and dry, ones that bring smiles to all those partaking in the yom tov meals. And may those smiles stay on for the whole year and beyond! L’chaim!

Fumanelli, Terso, Bianco, Veneto, 2022:

This white wine is brand-new, but it is dry, not sweet. It is the first kosher wine ever produced by this highly respected Italian winery. It is also unique, being a blend of two Italian grapes: Trebbiano Toscano and Garganega, and aged 18 months in oak. It is quite delicious, as well. Medium-bodied, with on the nose orange blossom, lime and yellow plums, and a lovely viscosity on the palate which echoes the nose, and shows a bit of an oily texture with saline mineral notes and hints of hazelnuts and vanilla cream on the finish. Really special.

Château Moulin Riche, SaintJulien, 2022:

Like most 2022 Bordeaux, this is a great wine, possibly the best ever for this one. It is rich, bold, complex yet elegant and refined. It will definitely command attention now, but aging it for a decade or more will add many layers of flavors and complexity.

Capçanes, La Flor del Flor del Primavera, Samso, 2021:

From this vintage and on, this luxurious Spanish old vines Carignan (Samso means Carignan in Catalan) is now mevushal. This fact perhaps contributes to its approachability. It is medium to full-bodied, juicy yet complex and nuanced, with notes of ripe red berries, roasted herbs, wet earth and olives with nice acidity and soft tannins on a long, flavorful finish.

Herzog, Lineage, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022:

Herzog is King of Cab(ernet Sauvignon). If one says that in front of other wine aficionados, most of them will likely agree with that statement. At the same time, it is wines such as the Alexander Valley, Warnecke Vineyard or Generation IX that would probably come to mind. The Lineage Cabernet Sauvignon is here to validate the statement as for roughly $20, it is arguably the best California Cab out there in that price category. It is

full-flavored and expressive with notes of ripe black fruit and cedar while being easy to drink and highly enjoyable right out of the bottle, with no further aging necessary.

Kamisa, Pi Blanc, 2021:

Truly a wonderful, sweet dessert wine from Israel’s Upper Galilee. Kamisa is the only winery in Israel that houses a highend kosher (and Badatz!) steakhouse. I would not eat a steak with it, but I would happily indulge in a glass or two after eating up my steak. Delicately concentrated in its aroma and flavors, this wine shows notes of citrus blossom, dried peach, candied orange, lychee and vanilla. A wonderful and unique sweet Gewurztraminer

Finally! The Answers You Wish You Had Two Dates Ago

For most frum singles, dating means facing one of life’s biggest decisions without ever being taught the skills to navigate it. You’re expected to know who you are, what you want, and whether someone is “the one” after a few coffee dates. But between outside pressure, internal doubts, and the minefield of shidduch norms, even the most self-aware can find themselves second-guessing everything.

Enter Finding Forever: From First Date to Soulmate, the newly released book by dating coach and shadchan Miriam Zeitlin. Written with warmth, wit, and real-world practicality, the book is quickly being hailed as the definitive guide for frum dating, long overdue and sorely needed.

Drawing on years of coaching singles through every stage of the shidduch process, Miriam tackles the topics no one

else does: from figuring out who you are before you even start dating, to building authentic connections, to making a confident decision without overthinking yourself into paralysis. With her signature blend of humor, empathy, and Torah-aligned wisdom, she gives readers not just advice, but a clear, usable process.

Inside, you’ll find tools for spotting real compatibility, strategies for handling pressure, and step-by-step guidance for navigating rejection, burnout, and building the kind of connection that lasts. Every chapter is packed with real stories, practical exercises, and frameworks to help you truly understand yourself and what you need in a partner.

The tone is refreshingly relatable. It’s like having your big sister, coach, and favorite teacher in one, guiding you through the highs, lows, and in-betweens of dating.

Filled with self-awareness, authenticity, and emotional intelligence, Finding Forever will resonate with anyone seeking to date with genuine connection and a lasting foundation.

As Adopt A Shadchan founder, Lisa Elefant, says, “Miriam Zeitlin has an uncanny ability to share practical and authentic dating advice in a way that is both understanding and approachable....and offers guidance that is consistently valuable and effective. This book is a mustread!”

Finding Forever is poised to become a staple on every bookshelf of any single in the parshah.

You can purchase Finding Forever wherever Jewish books are sold.

Miriam Zeitlin has spent many years guiding hundreds of frum singles with warmth, clarity, and Torah-aligned advice. She is recognized from her in-

that will go well with apples in honey or pomegranate seed and fresh figs.

Madame de Rayne, Sauternes, 2022:

The second wine of the celebrated 1er Cru Sauternes Château de Rayne-Vigneau sports unbelievable concentration of signature Sauternes flavors such as candied lemon, tangerine, mango and honey that coat the palate and mesmerize the senses with great balancing acidity and a subtle touch of bitterness that keep the sweetness in check. The finish is long and luxurious. Immensely enjoyable now, and will evolve for many years to come.

L’chaim, shana tova u’mesuka!

The girls in the kindergarten of TAG’s Ganger Early Childhood were so excited to turn into bees and make honey for Rosh Hashana! What a fun interactive experience

JCCRP Hosts Rosh Hashana Food Distribution

This past Sunday, the JCCRP held its annual Rosh Hashana food distribution, providing hundreds of local families with the opportunity to prepare for the holiday with dignity and ease. Unlike pre-packed boxes, this year’s event offered clients a self-shopping experience, allowing them to select the foods they needed in the quantities that best suited their families.

Shoppers filled their bags with holiday essentials such as grape juice, eggs, chicken, tons of fresh produce and simanim such as leeks, and much more (over 50 items more!) The thoughtful setup ensured that everyone could celebrate Rosh Hashana with a sense of choice, abundance, and respect.

The JCCRP thanks its partners, sponsors, and volunteers for making this meaningful distribution possible, ensuring that the community enters the New Year with joy and nourishment. Many thanks to UJA-Federation of NY, RNSP, and the NYPD 101st Precinct for their support and assistance at the event. Their participation was essential to ensuring a smooth and safe event. Many thanks as well to our partners including

UJA-Federation of NY, Assemblywoman

Stacey Pheffer Amato, and Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers for allowing us to facilitate such a beautiful community event. Thank you to Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson for attending the event and assisting in the distribution. Thank you to the many partners that contributed toward the inventory for the event including Met Council, Food Bank for NYC, City Harvest, United Way of NYC, NYC CFC, and many more that increased the variety of food items available.

Morah Tamara’s nursery talmidim at Yeshiva Darchei Torah making apple juice in honor of Rosh Hashana

The Mitzvah of Mezuzah

Along with the addition of our third floor at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island came an assortment of mezuzah shailos. Our proud YKLI parent and rav at the White Shul Rabbi Neuberger visited YKLI on Erev Shabbos to discuss various pertinent halachos of mezuzos and was presented with the honor of affixing a mezuzah during his visit.

TJH Centerfold

Cna Yuo

Raed Tihs?

Fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a stgrane mnid too. I cluodn’t blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the huamn mnid, aoccdrnig to rseaecrh at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, sohws taht it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, as lnog as the frist and lsat ltteer are in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wthiout a porbelm, bceusae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wohle. Tihs pheonmeon epxlains why we are so fsat at raednig, eevn wehn we mkae msitkaes, and why teher is so mcuh felxibiltiy in lnaguage. Smoteiems, the mesagse is claerer wtih srupirsnig ease, eevn wehn sneetcnes are lnog, cmopelx, and cnoatin mnay dfifeernt wrods. As lnog as the oevrall sturctru e mkaes snese, yuor bairn wlil fill in the gaps and croerct the erorrs wtihout yuor eevn konwing. Tihs is one of the raesnos we can raed qciukly, why typos in txets or e-mlias don’t awlyas dtrisact us, and why the huamn bairn is one of the msot pwoerufl ‘pattren mtahcres’ in the wlrod.

Truths About Spelling

Silent letters are just trolls hiding inside words.

The word “queue” is just the letter Q with four silent bodyguards.

“February” exists only to check if you’re paying attention.

Autocorrect doesn’t fix spelling — it invents new, wrong words faster.

“Colonel” sounds like popcorn but looks like a general.

“Receipt” keeps the P just to annoy you.

No one has ever spelled “rhythm” correctly on the first try.

Half of English spelling rules are just lies teachers tell kids.

When you finally learn to spell “miscellaneous,” you’ll never need it again.

“Psychology” is proof that P’s are sneaky.

Spell-check has saved more reputations than lawyers.

The more important the email, the higher the chance you’ll misspell “attached.”

The more you hesitate before writing a word, the more likely you are wrong.

Every spelling bee contestant secretly hates “onomatopoeia.”

“Bologna” looks like a city in Italy but tastes like lunch.

Nobody knows if it’s “canceled” or “cancelled,” so we all cancel plans instead.

“Ph” is just F in a fancy outfit.

If you spell “their/there/they’re” wrong, someone will correct you within 5 seconds

“Cough,” “rough,” “though,” and “through” prove English is chaos.

English to become the official European language

>> The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.

>> As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5-year phase-in plan that would become known as “Euro-English.”

>> In the first year, “s” will replace the soft “c”. Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard “c” will be dropped in favor of “k”. This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter.

>> There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome “ph” will be replaced with “f”. This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.

>> In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible.

You Gotta Be Kidding Me!

Jimbo is in a spelling bee.

Judge: Spell “orange.”

Jimbo: The fruit or the color?

>> Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.

>> Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent “e” in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away.

>> By the 4th yer, peopl wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing “th” with “z” and “w” with “v”.

>> During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary “o” kan be dropd from vords kontaining “ou” and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensi bl riten styl.

>> Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi TU understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.

>> Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze forst plas.

Think. Feel.Grow.

The Three Stages of Teshuva

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

The second Daniel wakes up, he knows something is wrong. He feels perfectly fine, but he has no memory of who he is. After searching his house, the only useful thing he finds is a book that he seems to have written. It contains a list of instructions, explaining his life’s story and how he suffers from a form of amnesia, sometimes forgetting who he is. He has written this book as a guide for himself in these situations.

As he continues reading through the book, he realizes that it also includes a detailed philosophy of life, a deep spiritual perspective of the world, and an emphasis on living with a mission-centered focus. The book instructs him to seek out a specific mentor, and when he does so, the mentor takes Daniel under his wing and agrees to teach him the true path to greatness. Daniel has an incredible desire to grow and improve, and although he finds the learning difficult, he enjoys the challenge.

As Daniel goes through life, he faces a number of challenges: financial difficulties, relationship struggles, and some health battles. However, the principles in the book and his mentor’s guidance help prepare Daniel for these challenges. He faces each one head-on, always battling through and never giving up. Most of all, they help Daniel deal with his arch-nemesis, Aaron. It appears as though Aaron’s mission in life is to crush Daniel’s dreams and thwart his every goal. For every step forward Daniel takes, Aaron is always there to challenge him, attempting to push him two steps back. But Daniel never gives up, always managing to push past his challenges. Even when Daniel has a minor setback, he always manages to pick himself back up, re-harness his willpower, and keep pushing forward.

After a lifetime of growing, learning, and contributing to the world, Daniel is

now a nearly perfect being. One day, just after waking up, the entire world disappears from under him and Daniel finds himself in another dimension, standing face to face with…himself.

“I’m sure you are confused,” the other Daniel says, “but I will explain everything. I am the real Daniel, or at the very least, the original Daniel. I was created perfect. Everything in my life was easy, clear, and perfect. But at the end of my life, I felt that something was missing. I suddenly realized that I didn’t want to be perfect, I wanted to become perfect. I therefore devised a plan.

“I created a younger version of myself without any memory of who he was. I then created a perfect arch-nemesis who would challenge him, thereby pushing him to grow. This arch-nemesis would develop along with him, continuing to counter and challenge him as he evolved and grew. But I did not leave Daniel to fend for himself; I created a book of instructions that would guide Daniel back to perfection.

“You, Daniel, are a part of me. Therefore, through your journey, a part of me gets to experience the process of becoming perfect.

“You have just finished your journey;

you have reached a perfect state. Now, you get to enjoy the perfection you’ve built.”

A New Year

The birth of a new year is a time of reflection and resolution, a time when hope and inspiration fill the air. We dream about what this upcoming year holds in store, how we can make the rest of our life the best of our life. We all have ideas, ambitions, and aspirations that we yearn to bring to fruition, and the new year gives us “permission” to revisit these goals and breathe new life into them. For a brief moment, everything is crystal clear; we see our purpose and our path with vivid clarity. However, there is an underlying frustration that accompanies this time period as well. If we reflect honestly, we often realize that our new year’s resolutions are awfully similar to those of last year, and the year before, and the year before…

We have brief moments of inspiration, but they soon fade into oblivion, only to be resuscitated for a few more days the next year in the hopes that somehow this year might be different. However, there is another option – a way to actually make this year different. By truly understanding this time of year and fully tapping into

its powerful themes, we can turn what was previously fleeting inspiration into lasting, eternal change.

The Deeper Themes of Teshuva

Elul and Rosh Hashanah center around the concept of teshuva, and Parshas Nitzavim is clearly linked to this theme as well. The pesukim in Nitzavim discuss the theme of teshuva=, the importance of choosing life — choosing what is right and connecting ourselves back to Hashem (see the first pesukim of perek 30 in Sefer Devarim). As Parshas Nitzavim is connected to the transition from Elul into Rosh Hashanah, let us delve deeper into the concept of teshuva. Teshuva literally means “return,” but whom, or perhaps what, are we returning to? The Gemara (Kiddushin 39b) explains that Hashem created teshuva before creating the world itself. What is the meaning of this enigmatic statement, and what lessons and implications does it have for us as we proceed through the teshuva process?

The Practical Form of Teshuva

The Rambam (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Teshuva 1:1) discusses the threestep process of teshuva:

• First, one must reflect on their past and acknowledge that a problem exists.

• One must then transition into the present and strongly feel the pain of their mistake, regretting it wholeheartedly.

• Finally, one must look toward the future and resolve to never again commit this same mistake.

This three-step guide is the practical process of teshuva. However, there is a deeper essence of teshuva that is the foundation for these three steps, and understanding this deeper essence is the key to truly transforming ourselves through these three steps.

Genuine teshuva is not just about selftransformation; it’s about self-expression, returning to your true and higher self.

As we have previously learned, the Gemara (Niddah 30b) explains that while we were in the womb, we were in a perfect and transcendent state of being, and a malach taught us kol haTorah kulah As the Vilna Gaon explains, this refers to the deepest realms of Torah, a transcendent Torah that lies far beyond this world, beyond the confines of space and time. (Quoted in Maalos HaTorah by Rabbeinu Avraham, brother of the Vilna Gaon. See also Even Sheleimah 8:24.) This Torah is the very root of reality, and you were granted complete understanding of its every detail. Not only were you shown this level of Torah, you also learned your specific share of Torah; you were shown your unique purpose in the world and how your unique role fits into the larger scheme of the human story as a whole. You were given a taste of your own perfection, of what you could, should, and hopefully will become. And from this transcendent realm, you were birthed into the physical world with the mission to actualize everything you were shown in the womb while in your primordial, perfect state.

In essence, your job in this world is not to create yourself, but rather to recreate yourself — to re-attain your original state of perfection, as you were shown by the malach. This time, however, it must be done through free will — by choosing to become great. Only by overcoming challenge and difficulty and only by asserting your willpower can you fulfill your true potential. In essence, our entire life is a story of teshuva – returning to our original, higher, and true self.

The shofar is a wake-up blast, meant to shake us from our stupor and return us to our true self. When we hear the shofar’s piercing cry, we yearn to return to our source, to our higher selves. The word “shofar ” shares a root with “l’shaper,” to perfect and beautify. Strikingly, it also shares a root with “mei shafir,” the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus while in the womb. When we blow the shofar, we are reminded to improve and perfect ourselves, to return to the fetal state of perfection we once knew, and to return to our true selves.

The Three Stages of Teshuva

There are three stages of genuine teshuva:

• The first is individual teshuva,

where we return to our higher selves, our fetal selves, our true selves.

• The second stage of teshuva goes beyond the limited self, turning the focus from individual to community.

The Third Stage of Teshuva

The third stage of teshuva is returning to our absolute root and source, to the Source of all sources, to Hashem Himself. The Nefesh Hachaim refers to Hashem as

By truly understanding this time of year and fully tapping into its powerful themes, we can turn what was previously fleeting inspiration into lasting, eternal change.

• The third stage of teshuva is returning to our absolute root and source, to the Source of all sources, to Hashem Himself.

Communal Teshuva

The Rambam, in discussing the laws of teshuva, states that someone who removes himself from the Jewish community has no share in Olam Haba (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Teshuva 3:11). In other words, even if this person keeps all of Torah and mitzvos and is an upstanding Jew, if he disconnects himself from the community, he loses his eternal existence. This requires explanation. After all, this person didn’t commit a heinous or evil act; he merely chose a life of isolation. Why should this warrant such extreme punishment?

The answer is profound. As human beings, we begin our lives as completely self-centered creatures, perceiving ourselves as isolated, separate, and disconnected from everyone else. As we progress through life, we learn to break down those walls and psychological barriers, recognizing that we are part of a bigger self, a collective self, and a higher consciousness. At root, all of Klal Yisrael is one, an interconnected self. Each of our individual neshamos are part of a greater whole, like individual cells that make up a single human body. A central aspect of Olam Haba is experiencing yourself as part of Klal Yisrael, as part of a greater collective reality. If, however, one disconnects themselves from Klal Yisrael, they have uprooted themselves from reality. Just as unplugging a light bulb from its electrical circuit extinguishes its light, a soul simply cannot exist when disconnected from its root. This is not a punishment but merely a consequence.

This is the second stage of teshuva: returning to our collective self, to the single soul of Klal Yisrael.

the “neshama shel neshamos ” (the Soul of all souls). Hashem is the root of existence, the absolute root of all our souls. Our journey through life is about sourcing our existence back to Hashem; this is the ultimate teshuva.

We can now explain the Gemara that states that teshuva preceded Creation (Kiddushin 39b.). This is not merely a chronological description; it is a fundamental principle: Teshuva is the root of this world. All of existence is created with the purpose of returning to its source, to fully reflect its

absolute root — Hashem.

May we be inspired to fully actualize all three stages of teshuva this Rosh Hashana and seal ourselves in the Book of Life, the book of true existence.

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.

Delving into the Daf

The Question of Omens

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

Some people go to great lengths to find every siman listed in the machzor. One year, my wife asked me to buy black-eyed peas. The supermarket was sold out of the raw beans, but I managed to find canned ones. She proudly served them, only to realize that her machzor didn’t even list black-eyed peas as a siman. Not knowing which Yehi Ratzon to say, I offered: “May all our enemies get a black eye.” Somehow, it didn’t feel right. It turns out, however, that black-eyed peas are commonly identified with “rubia”

mentioned in the Gemara. In fact, we had said the proper Yehi Ratzon—just on a different variety of food.

The following year, remembering that the peas had sold out, I bought a bag early. Yet with all my foresight, the bag still sits untouched in the pantry. My wife said she preferred the canned ones anyway, so that’s what we used. If you ever see an anonymous post announcing a curb alert for a bag of black-eyed peas, you’ll know the source! (Black-eyed peas may have infestation issues.)

The Tension in Halacha

The practice of eating symbolic foods on Rosh Hashana night is not without controversy. The Gemara in Sanhedrin (65b) defines an “enchanter”—forbidden by the Torah (Devarim 18:10)—as one who relies on omens: if his bread falls, if a staff slips, if a raven screeches, or if a fox crosses his path. Similarly, if he tells a tax collector, “Don’t take from me first, it’s a bad sign,” or “Don’t take from me today, because it’s Rosh Chodesh,” this is prohibited divination.

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 179) codifies this halacha. Indeed, in the very same siman, it lists eating certain foods before a bris milah as an example of forbidden superstition. At first glance, then, the Rosh Hashana simanim seem to contradict halacha.

And yet, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 583) explicitly encourages eating these foods as good omens on Rosh Hashana.

Sources in the Gemara

The source is a teaching of Abaye in two places. In Horiyos 12b he says: A person should be accustomed on Rosh Hashana to gaze upon gourd, rubia, leek, beets, and dates.

Interestingly, the word there is “gaze,” not “eat.” But in Kerisus 6a, the

same passage appears with the word “eat.” Many commentators hold that the Horiyos text is a scribal error, and the Kerisus version is correct.

Rav Moshe Shternbuch, however, explains why “gazing” might actually be preferable. If one eats the food, maybe it’s just because he’s hungry; he happens to enjoy head of lamb with black-eyed peas on the side. By gazing without eating, it’s clear he is performing the simanim.

The Kaf HaChayim therefore rules: if someone cannot eat a siman—whether for health, personal taste, or halachic concerns like insect infestation—he may simply look at the item and recite the Yehi Ratzon. In fact, he adds, one may even say the Yehi Ratzon without the food at all. Ultimately, it is a tefillah. Some have the custom only to use Hashem’s name if they are actually eating the siman and on traditional simanim. Some individuals have a tradition of using Hashem’s name only when actually eating the symbolic food item itself, and specifically for the traditional simanim. Otherwise they say “Yehi ratzon lifnei avinu she’baShamayim….

Reconciling the Contradiction

How do we reconcile the prohibition in Sanhedrin with the encouragement in Kerisus?

The Meiri explains that the prohibition applies when a person believes the omen itself has power. The simanim of Rosh HaShanah are not magical omens but symbols meant to inspire teshuvah. Precisely because of the danger of mistaking them for charms, Chazal instituted the practice of reciting a prayer with them, directing the focus to Hashem.

This is striking. Abaye, a great sage, deeply aware of the seriousness of Rosh Hashana, nevertheless found inspiration in simple symbolic foods. If Abaye needed such reminders, how much more do we.

Still, this explanation is not universally accepted. As many note, the Gemara never mentions reciting a Yehi Ratzon. If it were essential, surely it would have been emphasized.

The Maharal (Chidushei Aggados) is emphatic: “This is not a small matter. The Ramban wrote that even prophets used simanim… Therefore, those who dismiss the practice as sorcery should be silenced.”

The Ramban, referenced by the Maharal, comments on Bereishis 12:6 that the prophets would employ physical symbols to concretize Hashem’s decrees. Yirmiyahu told Baruch to tie

a scroll to a rock and throw it into the Euphrates to symbolize Bavel sinking.

The Ramban says that even Hashem told Avraham to use a siman. Hashem told Avraham to walk the length and breadth of Eretz Yisrael, not to acquire it but to manifest His promise.

In Melachim II 13, Elisha instructed King Yoash to shoot arrows eastward and then strike the ground, symbolizing Israel’s victories over Aram. Because Yoash struck only three times, Elisha was upset—his half-hearted performance limited the salvation. Elisha noted that had Yoash struck the ground six times, Aram would have been obliterated. The Ramban ends his explanation with this last example to emphasize the importance of simanim.

The lesson here is that once a decree begins to take effect, it becomes more difficult to overturn. Rav Dovid Feinstein, zt”l, explained, based on the Gemara, that it is easier to pray for the maintenance of good health than to ask for a cure; maintaining the status quo requires less merit than changing reality. Similarly, starting the year with sweetness reflects our trust in Hashem, who has decreed a sweet year for us. Our prayers focus on ensuring that this

sweetness continues. By performing the simanim, we concretize our hope that Hashem has already decreed blessings for the upcoming year. Therefore, all the simanim should be understood in this light: each siman symbolizes that a particular positive decree has already begun in a symbolic way. We daven that the positive decrees should continue.

Later Authorities and Customs

The Mishnah Berurah (583:5) records additional customs: avoiding sour foods (like borscht) or fish cooked in vinegar, and some avoid bitter or spicy foods. The Rema mentions dipping an apple in honey, a practice not found in the Gemara. Why specifically an apple? The v ilna Gaon notes that when Yaakov approached Yitzchak, the Torah says he smelled like “reiach ha’sadeh.” One Targum translates this as an apple orchard. According to the z ohar, Yitzchak blessed Yaakov on Rosh Hashana, making the apple doubly symbolic—both sweet and recalling Yaakov’s blessing.

Creative Simanim

In recent times, new simanim have been introduced:

• Lettuce + raisin + celery: “Let us have a raise in salary.” (Popularized by Rabbi Moshe Heineman, shlit”a.)

• Pear: “Sheyihyeh lanu pe’er tachas eifer – May we have glory instead of ashes.”

• Horned melon: “ Shetarum karneinu – May our horn (strength) be raised.”

• Kiwi: “Shenireh bishu’asecha shekivinu lah – May we see the salvation we hoped for.”

• Starfruit: “ Sheyidroch kochav miYaakov – May the star from Yaakov (Moshiach) arise.”

• Meat with two pieces of sole (to look at, not eat, as a segulah for shidduchim): “May we meet our soul mate.”

• Jawbreaker: “May our enemies be silenced.”

• Banana: “Shenizkeh l’gadail baneinu L’Torah.”

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

The Shemoneh Esrei, the Snake, and the Fire Alarm

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Well, it wasn’t really a snake. It was more like a fire alarm, and it happened to D.G., a Bsis Yaakov girl. But in order to understand the halacha, we do need to look at the other halacha regarding snakes and scorpions. And we also need to understand the halachos of when someone interrupts his or her Shemoneh Esrei improperly and when someone interrupts Shemoneh Esrei properly.

But let’s go back to the case. The Beis Yaakov girls were davening Shemoneh Esrei in the auditorium. In the middle of Shemoneh Esrei, the fire alarm went off. At that time, the vast majority of the time that a fire alarm went off in school, it was a malfunction. The question is what would be the exact halacha in terms of the davening: should the young talmidos leave the building and go outside? When they come back into the building,do they restart the Shemoneh Esrei from the beginning? Or do

they pick up where they left off in Shemoneh Esrei?

The Halacha With a Snake

The halacha as stated in the first Mishna of the fifth perek in tractate Brachos (30b) is that if a snake wraps itself around your ankle, you are still not allowed to make a hefsek (an interruption) in your Shemoneh Esrei. The Gemara later (Brachos 33a) explains that if a scorpion is approaching, then one does make a hefsek.

If the person did make a hefsek with a snake wrapped around his ankle, then when he restarts his Shemoneh Esrei, he would start at the beginning of Shemoneh Esrei. If he made a hefsek when a scorpion approached, then he would restart his Shemoneh Esrei where he left off.

The reason, according to the Rambam (Peirush HaMishnayos), is that the majority of the time the snake does not bite.

But the question is that we find in the Gemara (Yuma 84b) “Delo halchu b’pikuach nefesh achar harov, that when it comes to matters of life and death, we do not follow majorities.” How then can we rely on a majority to tell us that he may not make a hefsek in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei when a snake wraps around his ankle? And how is the snake different from the case of an approaching scorpion?

The Answers

To this question, there are at least seven answers.

1. Rav Elchonon Wasserman (Kovetz Shiurim Psachim #32) explains that someone standing in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei is considered a Shliach Mitzvah, a person involved in a mitzvah. The Gemara in Psachim (8a) explains that Shluchei Mitzvah ainam nizakin , those involved in a mitzvah

are not damaged. There is a qualification that if the damage is common, then this dictum does not apply. A scorpion is more likely to bite, while the snake is much less likely to bite. According to this answer, if the majority of the time there is no fire, then those who made a hefsek would have to restart their Shemoneh Esrei from the beginning.

Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, however, (cited in Shmiras Shabbos K’hilchasa chapter 25 footnote 15) disagrees with Rav Elchanan and states that since the halacha is (SA OC 316:10) that when it appears that he did not intend to kill the snake – it is permitted to kill it on Shabbos – it is clear that the principle of “Shluchei Mitzvah are not damaged” would not apply because then it would not be permitted to kill the snake.

2. Rav Tzvi Elimelech Spira of Dinov (1783–1841) the author of Bnei Yissaschar and the nephew of Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk in his sefer enti-

tled “Vehaya Bracha,” explains that the halacha regarding snakes in Shemoneh Esrei is entirely different than anything else because there is a special pasuk in Mishlei (16:7) that states, “When Hashem accepts a person’s ways, He will cause even oivav (his enemies) to make peace with him.” The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 54:1) identifies the enemy as the snake. This is why, earlier, the Gemara (32b) cites Rav Yosef that when there is a gentile king one does do a hefsek in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei even if it is not likely that he will be killed because there is no verse that addresses it. According to the Bnei Yissaschar then, the Bais Yaakov girls would start where they left off and would not have to start at the beginning.

3. The Klausenberger Rebbe (Divrei Yatziv OC Siman 61) writes that since there is a drasha in Yuma 19b that states regarding Shema. “Vedibarta bam,” and you shall speak in them – it says “in them” (Shema) and not in tefillah, then we do not follow a rov, a majority, when dealing with tefillah. Therefore, he would agree that the Bais Yaakov girls should start from where they left off.

4. Rav Avrohom Stern in his Kis -

vei Aish (Volume V Siman 6) makes an inference from the Bartenura that the case of a snake is a double majority (that most times snakes do not bite and that most snakebites are not fatal) and, therefore, by its extreme rarity, it is not considered pikuach nefesh . He would say that the Bais Yaakov girls should start at the beginning.

6. The Rashash explains that some times we do follow a rov in regard to pikuach nefesh (see SA OC 618:3).

7. The Magadim Yekarim by Rabbi Shlomo Menachem Schwartz explains that by virtue of the fact that there is a Chillul Hashem involved in leaving in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei if it is only a very remote chance of danger,

How then can we rely on a majority to tell us that he may not make a hefsek in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei when a snake wraps around his ankle?

5. Rav Avrohom Dirnfeld, the rav and Ram (Rosh Mesivta) of Puppa, in his Bais Yosef Sefer on Brachos, cites the Chasam Sofer’s responsum on YD #245 that when the minority is not present before us, then we do follow a rov, a majority. He would hold that the Bais Yaakov girls would have to start from the beginning.

then we do not make a hefsek. Therefore, according to his view, the talmidos would start at the beginning again.

What Is a Hefsek?

There is also a debate as to the nature of the term “hefsek” interruption.

The Talmidei Rabbeinu Yonah rule that the prohibition of interrupting is only through speech, but walking is not considered a hefsek. The Ramah (104:3) rules in accordance with this view. The TaZ and the Vilna Gaon are of the view that walking is also considered a hefsek. The Vilna Gaon cites the view of the Rosh in Siman 3 that talking won’t help here, and that is why the hefsek refers to walking away.

Rav Ephraim Greenblatt (Vol. 8 #311) rules that one must leave if a fire alarm goes off even in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei. It could be, however, that the situation is different if there is a history of the alarm going off by error.

Let’s keep in mind that in all cases, if the young ladies spoke unnecessarily afterward, then they should definitely start from the beginning.

Regardless, the young lady was instructed to restart the entire Shemoneh Esrei.

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

Bob died, and the fruit platters started rolling in. What is it about fruit platters that has made them the universally accepted go-to food for shiva houses?

It has been more than a week since the universe has lost a kind, gentle and brilliant soul, loved by all and admired by many, scholar, teacher, friend, son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

With Bob’s passing, my life has shifted, and I am searching for the place to land. There is an old parable that deals with disappointment: “I went to bed in Israel and woke up in France; France stinks.” It’s a horrible place, but that’s where I find myself stuck.

How do I figure out living in France when I only speak Hebrew?

Bob, my life partner since the age of 17, is no longer in this world. He was not sick, showed no pain and simply “slipped through my fingers.” He passed suddenly, during the worst night of my life.

I keep trying to make sense out of what I remember. I was calm and collected until I wasn’t. From my many years of leading and being responsible for others young to old, in professional and personal settings, I have learned to stay focused and calm in chaos.

When in a crisis situation, my brain leaves my body, and I do the things that

School of Thought

Fruit Platters

By Barbara Deutsch

need to be done to form a strategic and organized plan of action. Strangely, since that numbing night, my old knees do not hurt. I’m thinking it’s because that pain has been replaced.

About the fruit.

There is something both practical and deeply symbolic about fruit platters appearing at shiva houses. On the surface level, they’re simply nourishing. When people are grieving, they often forget to

platters are meant to be shared, picked at throughout the day as people come and go. They don’t require formal serving or heating up like a casserole might. They’re accessible, welcoming, and create these small moments of ordinary human connection around food when everything else feels disrupted.

Fruit seeds are planted, they are buried into the ground, left to decompose to bear fruit again: a life cycle.

With Bob’s passing, my life has shifted, and I am searching for the place to land.

eat or lack appetite for heavy foods; fresh fruit offers gentle sustenance that doesn’t feel overwhelming.

But I think there’s something more poetic at work, too. Fruit carries this inherent symbolism of life’s cycles – the way a tree grows, flowers, bears fruit, and continues. When we’re confronted with death, there’s comfort in being reminded of these natural rhythms of renewal and continuity. Fruit is literally life-giving, sweet, and represents nature’s abundance even in difficult times.

There’s also the communal aspect. Fruit

And perhaps most meaningfully, fruit is often associated with memory and legacy. Think about how many cultures have traditions around planting trees or sharing harvests to honor the deceased. The fruit platter might be an unconscious way of saying “life continues to bear sweetness” even as we acknowledge loss.

It strikes me as one of those beautiful examples of how our collective wisdom around grief expresses itself through simple, practical gestures that carry deeper meaning than we might initially realize.

I am hoping to come back to this space to share. Right now, this is all I have. I am writing to thank everyone in my world, shocked and deeply saddened, who have reached out with kind words, stories we knew and didn’t, warm support, meals, and so many fruit platters. Your pledges to be there for my loved ones and me, especially me, get me out of bed every day.

Please avail yourself of the opportunity to share stories you may have about our Bob; feel free to post them to this email address: mrdeutschmemories@gmail.com; it will be appreciated and cherished.

Ironically, lights out at the shiva house was accompanied by the crashing sound of fruit platters finding a new home.

As we struggle to adjust to our altered life in my beloved Israel land, my family and I are so grateful that our “Bob” got his dream of living within the bountiful “fruits” of Israel fulfilled.

Thank you, Hashem.

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.

My Israel Home David Ben-Gurion, Expansion, and Rail Lines

By Gedaliah Borvick

In the early 1950s, when David Ben-Gurion encouraged the Hadassah Women’s Organization to build their new hospital in Ein Kerem, many thought the idea was detached from reality. The site was a quiet hillside on the outskirts of Jerusalem – remote, difficult to reach, and far from the city’s population. Building a major medical facility there felt impractical, even risky.

But Ben-Gurion, then Israel’s first prime minister, urged them to think beyond the present. “One day, this hospital will be in the middle of town,” he predicted. At the time, that seemed farfetched. Today, it sounds remarkably prescient.

Jerusalem in those early years was a divided city, cut off at its eastern edge by the Jordanian border. Expansion felt like a distant dream. Yet Ben-Gurion believed that the future of the city – and the country – required bold steps. His resolve and long-range thinking proved pivotal.

A well-known anecdote from Ben Gurion’s encounter with Hadassah’s leadership underscores his bold vision for the nation’s capital. When one exasperated board member protested, “It’s simply too far. No one will come!” Ben-Gurion calmly replied, “Then we will bring the people to it.” He reportedly took a napkin and began sketching a vision: roads, schools, homes – an entire neighborhood rising around the hospital.

Those sketches were the first draft of a grand plan that, over time, came to life.

Today, Hadassah Ein Kerem is not only a world-class hospital but also part of a vibrant network of neighborhoods, which includes Kiryat HaYovel, Kiryat Menachem, and Bayit Vegan. Once an isolated hilltop, it now lies within Jerusalem’s expanding footprint.

Ben-Gurion had many ambitious visions for the country, and not all were met

with agreement. But in this case, his insistence on building for the future was on target and helped shape a city that needed to grow.

Jerusalem continues to evolve – and once again, transportation is playing a critical role. The Light Rail system, which began as a modest city-center project, is now reaching new neighborhoods and reshaping daily life. The extended lines are bringing communities like Pisgat Ze’ev, the new Givat Hamatos - and yes, also Ein Kerem - closer to the city’s core. Neighborhoods once considered “too far” are now well within reach – encouraging housing development, retail expansion, and renewed investment. Just as Hadassah Ein Kerem once drove growth beyond the city’s edge, the Light Rail is now guiding the next chapter of expansion.

But this trend isn’t limited to Jerusalem. As Israel’s population is projected to double in the coming decades, the country faces enormous pressure to create new housing and employment hubs. The Negev and southern coastal plain – long overlooked – are emerging as strategic growth zones. And once again, the train is at the heart of the solution.

High-speed rail lines are connecting Be’er Sheva, Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat, and beyond to central Israel. Around these stations, new residential neighborhoods, university campuses, and tech parks are taking shape – poised to propel Israel’s next wave of expansion. The same principle that guided Ein Kerem is playing out on a national scale: build the infrastructure first, and the people will follow.

The story of Hadassah Ein Kerem is an early example of how long-term planning and a willingness to take risks can pay off – not only from a medical standpoint, but from a city-building perspective. As Jeru-

salem and the country continue to expand, the hospital on the hill stands as testimony to what can happen when we build not only for today, but for generations to come.

As my business partner Eliezer Goldberg – whose expertise in Jerusalem zoning and development is unmatched – recently noted, the classic mantra “location, location, location” may well be giving way to a new one: “transportation, transportation, transportation.”

We wish you a shana tova, a year filled with vision, progress, and blessing.

Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.myisraelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@gmail.com.

Hadassah Ein Kerem

Israel Today Shabbos on an Army Base Finding Sacred Time in the Most Unexpected of Places

By Aron Schoenfeld

When I enlisted in the IDF, I never imagined I’d experience some of the most meaningful Shabbatot of my life on an army base in the middle of the desert. But serving in a unit that’s 100% Orthodox (with half being Chabad) while other teams around us are mixed religious and secular has given me a perspective I never expected to have, especially during wartime. The experience has challenged everything I thought I knew about maintaining religious observance in challenging circumstances and shown me how sacred time can be created anywhere, even in the most unlikely environments.

The Unique Dynamic of Religious Military Service

Our unit operates differently than most others in the IDF. While many bases have a mix of religious and secular soldiers creating complex dynamics around observance, we have the unusual situation of complete religious uniformity. This creates an atmosphere where Shab -

bos isn’t something that needs to be navigated around or accommodated for just some soldiers; it’s the natural rhythm that governs our entire unit’s weekly cycle.

The Chabad influence in our group adds another layer of warmth and accessibility. Their approach to Jewish practice, emphasizing joy and inclusion, permeates our Shabbos celebrations. Even soldiers from different Orthodox backgrounds find themselves drawn into the infectious enthusiasm that characterizes Chabad’s approach to Jewish life. It creates an environment where religious observance feels celebratory rather than compulsory, even under the constraints of military life.

Preparing for Sacred Time

Our Shabbos preparations began with something you won’t find in any civilian community: a halachic briefing. Our commander, himself a learned man, would gather us together to walk us through what we could and couldn’t do during the upcoming Shabbos, including com-

plex questions about carrying phones for security purposes during wartime, handling weapons when necessary, and maintaining our military responsibilities while observing Shabbos laws.

These briefings represented a fascinating intersection of ancient Jewish law and modern military necessity. Questions that rabbis centuries ago never had to contemplate became practical realities for us: Can a soldier answer his radio on Shabbos if it involves pikuach nefesh (saving life)? How do we handle guard duty rotations while maintaining the spirit of Shabbos rest? Our commander’s deep knowledge of both halacha and military protocol allowed him to navigate these complexities with wisdom and sensitivity.

The logistical preparation was equally remarkable. It was surreal yet beautiful: military protocol meeting ancient Jewish law, with our leadership thoughtfully arranging duty assignments so everyone could participate in communal davening and meals together. The army’s accommodation of our religious needs went far be-

yond what I had expected, showing a genuine commitment to enabling meaningful observance even in wartime conditions.

A Feast in the Desert

The preparation itself was nothing short of incredible. Picture this: grilled vegetables for salatim arranged on military issued tables that had been covered with white sheets to create a more festive atmosphere, warming trays filled with home delivered fish dishes that had traveled from communities across the country, chicken that somehow tasted like home despite being prepared in field conditions, cholent simmering for Shabbos lunch in industrial sized pots, an array of kugels representing different family traditions, homemade challah and sourdough that put my local bakery to shame, plus cakes from multiple communities who had “adopted” our unit.

The generosity of civilian communities was overwhelming. Families we had never met sent elaborate meals, often accompanied by notes of encouragement

and blessing. Entire synagogue communities coordinated to ensure we had everything needed for a proper Shabbos. The logistics of getting all this food to our remote base location while keeping everything fresh and kosher was a minor miracle in itself. Honestly, I don’t have this much food variety in my own house on a regular Shabbos!

The transformation of our utilitarian mess hall into a place suitable for Shabbos meals required creativity and teamwork. Soldiers worked together to arrange tables, set up warming stations, and create an atmosphere that felt as far removed from army life as possible. The familiar green of our uniforms seemed incongruous against the white tablecloths and flickering candles, yet somehow it all came together in a way that felt both authentic and deeply moving.

Friday Night Magic

Friday night davening was something else entirely. Picture a mix of Ashkenaz and Sephardi melodies floating through the desert air, creating a sound that felt like the best yeshiva moments I could remember. All the men davening together, voices joining in ancient songs, spontaneous dancing breaking out: it was electric. The energy was infectious, transforming tired soldiers into spirited celebrants of Shabbos.

The whole base ate by units, with our base cook skillfully supplementing the treasure trove of home-brought food. Our military chef, initially overwhelmed by the complexity of keeping everything warm and properly served, quickly adapted to become part of our Shabbos team. His pride in presenting the meals properly and his genuine interest in understanding our traditions added another layer of beauty to the experience.

Our zemirot echoed across the compound with such joy and volume that I heard them clearly from the guard tower half a kilometer away during my watch. There’s something powerful about Jewish song carrying across a military base under the desert stars, creating a bubble of holiness in an environment dedicated to the harsh realities of defense and war. The contrast was stark yet somehow harmonious, as if the ancient melodies were blessing our modern mission of protecting our people.

Shabbos Day Community

Shabbos morning brought communal kiddush at our makeshift shul: herring, kugel, cholent, and singing that stretched until either jobs called or afternoon naps

beckoned. The morning prayers took on special meaning in our temporary sanctuary, a converted storage tent that had been transformed with borrowed Torah scrolls and improvised furnishings. Every element that makes a space holy seemed to materialize through the collective effort and intention of our community.

But the real magic happened in our Zula (unit tent), which had become the natural gathering spot as the only completely Shabbos appropriate space on base. No phones buzzing, no TV chatter,

ness was always jarring, yet somehow the spiritual strength gained during those 25 hours seemed to carry us through the challenges that followed.

The Paradox of Wartime Shabbos

It’s honestly a strange balance: observing Shabbos during wartime while wearing army fatigues. The juxtaposition of preparing for military operations while lighting candles, of carrying weapons alongside prayer books, of maintaining

There’s something powerful about Jewish song carrying across a military base under the desert stars, creating a bubble of holiness in an environment dedicated to the harsh realities of defense and war.

no background music: just pure Shabbos atmosphere. Here, conversations flowed from Torah discussions to sharing stories from home, from army experiences to dreams for the future. The tent became a sanctuary within a sanctuary, a place where the outside world of military concerns could be temporarily set aside.

We shared seudah shlishit as the day wound down, that bittersweet third meal that always makes you want to hold onto Shabbos just a little longer, before getting briefed for Saturday night operations and Sunday’s schedule. The transition from Shabbos peace back to military readi-

commitment, sacred time can be created anywhere.

Military Evolution and Religious Accommodation

The IDF has made remarkable strides in recent years to make Shabbos feel like Shabbos for religious soldiers, and the ripple effects enhance the weekend experience for secular soldiers, too. When half the base is singing zemirot, everyone feels the specialness of the day, regardless of their personal observance level. This evolution reflects a broader understanding within Israeli society about the importance of accommodating religious diversity while maintaining military effectiveness.

The changes go beyond mere tolerance to genuine facilitation. From kosher food arrangements to duty scheduling that respects religious obligations, the military has developed sophisticated systems to support religious soldiers without compromising operational readiness. This represents a significant shift from earlier decades when religious soldiers often faced difficult choices between their faith commitments and military service.

Looking Forward

There’s still room for improvement in how the military accommodates religious observance, but I find myself already looking forward to our next base Shabbos. There’s something uniquely powerful about creating this island of holiness in the middle of military service, about proving that sacred time doesn’t require perfect circumstances; sometimes, it requires the opposite.

security protocols while creating sacred space, creates a cognitive dissonance that forces you to think deeply about what really matters. Yet somehow, without any compromise to our observance, we kept Shabbos completely while maintaining the full joy and spirit of oneg Shabbos.

This experience has taught me that holiness isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances or ideal environments. Sometimes, the most meaningful religious experiences come precisely when external conditions seem least conducive to spirituality. The army base Shabbos proved that with intention, community, and

Who knew that some of my most memorable Shabbatot would happen not in the comfort of my family’s dining room, but in a tent in the desert, surrounded by brothers in arms who’ve become family in the truest sense? This experience has redefined my understanding of what makes Shabbos special and shown me that community, intention, and commitment matter more than external circumstances.

May we merit to celebrate future Shabbatot in peace, but until then, we’ll keep making sacred time wherever we find ourselves.

Aron Schoenfeld, who grew up in Woodmere, is the founder of Smiles for the Kids and was recently drafted to the IDF at age 44. He is currently serving in milluim. To learn more about his journey, please visit www.smilesforchayalim.com

Rawan Osman

The Hezbollah Fan Who Found Hashem

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

The day Rawan Osman moved to France, she visited a supermarket in Strasbourg. There she was — minding her own business, pushing along a shopping cart while scanning the shelves for ingredients — when suddenly, she spotted a man with long peyos, dressed in black and white clothing. Then, she saw another man like him. And another. And another.

In Her Words…

Rawan looked up, turned around, and gasped. Somehow, she’d stumbled into her worst nightmare. She was in a store…with Jews. Her heart began pounding. Her mind, a hazy mess, raced at 100 miles per hour. She bolted out of the store, running as if her life depended on it. She flew into the street — in such a panic that she forgot to look left and right for

how can we achieve a peace that we can’t imagine? if we want it to happen, start by imagining it.

People always tell me, ‘oh, you remind us of Ruth.’ Because, after october 7, a lot of Jews advised me to be more discreet, to be more careful, to take my Magen David off, to stop telling people i’m converting, because we’re a target. a nd i told them, ‘May my fate be that of the Jewish people.’

Even in the darkest moments, hashem shows you the light. That is what Judaism is about to me.

We all have the chance to reckon with our weaknesses, to accept hashem’s mission and message, to accept our role, and to acknowledge that we have power, agency, and a choice. The question is: What are we going to do with it?

oncoming traffic. And after making it to her apartment, she locked herself in her bedroom and stared into the mirror. Her face was pitch red. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think. Rawan was, simply put, having a panic attack.

“When I was in my mid-20s, I landed in the Jewish quarter in Strasbourg, near one of the biggest synagogues in Europe,” Rawan recalls. “I knew it was called the Jewish quarter. But if an avenue is named after Charles de Gaulle, it doesn’t mean that Charles de Gaulle lives there. I didn’t connect the dots. In my early 20s, I worked in the Jewish quarter in Damascus. There were no Jews there, as far as I knew. The Jewish quarter in Beirut didn’t have any Jews, either. But this Jewish quarter in France, in Strasbourg, was filled with Jews. And the moment I realized that, I had a panic attack.”

A few moments later, her panic subsided. And that’s when she realized that she had left behind not only a shopping cart full of items but also her personal belongings, including her bag, in the store. She felt foolish and embarrassed, and so, she took a deep breath and returned to the store to retrieve her belongings. Then, she resumed her shopping as if nothing had happened.

“I went to pay. And the storekeeper asked me, ‘Where are you from?’ And I was very nervous. I thought, ‘Oh, now, he’s going to react the way I did. He’s going to have a heart attack.’ I didn’t know if he would be aggressive, but I

thought, ‘Fantastic, now he’s going to panic,’” Rawan shares.

“I’m from the Middle East,” she replied curtly.

“Where in the Middle East?” he asked, pushing for more details.

“I’m half Syrian, half Lebanese,” Rawan responded.

“How long have you been here?” he asked with a smile.

Rawan replied that she had just arrived.

“It was a small store. He saw what happened earlier,” she explains. “He could have said, ‘Oh, so you realized that we’re Jewish?’ But instead of embarrassing me, he was pleasant. He helped me with my bags. And I always tell my audiences: That man, without intending to, converted me on that day from an enemy to an ally.”

* * *

The next few weeks of Rawan’s life felt strange. She would sit on her wide windowsill, observing — or “spying on,” as she puts it — the Jews in her beautiful neighborhood. It was dumbfounding. She watched the Jewish kids play like good children. She saw the elderly Jews, revered and cared for. She saw Jews walking around, acting nice and normal. It was like an alternate universe: These Jews didn’t seem like the evil creatures she grew up learning about. Rather, they seemed like decent, ordinary people.

“I started thinking, ‘Maybe those Jews are nice, and the nasty ones are

in Israel?’ But that didn’t make sense to me,” Rawan explains. “And yet, why did I react that way in the store when I had just arrived? I thought about it for weeks, and then I concluded: I reacted that way because, for the first time in my life, I was sharing the same space with the Jew — with the enemy. And then, I asked myself, ‘Why is the Jew the enemy?’”

Rawan Osman was raised in Lebanon, where she lived for 18 years. Her family was secular, though they observed some Christian and Islamic traditions. During the holidays, they had a Christmas tree. Yet, they would also keep the month-long Ramadan fast. For 15 years, she attended a French Catholic school. But at the end of the day, her family (and most of the country)

couldn’t care less about religion. Yet, despite Lebanon’s secularism, there was one core belief held by nearly the entire country — a notion propagated by Lebanon’s officials, journalists, celebrities, and academics and held with such fervor that one might consider it a religious belief: that Israel and the Jews are the enemy. From every side, Rawan learned to hate the Jewish people. Her Christian education taught her that the Jews killed Yashka. Her Islamic education taught her that the Jews battled Mohammed. And politically, she was taught that Israel was an aggressive, evil country.

And because there were zero Jews in Lebanon’s “Jewish quarter,” there was no one to contest the lies. Moreover, Lebanon and other Arab states had (and have) anti-normalization laws, banning

all citizens from interacting with Israelis, even abroad.

“Even if I were on holiday in London, in Thailand, in India, if I meet an Israeli, I’m forbidden by law to speak to them. So, even if you were enticed to challenge the narrative told by the government, and you wanted to have a conversation and ask an Israeli, ‘Why are you killing babies?’ as we’re constantly told, you can’t, you don’t dare to do it,” she shares. “You’d be summoned by the army, you would appear in front of a military court, and you’d be sentenced. You don’t have the right to appeal. Once that happens, people distance themselves from you. They want nothing to do with you. They assassinate you even before they kill you. So, if you are tempted to have that conversation with the Israeli you meet in Paris, you would think

100,000 times, because you’re thinking, ‘Are they watching me? Would this demolish my career? Would this hurt my parents?’”

That’s why hating Jews was so easy for Rawan: Even if she wanted to question whether there was cause for her hatred, she couldn’t. So, she accepted and even celebrated her country’s false narrative.

“I was, unfortunately, one of Hezbollah’s biggest fans. Although we were progressive and tolerant, middle-class, educated people, we thought that Hezbollah was the only party that dared defy this absolute supremacist authority imposed on the Lebanese in the south,” Rawan explains.

But when she moved to Europe and began living amongst Jews, she started questioning that narrative. She started

questioning why she hated Jews despite never even meeting one before. And she began researching Hezbollah and what its then-leader Hassan Nasrallah really stood for.

“I realized that everything I knew at that point about the Jews, Judaism, and Israel was through Hassan Nasrallah, who told us everything we needed to know. He was very charismatic and gave very lengthy speeches,” Rawan recalls. “And I started reading his history, watching his early speeches. I read the manifesto of Hezbollah, and that opened my eyes. For example, I watched a black and white video on YouTube where Hassan Nasrallah said that we, Hezbollah, do not acknowledge political borders. Rather, we want Lebanon to become an extension of the Islamic Republic of Iran. They believe in an Islamic state. And I realized, I did not subscribe to this agenda.”

The more she researched, the more lies she uncovered. Rawan delved into the region’s history, she read about Judaism, the Jewish people, and Israel, and she discovered that her childhood education was filled with contradictions. She found out that, historically, the land of Israel belonged to the Jews, not the Palestinians. Palestine, as a “state,” is an entity that emerged in modern history, she discovered.

“Realizing that I was brainwashed and fooled filled me with anger. Why? Because the Arab world and Israel have fought so many senseless wars, and thousands of lives have been lost. And these lives could have been spared had the Arabs accepted to share the land,” Rawan explains. “In the ‘20s, the Zionists came and were in the process of discussing, negotiating, and contemplating what the Jewish state would look like. And the Arabs developed this entitled attitude of: ‘Mine! It’s ours. We claim Jerusalem!’ But why? Jerusalem is not mentioned once in the Quran. And the Jews, who you claim come from Eastern Europe, are mentioned so many times in your own book. So, they’re not alien to our region. They’re indigenous to the land. We could have shared the land with them.” * * *

After finishing her study abroad program in France, she returned to the Middle East and tried showing her friends and family “the light.” She told them how they’d been brainwashed. But no one would listen.

Frustrated, she moved to Germany in hopes of divorcing the Middle East. She wanted to forget about it all and move on from her past. In her mind, talking to her Arab relatives and friends was pointless.

“But then, I realized that the Middle East is a part of who I am. I can’t divorce it. It’s in my bones, it’s in my DNA,” she says. “And I do have a moral obligation. I’m one person, indeed. But I can try, and I have to try. I owe it to my children, to their children. And there is a ripple effect to what we do. Remember the storekeeper who allowed me to save face? Had he embarrassed me, if he was hostile, I would have thought, ‘Obviously this is how the Jews behave.’ That’s what I was taught.

“Instead, he welcomed me in the space I shared with the enemy, and that changed the trajectory of my life. And I had to do the same, because he inspired me. I had to contribute my bit and create a ripple effect in the universe.”

Soon thereafter, she sold her business and began studying Islamic Studies and Jewish Studies in a university. “I wanted to understand Islam and I wanted to understand the Jews, because I was committed to finding a solution to the Middle East conflict,” says Rawan. “I studied that, and that transformed my life.”

For one, she learned a great deal about Islam’s connection to Jerusalem. As she discovered in her studies, in the 1920s, the evil Grand Mufti of Jerusalem came up with a clever scheme to prevent Jews from taking control of Israel.

“He realized that, in order to get rid of the Jews, to prevent them from existing forever in our region, our beef with them cannot be purely political, because political conflicts get resolved,” she explains. “Rather, he committed to turning this conflict into an eternal, holy,

religious one. That is why, in the ‘20s, he sent delegations of Muslims around the globe to raise money to restore Haram al-Sharif, the complex around Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock, which was neglected throughout centuries under Ottoman rule. And he realized, if he can revive a connection between this site and the Muslim world, he can sell the idea of: this is your third holiest site.

“I learned about this when I studied Islamic Studies, and I understood that there is no connection, historical or archaeological, between Muslims and Jerusalem.”

While studying Jewish studies, Rawan’s realizations were even more profound.

She enrolled in a course taught by Rabbi Shaul Friberg called “What is Judaism?” The class was a very basic introduction to Jewish studies, meant to demystify Judaism for non-Jewish students. Yet, despite its simplicity, it transformed Rawan’s life.

Rawan was already a Zionist. She was already an ally to the Jewish people. But that class awakened within her a deep yearning for Judaism and spirituality — which was initially frightening, since she was an atheist all her life. But by the end of the course, her mind was made: She decided to convert to Judaism.

“I want to become Jewish,” she told her teacher while having lunch with him at the end of the class. “I’m going to convert to Orthodox Judaism.”

Rabbi Friberg was so shocked that he nearly choked on his food.

“Why? And why Orthodox?” he said, surprised.

She explained that she chose Orthodox Judaism because tradition has helped preserve Judaism’s essence for several thousand years.

“After October 7, I’ve visited Israel 10 times,” Rawan shares. “And every time I go, it becomes even clearer to me that this is my home. And I decided that I’m going to make aliyah because of this silly class, ‘What is Judaism: Scratching the Surface.’ This is how this degree changed my life.”

As an atheist, Rawan was consumed by anger — anger that she and countless others had been brainwashed, anger that she lived in countries where women and children are abused, and anger that countless people have died because of the Arab world’s lies. She lost hope in humanity. Jerusalem is to the Jews what Mecca is to the Muslims. And yet, the Muslims aren’t satisfied unless they have Mecca and Jerusalem. To this very day, Jews aren’t even legally permitted to pray on Har HaBayis, lest another Intifada break out. To Rawan, that was infuriating.

But since starting her geirus process, Rawan has learned to channel her anger into action. Moreover, she’s learned to give people second chances.

One day, after speaking to a delegation of Canadian officials, she was in Yerushalayim at a restaurant with Rabbi Shalom Schwartz, a dear friend of hers who founded the Aseret movement in Israel, and a few other people.

“We were trying to eat there, but the waiters were very rude. So, for half an hour, we couldn’t order. They kept sending us from one section to another,” she recalls. “And then I said, ‘Enough. Why are we tolerating this behavior? Let’s leave.’ And I was really angry.”

She rose from her seat, ready to leave.

“Please, please sit down,” Rabbi Schwartz asked Rawan. “We should eat here.”

“No way, let’s go somewhere else,” she replied.

At that moment, the rabbi explained the importance of allowing wrongdoers to make things right. Allow them to apologize, he implored her.

“He explained the concept of teshuva, of allowing people to come back. And that opened my eyes — because that is me,” Rawan says. “I’m treated like a queen by those who appreciate me in Israel, even though I was a bigot and antisemite. I always say when I speak publicly that I’m a recovered antisemite. And my Israeli friends say, ‘Don’t say this about yourself. You’re much better

than that.’ But I’m not. You took me in and treated me like family. And that taught me to allow people to reconsider, to give them room, give them a chance.”

* * *

Rawan Osman is inspired by two figures in Tanach in particular: Moshe Rabbeinu and Rus.

“G-d spoke to Moshe. He was afraid. He thought, ‘What’s happening?’ And he said, ‘I’m not eloquent. I’m not a good speaker, take Aharon.’ That introduced me to realism. It’s one of the major things in Judaism that appealed to me. In

Judaism, you don’t have to be Prophet Muhammad who goes on a winged creature to heaven, have a chit-chat with G-d, and come back. You don’t have to be like [Yashka] and walk on water. The prophets of Judaism are normal people. They strive to be better, but they’re normal people,” Rawan shares.

“And then there’s the story of Rus.

People always tell me, ‘Oh, you remind us of Rus.’ Because, after October 7, a lot of Jews advised me to be more discreet, to be more careful, to take my Magen David off, to stop telling people I’m converting, because we’re a target. And I told them, ‘May my fate be that of

the Jewish people.’ I know you will be fine. I know it in my heart. But we have to believe it ourselves,” Rawan Osman says. “On October 7, I realized what I had to do: I had to tell the world that I’m converting. This is not my dirty secret. We should stand proud and tall. This is the message we have to teach our children. And what we do with the mission is up to us.”

Today, around 20 years after her revelation in a French supermarket, Rawan is an outspoken advocate for the Jewish people. On social media, she shows the world, particularly Arabs, the truth about Israel and Judaism. Rawan has a G-d-giv-

en mission, but she makes one thing clear: She doesn’t consider herself special. “Hashem did not save me because I’m special. We are all created by Hashem, and we are all given the chance… Even in the darkest moments, Hashem shows you the light. This is what Judaism is about to me,” she declares. “This is why Moshe’s story is powerful. It was humbling. It taught me that we are human. We all have the chance to reckon with our weaknesses, to accept Hashem’s mission and message, to accept our role, and to acknowledge that we have power, agency, and a choice. The question is: What are we going to do with it?”

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.

Thank you for 42 years of loyalty

Appointments plus open Hours from September 30th to October 5th

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I love reading your column every week! I figured I would pose this question to you and see if you can give me some advice.

I’ve been dating for a few years, so I am very excited to be dating someone who I really like. We are getting along really well, and he’s a great guy.

Here’s my concern: I know that he is very different than his family. When I asked information about him before we dated, I heard that his family is very “out of the box.” When I asked more people, I heard that his parents very “weird,” perhaps on the spectrum.

That didn’t dissuade me from going out with him. I am experienced and mature enough to know that if a good guy comes along, I can’t be picky about his family.

That being said, now that we are dating, I am finding myself very uncomfortable with this scenario. I met the parents last week, and I can tell that they are not the norm. The mother talks very loudly and dresses interestingly and asked me questions that were a bit out of the ballpark.

My concern is that when someone gets married, you end up going to parents and in-laws for yom tov or Shabbosim and for gettogethers. I see that they will end up being part of my life, and I am not completely onboard with that.

Still, I really like this guy. He has amazing qualities, and we are really getting along wonderfully. I don’t want to lose him. What advice can you give me to help me reconcile this situation in my mind?

Thanks, Sarah*

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

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.

Sarah, the identifiers you are using for the young man’s family are troubling to me. They are vague and sound like they come from a local yenta. They sound very judgmental. You have not identified them at all. This concerns me.

If you have difficulty dealing with the idea of potential family members who don’t fit into your boxes, will you have the maturity to deal with another person, good qualities as well as others? Will you be able to handle things that life inevitably brings your way? Do you have the maturity to deal with less-than-ideal people, situations, and styles? Obviously, if you like the young man, you understand that you are getting a package along with his personal

strengths and positive attributes. Can you find some positive attributes in his family? Are you able to invest some time to get to know them and see some positive qualities? Are you able to give up some of your comfort level short term (and long term) for the sake of the young man? Do you think he will need to adjust to your family and will be completely comfortable with them? Have you discussed family differences with the young man? Have you worked out other differences?

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

Congrats on meeting a guy you really like! As you know and have experienced, this is no small feat.

Part of life is learning to navigate different types of people. These people won’t always be similar to you, but they will be important figures in your life. You must

The more you focus on your husband and on your shared values, the less power his parents’ quirks will have over your happiness.

learn to be accepting of others even when they come across as “weird.” You can navigate your relationship with them by being cordial and friendly yet also making boundaries.

Focus on your relationship with the guy you are dating. Make sure he is the right fit

for you. Talk with each other about each of your families and how you would navigate things similar or differently than your upbringings. Make sure to spend some time with his family such as Shabbos meals, in order to make sure they are genuinely nice people. It could be that they are a bit “off” and strange but still nice people. It’s not worth throwing out a good relationship because of this.

Make sure to take your time and get to know them well before making any drastic decisions.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

It’s very exciting to finally find an incredible guy who might be “the one.” Your boyfriend sounds amazing, especially considering that he grew up in a household with parents who are as you’ve described. You come across as an intelligent, amazing young lady who has decided, very maturely, to focus on the young man and not on his parents. Your thinking is absolutely correct, because you will be spending the majority of the rest of your life with your husband, and not with his parents.

That being said, however, his weird parents will be a part of your life, whether you like it or not.

The questions then are: first, how much of a problem will that be for you, and second, what can you do to lessen the impact of these in-laws on your quality of life?t

First: How much of a problem can their behavior cause you? The simple-sounding answer is that it depends on how much you let it bother you. Some folks can be highly sensitive to “out-of-the-box” family behavior, while others can shrug and roll with it. You might feel embarrassment, surprise, or even frustration, especially in public or during family gatherings. That’s normal.

But remember, the more you focus on your husband and on your shared values, the less power his parents’ quirks will have over your happiness. Their behavior will only become a “problem” if you let it distract you from your relationship, or if you constantly let it make you feel uncomfortable.

Second: How to lessen their impact on your life? Here are some suggestions and strategies:

• Set boundaries. They will be part of your and your children’s lives, but you don’t have to live next door to them. You can arrange manageable visits, perhaps of shorter duration, on holidays and special occasions.

• Find the humor. Reframe their quirky behavior as endearing rather than

stressful, because sometimes the very things that feel strange at first can become lovable traits over time. And if you can laugh at a strange comment or outfit, it diffuses tension and keeps the peace.

• Avoid making it a point of contention with your husband. Bizarre as his parents might be, they raised him, and he loves them. So, instead of criticizing or complaining about them, show him that you, too, love them, and go out of your way to keep shalom in the family.

• Fake it. When you’re with your in-laws, put on your happy face and keep smiling until your jaw muscles ache. Respond to inappropriate questions, behaviors, or comments with calm, warm, gentle, friendly responses.

Finally, having to navigate life with weird in-laws is not a deal-breaker. They may cause small moments of discomfort, but with boundaries, humor, love, and understanding, you can greatly reduce their impact on your life. Your marriage can withstand, and even flourish, despite marrying into a somewhat unconventional family!

Reader’s Response

Chava Cohen

You write that you are “experienced and mature enough to know that if a good guy comes along, I can’t be picky about his family.”

This really does say a lot about your

HThe Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

i Sarah,

I can hear how much you like this man and how excited you are about what you’re building together. That’s beautiful, and it makes sense that meeting his family stirred up a lot of thoughts. Sometimes, we carry quiet expectations about what a partner’s family “should” be like. When reality looks different – loud-

er, quirkier, less familiar – it can feel unsettling. But dif- ferent isn’t automatically bad.

• A few things you might explore for yourself:

• When you imagine a future with him, what truly matters for your happiness?

• Which of your feelings come from real discomfort (like feeling unsafe or disrespected) and which might be more about outside ideas of “normal”?

• Could you and he create your own rhythm for holidays and visits that honors both your relationship and your comfort? It may help to talk openly with him, without judgment, about how you felt after meeting his parents. You don’t have to decide anything now. Keep noticing how you feel when it’s just the two of you. If

Families can be wonderfully imperfect.

self-awareness and insight! This is not to be taken for granted.

The reality is, when you are married to someone, their family is in your life to one degree or another. This depends on logistics such as where you live and distance to them, but also on the emotional connection and quality of the relationship. The degree to which couples and families are involved in each other’s lives can vary widely. It is hard to go into a relationship with the knowledge that a relationship with his family may be a difficult one. That is not something that can go away. You can choose to focus on their positive qualities and build as much of a relationship with them as possible. It may mean mourning the loss of the picture you had of your “inlaws.” Rest assured that every relationship means adjusting the ideals and expectations to the very real people in the relationship. We don’t always know what other people struggle with. (Your friend may have had her heart set on marrying someone who is 6’3”/would live in Israel/have a professional background…and has to readjust her expectations similarly.) With that, you are in the same boat as everyone else, even those with “dream” in-law families.

that space still feels kind, safe, and full of possibility, that’s telling. Families can be wonderfully imperfect. The question is whether you and your partner can face the quirks together and keep choosing each other. My hunch is your own clarity will come from watching how he shows up and how you feel in this relationship, more than from anything anyone may say.

With care, Jennifer

Relationships Rewired Teshuva: From the Inside Out

By Bassy Schwartz, LMFT

Elul carries a certain electricity. The air feels charged with urgency and possibility. We all know the messaging this time of year: it’s time to grow, to change, to take on big kabbalos, to prove ourselves worthy of another year.

There’s something inspiring in that call. Big resolutions make us feel strong and capable, like we are showing Hashem that we’re ready to be different. But there’s also a shadow side. Sometimes, those dramatic commitments don’t last. Sometimes, even when they do, they don’t address the root issue. And often, we’re left wondering: why do I keep circling back to the same patterns, the same struggles, year after year?

This year, I want to suggest a different way of thinking about teshuva; not as a radical leap, but as a slow chain reaction. Not as a single dramatic pivot, but as an assembly line. In this line, no piece activates until the previous piece has done its work. And the very first piece? It’s not about your behavior. It’s not even about your resolutions. It’s about your core wounds – the drivers beneath the surface that quietly, powerfully influence every choice you make.

The Rambam describes Teshuva Gemura as reaching a point where you are so internally transformed that when faced with the same test, you do not stumble again. On the outside, that looks like unshakable resolve. But from a psychological perspective, Teshuva Gemura is not simply willpower. It’s what happens when we loosen the grip of what pulls us away from our values in the first place.

Most of us experience teshuva in a more surface-level way. We feel regret: I messed up. We reflect, maybe do a cheshbon hanefesh. We commit: I won’t do this again. That’s sincere. That’s meaningful. What I’m about to say may surprise you, but hopefully it will also be your guiding light: that process, while good, is often not enough.

Not because you don’t care. Not because you’re not spiritual enough. But because

that process skips over the part of yourself that made that choice in the first place.

You didn’t yell at your child, speak lashon hara, or avoid an important commitment because you’re “bad,” “broken,” or “unfixable.” You made that choice because, in that moment, your body, your mind, or your spirit believed it was the best way to get somewhere you desperately needed to go.

Behavior Always Makes Sense

Let me give you an example. Imagine a woman who often finds herself snapping at her husband. Every Elul, she regrets it. She takes on a new kabbalah: I will bite my tongue. I will count to three. I will learn shmiras halashon daily. Noble efforts! But inevitably, the snapping comes back.

Because beneath that “bad behavior” lies a driver. Maybe her snapping is her nervous system’s attempt to protect her from feeling ignored. Maybe it’s the only way she has learned to get her husband’s attention. Maybe it’s an echo of her childhood, when raising her voice was the only way she felt seen.

Her behavior is destructive, yes. But it also makes sense. It’s not random, and it’s not proof that she is a failure. It’s an earnest attempt to meet a need.

When she can pause long enough to ask: What purpose is this serving? What need is my snapping trying to meet? that’s when the assembly line clicks into motion. Once she makes friends with the need (in this case: connection, validation, safety), she can start meeting it differently. Maybe by expressing vulnerability instead of anger. Maybe by scheduling intentional time to talk with her husband. Maybe by learning to self-soothe before reacting.

The “unwanted” behavior slowly fades, not because she willed it away, but because it’s no longer necessary. The driver has found a better path. This is why the only way to truly transform is to get to know those drivers. They hold the

key to your growth. They hold the key to your happiness.

We often think happiness means being free of discomfort. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a life void of pain, loss and discomfort. Therefore, it must be that happiness is not about avoiding pain. Happiness is about alignment – living authentically, choosing with intention, and allowing even your low moments to have integrity.

When we partner with our drivers, when we hear their case and meet their need in constructive, secure ways, the dominos begin to fall. Goodbye unwanted behavior; hello desired behavior. No more needing to malfunction just to get a basic need met. That’s when Teshuva Gemura happens.

Elul Differently

So this Elul, I want to invite you to resist the pressure for a radical overhaul. Don’t choose a kabbalah that makes your inner self feel blamed, shamed, or rejected. Don’t set yourself up for a cycle of unrealistic promises and inevitable disappointment.

Instead, pick something small. Find a single part of your life that feels off-kilter, misaligned, or damaging. Maybe it’s the way you assume things and speak about others. Maybe it’s the avoidance of a mitzvah that overwhelms you. Maybe it’s the endless scrolling that leaves you empty.

Sit with that part of yourself. Ask: Why might I function this way? What purpose does this serve? What need is it trying to meet – security, belonging, support, acceptance, control, comfort?

Then (here’s the turning point) make friends with the need. Validate it. Thank it for showing you what you’re longing for. And then, experiment with meeting

it differently. Meet it in a way that aligns with your values. Meet it in a way that supports the kind of life you want to live, the kind of Jew and human you want to be. That, my friends, is the assembly line. One shift at a time. One domino tipping into the next. Progress that is gentle, real, and sustainable.

A Different Sweetness

This Elul, don’t pressure yourself into becoming someone unrecognizable overnight. Hashem doesn’t want a shiny, polished stranger standing before Him on Rosh Hashanah. He wants you. The real you. The aligned you. The you who is willing to understand yourself deeply enough to let go of what no longer serves and embrace what does.

May we all merit the courage to sit with our wounds, the clarity to hear our needs, and the strength to align our behaviors with our highest values. And may that authentic inner work bring us into the new year with a teshuva that is not only gemura but also gentle, grounded, and profoundly whole.

Bassy Schwartz, LMFT, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, brings a compassionate and unique approach to her practice – focusing on couples and individuals dealing with conflict and disconnection due to childhood emotional neglect and complex family dynamics. Bassy empowers clients to harness their inner strength and authentic selves to achieve meaningful relationships beyond what they could have ever imagined. Reach her directly at bassy@corerelationships. com or WhatsApp (347) 309-5362.

Health & F tness Slashing the Shame of Taking Medication

By Rivka Kramer, PMHNP-BC

In a crowded clinic waiting room, a woman once clutched a prescription bottle as though it were a secret she might be judged for. She leaned toward a friend and whispered, “I don’t want people to think I’m weak.” Her words carried the weight of generations of stigma. For her, the bottle wasn’t just a container of antidepressants — it was a symbol of shame, of something to be hidden in a drawer or swallowed in silence.

This story is not unique. Across cultures, communities, and families, the act of taking psychiatric medication is often accompanied by secrecy. Pill bottles are tucked behind vitamins, doses are taken in bathrooms with doors locked, and conversations about treatment happen in whispers, if at all. But the shame isn’t born from science. It comes from myths about strength, independence, and what it means to heal.

How Stigma Creeps In

The shame surrounding psychiatric medication is rarely shouted. It arrives in subtle ways.

A coworker jokes that antidepressants are just “happy pills.” A relative

mutters that someone “relies on meds” as if it were a character flaw. Television shows portray medicated characters as robotic, detached, or weak. Each small moment reinforces the idea that using medication is not only unusual, but suspect.

For many, the loudest shame comes from within. People internalize the message that they should be able to manage without help. They tell themselves that a stronger person wouldn’t need a pill to get out of bed, stay calm in traffic, or sleep through the night.

But these narratives overlook an essential truth: psychiatric medication is no more shameful than eyeglasses, asthma inhalers, or insulin. It is simply one tool in the vast toolbox of human care.

The Teacher Who Found Her Voice

Yael, a high school English teacher, had spent years gripped by panic attacks. At staff meetings, her palms would sweat so much that her notes blurred. During parent-teacher conferences, her heart raced so violently she worried she might

faint. Therapy gave her coping skills, but the attacks continued to ambush her without warning.

Finally, she agreed to try a low-dose SSRI. The change was gradual but undeniable. Within weeks, she could stand in front of her classroom without feeling the floor tilt beneath her. She could walk into conferences without rehearsing excuses for leaving early.

“I thought medication would make me less myself,” she later reflected. “But it gave me back the parts of me panic had stolen.”

Yael’s story illustrates what research consistently shows: medication doesn’t erase identity. Instead, it allows people to access the full range of their own personality and abilities.

Why People Hide

Despite stories like Yael’s, shame drives secrecy. Many people take extraordinary measures to conceal their prescriptions. A survey conducted by a mental health advocacy group found that nearly half of respondents admitted to hiding their psychiatric medication from coworkers, friends, or family.

Why the secrecy? Because medication is often framed as evidence of failure. Society holds fast to the myth that willpower alone should be enough to conquer depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. When someone needs medical help, they may feel like they have failed an unwritten test of character.

But the secrecy only fuels isolation. Imagine if people talked about antidepressants the way they talked about coffee: casually, openly, without judgment. Imagine if refilling a prescription was as ordinary as picking up toothpaste. Normalization begins with conversation, and conversation begins when people no longer feel they must whisper.

The Question of “Forever”

For many who start medication, another fear emerges almost immediately: Will I have to take this forever?

The thought of a lifelong prescription can feel heavy, even frightening. The truth is more nuanced. For some conditions, long-term or lifelong medication is indeed necessary. For others, tapering — a gradual reduction of dosage

under medical supervision — is a realistic option.

Chaim, a father of three, began antidepressants in his twenties. They carried him through years of debilitating depression, allowing him to finish school, build a career, and raise his children. After nearly a decade of stability, he worked with his psychiatrist to taper off. The process took months of slow reductions, careful monitoring, and ongoing therapy. At the end, he described it as “like removing training wheels — shaky at first, but steady with time.”

Not everyone is able to taper successfully, and not everyone should. But knowing that tapering is sometimes possible can ease the fear many people feel when they first begin treatment. Medication does not always mean “forever.”

What Safe Tapering Looks Like

Tapering is not the same as stopping suddenly. Done recklessly, it can trigger withdrawal, relapse, or dangerous complications. Safe tapering requires a partnership between patient and clinician.

The process often looks like this:

• Collaborative planning: Doctor and patient set clear goals and timelines.

• Gradual reduction: Doses are low-

ered in small increments over weeks or months.

• Close monitoring: Regular checkins track mood, sleep, and functioning.

• Contingency planning: If symptoms return, the plan includes immediate steps to pause or return to a previous dose.

ical care rather than weakness. Sharing experiences openly with trusted people normalizes treatment and breaks silence.

But stigma won’t vanish through individual choices alone. Schools, workplaces, and health systems must also shift. Mental health days should be as

Imagine if people talked about antidepressants the way they talked about coffee: casually, openly, without judgment.

• Whole-person support: Therapy, exercise, and community connection provide additional stability.For some, tapering reveals that life without medication is sustainable. For others, it confirms that continued treatment is the healthiest choice. Both outcomes are valid.

Rewriting the Narrative

To dismantle shame, language must change. Saying, “I take medication for my condition” reframes the act as med-

ordinary as sick days. Public health campaigns should normalize psychiatric treatment as routine healthcare. Clinicians should present medication as one option among many, not as a last resort or a lifelong sentence.

Every small act of openness chips away at stigma. Each story told publicly makes it harder for shame to survive.

The Courage of Care

Medication is not a sign of weakness.

It is a sign of care. Care for one’s future self. Care for family, friends, and the life still waiting to be lived.

Some people will take medication for a season, some for a lifetime. Some will taper and thrive without it. Others will taper and realize they still need it — and return without shame. All of these paths are human. All of them are valid.

The shame belongs not to the person swallowing the pill but to the culture that taught them to feel lesser for doing so. That shame is learned and what is learned can be unlearned.

In the end, the woman in the waiting room was never weak for taking her medication. She was brave. Brave enough to face her illness. Brave enough to accept help. Brave enough to choose health, even in the face of stigma.

That is the story worth telling. And it is time to tell it loudly.

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.

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti,

My chatty 5-year-old daughter went to camp and refused to talk for the whole summer even though she had a great time. A friend suggested that she might have selective mutism. The pediatrician concurs. This summer was her first time in a school-like setting. She was always either home with me or in a small playgroup. Now I am worried about her starting school. Any advice?

- In a Quandary about the Quiet

A:Dear in a Quandary, Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your daughter is fortunate to have a mother who pays such close attention to her experiences. You’re not alone in facing this kind of worry, especially when a child’s behavior seems confusing or unexpected. It sounds like your daughter had a positive summer overall, but her refusal to speak in a new environment has understandably raised some concerns.

Let’s walk through this together.

Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder where a child who is talkative and communicative in familiar settings (like home) is unable to speak in certain other environments, like school or camp, despite wanting to. It’s not willful defiance or rudeness. It’s often intense anxiety that freezes their ability to speak when faced with unfamiliar people or settings.

For some children, SM becomes noticeable during their first exposure to a structured social setting, like camp or kindergarten. In fact, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to emerge right when a child begins to separate from a parent regularly or enters a new environment with expectations of independence and communication.

That said, it’s also possible that your daughter’s silence was situational and temporary, not a sign of selective mutism, but a reflection of her need to warm up more slowly in new settings. The fact that she enjoyed day camp is a good sign. But since this is now on your radar, it’s wise to be proactive before school starts.

Here’s how you can support your daughter now, whether she has SM or is simply adjusting to new environments:

1. Gather More Information

If her silence in camp was consistent and total, and very different from how she acts at home, you may want to consult a child psychologist or a speech-language pathologist with experience in selective mutism.

Getting an informed opinion can help you decide what support she needs.

2.

Prepare the School

Whether or not your daughter has an official diagnosis, you should let the school know about her challenges communicating in new settings. Consider:

• Reaching out early to the teachers, school principal, psychologist, and/or guidance counselor.

It’s often intense anxiety that freezes their ability to speak when faced with unfamiliar people or settings.

• Requesting a brief classroom visit before school starts so your daughter can meet her teacher and see her classroom without pressure.

• Sharing a video of her speaking comfortably at home to help the teacher get to know her, which her silence might prevent.

• Connecting any outside therapist you may be working with to the school team to align strategies.

3. Gradually Build Familiarity

Before school begins, try to set up brief, low-pressure interactions:

• Visit the playground at her future school.

• Arrange short playdates with future classmates, ideally in quiet settings where she can feel comfortable.

• Role-play school routines at home, using dolls or dress-up to act out parts of the day like lining up, answering roll call, or unpacking a backpack.

Children with anxiety do better when the unknown becomes familiar.

If your daughter continues to struggle with speaking in school, she may benefit from extra accommodations and support. An IESP (individual educational services program for private school) that outlines accommodations like allowing nonverbal participation (nodding, pointing, or using visuals), giving her a buddy system for

social support, delaying oral participation requirements until she’s ready, gradual exposure plans that encourage “brave talking” over time, and patience and consistency from school staff who understand that this isn’t misbehavior –it’s anxiety – are ways that can be helpful to her.

You can advocate for these supports even without a diagnosis, especially if her speaking difficulties interfere with learning or social connections.

Your daughter’s comfort with you at home is her anchor. Keep affirming that:

• She is not in trouble for feeling nervous or quiet.

• You believe she can grow into comfort with practice.

• She doesn’t have to be “perfect,” just brave enough to try.

Celebrate small steps: a wave, a smile, a whispered word in a new setting. These are victories.

A Final Word of Reassurance: You’re already doing something powerful: noticing, wondering, and seeking support, which is exactly what your daughter needs from you right now.

Even if selective mutism turns out to be the cause, many children with SM go on to speak confidently in school settings with the right approach. And if this was simply a temporary silence during a big transition? All the preparation you’re doing now will still pay off.

Give her time, give her space, and don’t make her refusal to speak a larger issue than it is, as then it can become something it wasn’t, like her identity.

Wishing her, and you, a wonderful new school year!

Kesiva v’chasima tova, -

Etti

Etti Siegel holds a MS in

is

at

Shenirer.

Parenting Pearls A Yomim Noraim State of Mind

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

The yomim noraim are a unique time. We are busy with physical preparations, such as food for meals and clothing for shul, yet it is a time for spiritual preparations and introspection. We are crowning the Ultimate King, standing for judgment while wiping dirty faces before they stain new white shirts.

Parents have the special avodah of raising the next generation of Klal Yisroel, yet our day is full of seemingly menial tasks. While most members of our nation will be in shul davening the unique tefillos of the day, others will be at home keeping toddlers from throwing things, giving babies naps and entertaining cranky preschoolers. It may not be popular to say, but it’s hard to feel spiritual when changing diapers. It’s easier to imbibe the atmosphere of the day when surrounded by the kehilla in shul than at home without a moment for even a quick Shemoneh Esrei.

It can be a struggle for parents to balance the kedusha of the day with the realities of parenting. Children’s needs don’t change for Rosh Hashana, and they don’t stop for Yom Kippur. It can also lead to feelings of frustration and guilt – frustration from our inability to experience the day with the proper frame of mind, and guilt from thinking we are not doing the correct thing.

Parenting, particularly with young

children, requires a mental shift. We need to move from the way we think it’s “supposed to be” to the way we can best serve Hashem now. Hopefully, we can use these precious years when our children are young to access a special area in our avodas Hashem.

The Challenge

We associate the yomim noraim with heartfelt tefillos, swaying in shul. We don’t imagine it sitting in a playground trying to keep our children from fighting over the swings. Yom Kippur is when we avoid food, not remind others to eat lunch before their nap.

Shofar blowing – meant to bring us to specific kavanos – becomes a chase to find a minyan and then davening that your child doesn’t scream during it. The kids’ needs don’t change, and we are running to stay on top of things. Often, yom tov may not feel much different from a regular Shabbos, only the seudos are later.

It’s the general challenge of parenting that we spend so much time on jobs that feel so menial. We change diapers, clean up spills – repeatedly – and try to get kids back into bed. None of these jobs sound glorious, nor spiritual.

Mental Shift A small change in perspective will not

solve all these challenges, but it will give us a better appreciation for our role. The next generation depends on us now, and we can’t abdicate our role for yom tov. The truth is that parenting is an ideal medium for spiritual growth. When properly appreciated, we can gain so much more out of the daily jobs we are already doing. We can transform a day of frustration into one of accomplishment.

A child’s view of the world, and ability to experience trust, love and security, come from the small acts we do each day. Each time we feed them, change them, listen to their troubles or tend to their continuous needs, we are slowly building their ability to feel safe in the world around them. We take this trust for granted, assuming it comes naturally, but it needs to be developed and nurtured. Children without this foundation will struggle, or be unable, to acquire it later in life.

These feelings of trust and security are crucial throughout our lifetime. They will affect every relationship and human interaction. For example, you can’t rely on a friend to help you if you can’t imagine that others care. Such a person will still be alone in a world of friends and family. These individuals will also find it challenging to connect to Hashem. Without a foundation of experiencing feelings of love and safety, a person can’t accept

that from their Creator.

Each task we do – big or small – is actively raising the next generation of humanity. We are building tomorrow with what we do today. Even the greatest of people started off as helpless babies. Our children, too, can accomplish greatness, but only if we raise them now. Klal Yisroel has, baruch Hashem, been passing on the mesorah for millennia. It’s our privilege to bring our heritage one generation further.

Each act we do, face we wipe, and child we soothe is building our own middos. We are becoming givers and greater individuals. We know how hard it is to improve even one middah – parenting is a treasure trove for personal character growth. We learn to control our frustrations, put the needs of others first and to speak gentler.

Parenting gives us a greater appreciation of Hashem’s love for us. As we gently and lovingly tend to each child’s needs, we can attain a greater understanding of how dependent we are on Hashem for everything and how much we are given. Obviously, we can never understand the divine, but we may get a better appreciation.

Hashem designed the world so that children need parents every day and that yomim noraim come each year. Clearly, the Divine Design included for parents

to be in this role for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. These years are intended to be spent comforting little ones and nurturing their growth.

Shofar and Shul

Shofar is not only a unique mitzvah for the day, it also sets the tone. Even children too young to routinely attend shul will be brought to hear shofar. This provides the unique challenge of having to bring children to shul – and keep them quiet. This section is written predominantly with women in mind. While some of it may be helpful for the fathers, too, men have different halachic requirements. All halachic questions should be directed to the appropriate halachic authority.

Parents will benefit from having the schedule for more than one minyan so there is a backup. Many minyanim run late, and the listed shofar time is often not accurate. Some minyanim can start tekiyos more than an hour after the schedule lists. It’s inadvisable to keep a young child in shul that long, and we want to limit the amount of time we expect them to be quiet. Weather permitting, allow the kids to play outside or get their energy out in another healthy way, going inside just for

the actual tekiyos. It’s advisable to bring pacifiers, comforting blankets or anything that soothes that particular child. Children are calmer when close to their parents. Depending on their age, parents may want to wear an infant/toddler in a carrier or hold them in their arms. Slightly older children may want to be held next to the parent or kept very close by. Be mindful of your child’s nap and eating requirements. I highly advise parents to bring non-messy snacks

Many mothers will want to attend shul, and there are a few options. Neighbors may take turns watching each other’s children, permitting each of them time in shul. Some fathers are able to attend an earlier minyan, allowing their wife to go for part of the later minyan. Some families may want to arrange a babysitter. Please do not leave your child with anyone they do not know or feel comfortable with, especially when you will not be available by phone. Parents should be

We are building tomorrow with what we do today.

for the child to have during that time. We have a neighbor who generously blew shofar for us when a child was sick or shul attendance was not possible. Many individuals can blow shofar privately, even if they wouldn’t normally do so for the kehilla. Parents may also benefit from second shofar blowings after the main minyan.

mindful of who they choose to watch their children. There have been far too many stories of children spending the holiest days of the year watching videos, coloring or doing other prohibited activities.

Home Sweet Home

As in previous years, I look forward to the zechus of being home with a small,

cute child, going out just for shofar. For parents that have similar plans, it helps to have new books, toys and games for them to play with, especially for Yom Kippur. The new items do not need to be expensive; they just need to be entertaining. Try to avoid toys that are difficult to clean up. Have snacks and meals prepared in advance. While this is especially important for Yom Kippur, even on Rosh Hashana kids will need to have a mini meal as they wait for the late seudos. There are many books that can help set the tone for the day. These can help stay-at-home parents feel the kedusha of the day. Ask a rav which tefillos to prioritize and have those bookmarked in your machzor. This makes it easier to “chap” some davening when you can.

I wish all of Klal Yisroel a year of bracha, simcha and nachas from their children. May we make these days meaningful for ourselves and our families.

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.

Fd for Thought

Pasha

By Nati Burnside

Some restaurants are just different. Either they have a unique decor, a unique menu, a unique vibe... But sometimes you walk into a place and just get the feeling that the night is gonna be a little more interesting than your average kosher restaurant trip.

That’s how I felt at Pasha, a new fusion restaurant in Great Neck. First of all, the menu itself has an impressive collection of apps, mains, sushi, and desserts. In fact, it’s not really like many places I’ve ever seen. When asked why that was, one of the owners told me that the goal of the menu was for it to be something interesting that you would want to order from every night.

One more noteworthy tidbit is that the high-end water and seltzer is on the house here. The Saratoga or San Pelligrino that you might see at $18 per bottle at some places in the city are just part of your experience at Pasha.

When I was invited to Pasha, as interesting as the menu was, I decided to start out with raw fish. For me, whenever there is raw fish on the menu, I always want to start there. First, I’ll recommend the Yellowtail Carpaccio. This was a pretty classic presentation with thin slices of fish marinating in a ponzu sauce, topped with even thinner slices of jalapeño. Sometimes, there’s just nothing like the classic combination of buttery soft fish with the sweetness of the sauce and the spiciness of the pepper.

Pasha imports all of their fish from top quality outlets overseas multiple times per week for optimal freshness and quality. It’s going the extra mile for their patrons that sets Pasha apart from the vast majority of their competition in the kosher sushi world. If you take a glance at their menu, you’ll see the place of origin of many of their types of fish. Salmon from Scotland, bluefin tuna from Spain, sea bream from Japan, red snapper from

New Zealand, and more. So when I took a bite of the yellowtail in my carpaccio, I was treated to the slightly fattier version of hamachi, straight from Japan.

If it’s a roll of sushi you’re looking for, try the Pasha Special. The eponymous roll features a double green inside of both avocado and cucumber for a combination of creaminess and crunch, a double orange top of both salmon and spicy mayo, and a dusting of tempura flakes for crispiness. There may not be anything extraordinary about this roll, but the balance of the ingredients make this roll of sushi one that virtually everybody can enjoy. If somehow this doesn’t sound like it’s up your alley, there are other specialty rolls at Pasha to choose from, along with a full sushi menu including hand rolls. Also, keep in mind that there’s a full bar menu if that floats your boat.

On to the fleishig part of the evening. The Spring Rolls are a good choice. This appetizer has some expertly spiced chicken and vegetables in a standard phyllo dough wrapper, served vertically in a sweet chili sauce. These are a great example of simple, yet stunning. In the end, they are just spring rolls. But if you take the time to appreciate the seasoning of the filling, the crispiness of the wrapper, and the unique pairing of the sweet chili sauce, you will see an appetizer that you could probably eat several servings of without blinking.

Before we get to our mains, Pasha offers several choices for starch sides that are great for sharing amongst those at your table. For me, the no-brainer here is the Beef Yakisoba. You can order these Japanese stir fried noodles with veggies only, chicken, or beef (all at remarkably similar prices). The yakisoba will complement many things on the menu, and it’s just not a menu item that you find in many places, so I’d encourage ordering it here while you have the chance. Honestly,

for those that don’t mind eating a carbheavy main, this could be your entire dinner right here. I just think it’s better split into side dishes for the table – but do what you will.

One of the most unique things about Pasha is the menu. You aren’t going to see this collection of options together in one place. That said, I’d order the Entrecôte as my main dish here. Sometimes, steak is just the right call to make. The entrecôte at Pasha was everything I wanted it to be, plus the chimichurri that came alongside was a welcome addition that brought some real brightness and acidity to every bite. It came with some potatoes on the side that were a nice complement, but my guess is that most people will just be happy to have a steak on a menu with such interesting appetizers in the first place.

Heading into my trip to Pasha, I had one tip that I thought was interesting. I was told that I needed to save room for dessert. Honestly, I found that to be pretty odd given the menu and how interesting some parts of it were. And yet, I’ve got to say, Pasha lived up to the hype here. I ordered the Poire, and it was one of the best and most surprising desserts I’ve

had in a while. A whole pear wrapped in puff pastry and served alongside vanilla ice cream and a cookie crumble, everything about this dessert was amazing. It looked absolutely fabulous. The texture of the pear was almost unbelievably perfect inside of the pastry dough (this coming from a person who generally dislikes pear specifically because of their texture). The dough was crispy and went perfectly with the pear and the ice cream, and the crumble added just enough of the extra crunch to make everything come together. I’m not sure how they do it – I just know you should order it.

So if you happen to find yourself nearby, or if you’re looking to make a trip slightly off the beaten path for a place with an interesting menu, check out Pasha in Great Neck. It’s not gonna be like a lot of other places you’ve been to, and maybe that’s a good thing.

Meat - Fusion - Waiter Service 516-466-7601

PashaGreatNeck.com

47 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021

Vaad Harabonim of Queens (VHQ) Tartikover Rav (Rabbi Yechiel Babad)

In The K tchen

Arugula Pomegranate Salad

By Naomi Nachman

I make this salad every Tishrei without fail. You can change up the

vegetables

and fruit to your liking, but the

dressing

is amazing and you will want to double it. It also works really well as a marinade for chicken breasts.

Ingredients

Dressing

◦ ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

◦ 1 tsp. salt

◦ ¼ cup pomegranate juice

◦ 1 tsp dry mustard

◦ ½ cup sugar

◦ ½ red onion, diced finely

◦ ½ cup olive oil

Salad

◦ 6 cups arugula

◦ 1 cup pomegranate seeds

◦ 1 jicama, peeled and cubed

◦ 1 avocado, cubed

◦ 1 mango, cubed

Preparation

To make the dressing:

1. Place onion in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add in all ingredients except oil and pulse. Then, while the machine is running, slowly add the oil in one steady stream.

2. Pour dressing ingredients into a jar.

3. Store in the refrigerator before using.

To make the salad:

1. Combine lettuce, avocado, pomegranate seeds and jicama in a salad bowl.

2. Just before serving, add dressing to the salad and toss.

Cook’s Note: the dressing can be made days in advance, although the salad should be made fresh.

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.

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of G-d’s love. They should all know this— if you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you have unleashed across this country and this world. You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife.

- Erika Kirk in her first public statement after her husband’s political assassination, promising that the mission will go on

When things are moving very fast and people are losing their minds, it’s important to stay grounded. Turn off your phone…spend time with friends, and remember internet fury is not real life. It’s going to be OK.

- Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) quoting Charlie Kirk at a press conference about his assassination

Social media is a cancer on our society right now. I would encourage people to log off, turn off, touch grass, hug a family member, go out and do good in your community.

- ibid.

In the United States of America, we have freedom of speech. I understand that in Somalia, where you come from and would do well to go back to, this isn’t a thing. In our county, having political disagreements with someone isn’t a reason to justify their execution.

- Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) responding to Ilhan Omar laughing about Charlie Kirk being assassinated

Hannah Einbinder’s Emmy speech was a performance of ignorance, not courage. She said nothing about peace, nothing about ending the war, and nothing about the hostages still suffering in Gaza. To claim Jews can be separated from Israel is an insult to our history and faith, as more than seven million Jews live there and every Jew in the world faces Israel when we pray. Prayers and philosophies about the Land of Israel exist throughout every facet of Judaism. For thousands of years, we refer to our collective as “the nation of Israel.” If Hannah truly cares about justice, she should come to Israel, look Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the eye, and see how peace is achieved in front of her own eyes”

– Emmy-Award winning actor Yuval David responding to a Hollywood actress who addressed an awards show saying, “I feel like it is my obligation as a Jewish person to distinguish Jews from the State of Israel.”

Congresswoman Occasion-Cortez is a creation of the media. She checks all the boxes – she’s young, she’s liberal…she’s ethnic. Her problem is that she is as shallow as a puddle.

-Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

To stand here today on the very road, where not 2,000 years ago, so many from everywhere ventured to fulfill that desire to be closer to the creator is a humbling and honoring experience. As you go through the layers of history, you realize that all the civilizations that conquered this city, all the ones who tore it down and built on top, are all gone. The Roman Empire is no more, nor any of the others that sought to conquer and rule this land. But one people remain. They have returned. For G-d’s promise is eternal, and it is perfect, and His word is always true. And I’m honored to be a part of its fulfillment here with you tonight.

- Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a ceremony celebrating the opening of a roadway which served as the main road to the Beis Hamikdash

If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, may my right hand forget its skill. The Jewish people never forgot that this was their land, their home, their undivided, indisputable indigenous capital from eternity. Tonight, the stones are crying out. The crowds may say it, but the stones absolutely and 100% validate that the Jewish people not only belong here now, but they have belonged here for 4,000 years since the time G-d said to Abraham, “This is yours.”

- U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee at the event

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is bringing out some of the best in humanity and it’s also exposing some of the worst. The unification, love, support, and outcry on his behalf throughout the world is heartwarming. The number of people supporting Tyler Robinson’s appalling behavior has opened my eyes to a side of extremism with a moral superiority complex that has also shaken my belief in people in general. I hope they are held accountable for their disgusting rhetoric.

- Professional golfer Phil Mickelon

It’s the death of free speech, to think that you are so illiterate and so stupid you can’t answer verbally, and you have to shoot somebody with a gun to win the argument.

- Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno in a radio interview shortly after Charlie Kirk was assassinated

This is a political assassination of a man who I didn’t necessarily agree with, but I certainly enjoyed listening to... I mean, we’re at a point in this country where, if you don’t agree with everybody on everything, you take out a gun and you shoot them?

- ibid.

Sen. Tom Cotton manhandling an Al Jazeera reporter who approached him in the halls of Congress and challenged him on Israel:

REPORTER: Would you use Hamas to justify a famine?

SEN. TOM COTTON (R-AK): There is no famine in Gaza.

REPORTER: The world’s leading experts on famine…have declared it a famine. Are you saying that they are wrong?

SEN. COTTON: The world’s leading experts are clowns. They are antiSemites and anti-Zionist.

REPORTER: You are asking the world to not believe with their own eyes on video?

SEN. COTTON: What? They see a child that has a terrible affliction but is not malnourished while a bunch of fat terrorists sit right next to him off camera…

REPORTER: So what would you say to the people of Gaza that are trying to get food and are facing Israeli bullets to get there?

SEN. COTTON: I’d say, I’m sorry that Hamas continues to terrorize its own people. What do you say about working for a terror sympathizing network.

REPORTER: Do you justify genocide?

SEN. COTTON: You mean the October 7 attacks against Israel.

REPORTER: It’s been going on long before October 7.

SEN. COTTON: Yes, it’s been going on for decades.

REPORTER: Since 1947.

SEN. COTTON: Efforts to eliminate the Jewish state? Yes.

REPORTER: There wasn’t a Jewish state in 1947. There was Palestine.

SEN. COTTON: Palestine is a made up fiction.

So many things have been learned about [the shooter] so quickly. He’s become totally radicalized and crazy, and it must have been traumatic, because the parents are conservative people, supposed to be very nice people living in Utah. The father turns in the son. Boy, that’s a tough deal.

- Pres. Donald Trump talking about Charlie Kirk’s assassination

What I am doing is protecting this country, providing historic reforms, and combatting the weaponization of intelligence by the likes of you. And we have countlessly proven you to be a liar on Russiagate, in January 6, you are the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate, you are a disgrace to this institution, and an utter coward!

- FBI Director Kash Patel sparring with Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA)

I’m not surprised that you continue to lie from your perch and put on a show so you can go raise money for your charade. You are a political buffoon at best.

- ibid.

I don’t have a goal... I’ll be happy when every illegal alien criminal and every illegal alien terrorist is deported from this country. That’s when I’ll be happy.

- Border Czar Tom Holman when asked by a reporter if he is meeting his goals

12 million Charlie Kirks created overnight. - A rare non-satirical tweet by the Babylon Bee

Political Crossfire

The Best Way to Honor Charlie Kirk’s Memory

By Marc A. Thiessen

On Thursday, we marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. I was at the Pentagon that day. I remember the feeling of the walls of my office shuddering, the smell of the smoke that filled the hallways, and the sight of the broken and burning building. The day before our nation paused to

remember those who died on 9/11, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while boldly exercising his right to free speech – a freedom that the brave men and women in uniform who responded to the terrorist attacks were acting to secure. Kirk lost his life honoring their service and sacrifice by embracing the liberty

for which they risked and gave their lives.

After 9/11, President George W. Bush declared that our nation had been attacked by the followers of “a hateful ideology that rejects tolerance and crushes all dissent.”

We don’t know yet who killed Kirk, but if he was targeted for political assassination, as appears likely, then he, too, was killed by a follower of a hateful ideology that rejects tolerance and seeks to crush all dissent.

The goal of the 9/11 attacks was to terrorize Americans. The terrorists’ objective was to frighten and intimidate us and force us to curtail the way we exercise our freedoms. On its face, it appears that Kirk’s shooting was intended to terrorize as well. Was this an effort to drive conservatives off college campuses and out of public debate, to frighten us and stop us from speaking out?

We must not give in to terrorism. Unfortunately, I fear the opposite might happen.

In the wake of Kirk’s killing, many colleges and universities could respond by saying they can’t host conservative speakers on campus because they can’t guarantee their security. Yes, they can – and they must. Whatever the motive for this atrocity turns out to be, our nation’s response must not be to stifle speech, but to double down on it. College campuses need more speech and more ideological diversity, not less. Schools need to invite more conservative speakers like Charlie Kirk to campus. Every college president in America should, at this moment, be compiling a list of conservative speakers they will invite to campus this fall – security costs be damned.

I did not know Kirk well, but I followed and admired his work. I know that his le -

gions of supporters – many of them young – are angry right now, and rightly so. He was just 31, in the prime of his life, with a beautiful young family and children who will now grow up without a father. His senseless killing is infuriating. It is also appalling to discover that there are so many people who don’t just oppose his ideas –they celebrate his demise. Just look at the reaction of those cheering Kirk’s death on social media. They might not represent a majority of those on the left, but they are a shockingly vocal and hateful minority.

For American conservatives, our response cannot be to match their hatred; rather, we must match Kirk’s love.

What distinguished Kirk, and made him special, was that he was a model of civil discourse who sought out those who disagreed with him and respectfully engaged them. As he told one student who asked why he had come to campus: “I love America because I love talking with people I disagree with. … When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence … because you start to think the other side is so evil, and they lose their humanity.” He sought to persuade by reasoned discussion and through affirming the humanity of those who disagreed with him. He listened attentively to those on the left who shared this love of reasoned discussion and gracefully took the insults of those who did not. He was a devout Christian who lived the religion’s command to love your enemies.

The best way to honor Charlie Kirk’s memory is by carrying on his legacy of civil discourse and engaging those who disagree with us with love.

Political Crossfire

Globalizing the Intifada Killed Charlie Kirk

By Martin Oliner

The gunshot that murdered Charlie Kirk may have been fired for reasons that have nothing to do with his steadfast support for Israel and the Jewish people, but it penetrated all those who love the Jewish state and have been pained by the incitement against anyone and anything related to Israel.

No one can deny anymore that the phrase “globalize the Intifada” means spreading violence and hate around the world, because it has already happened.

The pro-Hamas movement on college campuses and communities throughout the United States legitimized violence and hateful discourse for any cause, calling for resistance by any means. If murder, rape, and kidnapping are justified, where does it stop?

Charlie Kirk stood for the opposite. He believed in open discourse, invited anyone to debate him on his views, and died as he spoke passionately and fearlessly.

Charlie stood for goodness and against evil. He was not Jewish, but he knew Israel was part of that goodness that evil is trying to extinguish.

The same left-wing people who have celebrated his murder also celebrated the murder of 1,200 Jews in Israel on October 7, the most Jews killed in one day since the Holocaust. No one should be surprised by the assassin’s endorsement by journalists after watching the way they have covered Israel’s war for Western civilization.

Watching left-wing people celebrate his death with such palpable enthusiasm absolutely sickened me.

Those who used rhetoric that glorifies violence against Jews and Israelis are hypocritically condemning Charlie’s assassination instead of looking inward. Democratic nominee for mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani, for instance, refused to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada”

until recently, and only now has said he will not use the phrase that romanticizes violent uprising against Jews and Israelis.

Following Kirk’s murder, Mamdani called himself “horrified,” insisting that “political violence has no place in our country.”

Charlie was the modern-day righteous gentile whose values and principles must be put on display and taught to future generations. We learned from Charlie that silence in the face of evil is complicity and moral courage requires action.

It is no wonder that Hamas supporter Sheikh Hamzah wald Maqbul called Kirk a criminal and said he had no sympathy for him.

“He was a genocide denying race-baiter,” Maqbul said. “Expressing sympathy for him is the opposite of good character.”

I was privileged to have met Charlie on several occasions, and like countless people, he had a profound effect on me.

His defense of Israel and strong condemnation of Hamas on campuses around the world cannot be taken for granted. In a tough room at Cambridge, he explained to students why Hamas is to blame for all deaths in this war, including Gazan civilians.

As a religious Zionist, I was impressed by his strong appreciation for and validation of Jewish rituals. He kept Shabbat and encouraged other Christians to join him. His next book “Stop, In the Name of G-d: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Change Your Life,” will be published posthumously in December.

Dennis Prager called him the most articulate spokesman for America and its values. Kirk visited Prager in the hospital after he suffered a fall that left him paralyzed. Following his death, I was shocked by the amount of crazy people suggesting Israel had a role in his assassination. Candace Owens even implicated Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu, who put out a wonderful video mourning Charlie’s death and expressing Israel’s gratitude to him.

The wakeup call that came from his assassination must also make Americans realize that they went too far in criticizing Israel. It is time for the haters to reexamine their views and consider that the reality may be different. It is time for them to find something good to love in those with whom they disagree.

The goodness that is Charlie Kirk’s legacy must also be bestowed upon Israel,

the country he defended until his dying day. We lost Charlie, but in the long run, with G-d’s help, good will conquer evil, and both America and Israel will emerge stronger.

Martin Oliner is chairman of Religious Zionists of America, as well as a committee member of the Jewish Agency. He currently serves as a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council and is author of In Praise of Donald Trump, available at Amazon. Mr. Oliner is the former mayor of the Village of Lawrence.

Jewish History Up-Close Killers, Then and Now

By Rafael Medoff

What kind of human being is capable of walking up to another person—an innocent, defenseless, unarmed civilian—and, at close range, shooting him or her?

That question must be on the minds of many who are reading about the Palestinian Arab terrorist attack on bus passengers in Jerusalem last week. The killers were within a few feet of their victims.

Prof. Daniel Goldhagen considered this question in his famous book, Hitler’s Willing Executioners. There are those who dislike comparisons between contemporary terrorists and the Nazis. Let’s take a closer look at Goldhagen’s analysis and consider whether it’s valid to compare up-close killers, then and now.

Goldhagen focused on a particular German police unit, Reserve Police Battalion 101, which carried out up-close shootings. That segment of the genocide, which historians today call “the Holocaust by bullets,” took place before gas chambers became the Germans’ primary means of mass murder.

In June 1942, five hundred battalion members were assigned to the town of Jozefow, in Germanoccupied southern Poland. They were instructed to force local Jews out of their homes, take them to a nearby forest, and shoot them point-blank.

When a truck unloaded its Jewish prisoners at the edge of the Józefów forest, each of the waiting policemen selected a victim. The two then walked together to the nearby execution site. Many of the captives were children. The walk “afforded each perpetrator an opportunity for reflection,” Goldhagen noted. “It is highly likely that, back in Germany, these men had previously walked through woods with their own children by their sides… In these moments, each killer had a personalized, face-to-face relationship to his victims.”

Goldhagen wondered if the typical killer ever “asked himself why he was about to kill this little, delicate human being who, if seen as a little girl by him,

would normally have received his compassion, protection, and nurturing.” Or perhaps it was that the killer could only “see a Jew, a young one, but a Jew nonetheless,” and therefore accepted “the reasonableness of the order, the necessity of nipping the believed-in Jewish blight in the bud.”

dren,” and to the bloody corpses at their feet. The reserve police officers slaughtered defenseless Jews in this manner for hours on end.

Goldhagen emphasized the formative role of antisemitic ideology in facilitating the deeds of these killers. The German government-controlled news

executing entire families together, beheading infants. Until just a few years ago, the October 7 perpetrators, like last week’s killers in Jerusalem, were all students in schools run by the Palestinian Authority or Hamas, where they were taught to hate Jews and glorify violence.

The Jerusalem terrorists, Muthanna Amro, 20, and Mohammad Taha, 21, came from the towns of Qubeiba and Qatanna, respectively. Since 1995, those towns have been governed by the PA. As they were growing up, the boys’ teachers, religious authorities, and news media taught them to view Jews as less than human and to idolize perpetrators of anti-Jewish violence.

Only such indoctrination can explain how terrorists were capable of murdering the two youngest Israeli hostages in Gaza, four-year-old Ariel Bibas and his nine-month-old brother Kfir, “in cold blood, with their bare hands,” as the pathologist reported. Or how other terrorists could walk up to defenseless bus passengers in Jerusalem and shoot them point-blank.

That segment of the genocide, which historians today call “the Holocaust by bullets,” took place before gas chambers became the Germans’ primary means of mass murder.

Just two weeks ago, official PA Television aired a sermon in a mosque by a PA-salaried shari’ah judge named Abdallah Harb. He proclaimed: “O All-ah, strengthen our stance and grant us victory over the infidels...count them one by one, kill them one by one, and do not leave even one…” PA TV has aired the sermon at least seven times in the past year, Palestinian Media Watch reports.

The Jerusalem bus killers heard such rhetoric every day of their lives. And then they acted on it.

The killing mechanics were necessarily “a gruesome affair,” Goldhagen noted. “Each of the Germans had to raise his gun to the back of the head, now face down on the ground, that had bobbed along beside him, [and] pull the trigger.” They had to “remain hardened to the crying of the victims, to the crying of women, to the whimpering of chil-

media and schools dehumanized Jews, depicting them as rats, spiders, or lice that needed to be destroyed. The only solution to the “Jewish problem” was the “final solution,” death.

The atrocities of October 7 echoed the savagery of the Jozefow forest: shooting disabled children and elderly people at close range, binding and

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

The Problem is the Normalization of Hate, Not Cancel Culture

For many readers of The Washington Post who care about the normalization of antisemitism, it was a case of good riddance. Karen Attiah was named the newspaper’s first Global Opinions editor in 2016 and has been a columnist since 2021. This week, she claimed that she was fired over what the newspaper said was a series of posts about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which the paper said were “unacceptable,” and constituted “gross misconduct” and “endangering the physical safety of colleagues.”

Are her posts about Kirk’s murder reason enough to lose her job?

Corrupted Institutions

Her publishers’ excuses and disingenuous “safety” language notwithstanding, the real issue with Attiah or any other similar situation isn’t really about cancel culture.

It’s what it says about the Post, The New York Times and other corporate media institutions that employ many people like her. That they thought placing radical hate-mongers like Attiah in charge of influential platforms was a good idea in the first place is the problem.

We should be extremely wary of engaging in a culture war in which the goal is to silence, shame and even hound out of the public square people with whom we disagree. The question we should be asking in the wake of this latest example of political violence is not about how best to punish those who use their social-media accounts to say terrible things. It’s why we have allowed institutions that should be the bulwark of democracy, like journalism, to be so corrupted as to normalize the sort of public discourse from people like Attiah, whose goal is to tear down the foundations of the American republic and Western civilization.

Attiah has every right to say what she likes. And the same goes for anyone else

By Jonathan S. Tobin

who unfairly and insensitively defamed Kirk after his death. The same applies to those extremists on the far right who sought to exploit the assassination to promote their own brand of conspiracy theories, whether it was the libelous claim that Israel was responsible or other antisemitic insinuations about the crime.

No one should interfere with the ability of those who behave in this fashion to post on social media (so long as they are not directly advocating violence), stand on street corners or march in the streets while spouting their lies, whether about Kirk, other conservatives, or Israel and the Jews. Still, that doesn’t entitle them to a job at the top newspapers in the country, a tenured professorship at an Ivy League university or a position at a private company whose owners want no part of such madness. And it ought not to grant immunity from criticism or legal action when they violate the law or help fund radical groups like Antifa or Students for Justice in Palestine, both of which promote violence and hate.

What we want is not a nation that chills speech. We crave a culture of political discourse that doesn’t normalize hate and toxic extremist ideas—that doesn’t exacerbate racial divisions and promote antisemitism. Just as important, we should be actively discouraging a belief that political violence—whether against conservative activists, insurance company executives or politicians disliked by fashionable opinion on the left—is acceptable discourse.

Marginalizing Hatemongers

Our challenge isn’t how best to silence or punish ideologues who ran to TikTok to cheer for Kirk’s murderer or to mock those who mourned him. It’s recreating a political culture where such people are relegated to the fever swamps of the far left and right, where they belong, rather than featuring them in the mainstream media or allowing them to dominate our educational system.

Attiah was one among many being held up for opprobrium, even sometimes losing their jobs for their insensitive reactions to

an act of political violence. But for those who have followed her career, her broadsides aimed at Kirk following his death were typical of her brand of journalism. She claimed that she was fired for “speaking out against political violence, racial double standards and America’s apathy toward guns.” The truth is that she is a typical of those self-styled progressives who have no problem with political violence so long as it is directed against people and groups that she thinks have no rights worthy of respect—for example, Israelis and Jews.

The columnist has written explicitly of her belief that the State of Israel had no right to exist. She falsely labels it a European-style colonial project, rather than an expression of Jewish self-determination in their ancient homeland. Even before the Oct. 7 Hamas-led Palestinian attacks on Israeli communities, she was cheerleading for the effort to defend the genocidal terrorists in Gaza from the consequences of their crimes, and delegitimizing Israel and its right of self-defense.

Her work illustrated how toxic leftwing myths like critical race theory, intersectionality and settler-colonialism are a method to normalize antisemitism. Indeed, as an alumnus of one of those institutions that have been a bastion of such terrible ideas—Attiah graduated from Columbia University’s School of International Affairs—there is no better example of the way the academy manufactures and then spreads Jew-hatred.

Many on the political left, like Attiah, thought the aftermath of Kirk’s murder was a license to not only vent their anger at his views but to post misleading, if not downright false, information about the late activist. They now say that retribution for this is no different from something that the right has long decried: cancel culture.

That’s not a charge that can be dismissed out of hand. And it’s one that is

also related to the assertions that President Donald Trump’s efforts to roll back the tide of woke antisemitism at colleges and universities are an infringement on free speech, academic freedom and a form of cancel culture.

Is the backlash against those who mocked Kirk’s death different from the moral panic about race that swept across the United States during the Black Lives Matter summer of 2020? That moment of peak progressive conquest of America’s media and culture led to cancellations of those who were deemed insufficiently sympathetic to BLM or otherwise denounced as “racists.” Most educational institutions, arts organizations, celebrities and even many corporations quavered in the face of this Jacobin-like attempt to purge conservatives or even moderates who wouldn’t bend their knees to BLM lies about race from the public square.

A Failure to Engage

Left-wingers who were happy to join the cancel culture mobs in 2020 or to cheer on the efforts of pro-Hamas activists to target Jews since Oct. 7 have suddenly discovered that being ostracized in this way isn’t a good thing. They assert that those who disagreed with Kirk—like Attiah and the countless others who have been attacking the victim of an assassination as someone who got what he deserved—are being unfairly punished.

As we saw in 2020, the impulse to persecute those who contradict the conventional wisdom of the moment and to seek to deprive them of their livelihoods is antithetical to how a free republic operates.

The real sickness afflicting American democracy is not primarily the fault of extreme speech that breeds angry arguments but the unwillingness of so many people to engage with views differing from their own. The bifurcated political culture, in which much of the country reads, listens and watches two entirely different sets of media outlets, has created an almost unbridgeable gap between left and right. That has made many people uncomfortable with opinions or even facts that contradict their assumptions and prejudices. It also encourages them to engage in radical speech that demonizes their political foes.

Thus, it wasn’t enough for many people to state their disagreements with Kirk’s views about Trump, abortion, immigration, gun rights, gender ideology and even Israel (he was a strong and vocal supporter of the Jewish state). They also felt compelled to damn him as a racist, hate-monger, fascist or Nazi, and to double down on the same smears of Trump and his supporters.

That’s bad enough under normal circumstances. But those who did so after the object of their intemperate invective was murdered for exercising his right to free speech are understandably being criticized for what is, at best, insensitive behavior and, at worst, exactly the sort of hate speech that encourages more political violence.

Moving the Overton Window

So, what should our response be to this sort of speech? Should those who do so be held up to public outrage by being “ratioed” with a flood of critical comments on their social-media feeds—the 21st-century-version of the Medieval punishment of being put in the stocks in the public square for passersby to jeer at? Should they lose their livelihoods and be run out of town?

The answer to that question most often depends on whether the offending poster is situated on your side of the political aisle. We tend to be more forgiving of allies who misbehave online and demand the scalps of those whose opinions contradict our own.

Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, some basic truths need to be acknowledged. If you’re going to express opinions that are nasty, insensitive or extreme, then you don’t have standing to play the victim if other people who are offended respond in the same way. That doesn’t excuse foul language or threats, which platform providers have every right to moderate.

Yet we need to draw some distinctions here. Espousing opinions on a wide range of political issues, about which those who believe in democracy are compelled to agree to disagree, is not something that should be treated as a reason for shunning.

Supporting political violence, however, is not the same as backing a particular political candidate on the right or the left. Nor should we treat open racism—whether in the form of white nationalism or fashionable left-wing “anti-racism,” or antisemitism in all of its forms—as the same thing as just having a position on the best way to achieve racial harmony or how to bring about peace in the Middle East. What we’ve seen on the left is the growth of what can only be termed “assassination culture,” as some people laud those who murder their political foes or the terrorists of Hamas. Those who are part of this trend shouldn’t complain if their fellow citizens or their employers want nothing to do with them.

The problem is that the Overton window of acceptable discourse was deliberately shifted by progressives so as to treat their own extremist views about race, gender, American history, the Jews and

Israel as normal, and to brand those who defended traditional values on religion, liberty and Jewish rights as hateful. Attiah is someone who despises the America to which her African parents immigrated and who backs genocidal positions that deny Jewish history and rights. A political culture in which someone like her is treated as a respected voice rather than a marginal extremist is sick and in need of reform.

The same applies to someone like Tucker Carlson, who may have been a much-needed tribune of conservative resistance to BLM and the far left in 2020 but has since descended into an antisemitic extremist rabbit hole since being fired from his prominent position at Fox News. Those on the right who may disagree with him but are still treating his views as worthy of platforming—unfortunately, that included Charlie Kirk—are wrong.

What happened at The Washington Post and Fox News was not the cancellation of independent voices. They were necessary corrections by companies that don’t wish to be identified with extremism, and to that end, they cleaned house.

The Post’s billionaire owner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, may be a hypocrite who shows no sign of having much in the way of principles. And he has belatedly concluded

that his money-losing sinkhole of a publication is better off with its editorials and columnists defending free markets and personal liberty, as opposed to partisan progressive extremism. He is trying to align himself with most Americans and actually doing something to defend the democracy that its banner warns will “die in darkness.”

Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch likely also feels himself well rid of Carlson’s particular brand of isolationism and hate for Israel, mixed in with kowtowing to tyrants in Russia and Qatar.

Attiah and Carlson may well prosper on Substack or podcasts on X, though they shouldn’t be silenced or interfered with by the government. Still, they have no place in mainstream media or discourse. Marginalizing them and other radicals aren’t examples of cancel culture to be decried. It’s just common sense. It’s also a sign: We need not despair that we are doomed to helplessly watch the polarization they represent send the American republic tumbling into a civil war between the left and the right.

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of JNS (Jewish News Syndicate).

Forgotten Her es Incredible Stories of Bravery by Jewish Servicemen

By Avi Heiligman

Jewish soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen were present and fighting from the time the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1945, until the Japanese surrender in August 1945. They served for patriotic and personal reasons. It was a deeply personal mission for many Jewish servicemen to fight against the Nazis who declared war on the United States four days after Pearl Harbor. Whether they were fighting against the Germans or the Japanese, Jewish servicemen fought with bravery and courageousness.

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA has been active since 1896 when it was formed by Civil War veterans. In addition to their ongoing support of the members and other causes, they have been collecting stories of Jewish veterans. Many of these stories have been published in books, and their service records are filled with incredible stories that is history to be remembered.

Marvin H. Jacobs’ story is more about survival against all odds than fighting the enemy. The Pennsylvania native joined the Air Corps in 1943 and trained as a radio operator and gunner on B-25 medium bombers. He was assigned to the 22nd Bomb Squadron, 341st Bomb Group and was involved in 44 combat missions while being stationed in China.

On February 4, 1945, while on the way home from China, Jacobs was on a C-46 transport that developed mechanical problems and caught fire. Thirty four out of the 35 passengers and crew were killed in the crash that occurred in the mountains in Tibet. Despite the odds, Jacobs survived but suffered cracked ribs and a broken ankle. Local Tibetans found him and sheltered him for fourteen days. They didn’t speak English and had never seen a white man before. After two weeks, three Americans part of a rescue crew found Jacobs. The natives helped to build a runway so that a plane could be brought in to land.

Jacobs was flown to a hospital where he made a recovery.

Before joining the army, Alexander J. Balter had been a furniture salesman from Pittsburgh. Balter was a 37-year-old native of Elizabeth, NJ, born to a Jewish family. His father died when he was young, and Balter went to live with his grandparents who taught him to speak Russian. His knowledge of German made him an ideal choice as an interpreter in addition to his duties as a communications sergeant with the 6th Armored Division.

In August 1944, the 6th Armored was pushing into the Brittany Peninsula and reached the fortified port city of Brest in about ten days. There, they left a task force called Combat Command A to help contain and possibly facilitate the surrender of the 40,000 Germans in the city. Balter was called in by his commanding officer as they went up against a strongly defended enemy position. His commanding officer wanted to see if could convince the Germans to surrender, and Balter accepted the mission. Flying a small white flag on his jeep, he reached the German command post after dodging some bullets from enemy snipers. Balter read a letter from his commander offering terms of surrender. The German officer said no. Balter then told them that artillery would get involved and that the air force would unleash bombs against their positions. Each time he spoke with them, the Germans refused to surrender. Then Balter tried a sales tactic and said that they have ten minutes to make up their minds before he went back to the American lines. Before the ten minutes were up, 128 Germans decided to follow the Jewish sergeant and surrendered. Germans supplies including forty horses were also captured by Balter. In subsequent actions, Balter convinced hundreds more Germans to surrender and was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions.

In April 1945, Balter made history as the first American to make radio contact

with the advancing Russian army. The Americans were at Mittweida, Germany, and Balter had been trying to contact the Russians for two days without much success. Then, he heard over the radio, “Bravo Americanski!” He had several conversations with the Russians as the two armies were trying to link up. It took a few days for the Russians and the Americans to finally meet. Not long after, the Germans surrendered and the war in Europe ended.

Many European-born Jewish refugees served in the American military during the war. German-born Maier Rothschild – not to be confused with the renowned banker – moved to New York City to escape the rise of the Nazis. He joined the Marines and was attached to the 9th Defense Battalion as an anti-aircraft gunner. They played an important role in the Battle of Munda in the Central Solomon Islands during the New Georgia campaign in mid-1943.

On July 17, at Zanana, they crawled ashore to secure the beachhead but were facing heavy Japanese fire. Together with Private John Wantuck, Rothschild manned a .30 caliber machine gun during the night in which the Japanese 13th Infantry Regiment attacked in several waves. The two marines remained in the forward position and faced the oncoming Japanese assaults while the rest of Americans retreated to their gun pits. Although outnumbered, Rothschild stayed in his position and allowed an enemy mortar crew to come close to his location before wiping them out.

After most of the Japanese had been killed, just one enemy officer remained and charged at his position. At this point, Wantuck had been killed, and Rothschild’s gun had jammed. Rothschild used his bayonet to stop the charging enemy officer and remained at his position until reinforcements arrived. For his actions, Rothschild received the Navy Cross. Wantuck was posthumously awarded the same medal.

An American army officer who surveyed the scene said that the two marines saved the division’s rear and the beachhead from being overrun. These stories of these Forgotten Heroes have been written down in annuls of the Jewish War Veterans. Many of these stories have been written about in books, and their service records are filled with incredible stories that is history to be remembered.

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.

Sgt. Alexander Balter

Cpl. Maier Rothschild, left, with Pvt. John Wantuck

Russian and American troops meeting in Germany, April 1945

Classifieds

DU N DURT

Power & Soft Washing

We clean siding, stucco, decks, driveways, concrete, pool patios, pavers & sidewalks. Say goodbye to grime, mold & allergens! Call/WhatsApp: 718-688-2964

Email: dundurtny01@gmail.com

VACUUM SALES AND REPAIR

All areas call Max Flam 718-444-4904

THE LEATHER SHOPPE

The spot for all your custom leather Judaica. Tallis/tefillin bags, lulav and esrog bags, havdallah sets, challah covers, shtenders, pesach sets, matzah/afikomen bags.  WhatsApp: (732) 523-0007 or email: theleathershoppe732@gmail.com for a full catalog. We ship.

PEACEFUL PRESENCE STUDIO

Men’s private yoga, Licensed Massage & Holistic Health Guidance 436 Central Ave, Cedarhurst Info. & free video training www.peacefulpresence.com 516-371-3715

DO YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE? Need trusted extra help for everyday tasks?

JustCallCorey.com  See References. Call or Text  718-757-0766

GERBER MOVING

Full Service Moving Packing Moving Supplies

Local Long Distance. Licensed Insured 1000’S Of Happy Customers Call Shalom 347-276-7422

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE

For big or small jobs, Sheetrock, carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, install & repair appliances Call Ephraim at 347-593-4691

MANAGEMENT STAFF WILL ASSIST

you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust

* In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling

* Securing reliable home care assistance

* Case and Care Management services Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242

HAIR COURSE:

Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs. Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009

ZEVIZZ WOODTURNING JUDAICA

Challah knifes, batei mezuzah, besamim holder, kiddish cups, havdalah candle holders, yad for sefer torah, pens, stenders, bowls and more  952-356-2228

MY MOTTO IS DON’T WAIT TO buy real estate

Buy real estate and wait Your realtor for life

516-784-0856 Alexandra at Realty Connect USA

HOUSES FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT

Services – Do Not Manage Your Properties Alone!

Contact Aliyah Suites for all your real estate management needs and affordable office space near you! (516) 366-1049

Management@aliyahsuites.com

Marc Jeret (MJ)

Team Leader & Licensed Real Estate Agent

COMMERCIAL REAL ESATATE HELP WANTED

CEDARHURST

Prime Restaurant Location For Lease.

For more information:

Call/Text/WhatsApp Owner:

(516) 206-1100

Don’t Get Stuck With a Two Story House Ya Know, It’s One Story Before You Buy It But a Second Story After You Own It!

Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection InfraredTermite Inspection

Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

ASSISTANT TEACHER, AFTERNOON POSITION

Join our Specialized team at Zareinu. Looking for a warm and caring teacher assistant to work with an experienced teacher in a small 7th and 8th grade girls’ class in Shulamith. Great Pay! Great Opportunity! Warm environment with administrative support!

Email resume: jlepolstat@zareinu. org or call 516-993-2142

DELIVERY PERSON NEEDED to deliver this Newspaper every Thursday  morning to locations in Brooklyn. Must have Mini van or SUVand availability to work Consistently every week. Good pay - Please email gabe@fivetownsjewishhome.com or call (917) 299-8082

HELP WANTED

REGENTS EXPERT

Tutoring regents in Algebra and Geometry A Darchei Torah instructor. Guaranteed results Text 347-491-8045 WhatsApp 347-767-1755

HELP WANTED

SEEKING ELEMENTARY TEACHERS and assistants for General Studies for the ‘25-’26 year. Assistants should have skills to take over for teachers if needed. Far Rockaway area boys’ school, M-Th, PM hours, strong support. Excellent salary. Send resume to teachersearch11@gmail.com.

Reach Your Target Market

Classifieds

Classifieds

HELP WANTED MISC. HELP WANTED

YESHIVAT KOL YAAKOV

In Great Neck, NY, is seeking general studies teachers for both the elementary and middle schools, for the upcoming academic year. Mon-Thur afternoons. Competitive salary, warm and supportive environment.  Send resume to m.kalati@kolyaakov.org

MDS REGIONAL NURSE

5 Towns area Nursing Home management office seeking a Regional/Corporate level MDS Nurse to work in our office. Must be an RN. Regional experience preferred. 2-3 years MDS experience with good computer skills required. Position is Full Time but Part Time can be considered. Great Shomer Shabbos environment with some remote options as well. Email: officejob2019@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

A multi-tasker needed for general office work. The ideal candidate is someone who is detail-oriented, responsible, and can take ownership. Looking for someone who is eager to learn, and expand his/her skill set while possessing the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience with Excel required. Five Towns location. In-office position only, not remote. Please send resume to 5tpart.timecareer@gmail.com

BOOKKEEPER

A Five Towns Real Estate Company is seeking a full-time Bookkeeper. The right candidate must be proficient with QuickBooks and Excel. They must also be self-motivated, organized, detail oriented, reliable, and able to work independently or as a team player. Warm, frum office environment with excellent salary & benefits. Please email resume to HR@capsprop.com

REBBE, SUNDAY POSITION

Join our Specialized team at Zareinu!

Looking for a Rebbe to teach a small class of second and third grade. You will be working with experienced assistants.  Great Pay! Great Opportunity! Warm environment with administrative support! Email resume: jlepolstat@zareinu.org or call 516-993-2142

HEAD ENGLISH TEACHING POSITIONS

Join our Specialized team at Zareinu!

Looking for a qualified teacher to teach a modified English curriculum for a small group of 4th grade girls in Far Rockaway.

Great Pay! Warm environment! Great administrative support!   Email resume: jlepolstat@zareinu. org or call 516-993-2142

HASHAVAS AVEIDA

Apple airpods found on Wednesday morning on the way to the Woodmere dock. To claim, 516-351-8105.

LOST TENNIS BRACELET If found. Please call 347-306-2049

SHMIRAS HALASHON

Text 516-303-3868 with a time slot of your choice to be careful on lashon hara. Be a part of the 1,000 people for klal yisroel!

BEIS HAMEDRASH CONG. Chasdei Uvois Oshpitzin Talmidei chachomim are willing to learn mishnayos, say kaddish and be the shliach tzibbur to daven for the umid on the yartzeit yom hashanah of your parents or close relatives or loved ones

To arrange please call Rabbi Miller 917-445-6220

Life C ach

Heading Our Way

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

Rosh Hashana, the head of the year. Not the start of the year but the “head” of the year?

Does that title even make any sense?! Kind of just makes you think of a head rolling toward you as the new year descends upon us .

Well, is that a good thing? Or somewhat concerning?

Do you want to start your year disconnected? Bodiless, just a ball of brains?

Let’s explore what might be some of the advantages:

Well, it definitely would be difficult to put on those irritating extra pounds we all always complain about over the holidays!

Also, it definitely would give us the tools to think before we act.

And you couldn’t even get yourself into too much trouble! OK, sure, you can still have some compromised thoughts, but luckily you wouldn’t have the method to carry them out.

On top of that, you certainly would have a dedicated space to focus on and gain new perspectives.

Maybe this head imagery makes some sense after all.

Head of the year: a day we do actually want to be in our heads. We want to be aware of and review our past year. And we want to think through what we’d like our next year to look like.

We want to get those synapses firing. We want all systems on go.

We’d like to get our cerebellum, cortex, amygdala, frontal lobe and all those oth-

er integral brain spaces conversing and coordinating progress for us.

Therefore, being perhaps burdened with bodily needs, such as eating, sleeping, and system cleansing, can only function as a distraction at this very integral time of the year.

It is true that the body is always useful for a good, gezunt shukel while praying hard. But is it worth the accompanying risks?

So it seems, Rosh Hashana is a good name.

But it shouldn’t end there.

We do need our bodies. They are the path to carrying things out

Of course, we need to start in the right headspace. But then we need to take all our planning and execute.

We should eat to enjoy and appreciate. We should sleep to get invigorated to do and give and live!

And we certainly need the body to house the heart.

Yes, the head is there to give us a head start to an awesome new year. But for true growth, we need an accompanying place to carry out that essential change of heart.

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.

Art by Shoshana Levine, at 925 Sterling, 572 Central Ave, Cedarhurst, NY

Parshas Nitzavim

OBy Rabbi Berel Wein z”l

ne of the shortest and smallest parshiyos of the Torah is this week’s parsha of Nitzavim. Nevertheless, the parsha is one of the most important in terms of eternal messages to the people of Israel.

In it is the final oration and words of Moshe to his people after more than forty years of leadership. These words are not only meant to be heard by the actual listeners at that time but by all later generations of Jews as well.

Moshe reminds all that there is an eternal covenant between G-d and Israel. The L-rd will not allow the Jewish people to wriggle out of that commitment. Many strange things will happen to the people of Israel over its many centuries of existence. There will be events that are beyond human understanding or comprehension. G-d’s mind and actions, so to speak, remain inscrutable and beyond our judgment, let alone our rationalism. Moshe warns us that “the

hidden things are the matter of the Lord but what is clear and revealed to us is that we are to remain faithful to this covenant [of Sinai and of Moshe.”]

No matter how the Jewish people twist and turn to avoid their end of the covenant, they are always ensnared by its consequences and results. Moshe warns them that eventually the price for their abandonment of the covenant would be exacted from the Jewish people. He cautions them not to be too clever regarding the matter. Times change, technology improves and there are new discoveries in G-d’s world, but the covenant of G-d with Israel remains as it was.

enant. He reminds them of their true strength and capabilities. Moshe knows that a lack of self-confidence will automatically defeat the intent and goal of the covenant.

If someone says that “I cannot do it,” then that certainly becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. Moshe reminds the Jewish people that they are “nitzavim” – strong, capable, resilient and can stand up to all crises and problems. Moshe appeals to their self-image and inner strength.

This attitude is certainly necessary and correct in this period of time before the High Holy days. One cannot

These words are not only meant to be heard by the actual listeners at that time but by all later generations of Jews as well.

Understanding and accepting this truth is the only way to deal with Jewish history and with all of the issues of Jewish life – past, present and future. The word “nitzavim” itself is important in conveying the above message to us in clarity and perspective. The word means not only present and accounted for, but it also means erect and formidable.

Moshe fears that the Jewish people will somehow feel unworthy and not strong enough for the rigors of the cov-

appeal to G-d, so to speak, on the basis of personal incompetence and weakness of will and vision. It is like requesting further cash flow from lenders into an obviously failing venture.

When we pass before our Creator, with the Days of Judgment just ahead, we should do so with bent backs and strong hearts. We can and should say, “Continue to invest in me and my family and generations. We will not desert the covenant nor shall we fail You.”

Shabbat shalom and shana tova.

From the Fire

Parshas Nitzavim

Connecting the Great Shofar with the Small Shofar

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

In this week’s parsha (Devarim 29:11), the pasuk says that Moshe, on the last day of his life, brought the entire Jewish people together “that you may enter into the covenant and oath…” Why was this necessary? In last week’s parsha, Ki Savo, Moshe had already gathered everyone together to induct them into a covenant (ibid. 28:69): “These are the words of the covenant…” What is the purpose of these two covenants?

Separately, how are these two covenants related to Rosh Hashana? Parshas Nitzavim is always read before Rosh Hashana. The Gemara (Megillah 31b) explains why the blessings and curses of Parshas Ki Savo are read before Rosh Hashana: to ensure that one year’s curses are finished before beginning a new year. But it does not explain why Parshas Nitzavim, which comes after Ki Savo, is also read before Rosh Hashana. Rabbeinu Nissim Gaon, zt”l, and others therefore ask why Chazal instituted that Nitzavim is read before Rosh Hashana. How does it help us prepare for Rosh Hashana?

One of my rebbes, Rav Yoshe Ber Soloveitchik, zt”l, explains in his sefer Al HaTeshuvah – On Repentance that there are two levels to the holiness of the Jewish people: the sanctity of the individual and the sanctity of the nation. Parshas Ki Savo, with all of its particular blessings and curses, contains the covenant between Hashem and the individual Jew. But Nitzavim contains Hashem’s covenant with the Jewish people as a nation – “in order to establish you today to Him as a nation…” (Devarim 29:12).

Rashi explains Moshe’s words of consolation following the curses of

last week’s parsha: “Because Hashem has spoken to you and sworn to your fathers not to exchange their children for another nation, He therefore binds you with these oaths…” To strengthen this irreplaceable connection with the Jewish people, Moshe gathered everyone together, even the babies. The Ramban (on ibid. 10) explains this: “And he mentions even the babies…to bring them into the covenant because the covenant was even being entered into with the future generations…” Because the covenant of Parshas Nitzavim was with the entire nation, not simply all of the individual Jews of the time, it was possible to bind even generations which had not yet been born.

We can now understand the nature of Moshe’s comfort of the Jewish people based on Rashi’s explanation (on ibid. 12): “When the Jewish people heard the [ninety-eight] curses [in Parshas Ki Savo]… their faces turned

white and they said, ‘Who can possibly endure these?’ Moshe [therefore] began to appease them.” But how did he comfort them? He did not remove those serious and difficult curses. But based on what we have said, we now understand that he was comforting them as a people, as a nation. He was telling them that with all of the individual suffering that Jews might endure, Hashem’s covenant with the Jewish people as a nation would be eternal. He said, according to Rashi (ibid.), “You have angered the Omnipresent many times, but He did not destroy you, and indeed, you still stand before Him… Just as the day exists [even though] it becomes dark, it shines again. So, too, G-d has made light for you, and He will make light for you again in the future.”

Because of this eternal national covenant, Rav Soloveitchik writes (Al HaTeshuva, 132), “In connection with the holiness of the Avos, this sanctity passes

by inheritance from Avraham and from Moshe. No sinning person has the power to destroy this vision. The covenant was given over to the totality of the Jewish people…and there is no power that cannot nullify it.” This was how Moshe comforted us after we heard all of the curses that would befall us. He was telling us that no matter what happens, Hashem would never sever His connection with us. We would always remain connected with Him, and no matter what happens, our light would shine again.

Based on the above, we can also understand the beginning of next week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeilech (Devarim 31:1): “And Moshe went and spoke all of these words to the entire Jewish people.” All of the commentaries ask: Where did Moshe go? What was the purpose of going to the Jewish people on that occasion? According to the Seforno, “He was inspired to comfort the Jewish people over his [impending] death.” How did he comfort them? He was telling them: In a short time, I will die. Everything I prayed for was to enter Eretz Yisroel. But Hashem did not answer my prayers. I am the head of the nation, its leader – ostensibly I might be considered the greatest Jew. But even I make mistakes, suffer setbacks, and endure suffering. Even I am punished for my sins. But I know that “the Eternity of the Jewish people will not die” (Shmuel I 15:29). An individual Jew may have his failings, but the Jewish people as a nation will make it to the end. They are eternal.

That is why these parshios are read before Rosh Hashana. When we are filled with a fear of “who will live and who will

die” and everyone is consumed with his own circumstances and personal suffering, Hashem comforts us by causing us to hear Parshas Nitzavim, in which we are reminded that Hashem made an eternal covenant with us as a nation. We no longer look to our own personal salvation as our sole source of hope. Rather, we look to and live for our national vision, our people’s wondrous future. The covenant of Parshas Nitzavim between the Master of the World and His beloved, between Hashem and the Congregation of Israel, will never be abrogated.

In life, there is the “great shofar” mentioned in Shemonah Esrei, “Sound the great shofar of our liberation,” and there is the “small shofar.” Indeed, if there is a great shofar, it implies that there must also be a small shofar. Rav Kook explains (Igros Haraya II p. 326), “[During] the [shofar] blasts…one must contemplate the fact that the primary strength of the holiness of the Jewish people lies in the eternal world. The root of their holiness is there… This is the simple [shofar blast – tekiyah] before [the broken-sounding shevarim and teruah blasts]. But this power [of the nation’s holiness] must manifest itself in

the character traits and in one’s actions [the shevarim - teruah of life]. From the root [the tekiyah], the personality traits and actions [the shevarim-teruah blasts] are rejuvenated.”

The great shofar is our national existence. And the small shofar is each Jew’s individual existence. Rav Kook is teach-

to Yerushalayim, Your city, with mercy” and “Sound the great shofar of our liberation.” We continually return to our national vision. But the Torah teaches us to join together our own individual small shofars, the details of our lives with all of our failings, difficulties, successes, and suffering, with the great

He was telling us that no matter what happens, Hashem would never sever His connection with us.

ing us that the former must illuminate the latter. We must have both in order to be whole.

The simple, deep sound of the tekiyah is our eternal national destiny. That is our great shofar, the holiness of the Jewish people as a nation. As the haftorah after Tisha B’Av says, “Nachamu, nachamu ami – be comforted, be comforted, my nation.” And as we say in Shemonah Esrei every day, “Return

shofar of our national destiny, with all of its hope and promise. This is the greatest comfort.

Unfortunately, many Jewish people live with only one of these two shofars. Some Jews feel very connected to the wellbeing and future of the Jewish people. They follow the news, feel the pain of our people and recognize that their destiny is bound up with the rest of the Jewish nation. But when it comes to the

small shofars of their lives, they do not rectify those with the light of the great shofar. They do not keep Shabbos, eat kosher, or concern themselves with the details of halacha. And there are other Jews who emphasize all of the fine points of halacha. They worry about their own parochial concerns and try to rectify their own personal religious lives. But they never concern themselves with the wellbeing, destiny, or future of the Jewish people as a whole.

The time has come to join together the covenants of Ki Savo with Nitzavim, the welfare of the individual with the welfare of the nation, the great shofar with the small shofar, and the sanctity of the part with the sanctity of the whole.

May we merit to make this connection and thereby see the actualization here on earth of that which we say in Shemonah Esrei during Mincha on Shabbos, “You are one, and Your name is one, and who is like Your nation Israel, one nation in the land.”

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.

Torah Thought Two Days In the Palace of the King

By Rav Yaaov Feitman

When we speak of the Yomim Noraim – known colloquially as the High Holy Days – we include at the very least Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Some also include the entire month of Elul. However, even when we only compare Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, some glaring distinctions manifest themselves. During Selichos, we are already confessing our sins and enumerating them. Yet, while we do that extensively on Yom Kippur, on Rosh Hashana, we don’t mention our sins at all, let alone confess them. Furthermore, as my rebbe, Rav Yitzchok Hutner, zt”l, points out, when Ezra and Nechemiah returned to Eretz Yisrael to rebuild the Bais Hamikdash, they warned Klal Yisrael just before Rosh Hashanah “do not mourn and do not weep…eat rich foods and drink sweet beverages…do not be sad; the enjoyment of Hashem is your strength.” These words do not seem to introduce Rosh Hashanah as a time of sadness or even teshuvah. How, then, are we to understand the mandate of Rosh Hashana?

My rebbe’s approach (Pachad Yitzchok, Rosh Hashanah, Maamar 1) to these pesukim in Nechemiah is quite long and deep. However, there is another insight from Rav Nosson Wachtfogel, founding mashgiach of Bais Medrash Govoha of Lakewood, which is a bit more accessible. He writes (Leket Reshimos, page 65), “Klal Yisrael spends two days wandering around the palace of the King, during which we forget our lower selves and just dwell and contemplate our royalty. We renounce any connection to our more trivial and petty ways and become a totally new entity, unencumbered by any previous deficiencies. On Rosh Hashana, they do not exist at all. This explains why there is no emphasis or even recognition of sins and transgressions. We are above it all and can therefore make tremendous progress in our quest for perfection and growth.

Rav Gedaliah Eiseman, zt”l, mashgiach of Yeshivas Kol Torah, used to mention that at Tekias Shofar we indi -

cate that we are the nation which “knows the sound of the Teruah.” He explains that this means that “we are the nation which suffers but are not brought down, let alone destroyed by our suffering. We always continue better and nobler than before.” These words ring so true in our days. Despite the antisemitism and continued pain of the hostages and families

noted that Hashem never forgets a good deed or merit we have earned. He told the following story: There was a woman in hospice in an Israeli hospital. She was terminally ill, and the doctors had given up hope on her living much longer. It was Rosh Hashana so her husband went to daven early in the morning fearing that later in the day he wouldn’t be allowed

was another young baby whose parents had both been murdered. I took it upon myself to nurse her back to health and saw to it that she had been adopted by worthy relatives of ours. The martyred parents just came to me in a dream. They said that they had come before the heavenly tribunal and begged, “You can’t let this woman, who risked her life to save our baby, die such a death.” The Bais Din in heaven agreed and sent me a refuah sheleimah.”

This is the power of the Zichronos of Rosh Hashana.

In our oasis of elevation with the King, nothing matters besides our relationship with Him.

in anguish, we do not lose hope or our sense of Hashem’s love. Rosh Hashana is about being in the palace and rising above the fray. Rosh Hashana is our moment of tranquility in the wrenching and seemingly endless negativism of a world on fire. In our oasis of elevation with the King, nothing matters besides our relationship with Him.

Another great mashgiach, Rav Chizkiyahu Mishkofsky, spoke of the Zichronos in the Mussaf of Rosh Hashana. He

to pray. When he returned, he almost fainted from shock. His wife, who had not been out of bed for weeks, was sitting up in a chair, smiling, with color in her cheeks. “What happened dear?” he gently inquired. Her answer goes to the heart of Rosh Hashana.

“You, of course, remember,” she soothingly recalled, “that when the Chevron Massacre happened in 1929, we were a young newly married couple. We had had just had our first child, but there

This may also explain a Yemenite custom on the eve of Rosh Hashana. They wish each other a good new year, as we all do, but they also add “and to be inscribed in the Book of Zikaron, remembrance.” This has been explained as referring to the words of the Gemara (Berachos 6a): “Two people who are sitting and learning Torah, the Shechinah –holy presence of Hashem – is with them, as the pasuk (Malachi 3:16) says, ‘Then those who fear Hashem spoke to one another and Hashem heard and a Book of Remembrance was written before Him.’” What will be written in this book of remembrance? The Navi said, “There will be a time of trouble such as there had never been since there was a nation until that time. But at that time your people will escape…” (Daniel 12:1). Who will survive at that time? Those who were G-d fearing and cared about the glory of Hashem. These are our times, and we will survive in the merit of our good deeds and especially Torah study. Yes, we are living through difficult times, and they are very frightening. But Rosh Hashana can save us if we remember that we are the princes and princesses in Hashem’s royal family. As we explore the hidden treasures of His palace, let us elevate ourselves and hopefully the world around as well.

Rav Yaakov Feitman is the rav of Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi in Cedarhurst, NY.

Rosh h asha N a a nnual Review

By Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

The Jewish year begins with a burst of intensity: A nation stands in fervent prayer before He Who created the world, beseeching Him for a year of life, health, and wellbeing.

However, a careful look at the Rosh Hashana liturgy will reveal that supplications for personal wishes are minimal. The prayers primarily focus on Hashem’s sovereignty, and our paramount request is that His Kingship be recognized and realized throughout the world.

The question we must ask is, why the focus on Hashem’s Divine Majesty? Isn’t Rosh Hashana a Day of Judgment? Is there a connection between Hashem’s sovereignty over creation and the judgment we experience each year?

There’s an even more perplexing

question. The Rosh Hashana prayers are singularly intense, and the atmosphere throughout the davening is one of fear and awe. We do not recite Hallel while “the Book of the Living and the Book of the Dead are open before Him.” Yet, we are taught that, in terms of the day’s observance, we should approach it in a festive manner: through food, drink, and fine clothing. The Tur writes we do this because “we are confident that Hakadosh Baruch Hu will make a miracle for us.”

How can this be? How can we say that we are fully confident in the outcome of the judgment when the entire prayer service is characterized by our fear and uncertainty regarding the upcoming year?

Battle of the Nations

The Netziv reveals a fascinating insight into the nature of the judgment on Rosh Hashana. Aside from each individual’s verdict, writes the Netziv, there is

also a din to determine the status of Klal Yisrael vis-à-vis the nations. The nations of the world attempt to counter the Jewish people’s position as the Chosen People. Through our tefillos requesting the revelation of Hashem’s Kingship in the world, we defeat their claim.

R’ Yerucham Olshin questions the meaning of the Netziv’s words. What exactly is this battle? What is it that the nations are claiming? What do they want to accomplish with their objection?

In Parshas Haazinu (Devarim 32:8), we read: “ When the Supreme One gave the nations their inheritance, when He separated the children of Man, He set the borders of the peoples, according to the number of Bnei Yisrael.”

The pasuk that follows (v. 9) continues: “ For Hashem’s portion is His people; Yaakov is the measure of His inheritance.”

In explaining these pesukim, the Tar-

gum Yonasan ben Uziel brings to light a historic revelation. At the time of the Dor Haflagah, he writes, when Hashem separated the populace into peoples with distinct languages, He cast a lottery among all the nations to determine who will be deemed His nation. The Jewish people were the winners of the draw, hence becoming the “portion of Hashem.” A similar idea is found in Pirkei D’R’ Eliezer (Perek 24).

This revelation lends an understanding of the objection of the nations of the world on Rosh Hashana. Each year, the lottery is reenacted, and all seventy nations vie for the winning slot, hoping to oust the Jewish people from their position as His Chosen People, which the Pirkei D’R’ Eliezer says is referred to by the pasuk, “Ki cheilek Hashem amo, For Hashem’s portion is His people.”

We quoted the Tur, who said that we celebrate Rosh Hashana festively as we

are confident in the outcome of our judgment. We asked how this could be. Isn’t the entire atmosphere of Rosh Hashana informed by our fear of the judgment?

While this is certainly true, says R’ Shlomo Kluger, it is only on an individual level. The future of our health, wellbeing, and finances is being determined and is unknown.

However, there is one thing about which we can be confident. Regarding our national status, we will forever remain the portion of Hashem. No matter how viciously the nations of the world seek to undermine this status, we will prevail. Indeed, we can be fully confident in the outcome of this judgment.

On Yom HaKippurim, before each time we say Viduy, Confession, we recite a piyut that uses a series of references and metaphors to express our relationship with Hashem. It begins, “Anu amecha, v’Atah Elokeinu; anu banecha, v’Atah Avinu, We are Your people, and You are our G-d; we are Your children, and You are our Father.” This theme continues as the Jewish people are referred to as “Your inheritance,” “Your vineyard,” “Your flock,” and so on.

This entire passage seems out of place. Why, at this point in the davening,

is it necessary to list various terminologies that express the exclusivity of our relationship with Hashem?

With what we have learned, we can now understand that this recitation is actually critical. By repeatedly reiterating the message that we are Hashem’s children, His nation, His sheep, etc., we counter every claim of the nations of the world as our national status is being de -

Hashana, we must once again reestablish our status as the portion of Hashem. The Netziv writes that by focusing all our attention on the request for an open revelation of Hashem’s power over the universe, we merit to, once again, emerge as the victors in the multinational struggle for the position of Hashem’s people.

his People, his Portion

Each year, the Jewish people are invested anew with their status as h ashem’s children.

termined by the Beis Din shel Maalah on this day when the judgment of Rosh Hashana is sealed.

Earlier, we questioned the focus of the Rosh Hashana davening; most of it concentrates on Hashem’s rulership over the world.

We can now understand that the reason it is so important is because, on Rosh

Thus, each year, on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish people are elected, once again, to assume the role of Hashem’s portion: “Ki cheilek Hashem amo, for a portion of Hashem is His nation.”

Let us develop these ideas even further. We have learned that the expression “a portion of Hashem is His nation” has a very deep interpretation. The Chessed L’Avraham (cited in Chapter 1) comments that the relationship described in this verse is the reality in which our status as Hashem’s children is rooted.

The Chessed L’Avraham writes, “The Jewish people are called children of Hashem because their souls are a piece of Hashem, as the verse tells us, “Ki cheilek Hashem amo, for a portion of Hashem is His nation” (Devarim 32:9).

Thus, each year Hashem chooses us, once again, as His cheilek. According to the Chessed L’Avraham , this means that each year, the Jewish people are invested anew with their status as Hashem’s children.

The tefillah we recite on Rosh Hashana after each of the three segments of the Mussaf Shemoneh Esrei is as follows: Today is the day of the birth of the world. Today, all creations of the world stand in judgment — whether as children or as servants. If as children, be merciful with us as the

mercy of a father for children. If as servants, our eyes are directed to You, until You are gracious to us and release our verdict [bright and clear] as light, O Awesome and Holy One. Earlier, we quoted the Satmar Rav, who offered a stunning explanation. Although we typically do not rule in accordance with R’ Meir, an exception is made regarding his opinion about our being children of Hashem. There, we do rule like R’ Meir. The basis for this exception is the Gemara (Eruvin 46b) that says the reason we do not rule like R’ Meir is because we cannot grasp the depth of his comprehension. Although this principle will apply to most halachic rulings, it does not apply to this one. That is because the question of whether we are Hashem’s children or not is a question relevant to Hashem. And Hashem is certainly capable of understanding R’ Meir’s logic. Therefore, unlike other areas of halacha, regarding this issue, we can rule in accordance with R’ Meir. This, says the Satmar Rav, is the meaning of the tefillah, “Our eyes are directed to You, until You are gracious to us and release our verdict [bright and clear] as light, O Awesome and Holy One.”

Irrespective of whether we are comporting ourselves as children or servants, we request a favorable judgment, because You can determine that the ruling follows R’ Meir, that “either way, we are Your children.”

With what we have learned about the national judgment of Rosh Hashana, we gain a deeper appreciation of this tefillah. The seminal focus of Rosh Hashana is the determination of our status as the cheilek — namely, the children — of Hashem. Therefore, it is specifically on Rosh Hashana that we mention this deliberation — “whether as children or as servants” — for that is the very issue that is at the heart of Rosh Hashana’s judgment.

And, as R’ Shlomo Kluger taught us, we are confident in that question’s outcome:

We will forever remain the portion of Hashem.

We will forever remain Hashem’s beloved children.

This article has been printed from Rebbi Meir Baal Haness and the Eternal Children of Hashem by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein, published by Artscroll. Rabbi Daniel Glatstein is the Mara D’asra of Kehilas Tiferes Mordechai in Cedarhurst, NY, and author of numerous seforim in Lashon Hakodesh and in English for ArtScroll. He is an international lecturer and maggid shiur. His thousands of recorded shiurim are available on Torahanytime. com, podcast, his website rabbidg.com, and other venues.

Sparks of Light

Two Days, One Message: The Real Test of Rosh Hashana

By Rabbi Benny Berlin

Every year, it strikes me. I am sitting at the second night of the Pesach Seder in America while friends in Eretz Yisrael are already enjoying Chol HaMoed. The difference between one day and two feels sharp and even a little unfair. Yet there is one Chag where even in Eretz Yisrael the rule is different. Rosh Hashana stands alone. While other festivals in Israel are only one day, Rosh Hashana is two. Chazal call it Yoma Arichta, meaning one long day. With a fixed calendar we know exactly when the first of Tishrei falls, so why is there a second day at all?

The Klausenberger Rebbe, in Shefa Chaim on Rosh Hashana, turns this technical point into a window into teshuva, the process of return. His teaching is both simple and profound. Teshuva is not a passing surge of emotion. It is not a cry today followed by the same habits tomorrow. True teshuva strives for the standard the Rambam sets in Hilchos Teshuvah chapter two, Halachah two: complete repentance is when the Knower of Secrets (Hashem) can testify that the sinner will

not return to that sin. That goal feels almost impossible, yet it is the aspiration of Rosh Hashana, to reach a sincerity so real that Heaven itself affirms it.

Chassidic tradition tells of Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, who would weep at night and resolve to change, only to stumble again the next day, and then resolve again that this time it would hold. The lesson is not about perfection. The lesson is about a struggle that never quits until the heart believes the resolve will last.

This insight explains the two days. If Rosh Hashana were only one day, we might fool ourselves into thinking that one intense experience was enough. The second day asks the essential question: Can you carry yesterday’s holiness into today? If an ordinary day cannot be lifted by what happened on day one, then perhaps day one was only a moment. Day two tests whether inspiration has become commitment.

The shofar carries the same message. We sound Tekiah, Shevarim, and Teruah in many patterns. Chazal say this confuses the Satan. What does that mean? A

single cry is not what shakes him. What unsettles him is when the cry continues and grows, when one tear leads to more tears and one resolve gives birth to more resolve. The second sounding declares that I am not crying today only. I will carry this cry with me into tomorrow until I change.

Tehillim says, “Ashrei ha’am yodei Teruah, Hashem be’or panecha yehaleichun.” Praiseworthy is the nation that knows the sound of the shofar; in the light of Your countenance they walk. The greatness is not in hearing it once. The greatness is in learning how to walk with that sound and to carry the presence of Hashem into everyday life.

The Shefa Chaim illustrates this truth with a parable. A merchant ruined by fire returned to a longtime benefactor. Overcome with shame, he could not speak. He cried, and because there was a relationship, the benefactor forgave part of the debt and extended help. Another man heard the story and tried the same approach. He went to the benefactor’s home and cried at the door. The bene -

factor asked who he was and turned him away. The difference was not in the volume of the cry but in the bond behind it. So too, one moment of emotion without a relationship does not transform a year. What Hashem looks for is a connection that lasts.

That is the message of the second day and the second blast. We are saying our tears are the beginning of something enduring. We are promising to bring yesterday into today.

Rosh Hashana is not measured by what happens on day one. The true measure is day two. Can we carry forward the light we touched? Can we bring the cry of the shofar into ordinary Tuesdays? If we can, then our teshuva is not only sincere but lasting. And if we can, then this year can truly be different from all the years that came before.

Rabbi Benny Berlin is the rabbi of BACH Jewish Center located in Long Baeach, New York. For more information, visit: https://www. bachlongbeach.com/.

From China to Tanya

Matt and Yael Trusch’s Meaningful Mission

By Malkie Schulman

Matt was from Houston, Texas; Yael was from Puerto Rico. Matt’s trajectory took him to Shanghai, China, where he built a career in banking and acting, ultimately leading him to Orthodox Judaism. Yael’s path led her through university in the United States, a banking career in Latin America, eventually becoming observant in Miami. In the end, Hashem guided them both, and their paths merged into one.

This is the incredible story of how Matt and Yael found themselves and then found each other.

Matt Trusch’s journey begins with his father.

“My father was a Conservative cantor and rabbi. We were as religious as you could be while still being Conservative. We kept some level of kosher; we had two sets of dishes but only one dishwasher. We had Friday night dinners and wouldn’t go out Friday night. But on Shabbos day, we drove to shul. My father was a spiritual seeker from when he was young. He wanted to get closer to his Judaism, but in those days Chabad and other kiruv organizations weren’t as prevalent as they are today.”

At 18 years old, Matt’s father decided he wanted to become more observant. He walked into an Orthodox shul one Shabbos for services. The gabbai kicked him out because he wasn’t wearing a tie. Unsurprisingly, Matt’s father never became frum. So, although Matt grew up in a Jewish environment, accompanying his father to synagogue every Shabbos, he knew little about the 613 mitzvos, let alone their deeper meanings.

Yael also grew up in an unobservant background in Puerto Rico. About 5,000 Jews live in Puerto Rico, none

of them frum. When it was time for college, she elected to go to Tufts University in Massachusetts.

“I hung out with other Latin American Jewish kids,” she recalls. “It was a nice mix. Some of the Panamanians and Mexicans came from more traditional families and were stronger in religion. Some even kept Shabbos and kosher.”

In fact, that’s where Yael herself started keeping kosher, which at that point essentially meant eating vegetarian.

A Chinese Jew?

Meanwhile, Matt’s journey was taking a surprising turn.

“I was always attracted to the Chinese culture. Growing up, I had a few Chinese friends, and in high school, I opted to take Chinese as a language. I was one of two non-Chinese students in my class.”

In 1988, at 16 years old, Matt traveled to China on a study program with Duke University. Later, at Dartmouth College, Matt majored in Chinese Studies and was eventually recruited by a New York–based investment bank,

Tanya

Merrill Lynch, to work in their Hong Kong–based branch.

After working there for a while, Matt returned to the States for his master’s degree at Harvard University. Upon course completion, Matt was awarded a traveling fellowship, returning to the Far East to do research in Shanghai for his thesis. While there, he got a small role as an “extra” in a Chinese kung fu movie.

“I was the only white guy in the film. Of course, my job was to get beaten up by the Chinese hero (representing the Chinese dream of conquering the West). But it was fun.”

He was cast for comedy sitcoms as well, sort of a Saturday Night Live equivalent.

“I’d be the funny foreigner who spoke perfect Chinese. They knew I was Jewish. They loved Jews, so I was never embarrassed to admit my origins. It didn’t even matter once I became religious and put on yarmulke and tzitzis. To the Chinese, any white person stands out. It doesn’t matter how he’s dressed.”

Matt shares how the Chinese view the Jewish people: “For thousands of years, the Chinese population have been lovers of Jews. There’s even a Chinese city called Wenzhou, where the business-savvy residents refer to themselves as Chinese Jews. They’re sharp, wealthy, and good at business, and there’s no higher praise in China than to be considered a ‘Chinese Jew.’”

Matt adds, “Soon I became a Chinese movie star. After TV and soap operas, I landed a major film role. That was cool and, definitely at 26 years old, my life aspiration.”

Then Matt met Rabbi Greenberg from Chabad.

“I was fluent in Chinese, and he didn’t speak a word of it. I’d drive around with the rabbi and help him out. Of course,” Matt shares, “at the time, I thought that I was helping him when it was much more the other way around – he was helping me. I got to ask him all the questions about Judaism that my Conservative upbringing had left unanswered.”

Matt recalls that on one of their many drives, Rabbi Greenberg asking him bluntly, “Matt, have you ever considered not marrying a Chinese girl?”

“Why shouldn’t I?” Matt answered. “I speak the language and love the culture.”

“I don’t think your parents would be too happy about it. I’m pretty sure they’d want you to marry a nice Jewish girl,” the rabbi responded.

“I was so out of touch, I didn’t even think it was a problem to marry a non-Jew.” (Years later, Matt found that his parents had put Rabbi Greenberg up to it.)

Shabbos in Bogota

“My track was Latin America,” shares Yael. After graduating college, she worked at JPMorgan Chase in the Latin American department in Manhattan and then moved to their office in Buenos Aires, Argentina. When it was time to return to headquarters in Manhattan, Yael began to question her direction in life.

“I asked myself, ‘Is there more to life than professional and financial success? What about marriage and family?’ I knew a change of lifestyle was in order. So, I took a private equity job in Miami, where life was slower than in Manhattan.” That’s where she first encountered Chabad.

“Rabbi Rosenberg, a shaliach who’d lived for a while in Bogota, Colombia, was teaching a class in Spanish that I attended. I was awed discovering a depth and beauty to

Judaism and life that I’d never experienced before.”

Yael began visiting the Rosenberg home for Shabbos and yom tov. “They became my family.”

She kashered her apartment and gradually became increasingly observant. By that point, Chabad had opened a branch in Puerto Rico, which was helpful because now Yael had a place to go for Shabbos and yom tov when she returned home to her parents.

“Baruch Hashem, I’ve always had a good relationship with my parents. I’m an only child and they’ve always been supportive of me and my decisions.”

Of course, this wasn’t what they envisioned for their daughter, but when friends and neighbors would give them pushback, they’d proudly point to what a wonderful human being and mensch Yael was. They kept separate dishes for when she visited.

“Sometimes,” Yael admits, “tensions did arise, like the time they wanted me to visit relatives after Shabbos with them, and their ‘after Shabbos’ was not really after Shabbos. But that’s like all relationships that must be managed. Baruch Hashem, we were always able to iron our misunderstandings out.”

Slowly, Yael’s priorities started to shift.

“I wanted a family like I saw in the Rosenberg and the other shluchim’s homes. That became my focus.”

Parallel Lives

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Matt was living his parallel life.

“We both started out as bankers. Then, when the Greenberg family moved in, I slowly started keeping kosher and putting on tefillin, even while acting in the Chinese movies.”

Matt also gradually began observing Shabbos.

“I remember when the phone rang, my first thought was always, ‘This is the big call – the call telling me I snagged the leading role in an upcoming film (apparently, a common fantasy of aspiring actors). But after enough wrong numbers, I finally decided not to answer anymore on Shabbos. Funny enough, the phone stopped ringing after that.

“The way I see it,” Matt explains, “is that Hashem gives you a test, and once you pass it, you don’t need the test anymore, so He stops sending it your way.”

Soon, something else happened that threw him for a loop.

“Every Gimmel Tammuz, Rabbi Greenberg would disappear. I finally discovered he would travel to the Ohel for the Rebbe’s yahrzeit.” On one occasion, Matt accompanied him. “It was amazing, and I was all set to fly back to China on September 12 when 9/11 happened.”

Matt got “stuck” in New York for yom tov.

“I was invited that Sukkos to the sukkah of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, a Chabad leader whose job was to send shluchim around the world. I was introduced to him as ‘This is Matt, the Chinese actor.’ Rabbi Kotlarsky can be a strong, sharp character, and after talking to me awhile, he said, ‘Matt, when are you going to stop being the heartthrob of the Far East and do something with your life?’ repeating this line multiple times throughout the Sukkos farbrengen.”

At first, Matt felt bitter about Rabbi Kotlarsky’s sharp words. Then he thought, “Why am I trying to be a heartthrob?” Maybe it was time to jump ship.

“And with that, it was goodbye heartthrob, goodbye Chinese movie star.”

Matt stresses that one of the reasons he believes he stuck with the “becoming frum process” was because he did everything slowly.

“Looking back, I think Rabbi Greenberg was using reverse psychology. When I told the rabbi that i wanted to start putting on tefillin, for example, he tried to dissuade me saying, ‘I don’t know, Matt. It’s a big life commitment. Are you sure you’re ready?”

Nevertheless, Matt was starting to feel the push to make more significant changes. The Greenbergs went away one Shabbos, and there was a 23-year-old visiting rabbi filling in for them.

“I attended his shiur, and he was teaching all this mystical stuff that blew my mind. I was 28, and I thought I was so smart, but I didn’t have a clue what this guy was talking about.”

Matt felt crushed and began to think more seriously about what he was doing with his life.

Headshots for Matt as a Chinese movie star

He left acting and took a job with an Israeli company in Shanghai. A benefit of working for this company was that he was often flying back and forth to Israel, which meant that when he was in Israel, he could attend yeshiva. For the next two years, he’d learn for two weeks out of each month in Mayanot, a Chabad yeshiva in Yerushalayim.

An Auspicious Match

After two years of this schedule, Matt opted to learn full-time.

“At that point, I was 30,” Matt shares, “when one day, the Mayanot director, Rabbi Shlomo Gestetner, pulled me aside and asked if I was interested in getting married.”

While Matt was gallivanting in the Far and Middle East, back in Miami, Yael was offered a full scholarship to NYU’s MBA program in New York.

“I wasn’t sure if I should take it,” says Yael, “because that would mean leaving my rabbi and rebbetzin. I was worried how I’d be able to stay committed to my new observant lifestyle being so far from them. I wanted to get married and raise a Jewish family. The Rosenbergs, however, were adamant that Yael continue her education. They felt there was no contradiction in being worldly and educated and being an observant Jew. Besides, they assured her, there are plenty of spiritual tools in New York City.

The Rosenbergs connected Yael with George Rohr, the well-known philanthropist responsible for establishing Chabad houses around the world. Mr. Rohr had started a beginner’s minyan in the Upper East Side, and Yael joined it.

“So, I got my MBA and grew in my Yiddishkeit,” shares Yael. “But I was 25 and still hadn’t met my bashert.”

Rabbi Gestetner. It read, “Hi Yael. Sorry to be so blunt, but are you looking for a shidduch? If so, please tell me what you’re looking for.”

Yael was planning on disregarding the strange email. Thankfully, her friend encouraged her, saying, “Mayanot guys are perfect for you. They’re professionals, and they’re serious learners.” Yael replied to the email with her description of her “ideal” guy.

Rabbi Gestetner immediately replied, “The boy’s going to write to you.”

After receiving the subsequent email from the Harvard grad-turned Chinese actor-turned observant man, Matt himself, Yael recalls thinking, “How do I even know he’s normal?”

She figured she should check him out. She called George Rohr to see if he had any connections in Shanghai. A few days later, Mr. Rohr called Yael back with the scoop on Matt. “Yael,” he said, “if you were my daughter, I’d tell you to go out with him.”

Thus began Matt and Yael’s email courtship.

“We were emailing back and forth for a month and half, the emails getting more intense,” recalls Matt, “and I didn’t know yet what she looked like!”

The idea of googling someone wasn’t an option in 2004. Finally, Matt purchased a ticket from China to New York, and on November 19, 2004, they had their first in-person date, a picnic lunch in Rockefeller Center. They went out again the next day, and the next day after that for five days in a row.

“Every strength, every weakness, every setback can be used to make the world better.”

Although Yael attended single events, nothing panned out. Then she heard a story about a man who went to his rebbe for advice about marrying off his daughter. “Did you make a kiddush for her when she was born?” asked the rebbe. “No,” the man responded. “Think of all the blessings and amens you would’ve received at her kiddush,” the rebbe told him. The man returned home, made his daughter a kiddush, and she soon became a kallah.

“I heard the story,” recounts Yael, “and decided I wanted to make myself a kiddush. I called the Chabad rabbi in my neighborhood to sponsor a kiddush. He asked me, ‘Do you want to sponsor a regular kiddush or a grand kiddush? I said, ‘Rabbi, I want to get married. I’m going for the grand kiddush!’ The rabbi scanned various dates and told Yael that an auspicious time would be the day the Mittler Rebbe was released from prison

At that time, Yael was finishing her MBA at NYU and volunteering as one of the event organizers for Mayanot Birthright Wall Street Young Professionals.

“I felt it was a worthy cause and a potentially good way to meet my bashert. I didn’t meet him, but I did get to meet Rabbi Gestetner a few times at events.”

One day, out of the blue, Yael received an email from

The fifth day was the tenth of Kislev, the day the Mittler Rebbe was released from prison. Matt felt it was an auspicious day to propose, but he hadn’t brought along the appropriate proposing attire. He quickly ran to buy a suit, which Yael says with a laugh she noticed didn’t fit him very well.

“When we met, I remember saying I was hungry, but he wanted to go to the top of the Empire State Building.”

When they arrived at the top, they saw a guy get down on his knees and propose to his girlfriend while everybody stood around, clapping. Matt was thinking, “Wow, this is the perfect place to propose,” but Yael was thinking, “Let’s get through this tourist attraction and find a place to eat.”

As Matt didn’t know what was going on in Yael’s mind, he decided this indeed was the best time and place to pop the question. Yael’s response? “No!”

Matt, looking over the ledge, thought, “What should I do now? Jump?”

Yael clarified, “I don’t mean ‘No.’ I mean not now.”

“Then,” Matt shares, “guess who gets into the elevator with us? That happy young couple who just got engaged. It was the longest elevator ride of my life!”

When they got downstairs, Yael recommended they find a place to eat.

At this point, Matt was thinking, “She turns me down, and I have to buy her a steak?”

Baruch Hashem, there is a happy ending to the story. After steak and wine, Matt turned to Yael and said, “Just

Earning semicha

Becoming a dayan

Above left: Yael, at home, advising on financial matters

Above right: The sefer, My Prayer, translated into Chinese by Matt

Left: Rabbi Kotlarsky, z”l, officiating at the Truschs’ wedding

let me know when you’re ready; the offer is still open.”

Yael wasn’t going to let him get off that easily. “You have to ask me again.”

“Are you kidding?”

But he did, right there. And the answer this time was a resounding, “Yes!”

From this, Matt notes, he learned his first lesson in marriage: Never discuss anything of importance when your wife is hungry!

“A few months later, we were married on the steps of 770,” recounts Matt. “Rabbi Kotlarsky was our mesader kiddushin. George Rohr and all the rabbis who had led us along the way received brachos under the chuppah. Our rabbis called us the quintessential Chabad match.”

Doing Something With His Life

Two weeks later, Matt and Yael started off their marriage in Israel. Matt learned in Mayanot and Yael in a program called Malchus. Twelve months later, their first son Moshe David was born. At that point, Matt felt it was time for him to get back into the workforce. Soon after, with almost uncanny timing, Rabbi Gestetner called Matt regarding a business opportunity in Shanghai. Even though, Yael wasn’t thrilled about relocating to China, coming from their shadchan, they took it as a divine call from Above. They also felt they’d be able to help the shluchim build the community there, so they accepted.

“I went back to being the rabbi’s sidekick, but this time as the gabbai. We started a beginners’ minyan, and Yael helped with the Hebrew School and ladies’ programs.”

Although they were helping the shluchim out, the Trusches feel that they were really the ones benefiting more.

“The close proximity to the Greenbergs shaped the way we would parent our children,” Yael reflects.

Their next child, a daughter, was born in China.

Matt jokes, “We always tell her that she was ‘Made in China.’”

When expecting their third, they moved to Houston, Texas, for better educational opportunities. When Moshe David turned twelve, Matt asked him, “What do you want to learn for your bar mitzvah?” His son surprised him and asked him back, “What are you going to learn for my bar mitzvah, Tatty?” Matt was confused. His son continued, “Why don’t you go for semicha? I’ll become a bar mitzvah, and you’ll become a rabbi.”

Matt found an online semicha course with Rabbi Nachman Wilhelm. For nearly three years, on top of his busy work and travel schedule, Matt studied and got his semicha. That’s when his son confessed that his mother had put him up to it. Matt could hardly believe it. “Are you joking?” He had no idea it was Yael’s idea.

“Thank you, to my beautiful wife,” he said later. “You made me a husband, a father, and now a rabbi.” A few years later, Matt became a Dayan, as well.

Nevertheless, despite these accomplishments, Matt still felt haunted by the memory of Rabbi Kotlarsky asking him, “When are you going to do something with your life?” That’s when, by hashgacha pratis, a Chabad rabbi in London reached out.

“Can you help translate the Tanya into Chinese?”

Matt was all in. He formed a team that included Chinese convert and Chabad rebbetzin Elisheva Martinetti (see TJH April 9, 2025 issue for an article on Elisheva).

While working on the project, Matt rediscovered an amazing Rebbe story that had almost been forgotten.

In the 1980s, the Rebbe had asked for two books to be translated into Chinese. One was The Divine Commandments. The other was My Prayer. The first had been translated. The second had never been finished.

Matt asked himself, “How is it possible that forty years later this book still isn’t completed?”

He knew it had to be done, so he did it. The book is now published, beautifully designed, and available for free online through Chabad.org for any Chinese speaker. The Tanya is almost ready and coming soon.

“I’m so excited,” Matt shares. “I finally feel like I’m doing something with my life. I’m using my unique skills in Chinese. I used to ask myself why I spent so many years studying Chinese if I was only going to end up learning Torah. But now I understand. Hashem had me learn Chinese so I could translate these seforim.”

Matt also started a Jewish wisdom TikTok channel in China, which, at one time, reached 200,000 followers.

“Historically, the Chinese people have been close to us,” he shares. “During World War II, twenty thousand Jews found refuge in Shanghai. The friendship was real.”

Today, he sees younger generations being influenced by messages from outside forces.

“There are efforts trying to infiltrate young minds. It was never our reality. However, now, through media, we see it happening in America and beyond. We must bring light to the world.”

Matt still doesn’t know exactly why the Rebbe wanted books translated into Chinese.

“But a greater vision is unfolding. This project is uniting Chinese converts and Chinese speakers around the world. Some live in Israel, Australia, and the States. One Chinese friend, a Bnei Noach, asked me, ‘How did the Rebbe know that this book is exactly what our culture needs?’ The idea of prayer and connecting to something higher is deeply resonant.”

Yael, in the meantime, besides for raising a beautiful Jewish family of four, has leveraged her experience in finance and business through her award-winning podcast Jewish Money Matters and online courses, becoming a sought-after speaker on the intersection of Jewish wisdom and finance. She supports Jewish Latin American women in cities around the world, teaching both in English and Spanish. Through JLI, Momentum, and WITZU, she’s gathered thousands of women globally and has written for Aish, The Jewish Herald Voice and Chabad.org. Her first book is currently being published, a personal finance guide focused on the financial and spiritual power of tzedakah.

unsure. “They don’t know how they’ll get something done. It may seem too difficult. Nevertheless, trust in G-d, and He will show you the way.

“You don’t need to know how to get on a stage or write a book. Say yes, and He will guide you.”

Universal Message

Matt and Yael’s story contains a universal message. “Every person has G-d given skills. Use them. We Jews have 613 commandments. Non-Jews have seven. Our mission is through keeping the commandments and learning. Their mission is also vital. Prayer and living a life of purpose apply to all people. The Rebbe cared for everyone. He was already thinking about people he had never met. We should, too.”

Matt adds, “Everyone has been handpicked for a role. There is meaning when you know your Creator. This truth applies to every human being. Every strength, every weakness, every setback can be used to make the world better.”

Matt ends with Rabbi Kotlarsky’s challenge that he carries with him to this day: “When are you going to do something with your life?”

He hopes others feel inspired to ask that same question of themselves.

“Wake up to your mission. Do something meaningful today.”

Matt and Yael believe that everyone who reflects on their life can recognize Divine Providence.

“We should all look inward and acknowledge, ‘G-d has given me something unique to contribute to His world.’ Nothing is random. Life unfolds by divine design. Every experience, every step, has cosmic significance. Everyone has the ability to use their life to bring goodness into the world.”

This mindset, Matt says, was the hallmark of the Rebbe. Always looking for your mission. Never being finished. Never settling. The Rebbe always wanted more. Retirement wasn’t an option. But, sometimes, people feel

The Sound of the Shofar e ven Dur I ng Try I ng T I mes

By Bentzion Ettlinger

In Der Lager

Many Holocaust survivors referred to the events that occurred while in the concentration camps as “in der lager” or literally, “in the camp.” This is the way that Rav Zecharia Gelley, who was interned in Bergen-Belsen in his early teenage years, referred to it.

The concentration camp was liberated on April 15, 1945, by the British 11th Armoured Division. The soldiers discovered approximately 60,000 prisoners inside, most of them halfstarved and seriously ill, and another 13,000 corpses lying around the camp unburied. Overcrowding, lack of food, and poor sanitary conditions caused outbreaks of typhus, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and dysentery, leading to the deaths of more than 35,000 people in

the first few months of 1945, shortly before and after liberation.

Rav Gelley was present when the British entered the camp. The Nazi camp commandant, Josef Kramer, yimach shemo, may his name be erased, was ordered to remain, while, unfortunately, many SS officers were allowed to return to behind German lines. Rav Gelley related the following that he witnessed “in der lager,” when Bergen-Belsen was liberated.

The British commander, Brigadier H. L. Glyn Hughes, approached Kramer after witnessing the horrifying scene and asked him, “How is it possible for you to have done this?”

Kramer coldly answered him, “Because when we see a Jew, we step on him like a worm.”

At that time, Hughes was accompanied by Captain Leslie Hardman, a thirty-two-year-old

Senior Jewish Chaplain to the British Forces, attached to the 8th Corps of the British 2nd Army.

Rav Gelley told me years later, after he had already moved to Washington Heights, that he had called the British chaplain, Rabbi Hardman, to confirm if his memory of the incident was correct. Rabbi Hardman confirmed that the rav remembered it correctly.

This was how the Nazis, yimach shemam , “justified” the murder of millions. Despite the most incredulous inhumane treatment, forced labor, torture, human medical experiments, and mass murder, the holiness of the Jew shone forth. This following incident, recorded in the Sefer Otzeros HaTorah in the section of Shofar, illustrates how the Jewish soul can rise up under unimaginable conditions to the highest heights of avodas Hashem.

I n auschw IT z

Rav Tzvi Hirsch Meisels, who was Av Beis Din in veitzin (Hungary), emigrated to Chicago after the war. There, he served as a wellspring of inspiration for many and served as a living mussar sefer by serving Hashem with simcha after all he had gone through during the Churban ha’acharon, the Holocaust. This is one of the stories he related that he witnessed and was a part of in the Auschwitz death camp.

Rav Meisels had distinguished himself, despite the great danger, to dedicate himself to the service of the spiritual needs of the camp inmates as much as humanly possible, comforting them with words and through whatever avodah was possible.

Through the bribery of concentration camp guards, there were those who were able to succeed in keeping alive a large group of bachurim. Sadly, the efforts to keep the group alive had run out, and a selectzia (process of designation of victims to be eliminated) took place in which the entire group was identified to meet their grisly end in the gas chamber. This occurred shortly before Rosh Hashana. Realizing that their end was near, the bachurim desired greatly to hear tekias shofar for the last time.

They pleaded with Rav Meisels to make arrangements so that they would be able to be mekayem that very special mitzvah before their end. Rav Meisels explained to them that trying to do so was extremely dangerous. it would mean instant death for anyone caught. The bachurim persisted, pleading that they wanted to perform that mitzvah prior to their murder.

Finally, Rav Meisels agreed to their request.

Auschwitz was comprised of two parts. i n some fashion, Rav Meisels was able to move from one part to the other under the noses of the Nazi guards. Rav Meisels, with great mesirus nefesh, took the shofar of his grandfather, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, which he was able to keep with him through the whole concentration camp ordeal, from one part of the camp and surreptitiously smuggled it to the other part. Right before Rav Meisels was going to blow, one of the bachurim said to him that it was the minhag to say words of hisorerus prior to blowing. Rav Meisels told him that under the situation, it was not possible to do so, as the situation was very dangerous to begin with, indicating that speaking would increase the level of danger. The boy, though, did not relent. He pleaded with the rav to say just a few words. Rav Tzvi Hirsch gave in and said to them, “ you are going to be zocheh to a mitzvah which has no equal, to die al kiddush

Hashem. it is such an incredibly chashuve mitzvah. i ask you only one thing—a great request: Please be mekayem the mitzvah with simcha. “Ivdu es Hashem b’simchah, bo’u l’fanav bi’renanah.” With that, he put the shofar to his mouth and blew one seder of tekios to be mekayem the mitzvah min haTorah. He then escaped quickly back to the other part of the camp.

Two weeks later, the boys were herded into the gas chamber. But something happened! The gas generator failed. The boys were all standing there, stunned at the moment of death. Then one of the boys remembered what Rav Tzvi said to them right before tekias shofar. immediately, he began to sing and dance. The rest of the boys all joined in. The accursed Nazis were infuriated by the scene. These boys were about to die, and they were dancing and singing! The commanding officer immediately ordered them to be taken out of the gas chamber. Gassing was a death not cruel enough for a group that behaved that way. He would look for another wickeder, more unusual, torturous and cruel death for this group.

The boys were then all returned to the camp. i n the end, the commander’s plan was never carried out. Many of them survived the war. What was the cause of this? “Ivdu es Hashem b’simchah, bo’u l’fanav bi’renanah!”

shofar I n

The c au LD ron

Wolf Fischelberg and his twelveyear-old son, Leo, were walking among the barracks of the sector for privileged people (Bevorzugenlager) in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, trying to barter some cigarettes for bread. As they were turning into another row of barracks, a stone was thrown across the barbed wire that separated one sector from another.

The stone flew over their heads and landed at their feet. it was clear that it was aimed at the father and his son.

Wolf turned to his son and asked, “What does it mean?”

“Nothing! Just an angry Jew hurling stones,” replied the son with a defiant note in his tone.

“Angry Jews do not cast stones; it is not part of our tradition,” replied the father.

“Maybe it is time that it should become part of our tradition,” the son snapped with restrained anger.

Wolf Fischelberg looked around to see if all was clear. Only then did he bend down to pick up the stone. A small gray note was wrapped around it. Wolf slipped the note into his pocket.

They walked into a safe barracks where other Polish Jews lived. in a corner, at a distance from the others, Wolf read the note. it was written in Hebrew by a Dutch Jew named Hayyim Borack who had Argentinian papers. After establishing his credentials, Hayyim wrote that he was fortunate to have obtained a shofar, and it was in his possession. i f the Chassidic Jews from the Polish transports wished to use the shofar for Rosh Hashana services, Borack could smuggle the shofar in one of the coffee cauldrons of the morning distribution. i n doing so, they would lose a cauldron of coffee, for the shofar would be covered with a minimal amount of coffee—just enough to conceal it.

A vote was taken by the Polish Jews. Those in favor of the plan to smuggle in the shofar held a clear majority. They all agreed to give up their morning coffee ration on the first day of Rosh Hashana.

At the time and place specified in the note, a stone once more made its way over the electrified barbed wire, this time from the Polish Jews to the Dutch. “ you see, my son, Jews never throw stones in vain,” said Wolf as his eyes followed the stone making its way from one sector to another.

The smuggling of the shofar was a success. Nobody was caught, and the shofar was not damaged. But now a new problem arose. i n order to fulfill the obligation of shofar blowing, all present must clearly hear the voice of the shofar. The risk was great. i f the sounds of the shofar reached German ears, all present would pay with their lives.

A heated debate developed among the scholars and rabbis in the barracks as to whether one could properly fulfill the commandment of sounding the shofar if it could not be heard distinctly. i n the absence of books, all discussants relied on their memory and quoted precedents from various Jewish sources. Based on halachah, a decision was reached to blow the shofar quietly. G-d would surely accept the muffled sounds of the shofar and the prayers of His sons and daughters just as he had accepted the prayers of y itzchak atop the mizbeiach on Har Hamoriah, thought Wolf Fischelberg as he was about to blow the shofar.

As little Miriam, Wolf’s daughter, listened to the shofar, she hoped that it would bring down the barbed-wire fences of Bergen-Belsen just as the blasts of the shofar in earlier times made the walls of yericho come tumbling down. Then the tefillos ended. Nothing had changed.

The barbed wires remained fixed in their places. Only in the heart did something stir: knowledge and hope. Knowledge that the muf-

fled voice of a shofar had made a dent in the Nazi wall of humiliation and slavery, and hope that someday freedom would bring down the barbed-wire fences of Bergen-Belsen and of humanity.

a shofar I n sI ber Ia

The following story was related by Mrs. Chaya Halberstam-Evers of Amsterdam, Holland.

It was the end of the brief Siberian summer, sometime in the early 1940s. My grandfather, Rav Meir Halberstam, a young boy of thirteen, was imprisoned in a work camp together with his grandfather, the Rebbe of Zhemigrad, Rav Sinai Halberstam. Before the war, in 1936, young Meir had moved to the holy city of yerushalayim with his family. in honor of his upcoming bar mitzvah, his father sent him back to Poland to celebrate the auspicious day in the Chassidic court of his holy grandfather. He arrived in Poland just as the rumble of imminent war was making itself heard. Disciples, family, and community members were all scrambling to save their lives. young Meir, unable to return to yerushalayim, escaped with his grandfather and immediate family to Russia. At last, they were safe—or so they thought. The Russian government seized the opportunity to put the many Polish refugees that now flooded the country to work. Meir, his grandfather, and their entire entourage were charged as enemies of the state and sentenced to heavy labor in the unforgiving Siberian tundra.

Rosh Hashana approached as the fleeting summer abruptly ended, replaced with howling, bone-chilling winds. young Meir noticed that with each passing day, his grandfather grew more and more depressed. “How will we blow the shofar?” cried the rebbe. Although he had with him the holy shofar that had been passed down from his ancestors, the thought of being caught by the evil Russian guards filled him with dread.

Two nights before the holiday, young Meir devised a daring plan. He awoke in the middle of the night and wrapped cloth around his hands and feet in order to muffle any sounds he might make. From his window, he watched the guards drinking raucously and dancing late into the night. He waited until they were slumped over in a drunken stupor before quietly trudging through the wind and cold to the front of the camp, where a giant bell stood. He looked

in every direction and shimmied up a tall post until he reached the top of the bell. Mustering all his strength, he unraveled the rope holding the bell up, and watched it crash to the ground where it shattered into thousands of tiny pieces.

Just as quickly and quietly, he slid back down to the ground and returned to his barracks.

The next morning, there was an uproar. The guards saw the broken bell and realized they now faced a massive hurdle. How would they wake the prisoners each morning? it would take weeks, if not months, until they could procure a new one! By the time the prisoners were up, the guards were angrily looking for someone to blame. Meir quietly told his grandfather of the brave mission he had carried out the previous night and explained his plan.

The bachur I m pers

T ha T T hey wan T e D

mounted, it would be his responsibility to wake the prisoners each morning.

Word spread quickly throughout the camp, and soon all the Jewish prisoners knew that the Rebbe of Zhemigrad would blow his holy shofar the following morning, the first day of Rosh Hashana. As the sun snuck over the horizon ushering in the frosty morning, the Jewish prisoners were up and ready, eagerly awaiting the familiar sounds.

The rebbe wept as he blew, the prisoners cried and prayed, and young Meir stood proudly as the piercing notes of the shofar broke through the darkness and flooded the camp with hope and strength. it was a shofar blowing he knew he would never forget.

it took many more hardships until my grandfather made it back to the shores of i srael (then still called Palestine), where he was welcomed joyously and celebrated for the great miracles he had merited.

he I r mur D er.

His uncle stepped forward and offered to help the head commander solve the problem. He had an old shepherd’s horn, he explained, that his father would gladly blow each morning to wake the prisoners until they received a new bell. The commander demanded he bring the horn at once.

The rebbe arrived, shofar in hand, and began to blow clear blasts that carried clearly through the camp.

“Let me blow it,” the commander yelled, grabbing the shofar from the rebbe’s hands. He brought it to his mouth, but no matter how hard he blew, no sound emerged. At this moment of frustration, young Meir’s uncle advised the commander that his father was a “professional horn-blower,” and perhaps he should be the one to sound the horn each morning. The commander acquiesced and appointed the rebbe to the position of “official waker.” Until a new bell was

As a grandchild of Reb Meir Halberstam, of righteous memory, i only recently heard this story, and it made a deep impression on me. i have always experienced Rosh Hashana as a time of hope and positivity, confident in the belief that G-d will embrace us and usher us into a beautiful and sweet new year. i try to think about the shofar blowing that my grandfather orchestrated all those years ago and the strength that it gave him and the other Jews who heard it. Perhaps this year, if i close my eyes and listen with my soul, i will hear the same sounds of faith, courage, and hope that my grandfather heard on that bitterly cold Siberian morning.

r evoLTI ng

For two thousand years, the custom has been to blow shofar during Mussaf, either during the silent Shemoneh e srei and the repetition of the chazzan, or just during the repetition of the chazzan. Why? it’s the main mitzvah of the day. Why not do it as soon as possible during Shacharis?

Our Sages tell us that the custom was initiated during a time when harsh decrees were made against us. (The Gemara does not detail when this actually occurred. it was obviously prior to Talmudic times, possibly during the time of the Seleucid Greek rule or the Roman rule.)There was great anxiety among the foreign rulers of e retz y israel that the Jews would organize a revolt against them. The Chachamim of the time realized that any appearance of a developing insurrection could touch off a very violent and

deadly reaction by the ruling authorities. They recognized that many Jews gathering in central places and then promptly blowing the shofar would be perceived as a call to arms, as was the case in times of Tanach. The shofar was used by the military to denote an impending operation, most notably in the times of yehoshua and of Gidon. The Chachamim therefore moved the blowing of the shofar to much later in the order of davening. By the time the shofar blowing came around, it would be after Shema, Shemoneh e sreh, and leining. Our potentates would then realize the gatherings were “merely” for the mitzvah and prayer, and not to promulgate any revolt.

Despite the elimination of the cruel rule, the Chachamim decided not to return tekias shofar to the beginning of davening but to leave it as is. The concern was that the moving back and forth of tekias shofar could result in a diminution of the mitzvah’s importance in people’s minds. Hence, tekias shofar is forevermore done during Mussaf.

Our enemies’ fear of tekias shofar is not just something of ancient times. During the times of the British Mandate, which began in 1922 and lasted until 1948, the shofar and other items were the target of enmity and fear of stirring up trouble.

The following story occurred in 1930 during the period of the British Mandate over Palestine. it has been translated from the memoirs of Rav Moshe Segal (1904–1985), a Lubavitcher chassid.

i n those years, the area in front of the Kosel did not look as it does today.

Only a narrow alley separated the Kosel and the Arab houses on the other side. The British Mandatory government prohibited placing a Torah ark, tables, or benches in the alley in front of the Kosel. e ven a small stool could not be brought there.

The British also instituted ordinances designed to humiliate the Jews at the holiest place of their faith: it was forbidden to pray out loud, lest one disturb the Arab residents; it was forbidden to read from the Torah (those praying at the Kosel had to go to one of the synagogues in the Jewish Quarter to conduct the Torah reading); and it was forbidden to sound the shofar on Rosh Hashana and at the

conclusion of yom Kippur. The British placed policemen at the Kosel to enforce these rules. The British felt that the annual blowing of the shofar after Ne’ilah on yom Kippur would antagonize the Arab population and create unrest. On yom Kippur of that year (1930), i (Rav Segal) was praying at the Kosel. During the brief intermission between the Mussaf and Minchah prayers, i overheard people whispering to each other: “Where will we go to hear the shofar? it will be impossible to blow here. There are as many policemen as there are people praying....”

The police commander himself was there, to make sure that the Jews would not, G-d forbid, sound the single blast that indicates the end of the yom Kippur fast.

i listened to these whisperings and thought to myself, “Can we possibly forgo the sounding of the shofar that accompanies our proclamation of G-d’s sovereignty over the world? Can we possibly forgo the sounding of the shofar, which symbolizes the redemption of i srael? True, the sounding of the shofar at the close of yom Kippur is only a custom, but ‘a Jewish custom is Torah!’”

i approached Rav y itzchak Horenstein, who served as the rabbi of our “congregation,” and said, “Give me a shofar.”

“What for?”

“i will blow.”

“What are you talking about? Don’t you see the police?”

“i will blow.”

The rabbi abruptly turned away from me, but not before he cast a glance at the prayer stand at the left end of the alley. i understood the hint: the shofar is located inside the stand.

When the hour of the blowing approached, i walked over to the stand and leaned against it.

Surreptitiously, i opened the drawer and slipped the shofar into my shirt. i had the shofar, but what if they saw me before i had a chance to blow it? i was still unmarried at the time, and following the Ashkenazic custom, did not wear a tallis. i turned to the person praying at my side and asked to borrow his tallis. My request must have seemed strange to him, but the Jews are a kind people, especially at the holiest moments of the holiest day. He handed me his tallis without a word.

i wrapped myself in the tallis. At that moment, i felt that i had created my own private domain. All around me, a foreign government prevailed, ruling over the people of israel even on their holiest day and at their holiest place, and we

are not free to serve our G-d. But under this tallis, i thought to myself, is another domain. Here i am under no dominion, save that of my Father in Heaven. Here i shall do as He commands me; and no force on earth will stop me.

When the closing verses of the Ne’ilah prayer—“Hear O israel,” “Blessed be the Name,” and “The eternal is G-d”—were proclaimed, i took the shofar and blew a long, resounding blast.

After that, everything happened very quickly. Many hands grabbed me.

i removed the tallis from over my head, and before me stood the police commander, who ordered my arrest.

i was taken to the “Kishleh,” the prison in the Old City (now part of the Tower of David Museum near Shaar Yaffo), and an Arab policeman was appointed to watch over me. Many hours passed, but i was given no food or water to break my fast. At midnight, the policeman received an order to release me, and he let me out without a word.

As i exited the gate, i met a group of young men from yeshiva Mercaz Harav, the Jerusalem yeshiva founded by Rav Kook.

“My friends!” i called out to them. “What are you doing here at midnight?”

They told me that immediately after i blew the shofar, some Mercaz Harav students who had prayed at the Kosel hurried off to tell Rav Kook what had happened. The chief rabbi was happy to hear that someone sounded the shofar at the Kosel but saddened to hear that i had been arrested. All this took place before Rav Kook had broken his fast. He did not eat, but on the spot called the high commissioner’s secretary, demanding my immediate release. When his request was turned down, Rav Kook informed the secretary that he would not break his fast until i was freed. The high commissioner resisted for several hours, but finally, out of respect for the chief rabbi, he had no choice but to set me free.

For the next eighteen years, until the Arab conquest of the Old City in 1948, the shofar was sounded at the Kosel every yom Kippur. The British well understood the significance of this blast. They knew that it would ultimately demolish their reign over our land, just as the walls of yericho crumbled before the shofar of yehoshua, and they did everything in their power to prevent it. But every yom Kippur, the shofar was sounded by brave men who knew they would be arrested for their part in staking our claim on the holiest of our possessions.

These stories have been reprinted with permission from the publisher from 100 Shofar Blasts by Bentzion Ettlinger, published by Mosaica Press.

A Most Meaningful Viduy

by Rabbi Yechiel Spero

Bagadnu, We have betrayed…

Yosef HaTzaddik, the beloved son of Yaakov Avinu and Rachel Imeinu, lived a life full of challenge. He had dreams, big dreams, and he was proud of them. But his brothers didn’t see things the same way. They were jealous of him. They couldn’t stand how their father Yaakov gave Yosef extra attention, how he treated him like he was special. Eventually, their jealousy turned into something far worse. They sold their own brother as a slave, sending him down to Egypt with a group of merchants. Yosef did not give up. He worked hard. He earned respect. Soon, he was put in charge of the house of Potiphar, a high-ranking officer of Pharaoh.

Then came the next nisayon, the next test. Potiphar’s wife began watching him. She tried, persistently, to get him to do something that would betray the trust of Potiphar, and more importantly, betray the trust of Hashem.

Yosef refused. Again and again, he held strong.

But one day, when no one else was home, she cornered him. She grabbed him by his garment, his “beged,” and tried to get him to do an aveirah with her. Yosef didn’t wait around. He tore himself away and ran. His coat stayed behind in her hand. Later, that same garment would be used against him. She made up a lie, and Yosef ended up in prison for twelve years.

Let’s stop here for a moment. The Slonimer Rebbe points out something fascinating: The word beged, garment, comes from the same root as bagadnu, we betrayed. Clothing can cover up the truth. And betrayal is also covering up the truth, pretending to be one thing while doing something else. The moment that Potiphar’s wife grabbed Yosef’s beged, he was being tested.

A voice in Yosef’s head could have said: “You’ve already fallen. You’re a slave. Your brothers gave up on you. Maybe Hashem did, too. What does it matter anymore?” That’s the voice of despair, of hopelessness, of betrayal.

But Yosef answered with something far stronger. “How could I do such a thing and sin against Hashem?” He said to himself, “I still matter. I still belong to Hashem. No matter where I am, I’m still a child of

the Ribbono shel Olam. This aveirah is beneath me.” Yosef didn’t fall for the lie. He didn’t let the wife of Potiphar bring him down.

Despair is dangerous. It opens the door to every aveirah in the book. When a person thinks he’s too far gone, he loses the fight before it even begins.

But Yosef never gave up on himself, and Hashem never gave up on him either. That’s how he stayed Yosef HaTzaddik.

And that’s how we fight through our own Potiphar’s wife, the voice that tells us we’re finished.

We’re never finished. Hashem still believes in us. Let’s not betray ourselves. Let’s hold on and not let go.

A Story: Uri Ilan didn’t come from the world of yeshivos. His mother chose a different path, and he was raised in a home without Torah at the center.

But he still possessed a strong spark in his soul. Uri was a great-grandson of R’ Shimon Shkop, one of the greatest Torah minds of his generation, and his mother had grown up in R’ Shimon’s home.

When he joined the Israeli Army, Uri wasn’t looking for honor. He wanted to help protect his people. Uri was part of one of the most secret, most dangerous units, the kind that slips behind enemy lines with barely a trace.

One winter night, Uri and a few others crossed into enemy territory.

Something went wrong. Horribly wrong. They were spotted, captured, hauled away to a prison far from home, far from hope.

It was cold there. The surroundings, stone walls, were lifeless. The light barely existed. When the guards wanted information, they didn’t ask nicely. They used any means necessary to get the information they wanted.

And when they saw that Uri wouldn’t give in, they began making up lies. They told him the worst thing a soldier could hear: “Your friends gave you up. Your family and your country hate you. You are the only fool who stayed loyal. The others betrayed you.” Then they tried to push him

to do the same.

He was alone, isolated, scared stiff. He didn’t know if he would ever leave that prison, if he would ever see daylight again.

Through it all, there was something he held onto. It was a constant reminder to himself: “I know who I am. I am a proud Jew. I will not betray. Not my friends. Not my people. Not myself.”

After many months, Uri Ilan breathed his last breath. When his body was returned to Eretz Yisrael, his true strength was revealed. At the time of the taharah — the preparation of a Jewish body for burial — they discovered it.

A tiny scrap of paper, hidden beneath his fingernail. Carefully folded. Written in small, determined letters. It was his final message. “Lo bagad’ti— I didn’t betray.”

What a message it was!

At the moment his body was being purified, these final words were uncovered, words that defined him. This is what makes a person tahor, pure.

To go through pain, fear, darkness. And still hold on to the truth.

Lo bagad’ti.

Etched into the stone over Uri Ilan’s grave are the words: “He fell while fulfilling his mission.”

On Yom Kippur, we pound our hearts and cry out, bagadnu . We betrayed. We’ve betrayed the people who believed in us, the values we were raised with. But most of all, we’ve betrayed Hashem. And still, we say bagadnu , because we want to fix it. We want to come back. We want to show that we still belong to Him.

As we say viduy, we will try to do better and be better and to keep in mind that this is what we all strive for: To fulfill our mission. To live our lives with purpose. To live a life of lo bagad’ti.

Meaningful

Spero,

Variations on a theme

By Daniella SilV er

Sweet Potato Pear SouP

Pareve I Passover I Gluten-free I Freezes well I Yields 8-10 servings

ingreDientS

>> 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil

>> 1 large onion, diced

>> 2 ribs celery, chopped

>> 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tsp)

>> Kosher salt

>> Black pepper

>> 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

>> 3 Asian or Bosc pears, peeled and chopped

>> 1 tsp sweet paprika

>> Pinch dried thyme

>> 5-6 cups water or vegetable broth

PreParation

Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper; sauté for 8-10 minutes, until golden. Add sweet potatoes, pears, paprika, thyme, and water. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, for 40-45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; let cool slightly.

Using an immersion blender, process soup until smooth. If soup is too thick, add a little water. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Variation

Cinnamon Sugar PearS

Prepare soup as directed. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a cooking rack or pizza tray with nonstick cooking spray. Slice 2 additional pears very thinly (do not peel). Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon on both sides. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes until golden. Garnish the soup with baked pears or sprinkle soup with thyme leaves.

SeSame-CruSteD lonDon Broil

Meat I gluten-free option I freezes well I yields 6 servings

ingreDientS

>> 1 London broil (about 2 lb/1 kg)

>> Kosher salt, to taste

>> Black pepper, to taste

>> 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari

>> 3 Tbsp honey

>> 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil

>> 3 Tbsp white sesame seeds, toasted

PreParation

Sprinkle London broil lightly on both sides with salt and pepper and place into a resealable plastic bag. Add soy sauce, honey, and oil; seal bag tightly. Massage meat on both sides with marinade. Marinate for 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

Coat a grill pan with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium-high.

Remove London broil from marinade; discard marinade. Grill meat for 7-8 minutes per side or until meat reaches desired doneness. (For medium, cook meat to an internal temperature of 145°F.)

Place meat onto a cutting board; let rest for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain on the diagonal, into thin slices. Place onto serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Variation Steak BiteS

Prepare recipe as directed through Step 3. Cut each piece of meat into cubes. Using toothpicks, pierce each cube; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve family style, on individual plates, or as an appetizer for a party.

Straw Berry a lmonD tart

Pareve I gluten-free option I freezes well I yield 8-10 servings

ingreDientS

>> 1 cup flour (or gluten-free flour)

>> 1 cup almond flour

>> ½ cup sugar

>> 1 tsp salt

>> 2/3 cup vegetable oil

>> 1 Tbsp water

Filling

>> 1 lb. strawberries, quartered (fresh or frozen)

>> 2 Tbsp sugar

>> 2 Tbsp flour

>> 1 tsp lemon juice

>> ¼ cup sliced almonds

>> Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

PreParation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9- or 10-inch round or ceramic tart pan with parchment paper; coat the sides with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, almond flour, sugar, salt, oil, and water; mix well to form a dough. Reserve ½ cup for topping. Place remaining dough into prepared tart pan, pressing down and up the sides to form a crust.

To make the filling: In a second bowl, combine strawberries with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and almonds; mix well. Spoon into crust. Crumble reserved dough; sprinkle crumbs and cinnamon over filling.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden.

Variation

PeaCh CriSPS

Prepare recipe as directed using 6 peaches, peeled and cut into chunks. You can use mini tart pans for a different presentation. Bake for 30-40 minutes. This recipe also works well in a rectangular tart pan.

Health & F tness

Sweeten the Deal Healthy Hacks for a Guilt-Free Rosh Hashana

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

Rosh Hashana spans two full days, which means several large meals, often late at night and again during the day. With so much food and frequent eating, it is easy to overdo it. Taking a balanced approach to these meals helps prevent the discomfort that often follows heavy eating, while still allowing enjoyment.

Timing of Meals

An effective strategy to healthy eating is to pay attention to the timing of meals. Since the night meals are often later in the evening, lighter choices are best at night, with heavier dishes reserved for the daytime when digestion is more active.

At the day meals, larger portions of protein such as poultry, fish, or lean meat, along with hearty vegetable dishes, are appropriate. These foods provide the sustenance and energy needed during the longer, more active part of the day. The nighttime meals can emphasize smaller portions, lower fat/lean proteins, and vegetable-forward sides. For example, this can include baked salmon, a soup, or a green salad. Rather than serving heavy potato dishes or rice, the evening table can highlight colorful roasted vegetables, beets with citrus, or a chopped Israeli salad.

Choosing Smarter Breads

Because each meal begins with hamotzi, bread is always included, making carbohydrates a guaranteed part of every table. However, it is important to remember that not all breads are the same nutritionally. Options such as sourdough, whole wheat matzah, whole wheat pita, or whole-grain challah provide more fiber and nutrients, which promotes satiety and helps balance blood sugar. Sweet, round challah is customary for Rosh Hashana and therefore can be enjoyed in modera-

tion, but it is wise to keep portions small. While there are many healthy options out there, it is important to consume them moderation and avoid overindulgence in this area. A great tip is to avoid or minimize dips, since they only lead to overconsumption of the bread!

Appetizers

Another area where meals can easily become excessive is with appetizers. Traditional starters such as meatballs or stuffed cabbage, while delicious, are often heavy and provide the same nutrients as the main course, leading to excess calories before the meal has even begun. Instead, consider serving a lighter starter such as a seasonal vegetable soup or a simple salad. The reality is that the body only needs a certain amount of energy at a time, and any calories eaten beyond that, whether from carbs, fats, or even protein, are stored as fat. Extra portions don’t “just disappear” because they

came from a good source; the body saves them. By skipping the heavy appetizer and choosing a lighter first course, you can enjoy the main meal without adding unnecessary calories.

Red Meat and Protein

Rosh Hashana meals often feature red meat dishes such as beef, lamb, or veal. However, red meat is higher in saturated fat, which contributes to increased risk of heart disease, inflammation, and weight gain, than poultry and fish. Limit your red meat consumption to no more than one meal a day over the chag.

Poultry options such as skinless chicken or turkey, or fish such as salmon, trout, or Bronzino, provide excellent sources of protein with far less saturated fat. Try to serve at least one of the four meals with just fish as the main source of protein, with some healthy light sides such as soups and salads. By shifting the focus away from red meat and toward leaner

proteins, the meal becomes healthier and easier to digest.

Vegetables and Salads

One of the simplest ways to make meals healthier and less caloric is to place the emphasis on vegetables. Bread already ensures the presence of carbohydrates, so additional sides should not be dominated by starches. Serving roasted seasonal vegetables, fresh salads with herbs and pomegranate seeds, or lighter kugels/quiches made from zucchini, carrots, or cauliflower provides variety, color, and flavor without excessive calories. Limiting starchy dishes to one small portion per meal allows the vegetables to be the main focus, which balances the meal without making it feel restrictive.

Desserts

Dessert is often anticipated as the highlight of the meal, but it doesn’t have to be heavy to be fun and delicious. Fruit-based desserts such as baked apples, poached pears, or a fruit compote with cinnamon offer natural sweetness with fewer calories. Honey cake or honey cookies, a classic of Rosh Hashana, can be enjoyed in moderation, especially when made in healthier versions. Fresh fruit platters or a few squares of dark chocolate also provide an elegant finish. Serving desserts in smaller portions allows everyone to enjoy themselves without leaving the table uncomfortably full.

Portion Control

Portion control is often easier said than done during the chagim, particularly when tables overflow with options. Still, a helpful guideline is to view the plate as divided into sections: half filled with vegetables, one quarter with lean protein, and one quarter with carbs. Since challah (bread) is present at every meal, the additional carbs, such as potatoes, rice, or ku-

gel, should be limited to small servings. Starting the meal with vegetables and salads encourages satiety and moderates how much is eaten later. Eating slowly, drinking water between bites, pausing between courses, and noticing the difference between genuine hunger and simple enjoyment of taste all contribute to eating with mindfulness rather than excess.

Foods in Moderation

Rosh Hashana may include specific or unique foods according to your minhagim. Apples dipped in honey, pomegranates, and dates are all classic examples of foods you would find on the table. While these foods are healthy and natural, it is important to keep in mind that some can easily be high in natural sugars, making them caloric. For example, honey, although natural, is still a concentrated source of sugar and calories. It can be enjoyed in small amounts, but portion control is important. A teaspoon or two is sufficient to add flavor without significantly increasing calorie intake, and using more simply because it is “natural” is not advisable.

Dates are another example of natural foods that are high in sugar and calories. Therefore, it is best to limit them to one or

two pieces. A helpful tip to keep in mind during simanim is to come with the intention of tasting the food rather than turning it into another full course.

Movement

Incorporating light movement during Rosh Hashana can make a big difference in how you feel. A 10-20 minute walk in the afternoon or after a meal helps with digestion, restores energy, and provides a sense of balance after long periods of sitting (in shul) and eating. These walks don’t need to be strenuous; even a relaxed stroll with family or friends can be refreshing and enjoyable.

When the weather allows, making daily movement part of the routine is an easy way to support both comfort and overall well-being.

Challenges

While portion control and meal composition are important, there are also broader challenges that make healthy eating more difficult. One challenge is the irregular schedule. Late-night meals, davening in shul, and altered sleeping patterns can disrupt hunger cues and lead to overeating when food is finally available. Preparing a light snack before

shul, such as a piece of fruit or a small yogurt, can prevent extreme hunger that later results in oversized portions.

Another challenge is social pressure and abundance. Large family gatherings often come with expectations to sample every dish or accept second servings as a sign of appreciation. Navigating this requires both tact and self-awareness. Politely accepting a small portion, or praising the food without consuming more than needed, helps balance respect for the host with personal health goals. Remembering that sampling a taste of each dish is sufficient can also ease the pressure to eat large portions of everything presented.

Finally, the issue of leftovers is common after two full days of cooking and entertaining. While it is practical to prepare generously, the abundance of food after yom tov can lead to several more days of overeating. A helpful approach is to divide leftovers into portions for freezing, or to repurpose them into lighter meals, such as turning brisket into a salad topping or using roasted vegetables for a soup. Sharing leftovers with family members or neighbors can also prevent overconsumption in the days that follow.

Bringing It All Together

The meals are meant to be joyful and abundant, but abundance does not have to mean excess. By keeping nighttime meals lighter, emphasizing vegetables and lean proteins, limiting starches, choosing bread wisely, and being mindful with honey and desserts, Rosh Hashana can remain enjoyable without becoming overwhelming. Incorporating short daily walks, managing the challenges of irregular schedules and social expectations, and handling leftovers responsibly all contribute to a healthier and more balanced experience.

Approaching Rosh Hashana with intention allows one to focus on what the chag is truly about. When meals are balanced and thoughtful, they enhance rather than detract from the spiritual atmosphere.

Shana tova u’mesuka – wishing you a good, sweet, and healthy year ahead!

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

Shmooze & Muse

Mileage May Vary

By Mordechai Schmutter

My wife is very into test driving cars, but she only really gives into that urge when we’re actually looking to buy one.

I’ve never really seen the point. My argument is that all cars drive well when they’re new. When I test drive a car, my direct comparison is to my old cars. And we originally bought our cars to last a long time. There’s no way a new car is not driving significantly better than our 19-year-old van.

Plus, they say that as soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses value. But test driving is driving off the lot, yet it doesn’t lose value. How does it know?

“Well, there’s a GPS in it.”

But that’s the thing: If you’re buying a used car, I get it, because you want to see if the car gives off any funny noises or smells. With a new car, the one you’re test driving isn’t even the one you’re buying. That’s the floor model. You get in the car and go, “Ooooh!” and the guy goes, “Oh, that? Yours wouldn’t come with that feature.”

And then he takes you around the same three blocks that he’s been taking everyone around for the past 23 years. And you’re thinking, “Even our old car can drive three blocks. This proves nothing.”

They don’t even love when you actually test the cars. Like at one dealership, the guy was talking about how the car had great suspension, so I saw a pothole on the road and I went for it. Just to see. He wasn’t thrilled, so I had to pretend it wasn’t on purpose. But it totally was. And I was impressed. When I go over a pothole in my current van, I hold my breath until I confirm that the van is still running.

Right now, we’re looking to replace this van, but we’re not sure if we want something new or old. We’re considering our options. We got our last one new, but we’re b”H at a stage where the number of people we have to schlep around is iy”H going to get smaller in the next 19 years, so we don’t need a minivan that will last us 19 years anymore, but

we do need something that’s bigger than our other car, so we can continue to say things like, “Everyone get in the big car.”

One big distraction when you’re looking at cars is that you can get sidetracked by the features that will not actually determine whether you buy the car. Like we have to see what the dashboard looks like. Are there enough compartments? Where would we put our trash? Where would we plug stuff in? Can my wife put her bag between us, or do I have to sit in the back?

“Well, doesn’t your device tell you traffic?”

No, my device only tells me traffic where I am. I want to be able to sit there and say, “This device is supposed to steer us around traffic, but we’re sitting in traffic. Is it even working?” and then turn on the radio and it says, “Well, there’s even worse traffic on this other highway…” and I say, “Good.”

How are people still getting stuck in traffic? Everyone has devices meant to steer us around traffic. So how does the traffic exist? Does anyone not have de -

If a garbage can can’t stand to be dragged a few miles, it’s not cut out to be a garbage can.

Or like my wife was concerned that some of the newer cars don’t seem to have a radio, so she needed to inspect each car in person.

Our kids asked, “Why do you need a radio? You never listen to the radio in the house.”

“We don’t need to know traffic in the house.”

vices at this point? Is the entire traffic just frum people?

Personally, only three things really matter to me in a new car: rear passenger space, cargo space, and gas mileage.

Gas we understand can’t be a main priority, because, for example, a motorcycle gets way better mileage than a minivan.

Cargo space is non-negotiable. And you’re like, “Eh, so you’ll rent a U-Haul when you need it.”

You don’t always know beforehand that you’ll need the extra room, and you don’t always want to rent a U-Haul. One time, back when I had a sedan, I went to Home Depot to buy an outdoor garbage can, and after I got it out to the parking lot, I realized that I couldn’t fit it into the trunk or the backseat. I’m going to rent a U-Haul so I can bring home a garbage can? Or should I just tie the can to the back of the car and bounce it around town, to give it some practice for what it’s going to be going through over the years? If a garbage can can’t stand to be dragged a few miles, it’s not cut out to be a garbage can.

These are the main factors I look for in a garbage can:

1. Can it stand up to being dragged without developing holes? and

2. How easily can I drill holes in the bottom so I don’t have to schlep five gallons of rainwater to the curb?

It’s all a balance. Most of the cars we’re looking at, if you want to carry more cargo, you put down some seats, and then it holds fewer passengers. The more cargo, the less seating; the more seating, the less cargo; and if you have both, it’s worse gas. You can only get two out of three, tops.

See, when we were growing up, this wasn’t an issue. We had station wagons, and if your parents bought something big, they put down the seats and put the stuff in there, and then you sat among the stuff. Also the front seat was a bench, so a kid could sit between his parents. Nowadays, it’s more important to hold cups and plug things in. It’s not just a kid sitting in front of a cigarette lighter.

The way they figure nowadays is that you’ll either have extra people in your car or extra luggage. But this is not an either/or. If you’re going on vacation with all of your kids, you need all of your luggage.

“It’s OK, you’ll use your roof rack.”

I don’t think my kids can hold on for that long.

The first dealership we went to the guy just let us test drive the car without him. He said, “You live around here; you know the streets.”

We also know where the potholes are.

I guess we didn’t fit the profile of

people who would steal the new car and leave our old car in their parking lot.

So what would you do if you were doing a test drive without the guy?

That’s right; we drove home.

Then our daughter came out, and my wife had the idea that the three of us should sit in the back seat just to see how much space we had.

of the person next to you without using your hands.

Middle Passenger (looking left): “Do you have a pen?”

Left Passenger: “No.”

Middle: “Yes, you do. I can feel it. There’s an impression of your pen on my leg from the last 50 miles.”

Right Passenger: “You’re not going to start writing now, are you? I don’t need your elbow wiggling in my face for the rest of the drive.”

Middle: “Excuse me, we were having a private conversation.”

So we sat back there. Because you can actually look up how much space there is, and you’ll get numbers, but you don’t actually know what they mean, even if you then go around measuring everyone in the house. What are you going to do? Put a tape measure on the floor of your living room and sit on it with your spouse and a child? You could be spilling over and not know it. You need at least two more pairs of eyes standing over you and figuring this out. Your best bet is possibly to find someone with a couch that’s the same width as whatever car you’re looking at.

Go visit your friends and stare at their couches thoughtfully.

“Can I help you?”

“How wide is your couch? Can the three of us sit on it side by side?”

“This is the two-seater.”

“I know.”

As a point of comparison, I measured our two-seater couch, and it’s 46 inches.

My point is that they call it a test drive, but it’s not really about the drive. Really what you’re looking at in a test drive is things like size.

“How much luggage can we actually fit in the back? We brought all our suitcases.”

But we should do more. Every test drive should include driving to your house. You want to see how it looks in your driveway, how it fits in your garage… How does it handle on that narrow street a block from your house? Maybe do carpool in it, go shopping for groceries… Will I lose a milk under the seat?

See, car manufacturers say that a bench holds three people, but it doesn’t actually hold three people. Not well. Nowadays, everyone’s pressed up against each other. One of the cars we looked at has a row that’s 44 inches across. 44 inches is not three people. Not for any real length of time. You could count the change in the pocket

Talk about losing value on a test drive.

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.