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As we draw near to Rosh Hashana, the close of one year and the dawn of another, we find ourselves amidst a whirlwind of events that highlight the resilience and strength of Am Yisroel. Each day unfolds with new developments, reminding us that we are part of a grand tapestry woven by Divine hands.
In this week’s feature, we write about the importance of being besimcha while preparing for Yom Tov. The days of Slichot are not merely a time for reflection and repentance; they are also an opportunity to cultivate joy. The seforim teach that joy is a vital component of our avodah, especially during this period of spiritual elevation. Engaging in our prayers with a happy heart opens the channels for divine mercy, allowing us to approach the new year with optimism and hope.
Recently, we witnessed that former President Trump was scheduled to visit our community in Williamsburg, but unfortunately, the event was canceled at the last second due to the passing of the restaurant owner. This illustrates how swiftly circumstances can change; in a blink of an eye, our plans can shift. Just as this situation emphasizes the unpredictability of life, we remember the lesson of “Yeshuas Hashem keheref ayin.”
As we come together for Slichot, let us recognize that Hamelech Basudah , Hashem invites us to pour out our hearts in prayer so He can grant us shefa, brachah , and hatzlachah This sacred time is an opportunity to engage in sincere and heartfelt tefilah, asking for His mercy and guidance as we prepare for the new year ahead.
A beautiful story from the tradition of Slichos illustrates this point. One year, a group of townspeople gathered for Slichos, feeling heavy-hearted and burdened by their troubles. As they recited their prayers with sincerity, an elderly man stood up and shared how, during a
previous year of hardship, he had witnessed the power of collective tefilah. He recounted that a simple, heartfelt plea during Slichos had led to a remarkable turnaround in his life and the lives of many in the community. His story reminded everyone that even in the darkest moments, sincere prayers can bring light and hope.
A beautiful story related to Rosh Hashana encapsulates this theme of renewal. Once, a wise rabbi would gather his students each year before the holiday to impart a crucial lesson. He would encourage them to release old grievances and negativity as they prepared for the new year. Like a farmer who clears his fields before sowing new seeds, the rabbi taught them to write their regrets on paper and, in a symbolic act, tear it up and cast it into the river. This ritual represented their commitment to starting fresh, leaving behind the burdens of the past, and welcoming the new year with open hearts.
Now, as we stand at the threshold of this new year, let us turn to Hashem with heartfelt prayers: “Tichla shana v'kilelosehu.” May we end this year with the cessation of all negativity and hardship. We yearn for unity, peace, and the arrival of “Tucheil shana v'birchosehu,” that the new year brings blessings, healing, and a return to our true home—Yerushalayim.
As we enter this sacred time, let us remember to pray for the safe return of all hostages, that they may come back in good health. Together, let’s commit to davening for their safety and well-being, fostering a spirit of hope and strength within our community.
Wishing everyone a kesivah v’chasimah tovah May we all be inscribed for a year filled with joy, peace, and blessings.
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Hillel Eisenberg
The people living in the times of the navi Yechezkel once approached him with the following question. With idolatry rampant, the Bais HaMikdash destroyed, and Judaism looking increasingly less glamorous, they wanted to know, were they to walk away from it all and assimilate into the world around them, would that make them non-Jewish? Did their Jewishness depend on their conscious decision to follow it, or was it ingrained in them whether they liked it or not?
They asked this question because they wanted out, but they wanted to know if walking away would absolve them from the obligation to keep the Torah. Would they still get punished for not shaking the lulav or for eating pork? Would their decision to leave rid them of all religious duties? (Yechezkel 20:32, according to the Midrash Tanchuma, Nitzavim 3.)
We all know the answer to their question. To us it seems simple. But is it really? In essence, they were asking Yechezkel a fundamental question about Judaism. Every other religion in the world is intellectually based. If one intellectually subscribes to that religion, then he is part of it. If one makes a conscious decision to break off, then he’s not.
Is that true with Judaism? And if it isn’t true, why not? These people reasoned with Yechezkel, saying:
“When our ancestors stood at Har Sinai, they chose Judaism. We didn’t. Why are we bound to a choice that they made? If our grandparents chose to become vegetarians, that wouldn’t automatically make us vegetarians, so why should the choice my ancestors made to accept upon themselves the yoke of Torah be binding on us? They intellectually chose to accept it; why can’t we intellectually reject it?"
The same question was posed by the Jews of Spain to the great fifteenth-century sage Rav Yitzchok Arama, the author of the Akeidas Yitzchok. These frightened Jews, faced with the horrific choice of converting to Christianity or dying, asked him if conversion to Christianity absolves them from their religious duties. “Our grandparents chose Judaism, but now, under our current conditions, we feel as though we must choose Christianity. Perhaps if they knew how hard it would turn out to be, they wouldn’t have accepted Judaism on our behalf. Can we shed our Jewishness?”
The navi Yechezkel and Rav Yitzchok Arama turned
to their respective communities and responded essentially the same way. Both pointed out the fundamental mistake that the people were making.
Our ancestors didn’t choose Judaism and then forcefully bequeath it to us. It is not an intellectual concept that can be abandoned at will. One does not become non-Jewish if he sheds the philosophy of Judaism in order to get baptized or convert to Islam. We don’t receive Judaism from our parents. Every single one of us stood at Har Sinai and willingly accepted the Torah and Hashem’s Kingship. This wasn’t an intellectual acknowledgment; it was a transformation. The animalistic instincts bottled up inside of us, the grotesque beast lurking underneath our skin which we developed in Egypt was effectively eradicated by the blast of spirituality that we got on that mountain. We got an injection of holiness that instantly elevated us to become God’s ambassadors on Earth.
It was not an intellectual idea. It was not conceptual. It was not a mental agreement. It was Hashem granting us the exclusive access to the elixir of life, the holy and sacred Torah, that literally went into our bloodstream. The human body is comprised of 248 limbs and 365 different ligaments and sinews. There are 248 positive mitzvos in the Torah and 365 negative ones. Is that a coincidence? Of course not. It is due to the fact that when we received the Torah, the 613 mitzvos became infused into every single one of the 613 parts of our body. It instantly raised us above humanity. It instantly charged us with a mission of cherishing that holiness and bringing it wherever our feet take us. Our very DNA became supercharged with Godliness.
Going into a Christian Baptist bath, aligning with the Islamic faith, or doing yoga with a bunch of Buddhists on a mountain in Nepal cannot surgically remove the holiness embedded inside of us. It cannot take away our Judaism, for Judaism is our essence. Our very cells are Jewish.
This holiness came with immediate ramifications. We no longer could act the same way others did. What was morally acceptable to others was no longer morally fit for us. Our holy bodies required different food to fuel it. Hence, a Jew is prohibited to eat certain foods, notwithstanding the fact that those foods don’t seem to affect non-Jews at all. It’s because our supremely holy bodies are physically supercharged with sanctity and must be treated as such.
This reality has proven itself over the course of human history. Millions of various religions have been tried by the world since its inception. Only Judaism has endured. For it is not an idea that can fly away with the intellectual winds of the times. It is not a religious trend that gets outdated or archaic. It is a physical force embedded in the body of a Jew, and it gets passed down to the next generation, whether or not that generation is even aware of its existence. The holiness is inherent. It is a spark of the Divine. Those sparks can sit dormant for a thousand years, but they will come to the surface at some point by a Jew who feels their cries and allows them to glow again.
Jews who know nothing about Judaism still seem to hang on to something. A seder. A Yom Kippur. A yahrtzeit candle. A yizkor. Even Jews who oppose Judaism. Jews who have been irreligious for centuries still have that spark inside of them, and sometimes — without even realizing it — they refuse to let that spark go.
The Russian Soldier
There was once a frantic knock on the door of the Chofetz Chaim’s home. The Chofetz Chaim opened it up to find a soldier in the Russian army. The Chofetz Chaim ushered him in and asked what he could do for him. The burly soldier sat down and began crying uncontrollably. The Chofetz Chaim, a bit surprised, asked the man what was wrong. The soldier looked into the Chofetz Chaim’s eyes and told him the following:
“You may think I am a regular Russian soldier, but I’m not. I am really Yitzchok Yarkovsky, and I am a Jew. I was grabbed by the Russian army when I was five, and I haven’t done a single Jewish thing since. Every day I think about Judaism. Every day I long to be back. Every day I feel something inside of me. But what can I do? The Russian army is a brutal place for any human to be in, let alone an innocent Jewish boy.”
“Holy sage, I am going to have to go back to my camp in a few minutes. Can you give me some words of inspiration? What will become of my Jewishness? Am I still a Jew? What will become of my children?”
The Chofetz Chaim looked at the poor fellow and told him the following. He said, “Every Jew has a soul inside of him that permeates his very essence with holiness. No force, no ideology, no army, no union, and no revolution can ever take that away from him. The Jewish soul is bulletproof. Walk with your head held high, knowing that every cell in your body is different. You may not know the intricacies of Judaism, but if you keep up the
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courage to tap into your soul’s infinite holiness, its presence will be felt forever and it will one day be rekindled.”
In this parshah, when Moshe told the Jewish people that they are all standing at the mountain, making a covenant with Hashem, he wasn’t talking about a business deal in which one side could hire a really expensive lawyer to get rid of the agreement. He was talking about a metamorphosis of holiness. And he wasn’t just talking to the people physically standing there, he was talking to every future soul in the Jewish people’s galaxy. Har Sinai dispensed holiness into the souls of Jews for every time and for every era. From the holiest sage learning on a hilltop in Teveria to a soldier in the barracks of the Russian army.
The Jewish people seem to have a little obsession with water. We wake up in the morning and wash our hands. We walk into shul to daven and wash our hands. We go out of a bathroom and wash our hands. We sit down to eat bread and wash our hands. We sit down to eat anything dipped in a liquid and wash our hands (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 158:4). We touch our shoes or scratch our head and wash our hands (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 4:18). We run to immerse in a mikvah — some yearly, some monthly, some daily. What does pouring water over our hands accomplish? What does immersing in water do?
The Mishnah Berurah, in his second explanation to the halacha of netilas yadayim (158:1), writes that we wash our hands because we are charged with being holy. By pouring water over our hands, we internalize that idea.
Now, what does pouring water over our hands have to do with being holy? What does washing our hands after we scratch our heads or touch our shoes have to do with sanctity? It isn’t merely for cleanliness, because we are obligated to wash our hands even if they aren’t noticeably dirty. So why are we doing it?
The answer lies in the translation of the word netilas. The word “notel”, according to Rav Hirsch, means “to raise.” By pouring water over our hands, we signify to ourselves that we are different. We are higher. We are holier than the animalistic, lustful world we live in. We pour water on our hands because water is different. Water represents a place where the typical human can’t be. It’s a place where the ordinary human can’t survive. And yet that’s where we
Hillel Eisenberg
are. We live above humanity. We carve out a little island of holiness in this earthly tsunami we live in and forever make that our residence.
We walk around feeling the charge of kedushah we received at Har Sinai. We never tell ourselves that the Torah wasn’t speaking to us. We don’t say, “That was then and this is now!” Every single one of us were there. The holiness was given to us all. To the Jew in Granada in 1129, to the Jew in Tunisia in 1255, to the Jew in Turkey in 1584, to the Jew in Uzbekistan in 1834, to the Jew on the Lower East Side in 1919, and to the Jew reading this right now in Los Angeles, Toronto, Miami, and Baltimore. The Torah spoke to us all. It injected our cells with the perfect amount of kedushah to enable us to take on any challenge we face, no matter what time, no matter what place. It’s not an ideology we inherited; it’s a physical force we were born with. It’s that spark that enabled us to look away when our Spanish neighbors idolized bullfighting and the torture of animals. It’s the spark that made us abhor the gladiator fights that the Roman society so immensely loved. It’s the spark that keeps us morally sound in a Western world drowning in immorality. It’s the spark that makes a Jew a Jew.
The FBI and the Mysterious German Submarine
Towards the end of the Second World War, a mysterious German submarine crossed the Atlantic Ocean and shockingly made it all the way to American shores. It promptly opened its door, and six shadowy spies got out of the submarine and ran inland. These six men were tasked with planting bombs at strategic locations throughout America in an effort to sabotage the American army in its war with Germany. Five of the men ran off without being seen. The last one was spotted while running on a nearby dock by a local fisherman, who raced to the police to report him. After describing roughly what the man looked like, the police forwarded the case to the FBI who began a frantic search to catch him.
My wife’s great-grandfather, Siegfried (Shmuel) Hopfer, a German immigrant, was a big tzaddik and talmid chacham who was also a brilliant inventor and professor at the prestigious Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Despite having lived in America for years before the war broke out, he was nevertheless suspected by the FBI as being that last spy that ran off the submarine. They began tracking his every move, and one day after he left his house in Ithaca, the FBI broke in
to investigate. What they found shocked them. They found something that shouldn’t have been there. They found something that left them with the unequivocal conclusion that Shmuel Hopfer was, in fact, a German spy. In the bedroom, lying in plain sight, was none other than a shaitel. “Now, who would possibly wear a wig but a spy trying to disguise himself?” they thought to themselves.
He was promptly arrested and placed in jail. Fortunately, after numerous people came to his defense (pointing out the absurdity of a Jew working to help the Germans in their war efforts), he was eventually released from jail and went on to live a beautiful life.
But there is something that amazes me about this story. When Jewish people see a wig, they see holiness and sanctity. They see the beckoning of Sinai for us to focus on our inner royalty and not our outer physicality. When a non-Jew sees a shaitel, it strikes him as so bizarre, so unusual that a woman would cover her hair, so odd that a woman would choose to hide such an attractive feature, that the only explanation they can come up with is, “That person must be a spy!”
We are a people who stood at Har Sinai and underwent a metamorphosis. A people who possess special cells which are inheritable. We are biologically different than the rest. We are a people who bridge heaven and earth. We are a people who have a spark inside of us that no matter what and no matter when will forever shine bright.
Hitler couldn’t have been more right when he said, “Judaism is not a religion; it’s a race.” True, we are a race. One that contains unimaginable holiness. Because we don’t just think differently. We are different.
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 585414-9729.
Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Kotzk (1787–1859) was a prominent Chassidic leader whose teachings and personality left a lasting impact on Chassidic thought. Born in the town of Kotzk, he became known for his distinctive and sometimes controversial approach to Chassidus. His father, Rabbi Shalom, was a respected scholar, and Rebbe Menachem Mendel was exposed to Jewish scholarship and Chassidic teachings from a young age.
He became a disciple of the Rebbe of Izbica and later the Rebbe of Chernobyl, but he was known for his unique style that often set him apart from other Chassidic leaders. His teachings emphasized inner truth and spiritual integrity, advocating for a deep, personal connection with God rather than external displays of piety.
One of the most revealing stories about the Kotzker Rebbe involves his encounter with a group of visitors who came to see him for blessings and advice. The visitors were renowned for their outward piety and wealth, and they came with the intention of impressing the Rebbe with their devotion.
Upon their arrival, the Rebbe, known for his piercing insight and uncompromising standards, observed their behavior carefully.
Instead of giving them a blessing
or words of encouragement, the Kotzker Rebbe began to ask them profound questions about their inner lives and motivations. He questioned them about their understanding of humility, their
relationship with God, and their commitment to truth. The visitors were taken aback by the Rebbe’s intense scrutiny and found themselves unable to answer satisfactorily.
The Rebbe’s intention was to reveal the gap between their external show of piety and their inner spiritual state. He wanted to impress upon them—and others who heard the story—the importance of genuine spiritual introspection over superficial acts. The story spread, reinforcing his reputation as a leader who valued deep spiritual honesty above all else.
The Kotzker Rebbe is revered for his uncompromising approach to Chassidus and his emphasis on personal integrity. His teachings often challenged his followers to look beyond the surface and engage in deep self-examination. He was known for his powerful sermons and thought-provoking insights that pushed his followers towards a higher level of spiritual awareness. His legacy continues to inspire those who seek a deeper, more authentic connection with their faith.
Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin (1749–1821) was a towering figure in Jewish scholarship and education. Born in the town of Volozhin in what is now Belarus, he was a disciple of the Vilna Gaon, a key figure in the development of the Lithuanian Yeshiva movement.
Rabbi Chaim's intellectual prowess and commitment to Torah study led him to establish the Volozhin Yeshiva, which became a central institution in the development of the modern Yeshiva system.
The Volozhin Yeshiva was notable not only for its rigorous curriculum but also for its emphasis on both Talmudic scholarship and ethical conduct. Rabbi Chaim’s pedagogical approach combined intense study with a focus on character development, reflecting his belief that true scholarship must be accompanied by piety and moral integrity.
A notable story about Rabbi Chaim involves a significant financial challenge faced by the Volozhin Yeshiva. During one particularly difficult period, the yeshiva was on the brink of closure due to a lack of funds. Rabbi Chaim, deeply concerned
for the future of his students and the institution, decided to take drastic measures.
Despite his own modest means, Rabbi Chaim chose to sell his personal possessions, including valuable books and household items, to raise the necessary funds to keep the yeshiva operational. His actions demonstrated a
profound level of dedication and self-sacrifice. The story of his sacrifice spread throughout the Jewish communities, showcasing his unwavering commitment to Torah education and his willingness to put the needs of his students above his own.
Rabbi Chaim’s personal sacrifice was not only a testament to his dedication but also served as an inspiration to his students and future generations. It highlighted his belief that true leadership involves personal risk and selflessness.
Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin is celebrated for his intellectual brilliance and his role in shaping the educational landscape of Lithuanian Jewry. His emphasis on rigorous study, ethical conduct, and personal dedication to Torah made him a revered figure. His legacy lives on through the Volozhin Yeshiva and the many scholars and leaders who were influenced by his teachings. His commitment to both learning and moral integrity continues to be a model for students and educators alike.
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1)Who were the םיצע יבטוח?
2) Why does the Torah place the השרפ of םיבצנ next to the תוללק?
3) What do we find that עשוהי ,השמ and לאומש did?
4)Why did the םיוג need to hide their הרז הדובע of gold and silver?
5)Which type of תוריבע are referred to as 'האמצה'?
6)Why is anger referred to as ףא ןשע?
7)In which two was the Torah given?
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“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson
Recently, I was asked to advise a teenager who had converted to Judaism as a child about whether she should share her conversion with her friends. She was nervous about sharing this information because she was scared of the “special attention” this would get her from those around her. On the other hand, she felt like she was always worried about slipping up and revealing her, as she called it, goyishe past.
While this might be an extreme example of someone who is struggling with her identity and revealing changes that she has made, this issue comes up with teenagers and friendships often. How much of yourself can you reveal to your friends? How much do you hide because you fear rejection?
Teenagers are especially susceptible to the issues because they have a particular need to fit in because everything around them is changing and therefore feels threatening. The Journal of Youth and Adolescence published a paper several years ago explaining that “becoming a member of a peer group is one of the primary developmental tasks of adolescence.” If a teen feels that others will view him as different, it can be hard to become part of a group.
That being said, a teen might never feel that he is truly part of the group if he is constantly hiding parts of himself. For the specific teen that I counseled, I mentioned that while she had converted and grew up frum, there is a whole world outside of her current life that her friends were completely unaware of. This can make her feel like an imposter and, at times, even a liar. That can lead her to be more aloof with her friends and therefore prevent her from forming strong, sustainable relationships.
In addition, feeling like you are different can affect your self-esteem. And self-esteem is essential for forming healthy relationships. In their book Self Esteem, Matthew McKay and Patrick Fanning explain the importance of self-esteem by stating that when you reject certain parts of yourself, you are damaging psychological structures essential to healthy living. For example, in the same way that you protect a physical wound, when you are critical or sensitive of a part of yourself you will find yourself avoiding anything that might aggravate the pain of self-rejection. Therefore, you will take fewer social, academic, or career risks.
To that end, you will erect barriers of defense in order to protect yourself. Those barriers can include blaming others, getting angry, or making excuses. You can imagine how damaging this kind of behavior can be to friendships.
When people think about friendship, they think about reciprocity, about give and take. However, if you don’t feel like you have anything to offer – it is very hard to give of yourself and let others give to you. That’s where self-esteem comes in.
What are some signs of healthy self-esteem?
•Recognizing your own strengths and weaknesses
•Admitting to your mistakes and learning from them
•Forgiving yourself and others for mistakes
•Listening to other points of view aside from your own
•Taking care of yourself – physically and emotionally
•Feeling proud of your positive accomplishments and letting go of your faults
How Can You Cultivate Self-Esteem?
• Take inventory of your strengths. Make a list of the things you are good at – and then spend more time productively doing the things you do best. Spending time doing tasks that you excel in will build your confidence.
• Realize your limits. No one is without flaws. While this might not always seem to be true, recognizing that everyone else has his or hero own failings can give you perspective on your own. You are a unique and distinctive person regardless of your flaws.
• Stop putting yourself down. Restructure the way you speak to yourself by identifying when you are putting yourself down and making a conscious decision to speak more kindly to yourself. Constantly putting yourself down can seriously injure your self-image.
• Celebrate progress and small victories. Building self-esteem happens in baby steps. Acknowledge when you do things right, even if it’s only a small improvement. Giving yourself compliments can help you develop belief in your abilities.
It’s hard to believe, but friendship truly begins by believing in yourself and having the ability to accept both constructive criticism and affection. I advised the teen to be honest with those that she trusted and with whom she would like to form a strong, long-lasting friendship. Without that honesty and healthy dose of self-esteem, she would be hiding not only her conversion, but also the true parts of herself. In the end, she’ll be more secure and more comfortable with your real friends. And, then she might actually cherish all that “special attention” that comes along with being different, even in the tough ever-changing world of teens.
In the month of Elul, Hashem makes Himself more accessible to every person. No matter what we have or haven’t done in the past year, we have a special opportunity to connect to Hashem and ask Him for forgiveness, along with a good and sweet new year.
There was once a wonderful king. He lived in a grand palace in the capital city, far away from the fields where the common folk worked. It was difficult and very unusual for the common folk to see the king, let alone have a private audience with him. On rare occasions, the king would come out to the fields. At such times, even the simplest of people could approach him. He would receive every single one of them with a happy face and grant them their requests. They would all then escort him back to the city. Although usually, only a select few were granted audiences with the king, these dedicated subjects now became part of the exclusive group that would have access to the king in his throne room.
What Mitzvah can you do to strengthen your connection to Hashem?
This Mashal explains the dynamic between the Yidden and Hashem during the month of Elul. Hashem is always available and ready to be connected with us, but sometimes he feels very far off, similar to the common folk in our Mashal who could not easily access the king in his palace. During the month of Elul, there is a special revelation of Hashem that makes Himself more accessible to us than during the rest of the year. It is up to us to approach Hashem, our king, and decide that we want to connect with Him. He makes it more attainable, but it is still up to us to make the first move to get closer to Him. Each day of Elul (besides the day before Rosh Hashana) we blow the Shofar to wake us up to Teshuva, to remind us that we have a special opportunity right now to get closer to Hashem, and to ask Him for a good and sweet new year.
* be sure to do this project outside or on a well-covered surface.
Using scissors, cut the label off of an empty water bottle and then cut the water bottle in half.
In a slightly larger container pour 2 Tbsp. of water and about 2 Tbsp. of soap, and mix well.
Turn over the bottle, open the cover, and blow bubbles to the shofar’s beats. Tekiya, Shaverim, Terua!
Cut a sock in half and cover the water bottle. Secure the sock at the mouth of the water bottle with a rubber band and trim excess.
Dip the bottom of the bottle into the soapy mixture, then turn it over.
How satisfying to watch the bubbles come out of the Bubble Blowing Shofar. TOOOOO
In 4 small containers pour a small amount of watercolor (or diluted food dye.)
Using a pipette, drop some of each color onto the bottom of the bottle until the entire surface is covered.
4 Colors of Water Color (or diluted foodcoloring)
Empty 16oz. Water Bottle
4 Small Containers
Large Container
2 Tsp. Dish Soap
2 Tbsp. Water
Popsicle Stick
Rubber Band
Brown Sock
Scissors
Pipette
*We would love to see how your Parsha Studio Project came out!
Send us pictures to, info@jcm.museum
It was Wednesday evening, getting close to my bedtime. I was enjoying the weather while riding my bike. Summer vacation had just started for me and I was very excited. Then, suddenly, I must have been going too fast and fell of my bike, scraping my chin very badly. I was bleeding and in a lot of pain. When I looked in the mirror and I felt very embarrassed at the way I looked. But then I remembered that I had no more school! If I would’ve had more school, I would be very uncomfortable going . It was Hashgacha Pratis that this happened to me on the last day of school.
Yitzy Reich, 9
My sister came home from school and put her bag down.Later, we discovered that everything was wet, so my mother checked and saw that her water-bottle was leaking.It then caused my mother to open it,and inside she saw that there was mold growing in the straw. Had her water not spilled and made a mess, my sister would be drinking dirty, moldy, water!
Rikki H, 13
Two summers ago, I went swimming with my friends in a backyard pool. After some time, my friend’s mother who was watching us said it was time to come out. We really wanted to stay in longer so we begged her to let us have more time and she said we could stay two more minutes. Meanwhile, in the front of this house, a car thief carrying a gun came to steal a car that was in the driveway. From watching the video cameras after we found out about the stolen car, we saw that he came in those two extra minutes that we ended up staying in the pool. If we wouldn’t have asked for two more minutes we would have met face to face with this guy. Baruch hashem the police caught him! THANK YOU HASHEM!!!!
Baruch Tzvi Weinberg,12
Kids, tell us your stories of hashgacha pratis in 200 words or less and have your story featured in Lakewood Vibes!
The writer with the best, most creative, and most exciting story will win a $50 gift certificate to a variety of stores! The other featured writers will get a Lakewood Vibes
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, there is a palpable sense of awe and anticipation. This is no ordinary time; it is Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment, when we stand before Hashem, our King, and crown Him as the Ruler of the universe. During our tefillos, we declare to Hashem, Tatte in Himmel, You are our King. As we stand before Hashem on Rosh Hashanah, we must daven with Yiras Hakoved, with the awe and reverence fitting for one who stands before a King. Yet, as the Sifrei Kodesh teach us, our preparations for Yom Tov should be filled with Simcha—true, uplifting joy. This joy is not only important, but it’s the key to transforming our Yom Tov experience.
Picture yourself heading out to do Yom Tov shopping with a smile. It may seem like a small gesture, but that smile can set the tone for everything you do. Approaching every task, from cleaning the house to cooking meals, with joy, radiates positive energy. This joy isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s a deep and transformative force. The Sifrei Kodesh tell us that Simcha can move mountains—it opens up the heart and brings Hashem’s bracha down into our lives. When we perform our Yom Tov preparations with a smile, we’re not just checking off tasks,
Yom Tov preparations can sometimes feel like a mountain: cooking, cleaning, organizing. But what if we changed our perspective? Imagine that a high-profile figure—the president, for example—was coming to visit your home or business. You would be excited, honored, and eager to make sure everything was perfect. Just last week, we saw former President Trump was going to visit Gottlieb’s Restaurant in Williamsburg. The entire community was
Now, imagine that instead of the president, it’s the King of Kings, Hashem Himself, coming em, and every action we take, from the way we clean our homes to the food we prepare,
2
The pressure of Yom Tov preparations can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get bogged down in the logistics: preparing the meals, setting up the house, and managing a long to-do list. But when we remember that we are preparing for Hashem’s arrival, our entire perspective shifts. The stress melts away and what’s left is a sense of joy and purpose. By approaching these tasks with Simcha, we elevate them into acts of celebration.
PRE YOM TOV HOURS
OPEN MONDAY & WEDNESDAY UNTIL 8PM
SUN 11am-6pm | MON -THURS 11am-6pm
WED NIGHTS 11am-8pm | Closed Fridays
There’s a beautiful story about the Baal Shem Tov that illustrates the power of Simcha, especially on Rosh Hashanah. One year, the Baal Shem Tov gathered his talmidim for Rosh Hashanah, and everyone was filled with awe and trepidation, knowing that Yom Hadin had arrived. However, the Baal Shem Tov himself was beaming with joy. His talmidim asked him, “Rebbe, how can Hashem with fear and awe, but the greatest way to crown Him King is with joy. When we serve Hashem with Simcha, we bring ourselves closer to Him, and that joy lifts our tefillos higher than anything else. Simcha shows our confidence that Hashem loves us and that He will write us all in the Book of
The Baal Shem Tov’s message is clear: Simcha is not just a good feeling; it’s an essential part of our avodah, especially on Rosh Hashanah. By approaching the day with joy, we strengthen our connection to Hashem and ensure that our tefillos are accepted with love.
to
Note: If your vehicle has been picked up by any other towing company, we’ll bring it to our shop at no cost to you.
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. Bakers Choice
Vanilla Sugar
¾ cup oil
1 ½ tsp. Bakers Choice
Baking Powder
2 ¾ cups flour
1 Bakers Choice
Nougat Schmeer
4 oz. Bakers Choice
White Chips
4 oz. Bakers Choice
Nougat Chips plus 2 oz. for garnish
DIRECTIONS: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugars together until fluffy. Add the oil and continue to beat until well combined. Stir in the nougat schmeer until the mixture is smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and nougat chips by hand.
Divide the dough into three equal portions. Shape each portion into a log, approximately 3 inches wide and 12 inches long, and place on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 35 minutes and let cool for 10 minutes. Cut logs into 1-inch slices. Bake for an additional 8 minutes.
Melt 2 oz. of nougat chips and drizzle over the cooled biscotti.
Hatzolah of Central Jersey is proud to announce the addition of six new service units to its growing team: Mordechai Kupferstein, Shimmy Weiss, Moshe Levovitz, Mordy Friedman, Mordy Tolwinski, and Chezky Herzog. These dedicated individuals will join the existing 32 service units that play a vital role in ensuring Hatzolah’s operations run smoothly and efficiently.
With 31 vehicles in its fleet—17 ambulances, 8 paramedic vehicles, and 6 Shabbos vehicles—Hatzolah relies on its service units to keep its operations at peak performance. The six Shabbos vehicles are operated by designated non-Jewish drivers who assist Hatzolah members once emergency calls conclude, in accordance with halachic guidance.
The service units are tasked with maintaining the ambulances and equipment, ensuring everything from oxygen tanks and defibrillators to epi-pens and suctions are in perfect working order. They ensure that the ambulances are decontaminated, refueled, and restocked after each call. For paramedic vehicles, service units ensure that all Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment—such as medication bags, IV pumps, and ventilators—are updated and functioning properly.
“Hatzolah’s service units are truly the unsung heroes of our organization,” said Executive Director Motty Twerski.
“Without their tireless work behind the scenes, our emergency medical responders wouldn’t be able to do their jobs. They keep our vehicles and equipment in top shape, allowing us to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.”
The service department is run by Yitzchok Stern and is also supported by Yudi Hess, who manages the two Hatzolah stockrooms located in the northern and southern regions of Lakewood. He ensures that there is always sufficient equipment and supplies on hand to meet Hatzolah’s needs.
“Our service units may not be in the spotlight with lights and sirens, but their work is crucial,” said a Hatzolah official. “They are the backbone of our organization. From maintaining ambulances to supporting our responders at emergency scenes, they ensure that we are always ready to save lives.”
Hatzolah would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of Shea Herczl, who formerly oversaw Hatzolah’s service department with unmatched dedication. Shea, who also volunteered as a Hatzolah EMT, played a key role in managing the fleet and maintaining Hatzolah’s vehicles for many years.
TAG Asifa with cellphone store owners to discuss
Kolelis Kvitel
Wedding for Grandson of the Satmar Rebbe
Kolelis Kvitel for the Thousands of Belz Kids
Wedding for Grandson of the Nachlas Ahron Rebbe
Motzei Shabbos Aufrif and Sheva Bruches for Grandchildren of the Chernobile Rebbe
Sheva Bruches for Daughter of the
Wedding for Grandson of the Skolya Rebbe
Wedding
1 1/2 cups GF Oats (rolled)
2/3 cup Tahini (runny, drippy) 3 tbsps Raw Honey
1 tsp pure Vanilla Extract Add the oats to a food processor and blend until it reaches a flour consistency.
Add the tahini, honey, and vanilla and blend until combined and the mixture holds together. 2.
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture and roll them into balls in your hands. Repeat until all of the mixture is used. Enjoy!
W i th o u r exp er t ise , sele ct io n , a n d
s t reamli n e d p ro c es s foll o wi ng you r v isio n , you ’ ll soo n w a n t to b e i n you r ki tc he n a whole l o t
A timeless collection of unique silver Judaica masterpieces by Ben Shirall London
• Designed and handcrafted in England renowned globally for its silver and goldsmiths.
• For discerning investors and collectors.
• Exquisite Judaica items to enhance your home.
• Also accepting custom commissions to order.
The Forefathers Collection Etrog Box Model: Engraved
We will be visiting the US next week Please call or email to arrange an appointment
Aaron H Deblinger
1 Apple (cored, thinly sliced and seeds removed)
1 tbsp Coconut Sugar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Coconut Oil (melted)
Preheat the air fryer to 325ºF (165ºC).
Place the apple slices in a bowl and add the sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil. Toss well to combine.
Place the apple slices in an even layer in the air fryer basket, trying not to overlap too much.
Cook for 15 minutes, tossing every five minutes, until lightly browned and crispy. Enjoy!
BY HINDY LESSER
CHOCOLATE CRUMBS:
Use your favorite chocolate cake recipe for crumbs or substitute with crushed cookie crumbs.
8 oz whip topping
1 cup Passion Root Creamy Peanut Butter
8 oz pareve cream cheese
1¼ cup confectionery sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
½ cup peanut brittle
DIRECTIONS:
Whip the topping until soft peaks form, then set aside.
In another bowl, whip the cream cheese and peanut butter together.
Add confectionery sugar and vanilla sugar to the peanut butter mixture.
Fold in the whipped topping and peanut brittle.
Let the mousse set well in the fridge before using.
2 packages Osem instant chocolate pudding
3 cups almond milk
Mix the pudding and almond milk together until smooth and no lumps remain.
Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to set to a pudding consistency.
Start with a layer of chocolate crumbs or crushed cookies at the bottom of your trifle cups.
Add a layer of peanut butter mousse.
Add a layer of chocolate pudding.
Repeat with crumbs, peanut butter mousse, and finish with a final layer of crumbs.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
BY HINDY LESSER
4 chicken steaks
Salt and pepper
FOR THE SAUCE:
1 jar Passion Root Peach jam
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon mustard
½ teaspoon oregano
3 tablespoons onion soup mix
Sprinkle salt and pepper on each chicken steak.
In a bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well covered.
Bake at 350°F for 30–45 minutes.
Tip: This sauce is so delicious, you can use it on anything!
Apt for Rent
brand new above ground room, separate entrance and bathroom suitable for office or playgroup plenty of parking, nice yard please call or text 908-7838073
Brand new above ground space for rent. Suitable for a playgroup or office. Private with big backyard. Lo cated at South lake- Central Ave area. For more info please call 848-525-6201.
Weekend get away in the Catskills for a Yeshiva/Family
Shabbton. Shul, Large Dining Room, gym and Mikva on premises. Discounted price available now thru November 16. Available Sukkahs. (845) 219-1217
New Beautiful Private Room with Restroom and kosher sink available for office use. 917-723-5717
New pediatric office in Lakewood seeking front desk/office manager. Office located at River Ave and Cross St. Please contact 917-957-2273
Fantastic Job opportunity! Work from home, create hours, loads of training & support, great profit & growth opportunity, no computer needed! For info Text “MONEY” to (732)6559565 (or call). You’re a step closer to having extra income!
Looking for a flexible job opportunity , at your own hours? Text Job Opportunity to 347-669-9177
OLIVIA JEWELRY RENTAL
Gorgeous selection of fine costume jewelery for your simcha or special occasion. $25 for the first piece and $15 for each additional piece. Located in prospect square 35 lewin ave. Contact 773-503-9132
Dining room set: Dark wood. Good condition. Table opens to 120". Breakfront: 67L 22W 35H, Buffet:44L 58H 17W$1000 for everything- 732-551-0496
Commercial Fridge
Excellent condition. Almost new. Will deliver to you. Call or text 7182080824
AVOS UBANIM, CHOL HAMOED PROGRAMS, SIMCHAS TORAH
Great Prizes! Your price range, Delivered to youCall/Text 732-569-7876
Selling black maternity gown size xs. Text 732-966 -3941
New to lakewood! Now selling Edith's (from brooklyn) acne skin care products. 732-597-2835
GOWN FOR SALE!!
Needle & Thread. Navy size 6 $500 Can be worn for maternity Call/ text 848-525-3290
Valco Baby Snap
Duo-Double Stroller for sale. Used very very minimally, looks brand new. $550 Please text 917-562-7088
Explore a world of Wellness and Beauty! Rosh hashana/ Yom Kippur promo on our bee products- Pure honey for your Tishrei table and bee pollen (energy booster and fasting aid) For info please call/text:732-608-1799
GOWN FOR SALE!!
Costarellos blue velvet gown. Fully lined Size: 2-4
Retail $2,300+lining Price being sold for: $1,200 Call/ text: 848-226-4186
Gorgeous size 2/4 ivory gown for rent call/ text 248-765-0427
Selling Black Doona with base in great condition for $300. Call only: 732-691-3165.
Designer, show stopping cream and floral embroidered gown for sale. Ladies or teens size eight. Please call 732-331-6588
Healthy Muffins by the former owner of Classy Cakes. Whole Grain, Many Varieties, Parve. By order only $2.00 each (minimum 8). 732-886-6183
Keyboard stand for sale: Selling z-style Keyboard stand For $40 OBO, Call: 508-292-8589
Brand new in box Christian Louboutin Brown Leather Boots Size 39
Retail $1,295, only $950 OBO Call/ text : 848-226-4186
Stunning cream colored eyelet Vort/Tnoyim dress size 2. Used for one simchawas $550 selling for $400 CAll 718436-8403/ 718-536-7578
Beautiful white lace sisterof-the-bride gown: Size 2 with lots of room to let out. $200 to rent. $350 to buy. Text 347962-9419 for picture.
Almost New Eva & Chloe Wig Worn for 2 months. Dark brown with highlights. Shoulder length. Originally $2050 selling for $1100 c/t 848.210.5504
Adorable high quality Shabbos dresses with
crop vests $35. matching baby rompers with crop vest $25 Weekday dresses $18. Call 732-995-5931
Trying to find a way to cure burns, other than cold water? Looking for a quick cure for mosquito bites? Chapped hands? Call 929-355-5597 to hear about our amazing, proven to work skin careproducts.
07 Accord 165k miles
$2500 text 732-963-1828
Camry 159k miles $3750 text 732-963-1828
BEAUTIFUL SPARKLING POOL WITH GAZEBO
Serene setting. Large, gets great sun. Pristine. Minutes from Gourmet Glatt North. $40/hr wkdy $50/hr wknd. Call/txt 973-986-9592
Natural and effective hair care products. Improves hair loss, weak hair roots, split ends, dry hair, frizz, rough texture, dry scalp, dandruff, itchy or peeling scalp. No chemicals, great results. call/text 732-5468312 email foreverlivingproductsnj@gmail.com
INTRUBER™ delivers robust cybersecurity solutions to protect you from all computer security threats, including ransomware and email phishing attacks. Keep your business safe with our affordable, expert services. Call or message us now 833 699-5282
Graphic Design
professional experienced graphic designer. specializing in logos, invitations, and ads. call 732-552-3133 or sbgraphics49@gmail.com
MR WERTZ’BERGER’S RENTALS
We rent out wireless Wifi, tablets, Laptops, Clarinets, Violins.
Prices are between $13-$25 per week.
Clarinet & Violin come with free MP3 lessons in English or Yiddish.
We also offer private keyboard lessons on phone. Call Hotline 718-435-1923
CUSTOM PHOTO ALBUMS
Specializing in Custom Photo Albums, Chosson, Wedding, etc. professional Photo Editing, many years of exp. Special rate for photographers. Photo Dreams 347-563-5153
Yungerman available to learn with your son. Please call 718-594-6402
DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY!
Get a 20-30% discount on your electric bill! 100% FREE & easy to signup! text 845-600-0430
Rikit circuitfor all your circuiting needs. Reasonable pricing call/text 7326641614
ALLERGY FRIENDLY
babysitting
New!! Chestnut Area Call 347-760-7134
Heimishe woman looking to be a mother’s helper, light housework, cooking, laundry, mending, child care, etc. 6-8 hrs a week, afternoons, pref in South Lakewood. 732367-6418
Newborn babysitter- very experienced- warm & loving- clean, comformtable & cosy. Many heppy refrences, Princeton/ Squankum/ Conventry area- Y. Teitel -
baum Tell 732-367-0373
Day & Evening Babysitting
Possibly in your House also - 732-367-5369
Found girls/ladies gold bracelet in West Gate about two months ago. Please call or text 732-330-3590.
Found set of ear buds in the parking lot of 150 Airport Rd. Please call/text 732-8828319
A man’s watch at Asisa at the end of July, 732- 370 – 3613
Lost duffle bag on the rockshire 7pm van Sunday Aug 18 from lkwd to monsey. If found please call 845-642-5487
Library for adults, teens and children including novels, short stories, biographies,, hashkafa and halacha. 60- 12th st bet Mon and Princeton, Sunday bet 4-6 PM
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 out -
fits and matching together as sets. For pickups email pickupgmach@gmail.com
New tznius hospital gown gemach in Oak and Vine. At no cost. Please call: 347486-2994 or 347-633-6329
Gemach Zichron Feige
Stunning childrens gownsmatching collection from sizes 9 months untill size 18 for appt call 908-461-0058
Gemach zichron Gittel ladies gown gemach. Beautiful gowns size 0-20 (732) 908-8263
Simcha Toy Gemach
Keep children busy, happy so the adults can enjoy the Simcha!
Borrow toys for yourSimcha, 732-730-9127 notext Email:GemachNefeshChaya@gmail.com
Bris set Gemach for your simcha: Poya, pillow, beautiful outfit with accessories. please call 732-994-5887
Giveaway
Free items available for anyone with low vision. Contact NAHORA. Fortune@Nahora. org, 917-968-5828 or Abie@ Nahora.org, 718-986-9602.
AYIN HORAH
The renowned Rebetzin Aidel Miller from Yerushalayim Is always available to remove Ayin Horah over the phone. Call: 718.689.1902 or 516-300-1490
Judaica Art by Rachel. Orig. framed gorgeous watercolor & acrylics from $100.00$400.00. Photos ava. Text 732-232-6906.
LEADERS WANTED:
Fast expanding nationwide, company is looking for Leaders. Great pay and promotions, please email resume: korshproducts2@gmail.com or call: 845.537.1345
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Residents from Toms River / Manchester NJ grab the opportunity to receive a 20% discount on your electric bill for the next 20 years. Hurry to secure your slot as they are filling up rapidly. Please call and leave a message: 908.445.5303 or email your electric bill and phone number to thinkenergyh24@gmail.com
ATTENTION NJ RESIDENTS: Get ready for an insightful and productive time with industry leaders and like – minded professionals, This Sunday September 22nd, in Toms River NJ at 7:00 pm. RSVP required. Please call 845 537 1345.
Dear friends, Join the hundreds of women who feel shmira and Yeshuas Hashem me’all lederech hateva in their daily life. Call Kav Hayeshuos 929 946 8566 for 40 days. shmiras halashon #32, tznius #1 or #72. Your caring sister. HaRav Moshe Shternbuch א"טילש endorses this hotline.
CUSTOM FAMILY TREES
Perfect gift for parents/ grandparents. Names are written in Calligraphy on a Painting of a tree created in your choice of Acrylics, Watercolor, Pastel, or Charcoal.
Also, specializing in Custom Paintings Call/Text M. Friedman 732773-8886
INVISALIGN SPECIAL USE CODE: BTS2024