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LETTER EDITOR from the

In discussing, with our feature writer, what aspect of Shavuos to zone in on, it was difficult to settle on a single subject. After all, though Shavuos is only two days, it’s a multi-faceted yom tov with so much packed in.

•Flowers — for the flowers on Har Sinai

•Dairy — because the Torah is compared to milk (Shir Hashirim 4:11)

•Cheese making — see the above, plus חחח has the gematriya of 40, for the 40 days that Moshe was in Shamayim

•Artistic Calligraphy— This type of artistry is often used for pesukim from the megillos (Megillas Rus) and Tehillim (Dovid Hamelech’s yahrtzeit is on Shavuos)

•All-nighters — for Tikun leil Shavuos

And more…

In the end, we settled on flowers — for the intrinsic beauty of Hashem’s artwork not only enhances our yom tov tables, it is reminiscent of Har Sinai, and the giving of the Torah.

But all that debating got me thinking. How is it that for one, seemingly “small” yom tov there is so much to discuss and write about—nearly as much as Pesach and Sukkos? Shavuos is only two days, and it is viewed by many as an uncomplicated, simple, and straightforward yom tov. It’s certainly not that difficult to prepare for, when you compare it with weeks of Pesach cleaning and days of Sukkah building… And yet, it clearly contains so much.

Why the depth? What makes Shavuos so special?

Obviously, the fact that the Torah was given on Shavuos makes it stand out in a very special way. Ata bichartanu — Shavuos is the yom tov that we became a nation and received our code of laws.

But there’s more. Halachically, Shavuos has a significant edge over Pesach and Sukkos.

A person who has a disturbing dream on the other yomim tovim (and even on Shabbos) may fast, but if he has a worrisome dream over Shavuos he may not refrain from eating.

On Shavuos we need to submerge ourselves (at least to a certain degree) in the physical world that Hashem gave us.

And that is because Shavuos is about raising up the physical aspects of this world. It’s about taking the mundane and making it spiritual. Food—which has the potential to be base and unholy — needs to be used to give us strength so that we can serve Hashem properly. We make a brachah over food.

Same with flowers. We use flowers on Shavuos, and other yomim tovim and Shabbos, to enhance our yom tov tables and our Mikdashei me’at. We don’t stay away from the world’s beauty; we draw it in and make it holy.

On Shavuos, in addition to receiving the Torah, we received the ability to take the physical and raise it up to kedushah.

Before matan Torah when the avos performed a mitzvah, the physical world wasn’t affected by it. But at matan Torah we were endowed with the power to affect changes in the physical world—and to make it holy—through the performance of the mitzvos.

Shavuos is only two days (one day in Eretz Yisrael), but it is a packed two days. Shavuos’s uniqueness makes it transcend time so that instead of a seven-day cycle to affect the world, one day is all it takes. That one day contains so much.

Enjoy our article on flowers. Enjoy your cheesecake. And remember the unique potential of the day.

Shenizkeh lekabel es HaTorah besimcha ubepnimiyus.

May we merit to receive the Torah with joy and inner feeling.

The Lakewood Vibes Editorial Team

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The Central Jersey Hatzolah (formerly Lakewood Hatzolah) leadership has always been proactive, professional and responsible by adding additional members as needed. All of Hatzolah’s volunteers have gone through vigorous vetting and training prior to being placed in service. The Hatzolah EMS members/responder team continues to expand, with the constant addition of members and ambulances, determined to meet the demands of the ever growing population.

We would like to clearly state that only Hatzolah of Central Jersey has the unanimous backing of all the Rabbanim, who condemn any and all efforts that have the potential of undermining Hatzolah of Central Jersey in any way. Only Hatzolah of Central Jersey operates under the guidance and auspices of a Vaad Harabanim that guarantees that all operations and patient interactions are conducted

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Vibes of Greatness

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi (late 200s – early 300s)

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi lived in the transitional generation between the period of the Tannaim (i.e. the Mishnah) and the period of the Amoraim (i.e. the Gemara). He is considered both a Tanna and an Amorah, and is quoted frequently in the Gemara.

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi had frequent encounters with Eliyahu Hanavi. One time Eliyahu Hanavi told him that Mashiach is sitting at the gates of Rome, tying and untying his bandages one at a time so that he’ll be ready to come at a moment’s notice.

Rabbi Yehoshua then went to Mashiach and asked him, “When are you coming?”

“Today!” Mashiach replied.

But Mashiach didn’t come.

When Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi next saw Eliyahu Hanavi, he asked him why Mashiach had not come.

Eliyahu Hanavi explained that when Mashiach replied “today” he was referring to the “today” of the passuk, “Today, if you listen to Me — hayom im bekoli tishma’un” )Tehillim 95, 7).

Meaning, as soon as we listen to Hashem, Mashiach will come — just as Mashiach said.

The Gemara relates that Hashem told the malach hamaves, “It is time for you to take Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi’s soul, but do as he says.”

The malach hameves went to Rabbi Yehoshua.

“I want to see my spot in Gan Eden,” Rabbi Yehoshua told him.

“No problem,” replied the malach hamaves. “Let’s go.”

They started traveling and Rabbi Yehoshua said, “I’m a bit nervous. Do you mind if I hold onto your knife?”

The malach hamaves handed over his knife. They reached their destination. The malach hamaves held Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi up so that he could look over the wall and see his spot in Gan Eden.

Rabbi Yehoshua then made a quick getaway and jumped over the wall into Gan Eden!

But the malach hamaves quickly grabbed onto Rabbi Yehoshua’s cloak.

“I swear that I’m not going back over the wall!” Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi declared.

At this, the malach hamaves was at a loss as to what to do.

Said Hashem, “If Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi ever did hataras nedarim in his lifetime, we’ll make him be matir neder and go back over the wall. But if not, we’ll let him stay.”

The Alter from Kelm explains that while one may do hataras nedarim, the act shows that the person is not 100% committed to keeping his word. A committed person wouldn’t be matir neder. Someone who is never matir neder is a person whose word is golden and final.

It turned out that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi had never done hataras nedarim in his lifetime. The malach hamaves thus couldn’t force him back over the wall, and he couldn’t kill him.

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi was allowed to remain in Gan Eden, alive.

The malach hamaves, defeated, then said to him. “Can I at least have my knife back?”

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi didn’t want the malach hamaves to be able to kill anyone else,

and he refused to return his knife to him.

Said a bas kol, “Give it back, because humanity needs the malach hamaves to have it.”

Rabbi Yehoshua returned the knife. Then, in Gan Eden, Eliyahu Hanavi announced, “Make way for Bar Leva’i (the son of Levi). Make way for Bar Leva’i!”

Rabbi Yehoshua went to visit Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Gan Eden. Rabbi Shimon bar Yocḥai was seated on thirteen golden stools.

“You’re Bar Leva’i?” Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai asked him.

“Yes,” Rabbi Yehoshua answered.

“Was a rainbow ever seen in your days?”

“Yes.”

“If so, you are not Bar Leva’i,” Rabbi Shimon retorted. [Rainbows are a sign that the world deserves to be destroyed by a flood. During the lifetime of a big tzaddik there are no rainbows, however, because the zechus of the tzaddik protects his generation. Rabbi Shimon knew that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi was a big tzaddik which mean that a rainbow must not have been seen in his lifetime. Since Rabbi Yehoshua said that a rainbow had appeared, Rabbi Shimon reasoned that he couldn’t be Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi.]

The Gemara adds that there had, in fact, not been any rainbows in Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi’s lifetime. Rabbi Yehoshua, however, didn’t admit that, because he didn’t want to take the credit.

(As heard from Reb Avrohom M. Mendelson, TorahAnytime; Kesubos 77b, Sefaria)

Shira Yael Klein

Vibes of Greatness

Reb Shlomo Goldman of Zvhil

Reb Shlomke, the Zvhiller

Rebbe

(1869 – 1945)

Reb Shlomo Goldman, known as Reb Shlomke, succeeded his father as the rav and rebbe of Zvhil (modern day Zviahel, Ukraine). He served in these positions together with his brother, Reb Yechiel Michel.

In 1926 Reb Shlomke made aliyah together with his grandson, Reb Mordechai. When they disembarked from the ship at the port of Yafo, Reb Shlomke told his grandson, “We’re throwing our rabbanus into the ocean! We’re not rebbes anymore!”

Reb Shlomke settled in the Old City of Yerushalayim. He rented a small apartment, where he lived modestly. True to his word, he did not conduct himself with the fanfare of a rebbe. For example, he took the bus, just like everyone else. Nonetheless, he was recognized as a baal mofes (miracle worker).

Reb Shlomke passed away in 1945, and was buried on Har Hazeisim. During the years of the holocaust, he davened fervently for a yeshua. When he died, the holocaust ended.

The famous segulah of davening three times in a row (Monday, Thursday, Monday) at the Zvhiller Rebbe’s kever and then seeing a yeshua, is a segulah connected with the kever of Reb Shlomke’s son, Reb Gedalya Moshe, who succeeded him as rebbe.

Reb Eliyahu Rot was a close talmid of Reb Shlomke of Zvhil. He recounted that one morning a man came to Reb Shlomke and began to bewail his bitter fate.

“I have several children,” the man began. “My youngest is in his twenties, and my oldest is in his thirties. Baruch Hashem, my oldest is engaged, but the engagement is dragging on. I don’t have the money to marry him off. This morning, the father of the kallah told me that we can write the final tena’im and set a date

for the wedding, on the condition that I first provide at least a table and chairs.”

“But Rebbi,” the impoverished man wept. “How am I going to give them a table and chairs when I don’t have anything?”

The man finished crying, and Reb Shlomke looked outside. “The day is yet young!” he said. “Be’ezras Hashem you’ll have a table and chairs by nightfall.”

Reb Shlomke, however,

did not elaborate on how.

The man didn’t know what to do. Yes, the rebbe had promised him a table and chairs before night — but how? From whom? When?

The man wobbled out of the Rebbe’s room nervously, and Reb Eliyahu Rot followed him.

“Listen to me!” Reb Eliyahu said. “The rebbe promised you a table and chairs. Don’t delay! Call your mechutan and sign the tena’im immediately. Tell him that today he’ll get a table and chairs!”

The man looked at him and asked weakly, “How can I promise to give something that I don’t have?”

“Please, don’t ask questions!” Reb Eliyahu said. “Do as you were told!”

About an hour before Minchah, a fancy taxi pulled up in front of Reb Shlomke’s hovel. An American tourist, a woman, stepped out and walked into Reb Shlomke’s house. She reminded the Rebbe that they’d been neighbors in Zvhil.

The woman then looked around, and she expressed her shock at Reb Shlomke’s poor living conditions. “What poverty,” she said. “Your father was no gvir, but he did not reach such a state. Let me at least bring a normal table and chairs here so that there’ll be a place to sit.”

The woman left, and true to her word she returned soon after, delivery van in toe. Movers unloaded a new table and chairs into Reb Shlomke’s yard.

The lady, having done her part, went on her way.

Reb Shlomke then summoned Reb Eliyahu. “Go to the man who was here today and tell him that the table and chairs have arrived!”

Not for a minute did Reb Shlomke consider keeping the table and chairs for himself, although he certainly needed them.

Reb Eliyahu dutifully ran off to inform the man that his table and chairs had materialized and were in Reb Shlomke’s yard waiting for him.

The tenaim were signed, and the wedding took place on time.

Reb Shlomke’s yahrzeit is Chof Vav Iyar. This story is recorded in “Ish Chasid Hayah,” in the book Zichronam Livrachah by Reb Aharon Perlov.

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

Shira Yael Klein

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The Guy Next Door

Chapter 36

Recap: Mr. Nakamura tells Nachman that he wants to donate cash to a charity as a gesture of good will. Nachman tells him the name of two mosdos, but when he comes home to report the deed, Rikki tells him she suspects a money-laundering scheme.

“Yeah,” I said rather shamefacedly, which was a bit of a comedown following my previous heights of selfcongratulations. “I agree, it might be a bad idea.”

“So, Dad, can you contact the school and the shul and stop them from taking the cash?” Rikki pressed.

“While I contact Xavier Roberts and see what he can do regarding damage control from his end?” Avi added. Damage limitation. That was what this had come down to. Good Ole Nachman Feld gets involved with nefarious international criminals, thinks he has done an amazing job of creating a whole new liaison, and my kids are left to pick up the pieces and do damage control. Gee whizz, Nachman. Well done you.

I went into my study to call the two institutions. Call number one was to the school, as I thought it would be easier to get through to than the shul on a Friday morning. If I’d been hoping for damage control, that hope was quickly dashed when I spoke to the secretary. I was way, way too late.

“Mr. Feld!!” she pretty much shrieked at me. “You’re a star!! You have made our day, no, our week. No, scrub that and make it the entire year that you have made for us! We can now refurbish the classrooms that were leaking and repave the playground!! Kids were falling over the lumpy parts all the time, and now we can have it smooth and safe! Thank you!!”

I didn’t even glow with the praise. It gave me a horrible, sinking feeling that this wasn’t going to be easy to extricate myself from.

“It’s not exactly my money…” I started. Waste of time. “Oh, we know that!” she crowed, “Your gentleman called

just half an hour ago and explained. Such a nice call! He kept telling me that it was because of your kindness to him that we are getting this huge and generous donation. In cash, no less!! We can’t thank you enough!! You have no idea what a difference this will make! And unless I’m wrong, he isn’t even Jewish, is he?” Enthusiasm oozed out of the earpiece of my phone, to the extent where I felt like I had to wipe it off or my face would get sticky. I was almost surprised to find my phone clean and dry.

“No, he isn’t Jewish. But…” I tried again, but it was hopeless. She was unstoppable. She ranted on about how the school had never had such a large donation, and it was all thanks to me.

I was trying to stop the thing, for heaven’s sake!

I was in full panic mode by then. In the end, I just accepted the thanks in as weak a way as I could and closed the call, hoping against hope the secretary would stop and wonder why I was being so lukewarm.

I knew it wouldn’t make one jot of difference, though. The secretary barely knew me.

I thought I’d have more luck with my friend, Sruli, the shul gabbai.

I was scrolling for his number when his number came up on my screen.

“Nachman!” Sruli bellowed. Ouch, he was loud. But at least I had an excuse to hold the phone away from my ear, reducing the risk of both ruptured eardrum and oozing enthusiasm. You see? Everything has its good side.

“I don’t know what you did to your neighbor, but I’m eternally indebted to you for it!” Sruli thundered. “We’ll finally be able to get a new Sefer Torah for Simchas Torah, so that even you will get a turn to dance with one!”

Ruthie Pearlman

A tart twist in smoothies

“Oh wow,” I managed. I’d avoided dancing with a sefer. The responsibility was so enormous, it scared me into dodging it. Now I’d be stuck. Maybe some bicep curls would be called for.

Help….

I came back out of my study with a hopeless and pathetic expression on my face. I know, because I’d practiced it in the mirror before I emerged. I was hoping it would be touching and tragic enough to save me from the worst of the backlash against having given San-Hoon entrance to two of our most precious institutions.

“No go?” Avi asked. I shook my head in a hangdog manner. If I’d had a tail, it would have been between my legs.

It seemed to work. Everyone looked at me pityingly. Maybe that wasn’t the exact way I wanted my family to look at me but hey, beggars can’t be choosers.

“Well, I’ve been on the phone to Xavier,” Avi said in a businesslike tone.

“Oh?” I said, hoping Xavier Roberts would downplay the damage and say it wasn’t too bad a disaster after all. “What did he say?”

“To be honest, Dad, he was pretty unimpressed. I had to build you up to make you qualify for future “help”.” Avi made air quotes.

“Oh,” I said, dejected.

“No worries, even the best undercover workers make mistakes in the beginning,” Avi said.

“Even you?”

“Even me, Dad,” Avi said, but he didn’t elucidate.

“So, what’s Xavier going to do?” I asked.

“He has his ways,” Avi said. “And his people. Those two institutions will be told in no uncertain terms, not to accept San-Hoon’s cash, and they’ll both be given a nice sweetener in some other, more kosher way, so they won’t suffer too much.”

“Wow,” I said. I was impressed that someone non-Jewish like Roberts had that much clout. “Where will he get the sweetener from?”

Avi shot me a look and I realized I wasn’t going to be told diddly squat. All this undercover stuff was not for me to know about. I was too low down in the food chain. Maybe at some point in the future… If I stopped messing things up, anyway.

“Are you still going to the office, Nachman?” Debbie asked.

“Er,” I looked at my watch. “Hardly worth it now. I’ll stay here and work from home.” I started for my study again, trying to feel important.

“Then could you please help Rikki lay the Shabbos table?” Debbie asked, as she went back to the kitchen.

That put me firmly back in my place. Well, I guess I deserved it. I’d caused so many problems for so many people.

At least over Shabbos I had my place as head of the household. That was sacrosanct. Nothing and no one could

take that away from me. I shared Divrei Torah at the table, Avi and I sang zemiros, and Avi said a really good Dvar Torah straight from his Rosh Chaburah. Rikki also had something powerful to say from the parshah. Gateshead influences were still strong in my only daughter.

It was an oasis in a very strange and alien desert.

And very, very welcome.

We had a good long nap on Shabbos afternoon. And then shalosh seudos visits from my kids’ friends, and ours, until alas, it was over.

Back to our personal nightmare.

After we had finished clearing up from Shabbos, there was a ring on our doorbell. It was Xavier.

“Hello,” I said awkwardly. “I’ll call Avi for you.”

“It’s you who I’ve come to talk to,” he said. I can’t deny, I was surprised. But I tried to look suave and cool.

I brought him into the living room, and we sat down. My wife and kids were hovering. Xavier bade them all to join us.

“This affects all of you,” he announced. “So I want all of you in on this.”

Oh, so not just me, I thought, and my little tower of ego slightly collapsed.

They sat down, Debbie and Rikki with eager expressions. Avi looking less expectant, as if he knew what was about to be said.

“Firstly, Nachman Feld, my good friend,” Xavier began with a beam. “I want you to wipe that worried expression off of your face. You are doing well.”

“How am I doing well?” I asked, still in hangdog mode despite my mini ego boost.

“You have made San-Hoon like you. That’s huge. Not everyone can do that. He likes you, trusts you, and now you are going to capitalize on that.”

I liked the first part of his praise, I wasn’t so sure about the second.

“How?” I asked.

“You’re going to make a friend out of him. Get close enough to him to visit his house and invite him to yours.

Not for Shabbos, obviously. I heard about that one and of course it’s ridiculous as your wife said. But during the week get him feeling close.”

“Okay,” I said slowly, “I think I can do that. And then what?”

“And then, Nachman, my dear friend,” Xavier said with another beam. “You are going to fit cameras and listening devices in his house. Without him knowing what you are doing, naturally. I will, of course, give you the devices to fit, and teach you how it’s done. You can practice in your own house before doing it for real over there. It’s a very important mission and could really help us. You’re the only one who could do it, as you have made this connection with him. Feel up to it?”

Not long ago I had the great privilege of traveling all throughout the country of Spain. Aside for its absolutely gorgeous natural and architectural beauty, the country is perhaps unparalleled in its dramatic richness of Jewish history surpassing virtually any country outside of Eretz Yisrael. In addition to following the footsteps of the Rambam, the Ramban, the Ritva, the Rashba, Abarbanel, the Ran and others we got to learn about the fascinating life of Reb Yitchok Arama. Reb Yitchok Arama, otherwise known as the Akeidas Yitchok, was the chief rabbi of the city of Tarragona, a coastline city located between Barcelona and Valencia. Being that he lived during the height of the Spanish Inquisition he was a source of tremendous guidance and inspiration to thousands of Jews during that time. One episode, I believe, offers a fresh perspective on what took place on Har Sinai all those years ago.

One evening, while the Spanish inquisition was biting with its sharpest teeth, Reb Yitchok heard a knock on the door. It was a group of simple Jews who lived in his city who were at his door because they could take it no more. They weren’t asking him if they could become Christian, they were telling him. The only reason they were coming to him at all was because they had a philosophical question that was nagging at them and being one of the great Jewish philosophers of his time and of all time there was no better person to answer it than he.

They wanted to know after they become Christian will Hashem still hold them accountable for mitzvos they don’t do. Will they still need to eat Matzah on Pesach and light the Menorah on Chanuka? Will they be held accountable for not building a Sukkah or blowing the Shofar or will their conversion to Christianity absolve them from all of Judaism’s religious responsibilities?

Essentially what they were asking him was if Judaism was an intellectually subscribed religion, as is other religions in which you merely sprinkle some water on your head and you become part of that religion and if you decide to leave and join another religion you are now part of that one. Or, is Judaism genetic and you can run but you can’t hide.

“Well”, Reb Yitchok Arama looked at them and said “my fellow Jews it’s the latter option. You can run but you can’t hide”. Upon hearing this the leader of the group pushed his way forward and said “Well, why is that any fair? We didn’t sign up for this. What, because my great-greatgreat grandparent stood on Har Sinai and

Shavuos

Hillel Eisenberg

accepted the Torah so now we, 2000 years later, are stuck with it? How is that fair?”

Reb Yitchok looked at all their faces nodding in agreement to their spokesman’s question. Although the pain and suffering they were going through was unimaginable and indescribable, he still knew he needed to correct this horrible wrong before it was too late. So he turned to them and said “you are making a mistake. Judaism isn’t something you inherit from your grandparents like an out-ofstyle china set, keeping it in the closet only to avoid making your parents upset. You too were all standing on Har Sinai and you all accepted upon yourselves Torah and Judaism.”

“Good one rabbi, good one,” the spokesman retorted, “We’ve all heard that before. We weren’t standing at Har Sinai, our Neshamos were standing at Har Sinai. How does a Neshama have the right to accept the Torah for us? How does a Neshama, standing next to Moshe and Ahron and Yehoshua and Miriam, the greatest Jews who ever walked the earth, how does it have the right to accept Judaism for us, simple, religiously unsophisticated Jews? What did our Neshamos know about the real world we live in? About Spain in 1491 or Italy in 1335 or England in 1267 or Alexandria in 600. How does it have the right to choose for us?”

Again all the onlookers nodded in agreement to the question and all leaned in to hear what Reb Yitchok Arama would have to say.

Reb Yitchok looked again at the crowd, all of whom were otherwise good, God-fearing Jews who were merely collapsing under the mountain of pressure the Inquisition was inflicting on them, and he began his response.

“Im afraid you’re making a great mistake,” he began. “When your Neshama stood at the foot of Har Sinai it was not some spiritual entity utterly disconnected to the life you would one day live. It knew everything about you. It knew everything that would happen to you. It knew about the Jews of Alexandria in 600. It knew about the Jews in England in 1267. It knew about the Jews in Spain in 1491 and in Poland in 1656 and in hungry in 1789 and in Berlin in 1933 and in America in 2024. It knew about everything. It knew about all your struggles and your pains and your self-doubts and your fears and anxieties and worries. It knew about your upbringing and the schools you would go to. It knew about the divorce in your family and it knew about all the different medications you need to take. It knew everything and with

knowing it all it got up and shouted loud and shouted proud NAASEH VINISHMA. And at that exact moment you all got injected with a dose of kedusha that was tailor-made for you. You in 1245. You in 1498. You in 1663 and you whenever you live. It was a dose of holiness perfectly designed for you. You, with your issues. You, with your challenges. You, with your family and your skill set and your personality and the street that you live on with the neighbors you have. And that tailor made dose of holiness knew every test you would face and every challenge that would be thrown your way and that dose was sanctified and fortified not just to withstand them but to rise up and conquer them.”

Reb Yitchok continued, “each and every one of you didn’t merely stand at the foot of Sinai and accept a book of laws. You were all injected with spiritual superpowers strong enough to shine forth in the most vivid of darkness. If you all walk away today from our holy religion you are all walking away from the greatest force on the face of the earth; the spiritual spark within the soul of a Jew. Much like you had a choice way back when atop Har Sinai whether or not to inject yourself with this holiness, so too now you have a choice to either suppress its infinite holiness or to let it roar like a lion within you. Choose wisely my friends choose wisely.” And with that Reb Yitchok opened his door and showed them the way.

Shavuos is not only a time we got the Torah, it is a time in which we lovingly chose Hashem and He lovingly chose us. It’s a time in which we all got a heavenly kiss infusing us with spiritual energy uniquely designed for us. A time when we reopen our pipeline to Heaven and receive the spiritual oxygen that keeps us afloat in the raging ocean that is the world.

In the history of humanity historians estimate that there have been between 5500 and 6000 religious and sub religions to have walked the earth. Out of all of them only one has managed to survive as one continuous unit for close to 4000 years. That one is us. The Jewish people. Far longer than the Hans Chinese. Far longer than the Buddhists and the Incas and the Aztecs. Far longer than any African tribe. Why? How? How have we not gotten subsumed as did every other religion in history? How have we survived despite facing more evil and persecution than any other group of people? Pick any random 200 year period in Jewish history and it is more likely than not statistically accurate to say that more Jews were killed in those 200 years due to their religion than almost every other religion of the world

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combined! What has kept us going? Why do others break and yet we keep trudging along?

The answer is that each of us has a soul with a Heavenly fire surrounding it, constantly injecting it with the strength to hold the torch of godliness high for all to see. No mountain is too high for us. No enemy is too large. While other nations come to the battlefield of life with spears and swords or tanks and apache helicopters, we come with a soul on fire. And we’re still here and they’re all gone.Ever wonder why the very first pasuk we teach a child is “Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe Morasha Kihillas Yaakov” (Sukkah 42b)? Why is that the very first thing? Why not Shema Yisrael? Or Bereishis? Or Anochi Hashem? Why do we pick that one? The Ben Ish Chai explains that we specifically choose this Pasuk for it inculcates to our children that Torah is for

Shavuos

Hillel Eisenberg

“Kihillas Yaakov”. A Kehilla is the sum total of everybody in it. Every man, every women, every child. In fact, adds the Ben Ish Chai the word Kahal has the numerical value of 135 which is the same number as the word adam if you were to multiply it by three alluding to the three categories of people; men, women and children. All of whom are included in “Kahal”.

Because Torah is “Kehilas Yakov”. It got injected into the essence of each and every one of us and made us the strongest, holiest and most tenacious group of people in the history of peoples. Shavuos is more than a time we celebrate receiving the Torah. It’s a time we celebrate the spiritual rocket engine that got implanted into all of us. An engine tailor made for enabling us to take on anything, anytime, anywhere. We didn’t inherit an ancient religion thrusted upon us by

our great grandparents. We chose this. Because it’s the most dynamic and fulfilling way of life on earth.

Some religions have books of laws. We have the Torah; our pipeline to infinity in a world of insanity, where every single one of us receives a spark that brings Heaven a little closer to 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.

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CHAPTER 6

By nine o’clock on Sunday morning, Miri and I were at the corner of Bell Street and Sheffield Avenue, in front of Mrs. Bloch’s house. She’s a friend of my mother’s and was more than happy to let us use her pretty front lawn and set up our table beneath her big shady tree.

Tovi helped us schlep everything, and even brought a fancy gold tablecloth and the most adorable baskets for the muffins. While Miri lined up the drinks in perfect rows, I arranged the napkins on the table.

“Wow, this looks like a most elegant kiddush!” Mrs. Bloch said as she came out of her house with shopping bags. She zipped up her coat and glanced up. “It’s a bit grey today, girls. It’s not supposed to rain, is it?”

Miri looked at me, her eyes wide.

“No, no! I didn’t hear anything about rain.” I propped up our chalkboard with our menu on a small easel, and stepped back. “How does that look?”

Recap: Liora and Miri prepare for their first bake sale. Zaidy tells Miri that it’s difficult to be so far from the families of Eretz Yisroel who he’s helping.

Devorah Talia Gordon

Mrs. Bloch smiled. “When I get back from my errands, I’ll take the special! Hatzlacha!” She hurried toward her car parked in the driveway. “Oh, I left the extension cord plugged in for your hot water urn. Just unwind it from the porch.”

“Clever pricing structure.” Tovi laughed. “How’d you know to price things with the extra 75 cents, so people feel it’s ‘only’ three dollars, instead of almost four?”

“My Zaidy,” I said, setting up a small, metal locking box behind the easel. “He knows all about everything, including sales.”

Miri plugged in the hot water urn to the extension cord, and it hummed on. “Wait, Zaidy West doesn’t know why we’re doing this, does he?”

“Of course not! This is a huge surprise!” I bounced on my heels and thought of Zaidy relaxing by the pool in the sunshine, all his concerns floating away with the light breeze.

“What do you mean,‘why’?” Tovi put her purse over her shoulder. “Isn’t Zesty Delights for tzedakah?”

“Yes, in a sense,” I said.

Tovi tilted her head to the side and narrowed her eyes at me.

I folded my arms and flashed Tovi my brightest smile. “Listen, I’ll tell you what it’s for, if you tell us what’s new with Yisroel Stern. My brother says he’s the best chol teacher he’s ever had.”

Tovi took a muffin from the basket. “All I can say is we’re looking into it.” She said the brachah and took a bite. “Delish!”

“Come on, Tovi, that’s all you can say?” I nudged. After all, I was the shadchan here. I had the right to push a bit.

“I can say it sounds like he has very good middos, Liora. So, girls, what’s the money going to be used for?” With her hair back in a neat bun, in her turtleneck and matching skirt, she looked like a real teacher, not just Miri’s big sister who we used to follow around and annoy.

“Well, all I can say is, we’re saving up for a gift for my Zaidy.”

Tovi laughed and took out her car keys. “Really?” She checked her watch.

“Zaidy West has been under a lot of stress, and he forgets things…and sometimes gets a little confused. So, I’m planning a trip for our whole family as a relaxing getaway.”

Tovi leaned in closer to me.“Confused and forgetful?”

“Yeah.” I restacked the napkins, then used one to wipe my palms that suddenly felt all wet, like they get when I don’t know the answer in math class.

Tovi looked away, like she was thinking hard about something, then said, “What kinds of things does he forget?”

“I don’t know…things.”

Tovi nodded, then checked her watch. “Okay. I’ve got to hurry and get to my tutoring job. I’ll check on you girls in about an hour.”

As we watched Tovi drive away, Miri sighed. “This shidduch is taking forever. Have your mother tell Mrs. Dreyfus how smart Tovi is, what an amazing cook, and that one day she’ll be a successful social worker!”

“Look!” A line of about a dozen cars was heading our way. I held out my arms wide and pointed to the big sign we’d attached to the tree: Grand Opening Today! Zesty Delights Emporium! We’d spent a couple of hours coloring in each letter, and Tovi had drawn the most adorable pictures of taffies, lollipops, and cookies all over the sign.

All the cars passed by, except for one grey minivan that made a short, squeaky stop in front of us. A young boy in the front seat waved to us.

Our first customer! We ran over to the car.

“Good morning!” I said to the woman in the drivers’ seat, who was wearing a snood and sunglasses.“We have muffins, candy, drinks… today’s special is…”

“I’m late for school!” The boy yelled. “Got a soda?”

“My father says he’ll be much better once things settle down in Eretz Yisroel.”

Her smile faded. “Your Zaidy’s in his midseventies, right?”

I looked at the back of the car. It was full of kids, and a baby was strapped into a car seat, cheeks red and blotchy. “If you buy two sodas, we’ll sell you three muffins for only three dollars each!” I offered.

Miri ran to the table and came back, hands full of goodies.

“Please, Mommy!” a little blonde girl called from the back seat. “Get something for Rainy so she stops crying!”

The mother fumbled with her wallet, then handed me money. “Fine. I’ll take wo sodas, three muffins, and extra cups, please.”

I skipped over to get the cups, pleased with my sales pitch. Eleven dollars in one shot, that wasn’t bad at all!

“Here you go! And thanks for coming!” Miri called, and they drove off.

Back at the table, we carefully put the money in the lock box.

“It’s already after ten,” Miri huffed. “And all we had was one small sale.”

Four or five minivans drove by, but not even one slowed down.

“Don’t worry, Miri, this is going to be epic!” I made each of us a hot cocoa but saved the whipped cream for our customers. “It’ll get busier when the boys’ schools let out. Everyone’s rushing now.”

Miri zipped up her sweater. “Uh, oh.” She tucked her dark curls behind her ears and frowned at the sky.

I took a sip of cocoa and glanced upward too. In the direction of downtown, a layer of dark clouds had settled over the buildings. The wind blew our pile of floral napkins off the table and all over the grass.

“So, what? What’s a little breeze or drizzle?” I smiled at Miri. “We have this nice tree here.”

A car honked and parked in front of us; I recognized it as the Sherman’s white SUV. Tziri jumped out, followed by our friend Adina, who waved and ran to the table. “Wow, this looks yum!” Adina said.

“I knew you’d come. Thanks, Adina!”

Tziri rose up and down on her toes and pointed to the sour sticks. “I want candy!”

“We’ll take three muffins, one of each type.

And a cocoa for my mother,” said Adina. “Also, a bag of sour sticks.”

As Miri put the muffins in a paper bag, I felt raindrops on my forehead.

Adina pulled her hood over her head. “Yeah, my mother said we have to get home. This storm’s ‘fast moving and furious.’”

“I knew Mrs. Bloch was right!” Miri said.

I glared at Miri, as I reached for a hot cup. It couldn’t rain! Not after all the hours of baking, preparing, and shlepping, and not on opening day. I filled the cup with water and just as I started to pour in the cocoa packet, I heard a loud sizzling sound, and something smelled funny.

“What’s that?” Adina asked.

The sizzling got louder and louder, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw something spark brightly on the grass.

There was a loud Pop-pop! Pop-pop! “Oh no!” Miri yelled.

On the grass a few feet from us, a plume of smoke was rising.

That smell. Something was burning!

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, has recently been published by Menucha Publishers.

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Shavuos

Down:

1. What did the Yidden receive when they said ‘na’aseh venishmah’?

2. What do we decorate the house with on Shavuos?

3. Cheesecake reminds us that the ________ is compared to milk.

6. What caused Elimelech to leave Eretz Yisrael?

8. Who wanted to be known as ‘Maarah’?

10. Which princess married Machlon?

11. What did Hashem offer the nations as a gift which they declined?

14. Where did Rus come from?

17. In what type of place did Hashem give us the Torah?

Across:

4. When Naomi and Rus returned to Eretz Yisrael, what type of grain was being harvested?

5. Which town did Elimelech come from?

7. What Megillah do we read on Shavuos?

9. What was the name of Noami’s wealthy relative in Eretz Yisrael?

12. How many other names does Shavuos have?

13. Who was Machlon’s brother?

15. Who was Elimelech’s wife?

16. What was the name of Rus and Boaz’s baby?

18. Who was the father of Dovid Hamelech?

19. What famous sefer did Dovid Hamelech write?

•

•

Lakewood Vibes News

At the Kehal Presidential Estates shul Lag Baomer Hadlukah in Lakewood-Rav is Rabbi Shlomo Lowy

At the Bar Mitzvah of Sruly Friedman-son of Pinchos of Lakewood

At the Lag Baomer Bar Mitzvah of Yehuda Zev Robinson

At the Bar Mitzvah of Avrohom Kaplovitz

Chanikas Habayis for the new Mikvah Tahare in Ajjaccio, Karsikko Built by Mikva Tahare Worldwide

Submit Your Stories Submit Your Stories

Dear Vibes,

Shavuos is nearly here, which reminds me of this time last year when I lived in a building with lots of children in it. I’m what some people would probably call an “old lady”, and I live on my own, but I really enjoyed hearing the children in the stairwell. I also enjoyed spoiling them with chocolates every now and then. Obviously, I needed a “reason” for this spoiling (uncalled for, and undeserved, sugar is never a good thing), but Baruch Hashem I didn’t have a hard time finding one. The children in my building would always offer to schlep my bags whenever they saw me, and if I didn’t have bags to schlep, then they’d chat with me happily about their day at school instead. In short, I had plenty of reasons to “reward” them.

Not long after Shavuos last year I moved from my “happening” building to a quieter one, with less children, but I am so grateful for the young friends who I met, for their help, and for their kind words that lit up my day.

I hope you can include my letter.

-A Mature Reader

Dear Vibes

This is a letter for your Gratitude column. I don’t live in Lakewood, but I was there recently and saw your publication, and the Gratitude column reminded me of something that happened to me, that others can probably learn a les -

son from. I run a preschool in my building, and about ten years ago, the summer after I started, I was looking at my student list and I realized that I simply didn’t have enough registrants to make it worth my while to open. There are other preschools in my area, so parents had enough places to send their babies and toddlers, but my preschool wasn’t “full”. I’d only started it that year, so I guess word hadn’t gotten out there enough, and I was worried about what would be. But then, from seemingly nowhere, a neighbor who also runs a preschool (for somewhat older kids) suddenly called to tell me that she wasn’t opening the next year, but she had a list of about five mothers who’d called her — and if they agreed for her to share their information with me, would I be interested in receiving it so that those kids could join my preschool. Boy, was I interested! The other mothers — who didn’t know of my preschool — were all thrilled to find out that they still had where to send their kids, even though the other woman was closing. It’s about ten years now since I received that “agency call” and my preschool has really taken off, Baruch Hashem. That phone call, that came at such a difficult time, was a true chessed and a real help.

Thank you for this opportunity to share my story of gratitude. I hope someone can learn something from it.

-T.L.

In Vibes of Gratitude we are proud to showcase acts of chessed in our community. To submit your own story of thanks to anyone from drivers, to grocers to your next door neighbors, please send an email to editor@lakeweoodvibes.com

Wishing you a beautiful Yom Tov!

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To enter a rafffle to Win a Free Ticket to Climb Zone! You must include your Name and Address the winner will be printed in next weeks issue.

Writing Contest Writing Contest

A few years ago, my family went too climb zone on chol hamoad. We were all having fun climbing. Everyone was going too the top of the walls. Which were like 18 ft. Tall. Before i was going on too one of the walls I forgot too attach myself too the thing your meant too attach yourself too. In the middle about 13 ft. High I didn't have anymore patience I jumped down and hurt myself badly! But just remember I usually go all the way too the top. It's hashgacha pratis that I didn't go all the way too the top because it would've been far worse.

Chavi K, 12

Congratulations to our winner!

Last Thursday we had a special Tick Education class. It was very informative and lots of fun. The instructor explained in detail what a tick looks like, where they can come from, and how to try to avoid getting ticks.

They even showed a picture of a tick with a projector on my classroom wall. On Shabbos, my mother found a piece of "dirt" on herself. When she looked closer she noticed the moving legs and was wondering if it could possibly be a tick!

Because I was now the expert, she quickly called me inside for my opinion. I told her it looked exactly like the tick we saw in school. My mother immediately put it away in a safe spot where it wouldn't c"v reach anyone's skin. What Hashgacha pratis that I just learned all about ticks!

Eliyahu P, 7

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

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Connecting the Kosher World:

WHERE BUSINESS + FLAVOR MEET

1) Why did Hashem command Moshe to count the Yidden many times?

2) How did Moshe count the the Yidden?

3) When Moshe counted the Yidden, who helped him?

4) Why was Shevet Levi counted separately?

5) If a Yisroel helped to put up or take down the Mishkon what type of death does he get?

6) How many Shevetim were in each לגד?

7) Why are the children of Ahron called Moshes children?

This week’s questions are until ישימח’ 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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DID YOU KNOW? STORY

The Torah was given in the middle of the desert to show that it doesn’t belong to a specific country or place but to EVERY place!

Hashem wants us to bring Torah to the beach, the mall, or any place where we may go.

There was once a Jew, who after moving into a new town couldn’t stop finding problems with the community, when things seemed like they were only getting worse he decided to go to his Rebbe for a visit. Wearing his best outfit, he walked in and the secretary closed the door. Walking closer to his Rebbe he tries to find the words in order to explain why he came. Before he gets a chance to speak, the Rebbe turns to him and asks, “How are things going in your town?” Since this is exactly what he came to talk about, the Jew started explaining all the various issues in his town. When he finished his explanation the Rebbe looked at him and said, “Perhaps this is why YOU were sent to this town, in order to create a more positive environment and influence the community.”

DELVING DEEPER

BRING IT HOME

What is one way you can bring Torah to the place where you live – your school, shul, or home?

Of all the places in the world, including sparkling lakes, majestic waterfalls, and beautiful beaches, Hashem chose to give the Torah in the middle of the desert! A desert is an empty dry place that belongs to no one. Hashem chose to give the Torah specifically there, so that no individual, group of people, or place could claim that the Torah belongs exclusively to them based on where it was given. By giving the Torah in an ownerless desert, Hashem conveyed that the Torah belongs equally to everyone and should therefore be spread throughout the whole world. After receiving the Torah in the desert, the Jewish people continued to the land of Israel, and eventually around the world, signaling that the mission of a Jew is to bring the teachings of the Torah to whichever place he or she may find themselves in.

Create a mountain for the Har Sinai out of green clay, make sure it fits inside the cover of the container.

Make sure to take out cover insert. Ask an adult to help you superglue & stick the Luchos to each other and then to mountain, stick the whole thing onto the inside of the cover.

Put on the cover (submerging the Har Sinai) and close as tight as you can.

Create two equally sized rectangles as the Luchos from the blue clay, making sure they are proportionate to the Har Sinai.

Pour your desired amount of glitter into the container and then pour inside some glycerin. About 2-3 tsp. Mix well.

Turn over, shake, and enjoy!!

Using a tooth pick, etch into the Luchos some of the Aleph-Beis

Pour water into the container until it is almost full to the top.

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

FLOWERS for SHAVUOS

Shavuos is upon us. It’s the day that Hashem gave us the Torah and the day that the Jewish people were born as a nation. That makes it our national birthday! Obviously, we don’t celebrate Shavuos with balloons and party hats, but many of us do celebrate it by placing flowers on our yom tov tables, or by putting plants around the house. Shuls, too, are often decorated in greenery. The flower arrangements, potted shrubs, and hanging branches all add to the joy and excitement of our yom tov.

Of course, there’s a historic angle to the minhag of dressing up our yom tov with greenery and flowers, and that’s the gorgeous coat of flowers that Hashem Himself bedecked Har Sinai with. This came after the mountain so humbly stayed out of the fight between the mountains who all thought that the Torah ought to be given on them. Humble Har Sinai, located in Midbar Sinai (Sinai Desert), is in an area which many of us might think has nothing that grows in it ( except desert cactus plants, of course). But that’s not true. A variety of living things grow in the Sinai Desert.

Today, along with other flowers from around the world, we’ll explore some of the amazing plants that have thrived in the Sinai Desert for thousands of years.

ACACIA TREES

One of the most well-known plants in the Sinai Desert is the acacia tree. These plants are even written about in the Torah. Known as “Atzei Shittim,” the acacia tree is durable and resistant to decay. It can live through extreme heat during the day and cold nights, which is possibly why it was used so much in the setup of the Mishkan. The walls of the Mishkan, and part of the aron and the mizbeach, are made up of atzei shittim.

The acacia tree is important because it provides shade and a home for many desert animals. It has deep roots that prevent the desert sand from moving around too much. Also, once chopped, it has many uses: its wood is strong and great for making furniture, its gum is used in foods and medicines, and its leaves and pods can feed animals.

According to the midrash, Yaakov Avinu foresaw, through nevua, the need for this wood and instructed his sons to plant the acacia trees in Mitzrayim. When bnei Yisroel finally left Mitzrayim 210 years later, they took the trees with them for the construction of the Mishkan.

THE SINAI ROSE

Next, let’s talk about a very special plant called the Sinai Rose, also known as the “desert rose.” By storing water in its roots, this plant can survive in super-hot, dry conditions. Despite harsh desert conditions, this beautiful flower blooms in vibrant pink and red colors in the springtime. In fact, local artists use the Sinai Rose as inspiration in their paintings because of its stunning beauty against the stark backdrop of the desert. What’s truly amazing about the Sinai Rose is how it manages to look so pretty while growing in such a tough place. This is symbolic of the Jewish people, who over the centuries, often lived through tough circumstances and in tough places. Yet still, they managed to grow and shteig into beautiful roses!

The Torah references the rose as well. The Midrash Tanchuma says that just as a rose has a sweet smell and a beautiful appearance, so too, the Yidden are special because they do mitzvos and study the Torah. This is why Hashem especially loves them!

THE TAMARISK TREE

Tamarisk trees are another group of tough plants you can find in the Sinai Desert. They are special because they can handle salty soil that would kill most other plants. They also have a unique ability to remove salt from the ground and store it in their leaves, which helps the plants around grow better. Tamarisks help keep the soil healthy and protect the smaller plants around them by blocking some of the sun and wind. In ancient times, people used the leaves of the Tamarisk tree to treat wounds and illnesses.

In the Torah, Avraham Avinu planted a tamarisk tree (the eshel) in Eretz Yisroel, in the hot, Be’er Sheva desert. Rashi explains that the eshel provided shade and that Avraham used it to offer hospitality to travelers. He would also teach his guests about Hashem, encouraging them to recognize and thank Him by saying brachos on the food and drink that he offered them.

DESERT GRASSES

Even some types of grass manage to grow in the Sinai Desert. These aren’t like the grass you might see in a park; they are super resilient and grow in patches. Desert grasses are very important because they help hold the soil together and provide food for some desert creatures.

There’s an interesting survival story related to the desert grasses of Sinai. A group of explorers once ran out of water and were desperately searching for a source. They noticed some unusually green patches of grass and dug beneath them, hoping to find some water. To their amazement and great relief, they uncovered a hidden underground well, which the grass had cleverly marked. The grasses’ deep root systems had tapped into this hidden water source, and by following these green clues the explorers were able to find life-saving water.

How do these plants survive?

You might be wondering how plants manage to survive in the desert where it is so hot and dry. Well, they have some cool tricks! For example, many desert plants have deep roots that can find water deep underground. Some plants have leaves that can store water, and others have small, or no, leaves to reduce water loss.

The plants in the Sinai Desert are not just survivors; they play an important role in the desert ecosystem (a natural habitat where plants and animals live and interact). They provide food and shelter for animals, help stabilize the sand dunes, and some can even be used by people for medicine or food!

From Sinai to the rest of the world…

Now let’s move on to the amazing world of cool plants and flowers in other parts of the globe.

Have you ever walked through a garden or forest and been amazed at the different kinds of plants and flowers? Hashem has created a world full of awesome plants that are not only pretty but also have unique stories, origins, and uses.

DANCING PLANT: The Telegraph Plant

Origin: Southeast Asia

Interesting Facts:

Where it’s Found: India, Bangladesh, China, and Thailand

The Dancing Plant, or “Codariocalyx motorius,” is known for its special ability to move its leaves very quickly. The small leaves move up and down, especially in reaction to sunlight or sound, giving the appearance that it’s “dancing.” Its movements are so fascinating that many scientists have studied this plant’s behavior. What they’ve learned is that the reason it moves its leaves quickly is to help it survive. The movements help the plant get more sunlight, which it needs to make food through a process called photosynthesis. Also, some scientists think the plant might move in response to sound, to protect itself from predators or to attract pollinators.

Uses:

Historically, the dancing plant has been used in Chinese medicine to treat many ailments, including malaria and hepatitis.

WELWITSCHIA MIRABILIS: The Long-Lived Plant

Origin:

Namib Desert, Namibia, and Angola, Africa

Interesting Facts:

Where it’s Found: Namib Desert, Africa

The Welwitschia Mirabilis is a weird plant that looks like a tangled mess of leaves. It’s amazing because it can live for over a thousand years! This desert plant has only two leaves that grow continuously throughout its life. The oldest Welwitschia mirabilis plants are found in the Welwitschia Plains near Swakopmund, Namibia, and are around 1,500 to 2,000 years old. That means that when the oldest Welwitschia plants started growing, the Yidden were just rebuilding after the churban of the second Beis Hamikdash!

Uses:

It adapts to survive harsh desert conditions, making it a symbol of endurance and resilience.

RAFFLESIA ARNOLDII: The Corpse Flower

Origin: Rainforests of Indonesia

Interesting Facts:

Where it’s Found: Sumatra and Borneo

The Rafflesia Arnoldii is famous for being the world’s largest flower. It can grow up to 3 feet in diameter and weigh up to 15 pounds! Despite its humongous size, it is known as the “corpse flower” because it sends out a really bad smell, similar to rotting flesh. This smell attracts flies, which helps in pollination.

Okay, so that’s interesting but please remind me never to go near that flower!

BUTTERFLY PEA: The Color-Changing Flower

Origin: Tropical Asia

Where it’s Found:

Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines

Interesting Facts:

The Butterfly Pea is known for its bright blue flowers that change color from blue to purple or pink when exposed to acidic substances like lemon juice. This, almost magical, transformation has made it popular in the food and drink business.

Uses:

The flowers are used to make tea and natural food coloring.

GHOST ORCHID: The Hidden Beauty

Origin:

Swamps of Florida, Cuba, and the Caribbean

Interesting Facts:

Where it’s Found: Florida, Cuba, and the Caribbean islands

The Ghost Orchid is named for its eerie, white flowers that seem to float in the air, as they don’t have leaves and a stem. This rare orchid is hard to find and even harder to grow outside its natural habitat.

Uses:

Due to its rarity and beauty, this plant is highly treasured by orchid lovers and protected by law.

Photo via lazypenguins.com

BAT FLOWER: The Spooky Blossom

Origin: Southeast Asia

Interesting Facts:

Where it’s Found: Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China

The Bat Flower, or “Tacca chantrieri,” gets its name from its dark, bat-shaped bracts — flower-like leaf inlays. These creepy blossoms can grow up to a foot long and are accompanied by long, whisker-like leaves that help protect the bracts.

Uses:

The Bat Flower is primarily grown for its different and interesting appearance. Though, why someone would want such a spooky-looking plant is anyone’s guess!

BLEEDING HEART: The Heart-Shaped Flower

Origin: Asia

Where it’s Found: Japan, China, and Siberia

Interesting Facts:

The Bleeding Heart plant gets its name from its heart-shaped flowers that appear to “bleed”, thanks to small drops at the bottom. These delicate pink and white flowers bloom in the spring and are a favorite among gardeners.

Uses:

They are mainly grown for their ability to enhance any garden with their beautiful looks.

In conclusion:

The Sinai Desert might look empty at first glance, but it’s actually full of life. The plants that grow there are not only survivors but heroes that support their ecosystem in many ways. Contrary to what you might have learned, the desert is a place where life flourishes, it doesn’t only survive there!

In addition to the resilient plants of the Sinai Desert, there are many other amazing plants and flowers around the world. Each plant, whether it’s the hardy acacia tree of the desert or the Bleeding Heart flower of Asia, tells a story of survival and resilience. Each plant has its own place in Hashem’s world, whether it is medicinal, attracting bees and other pollinators, or simply its stunning beauty. The exoticness of the plants remind us of the incredible diversity of life on Earth.

The plants are also great metaphors for us, Am Yisroel, who have survived so beautifully and incredibly for thousands of years, often under very difficult circumstances. So next time you see an exotic-looking plant or flower, take a moment to appreciate Hashem’s amazing world and realize that He made it all just for incredible YOU!

Gardening

The Dromedary Camel has only one brother within the camel family: The Bactrian camel (main difference: the latter has 2 humps; the dromedary - 1).

Not for naught are they named: “the ship of the desert”. Hashem created them with the full capacity to survive the harsh, arid climate: wide foot soles (6-7 inches) to avoid sinking into the soft desert sand; double layer eyebrows, hair in their ear and closed nostrils to protect from sandstorms; tolerate zero fluid intake; and more.

Dromedary Camel

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The dromedary camel is easily recognized by his long, curved neck and large hump on his back. They also have very long hair in 3 areas: neck, shoulder and hump.

Although the majority are light brown, the colors can range from black until almost white (picture top left). They wander around in groups, usually counting 20, led by an elderly male whom everybody obeys. The mother camel will have one baby every 3 years. At one day old they can already stand on their feet and run around. The baby will stay with its mother for a few years and then become independent.

Many times the grown up camels fight between themselves. Usually they will bite the neck or hump, and attempt to shove their opponent down to the ground. The young camels imitate this and play pretend fight to practice for the future. They are prevalently used by humans (especially Bedouins) for their milk, ridden on, package transport, meat, transportation and even leather and wool.

The dromedary camel survives almost exclusively on vegetation: leaves, grass and twigs. Many of them are ridden with thorns and salty. Hashem specifically created them with tough thick lips to protect them, and they use the lips to draw in the food. After taking a bite, they will chew it 40-50 times!

They usually eat during the day for 8-10 hours, and for the identical duration they will chew their cud. Their stomach is comprised of 3 chambers where the food is digested. Living in the desert, where water sources are scarce, what does the camel do?

Hashem also intrinsically prepared them for this: 1. when they come across a water source they can drink between 2 and 5 gallons per minute, totaling 30-40 gallons at a time! 2. They can survive several months without hydration (their hump, which can store up to 80 lbs.(!) of fat, is converted to water and energy). 3. They can lower their body temperature, so as not to lose excess heat. 4. They can lose 30-40% body fluid and still survive. By most animals, a 15% decrease is fatal! Ma rabu masechu Hashem!

1. Several dromedary camels fighting with each other.

2. A large group of dromedary camels in a marathon; the identifying numbers on them are visible.

3. A herd of dromedary camels being raised in a special camel farm.

4. A dromedary camel galloping in the hot desert.

5. A dromedary camel, wearing a heavy saddle, ready to carry people on his back. See the sand hills in the background.

6. 2 dromedary camels relaxing in the desert.

TIDBITS

Habitat: parts of Africa, Asia and Australia

Weight: male 880-1320 lbs; female 660-1190

Length: 7-11 ft.

Height: male 5.9-6.6 ft; female 5.6-6.2

Offspring: 1 baby every 3 years

Food: leaves, grass and thorny twigs

Predators: wolves and lions (in the past, when many where found in Asia, also tigers)

Lifespan: up to 40 years in the wild; zoo 50

Population: approximately 16,000,000

רעשעלפ ןיא רעדניק

עיצאַדיווקיל :33 לטיפּאַק

ןעמונעגמוראָ ןטאָדלאָס ןבאָה טנייה"

רעניירקואָ – 'טאָרנדוי' םענופ עדייבעג יד

ןריסרוק ןעגנאָלק .ןטאָדלאָס רעניווטיל ןואָ םענופ לייט טריטסעראָ ןיוש טאָה ןעמ זאָ ןראָוועג ןסאָשעג

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Breathing: The Power Within

CHUMY KLEIN

Too often, we take aspects of our life for granted and fail to tap into their uniqueness and power.

In skincare this might translate into focusing on external remedies, while overlooking the transformative power of a gift that we already have: our breath. The way we breathe deeply influences the radiance and health of our skin. There’s a seamless connection between breathing and skin vitality which we will unravel now.

Efficient breathing ensures a steady flow of oxygen to skin cells, promoting circulation, cell regeneration, and toxin elimination. Additionally, deep breathing acts as a stress-reliever, reducing cortisol levels and fostering a harmonious, glowing complexion. Deep breathing also turbocharges cellular metabolism, infusing cells with vital oxygen. The dynamic process of breathing deeply rejuvenates skin, refining its texture, tone, and resilience while purging impurities for a revitalized appearance.

And there’s more. Deep breathing jumpstarts lymphatic circulation, aiding in toxin removal and reducing fluid retention. This gentle detox process unveils clearer, more radiant skin by banishing puffiness and dullness.

People who suffer from lung issues often have sallow skin due to lack of oxygen. Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or asthma, can restrict airflow, leading to reduced oxygenation of the skin which can result in a dull, pale, or yellowish complexion. All of this highlights the critical role that adequate breathing plays in maintaining skin health and vitality.

How can you increase your oxygen levels?

By embracing mindful breathing, yoga, or meditation as a daily ritual to cultivate relaxation and to fortify skin health. Quick breathing breaks throughout the day provide bursts of stress relief, enhancing skin’s natural vibrancy.

Harnessing the power of proper breathing will unlock your skin’s luminous potential. By infusing your days with mindful breaths and gentle practices, you retain the power to nourish your skin from within, unveiling its inherent beauty and vitality.

Remember, true radiance begins with a deep breath.

רעכיבּ שידיא

Maple Garlic Salmon

Light, delicious, always a favorite...

directions ingredients

6 slices of salmon

6 frozen cubes of garlic

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon oil salt & pepper to taste

Place washed salmon into gallon Ziploc bag.

Mix all marinade ingredients and pour onto salmon. 2. Let marinade in fridge for minimum 1 hour.

Place salmon onto parchment lined cookie sheet.

Sprinkle with salt & pepper

Bake in preheated to 400 degree oven for 18 minutes

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Cheesy Cauliflower Rice Balls

ingredients

2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided)

4 cups Cauliflower Rice

1 tsp Sea Salt (divided)

2 tsps Italian Seasoning

4 oz shredded Cheddar Cheese

2 Egg Yolks

2/3 cup Almond Flour

1 cup Marinara Sauce (warm)

1.

directions

Preheat the oven to 390ºF (200ºC). Grease a baking sheet.

3.

2. Remove the cauliflower from the heat and add the Italian seasoning and cheese.

4.

Heat half of the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and half of the salt. Cook for five to seven minutes.

Mix well to distribute the cheese. Set aside to cool slightly before mixing in the egg yolk.

Add the almond flour to a plate. Using your fingers, mix the remaining salt and oil through the almond flour.

5. Use a two-inch cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop the cauliflower rice. Gently form it into a ball and roll it through the almond flour mixture, being sure to coat it well.

6. Put the balls on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. 7.

Serve the balls with the marinara sauce and enjoy!

THE HAMPTONS LATTICE OVERLAY

FREE Z ER FRI E NDLY

Peanut Butter Tart

CRUST:

2 cups flour

¾ tsp. baking powder

1 ½ sticks butter, softened

1 ¼ cup brown sugar

¾ cup ground almonds

1 egg

FILLING:

1 Bakers Choice

Sweetened Milk Cream

⅓ cup peanut butter

½ cup Bakers Choice

Dairy Chocolate Chips

⅓ cup chopped

peanuts

DIRECTIONS:

CRUST: In a large bowl, whisk together flour & baking powder. Add softened butter, sugar, and ground almonds and combine until crumbly. Set aside one cup. Add the egg into the remaining crumbs and mix until well combined. Press the crumbs firmly into a lined 9-inch round baking pan or springform pan. Bake the crust at 350°F for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

FILLING: In a seperate bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk with peanut butter until smooth. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the batter for garnish. Spread the remaining batter evenly over the crust.

Combine dairy chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, and the reserved cup of crumb mixture. Sprinkle topping over the peanut butter layer and gently press down. Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown.

GARNISH: Drizzle the reserved peanut butter mixture over the cooled tart.

COMING NEXT WEEK: WHITE CHOCOLATE CHECKERBOARD BARS

White Chocolate Checkerboard Bars

CAKE:

¾ stick butter, softened

1 cup sugar

5 oz. cream cheese bar, softened 3 eggs

½ cup Bakers Choice White Chocolate Cream

1 cup flour

¾ tsp. baking powder pinch of salt

1 Tbsp. cocoa

TOPPING:

½ cup Bakers Choice

White Chocolate Cream, plus 2 Tbsp for drizzling

½ cup Bakers Choice Vanilla Crunchies

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and white chocolate cream and beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the cream cheese batter and beat until combined. Transfer half of the batter into another bowl. Stir cocoa powder into one half of the batter until thoroughly mixed.

Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Using a spoon, alternate dropping spoonfuls of the white and chocolate batter onto the pan in a checkerboard pattern. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool.

GARNISH: Spread a layer of white chocolate cream over the cake. Sprinkle with vanilla crunchies and drizzle the remaining white chocolate cream on top. Cut into rectangle bars.

WISHING YOU A

FOR THOSE WHO TAKE THEIR COFFEE SERIOUSLY

HOUSE BLEND

FRENCH ROAST

BREAKFAST BLEND

CARAMEL

CINNAMON DOLCE | MOCHA | VANILLA | HAZELNUT

Senior Gedolei Yisrael to Address Klal Yisrael at Historic “Kabbolas Shabbos” Gathering at The Prudential Center this Sunday

Now is the Time to Bring the Bracha and Shemirah of Hilchos Shabbos into Your Home!

If you want to engage in hatzalas nefashos, saving lives, not just the lives of others but your own spiritual life, you should be at the Prudential Arena this Sunday, 3 Sivan/June 9, for Dirshu’s Kinnus Olam HaTorah. It is there that Klal Yisrael will collectively be mekabel Shabbos by undertaking to start learning hilchos Shabbos in Dirshu’s daily Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program.

The greatest zechus that a person can have to bring with him to the upcoming Yom Tov of Kabbolas HaTorah when we are all seeking ways to strengthen our bond with Torah and with Hashem, is Kabbolas Shabbos!

The Sephardic Torah giant, HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen, zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Porat Yosef said, “Shabbos is more important than anything else! If one doesn’t learn hilchos Shabbos, he can transgress d’Oraisahs - Torah mandated prohibitions. Learning hilchos Shabbos is literally hatzalas nefashos.”

The spectacular Kinnus Olam HaTorah promises to be a maamad, a tremendous maamad of chizuk, kabbolas ol malchus shomayim and kabbolas ol haTorah

Leading Gedolei Yisrael from both Eretz Yisrael and America will address the event live and via video, giving over the daas Torah and guidance as to how we should conduct ourselves during these difficult times. They will tell us what the call of the hour is, and what every Yid can do to invoke rachamei shomayim

The massive Prudential Center will not only be open for men but for women as well. After all, Kabbolas Shabbos is a family affair, and behind every home where the men and the bachurim are learning hilchos Shabbos, there is a wife and mother serving as the backbone on the home front, ensuring their success and cheering them on.

The Kabbolas Shabbos maamad of chizuk at the Prudential Center will feature a combination of live and video addresses exclusively for the maamad featuring luminaries such as the venerated Roshei Yeshiva of the Slabodka Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, shlita, and HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, shlita

The participants will be able to daven together with the gaon, tzaddik and mekubal, HaRav Shimon Galei, shlita and will be there in the room with him as he inspires us to new heights in advance of Kabbolas HaTorah. We will be able to prepare for Shavuos with a powerful, practical message and guidance from HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Sorotzkin, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of the Lakewood Mesivta and Telshe, who will stand at the podium and convey the “Call of the Hour” to Klal Yisrael. We will be inspired by messages from the great American Rabbanim and Poskim, HaGaon HaRav Hillel David, shlita, Rav of Kehillas Yeshiva Shaarei Torah, Yoshev Rosh of the Vaad Roshei Yeshiva of Torah Umesorah, and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel, HaGaon HaRav Reuven Feinstein, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva of Staten Island, HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Miller, shlita, Rosh Kollel of the Kollel Avreichim of Toronto and Av Beis Din of the Beis Horaah of Lakewood and HaGaon HaRav Yechiel Mechel Steinmetz, shlita, senior Skverer Dayan.

By: Chaim Gold

ultimate objective of this historic gathering. To follow and heed the call of the Gedolei Yisrael who represent the entire spectrum of Torah Jewry to encourage and ensure that every observant Jew, whether he is a ben yeshiva or kollel yungerman, a businessman or professional, should undertake to learn hilchos Shabbos. What better opportunity than right now, Erev Shavuos when the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program begins Chelek Gimmel of Mishnah Berurah with the start of hilchos Shabbos while simultaneously, Dirshu’s popular, new Amud HaYomi program is in the middle of Masechta Shabbos?!

Shabbos is the source of all bracha. When we keep Shabbos properly and arouse awareness of the myriad halachos that we encounter every single Shabbos, we are empowered to be careful not to transgress melachos d’oraysah and d’rabbanan, Torah mandated commandments and Rabbinic mandated prohibitions. In this way, we can bring bracha and shemira not only to our own families but to the entire Klal Yisrael!

Those who attend this historic gathering led by the Gedolei Hador, the einei ha’eidah, will never be the same! You will come out a Shabbos Yid, a Yid who wants to truly bring the bracha of Shabbos into your home and the shemira of Shabbos to all of Klal Yisrael.

Yidden of All Types… On the “Same Page”!

100 years ago, when the great gaon and tzaddik, Rav Meir Shapiro proposed the concept of learning a Daf Yomi of Gemara, he gave a transformative speech that echoes until this very day. In that famed speech, Rav Meir Shapiro explained how Klal Yisrael would benefit from individuals learning the same daf world over each day, “When Yankel the businessman from Warsaw will meet his friend Moshe from Krakow at the annual yerid, the business show in Leipzig, what will they talk about? They will talk about the same daf of Gemara that they learned that morning. They will be on the ‘same page’.”

Similarly, it is amazing to see how today, Jews who meet one another – be it in shul, on the street or even waiting at a bus stop – stop to discuss a difficult halacha in the Mishnah Berurah from that day’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha, or a fascinating practical psak halacha issued by HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l, HaGaon HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l, or HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Wosner, zt”l, that they saw in the incredible Biurim U’Musafim section of Dirshu’s edition of the Mishnah Berurah Avreichim, bochurim, baalei batim throughout the world all find a common language in the daily Daf HaYomi B’Halacha.

The powerful addresses of the Gedolei Eretz Yisrael, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of the Chevron Yeshiva, the Sanzer Rebbe, shlita, and HaGaon HaRav Avraham Salim, Nasi of the Shas Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, will certainly move and inspire the listeners to bring the true bracha and shemira of Shabbos into their homes.

In addition, we will be treated to hear from Gedolim closer to home, powerful and inspirational Rabbanim such as HaRav Shimon Spitzer, shlita, HaRav Dovid Ozeri, shlita, Rav of the Yad Yosef Torah Center, HaRav Zev Smith, Maggid Shiur for Dirshu and Irgun Shiurei Torah, and Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita, Nasi Dirshu.

The uplifting, moving music and heartfelt singing by the renowned mezamrim, R’ Zanvil Weinberger, R’ Hershel Weinberger, R’ Baruch Levine, R’ Naftali Kempeh, accompanied by the Shirah Choir and Frelich Orchestra are sure to strengthen the message of the bracha of Shabbos.

Creating a “Shabbos Yid”!

Most important, however, is the

The Key to Shemira is Shabbos! And the Key is in Our Hands! In advance of the previous machzor of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha when the program began learning hilchos Shabbos, the venerated Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, zt”l, was asked to give over a message. He said, “It is well known that from a lack of knowledge of hilchos Shabbos, a person can transgress Torah mandated prohibitions. It is so important to learn Mishnah Berurah daily! Learning Mishnah Berurah daily is mamesh hatzolas nefashos!”

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe, shlita, of Bnei Brak has been enthusiastically encouraging everyone to begin hilchos Shabbos this Erev Shavuos. He said, “Chazal teach us that he who learns halachos every day is assured a place in Olam Habaah. When it says ‘every day,’ Chazal didn’t intend it to just mean every day, rather they meant it to include ‘the entire day.’ When a person learns halacha every day,” the Rebbe exclaimed, “his entire day is different! Certainly, when a person’s every action on Shabbos is controlled by halacha, his entire Shabbos is different!”

Klal Yisrael so desperately needs shemira today and the key to that shemira is Shabbos! It is in our hands! That is what the Gedolei Yisrael, Rav Dov Landau and Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, taught us. That is what the Vizhnitzer Rebbe and Rav Reuven Elbaz taught us. Now, all we have to do is be mekabel Shabbos! Let us all come together at the Prudential Center this Sunday night, just two days before Shavuos and let us, k’ish echad b’lev echad, be mekabel Shabbos! For last-minute reservations, please contact: 929-522-1121 or visit DirshuSiyum. org

Seriously, you know there’s no such thing.

BUT IF YOU’RE DETERMINED AND SERIOUS TO GET RID OF THOSE, UH, HANDLES, SLENDR WILL WORK AS HARD AS YOU TO MAKE SURE YOU REACH YOUR GOAL.

At Paragon Flooring, we know quality – and quality knows us. Tiffany & Co. entrusted us with the flooring in their flagship boutique in Manhattan. (And so did Louis Vuitton.) Our extraordinary attention to detail and outstanding customer service are the reasons our clients are constantly referring new clients to us. Regardless of budget, every client gets the personalized luxury shopping experience they deserve.

Now that’s white-glove service.

Sales and Installation of Hardwood, Vinyl, Carpet, Rubber, and Cork Many carpet remnants in stock!

Repair and refinishing services available

Want a professional’s opinion?

Schedule a free consultation with our in-house interior designer to select your flooring.

Servicing NY, NJ, CT, and PA

Gift certificates available

848.290.0863

info@paragonflooringnj.com paragonflooringnj.com

2275 West County Line Road, Jackson

S 9:30 - 5:00 M - T 9:30 - 6:00 F 9:30 -1:00

Formerly Zenger Flooring

Seasonal Aergies

GET RID OF SEASONAL ALLERGIES AND ITS SYMPTOMS FROM THE SOURCE

Wear a special gem combination that targets the emotional and physical cause of seasonal allergies.

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

Orders must be placed by June 5th

STARTERS

RYDER FRIES 60

TRUFFLE FRIES 50

EGGPLANT PARM SLIDERS 48

MUSHROOM RISOTTO 59

MOZZARELLA WEDGES 50

CHEESE STROMBOLI 47

WRAPS

Minimum order 10 wraps. Please choose from the following options:

BLACKENED SALMON WRAP

GRILLED VEGETABLE

BALSAMIC WRAP

FISH & CHIPS WRAP

EGGPLANT WRAP

CAESAR SALAD WRAP

TUNA SALAD WRAP

CAPRESE WRAP

115/platter

SALADS

CRISPY EGGPLANT 59

GREEK QUINOA 62

THE BEET 62

SIMPLY CAESAR 51

ISRAELI CHOP 62

CRISPY SWEET 64

POTATO SALAD

SUGO CHOP 54

PASTA

PESTO ALFREDO 62

PENNE ALA VODKA 54

FETTUCCINE ALFREDO 54

ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI 62

TRUFFLE MUSHROOM 67 RAVIOLI

BAKED ZITI 54

EGGPLANT PARMESAN 62

CRISPY MAC & CHEESE 54

Minimum order 6 pieces. FRIED BRANZINO 17/piece BRANZINO 22/piece

SALMON 19/piece

TUNA CRUDO 22/piece

SIDES

HAND CUT FRENCH FRIES 42

GARLIC KNOTS 40

MASHED POTATOES 42

WILD MUSHROOMS 42

DESSERT

CIAMBELLO SUGO 62

CINNAMON SUGAR 54 ZEPPOLES

FRESH SEASONAL 49 FRUIT PLATTER

INGREDIENTS

3 containers Israeli cream cheese ( gevina levana 750 grams)

1 1/2 cups of sugar

6 tsp vanilla pudding mix

1 8oz container of dairy whip

2 packages of tea biscuits

YUMMY ISRAELI CHEESECAKE

DIRECTIONS

Mix together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla pudding

Whip up the whip cream and fold into mixture

Put a layer of tea biscuits in the bottom of a 9*13 pan

Pour a third of the cheese mixture on top

Add another 2 layers of biscuits and cheese mixture

Top with any topping of your choice

Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving

Lasagna

INGREDIENTS

12 lasagna noodles

2 cans of tomato sauce

4 Tbls of brown sugar

Garlic, salt, pepper and

oregano to taste

1 container of cottage cheese

Shredded mozzarella

cheese

PROCEDURE

Soak lasagna noodles in water

Mix together in a bowl: tomato sauce, brown sugar and spices

Put a layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9*13 pan

Put lasagna noodles on top and then a spoonful of cottage cheese, tomato sauce and shredded cheese

Continue layering until you have 4 layers, ending with shredded cheese

Bake at 350° for about an hour

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

Bebe kangaroo A Baby layette shop in Jackson. NJ is looking to Hire. Full/ part time position, Tech savvy, Organized, Reliable, People’s person Ready to start immediately. Sundays are a must

If this is you, or someone you know please reach out to us at: 718-5305899

Merchandise For Sale

Exclusive Designer Womans Gown

Beautiful, beaded, Omb re gown for sale size 10-12. Great price please call 718-473-7389

Affordable Women’s Clothing Boutique for

Simchas, & Shabbos:

One-of-a-kind, handpicked selection of dressy clothing for older teens and fashionable women sizes xs-xl. We carry both new and preloved items, and a cool selection of higher-end/designer items. Shabbos dresses aprox. range btwn: $50-$100 Evening & Simcha-wear aprox. range btwn: $100$225

Call for hrs & appointments: 848-243-0019

152 Pressburg Ln, Lakewood cash/check accepted

Cotton ribbed baby stretchies for sale! Only $10-$20! CALL 732806-0294 (Largest selection for babies 3 and 6 months old .)

Beautiful lavender exquisite gown size 8 very tall worn once selling for 225 or rent for 100 text 848-299-7537

Beautiful mauve mother/sister of the bride gown size 10 selling for 300 or rent for 125 text 848-299-7537

Beautiful white exquisite gown size 44 very flattering fit selling for 250 or rent for 100 text 848-299-7537

Selling used canon dslr camera. perfect for a beginner photographer. $330 or best offer. call/text 848-223-2775

Luxurious Custom Paintings! Call/text/WhatsApp 848-299-1887 to order yours or for more info.

Brand new dining room table.

WhatsApp/text: 845445-8648 for details.

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

ADORABLE CUSTOM IVORY KIDS GOWNS, Sizes 2-16. Great price. 848-245-4401.

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 732-664-2913 or email gmalky123@ gmail.com for pictures.

LG Classics for sale great price call-848240-1786 leave message

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

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

Selling 2 cream mummy moon sim ha dresses size 12 and size 6 - 718578-1996

Looking to sell a gorgeous Bar Chorin kids gown- white with colored embroidered flowers-size 4. Great price. Call/text 646-300-3764

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 7735039132

Classy ivory gown for sale for sister of the bride. sheer high neck and stunning appliqué Worn once size 4/6 Semi custom by silhouette Call or text: 732-675-8551

Selling seat fabric replacement for Bugaboo Bee 6 color GREY, 917609-3507

Selling black Cybex stroller in great condition. please contact 917609-3507

You can now get all your cricut supplies locally. Tools, mats, transfer tape and many shades and styles of cricut paper. Buy by the page! Also cricutable gift items at great prices. Call/ text 347-729-5448

Weight loss products: Amazing weight loss product will help you look good and feel good! The results speak for itself, safe and healthy. Call Esty Meyer 732-806-0895.

Grey velvet look (microfiber) washable couch. less than a year old. Great condition. selling for $1200 paid $2k. pls txt 347-790-7185

Consign and sell with us your high-end/designer/ simcha-wear attire: Local simcha-wear boutique is now accepting new/gently worn highend dressy womens

CLASSIFIEDS

attire for vorts, sheva brachos, bar mitzvahs and simchas (excluding gowns) we also accept dressy maternity attire please note items must be fully cleaned and in premium condition to consign call us to consign: 848243-0019

Speaker for sale!

A used doss Boombox speaker in great condition- with a strap!

Only $90-originally $130! Text only 732 814 6546

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

Used computers for sale. Touch/non touch screens, $75 to $150 please call or text 732232-8372

NAVY GOWN

Size 12, BRAND NEW- NEVER WORN, Exquisite Text or WhatsApp only 917 204 4385 please do not call.

Beautiful White Girls

Gowns

Size 6-7-8 917 204 4385 Text or WhatsApp only Please do not call

Van/Car For Sale

2017 Lincoln mkz hybrid 112,000 miles fully loaded leather $10,600 text 646342-5457

Services

Experienced and professional seamstress

available for all your alteration needs. Call/text 848-525-6619

Music Lessons

Professional Music

Lessons by Mr Wertzberger now for just $10 per week, limited time special. Tel: 718-435-1923

EZ ride transport: Airports, nyc, upstate, Luxury suv, Reasonable prices, Call/text 848-251-4736

Lost and Found

Lost

Lost large sum of money in bank envelope in Ocean County Park about 2 weeks ago avrohom 732.330.4964

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: 347-4862994 or 347-633-6329

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 732-7023352.

Zichron Naftali jewish dvd gemach for challenging times. Men/ women/kid dvds -2week, provide dvd player. 917628-1785

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 3702572 to reserve

New tznius hospital gown gemach in Oak and Vine. At no cost. Please call: 347-4862994 or 347-633-6329

Speaker System for Small Events (with mic) 7320-510-3917 call/text Jackson, Bates Area

Gemach Zichron Feige

Stunning childrens gowns- matching collection from sizes 9 months untill size 18 for appt call 908-4610058

If you have up-to-date, beautiful childrens gowns in all sizes you’d like to donate to our gemach please call 908461-0058

Gemach zichron Gittel ladies gown gemach. Beautiful gowns size 0-20 (732) 908-8263

Free Giveaway

Brand new bumper for a Toyota Camry 20022004, no fog lights please text 908-9438537

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 201-2412875

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

Buy Israeli Real Estate Now?

Hadassah Bay

With rising antisemitism, many Jews across the world are considering where they can live an open and proud Jewish Life. The result has been a surge in the numbers of people considering Aliyah or purchasing a home in Israel.

Menachem Gindi, a Israeli residential developer states, “We are definitely seeing that buyers are making not only a financial decision when they buy property here, but clearly also an emotional one. It is a statement, an identity; and our natural response is, ‘Welcome home!’”

The Jewish Agency estimates that one million immigrants will come to Israel the over the next two years.

With a strong dollar and a weakening shekel, is now the time to buy?

According to Jerusalem-based real estate attorney Yaakov Epstein, housing prices will skyrocket in the next year or two. This forecast, which is echoed by Israel’s top economists, indicates a clear window of opportunity at this time for excellent deals on apartments all over Israel. “Market and geopolitical conditions have converged to make this point in time especially advantageous for both first-time buyers and investors,” Epstein said.

Since October 7, Israel has not allowed the entry of Palestinian construction workers to Israeli cities, leading to a crisis in the construction industry. Raul Srugo, president of the Israel Builders Association, noted that countrywide, 45% of construction sites are paralyzed, and active sites are working at just 30% capacity.

And while the government has talked repeatedly about importing 50,000 to 100,000 foreign workers to cover the shortfall in construc-

tion, agriculture and services, that decision has not yet panned out.

Every month with construction at a near standstill means a steadily dwindling supply of housing units. Meanwhile, the embargo from Turkey, once a chief supplier of steel and cement, forces contractors to purchase these basic building materials elsewhere, thus making construction more expensive.

“Even if you buy an apartment that won’t be ready for a few years, you’ll have locked in a price and won’t be hit by the upcoming price hike,” Epstein explained.

To help American buyers, Gidon Katz has created an annual exhibition, “The Great Israeli Real Estate Event, ” where experts meet to answer questions about buying property in Israel, and to showcase available properties. After astounding success at similar events over the years, the Great Israeli Real Estate Event is coming to Lakewood on June 16

At the upcoming Israeli Real Estate event, participants will be able to meet in person an expert on mortgages, a real estate attorney, real estate agents and dozens of contractors with projects all over Israel. Wherever you want to buy in Jerusalem or Beit Shemesh, Netanya or Herzliya, Tel Aviv or Gush Etzion and more, this is the place to find out about the best Anglo neighborhoods, with apartments to suit every taste, size and budget. What’s more, contractors will be offering special deals and discounts available only at the event!

“Some people don’t realize just how intensive Israeli bureaucracy can be,” said Epstein, adding that his team offers the highest level of customer service at a competitive price. “We hold the hand of buyers from the minute they choose an apartment to when they get the key. You don’t even have to come to Israel at any point in the transaction,” he said.

May our pronouncement “Next Year in Jerusalem” be fulfilled, also with our own home in Israel! For more information and registration https://homeinisrael-il. com/exhibitions/

12 Final Winners

The ultimate winner will be selected from the 12 finals, determined exclusively by public votes received through the hotline.

6 winners from last week of a challah cover with their name