ISSUE#34 – 5/8/2024

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LETTER EDITOR from the

Sometimes, when I begin to think about what subject to cover in the editorial, the issue of time rears its head.

If I write about Pesach, I’ll think, then I’ll be writing about what’s on my mind now, but none of that will be of any interest to readers when they finally pick up the paper two, or three, weeks down the line — at the beginning of Iyar.

There are ways around this conundrum of course, and these include ideas like writing about non-seasonable subjects (sh, don’t tell the news aficionados out there!), submitting articles last minute (don’t ask the graphics team about that!); or simply figuring out a way to slip in a line or two into an already-written article, last minute, to cover an important subject. None of that though is a substitute though, for actually living the messages that the editorial is meant to convey. Because when a message is lived, it’s felt, and its effect is that much greater.

It’s partly due to this potency factor, that I’ve decided to push off writing the editorial until the last possible moment (meaning this has been written postPesach and not pre). But it’s also, partly, because I’ve seen that things change, and that the world evolvie, at such a quick pace that certain things — which may have seemed inconceivable two months ago might have actually happened to the point where actual lessons can be derived from them.

“Men darf lebn mit dem tzeit,” is a Chassidic teaching attributed to the Baal Hatanya. It means “We need to live with the times.” The idea is that we need to immerse ourselves in the parashah of the week and to apply ourselves to it. At

the same time, and in tandem with this teaching, if we take a look at current events we can often learn a thing or two as well.

Last week, on erev Shabbos, Klal Yisroel lost a great Gadol, Rav Yechiel Yitzchok Perr—a Talmid of Rav Ahron Kotler. What can we learn from this Torah giant, and how his legacy be perpetuated, are questions to ask ourselves at this time.

What can we learn from the great nes that happened with the missiles from Iran?

And what, really, can we each learn from the way that our individual yomim tovim turned out and how we let routine take right on over?

Because the world runs parallel on so many planes, there are teachings to intercept on so many levels. Olam, shanah, nefesh: The world exists on a plane of place, time, and people.

Inspiration, and Heavenly messages, are all around. In our surroundings, in the day of the week or the month, and in the people whom we meet and read about.

This week, our Vibes of Greatness column taps into the concept of “living with the times” by exploring the personality of one Tannah mentioned in this week’s pirkei avos. From now until Shavuos, as we recite Pirkei Avos every week, we will continue to explore one Tannah per week, in this column. There is also a story about Reb Shaya’le, whose yahrtzeit is this week.

Let’s make our learning, and the lives lead by our great leaders, a part of us.

Have a great week!

The Lakewood Vibes Editorial Team

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The Freest Man on the Face of the Earth

Every Friday night, at the Shabbos table, after welcoming the angels with Shalom Aleichem, we sing the song Eishes Chayil, an ode to the mothers of our home. Ever wonder why then? Why precisely at that moment do we turn to our wives and mothers and sing them Eishes Chayil? Why don’t we sing it right after havdalah? Or on Rosh Chodesh? Or on our mother’s birthday? Are we merely thanking our mothers and wives for the beautiful Shabbos meal they’ve prepared, or is there something fundamentally deeper? This parshah gives us a clue.

After the Torah, in the very first pasuk urges us to be holy, in almost the same breath, it tells us to revere our parents and safeguard Shabbos. What is the juxtaposition of the two? Why is the mitzvah to be holy immediately followed by the need to respect our parents and the commandment to make Shabbos paramount? Why not follow it with the importance of Yom Kippur or the severity of idolatry? Or better yet, why juxtapose anything at all? Just summon us to be holy. Plain and simple.

Owner’s Manual for Spirituality

Rav Hirsch offers an amazing explanation of this. Hashem knew that we could never be holy in a world of unholiness without His instructing us on how to do so. Hence, He immediately tells us the two most effective ways of instilling and maintaining holiness in this world: our parents and Shabbos. The two most essential and powerful tools in the kedusha toolbox are a home with vibrant parents, and a home aglow with a radiant Shabbos. How so?

Each and every child walks a confusing path in their early years. What’s up, what’s down? What’s right, what’s wrong? What’s saintly, what’s devilish? What should we worship and what should we abhor? The outside world will point in a thousand directions. The home is a cocoon of clarity. The home is a cocoon of holiness. The home is where a child can shut the door to the confusion of the outside world, and have parents, in a harmonious and pleasant environment, instill genuine purity within them. A home is where a child finds his two greatest advocates and his two greatest fans. He looks to his parents to see what Hashem wants from him. He looks to his parents to see how he should act. How he should think. How he should look at the world. Every word they say is cherished.

Kedoshim

Hillel Eisenberg

Every kiss they give him is prized. Every tear of his they wipe away is another brick, building his soul. The world is confusing. Our parents are our link to Sinai, a time when the world finally got clarity. If a ben sorer u’moreh was brought to court with only one parent, we declare him innocent. “Inadequate parental guidance led to this wayward child,” the court declares. It is not his fault. He needed them and they weren’t there. Our parents are our everything. Without them, we become susceptible to every spiritual illness lurking outside our doors.

What our parents are to us, Shabbos is to the Jewish people collectively. Shabbos is there when we busy ourselves with the mundane of the week. Shabbos is there to pick us up when we fall down. Shabbos is, for many, the only connector they have to holiness. It is the pipeline to infinity. If not for Shabbos, where would we be? Shabbos grabs our weekly money-making, pleasure-seeking, neverending carousel and forces it to stop. It forces us to think. It forces us to connect to something bigger than ourselves. It gives us clarity in a world bereft of it.

The Talmud Yerushalmi (Pe’ah, 3b) says that honoring and revering our parents is the hardest mitzvah in the Torah. To keep Shabbos properly is likewise one of the hardest mitzvos in the Torah. Yet we do it with love. For keeping it, keeps us. For sanctifying it, sanctifies us.

The Eleven-Hour Train Ride

I was once on an eleven-hour train ride traveling from Baltimore to Rochester. Early in my journey, a large, beefy man boarded the train and sat down right next to me. After a while he turned to me and asked, “Wanna hear my life story?”

Assuming that anyone offering to tell his life story to a complete stranger on a train must have quite the story to share, I replied, “Sure.”

“Well,” he said, “when I was a baby, my parents often stayed at high-end, expensive hotels. One night, while holding me near the bathtub, my father accidently dropped me into the boiling hot water. I got severely burned. After I recovered, my parents excitedly sued the hotel chain for millions of dollars, which they promptly placed into the stock market in my name. Those millions turned into tens of millions, and when I was fifteen, I

grabbed the money and ran. I ran so far from my parents I don’t even know what country they live in anymore. I got married five times and got divorced each time. I couldn’t be bogged down. I traveled the world over. Isn’t that fascinating?”

I turned to him with a fake smile and said, “Totally. That is fascinating. So what do you do now?”

“Now,” he said, “I spend my life on the railroad traveling up and down the country, going wherever I feel like going. I stop off at any town I want and I check into the fanciest hotel, eat at the nicest restaurant, watch the town’s best plays and then hop back on the train and do it all over again somewhere else.”

I was amazed. But before I could ask any more questions, he looked outside and saw that we were pulling into a small town in the middle of Pennsylvania.

“I haven’t tried this town yet.” He got up to leave. As he was walking out of the train, he turned to me and said, “Well, now you know my life story. I live a life most people can only dream of. I am the freest man on the face of the earth.” And with that, he walked off the train. Off into the little sleepy town. No parents. No direction. Just his convoluted idea of freedom.

Every Friday night, after we welcome the Shabbos angels into our homes, we immediately turn to our mothers and say, “If not for you and your tireless safeguarding of our holiness, we might end up lost like that man chasing what the world calls freedom.” If not for Shabbos, and if not for our parents, we would be aimlessly traveling down the spiraling railroad of life. Our parents breathe holiness into our homes. Shabbos breathes holiness into the world. Together, they grant us lives as truly the freest men on the face of the earth.

Hillel Eisenberg, originally from Rochester NY, teaches courses on the fundamentals of Judaism at Princeton University as well as in Torah Links Yeshiva in Lakewood NJ. He is the author of the newly published book THE PARSHAH ON FIRE as well as the host of a podcast with the same name. His dynamic and passionate style of teaching the joy of Judaism has made him a sought-after teacher and lecturer throughout the United States. Feel free to reach out to Hillel by email Hilleleisenberg613@gmail.com or phone 585-414-9729.

A Weekend of Chizuk, Guidance & Rejuvenation

With like minded parents who are navigating the journey with struggling children they love, to get inspired, encouraged & chizzuk from parents to parents.

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STAMFORD, CT

Siblings

Chazan Yoel Ausch

Chaim Bin-Nun, MFT, LCPC

Rabbi Shloime Ehrlich shlit”a

Binyamin Greenspoon, LCSW

Rabbi Shlomo Hoffman shlit”a

Rabbi YY Jacobson shlit”a

Rabbi Shlomo Landau shlit”a

Rabbi Isaac Leib Miller shlit”a

Akiva Perlman Ph.D.

Tamar Perlman PsyD

Rabbi Shimon Russell shlit”a, LCSW

Mrs. Yocheved Russell

HaRav Gershon Schaffel shlit”a

Rabbi Shlomo Usher Tauber shlit”a

Rabbi Bentzion Twerski, shlit”a, Ph.D

Reb Yeshaya Steiner Reb Shaya’la of Kerestir (1851—April

27, 1925)

Reb Yonah Friedman was a well-known talmid chacham and askan who lived in the city of Muszay in Hungary. During World War I, Reb Yonah helped young Jewish men avoid being forced to serve in the Hungarian army. One day the police in Muszay decided that if they forced Reb Yonah himself into the army, he would be forced to stop helping others avoid the draft.

And so it was. Reb Yonah was drafted into the Hungarian army, and was sent to the front to fight the Russians.

One day, as Reb Yonah was preparing for battle, he heard that a Jewish soldier in the Hungarian army had stabbed a Russian soldier with his sword. “Help! Shema Yisrael! I’m a father of children!” the Russian soldier screamed. It turned out that he was a Jew who had been forced into the Russian army

Reb Yonah was petrified that he would end up murdering Jews in the Russian army. He decided to flee to Reb Shaya’la in Kerestir (as did many others).

When the chief of police in Muszay found out, he was furious. He said to his fellow policemen, “I will personally go to Kerestir to catch him and bring him back to the army.”

“Aren’t you afraid of the ‘Miracle Rabbi’ there?” the other policemen asked.

“I’m not afraid of anyone!” the chief of police shot back.

He took a group of armed policemen with him and went Kerestir.

They burst into Reb Shaya’la’s beis midrash in the middle of Shacharis, and ordered everyone to show them their papers. Amazingly, none of the many draft-dodgers were present at the time.

Reb Shaya’la remained standing in his place in the front of the beis midrash, wrapped in his tallis and tefillin, immersed in prayer.

It seemed to the chief of police that someone was hiding under a bench next to Reb Shaya’la, and that Reb Shaya’la was hiding him under his tallis.

The chief of police strode up to Reb Shaya’la.

But Reb Shaya’la was in the middle of Shacharis, and didn’t budge.

The chief of police was furious. He shoved Reb Shaya’la out of the way, then bent down to see if anyone was hiding under the bench. (There wasn’t.)

The moment that the chief of police dared to touch Reb Shaya’la, he felt a strong pain in his hand. But he continued on his way as if nothing had happened. He left Kerestir and returned to his home in Moszey where the pain grew worse and worse. The pain got so bad that he went to the local doctor who told him, “Your condition is serious and very dangerous. You must go to the big hospital in

Ungvar (modern day Uzhhorod) to be seen by the expert doctor there.”

When the expert examined the chief of police’s aching hand, he told him, “You are suffering from a malignant disease. There’s no treatment for it. The only thing to do is to amputate your hand immediately, so that the disease won’t spread to the rest of your body.”

“I’m a young man, and I have little children!” The chief of police shouted. “If you cut off my right hand, I’ll be handicapped for the rest of my life. How will I support my family?”

The chief of police understood that this was his punishment for raising his hand against Reb Shaya’la. He went to consult with some Jewish acquaintances. They advised him to send two respectable Jews as a delegation to Reb Shaya’la, to ask him for forgiveness. The chief of police followed their advice, and asked the head of the Jewish community of Ungvar, along with another distinguished Jew, to travel to Kerestir on his behalf.

When these people came to Reb Shaya’la, they conveyed the chief of police’s request for forgiveness. Reb Shaya’la replied, “Tell him that if he swears to never harm any Jew, I will forgive him wholeheartedly and he will recover.”

The two Jews brought Reb Shaya’la’s message to the chief of police. He immediately stood up and swore that from that day on he would never harm any Jew, and would do everything in his power to help them.

As soon as he finished speaking, his hand stopped hurting. The disease had gone just as quickly as it had come. ***

Reb Shaya’la’s yahrzeit is Gimmel Iyar.

(Adapted from Nifla’os HaTzaddikim by Reb Yaron Amit)

Shira Yael Klein

“Mozdul (move)!” he barked.

Yitty G. Past participant Lakewood, N.J.

Vibes of Greatness

Rebbi Rav Yehudah HaNasi (135 – 217)

Rebbi, also known as Reb Yehudah HaNasi, lived in Eretz Yisrael after Churban Bayis Sheini, when the area was under Roman control. He was one of the last Tannaim (i.e. the rabbis who appear in the Mishnah), and is also considered one of the first Amoraim (i.e. the rabbis who appear in the Gemara).

In general, the Roman occupation of Eretz Yisrael (especially after the failed Bar Kochba revolt in years 132 – 136) was characterized by intense physical and spiritual persecution of the Jews. An exception to this general rule was the reign of the Emperor Antoninus, who had a close relationship with Reb Yehudah HaNasi, and treated him with the utmost deference. [There are different opinions as to Antoninus’ identity, including that he was Emperor Antoninus Fulvius Pius, or Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.]

Every day, Antoninus would wait upon Rebbi. He would serve him food and drink. When Rebbi wished to climb into his bed, he would bend down in front of the bed and say to Rebbi, “Climb up on me onto your bed.”

Rebbi protested, “It is improper to treat the throne so disrespectfully.”

He replied to Rebbi: “If only I would be the mat beneath you in the World to Come.”

The relationship between Rebbi and Antoninus was a secret one. The Gemara describes how Antoninus would come to visit Rebbe in his house via a secret tunnel. While they did their best to ensure that no one else was present, they still discussed delicate issues only in code or through hints, lest someone somehow overhear.

The Gemara in Avodah Zarah 10b describes a political issue that Antoninus presented to Reb Yehudah HaNasi.

Antoninus said to Rebbi, “I want my son Asveirus to succeed me, and

that Tiveria should be declared a free community. If I submit one of these requests to the Senate in Rome, they will grant it, but they will not grant both.’

Rebbe brought a man and had him ride on the shoulders of another man. He put a dove in the hand of the upper one and said to the lower one, ‘Tell the upper one to let the dove fly from his hand.’

Antoninus said, “I understand from this that Rebbi is telling me to ask them to let my son Asveirus rule

after me. Then I can tell Asveirus to declare Tiveria a free community.

A different time, Antoninus said to Rebbi, “The dignitaries of Rome are persecuting me.”

Every day Rebbe would bring Antoninus into a garden and pluck a single radish in front of Antoninus.

Antoninus said to himself, “I learn from this that Rebbi is advising me to kill them off one at a time and not contend with all of them at once.”

Why didn’t Rebbe say so clearly?

He thought, “The dignitaries of Rome will overhear me and they will persecute him.”

So why didn’t Rebbe speak quietly?

Rebbe avoided even this, because it is written, “For a bird of the sky will carry the sound (Koheles) — i.e. a “little birdie” could tell Antoninus’ political opponents.

***

This period of calm enabled Reb Yehudah HaNasi to compiled the teachings of the Tannaim who came before him, as well as his own opinions and those of his contemporaries, into the Mishnah. Torah sheba’al peh is supposed to be just that — Torah passed down orally from rebbe to talmid. However, past experience had shown that it was very hard to do this well when the Romans made teaching or learning Torah punishable by death. Antoninus’ reign was a breath of fresh air, but everyone knew that it was just a matter of time until things would once again be very difficult for the Jews who remained in Eretz Yisrael. [The bulk of the Jewish community at this time was in Bavel, and there were Jewish communities throughout the Roman Empire.]

***

Every day, Antoninus would send Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi crushed gold in leather sacks, with wheat at its opening to hide its contents.

He would tell his messengers: “Bring this wheat to Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi.”

But Rebbi said to him, “I do not need the gold. I already have plenty.”

Antoninus replied, “Let it be for those who come after you, who will in turn give it to those who come after them, because those who will come after you and those who will come after them will need to pay my successors.”

***

(Adapted with permission from The Emperors and the Jews, by Ari Lieberman)

Shira Yael Klein

The Guy Next Door

Chapter 32

I must say this about Xavier Roberts. When he has the floor, walls and ceiling — or the room, if you prefer it that way — he can be quite a showman. First and foremost, he went over to the waitress and asked who the boss of the establishment was. “My dad,” she said. “He’s in the kitchen. You met him when you came in.”

“Call him,” Xavier ordered.

Wow, such authority, I thought. I wished I had a hundredth of it. The waitress went scurrying into the kitchen like a mouse (not that we want mice in the kitchen you understand, it was just a figure of speech) to go and get him. Her papa appeared a minute later, wiping his hand on his pristine apron and looking at us worriedly. Xavier smiled reassuringly at him.

Suddenly, someone else came into the restaurant. He was Asian in appearance, but he was a stranger to me. I was puzzled, especially when Xavier went over to him, slapped him on the back, and greeted him warmly. Much more warmly than he had ever greeted me.

Whatever.

This stranger stood patiently at the door. He was obviously connected to Xavier in some way, which had yet to be revealed. We all looked at this stranger and at each other, but we didn’t know what to say. The man certainly didn’t seem like a random coffee house customer.

Xavier gave the stranger a “wait a second” gesture, then went over to where Papa Coffee stood, clearly wondering why he’d been summoned from the kitchen.

But from my stance at the table, it seemed like Xavier was giving Papa a wad of notes. Papa then nodded seriously, went over to the door of the café, and turned the sign to show “closed” to anyone outside. He then summoned his daughter into the kitchen, leaving us alone in the room.

In other words, Xavier Roberts had paid to have the café closed to anyone but us. Except for this new addition,

whose identity I was still waiting to be enlightened on.

As I said before: Wow, such authority.

With a flick of his wrist, Xavier ordered the man who had just arrived to bring over a chair and join us. He did this without a word being spoken and we all shuffled our own chairs around to make space for him.

Returning to the table and sitting down, Xavier positively radiated authority. It surrounded him like a halo. Debbie, Rikki and I all gaped at him openmouthed while Avi sat there smugly, the only one of us who was in on the secret.

“Firstly,” Xavier began, “let me introduce you to my very good friend Mr. Yamamoto. He’s from Tokyo and he works with me.”

“Works with you on what?” Rikki asked. Avi continued to look smug. It was starting to get up my nose.

“I will explain in the fullness of time,” Xavier said, in what was noticeably better English than he had previously spoken, although still with an accent. We all got quiet and waited.

“What did you think when I bought the Bernstein’s house?” Xavier began, sitting back and taking a large sip of his cappuccino. He’d directed his question at me, so I answered first.

“I thought you bought it because you wanted to be next door to us, and I wondered, and still wonder, why. It seems threatening, to be honest. After all, you aren’t Jewish. Why plonk yourself in the middle of a Jewish Street in Golders Green? And you didn’t do any work to the house, though everyone knows Mottel Bernstein’s house is a wreck and anyone buying it would want to either rip out the insides, or tear the whole thing down and start again.”

Xavier turned to Debbie. “You the same, Mrs. Feld?”

“Well, yes,” Debbie said. “And of course when Avi went missing, it was a thousand red flags all at once. Why’d you

Recap: Rikki begs Avi for an explanation. Nachum intervenes and Xavier agrees that an explanation is necessary. The Felds and Xavier head to a nearby coffee house, with the Felds awaiting clarity.

Ruthie Pearlman

kidnap our son, Mr. Roberts?”

“More about that soon,” Xavier said in perfect English, completely avoiding the question.

Rikki, who had not yet been asked for her take on things, burst out. “Yeah! What do you want with my brother? We all saw the CCTV from the bowling alley. We saw you, or someone who looked like you, come and take Avi out, and he appeared to go willingly. Why?” She was breathing hard. “And why did he send us clues from his kidnap place to show us where he was?”

Xavier put up his hands to stop her rant. “Okay,” he said. I focused on the rings he was wearing and started missing the point of his narrative. “I can see that you’ve all got the… how do you call it in English? The wrong end of pole?”

“The wrong end of the stick,” Rikki said.

“Ah, I see. My English. I apologize. But really, it wasn’t you whom I needed to be next door to.”

“It wasn’t?” I said, feeling a little deflated.

“No. It was Mr. Nakamura I needed to be next door to. Only, I couldn’t persuade your other neighbors to sell up, no matter what I offered. They’re young families and like where they live, I suppose. They probably also put a lot of money into doing up their house, so I can’t say I blame them. So, I had no choice but to buy the Bernstein’s house which wasn’t right next door to Mr. Nakamura, but close enough.”

“Mr. Nakamura?” Debbie asked, puzzled. “That nice polite Japanese gentleman? Why do you need to be next door to him? Is this all about business between him and Mr. Yamamoto? Nothing underhanded?” She too was beginning to look deflated, like we’d almost been in an exciting movie, and then we weren’t.

“Oh no, Mrs. Feld,” Mr. Yamamoto said in nearly accentfree English. “It’s much more underhanded than that.”

Debbie, Rikki, and I all perked up at this while Avi sat there looking smug.

“Mr. Nakamura, your nice polite Japanese gentleman —” Xavier paused for dramatic effect. “— is not Japanese at all.”

“He isn’t?” We three chorused, while Avi continued to look smug.

“No!” Xavier Roberts was clearly enjoying himself. Thoroughly. “He’s North Korean! And Nakamura isn’t his real name, obviously, because that’s a common Japanese name, whereas North Korean names consist of three syllables. His name is really Jeong-Sang-Hoon. With a hyphen between the syllables. Jeong is his family name, and Sang-Hoon are his first names. That’s how it’s done over there; surname first.”

Jeong-Sang-Hoon. We all practiced saying that, over and over. It still didn’t quite fit Mr. Nakamura.

“But Mr. Yamamoto is Japanese?” I couldn’t help asking.

“Yes indeed,” Mr. Yamamoto said. “I was recruited by Xavier and the people he works for, to uncover Mr. Nakamura’s true origins and it didn’t take me long. He was bad at speaking Japanese and made a bunch of social

mistakes that you Brits wouldn’t have picked up on, but I noticed at once.”

“Right,” I said. “So, he’s North Korean with a threesyllable name. So what?”

Xavier Roberts leaned back in his chair and drained his cappuccino cup. “So what?” he repeated, “I’ll tell you so what. Mr. Nakamura had a “front” as a respectable Japanese businessman, going backwards and forwards to Tokyo, right?”

“Right,” we said in unison. Talk about schlepping things out, Xavier was a master at it.

“Mr. Jeong-Sang-Hoon is, in fact, an illegal international arms dealer, selling his wares to the highest bidder— which at the moment is Iran, not Israel’s best friend. And I don’t mean hand guns and rifles, I mean big stuff: Surface to air missiles, armed drone , even nuclear weapons. He’s not the sort of guy you’d want in your street, no?”

“No!” We three chorused, with Avi suddenly not looking smug.

“As for me, I am not Russian, but Moldovian, and I was recruited by the Americans and Israelis to find out about these dealings. I recruited Avi. Mottel Bernstein was actually the whistle-blower who reported his suspicions to the authorities, but the British police wouldn’t listen to him, so he went to the Israelis who sent me and Mr. Yamamoto in. We then sent the Bernsteins deep underground, because Jeong-Sang-Hoon realized that Mottel Bernstein was onto him, and we wanted to keep them safe.”

“Even their family don’t know where they are,” Debbie said.

“And that’s how it’s going to stay for now,” Mr. Yamamoto said. “We’ve spoken to the kids and reassured them that their parents are safe, asking them not to look for them and not to call the cops.”

“The cops,” breathed Rikki. “No wonder the cops were so interested in the location of the safe house.”

“Yeah, well, we can’t cover everything,” Xavier said with some regret. “Those dumb British cops are driving us crazy, but as you no doubt know, they can’t be bothered to investigate minor crimes and barely bother with major ones, so they’ve more or less given up on this too, thank heavens.”

“Wait a minute,” I said trying to grasp all the threads of this story and pull them together. “You’re talking differently. What happened to your Russian accent?”

“As I said, I’m not Russian, I’m Moldovian,” Xavier said. “But I laid on the accent a bit thick. Yamamoto and I work for the Americans and the Israelis, and we’re making progress in the case against Mr. Jeong-Sang-Hoon, but don’t want to give ourselves away before he strikes a big deal with Iran. I’m sorry about Avi, and all the upset we caused you, but Avi’s a fantastic asset and working really well for us. So now you understand why I needed to be as close as possible to where he lived? And to where you live too?”

I kind of did.

To be continued…

Lakewood Vibes News

At the kollel Chazu Bein Hazemanim learning program at Bais Eliezer Shul in Lakewood

Bein Hazmanim learning at Khal Chessed Avraham Zidichov Chicago

At Sereifas Chametz on erev Pesach in Lakewood

At the Weinberg-Abraham Vort-Lakewood to Passaic

STRATEGIES FOR OPTIMUM SUCCESS S S

Rifka Schoenfeld

WHO’S LOOKING FOR A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY?

“I am not asking for my child to be the life of the party, or a social butterfly. I just want her to be happy and have some friends of her own. She is a wonderful kid, and I hope someday others can see that.”

Many parents of children with deficits in social skills echo this sentiment. They know that their child has many wonderful qualities to offer others, but their poor social skills often hamper them from establishing meaningful relationships. All children want desperately to have friends, but those who lag behind their peers in social competence often fail miserably when trying to make friends.

When a friend of mine expressed concern that her ten-year old daughter, Shifra, was unhappy in school and had no friends, I suggested she find a way to observe her daughter closely when interacting with peers. That opportunity came up when Shifra’s teacher grouped the students for a class project, placing Shifra with two other girls to work on a poster.

Shifra’s mother invited the girls to her home after school to work on the project there. Her daughter was delighted at this rare social opportunity. This is what her mother observed:

“The two other girls were trying hard to create a poster while Shifra was clowning around, doing childish antics and showing off. One of the girls got upset and decided to go home before the work was half-finished. The other girl became provoked by Shifra’s behavior and a fight broke out, with both ending up in tears. Shifra was miserable. I was just trying to have fun,’ she sobbed. “Everyone’s so mean to me.”

For most children, basic social skills (e.g. initiating conversation, working cooperatively, respecting boundaries, observing conventional rules of courtesy) are acquired naturally. But for others, the process is much more difficult. Whereas many children learn these basic skills simply by exposure to social situations and positive role models, those with social skills deficits often need to be taught skills explicitly.

Nonverbal Communication

Children like Shifra may not have a reading disability in the usual sense but they are often unable to “read” cues related to social information, particularly nonverbal cues or “body language.” Or they may read the cues but fail to gauge the strength of the emotions conveyed.

In understanding how these children repeatedly suffer failure in social situations, it’s important to note that verbal language alone will often not convey all the information needed to understand a given social situation.

According to experts, between 25 to 65 percent of the communication in an average conversation is actually nonverbal, consisting of information that is related by facial expression, vocal intonation, pauses in the conversation, and body language. These nonverbal messages must be processed together with the verbal communication for the true overall meaning to emerge. Those with nonverbal deficits, however, may be forced to rely on as little as 35 percent of the communication in order to discern what is being relayed and how to respond. It is no wonder, then, that the messages they receive are often skewed and misleading. This holds true not only in social situations but in an academic setting as well, which explains why children with social skills deficits often experience learning difficulties.

Consider the following social interactions between six-year olds that highlight the breakdown in communication when, due to lapses in social skill development, nonverbal messages are not absorbed.

Eli and Meir are playing “Hatzalah.” They strap on walkie talkies and zoom off in make-believe Hatzalah cars (scooters) to a

Hatzalah call, while they simulate the wail of sirens. Moshe comes along and asks to play. “I wanna be a Hatzalah guy, too,” he tells them. “I can go on back of your scooter,” he suggests hopefully.

Eli and Meir are clearly not interested and their faces show it. (nonverbal communication) Eli moves his body to block the space behind him so Moshe can not get on (body language). Without pausing to register that he is not wanted, Moshe turns swiftly to Meir and boards his scooter before Meir can block him.

“Hey, get off!” Meir yells.

“Why? There’s room for me in back!” whines Moshe.

“Tough. We don’t let,” Meir snaps, pushing him off. Crestfallen, Moshe gives the scooter a kick and the scooter and Meir fall over together. Meir jumps up and shoves Moshe. In a moment, the two are fighting fiercely. Eli joins the fray. No one is seriously hurt, but Moshe, by his response to rejection, has reinforced the very dynamics that precipitated that rejection in the first place.

In this typical conflict—that has a thousand variations wherever children are playing together—what is striking is that, in an effort to gain entry to the game, Moshe chooses the very tactics (aggressiveness, force) that are guaranteed to trigger if not intensify his social exclusion.

With the benefit of coaching in social skills, Moshe would have picked up the cues that Eli and Meir were set against him “piggy backing” on the back of their scooters. He might then have explored other avenues besides force to gain inclusion.

He might have offered to be the “patient” that the “Hatzalah guys” were on their way to help… or to be a policeman who directs traffic or accompanies the Hatzalah members on foot. By being reasonable and flexible, choosing to add something to the game instead of taking over the game, Moshe could have turned the situation around completely.

Similarly, had Shifra grasped the extent to which her classmates were put off by her inappropriate behavior, the outcome might have been very different. Instead, she misread their protests and the strength of their objections and persisted in thinking she could drag them along into “having fun” with her.

She was devastated when the get-together at her house—a social opportunity she had longed for—disintegrated. And she had no clue about what she had done to precipitate this turn of events.

“I used to think she was just immature,” her mother said. “But it’s more than that. It’s like she’s missing out on a certain sixth sense about how to behave that for most people comes naturally.”

Early Intervention

Special education experts are increasingly placing stress on a child’s social competence as a critical developmental process that is every bit as important as scholastic achievement—and perhaps more so. Without intervention—and the earlier the better—they say, children who demonstrate poor social skills may continue to experience problems into middle childhood and beyond that affect all facets of life.

One of the most important things parents can do for children with social skills deficits is an obvious and simple one: observe them in interactions with others whenever possible. This will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of their social strengths and weaknesses.

In addition, the following steps, advocated by Dr. Richard Lavoie, a widely acclaimed expert in special education, have proven very helpful.

-Design an unobtrusive “signal system” with the child to use in

social situations. For example, if the child tends to “perseverate” (talking about only one topic of scant interest to the listener) or excessively tease or roughhouse, design a signal (cross your arms, snap your finger) that alerts him to stop. In this way, you can halt troubling behaviors without causing undue embarrass ment.

-Establish reward systems to reinforce and recognize appropri ate social behavior. Be willing to recognize and reinforce even the smallest signs of progress and growth. Do not harp on the inevitable setbacks in your child’s social interactions.

-Continually reinforce social information. Many social skill deficits are caused by a lack of basic social information, such as how to break the ice when being introduced to someone. Tips such as smile, nod cordially; make eye contact, ask a question; offer to help in some, way may seem self-evident but they are far from obvious to the socially inept.

-Provide the child with a positive model of appropriate social skills. Be certain that your behavior mirrors the skills that you are teaching your students. (e.g., temper control, courteous listen ing).

Role-play situations where the child is prompted to empathize with another person or practice new social skills by simulating life-like situations that call for the exercise of those skills. (asking directions; working out a disagreement; apologizing; giving praise; initiating or disengaging from a conversation)

Don’t

-Discourage the child from establishing relationships with stu dents who are a year or two younger. He may be seeking his developmentally or emotionally appropriate level. By befriend ing younger students, he may enjoy a degree of status, confi dence and acceptance that he does not experience among his peers.

-Place the child in highly-charged competitive situations. These are often a source of great anxiety and failure for students with learning problems and social deficits. Rather, focus upon partic ipation, enjoyment, contribution and satisfaction in competitive activities—not on winning or losing.

-Scold or reprimand the child when she tells you about social confrontations or difficulties that she has experienced. She will respond by refusing to share these incidents with you. Rather, thank her for sharing the experience with you and discuss optional strategies that she could have used.

-Attempt to teach social skills at times of high stress. Rather, approach the child at a time when he is relaxed and receptive. (ex: “Suri, next week you will be going to Faygie’s birthday party. Let’s practice how you will hand her your gift and what you will say when she opens it and thanks you.)

Seize The Summer

Helping a child overcome a deficit in this area, like any other form of remediation, is a process that takes time. Because summer vacation offers an expanded range of social opportunities that are not available during the more structured winter months, this is an ideal time for social skills coaching.

Within the framework of camp, group sports, family outings and neighborhood get-togethers, the particular social skills that are being worked on can constantly be tested “in the field.” In addition, because of the more relaxed pace of day-to-day life, progress is more easily measured and observed. Inasmuch as social skills deficits often accompany learning difficulties, a program that combines the two forms of remediation, implemented over the summer months, can make an enormous difference in your child’s development. Those children whose parents see to it that they capitalize strongly on the summer’s opportunities for emotional and scholastic growth are the lucky ones.

CHAPTER 2

“Liora, no! Fraidy gets the pink chair!” Dini marched over to the circle of doll chairs I’d set up and handed me the plush baby doll with the green eyes. “Here, hold Gittel and don’t let her cry.”

I rocked back and forth, patting the doll’s back. Soon Dini’s friend would be over to play with her, and I’d be free of my big sister duty. “Gittel,” I addressed the doll. “Mommy’s going to give you a seat soon…”

“Shhh!! Can’t you guys go somewhere else?” My elevenyear-old brother, Ari, hissed from his corner of the couch, not bothering to look up from his book.

Mommy came into the living room, a big smile on her face, as she set down her cup of coffee and a stack of her “Sunday stuff.”

Today, I was finally going to tell her my great shidduch idea for Tovi, just as soon as Ari went off to learn with Tatty. I needed Mommy’s help, and time was of essence.

Mommy’s smile faded when she saw that Ari was lying in the same spot that he’d taken up upon coming home from yeshivah two hours earlier. “Ari, it’s such a beautiful day. Why don’t you ride your bike around the block? You could ask Shmueli to join you.”

Ari didn’t blink. He was too busy reading the newest Jewish mystery novel he’d borrowed from Goldbaum’s lending library.

Earlier, Ari had read a book about how glass is made. Yawn, double yawn, quadruple yawn. But Ari liked to read everything, even orange juice cartons and the toy manuals that no one bothered with.

“Ariiiii…” Mommy said. She took a slow sip of coffee, shut her eyes, and drew a breath. “Ari?”

“Shmueli’s at yeshiva, with everyone else,” Ari muttered. “Mr. Stern’s having them practice for the basketball match with the fifth graders. Ma, did you know that Mr. Stern’s 6’5”? That’s well above average height. Dovi’s father said that Mr. Stern was a star basketball player in high school!”

Mr. Stern! Just the person I wanted to talk about!

“Wow, and he’s an excellent math teacher, too. A basketball match sounds like so much fun! I’ll drive you back to school so you can join.”

Ari looked at Mommy and pushed his glasses up his nose. “Nah.”

“It doesn’t matter how good you are at the game, Ari. It’s just about having fun. It’s what boys do, you know, to spend time together.”

“But I need to learn with Tatty.”

“You can learn with Tatty tonight.”

Devorah Talia Gordon

Recap: Liora Bergenfeld helps her mother with her younger siblings when Zaidy comes by and seems momentarily unfocused. Over at Miri’s house, Liora learns that Miri’s older sister Tovi plans on moving and Liora wants to help find her a shidduch.

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Ari shook his head and sank deeper into the couch. Suddenly, an idea hit me, though I wasn’t sure if it was Mommy’s idea that had somehow jumped into my head, or my own.

“Ari! I’ll practice with you!” Ever since fourth grade, when I somehow grew about a head taller than almost every girl in my class, I’ve loved basketball.

“Liora, you’re a girl.” Ari grinned. He was super annoying, but I was happy to see his shiny braces.

Mommy laughed. “She has excellent aim, Ari. Just try it. Then, maybe you’ll go on Sundays.”

Ari turned from Mommy to me, squinted, and closed his book. “Fine,” he grunted. “I’ll get my shoes.” But his dimples popped out, as he ran out of the room.

Mommy picked up her pen, but before she could write anything, I said, “Mommy, listen. I have a great shidduch idea for Tovi Kramer.” I glanced at the doorway, I needed to speak fast.

My mother raised her eyebrows. “Who? Wait, really?”

“Yes…Mr. Stern! I’ve been thinking about it for days. Tovi’s also tall, and they’re both teachers, and….”

“But Liora…”

“Ma, would you please call Mrs. Dreyfus, Mr. Stern’s first cousin?” I paced around the room. “Tovi has to meet someone quickly, so she doesn’t move to the East Coast.”

“I could ask Mrs. Dreyfus about him, but Liora this doesn’t seem…”

“Ready!” Ari ran in and tossed the ball to me so hard, I had to steel myself not to fall over. Somehow though, I caught it and raced him outside.

“Thanks, Ma!” I called over my shoulder.

After Dini and Shaya were asleep that evening, I made a big batch of popcorn for Zaidy West and me. Mommy and Tatty said I could stay up until they got home from the bar mitzvah they were attending, provided I didn’t kvetch in the morning. Deal, I’d said, happy to be with Zaidy and have the company as I wasn’t yet up to nighttime babysitting.

“Ah…no good, three of the same.” Zaidy rearranged his Scrabble tiles on his holder, and then he scratched his head.

“You can exchange one, Zaidy. Remember?” I had great letters tonight, even a Z and a wild card.

“Oh, I forgot that rule.”

Funny that Zaidy had forgotten such a basic rule. He’d also forgotten to bring along the sefer he needed for his nine o’clock phone chavrusa. Baruch Hashem, Tatty had the same sefer in our seforim shrank.

Zaidy stuck his hand into the tile bag as his phone rang, for the third time. “Sorry, Liora, it’s my partner, again.” He flipped open his phone. “Yes, Ephraim?” He sat back, stroking his salt and pepper beard. It was still more pepper than salt, even though Zaidy was old. So old, he still had a fax machine and pocket phone book.

Since the war started in Israel on October 7th, Dr. Ephraim Schneider, Zaidy’s old friend from medical school, hired him to be the West Coast fundraiser for “Ki Ata Imadi,” an organization that raises money for families in Eretz Yisroel. Even though Zaidy was technically retired from his psychiatry practice, he still saw some clients from time to time, especially teens and young adults. Working for Dr. Schneider was perfect for Zaidy, who liked keeping busy and had spent his whole life helping people. Good, the phone call gave me a few minutes to study the board and find the perfect place for the word ‘frozen’.

“Six new families?” Zaidy shut his eyes, listening and nodding. “It is not simple, my friend. But we must do whatever we can for our brothers. Be’ezras Hashem, we’ll speak tomorrow, Ephraim.”

I put down my tiles. Using the E from Zaidy’s word ‘rondel’ (apparently, a type of poem), I managed to land my Z on a triple letter score.

“Forty points!” I wrote down the numbers and smiled at Zaidy, but he was staring past my shoulder. A moment later he glanced at the board.

“Nice work, Liora.” But Zaidy didn’t have that usual twinkle in his eye for my good score. He folded his hands on the table and offered a big, long sigh.

“Nebach. More families have left the north of Eretz Yisroel, near Lebanon. Each family needs….” He looked at me, then shook his head fast. “Never mind…”

“What, Zaidy?”

Zaidy gave me a sweet smile. “Clothes and food, and the kids – I worry about them most. They need toys and books. And they also need people to talk to like psychologist and rabbanim for chizuk.” He pushed aside his bowl of popcorn. “Now, I must make some calls. Liora’le. We’ll leave the game until Monday.”

“Monday?” I moved the board carefully to the end of the table. “You mean you’re going to come tomorrow instead of Tuesday? Great!”

Zaidy shook his head. “No, I meant Tuesday. I come on Tuesdays, that’s right.” He hunched over his little phone book, his forehead creased. “I know. I’ll call Gershon. He hasn’t given a donation for a few weeks. Maidele, say kapitel 121.”

I jumped up and grabbed my Tehillim, but I knew the words by heart. Since he’d begun fundraising, Zaidy asked me to daven for his hatzlacha almost every day.

But I wanted to do more for Zaidy than just daven.

I couldn’t make phone calls, and I didn’t know whom to ask for money. Still, as I kissed my Tehillim and watched Zaidy pace from the dining room to the living room with his phone pressed to his ear, a picture flashed through my mind. It was a picture of Zaidy sitting outside somewhere warm, under a palm tree, drinking an iced tea with his gemara open and his eyes shining brightly.

Somehow, that brightness didn’t seem to be there anymore, but I knew that there had to be a way for me to get it back.

Somehow, I’d make it happen.

To be continued…

Devorah Talia Gordon is a freelance writer, editor, and creative writing teacher. Her first book, The Impossible Project, a middle-grade novel, will soon be released by Menucha Publishers.

Parashas Kedoshim/ Sefiras Haomer

Answers to questions in bold are in Hebrew.

Across

Down:

Down

Answers to questions in bold are in Hebrew.

6. Whose talmidim passed away during sefiras haomer?

8. What mitzvah do we have between Pesach and Shavous?

1. The prohibition against planting two types of seeds together is called _________.

10. Who are individual grapes in a vineyard left for?

11. Whom may one not curse?

2. The prohibition against wearing wool and linen together is called _________.

14. What mitzvah appears in the same passuk as the mitzvah of kibbud av veim?

16. What day are leftovers of the korban shlamim burnt?

3. What type of person may one not place a stumbling block before?

4. What is the punishment for someone who serves the molech as avodah zarah?

5. Eretz Yisrael is a land flowing with milk and ________.

7. What was the korban omer made of?

9. The prohibition against eating fruit from a new plant for three years is called

12. How many days do we count the omer?

13. What is the English word for ‘rechilus’?

15. Fulfilling the mitzvos makes us __________.

1. The prohibition against planting two types of seeds together is called _________.

2. The prohibition against wearing wool and linen together is called _________.

Across:

3. What type of person may one not place a stumbling block before?

6. Whose talmidim passed away during sefiras haomer?

4. What is the punishment for someone who serves the molech as avodah zarah?

8. What mitzvah do we have between Pesach and Shavous?

5. Eretz Yisrael is a land flowing with milk and ________.

7. What was the korban omer made of?

10. Who are individual grapes in a vineyard left for?

9. The prohibition against eating fruit from a new plant for three years is called _______.

11. Whom may one not curse?

14. What mitzvah appears in the same passuk as the mitzvah of kibbud av veim?

16. What day are leftovers of the korban shlamim burnt?

17. What caused 12,000 talmidim to pass away during sefiras haomer?

18. What part of a field is left unharvested for the poor?

Writing Contest Writing Contest

I missed the bus, and then I saw someone who really needed my help…

I was out babysitting and one of the kids had a strange-looking wart. I knew that my mother would know just the right way to treat it…

I was lost and crying when a woman offered to help me. Turned out that she was my mother’s seminary roommate!

Kids, tell us your stories of hashgacha pratis in 300 words or less and have your story featured in Lakewood Vibes!

Every featured story will receive a Lakewood Vibes Purse or Wallet!

The writer of the best (longest, most creative, and most exciting) story will win a $50 gift certificate to a variety of stores!

Send all entries to: Contest@lakewoodvibes.com

Subject: Hashgacha Pratis Story

Include your name and age with each entry.

When I was 10 years old I wanted the latest fad If I would have it I would be really glad.

The price is $100

Therefore you must earn it Because into our financial life It does not fit.

The next day in school

As I walked down the hall

I saw a $50 raffle That would pay for most of it all.

I put my ticket

Straight in

C.K., 12

Hoping and davening

That I would win!

I could just imagine Pulling it off the shelf

I will be the owner

By my very self.

One week later

Was the drawing date

I absolutely Could not wait.

When they announced

That my name was it I could not belive

That I was the winning ticket.

When I went up to Claim my prize I was in for A very big surprise.

The card price has been raised

To the exact amount needed And in this raffle

I truly succeeded.

We see tremendous hashgacha pratis In all that we do And to Hashem We must say- THANK YOU!!

Thanks for an awesome mag!!

$50

Congratulations to our winner!

I'm one of the first stops on my bus every morning. I don't mind the long bus ride but, I obviously much rather if I could get a ride to yeshiva. One morning, I missed the bus. My mother is very busy so she couldn't drive me all the way to yeshiva. Instead, she called the bus driver, and he told her where to meet the bus. we jumped in the car and tried to drive there, but we got lost on the way. now I was getting frustrated that I'd be late to Yeshiva. we turned around to go home until I my mother could drive me to Yeshiva. suddenly, we saw a familiar car on the street- my father! my father is a Rebbi in my Yeshiva, but we were shocked to see him, cuz usually he's already at school. today he "randomly" decided to Daven in a shul near my house and so he passed by now on his way to yeshiva. baruch hasham, I got a shorter, more comfortable ride to yeshiva, and most importantly I got there on time to learn and Daven!

Z. Fried, 10

I often like to go fishing and one nice Friday my fishing rod was broken and my friends went fishing . I didn't have a fishing rod so I went and took a branch, a hook and bread and tried to catch fish. meanwhile there was a non Jewish person sitting on the tracks and he went fishing before us and he asked us what do we use to catch fish . we said bread and he saw me without a fishing rod. he had a lot of fishing rods so after he came over to me and gave me a full fishing rod with a hook and a weight and then I was able to go fishing. It was real hashgacha pratis!

Levi Rosenberg, 11

1) Why by the הוצמ of םאו בא ארומ does it only say שיא?

2) What are some examples of םאו בא ארומ?

3) Up to how many stalks of grain are טקל?

4) What type of stealing is the Torah talking about in this השרפ when it says ובנגת אל?

5) How do we know that it is forbidden to swear falsely with any of the names that refer to Hashem?

6) What is the הריבע of קושעת אל?

7) What is the difference between המיקנ and הריטנ?

This week’s questions are until ישילש If you would like to submit answers and be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift card, please call 848 373 5489. To get this Parsha sheet emailed to you every week, send a request to torahshleimah@gmail.com.

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Submit Your Stories Submit Your Stories

The mailman…

The grocer… Our children’s bus drivers…

Our days are filled with so many chessed-filled encounters, but how often do we stop to acknowledge those involved? How much do we thank our service providers? Or the random people who brighten our lives with goodness?

In Vibes of Gratitude, our newest column, we open the floor to you — our readers — to thank service providers and helpful individuals who add so much helpfulness and convenience to our days.

Vibes of Gratitude is about thanking others for their actions and recognizing the chessed that graces our lives. It’s our reader’s stage — your place to thank the special people who add so much vibrance to your life.

Olam Chessed Yibaneh.

Acknowledging chessed is the first step toward ensuring its continuity.

Submit your stories about acts of kindness you are grateful for to: Editor@lakewoodvibes.com

Names of service providers, neighbors, etc. need not be mentioned — but the act of chessed should be explicit enough for the doer to recognize.

Looking forward to publishing your submissions!

Gratitude

Baruch Hashem, over Pesach, there has been an influx of letters of thanks in our inbox. We appreciate them all and look forward to seeing even more.

Over Pesach there have been Lots of opportunities for me to thank,

My husband, children, and in-laws too—

Each of them has extended a hand, and helped in so many ways that count.

Pesach is a time of family bonds, And it’s also a time of peeling, cooking, baking, and washing. It’s easy to get bogged down in the moment.

But it’s so much more important to look at the bigger picture, at all the help being extended.

Camaraderie doesn’t only come from times of fun that are shared. It comes from moments of grit and toil, done with a smile and a kind thought.

I’m so grateful to have been able to see my spouse, children, and inlaws at their best.

And I want to take this opportunity to offer a shoutout to them all.

-A reader

What a beautiful poem (or was it meant as prose?). And may that feeling of camaraderie accompany this reader for many long months!

Dear Vibes, I wanted to write into your gratitude column about an act of seeming small “neighborly” kindness, which had a really big impact on me.

Over Pesach my washing machine broke down. Yes, right on chol hamoed, after putting up a load of Pesach towels (we don’t wash laundry of Pesach, stam.)

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Lakewood Vibes News

Bris son of Avina Friedman of Lakewood

Toivling Keileim before Pesach by DB Electronics

Erev Pesach in Lakewood Matzoh Bakery

Our technician came right after yom tov, but he said that the problem was too big for him to fix, and we’d need a new machine. Imagine my mound of laundry— with Baruch Hashem more than just a few kids at home. Yep, smelly, stinky—and with no other options other than to wait it out until our new machine would arrive.

My daughter mentioned our problem to our neighbor’s daughter outside, and from there the road to our salvation was fast. Said neighbor, offered us the unlimited use of her machine (she has her own family, so this was no small feat, but she happily worked out the logistics) and she also went to the trouble of taking care of the small things: Allowing us, actually begging us, to use her laundry detergent for free so that we wouldn’t have to lug over our own laundry detergent tub together with our laundry.

As I said in the beginning of this letter, it’s all about the small things like that detergent. Baruch Hashem our new machine will arrive tomorrow, but I wanted to write this letter while thoughts of my neighbor’s kindness are still fresh inside me. May Hashem pay her back manifold.

-Leah W.

Dear Editors,

It’s isru chag Pesach now, and I was thinking about my parents, and my in-laws, who wined, dined, and hosted my family throughout the yom tov. There are many wonderful parents and in-laws like them, so this letter is a mark of appreciation for them all. Having stood on the receiving end this Pesach, but being on the giving end many other years, I know just how many hours of work were invested.

-An appreciative child and child-in-law

Chashie Stern

Weighing up!

It’s that time of year again.

It happens the morning after Pesach, when I smile at the mirror and notice my chin smiling back at me. It happens when I look out the window at the brilliant spring sunshine and see twenty-five women all spruced up in their post-holiday finest, jogging with their doublestrollers or three-pound weights in their sweaty hands. And then I know it: I better join the bandwagon!

Having read a bajillion health books and magazines over the years, to dilute the postpastry guilt, I’ve culled some knowledge on this stigmatized subject. And now, being in

#1 Eat Mindfully

a generous mood, I’ve decided to share my findings with my beloved readers. So that you, too, can finally toss that pricey sheva brachos outfit that you’ve been trying to fit into for the last twenty-two years. Guilt-free.

Because, truth is, there’s a reason why our yomim tovim revolve around food and that is that it’s yummy! What better way to thank Hashem for His delightful gifts than by reciting brachos and enjoying them!

That is, until the front door becomes uncomfortably narrow.

Thus, it is without further ado, that I present the Post-Pesach-Weight-Loss Guide.

In other words, think fond thoughts about the cheese danish as it enters your salivating mouth. But don’t finish your son’s ziti-topped pizza just because his three bites cost you ten dollars.

#2 Serve Fruits and Vegetables

I don’t think anything shouts a healthy lifestyle as much as a trip to a farmer’s market. Make it look like you’re visiting an old friend when you knock on those watermelons, and nearby customers will ask you for your secret to success. It’s easy to fill your cart with a rainbow of produce in the hopes that someone at home, namely you, will actually eat it. The problem starts at lunchtime when you open the fridge and see that package of leftover lace cookies from Pesach in the vegetable bin. The ride from there, as we know, is always downhill.

Solution? Chop a salad in the morning so that you have it all ready, salad dressing, croutons, chocolate chips and all And, of course, save those lace cookies for dessert.

#3 Intermittent Fasting

I’ve heard this term for some time now, but the word ‘fasting’ just made me want to turn the page. I mean, don’t we have enough fasts on the Jewish calendar? And heaven knows how we pull through those!

But then my neighbor broached the topic at our Tehillim get-together. “So, I’ve started with this intermittent fasting,” she began. And I couldn’t run anywhere for the simple reason that she decided to make her announcement before we began reciting Tehillim and not after. “From after supper, until breakfast the following morning!” she continued. That’s interesting, I thought. I could do that! And I did. For two nights. Until someone pulled the ice cream out of the freezer and its sorry, freezer-burnt state clearly allowed me to hear it call my name so that I could proceed to give it my full attention.

#4 Get Enough Sleep

Here’s the deal: If you’re sleeping more, then clearly you’re eating less; and the less time spent in the kitchen, the better off you are. Unless, of course, you’re sleeping in the kitchen, which may mean that you have a lot more issues than just a weight situation. But the whole sleep thing is easier said than done, for women at least. That’s why, when we’re itching for a nap in the afternoon, but have to make supper instead, we may grab a chocolate bar to make up for the nap. For some reason, known only to chocoholics, it works. Are you with me? Anyone?

#5 Physical Activity

We all know about exercise. But knowing about exercise and actually doing the workouts are like reading about politics and actually running for president. We may purchase that spunky outfit, that yoga mat, and perhaps even a gym membership, but then… First comes shacharis, getting everyone ready for school, work, supper, homework, bedtime, cleanup, laundry… Wait, did I say something about exercise? Hahahahahahaha!

#6 Drink Lots of Water

The thought process behind this one is that if you’re thirsty you may be fooling yourself into thinking that you’re hungry. So, go for the Greek salad and then the ice cream sandwich and the potato chips until you finally remember this article, and think, Hey, wait a minute! Was I even hungry? The answer is, yes, of course you were. But, if you want to fool yourself into thinking you were really thirsty, then follow this advice and drink lots of water instead. Then, you might never be hungry, because you’re always drinking water and looking mightily healthy with that oversized water bottle. Just don’t forget the life jacket.

#7 Eat Whole Grains

In other words, eat a whole bagel instead of only half. Have you ever been in a generous (read: guilt-ridden) parenting mood and thus taken a child out for a private lunch? That might look something like this: You lose it in the morning with that kid who decided she’s not getting into the car, no way, hosay, unless she gets a window seat, because you know, the view. But your neighbor’s kid is already sitting there, and the baby is on the other side, so you tell her — and the rest of the neighborhood — “buckle up or else!” Fast-forward three and a half hours and you’re out together for lunch. You’ve fasted all morning in preparation, or guilt, and you’re eyeing that fat, Sicilian pie behind the pizza counter. The one with a sprinkling of veggies that costs an additional $5 per slice, all in the name of nutrition. So, you finally sit down, proud of your healthy choice (as opposed to your kid who’s munching away at her veggie-less, oil-drenched fries) only to notice a few other benevolent mothers sharing a lunch date with their children. The only thing missing though, from their tables, is food for the mother and you can’t help but wonder how they can just sit there, foodless, watching lovingly as their child wolfs down a delectable slice of pizza. Make no mistake; they notice you, too. And you know what they’re thinking? Good for her, she’s eating her whole grains! Then, maybe that day or the next, they’ll go ahead and buy themselves a Sicilian, too.

#8 Stress Control

For those who reach for the snack cabinet when their kids are fighting, take heart; you’re not alone. When your kids reach for each other’s hair and you reach for that Klic bar, know that there is wisdom behind your nimble dash toward comfort food. It’s reliable, it’s tasty, and most importantly, it doesn’t talk back. The problems start when you become so chummy with your chips that they decide to stay with you, or on you, with such tenacious persistence as to cause you to regret having become besties in the first place. And that, my friends, is one sticky relationship.

So what can you do instead, when you feel like you need a pick-me-up that doesn’t weigh you down? Well, you can always reach for a healthier option, take a nap, go for a walk, drink a glass of water, or, if those ideas don’t work…you can always write an article about it!

American Black Bear

The American Black Bear is widely spread over North America. Of the eight bear families in the universe (grizzly, polar, panda, etc.) they comprise the most. In the United States, Canada and Mexico there are quite over a million of the big bears. Despite their name, they aren’t all black. Most (approximately 70%) are jet black, however some are brown, light brown, chocolate or cinnamon colored, blond, or even white (and they are not polar bears!).

The American black bear is found primarily in mountainous forests verdant with trees and leaves. Their population proliferates constantly and keeps on spreading. They are good climbers and when in danger will climb up a tree (picture left). They are also skilled, strong swimmers. Exceeding all, is their sense of smell - 7 times stronger than a dog!

Towards the end of the summer, the mama bear will consume excessive amounts of food and layer her body with 30 lbs. of fat, so she can survive the impending 7 months of fasting and hunger! A specialized hormone suppresses her appetite. She then enters a den, which is a cave-like burrow, where she will hibernate for 3-8 months.

In the cave, to conserve her energy, her heart rate will drop from 40-50 times per minute to merely 8! In the middle of the winter, ensconced in the cave, she will have 1-6 babies, usually 2-3. The newborns weigh barely a pound and only at 5 years will reach the mother’s size.

American black bears are omnivores, meaning they will eat both plants and meat. However, 85% of their diet is comprised of vegetation: leaves, berries, grass, roots, honey and fruit (see picture left where he attacks a beehive with no fear of getting stung, and the picture below that where he digs into a tree bark in search of bees and honey).

They will also feed on fish by diving into the water (picture left) or stand on the riverbank to catch large salmon or other fish (pictures on top). They will also eat bees, ants and if need be a deer, caribou, etc. Generally small, young or infirm. Whenever possible, they will eat eggs from nests, or climb tall trees and consume the baby birds, even from eagles.

Their natural predators are other bears (grizzly or brown), cougars and wolves (which one against one ,the bear will triumph, but a group of wolves can easily kill a big bear).

Near humans, they will gravitate towards food left lying outdoors (picture below) or garbage. They will seldom attack humans, and even if yes, it will rarely be fatal.

1. 3 scared bears poised to climb up a tree after suspecting an attack.

2. Park police attaching a radio collar on an American bear, with a GPS that will emit signals of his exact location.

3. The very sharp nails on the edge of the bear’s foot.

4. 2 adult bears fighting tooth & nail.

5. The entrance to the den, where the mama bear will sleep thru the winter and the babies are born.

6. A scientist holding 3 newborn bears, still blind and only partially covered with fur.

TIDBITS

Habitat: North America

Weight: males 126-551 lbs, females 90-375. Sometimes 8-900

Length: 6-6.5 ft, sometimes almost 8 | Height: 28-41 inches

Tail: 3-7 inches

Offspring: 1-6, usually 2-3

Food: plants, fruit, insects and animals

Predators: other bears, cougars and wolves

Lifespan: approximately 18, possible up to 23 years, oldest in zoo: 44

Population: quite more than a million

Email liatt@trueyounourishment.com to request my catalog for more

רעשעלפ ןיא רעדניק

לטכאַש אַ ןיאַ :30 לטיפּאַק

יד ןופ עטסנרע" רעביא ןלייצראפ וצ טסואוועג -טיוט עטריזינאגרא-טוג ןופ ,ןעגנאלק ".ראביבאס ןוא ץעזלעב ,אנמלעכ – ןרעגאל

ןבאה אטעג רעגיר םענופ םיטילפּ עכלעוו ,תוטיחש-ןסאמ רעביא טלייצראפ

עגידנבענרעד יד ןיא ןעמוקעגראפ ןענעז

ןענעז ,אטעג רענילבול ןופ ןדיא יד .רעדלעוו

רענייק ;ץעזלעב ןייק ןראוועג טריטראפּעד ,ץעזלעב ןופ ןעמוקעגקירוצ טשינ זיא ןבאה ןעגנוטייצ-עשידרערעטנוא יד עכלעוו ןבאה ןשטייד

,טלעטשעגפּא גידנסיש ,ןעגנאגעג רעטייוו ךיז ןוא ןליוק טימ

טשינ סייוו'כ .תונברק עכילקילגמוא ףיוא ".ןסאשעג

ןענאטשעג אנעריא זיא רעטעפש העש א ייז עכלעוו ,הריד-סאקניפּ יד ןופ

:עטסיל-לירפּא > סאקניפּ רדנסכלא – 1942 לירפּא" "68# ווארעסעס – קעזראמ סעודאט ס'רעדנעס טקרעמאב ךיילג טאה אנעריא ריא וצ טקורדעגוצ םיא טאה יז ,עמאמ

רעד ןעוועג זיא סאד – ןענעגעזעג ךיז .םינפּ ןכאנ" .אנעריא ראפ טנעמאמ רעטסגרע

יז טאה ",ןעמוקאבקירוצ םיא וטסעוו ,גירק ,עמאמ ס'רעדנעס ראפ טגאזעג לאמאכאנ -סגנופעלשנייא ןא טגיילעגניירא טאה יז ןעוו א טלאה'כ" .ליומ ןייז ןיא טעלבאט

ןעמונעגסיורא טאה יז ",עטסיל עכילטקנופּ ןזיוועג

טרעה יז

יז טאה ,עיצנאטס עגידנעמוק םייב ךיילג

לטכאש עגידלקאש יד ןביוהעגפיוא קנילפ .ץכערק רעליטש א טרעהעג ראלק ןוא

טנערבעג ריא טאה ',עדנעזייר יד ןרעה רעכיז'

םענופ ןגיטשעגסיוא זיא אנעריא .טיוה יד

טעיירד פּאק ריא יוו טריפּשעג ןוא ייוומארט

ןוא טלפּענראפ טרעוו טפארק-עז ריא ,ךיז .תושלח ןיא ןלאפקעווא טעוו יז זא טניימעג

ךיז ןבאה סיפ עריא סאוו עדנוקעס יד ןיא

ןפארטעג יז טאה ,ןעלקאוו וצ ןביוהעגנא

ףיט טאה יז .ןצעזוצפּארא ךיז ואוו קנאב א ץראה ריא טזאלעג ןוא טמעטאעגניירא ',ךילטקנופּ סאוו' .טולב ריא ןפּמאפּ גיטסאה

רעד טריפּש' ,טרעדנואוועג ךיז יז טאה

טמוקאב סאוו – עלע'מהרבא םעניילק

א ןיא גידנעייז – גיוודיול ןעמאנ עיינ א טצעי '?לטכאש ןצראווש ןלעקנוט

טפראדעג םיא טאה סאוו עילימאפ יד

גידנרעה ןגיוצעגקירוצ טאה ,ןעמענניירא

ארומ ןבאה ייז .עלעגנוי ןיילק א זיא רע זא זא ןעניפעגסיוא ןלעוו ןשטייד יד זא טאהעג

ןיא ןייז טעוו ןבעל רעייז ןוא דיא א זיא רע

ןגארטעגפּא לענש םיא טאה אנעריא .הנכס יד ךרוד אקסווארטאיפ אגאשזד וצ .ריט עטשרעטניה אנעריא

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Acute situations are paired with a potent combination of homeopathic drops for external application and/or additional stones.

Hide and Seek

Find Chilli & Tilli

Chilli & Tilli are hidden somewhere in this issue they can be found anywhere on a Ad, Picture, or any page in the magazine, any size any color (excluding this page).

Please email, Fax or Mail the Page # where you found them To enter a rafffle to Win $25 Gift Certificate. You must include your Name and Address the winner will be printed in next weeks issue.

PARSHAS KEDOSHIM

DID YOU KNOW?

Although every person is different on the outside we all share the same source on the inside.

IMAGINE

When you walk into a room, you notice that there are light bulbs in the ceiling, a couple of cell phones plugged into the wall charging, and the AC is on full blast! All three of these devices are very different from each other. They have different parts and different uses, but they all have something in common, their life force, which is electricity. Regardless of how different they look or how diverse their uses are, they would all stop working if they were to lose their life force, electricity.

DELVING DEEPER

BRING IT HOME

What are different actions we can do to help even those we do not know? How are we connected to them?

Imagine a group of people sitting together. One may be from New York, another from Maryland, and even another from New Zealand. One may have brown hair, another blonde. One may be good at math, another at art, and a third an expert in Halacha. It may seem like there is no connection between these different types of people, yet on a deeper level, there is. They all come from the same life source. Every person has a spark of holiness, a neshama, which is a piece of Hashem. Since each person has a life spark from the same source, we are all connected! It is a Mitzvah to love every Yid. When we realize that we are deeply connected with others beyond our external appearances, this leads us to treat them with love and respect. Imagine, if we must be kind to someone we’ve never met, shouldn’t we be kind to our friends whom we know very well?

Using the template, cut out the smaller half of the heart and then the larger one, so you have a template of each half.

Heart Fleece Pillow

Place the larger heart on one side and trace. Flip it and trace again, creating a small heart traced inside a larger one. Repeat steps 2-3 with the 2nd piece. 1 2 3

Cut out the heart, by cutting along the outer heart. Align the two hearts so one is on top of the other.

On the first piece of felt, place the smaller heart in the middle & trace it using a permanent marker. Flip the paper over and trace a second half to create a full heart.

Using the inner heart as guide of when to stop, cut a thin strip of felt at the bottom and top of the hearts. Using the 2 strips of felt from both hearts tie them together to connect them.

4 5 6 7 8

Pack the stuffing inside the heart. Tie the last few strips together.

Enjoy your Heart Fleece Pillow!

Cut the edge of the rest of the heart into strips and then tie them together like the previous steps. Leave about the length of 4 fingers untied.

SUPPLIES

2 pieces of fleece felt 11”x17”

Permanent Marker

Printed Template

Stuffing

Scissors

*We would love to see how your Parsha Studio Project came out! Send us pictures to, info@jcm.museum

Cauliflower Shwarma Bowl

4 servings 30 min

ingredients directions

2 cups Chickpeas (cooked)

1 head Cauliflower (small, cut into florets)

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tbsps Shawarma Spice Blend (divided)

1 cup Quinoa (dry)

1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)

1/2 Cucumber (large, diced)

1/4 cup Red Onion (chopped)

1/2 cup Parsley (chopped)

1/2 cup Hummus

1/4 cup Water (warm)

1.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Meanwhile, cook the quinoa according to package directions. 3.

Toss the chickpeas and cauliflower with the oil and 2/3 of the spice blend on the baking sheet. Spread out evenly. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes.

Toss the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley in a small bowl. Set aside.

5.

4. Prepare the dressing by mixing the hummus, water, and remaining spices together.

6.

Divide the quinoa, chickpea, cauliflower, and cucumber salad between bowls. Drizzle with the hummus dressing and enjoy!

Sheet pan Chick peas, Cabbage, and Parsnips

6 servings25 min

ingredients directions

2 cups Chickpeas (cooked)

6 cups Purple Cabbage (sliced)

4 Parsnip (sliced)

1 1/3 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tbsp Shawarma Spice Blend

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

2 tbsps Parsley (chopped)

1.

Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.

In a large bowl, toss the chickpeas, cabbage, and parsnips with oil and the shawarma spice blend. Spread out on the baking sheet and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chickpeas are crispy and the vegetables start to brown on the edges.

Season with the salt and garnish with the parsley. Enjoy! 3.

Notes to those in the “post yom tov detox mode”

Detox the right way, through whole food nourishment. Try to stay away from too much juicing and smoothies. Eating your food is better for you in so many ways, especially if detoxing iand longer satiety s your goal.

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Liese Goldschmidt is growing up in a small German town in the late 1930s. Rather than enjoying life like a carefree fifteen-year-old, she watches in horror as her world is turned upside down.

In this compelling historical novel, join Liese as she draws upon reserves of strength and courage in order to emerge victorious and sing her own song of faith.

Alien Invasion

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Deep in space, an alien spaceship is destroyed by a nuclear missile. The two surviving aliens arrive in the United States to warn that an enemy spaceship is on its way to Earth.

Written by a teacher with help from his students, this is an action-packed adventure, full of nonstop twists and turns. Join Noah and his crew as they struggle to stay one step ahead of the alien invasion.

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The young people of Kozhnitz get caught up the rise of new ideologies. But Yiskah yearns to be a Bais Yaakov teacher. Will she be able to resist the lure of the times and hold on to her dream?

In this fascinating historical novel, join Yiskah as the world of Torah wars with Socialism and Zionism, as she holds on tight to the enduring weapons of prayer and faith in Hashem that carry our nation through perilous times.

Return of the V.I.P.

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Thirteen-year-old Yitzy Blackton is back! A new boy just moved to town, and the class bully starts up with him. Yitzy can’t stop himself from jumping into the action, and his temper gets him into big trouble. And that’s just the beginning.

Get ready for Yitzy’s latest jampacked adventure as he struggles with gymnastics, joins a search and rescue team — and returns as a V.I.P.

Hold the Line

In this captivating historical novel, talented author Brocha Miller takes her readers on a riveting journey through the early 1900s, from the Model T Fords on the streets of Detroit to the army tanks in the trenches of France. Tune in to the courage of two confused young people as they learn to make peace with themselves and those around them.

The Impossible Project

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Rina loves gymnastics, art, and piano. School? Not so much. It’s a good thing brainy Hindy is her best friend and study partner.

Hindy is always in style and looks just right, but she has her own worries. It all comes to a head when they are assigned an impossible project.

Enter Rina and Hindy’s world as they each find their own way to make the impossible possible.

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Newlyweds Aryeh and Miri Kleinerman should really be the perfect couple and seem destined for a blissful life together, yet Aryeh’s mysterious behavior puts Miri on edge.

Can Aryeh and Miri unite to rewrite the parameters of their marriage, and can they gather the courage to “take two” and give each other a second chance?

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Yochanan Bear, better known as Nonny, is a spunky eleven-year-old who’s smart, funny, and friendly… Oh, and he has cerebral palsy.

Whether Nonny is joining a marathon, trying out at a singing competition, or catching a thief, there are plenty of laughs to go around in this fantastic book by award-winning author Yael Mermelstein.

Brocha Miller

TAP. TAP. TAP.

Hear that? It’s convenience.

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Buying new shoes shouldn’t automatically mean there’s another errand attached. Our new service will allow you to buy your shoes, have taps placed on the spot, and leave you dancing out of the store.

We Need the Bracha and Shemira of Shabbos! Uplifting Maamad of Kavod HaTorah at Prudential Center as Klal Yisrael

Set to Undertake the Learning of Hilchos Shabbos

By: Chaim Gold

Klal Yisrael needs shemirah… desperately! The last few weeks have sadly and tragically been the embodiment of the words that we recently read in the Haggadah, “Ela she’bichol dor v’dor omdim aleinu l’chaloseinu - in every generation they seek to stand up against us and destroy us.”

What we have seen transpiring in university campuses where calls for “Kill the Jews” have become de rigueur have made even Jews who were once complacent in the “melting pot” of America fearful for their future in this country, actually in any country in the world.

Jews the world over are surrounded by enemies who seek nothing less than our destruction. Even our “friends” have proven untrustworthy at best.

We Need the Koach of Torah and the Koach of Shabbos

There is no question that the ultimate response to this must be a spiritual response. Hashem is talking to US! The leading Gedolei Yisrael of our time are telling us that we need the koach of Torah and the koach of Shabbos. The zechus of Torah saves the world, and the zechus of shmiras Shabbos and limud about Shabbos, is the ultimate shemirah.

That is why Dirshu is investing a colossal effort into trying to unite all of Klal Yisrael through limud Hilchos Shabbos. This initiative can save us from the forces that seek to destroy us, by encouraging Jews in all four corners of the world to start learning hilchos Shabbos. The fact that the Dirshu Daf HaYomi B’Halacha will begin learning hilchos Shabbos this coming 3 Sivan/ June 9 is the most opportune time to join and see how learning hilchos Shabbos can not only transform your life and your Shabbos, but it can also transform the world and protect Klal Yisrael from harm. That is the koach of hilchos Shabbos. It is for this purpose that Dirshu, with the bracha and encouragement of Gedolei Yisrael from both Eretz Yisrael and chutz l’aretz, will be holding a massive gathering entitled “Kinnus Olam HaTorah, Kabbolas Shabbos Event” to mark the haschala of hilchos Shabbos in the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program. The event will be held on Sunday, 3 Sivan/ June 9, at the Prudential Center Arena in Newark, NJ. Leading Gedolei Yisrael will address the maamad of chizuk and tefillah and most importantly, encourage the undertaking of a kabbalah to learn and upgrade our hilchos Shabbos.

Firstly the “Musafim” component adds the Mishnah Berurah’s own additional words and rulings culled from other areas on the subject at hand. For example, if the Mishnha Berurah, when expounding on the laws of bishul - cooking on Shabbos, discusses one topic at length and in a different section discusses the same topic in a shorter, less elaborate way, the Dirshu edition includes the Mishnah Berurah’s words from the other location on the opposite pages to where the halachos are discussed. This frequently sheds light on the halachic ruling and enables the learner to see how the Chofetz Chaim himself ruled on the same matter in a different place.

The second component is that of the Biurim. Often, in the main body of the Mishnah Berurah the Chofetz Chaim only writes the actual psak halachahhalachic ruling, without giving the reasons for that ruling. It is not uncommon, however, for the Chofetz Chaim to elaborate on the reasons in his commentaries, Shaar Hatzion and Biur Halachah. Additionally, these commentaries present halachic rulings not contained in the Mishnah Berurah which shed insight on the topic at hand. In a wonderfully cogent, concise manner, the Biurim part of the Dirshu Mishnah Berurah cites these rulings, thereby affording the learner a quick, comprehensive listing of related halachic rulings and explanations as ruled by the Chofetz Chaim himself in his other sefarim.

Perhaps the most exciting component of the new Dirshu Mishnah Berurah is the “Likutei Teshuvos” part of the Biurim U’Musafim section. The Chofetz Chaim completed the Mishnah Berurah in 1907. Over the past century plus, umpteen technological advances and countless questions relevant to today’s lifestyles have arisen. This is especially true regarding the halachos of Shabbos, where the constantly evolving technology has engendered thousands of new halachic questions and rulings. Of course, all these rulings are rooted in the original words of the Shulchan Aruch and poskim. The Dirshu edition of the Mishnah Berurah brings literally thousands of rulings from the Gedolei Haposkim of the last generation as well as from contemporary poskim, each in its proper place in the Mishnah Berurah. The learner is therefore not only able to learn the words of the Mishnah Berurah but to know and understand the rulings of the great poskim on thousands of modern, practical questions while simultaneously understanding how these modern-day rulings have their source in the original words of the Shulchan Aruch and Mishnah Berurah!

The Kinnus Olam HaTorah at the Prudential Center: A Deeply Inspiring Program Graced by Leading Gedolei Yisrael

The Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program is an excellent vehicle to accomplish this goal. It involves a relatively small daily investment of time to learn an amud of Mishnah Berurah along with Dirshu’s Biurim and Musafim on the adjacent page that elucidates the piskei halacha of many Gedolei Haposkim on modern day questions and scenarios as paskend by the Poskei Hador since the publishing of the Mishnah Berurah. Simultaneously, lomdei Dirshu are now in the middle of learning Masechta Shabbos in Talmud Bavli, availing themselves of the ideal opportunity to learn the foundational underpinnings of the halacha from the Gemara and then follow up with the practical halacha.

The massive Kinnus Olam HaTorah at the Prudential Center will feature a deeply inspiring program graced by leading Gedolei Yisrael and promises to be a tremendously uplifting maamad of Torah, tefillah and kavod haTorah.

Daf HaYomi B’Halacha: A Program For Our Time Established by the Gedolei Hador

Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program was established at the behest of the Gedolei Hador, Hagaon Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l, and Hagaon Harav Shmuel Wosner, zt”l. These Torah giants encouraged Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of Dirshu, to launch a Dirshu program that would facilitate daily learning of Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim featuring the common halachos that people encounter each day.

Daf HaYomi B’Halacha is a daily, multiple-track learning program of halachah and mussar. The first track focuses on an amud of Mishnah Berurah together with Dirshu’s Biurim U’Musafim found on the corresponding page in the Dirshu Mishnah Berurah. The most advanced track consists of learning approximately an amud of Mishnah Berurah with Biur Halachah and Shaar Hatzion as well as Dirshu’s Biurim U’Musafim.

What is the Biurim U’Musafim section in the Dirshu Mishnah Berurah?

Learning Mishnah Berurah is Mamesh a Spiritual Hatzalos Nefashos!

Seven years ago, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein spoke at a Daf HaYomi B’Halacha event devoted to Chelek Gimmel, hilchos Shabbos. He said, “The Mishnah Berurah contains within it many practical halachos that are incumbent on every Jew to keep. [If one does not learn these halachos] it is very easy to inadvertently transgress. This is particularly true with regard to hilchos Shabbos. A person who does not learn these halachos can easily transgress Torah-mandated prohibitions. That is why it is so important to learn Mishnah Berurah every day. Learning Mishnah Berurah is mamesh spiritual hatzalos nefashos!”

Indeed, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein, shlita, recently said, “We all know that shemiras Shabbos serves as the ultimate shemirah, the ultimate protection from our enemies. How much more so is learning Torah and learning about Shabbos a protection in these times when Klal Yisrael needs so much shemirah. Thus, it is important to tap into that shemirah to invoke rachmei shomayim on behalf of Klal Yisrael and enhance our limud haTorah, especially in areas of Shabbos, which is the mekor habracha, the source of all blessing.”

Now is the time to undertake to accept upon ourselves, with a true kabbalah,to learn hilchos Shabbos, and to enhance and upgrade our shemiras Shabbos. The only way to do that is by learning hilchos Shabbos.

This 3 Sivan/June 9 let us all join Klal Yisrael led by Gedolei Yisrael at the Prudential Center and begin learning hilchos Shabbos. There is nothing better that you can do for Klal Yisrael! There is nothing better that you can do for yourself!

Pesach in Aleksander

Pesach in Amshinov

Pesach in Charnabile

Photo

Pesach in Visnitz

Pesach in Lelov Nikolsburg

Pesach in Spinka

Pesach in Zvehill

Pesach by Hagaon Rabbi Moshe Hilel Hirsch Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka

Pesach in Sanz

Pesach by Rosh Yeshivas Shomrei Emunim

Pesach in Vien

Pesach in Sadigura

Photos by: David Bernal photography

Pesach by Posek Hador

Pesach in Minkatch

UPGRADE YOUR HOME

What is the UEZ? Are

Chavi is a makeup artist.

Zev has an electronics store and warehouse. Dovid is a handyman. e one thing they have in common? ey are all part of the UEZ.

Chavi received $10,000 as a low-interest loan to advertise her business and watch it take o . Zev is able to charge his customers only 3.5% sales tax instead of the usual 7%, bringing his prices down and making his business more competitive. And Dovid got a $5,000 Technology Grant for his business and was able to build a website to attract new clients.

What exactly is the UEZ and how can it help YOUR business?

e UEZ, or Urban Enterprise Zone, is an area that has been designated by the state as an economic development (business) zone. e goal of the UEZ is to promote employment opportunities growth by helping businesses ourish. To accomplish this, the UEZ allocates grants and loans, authorizes tax-free purchases, and provides other resources to member businesses.

If you own a business, you may be wondering, “great, how do I join this program?” But here’s the problem many businesses have run into: in order to be a UEZ member, your business has to be located in a UEZ zone. Until now, UEZ zones were limited to commercial areas, e ectively leaving out many businesses adjacent to a commercial area. In addition, there used to be a contiguity clause, meaning all areas of the UEZ had to be connected to one another. at meant that if there was an isolated business with no other businesses right nearby, it was disquali ed from being included in the UEZ.

The good news:

As a result of policy changes at the State, the rules have been updated to better represent the current. business landscape. As a result, and with the adoption of a new Lakewood UEZ 5 Year Plan, the Lakewood UEZ Zone map is being redrawn to better re ect the realities on the ground. ese changes will be locked in for 5 years.

is presents an opportunity for new businesses to apply and the possibility to allow businesses who have been turned away in the past, to be included in the new map. A cluster of businesses in one location may be enough for the area to be considered for inclusion in the UEZ. County Line Road now has 11 businesses? Great, now that area of County Line may be considered for inclusion in the UEZ map.

If her location is added to the new maps, Idy, who has a private therapy practice on Route 88, would be able to receive $5,000 towards a computer, tablet, and website development. Shira, an accountant, would be able to purchase her $2,000 Proseries So ware without shelling out a dime. Reuven, who sells electronics in a storefront on Cli on Avenue, would be able to purchase shelving and cash registers tax-free. Wig salons, paint supply stores, spelt sourdough bakers, credit card points sellers, graphic artists, clothing stores, storage warehouses, you name it. As long as the business an NJ registered business*, it can be eligible.

Take ac on:

Help us identify the highest density clusters of businesses!

Right now the UEZ map has just been tentatively redrawn. It is in the public comment phase for the next 30 days. Now is your chance to be considered! If you own a business or plan on owning a business, check out the new map and comment section at www.theLCSC.org/uezremap. If your area is not included or if you have any other comments or concerns, please ll out the form at that web address. Encourage all the businesses in your area to ll it out too. Now’s the me to tap into the many benefits the UEZ o ers their member businesses. Looking forward to helping YOUR business grow!

*DON’T KNOW HOW TO TURN YOUR BUSINESS INTO AN NJ REGISTERED BUSINESS? Contact Chaim: corelowitz@theLCSC.org

Relief in Every Step.

At Pedicare, “orthotic therapy” doesn’t mean we slide insoles into your shoes and you limp home.

It means we carry you through a custom, non-invasive therapy plan that can restore your body to optimal function – so you experience lasting relief.

Developed over 10 years and 5,000+ patients, Pedicare’s orthotic therapy includes:

• Holistic evaluation considering everything from your foot structure to range of motion

• Easy-to-implement plan using custom orthotics, splints, wedges, and/or targeted exercises

• Personal follow-up tracking to evaluate progress, adjust treatments, and accelerate relief

SCHEDULE YOUR EVALUATION TODAY. www.pedicareorthopedic.com

Lakewood Office: 732.415.2318 1352 River Avenue, Unit 4

Teaneck Office: 201.666.6647 1086 Teaneck Road, Suite 3F

Patients usually see significant improvement within 4 weeks of their first visit.

Your insurance likely covers 1-2 pairs of orthotics* every year. Full scope of orthotic therapy is included with every pair of orthotics.

*With a doctor’s prescription when medically indicated

Turning Financial Goals into Reality

• Building Wealth

• Securing Passive Income

• Reaching Financial Freedom

Is

EXPERIENCE EXPERT IT SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

• Managed IT Services

• Cloud Solutions

• Remote Services

• Network and Internet Security

• Data Backup and Recovery

• VoIP Solutions

• Share large files quickly and easily

• Set up custom permissions to control access

• Print Management Services

• Wired and Wireless Solutions

• Access Control Solutions

• Surveillance and Security Monitoring

• Low Voltage: VoIP/Audio/ Video Cabling

• Track file activity and receive notifications

• Collaborate with team members in real time

WE’RE HIRING!

Pesach in Aleksander

Pesach in Amshinov

Pesach in Charnabile

CLASSIFIEDS

Real Estate

Magnificent, luxurious, walk in vacation villa in the heart of Romema of Yerushalim available for rent.

6 bedroom, 5 bathroom, large playroom, large sauna, 3 patios, all household Inventities, 2 private parking. Pls WhatsApp 845-274-3601

Summer Rental

4 bedroom/4 bathroom house on Charming Way (Segull Square) available first half by the week or for the month. Park on block, right near all shopping and pools. 848-299-2883

Help Wanted

Lucrative business opportunity that allows you to work from home or at your own comfort and earn a nice income! call/text 845-6000430

Registered Nurse

Looking for a part-time Registered Nurse for a Childcare Facility in Staten Island. Must have good computer skills, Ability to work with young children and parents. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Please email resume to: mrosin@yeled.org

Merchandise For Sale

TONERS for Sale

2 CYAN TONERS TN 227

1 MAGENTA TONER TN 223 Text plse only 917-204-4385

Selling beautiful 10ft wide 3 section sformim shank with middle section glass doors. best offer 732-569-5093

Valco Baby Trend Duo Grey Replacement Fabric Seats and canopies. MSRP: 250 Selling for 150. Canopies are brand new, seats used a few times. Call/Text 732-597-8959

Giant roam phantom green bike with rack and bag in great condition for $550 call 848-986-6253 (lv msg)

Hiboy 26” fat tire electric bike with rack and bag (28 mph) almost brand new (1 pedal fell off) $900 call 848-986-6253 (lv msg)

Magnificent Stunning (Master) Bedroom Set with gold piping and Ivory tufted headboard in Excellent Condition. Extra glass top for dresser & lamp included. Great price! Call/Text 201.921.3687

Brand new dining room table. WhatsApp/text: 845-445-8648 for details.

STUNNING IVORY/CREAM GOWNS, Size 2/4 ladies. 848-245-4401.

ADORABLE CUSTOM IVORY KIDS GOWNS, Sizes 2-16. Great price. 8482454401.

Selling beautiful custom kids bedroom furniture. White desk, night table and light fixture. Desk special made to hold books and looseleafs. Call 732-664-2913 or email gmalky123@gmail.com for pictures. CHEAP PRICE!

Selling almost new 30” white oven, looks new, perfect condition, selling for $295. Call 732-6642913 or email gmalky123@ gmail.com for pictures.

ELECTRONIC DRUM SET FOR SALE: 1piece + pedals, built-in speaker. Brand new condition. Paid $150, asking $115 or best offer. 732-579-2700

LG Classics for sale great price call-848-2401786 leave message

Stunning exquisite black and white gown for sale 443-202-2369

Beautiful custom luxury paintings for sale! Order ASAP and you can still get it for pesach! Call/text/ WhatsApp-+1-848-299-1887

MASTER BEDROOM BEDSSALE

Brand new, Beautiful, 54’’ beds with headboards. Call/ Text 2124959909

Miri’s White new gown, for sister or mother of bride size 2-4 for sale. 3475691053

Selling wen drill press barely used excellent condition call 732 905 7240 lv msg

Selling Knox Gear KN-PAS02 15” Active speaker combo set ,$100 Please call 732-534-1094

Gown for Sale

Beautiful, navy blue Exquisite gown, women’s size 8 for sale. Call/text 732-994-8328.

Selling Zimmerman ivory midi dress size 0, and 2 cream lace mummymonon dresses for a simcha size 12 and size 6 - 718-578-1996

Selling ezcadi custom 3pc seforim shrank with option in center for silver and glass doors, In excellent condition. $2000 obo 718-578-1996

Selling to study arm chairs originally $900 each, both for $500 718-578-1996

Selling 2 side chairs for study or living room both for $60 718-578-1996

Selling gift card worth $700 to Argentum silver for $625. 718-578-1996

Selling brand new Joolz Hub stroller and bassinet for $599 If you know anyone interested Call/ text 248-506-0295

TAMA STAGESTAR full 5-piece drum set, good condition original price: $650 Now:$475.Call 732.942.1017

Selling Electric Scooter ‘Razor E200’ with seat - Brand new in Box Tel 732-363-1855

Selling Camera ‘Canon Rebel T7’ - Hardly usedNo wifi - Text 397 910 4283

Selling $500 tabernacle steakhouse gift card for $450 txt 845-502-4283

Professional Camera canon eos 4000D with full kit of add-ons for sale originally $499 selling for $399 obo 732-942-0957

Peekaboo size 12 months

CLASSIFIEDS

distressed ribbed denim two piece set for boys. Current season! Only 30$ 732-569-2336

4 matching girls cream and gold gowns sizes 7,8,10,12 732-569-7876

3 matching girls gowns size 5, 8, 10 white with black trim, 732-569-7876

Top of the line used ebike for sale barely a year old perfect condition! 28 mph 50-60 miles range! 750$ Call/Text/ Whatsapp +1 848-299-1887

Weight loss products: Start fresh after Yom Tov amazing weight loss product will help you look good and feel good! The results speak for itself, safe and healthy. Many happy clients! Call Esty Meyer 732-806-0895 Free delivery while supplies last.

Van/Car For Sale

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 112,000 miles new brakes and rotors. Drive good, 7 seats, Text 646-342-5457

For sale

Toyota Camry 05, 201k Drives well, very well maintained. $3200. 848-299-1455 Services

Experienced and professional seamstress available for all your alteration needs. Call/text 848-525-6619

Wash N’ Sets by Esty. Evening appointments available. Great introductory price. Princeton area,

Call / text 848-223-1904

Top Stitch Alterations-

Experienced and professional seamstress available for all your alteration needs. Call/text 848-525-6619

NJ Chimney Masters

Air Duct, Dryer Vent & Fireplace- chimney cleaning services. Call 732- 440-9102. Servicing NJ/NY.

Lost and Found

Found

The following was found at the deja vu film on chol hamoed in Bnos Devorah

A camera, A gym membership card, A black clicker. Please call 347-351-5899 to claim

Lost

Gold necklace lost on April 13th with the name Fayga in hebrew on it, if found, please call 718 514 1711

Found

2 RINGS FOUND THURSDAY

Chol Hamoed Pesach in ladies bathroom at Supercharge raceway & arcades in Edison NJ. Please call 718-759-8077

Found

Baume Mercier watch on 46th ST between 15th and 16th Ave in Boro Park. I can be reached at 646988-4228.

Library

Book library-adult & children’s book library. Over 1,000 books. Located near Segull Square plaza. Call /text(848) 525-5909.

Gemachs

New tznius hospital gowns in Oak and Vine. Please call: 347-486-2994 or 347-6336329

Vort Dress Gemach

If you have a perfect condition Simcha dress that you would like others to benefit from, please call/text (848) 245-2633.

The Pickup Gmach-Picking up your current last season’s kids clothing in good condition and passing it on to local Lakewood families who appreciate it and wear it right. We keep outfits and matching together as sets. For pickups email pickupgmach@gmail.com

Deja New Clothing Home Pickups. We pickup your excellent clothing so others can enjoy them too! Text ‘pickup’ to 732-702-3352.

Zichron Naftali jewish dvd gemach for challenging times. Men/women/kid dvds -2week, provide dvd player. 917-628-1785

Beautiful current style and current season children, teen, infant dresses avail for a Simcha, such as brothers bar mitzvah or cousins wedding...Call\text 7326911666 to inquire Lzchus r’s refael Moshe Chaim ben chana

Huge buckets of lego and duplo for your shabbos simcha. Call 732 370-2572 to reserve

New tznius hospital gown gemach in Oak and Vine. At no cost. Please call: 347486-2994 or 347-633-6329

Free Giveaway

Bunny with a cage please call ben at 848-224-1346

Brand new bumper for a Toyota Camry 2002-2004, no fog lights please text 908-943-8537

Misc.

Mishnayos for the Kedoshim Many of those killed on Simchas Torah and during the current war may not have ppl to learn Mishnayos/say Kaddish for them. Please learn a perek/mesechta Leili Nishmas text 201-241-2875

Ayin Horah

The renowned Rebetzin Aidel Miller from Yerushalayim Is now available to remove “Ayin Horah” over the phone. Call till 5:00 PM: 718.689.1902 or 516.300.1490

Wanna make some extra money?? You sure do! TEXT the word “MONEY” to 718887-5180 for details. (or call)

Pesach by Hagaon Rabbi Meir Tzvi Bergman

Turning Financial Goals into Reality

• Building Wealth

• Securing Passive Income

• Reaching Financial Freedom

ןיליפת

Mail: Mefoar Judaica 3919 13th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11218

Fax: 347.479.1188 Email: contest@mefoarjudaica.com