Image Magazine November 2025

LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME 1925

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dr. Yvette Alt Miller

Natalie Senior Greenberg

104 Protein More Than a Buzzword Finding Balance for Your Mind and Body By Laura Shammah, MS, RDN

114 Miami Real Estate Market on the Move

The Housing Market Is Showing New Signs of Life By Roberta Gordon Esquenazi

108 One-Pot Wonders for Busy Fall Weeknights

Yosef Lynn 94 Beyond Ego The Radical Strength of Humility By Rabbi Meir Bier and David H. Rosmarin, PhD

86 You’ve Been Using AI for Years And It’s Shaped Your Life More Than You Realize WRITERS’ THOUGHTS

14 The Jewish Nation Shattered Yet Unbreakable By Rabbi Dr. Yosef Lynn

From The Editors

The fall days and cooler weather are upon us as we settle into the month of November and return to regular routines of work and school. The energy of the holidays has shifted, yet the inspiration remains strong.

This year’s Simchat Torah was especially joyous. The return of twenty live hostages, along with the launch of a historic new peace plan with the support of several Middle Eastern nations, brought a wave of relief and gratitude to Jews everywhere. After two years in captivity, the hostage homecoming was the answer to countless prayers. Our cover story, Meet the 20 Hostages Who Returned Home, offers a glimpse into their lives and the courage that carried them through. We continue this theme throughout the issue with powerful reflections in Lessons from the Return of the Hostages, The Jewish Nation: Shattered Yet Unbreakable, and a moving book review of Hostage by Eli Sharabi, a survivor whose story of loss and faith has touched readers around the world.

The Morris I. Franco Cancer Center brought breast-health awareness to local high schools, while Care Day 2025 united thousands for a day of giving, gratitude, and fun. Magen David Yeshivah High School announced the launch of the Magen David Business Institute, a new program designed to prepare students for leadership in the business world. The Community Photo Album also captures the joy and togetherness of Sukkot celebrations across the neighborhood.

In our Inspirational Thoughts section, we feature Five Ideas for Life by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l and Beyond Ego: The Radical Strength of Humility, two essays that speak to the heart of Jewish values. As Thanksgiving approaches, Six Ways Jews Shaped Thanksgiving offers a fascinating look at the holiday’s roots and the role Jews played in shaping its enduring message of gratitude.

Rounding out the issue, you’ll find practical reads for daily living, including Protein: More Than a Buzzword, which explores the importance of nutrition for both mind and body, and One-Pot Wonders for Busy Fall Weeknights, which brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.

From Israel’s resilience to our own community’s unity, this issue celebrates endurance, hope, and the quiet strength that binds us all.

Wishing you a peaceful and meaningful November,

Ben-Gurion Matsas and Rachelle Fallas Matsas

VOLUME 35 ISSUE 6

Ben-Gurion Matsas PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Rachelle Fallas Matsas EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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FIVE IDEAS FOR LIFE

RABBI LORD JONATHAN SACKS ZT”L

Ispend a lot of time with young people — pupils about to leave school, students at university and graduates about to start a career. Often they ask me for advice as they begin their journey into the future. Here are some of the ideas worth thinking about as we begin our journey into a new calendar year.

The first idea is to dream. Seemingly the least practical activity turns out to be the most practical, and most often left undone. I know people who spend months planning a holiday but very little time planning a life. Imagine setting out on a journey without deciding where you are going to. However fast you travel, you will never reach your destination because you never decided where you want to be. In fact, the faster you travel, the more lost you will become.

Dreams are where we visit the many lands and landscapes of human possibility and discover the one where we feel at home. The great religious leaders were all dreamers.

Within my own tradition there was Moses, who dreamed of a land flowing with milk and honey, and Isaiah who dreamed of a world at peace. One of the greatest speeches of the 20th century was Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream”. If I were to design a curriculum for happiness, dreaming would be a compulsory course.

The second idea is, follow your passion. Nothing — not wealth, success, accolades or fame — justifies spending a lifetime doing things you don’t enjoy. I have seen too many people enter careers to earn money to give their partners and children everything they want, only to lose their partners and become estranged from their children because they never had time for them. People who follow their passion tend to lead blessed lives. Happy in what they do, they tend to spread happiness to those whose lives they touch. That is a life worth living.

The third idea I learned from the psychotherapist who survived Auschwitz, Viktor Frankl, whose Man’s Search for Meaning is one of the most widely read books of our time. Frankl used to say: Don’t ask what you want from life. Ask what life wants from you. The great lives are ones where people heard a call, had a sense of vocation. That is what set Abraham, grandfather of monotheism, on his

journey and eventually it changed the world. Moses might have lived a life of ease as a prince of Egypt but he heard the cry of his people as they suffered under slavery, and G-d’s call to him to lead them into freedom.

There is a well-known story about three men who spent their lives quarrying rocks. When asked what they were doing, one replied, “Breaking rocks.” The second said, “Earning a living.” The third said, “Building a cathedral.” We don’t need to ask which of the three had the most job satisfaction. The late Steve Jobs spent his life making technology people-friendly. The creators of Google sought to make the world of information available to all. An overarching sense of the Why preceded the How. Where what we want to do meets what is crying out to be done, that is where we should be.

The fourth idea is: make space in your life for the things that matter, for family and friends, love and generosity, fun and joy. Without this, you will burn out in mid-career and wonder where your life went. In Judaism we have the Sabbath, a dedicated day of stillness each week, where we make space for all the things that are important but not urgent. Not every culture has a Sabbath, but life without dedicated time for renewal, like a life without exercise or music or a sense of humor, is a lesser life.

The fifth idea is work hard, the way an athlete or concert pianist or cutting-edge scientist works hard. The American psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, calls this the principle of “flow”. By this he means the peak experience you have when you are working so hard at a task that you are unaware of the passing of time. No great achiever — even those who made it seem easy — ever succeeded without hard work. The Jewish word for serving G-d, avodah, also means hard work.

There are many other ideas but these are some of the most important. Try them and you will be surprised by joy. 

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks ZT”L was an international religious leader, and philosopher. The author of over 30 books, Rabbi Sacks received multiple awards in recognition of his work. Sadly, he passed away in November 2020.

THE JEWISH NATION SHATTERED YET UNBREAKABLE

AT DANIEL PEREZ’S SECOND FUNERAL, I WITNESSED THE PARADOX OF OUR PEOPLE: DEVASTATED YET RESILIENT, BROKEN YET UNBROKEN.

Standing at Har Herzl on a cool Jerusalem evening, I witnessed something that defies explanation—a people simultaneously shattered and unbreakable. How does the Jewish nation keep going?

I stood at the funeral of Captain Daniel Perez, joined by thousands who gathered at Mount Herzl. But this wasn’t just any funeral—this was the second funeral, a reality so cruel it seems impossible to comprehend.

For months after October 7th, his family clung to hope that he was alive. Then came the devastating notification of his death. Still, they waited—hoping, praying for his body to be returned so they could lay him to rest with dignity.

Tonight, finally, they could say goodbye.

But the moment that broke me—and everyone around me—came when Matan Angrest arrived. One of the 20 hostages just released from captivity, he stood at the graveside of his commander—frail, pale, barely able to walk after his ordeal in Gaza. Yet there he was. Standing, present, honoring the man who had led him. He spoke briefly but with bravery. He said, “I can’t believe I even made it here. This is the least I could do for Daniel and the whole crew… My commander will always be my commander, until the day I die. You will go with me until my last day and even in the world to come.”

RABBI DR. YOSEF LYNN

How can anyone fathom such strength? Then I looked to my left and saw something equally profound. A regular man in the crowd—except he wasn’t regular at all. It was Jon Polin, father of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the hostages who never made it out of Gaza alive. There he stood, his own heart carved out by unimaginable loss, physically holding and supporting another grieving family through their pain. There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd.

In all my years of studying Positive Psychology—a science focused heavily on the study of resilience, hope, and meaning—there is no data, no research, no theoretical framework that could explain the magnitude of what I experienced tonight. The textbooks speak of post-traumatic growth, of finding meaning in suffering, of the human capacity for resilience. But they fall silent before this. What I witnessed transcends every model and metric we’ve developed to understand human strength.

The dichotomy was awesome in the truest sense of the word—inspiring awe, wonder, and reverence. Here was a nation brought to its knees by grief, yet somehow standing taller than ever. Broken, but refusing to break. Mourning, but not losing hope. Burying their dead while embracing their returned living.

This is the paradox of the Jewish people that has sustained us through millennia. We cry—deeply, authentically, without restraint. Yet we don’t surrender to despair. We

comfort other bereaved families.

And somehow, impossibly, we keep going. Because that’s what Daniel would have wanted. That’s what Hersh would have wanted. That’s what this nation has always done—we hold each other up when standing seems impossible. We find strength not despite our brokenness, but somehow through it.

As I left Har Herzl last night, I carried two feelings that shouldn’t coexist but somehow do in the Jewish heart: profound sadness and profound pride. Sadness for all we’ve lost. Pride in who we are when faced with the unthinkable. This is how this nation keeps going—together, broken but unbroken, supporting each other through the unbearable until, somehow, it becomes bearable.

May Daniel’s memory be a blessing. May all our fallen be remembered. 

Rabbi Dr. Yosef Lynn is an executive coach who focuses on helping individuals thrive in their professional lives and beyond, giving them the tools to achieve their goals in all of their personal endeavors, especially in their relationships and serves as the Dean of Students at

the

Institute for Jewish Heritage, Jerusalem. He holds a Doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology (PsyD) from Touro, and a Master in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania.

attend second funerals for our fallen heroes. We watch emaciated hostages stumble to honor their commanders. We see bereaved fathers

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MEET THE 20 HOSTAGES WHO RETURNED HOME

AFTER 736 DAYS IN CAPTIVITY, THE LAST 20 ISRAELI HOSTAGES ARE HOME, FRAIL, SCARRED, BUT FREE. THESE ARE THEIR STORIES OF SURVIVAL, LOSS, AND RETURN.

For two long years the entire Jewish people prayed for them. We demonstrated for them, lit extra Shabbat candles for them, reminded others of their plight, wore hostage pins, yellow ribbons, and counted the long days of their captivity. At long last, the 20 remaining living hostages were freed by Hamas on Monday, October 13.

Here are portraits of these final prisoners we’ve prayed for over 736 terrible days.

AVINATAN OR

Avinatan Or, 32, grew up with six brothers in the town of Shilo and studied electrical engineering at Bar-Ilan University. Before his kidnapping he lived in

Tel Aviv, worked for Nvidia, and was seriously dating his girlfriend, Noa Argamani. On October 7, he and Noa attended the Nova music festival together.

When Hamas terrorists overran the festival, Avinatan and Noa hid in a ditch for hours. After massacring hundreds of festival-goers, terrorists found them and filmed themselves abducting the terrified couple. Footage of Noa being carried into Gaza on the back of a motorcycle, her arms outstretched toward Avinatan, became one of the iconic images of that terrible day.

Israeli soldiers rescued Noa and three other hostages on June 8, 2024—245 days after their kidnapping. She and other released hostages described seeing Avinatan in captivity, held in a dungeon and denied food and water. When Avinatan was released—wearing a military-style “uniform” forced on him by Hamas—he appeared emaciated.

DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER

ARIEL AND DAVID CUNIO

Brothers Ariel and David Cunio grew up in Nir Oz, where they still lived as adults. Their parents and grandparents were born in Argentina and moved to Israel forty years ago to fulfill their dreams of living in the Jewish state.

(On October 7, 2023, Ariel’s and David’s great-greatgrandmother Esther gained fame by averting her own kidnapping by bonding with her Hamas captors over Argentinian soccer.)

DAVID CUNIO

David Cunio, 33, is an acclaimed actor. On October 7 he huddled in his family’s safe room with his wife Sharon and their twin daughters (now four years old) Julie and Emma, and with Sharon’s sister and niece. For hours, David fortified the safe room door with his own body as Hamas terrorists roamed through Nir Oz, killing 47 of the town’s civilians and destroying nearly every building.

Eventually, Hamas terrorists set the Cunios’ home on fire. David and his daughter Julie escaped first through a window and were immediately captured. Terrorists dragged the other family members out through a window. David, Sharon, and Julie were brought as captives into Gaza together; two-yearold Emma was kidnapped separately. Sharon, Julie, and Emma were freed in a truce six weeks later; for the past two years, the family has waited for David. The only news they received in that time was that David was being held underground. Sharon reports that Julie and Emma are traumatized and have been longing to see their dad.

ARIEL

Ariel, 28, is a computer scientist. He lived in Nir Oz with his partner Arbel Yehoud, who recalled that before Hamas’ attack, the small town of Nir Oz felt like “our private paradise.” Ariel had just returned from a trip to South America, where his extended family is from. He and Arbel had just adopted a puppy. Before they were taken hostage on October 7, Ariel texted his three older brothers that he felt like he was in a “horror movie.”

EITAN HORN

Born in Argentina, Eitan (“Eitu”) Horn, 39, made aliyah at age 16 and devoted his life to helping other people navigate the transition to living in Israel. “One of the most

notable things about him was his happiness,” notes Leila Banchik, who moved from Argentina to Israel and was helped by Eitan. “A cheerful man who was always making jokes, bringing laughs, and spreading good vibes.”

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Eitan immediately volunteered to work with Ukrainian children who were being airlifted to Israel. “We told him, ‘But you don’t know the language!’” recalled Dalia Cusnir-Horn, Eitan’s sister-inlaw, “and he said, ‘These children are scared and coming here for safety. This is what the nation of Israel was founded on, and I will be that safe place for them.’”

Eitan lived in Israel’s north, but had made a surprise visit to see his brother in Kibbutz Nir Oz over the holiday weekend. He was kidnapped along with his brother Yair, who was released during a ceasefire last February. Eitan’s father Izik said, “I will hug him tight. I guess I will cry. I will remind him how much I love him,” once Eitan was released. A rotund man before his kidnapping, photos of Eitan’s release show him frail-looking and thin.

ALON OHEL

Alon Ohel, 24, is a gifted musician who began playing piano when he was nine years old. He’d been accepted into the Rimon School of Music in Jerusalem and was planning to start in October 2023.

Alon went to the Nova music festival with friends: Eliya Cohen, Or Levy, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin. When Hamas terrorists attacked the festival, Alon, Eliya, Or, Hersh, and about thirty other Jews crammed into a roadside bomb shelter. Hamas terrorists hurled grenades into the shelter, killing those near the front of the tiny structure, then shot inside. Those who remained alive hid under the corpses of their friends.

Finally, after hours of attacks, Hamas terrorists kidnapped Alon, along with his friends. They were held in Gaza in a cramped, pitch-black tunnel. Eliya Cohen, who was released after six months, described the conditions he, Alon, and other Jews were held in: their legs were chained together with motorcycle chains. They weren’t allowed to shower or brush their teeth; four hostages shared a small piece of pita bread and one can of beans each day. Before Eliya was released, he hugged Alon Ohel and cried, knowing that Alon was remaining in such terrible conditions.

Alon is in poor physical condition since his release and appears to be blind or nearly blind in his right eye. His family had a piano placed in his hospital room in Beilinson Hospital in Tel Aviv. His mother Idit Ohal described how

just a few hours after being released from captivity, “he sat down at the piano in his room, and played a bit, after two years without touching a piano.”

OMRI MIRAN

On October 7, 2023, Omri Miran, now 47, a shiatsu therapist and gardener, huddled in his home’s safe room with his wife Lishay Miran-Lavi and their two daughters: Roni, who was 2 at the time, and Alma, who was six months old. Hamas terrorists grabbed one of the Mirans’ neighbors, held him at gunpoint, and told him they would shoot him unless he asked the Mirans to open the door. They did so, and the entire family was kidnapped. The terrorists livestreamed three hours of the ordeal on Facebook, during which they pointed guns at and threatened to kill the terrified family. Later on, Omri was transferred to Gaza while Lishay and the children were released.

In Gaza, Omri was held in a combination of private apartments and in underground tunnels. His family have tirelessly campaigned for his release. Lishay recounted having to teach their younger daughter Alma how to say Abba (father in Hebrew) alone, and tried to draw attention to Omri’s dual status as an Israeli and a Hungarian national to stir up additional interest in her husband’s kidnapping. Omri’s father Dani, who’s nearly 80, has devoted his entire life for the past two years to helping other families of hostages. He moved to a rental apartment in Tel Aviv near Hostage Square, the informal memorial across the street from the Tel Aviv Museum of Art which has become a center of information and vigils for the hostages, and volunteered there every day.

Since his release, Omri has been getting to know his two daughters again, who barely remember him, playing with them and spending time with his family in his hospital room in Tel Aviv.

BAR KUPERSHTEIN

festival in order to earn extra money. Instead of fleeing and saving himself, Bar remained at the festival site, caring for the wounded, until he was taken hostage. Late that day, his family saw photos and a gruesome video on Telegram, posted by Hamas operatives, of Bar lying on the ground and being tied up before he was transported to Gaza.

When he was released, Bar’s overjoyed family greeted him—his father insisting on standing for a moment, getting up out of his wheelchair with help from his other sons—to welcome Bar home.

EITAN MOR

Eitan Mor, 25, grew up in the town of Kiryat Arba with his parents and seven younger siblings. As an adult, he lived in the Nahlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem and worked as a barista. He was known for his friendliness and for always opening his home to others and going for runs with his dog. On October 7, 2023, he was working as a security guard at the Nova music festival. Instead of fleeing, he remained at his post helping evacuate revelers as Hamas’ onslaught began.

His father, Avika Mor, has explained that Eitan has a strong sense of duty: “In our home, we educated our kids to risk their lives for the people of Israel, for the State of Israel.” Before he was kidnapped, Eitan and his family had a conversation around their Shabbat dinner table about the hypothetical situation of being kidnapped by Hamas. Eitan said that he wouldn’t want to be exchanged for convicted terrorists (which the October 13 agreement mandated). After his release, Eitan’s mother Efrat told reporters, “He looks thin and pale, but he is smiling.”

ELKANA BOHBOT

Twenty-two-year-old Bar Kupershtein, from the Israeli city of Holon, is the oldest of five children, and had to shoulder a great deal of responsibility while he was still in his teens. His father, Tal Kupershtein, is a paramedic, but was seriously injured while helping at a car accident three years ago and is disabled and confined to a wheelchair. Bar also became a paramedic and became his family’s primary breadwinner, supporting his mother Julie, his father, and four younger siblings.

On October 7, 2023, Bar was working at the Nova

Elkana Bohbot, 36, lived in the Jerusalem suburb of Mevasseret Zion with his wife, Rivka Gonzalez, and their three-year-old son Reem. Elkana worked as a music producer, though he was also planning to open an ice cream store in Tel Aviv. He was one of the producers of the Nova music festival, along with his childhood friends Michael and Osher Waknin. (Michael and Osher were murdered, along with over 370 festivalgoers.)

As Hamas terrorists overran the Nova festival, Elkana refused to flee and stayed behind, helping wounded revelers. Rivka only received proof that Elkana was alive last February, when Hamas released a propaganda video showing Elkana looking clearly weak and ill.

KHAKI FIELD MURPH

EVYATAR DAVID

Evyatar David, 24, grew up in the Israeli city of Kfar Saba. An avid musician, he was attending the Nova music festival with friends when he was shot. He was trying to drive away when Hamas operatives overcame his vehicle and kidnapped him and others. Evyatar’s older brother, Ilay David, recalls watching a Hamas-posted video on October 7, 2023 showing Evyatar “lying handcuffed on the ground with other festival-goers, terror in his eyes.” He was kidnapped with his close friend Guy Gilboa-Dalal.

Evyatar was held in horrific conditions underground. In February 22, 2025, Evyatar and Guy were forced to watch as Hamas released three Israeli hostages, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, and Eliya Cohen. Millions around the world watched Hamas’s video of their pained, tearful faces as they viewed the handover ceremony from a car, then were forced back into captivity.

Evyatar featured in another Hamas video in August 2025, when the terror group filmed an emaciated Evyatar in an underground dungeon, being forced to dig his own grave. “I haven’t eaten for days… I barely got drinking water,” he says in the video. (In a bizarre twist, anti-Israel activist Greta Thunberg claimed he was an Arab prisoner being tortured and held by Israel.) “He’s a human skeleton,” Evyatar’s brother Ilay said after watching the video. “He was being starved to the point where he can be dead at any moment, and he suffers a great deal. He can barely speak or move.”

Held most of the time with Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Evyatar and Guy were separated during the last two months of their captivity. Hours after being released, the two friends were reunited in the hospital in Israel, emaciated and ill, but finally freed.

GALI BERMAN AND ZIV BERMAN

Gali Berman and Ziv Berman, 28-year-old twins, lived together in an area of Kfar Aza popular with young adults. Close friends as well as brothers, Gali and Ziv worked together as light technicians and both played on Kfar Aza’s soccer team, the “Foxes.” They enjoyed travelling together for concerts and soccer matches.

As Hamas gunmen flooded Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023, Gali left Ziv in their safe room and ran a few doors down to stay with his close friend, Emily Damari, who was afraid to be alone, in her safe room. Gali’s and Ziv’s parents and two other brothers were also hiding in their own homes at the time. Their older brother Liran later described that the

area of the kibbutz where Gali and Ziv lived was totally overrun: “Complete destruction. Houses burned to the ground. The neighborhood where my brothers lived is completely demolished. Completely. Trees were (torn) up from the roots. Roads were completely destroyed—remnants of destroyed cars, remnants of missiles that Hamas shot at the kibbutz. It’s a complete destruction.”

Gali and Ziv were taken prisoner and were separated in Gaza. After their release, they were finally reunited with their families—and each other—for the first time in two years.

GUY GILBOA-DALAL

Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 22, grew up in the Israeli town of Kfar Saba. From a young age Guy was fascinated by Japanese art and culture and had even taught himself rudimentary Japanese. On October 7, 2023, he was attending his firstever music festival, Nova, with his older brother Gal.

Gal later described the chaos as Hamas terrorists overran the Nova music festival. “People started to run in my direction covered with blood, screaming that the terrorists were closing in on us.” He and Guy got separated: Gal kept trying to phone Guy, who never answered his phone. Later that day, Guy’s family learned he’d been kidnapped when Hamas posted videos of them kidnapping him along with hundreds of other Jews.

Hamas tortured Guy in captivity. In February 2025, he appeared, looking emaciated, along with Evyatar David watching as three Israeli hostages were released. In September 2025, Hamas released another video of Guy. Sitting in the back seat of a car, with shorn hair and looking gaunt, Guy’s appearance recalled that of Holocaust victims. In the propaganda video, he recited from a script calling for an end to fighting. Fellow hostages report that Hamas tortured Guy, depriving him of water. He became so ill he was unable to speak for a time and lost hearing in one ear.

MAXIM HERKIN

Maxim Herkin, 37, moved to Israel from Ukraine with his mother Tala and his eleven-year-old brother Peter, and lived in the northern Israeli town of Tirat Carmel. He supported the family and was working on completing a degree in Computer Science from Israel’s Open University so that he could find a better job. Maxim also has a daughter named Monica, who’s now five years old, who lives with her mother in Russia. The week before Hamas’s October 7 attack, Maxim was in Russia, visiting his daughter.

Shy and quiet, Maxim had never been to a rave like the Nova festival before. Two friends urged him to go, and he decided at the last minute to attend. Maxim was taken captive from the festival; his friends were found later on, burned to death in their car as they tried to escape. In July 2025, Hamas released a video of Maxim with captive Bar Kuperstein. In it, the two men look thin and haggard and say: “We are dying here with a pulse. We don’t feel human. We are again 30 meters underground.”

“Maxim is our back, our anchor,” his mother Tala told journalists. “His brother and I live in his house and he helps us make a living. He is my whole world. He had many dreams, he studied and worked while taking care of me and his brother.”

MATAN ANGREST

Matan Angrest, 22, grew up in the town of Kiryat Bialik, and loves sports, particularly soccer. On October 7, 2023, he was serving as a tank soldier; Hamas terrorists firebombed his tank, killing several of his comrades and severely wounding Matan.

Fellow hostage Ron Krivoi was held in the same tunnel as Matan and described Hamas operatives torturing Matan relentlessly, including electrocuting him with car batteries and asking him about his military service. “The interrogations he went through happened while still in Israeli territory—that’s where it started. They already connected him to a car battery on the way (to Gaza) and tried to revive him. Using car batteries, they electrocuted him. They weren’t able to interrogate him. He probably wasn’t even in a condition to speak because he was badly injured. His injuries were very severe.”

Krivoi also described the tunnels and conditions in which he and Matan were held: “These aren’t tunnels you see in pictures. We were in something really small, deep underground. There wasn’t even a floor—we were on sand, and the mattresses were all moldy. We were inside a very, very small cage. Honestly, about a meter and a half by a meter and a half, and we had to lie down and rest in it—you couldn’t stand. No height, no toilets, no food. We were five people, we ate one small dish with some canned food and a pita that we divided among us. I was there for 51 days and lost nine kilograms (20 pounds) of body weight….”

One of the first actions Matan took after his release was to phone another former hostage, Keith Siegel, with whom he was held for a time in Gaza, and who has campaigned for the release of Matan and other hostages ever since he was let go in February 2025. Keith told Matan: “We’ll reunite… soon… You’re a hero, Matan, how you were able to survive.” Matan replied that emotionally, he feels “completely normal, like anyone else,” and that it was a privilege for him to live in Israel, “to live in this nation.”

MATAN ZANGUAKER

Matan Zanguaker, 24, has always taken care of others. His parents divorced when he was young, and he helped take care of his two younger sisters from an early age. Two years ago he was living in Kibbutz Nir Oz with his girlfriend Ilana Gritzewsky. On the morning of October 7, 2023, Matan texted his mother, Einav Zanguaker, who lived nearby. He wrote, “I love you, don’t cry,” then later on texted, “Here. Here. Here.” Soon, to her horror, contact was cut off: Matan and Ilana were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and brought to Gaza.

Ilana was released in February 2025. She and Matan’s family received almost no news of Matan’s condition, beyond confirmation that he was still alive. “Matan, as you were robbed of life, you will return to life,” his mother declared during his captivity. “We’re fighting for you.”

After Matan’s release, his family released a video of him—looking thin but happy—embracing his mom.

ROM BRASLAVSKI

Rom Braslavski, now 21, was a teenage Jerusalemite who took a job as a security guard at the Nova music festival. Instead of keeping order at an outdoor concert, he found himself helping terrified people hide from Hamas terrorists and tending to the dead and dying. Refusing to flee and try to save himself, Rom remained at the Nova site, helping others, until he was kidnapped—not by Hamas, but by terrorists from Islamic Jihad, another group which joined in the attacks.

Rom has been kept in horrific conditions. Former hostage Sasha Troufanov was briefly held with Rom. After Sasha was released from captivity in February 2025, he spoke of Rom’s grave condition: “The faith and strength I saw in his eyes back then have been replaced by sadness, depression and helplessness.”

In July 2025, Islamic Jihad released a propaganda video of Rom. He appears emaciated and ill, and explains that he has an injury to his foot which makes it impossible for him to stand up. He spends all day long lying down, Rom said in the video, and was mistreated by his captors. Rom’s mother, Tami Braslavski, said, “I have never seen my son like this. Rom is not shouting or angry—he speaks quietly, in a weak voice like a person who has accepted the fact that there’s nothing left to fight for and may not come out of there alive. They say that when words run out, tears speak. Rom, my life, I am crying with you.”

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SEGEV KALFON

Segev Kalfon, 27, grew up in the southern Israeli town of Dimona along with his two siblings and worked at his family’s bakery in the nearby city of Arad. He was also interested in financial markets. His sister-in-law described: “Segev, when you meet him, first of all he’s handsome, you can’t help but notice his presence. He has an unusual beauty that you don’t see often. Then he’ll probably make you fall over laughing—that’s perhaps the thing we miss the most, the joy of life that he would bring to the family, and lighten every situation, and get a laugh out of every situation— that’s really a significant part of his character.”

Segev had already completed his army duty and was suffering from PTSD and orthopedic injuries. He agreed to go to the Nova music festival with a friend when he was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. After Hamas’ attacks, his father went to hospitals all over Israel’s south, looking for his son. Finally, Segev’s friend broke the awful news: he’d personally witnessed Segev being dragged away. His family had no news at all until February 2025 when former hostage Ohad Ben Ami was released and told Segev’s family he’d been imprisoned with Segev in Gaza.

Ohad delivered terrible news: Segev was subject to terrible abuse, was being starved and beaten, and had begun to display symptoms of psychological trauma. He was experiencing panic attacks, dissociative episodes, and periods of rage. “His mind is breaking,” Segev’s mother Galit Kalfon explained.

NIMROD COHEN

Nimrod Cohen, 21, grew up in the Israeli city of Rehovot with his parents, Yehuda and Vicki, his older brother Yotam, and his twin sister Romi. Yotam has said, “Nimrod is a very shy boy, and he’s a very simple man. Before October 7, his main concerns were playing Fortnite with his friends, streaming it on Discord and going to parties. He was like every other regular 19-year-old guy.” His mother described: “From a young age, he was in scouting groups, always wanting to contribute meaningfully.”

On October 7, 2023, Nimrod was a Corporal, doing his national military service in an armored corps in a tank near Kibbutz Nirim. As Hamas terrorists flooded the area, Nimrod’s tank malfunctioned and was surrounded by Hamas fighters. Nimrod was the only member of his tank crew to survive and he was kidnapped and taken to

Gaza, along with the bodies of his fellow soldiers. In Gaza, Nimrod was tortured mercilessly: kept in a small cage meant for animals with his hands tied together, interrogated about his military service over and over, and denied food and water. Hamas terrorists showed him videos over and over of them murdering Nimrod’s friends.

Fellow prisoners who saw Nimrod in Gaza described him as sick. He was covered in a rash, appeared to be deaf in one ear, and had become increasingly withdrawn. Despite his pain and anguish, Nimrod managed to smuggle out a message to his family with fellow hostages who were released in February 2025: “I am okay. Don’t worry. I love you.”

When he was released on October 13, Nimrod—looking pale and gaunt—embraced his family in his hospital room in Tel Aviv, crying and laughing at the same time.

YOSEF-CHAIM OHANA

Yosef-Chaim, 24, grew up in a religious family in the southern Israeli town of Kiryat Malachi, the oldest of three brothers. He loved hiking, bicycling, and camping in different parts of Israel. Two years ago he’d recently moved to Tel Aviv and was forging his own path. When a friend invited him to attend the Nova music festival, Yosef-Chaim agreed.

As terrorists attacked in the early hours of October 7, 2023, instead of fleeing, Yosef-Chaim remained at the festival site, helping emergency personnel load wounded people into ambulances. When terrorists overran the area, Yosef-Chaim tried to hide beside a parked car. He was discovered, kidnapped, and brought into Gaza.

After Yosef-Chaim was released on October 13, his father took a page from the Bible when he greeted his son, loudly reciting Shema Yisrael Adonoi Eloheinu Adonoi Echad—just as our patriarch Jacob did when he was finally reunited with his long-lost son Yosef (Joseph)—before embracing his son.

Our joy is not complete. Too many Israelis have been killed. Hamas is still holding the bodies of many hostages. These twenty last hostages who’ve been released face a long road to recover physically and psychologically. Let’s continue our prayers—this time for their recovery, and for healing for the entire nation of Israel. 

Dr. Yvette Alt Miller holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the London School of Economics and has taught at Northwestern University, London Business School, and lectured around the world.

ESSENTIAL PLANNING WHEN YOUR CHILD TURNS 18 FROM TEEN TO ADULT

ARI BAUM, CFP®

THE DAY YOUR CHILD TURNS 18 IS MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER BIRTHDAY. IT IS A MAJOR LEGAL MILESTONE. OVERNIGHT, YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER BECOMES AN ADULT IN THE EYES OF THE LAW, WITH NEW RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. WHILE THIS INDEPENDENCE IS EXCITING, IT ALSO COMES WITH CHALLENGES THAT MANY FAMILIES ARE NOT PREPARED FOR. PARENTS ARE OFTEN SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT ONCE THEIR CHILD IS LEGALLY AN ADULT, THEY LOSE AUTOMATIC ACCESS TO MEDICAL INFORMATION, FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS, AND EVEN SCHOOL RECORDS.

Preparing ahead of time can make the transition smoother, safer, and less stressful. A thoughtful checklist not only protects your child but also gives you peace of mind as they head into adulthood.

WHY PREPARATION MATTERS

At 18, young adults may still rely on their parents for support, but the law does not recognize that dependence in the same way. In emergencies—medical, financial, or academic—you could suddenly find yourself on the sidelines without the right legal documents. Setting aside time to organize, discuss, and document key aspects of your child’s new adult life is essential.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH: PROTECTING YOUR CHILD IN EMERGENCIES

Health care is one of the most immediate concerns once a child becomes an adult. Without certain forms, parents may not be able to speak with doctors or make decisions on their child’s behalf.

• HIPAA Authorization: Grants parents’ permission to access medical records and communicate with providers.

• Medical Power of Attorney/Healthcare Proxy: Ensures you can step in to make decisions if your child cannot.

• Health Insurance: Verify coverage, especially if your child will stay on your plan until age 26.

• Emergency Contacts: Update information with schools, employers, and insurance providers. These steps allow you to act quickly and confidently in a health emergency when every second counts.

EDUCATION:

STAYING CONNECTED WHILE RESPECTING PRIVACY College brings independence but also new rules around communication.

• FERPA Waiver: Allows parents access to transcripts, grades, and school records, which universities otherwise keep private.

• School Emergency Authorizations: Ensure the institution can contact you during urgent situations. These forms do not reduce your child’s independence. They simply keep you informed when needed.

LEGAL AND FINANCIAL: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION

Turning 18 also brings adult financial responsibilities. Preparing early helps avoid costly mistakes.

• Durable Power of Attorney: Allows parents to assist with financial or legal matters if necessary.

• Bank Accounts: Consider joint access or set up a safety net account for emergencies.

• Credit Check: Begin monitoring credit early to protect against fraud or errors. These tools strike a balance between independence and security.

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS: STORE AND SAFEGUARD

Some documents become even more important at 18 and should be kept secure but accessible:

• Birth certificate (original)

• Social Security card

• Passport (if applicable)

• Insurance cards (health, auto, etc.)

• Copies of signed legal forms

Keep these in a fireproof lockbox or secure digital vault to avoid delays when proof of identity or authorization is needed.

CONVERSATIONS TO HAVE: BUILDING FINANCIAL LITERACY

Beyond paperwork, this milestone is a good time to begin important discussions. Many 18-year-olds have not

yet learned the basics of managing money or protecting themselves from financial risks. Topics include:

• Budgeting and money management

• Credit responsibility and the long-term impact of borrowing

• Online security and fraud awareness

• Emergency preparedness and knowing where to turn for help

These conversations give your child the tools to make confident, responsible decisions.

A MILESTONE WORTH PREPARING FOR

When your child becomes an adult, the legal and financial landscape shifts overnight. By organizing documents, updating authorizations, and having essential conversations, you protect their well-being while empowering them to step into independence. With the right preparation, turning 18 is not just about growing up, it is about building a strong foundation for the future. 

The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult with a financial professional regarding your specific situation.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the Founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. He brings his in-depth experience to Conceive. Believe. Achieve. for his clients. Securities and Advisory services offered through Prospera Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Brokerage and Advisory accounts carried by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC.

LESSONS FROM THE RETURN OF THE HOSTAGES

AFTER TWO YEARS OF HEARTBREAK, THE HOSTAGES ARE BACK. THEIR RETURN ISN’T ONLY A MIRACLE—IT’S A MANDATE FOR HOW WE LIVE MOVING FORWARD.

After two years of praying, hoping, and holding our breath, all the living hostages are finally home. The emotions have been overwhelming. I’ve watched the videos of families reuniting with their loved ones, and the tears have flowed freely. Mothers embracing children. Spouses holding each other as if they might never let go. The sheer relief and joy radiating from their faces—it’s almost too much to take in.

But we are quick to forget. Life has a way of pulling us back into routine, of dulling even the sharpest feelings. Moments of profound emotion carry profound responsibility. I cannot simply return to life as normal after witnessing this miracle. None of us can. Here the lessons I’m striving to take with me.

BE EMPATHETIC TO THOSE AROUND YOU

You never know what someone is going through. For two years, families walked among us carrying unbearable pain. Some wore it openly; others masked it with forced smiles and brave faces. But behind closed doors, they were breaking. Every holiday that passed without their loved

ones. Every empty chair at the Shabbat table. Every night wondering if they would ever see them again.

How many people in our own lives are carrying similar burdens we know nothing about? A friend struggling with infertility. A neighbor battling illness. A colleague dealing with a family crisis. We pass each other in shul, at the grocery store, in our daily routines, and we have no idea.

The return of the hostages reminds us: everyone has a story. Everyone is fighting battles we cannot see. A little kindness, a listening ear, a genuine “How are you?”—these small acts can mean everything to someone who is suffering in silence.

CHERISH YOUR LOVED ONES

We don’t need to experience pain to learn to cherish one another. The families of the hostages didn’t know if they would ever get this moment—the moment of embrace, of reunion, of having their loved one home. They would have given anything just to sit together at the table again, to hear their voice, to hold their hand.

We have that now. Today. Our loved ones are with

RABBI DR. YOSEF LYNN

us. Don’t wait for a crisis to truly appreciate them. Don’t let petty frustrations cloud your gratitude for simply having each other.

The hostages’ return teaches us that life is fragile and precious. Look at your spouse, your children, your parents, your siblings and friends, and truly see the blessing they are.

NEVER GIVE UP HOPE

For nearly two years, it would have been easy to give up and let despair win. But the Jewish people never stopped praying. Never stopped advocating. Never stopped hoping. We prayed at the Kotel, we wore the dog tags, we kept their names and faces before us. We refused to forget and to accept that this was the end of their story.

And now, they are home. This is the power of hope. Not naive optimism, but the deep, stubborn Jewish faith that even in the darkest night, redemption can come. That miracles still happen. That no situation is beyond the reach of the Almighty.

MOVING FORWARD

The hostages are home but their ordeal is not over. They will need time to heal, to rebuild, to find their footing in a world that continued without them. And we, as a community, must be there for them throughout the long, difficult months and years ahead.

And let’s support each other. Let us be more empathetic. Let us cherish what we have. Let us never give up hope. This is how we transform collective trauma and joy into lasting growth. 

Rabbi Dr. Yosef Lynn is an executive coach who focuses on helping individuals thrive in their professional lives and beyond, giving them the tools to achieve their goals in all of their personal endeavors, especially in their relationships and serves as the Dean of Students at Machon

the Dr. David Robinson Institute for Jewish Heritage, Jerusalem. He holds a Doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology (PsyD) from Touro, and a Master in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Yaakov,

SUKKOT 2025

DSN DELIVERS FUN FOR ALL AGES

SUKKOT 2025 WAS NOTHING SHORT OF EXTRAORDINARY AT DSN, AS THE COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE WITH JOY, GRATITUDE, AND A FULL CALENDAR OF UNFORGETTABLE PROGRAMS. WITH RECORD-BREAKING ATTENDANCE, EXCITING TRIPS, AND TOP-NOTCH ENTERTAINMENT, DSN ONCE AGAIN PROVED WHY IT’S THE HEARTBEAT OF THE DEAL COMMUNITY.

This Sukkot, the energy was electric. Over 650 children participated in a wide range of trips and in-house programs designed to make Sukkot Hol Hamoed fun. Families enjoyed adventures to Big Snow, Carm’s Farm, Ninja Kidz Action Park at American Dream (a brand-new favorite), Urban Air, and Slime World. Back at DSN Community Center, children experienced an in-house circus day featuring a full circus show, face painting, bounce houses, and even a Dinosaurs Rock exhibit complete with an interactive dino show for the younger children that had everyone roaring with excitement.

The programming wasn’t just about fun, it was also a blessing for parents. With so many engaging options for children from nursery through 8th grade, including participants from both Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Deal area, moms were able to prepare for the holiday while knowing their kids were having a blast in a safe, vibrant environment. DSN also hosted a spirited basketball tournament for 6th–7th grade boys, giving them the chance to show off their skills and teamwork.

Meanwhile, over at the DSN Beach Club, adults enjoyed a sophisticated and festive Sukkot lineup. On

Thursday, October 9th, the atmosphere was alive with the smooth sounds of Reggie Woods and a jazz quintet, wowing members with soulful, uplifting tunes. The next morning, members joined a pickleball tournament filled with friendly competition and laughter.

The celebrations continued after Shabbat on Saturday night, when strolling magician Ari Paul brought back his magic, this time to the first-floor lobby and Sukkah, delighting diners with close-up tricks and entertainment. Monday showcased a “Bring Your Own Game”, a relaxed afternoon of mahjong, canasta, and Toleh (backgammon), offering community and connection in a cozy holiday setting.

Reflecting on the week, DSN’s Youth Program Director Frieda Shamah shared, “Sukkot at DSN was incredible! We loved seeing so many kids come through our doors. We had the best time keeping everyone engaged, smiling, and having fun all Hol Hamoed.”

Indeed, Sukkot 2025 was unforgettable, filled with family, friendship, and, to the joy of the entire community, a sense of deep relief and unity as all the living hostages were finally released, allowing everyone to rejoice and celebrate together.

DSN hopes everyone had a joyful Sukkot and thanks the community for celebrating together, making the holiday brighter, easier, and more meaningful. Am Yisrael Chai! 

CARE DAY 2025

3,000+

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY & CARE

IT WAS TRULY INSPIRING TO SEE THOUSANDS OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS COME TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF CARE! THE INCREDIBLE TURNOUT WAS A POWERFUL REMINDER OF HOW DEEPLY OUR COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF CARE’S MISSION. FROM GRANDPARENTS TO TODDLERS, EVERYONE CAME OUT TO CELEBRATE AND HAD A BLAST!

Sports fans cheered through more than eight softball tournaments that ran all day, while kids bounced from inflatables to rides, scaled the rock-climbing wall, and played endless arcade games, winning prize after prize! The excitement continued with an incredible auction featuring amazing prizes generously donated by local businesses across the community. The food was another highlight, featuring tables piled high with popcorn, cotton candy, cookies, and hot pretzels, plus an ice cream stand and a sizzling barbecue spread, perfect for a summer day. This year was also the first time we launched an exclusive VIP lounge for our players. Our softball players enjoyed the full VIP experience, with a private space to relax between games, enjoy delicious food, and even unwind with massages. It quickly became the favorite hangout spot of the day!

The event was organized by Abe Saka, Morris Kassis, and Ray Esses, who worked tirelessly for months to make this day so special. A huge thank you goes to event planner Jessica Esses for coordinating every detail so beautifully,

Alwa here to help CARE Advisors are here to support families, connecting siblings, parents, and children to a wide range of programs and resources. Whether it’s referrals to schools, residential options, specialized programs, equipment, or therapies, our advisors ensure that families of children with special needs are fully taken care of! learn more about

Ricky Esses for providing amazing music all day long, and to the many sponsors and volunteers who gave their time, energy, and heart. Over 85 community businesses contributed generously to the event, another testament to how strongly the community stands behind CARE.

Seeing everyone come together on CARE Day meant so much. It wasn’t just a day of fun, it was a beautiful show of support for the families CARE stands behind all year long. We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate, volunteer, and share in our mission. It truly was a day filled with joy and the kind of community spirit that makes everything CARE does possible. 

STANDING PROUD. STANDING STRONG. NEVER STANDING STILL.

In times like these, we can’t wait for better days. We must create them. It’s your generosity that sets everything in motion.

With Israel still confronting needs that stretch from north to south, we’re not letting up for a moment. With antisemitism growing louder and more mainstream, we’re fighting back strategically on every front. And with social service needs skyrocketing, we’re supporting care for those who need it most — guided by an innovative mindset and a dignity-first approach.

And in a welcome challenge, with Jewish pride soaring, we’re investing in all the ways to find Jewish connection and meaning.

From New York to Israel, our work never stops.

MDYHS EXPERIENCES MAJOR GROWTH

As part of Magen David Yeshivah High School’s commitment to continued growth, we are proud to announce the launch of a new and exciting initiative — the Magen David Business Institute (MDBI). This program will be a signature program of the Yeshivah, giving amazing opportunities to MDYHS students to engage in real-world activity through high-level training.

Magen David Yeshivah High School students will be recognized for their outstanding knowledge, experience, and performance in the world of business.

It is our goal to offer in-depth preparation so that graduates can take the helm of major companies and businesses across the globe.

Join the community in celebrating this endeavor. 

9th

9th Grade

11th Grade 11th Grade

12th Grade 12th Grade

MORRIS I. FRANCO CANCER CENTER PROMOTES BREAST HEALTH AWARENESS IN LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS

The Morris I. Franco Cancer Center recently visited several community high schools as part of its ongoing mission to raise breast health awareness among young people. The outreach initiative aimed to educate students about the importance of early detection and proactive health habits. “Education is power. We want to reach these girls before they go out into the world, and make sure they feel informed, prepared and confident of their health,” said Nancy Sutton, President and Founder of the Morris I. Franco Cancer Center.

Sara Ovadia (MDY HS Hesed Coordinator), Nancy Sutton (President and Founder, Morris Franco Cancer Center), Alaina Dweck (Volunteer and Cancer Survivor), Beth Goldberg (Former MDY HS Internship Director), and Jill Yedid (NYS RN, Community Nurse and Childbirth Educator)

During the visits, students were shown an informative video on how and when to perform breast self-checks, emphasizing the importance of regular self-examinations as a key step in early detection. Guest speakers from the center and community nurses shared vital information about understanding one’s family medical history and the value of being in tune with your own body to recognize any unusual changes.

“If you know what your body feels like now, you’re more likely to notice a change and that is a powerful step in protecting your health,” said Alaina Dweck, breast cancer survivor and volunteer. Students were encouraged to be their own health advocates and to have open conversations with family and healthcare providers.

The initiative highlights the Cancer Center’s commitment to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their breast health.

If any high schools or organizations would like to collaborate with the Morris I. Franco Cancer Center, call 718787-1800 #2. 

founders and his many years of devoted service to our school and community.

INVESTING

BUILD WEALTH LIKE YOU TRAIN FOR A RACE

JOSEPH SHALOM

NOBODY WAKES UP ONE MORNING AND BECOMES A GREAT ATHLETE. EVEN THE MOST TALENTED BASKETBALL PLAYERS DON’T JUST ROLL OUT OF BED AND SINK EVERY SHOT. THEY TRAIN CONSISTENTLY, PRACTICE THE BASICS, AND BUILD THEIR SKILLS ONE DAY AT A TIME.

Iknow this because I am a runner. I ran my first half marathon in 2014, the Disney SBH Half Marathon. I barely trained and just pushed through to the finish line. I didn’t think this event would start my journey to become a runner; I just thought it would be fun to hang out with my friends.

It wasn’t until Covid that I started taking running seriously. At first, I couldn’t run a mile without stopping. I wasn’t fast, and long distances felt impossible. But over time, I improved. I got faster, became more consistent, and today I consider myself a solid runner.

A few months ago, one of my colleagues suggested I try a triathlon. I knew I had the running part down, but I didn’t swim or bike much. He pointed out that the season was almost over, and if I skipped it, I would have to wait a full year for the next one. So I decided to go for it. I wasn’t going to be the fastest or the most prepared, but I wanted

to do it. If I waited, something else would always come up, and I might never start.

That same mindset applies to investing. Nobody wakes up with millions to invest. Success is built the same way athletic ability is built—through consistent habits and small steps over time. At some point, you must stop waiting for the perfect moment and just start.

I see a few clear similarities between investing and training.

1. TRAINING SCHEDULE AND DOLLAR-COST AVERAGING

When I first started getting serious about running, I needed a routine, otherwise I would always find an excuse not to run. I got a training manual and stuck to it, planning which days to run long, which days to run short, and which days to focus on speed.

The same applies to investing. There is always a reason not to invest, but that is where dollar-cost averaging comes in. Pick an amount and invest the same every month, whether the market is up or down or whatever else is happening in the world. Consistency is the most important factor.

2. PATIENCE AND THE POWER OF COMPOUNDING

In the beginning, it doesn’t feel like much is happening. From one week to the next, my speed stayed about the same, and my distance may only increase a little. Over time, though, it really makes a difference. Back in 2020, I was probably running a 9-minute mile. Today, I can run between 7- and 8-minute miles. That’s almost 20 percent faster, not to mention the distance I can now cover. This didn’t happen overnight. The more I trained, the stronger my muscles became and the more my endurance improved.

The same applies to investing. When you start out, it may feel like you are barely making progress. One down year can even feel like going backward. But over time, consistent effort adds up, and growth begins to compound.

3. TRAINING WITH OTHERS AND WORKING WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR

One of the things I love most about running is doing it with others. Earlier this year, I planned to run only 4 or 5 miles. About three miles in, I ran into another runner I know. He said he was planning to run three miles, so I joined him. We kept going, both feeling strong, and ended up running

much farther. He ran six miles, and I ended up running 13. I left my house with no intention of running a half marathon on a random Sunday, but running with someone else pushed me beyond what I thought I could do.

The same is true in investing. Having someone to help monitor your goals, keep you on track, and hold you accountable is what a financial advisor does. They cannot make you invest, but they can help you stay consistent, disciplined, and focused on reaching the goals you set for yourself.

I ended up doing the triathlon. My swim was weak, my biking was okay, and my run was great. But I am very happy I did it. I learned a lot and now I know exactly how to train for next year.

Investing works the same way. You don’t have to be perfect when you start, and you don’t need everything figured out. What matters is that you begin, stay consistent, and learn as you go. Over time, effort compounds, and results grow in ways you might not even notice at first.

As Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” The only real mistake is never taking one. Start today, stay consistent, and let time and discipline work in your favor. 

Joseph Shalom is a financial advisor with the Power Forward Group and loves helping his clients ‘run’ their financial lives. Some goals are like marathons that require more long-term thinking to get there, other goals are like the 100-meter dash that are closer in sight. Each requires your training to start now. What’s stopping you?

AMERICAN CLASSIC INTRA-MATIC

MIDRESHET ESHEL:

A YEAR OF GROWTH AND CONNECTION

The excitement was palpable as 56 new students found their new home away from home at Midreshet Eshel last month. Living just a five-minute walk from the Kotel, students quickly began to adjust and make new friends from New York, New Jersey, Florida, Los Angeles, Seattle, Montreal, Brazil, and Belgium. Though they come from different Sephardic communities across the world, these young Sephardic students eagerly came together for a similar purpose, to learn, grow, and develop themselves spiritually and personally.

“Eshel was definitely the right choice,” explains Caroline Palacci, graduate of Flatbush and current student at the Midrasha. “I’ve met so many great friends, and I’m able to really dive into my spirituality surrounded by a supportive Sephardic community.”

R to L: Corrie Beyda, June Rahmey, Esther Watren, Norma Shamah, Tunie Terzi, Charlotte Daniel, Janet Sasdon, Grace Weiss, Rachel Moghrabi, Maya Bendayan, Paulina Gamel.

“My experience at Eshel has been incredible,” enthuses Emma Kamagi, graduate of Flatbush High School. “I’m growing and learning more than I ever imagined. It’s empowering me to become more independent and confident in everything I do.”

Students are immersed in a warm learning environment that promotes their intellectual and emotional growth. Classes on both advanced and regular levels challenge students to expand their thinking and deepen their understanding of G-D, Torah and Misvot (commandments), their relationships with others, as well as their relationship with themselves. As Sofia Choueke of Brazil explains, “I feel the classes provided at Eshel are changing me as a person.”

Sarah Tawil, graduate of Flatbush, agrees. “Being at Eshel has been such an inspiring experience. I feel like I’m constantly growing through everything I’m learning.” Sarah continues, “The classes motivate me to think independently and push me in new ways every day.”

Outside the classroom, students continue learning and connecting to the people and the land of Israel. Frequent walking tours, hikes, activities, and guest speakers keep students engaged and inspired. “It’s been an amazing experience so far,” says Janet Sasson from Magen David. “I love how much I’m learning inside and outside of the classroom.” Lydia Mohadeb from Flatbush concurs: “My experience at Eshel so far has been eye-opening. I’ve learned so much about myself through the lens of Torah. I’m excited to continue growing and learning even more.”

Monthly Shabbatonim (group Shabbat retreats) with different teachers are a highlight as students have just returned from a water hike at Nachal Hakibbutsim and a spiritually uplifting Shabbat in the holy city of Sefat. Norma Shamah of Hillel reflects, “It was such a spiritual place, and learning about its deep holiness made the experience even more special.”

Underlying the success of the Midrasha is the modest,

talented, and highly committed teaching staff comprised of rabbis and female teachers who have been with the Midrasha for many years. “We don’t hire teachers easily,” explains Miriam Tawil, Founder and Director. “While each one has been chosen specifically for the unique role they play at the Midrasha, taken together the synergy between them is incredible.”

One of the newest additions to the staff is Victoria Chabot Berman, who teaches Halacha (Jewish law) and Rambam (Maimonides) and serves as a Rakezet or Supervisor to the students. “Not only do the students get to live in the Old City and learn Torah in the Old City every single day, the students are set up for a year of growth that will serve as a basis for their future growth for many years to come.”

With G-D’s help, the combination of its unparalleled location, international student body, and professional and highly dedicated staff produces an experience like no other. As Stacey Gelber of Flatbush summarizes, “Eshel is truly the best seminary. I’ve never felt more alive, happy, and connected than I do in this incredible place.”

Recruitment for September 2026 is underway. For more information please visit us at www.sephardicseminary.org

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT KIND OF THERAPY FOR YOUR CHILD’S GROWTH

Parenting a child with special needs comes with unique challenges. Choosing the right therapy can feel overwhelming with so many options available.

At our Brooklyn DIR/Floortime Clinic, we focus on what truly matters — helping your child build meaningful connections, emotional regulation, and confidence through play and relationships.

WHAT IS DIR/FLOORTIME?

DIR, or Developmental Individualized Relationship Based Therapy, also known as the Floortime approach, was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder. This evidence-based model builds on your child’s natural interests and motivations to strengthen emotional development, thinking, and problem solving.

Rather than relying on external rewards, Floortime invites children to engage joyfully through play, conversation, and imagination — at their own pace and from a foundation of trust and connection.

HOW OUR APPROACH WORKS

• Child-Led, Relationship-Based: We meet each child where they are emotionally and developmentally. Sessions use toys, games, and symbolic play to help children express themselves, connect, and think more flexibly.

• Parent Involvement: Parents play an essential role. Our therapists support and collaborate with families so that the strategies learned in sessions become part of everyday life.

I s y o u r c h i l d

s o c i a l i z i n g

w i t h o t h e r

c h i l d r e n ?

s o l v e p r o b l e m s

i n a s h a r e d w a y ?

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• Skill Building Through Joy: From regulation and attention to communication and social confidence, every moment of play is an opportunity to strengthen core developmental skills.

• Confidence Through Independence: We support children to discover their own problem-solving abilities rather than imitating others. The goal is a confident, self-directed thinker ready to thrive in the real world.

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE OUR CLINIC

Our therapists have decades of experience helping children with developmental, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. DIR/Floortime is a proven model that transforms not only how children relate to others but also how families connect and grow together. Even one to two sessions per week can translate into meaningful gains for the entire family. 

Leading with Purpose

In recent years, our presence has only grown stronger, with a tangible impact that reflects our deep commitment to protecting what matters most.

In 2023, we proudly helped protect over 5,000 lives and issued $6 billion in life insurance face amount, a milestone that underscored our dedication to financial security and peace of mind for local families. In 2024, that number climbed to 6,000 lives protected, and our face amount rose to $8 billion, reflecting the growing trust our community places in us and our commitment to helping secure brighter financial futures.

But our impact goes far beyond numbers. We are driven by a sense of purpose that touches every corner of our community. Through charitable giving and volunteer work, we actively support causes that uplift and empower. Over the past year, we’ve donated more than $350,000, ranging from youth programs and educational initiatives to health and wellness organizations.

This commitment to service is more than our mission it’s our way of life. Whether we’re helping a family build a foundation for the future or partnering with local nonprofits to make a difference, we lead with heart. To us, protecting lives means more than providing insurance; it means being present, being involved, and being a force for g ood.

As we continue to grow, so too does our positive influence. We remain steadfast in our vision to serve with integrity, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact for generations to come. In Brooklyn and beyond, our legacy of care, protection, and communi ty leadership continues to thrive.

To learn more about our work or how you can get involved, reach out to David Hoory, Managing Partner of the Brooklyn General Office. We’d love to connect.

David Hoory, CLF®, LUTCF®

SARINA ROFFÉ GROUP

15 YEARS OF NONPROFIT

EXPERTISE

NOW CELEBRATING ITS 15TH YEAR SERVING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, SARINA ROFFÉ CONSULTING GROUP CONTINUES TO EXPAND ITS REACH AND REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT.

What began in Sarina Roffé’s home office as a way to help “Friends of” organizations supporting Jewish causes in Israel has grown into a trusted institution offering comprehensive services to nonprofits worldwide.

Drawing on her experience as a journalist, a national nonprofit president, and former National Director of Communications at Jewish National Fund, Sarina Roffé built a firm rooted in ethics, professionalism, transparency, and a deep understanding of her community.

Operating from her centrally located Marine Park office, Sarina and her team provide a full-service, turnkey

operation for nonprofits with annual budgets ranging from $10,000 to $5 million. Her office provides nonprofits with an address and a reputation.

“Her QuickBooks service always provides clean ledgers for 990 filings and audits,” said Jacques Erdos, CPA. “Sarina Roffé is also an expert at handling nonprofit applications with the Internal Revenue Service, with 100 percent of applications approved. Sarina’s high ethical standards and expertise make her the community’s go-to expert for nonprofit management.”

Services include bookkeeping, donation processing, donor management, payroll, invoicing, collections, and

Sarina Ro é Consulting Group

Celebrating 15 Years of NonProfit Expertise

O ering comprehensive services to Jewish nonprofit causes worldwide.

Providing a turnkey operation and administrative services for nonprofits

• Bookkeeping, Account Reconciliation, Accounts Receivable and Payable

• Coordination with CPAs for tax preparation and audits

• Payroll Management

• Brochures, Annual Reports, Bylaws, Employee Manuals

• Event Management for Fundraisers

• Forming Nonprofit Organizations

• Grant administration

Clients consistently praise her reliability, integrity, and commitment rooted in ethics, professionalism, transparency and a deep understanding of the community.

“Sarina’s high ethical standards and expertise make her the community’s go-to expert for nonprofit management.” Jacques Erdos, CPA

“Sarina and her team are personable, professional, and always ready to help. Her full turnkey operation for small nonprofits fills a vital niche.” Elliot Horowitz, CEO of H Equities

“Sarina is honest, organized, professional and dedicated to full transparency. Her knowledge of our community and expertise in nonprofit management make her an invaluable asset.” Rabbi Ronnie Kassin

“Beyond her professional skills, Sarina’s warmth and integrity have left a lasting impression on everyone who has the privilege of working with her.” Rabbi Netanel Meoded, Chief Rabbi of Kehilat Zion of Kowloon

coordination with CPAs on annual filings. The firm also supports organizations with fundraising, event management, grant administration, and collateral materials such as brochures, newsletters, email blasts, annual reports, videos, and pledge cards. She works closely with graphic artists to produce and print materials within the organization’s budget.

“Sarina and her team are personable, professional, and always ready to help,” said Elliot Horowitz, CEO of H Equities. “Her full turnkey operation for small nonprofits fills a vital niche. Sarina helped launch a nonprofit organization of which I am treasurer. She provided invaluable advice, managed all our finances, attended every board meeting (even on weekends), managed fundraising events, spoke to donors, and supervised all marketing efforts.”

Roffé’s writing and editing expertise extends to crafting bylaws, policies, procedures, and employee manuals. Clients consistently praise her reliability, integrity, and commitment.

“Sarina has been honest, organized, and dedicated for more than 15 years,” said Rabbi Ronnie Kassin. “Her knowledge of our community and expertise in nonprofit

management make her an invaluable asset.”

The firm’s clients include organizations supporting Jewish communities in China, Argentina, France, and Israel, as well as numerous local synagogues and charities.

“Beyond her professional skills, Sarina’s warmth and integrity have left a lasting impression,” said Rabbi Netanel Meoded, Chief Rabbi of Kehilat Zion of Kowloon.

“She takes professionalism to an unheard-of level,” added Alan Kishk, President of Roofing Repair Team.

“Working with her is like forming a true partnership. Sarina is one of the most efficient professionals I know. She is organized, effective, and intelligent.”

Notably, all of Sarina Roffé Group’s clients have come through referrals, a testament to the firm’s stellar reputation and results-driven approach.

Sarina holds degrees in Journalism, Jewish Studies, and an MBA in Nonprofit Management—a rare combination that blends communication skills, cultural understanding, and business acumen. Her team includes her son, Abraham Roffé, who also holds an MBA, along with two additional staff members dedicated to delivering exceptional service. 

Abraham Roffé

Sarina Roffé

Care that Belongs to

EVERYONE

At Randi’s Care, our mission has always been simple: to give every family peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for with dignity and compassion. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we’re now able to reach more families than ever.

No matter your background or circumstance, we’re here to make trusted care accessible, supportive, and personal. Because every senior deserves to feel at home in their own life and every family deserves a helping hand.

HOSTAGE BY ELI SHARABI

A RAW AND UNFLINCHING FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF 491 DAYS IN HAMAS CAPTIVITY

HOSTAGE BY ELI SHARABI IS A RAW AND UNFLINCHING FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF HIS EXPERIENCE IN HAMAS CAPTIVITY. IN THIS FIRST MEMOIR BY A RELEASED HOSTAGE (AND THE FASTEST-SELLING BOOK IN ISRAEL’S HISTORY), SHARABI RECOUNTS THE STARVATION, ISOLATION, PHYSICAL BEATINGS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE HE SUFFERED AT THE HANDS OF HIS CAPTORS.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists stormed Kibbutz Be’eri, shattering the peaceful life Eli Sharabi had built with his British wife, Lianne, and their teenage daughters, Noiya and Yahel. Dragged barefoot out his front door while his family watched in horror, Sharabi didn’t know it would be the last time he would see them.

In heart-pounding prose, Sharabi brings readers along as he is kidnapped into Gaza, first into the private homes of his captors and then into the suffocating darkness of Gaza’s tunnels where he and his fellow hostages endured the unimaginable.

Then, on February 8, 2025, after 491 days in captivity, the world watched as Sharabi emerged—a shadow of his

former self. Weighing just 95 pounds, he was paraded in front of a rabid crowd in a macabre ceremony orchestrated by Hamas. Despite the horrors he endured, Sharabi held onto his unyielding resolve to survive and be reunited with his loved ones. But when he finally made his way home to Israel, Sharabi was devastated to learn that his wife and daughters were killed on October 7.

In HOSTAGE, Sharabi reveals:

• Details of where he was kept before being transported into the tunnels of Gaza

• How his fluency in Arabic allowed him to understand everything his captors were saying, revealing insight into their motivations, belief system, and the hierarchy inside Hamas

• The complicated relationships he and his fellow hostages developed with their various captors

• How his life experience as a father and manager gave him the tools to navigate complex human dynamics and allowed him to be a source of comfort to his fellow hostages

• The rituals he and his fellow hostages adopted to survive, including: a gratitude practice, the tools and routines they employed to stay as fit as possible, in mind and body and more

• The hunger and gruesome sanitary conditions within the tunnels

• How his Hamas captors were stockpiling boxes of UN aid, brimming with food. Meanwhile, Sharabi and his fellow captives subsisted on as little as one pita a day, at some points.

• The sophisticated and elaborate propaganda tools the terrorists employed: including choreographed video productions they forced the hostages to partake in, containing propaganda messaging

• The psychological torture, including calls to renounce their Judaism for Islam; misinformation about what was happening to their families and the war raging outside

• The agonizing lead-up to their release, including threats from the terrorists about what would happen if they went off script; the fears of being lynched by the frenzied and ecstatic crowds, and more

• What Sharabi said to the Red Cross representative when they were finally face to face, 491 days after his kidnapping

• How he was stunned by the number of people involved with the release process on Israel’s side, the level of planning, attention to detail and sensitivity

• His road to recovery

Eli Sharabi’s story is one of hunger and heartache, of physical pain, longing, loneliness and a helplessness that threatens to destroy the soul. But it is also a story of strength, of resilience, and of the human spirit’s refusal to surrender. It is about the camaraderie forged in captivity, the quiet power of faith, and one man’s unrelenting decision to choose life, time and time again. In the months since his release, Sharabi’s road to recovery has included the urgent mission to share his story and how he advocated for the release of the remaining hostages.

As Sharabi writes, “hope is never something that comes easily. It’s always something you’ve got to fight for, to work on.” 

THE MORGAN LIBRARY’S NEW EXHIBIT

SING A NEW SONG: THE PSALMS IN MEDIEVAL ART AND LIFE

THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM IN NEW YORK CITY HAS UNVEILED A FASCINATING NEW EXHIBIT DEDICATED TO THE BOOK OF PSALMS AND THE ART OF ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS. THIS EXHIBITION OFFERS VISITORS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE INTRICATE BEAUTY, RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE, AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST REMARKABLE MEDIEVAL ARTWORKS. THE EXHIBIT UNDERSCORES THE ENDURING POWER OF TEHILLIM AND THE CREATIVE GENIUS OF THE SCRIBES AND ARTISTS WHO BROUGHT THESE SACRED TEXTS TO LIFE.

Tehillim is the Hebrew name for the Book of Psalms, which translates to “praises.” It consists of 150 poems or chapters. These psalms are songs of praise, lament, gratitude, and supplication to Hashem, used in both joyous and desperate times. In medieval Europe, during the 12th to 14th centuries, these texts were not only read and recited but were also lavishly decorated, forming part of personal prayer books.

The Morgan Library’s exhibit centers around illuminated manuscripts, the handwritten books adorned with gold leaf, vibrant pigments, and intricate illustrations. These manuscripts were created by skilled artisans working in scriptoria, or writing rooms, set aside for the writing, copying, and illumination of manuscripts. Each page is a testament to painstaking labor and artistic vision, featuring elaborate initial letters, border decorations, and miniature paintings that interpret the Psalms’ themes. The illumination of Psalms served both aesthetic and devotional purposes. Gold and rich colors reflected the heavenly realm, while images of biblical figures and scenes helped readers visualize the stories and prayers.

Lorenzo Monaco`s `King David as Psalmist.`

Carcassonne Bible (1422). Photo: The Morgan Library & Museum

MULTIFORT TV INSPIRED BY NEW VISIONS

The show begins with the exquisite Carcassonne Bible made in Avignon in 1422 for a Jewish physician. On display is the introductory page to the Book of Psalms. “Tehillim” is embellished in gold letters and surrounded by decorative stripes of green, blue, and red. The borders are highly decorated with ribbons, flowers, and birds. Due to religious persecution and censorship, few Hebrew manuscripts from this era have survived, but fortunately we are able to view another rare example from Bologna, Italy. King David, who composed and compiled the Book of Psalms, is frequently depicted in the manuscripts as a wise elder, wearing a gold crown and holding a harp.

Visitors can also view medieval Psalters from the Morgan’s renowned collection, some dating back to the 12th century. Not all are Hebrew or Jewish, as non-Jews also used books of Psalms or Psalters. These books feature extraordinary examples of calligraphy and illuminated initials. Many of these Psalters include pages depicting scenes from the life of King David, as well as religious figures and

scenes from other faiths and traditions, rendered in stunning detail. There are also interactive displays allowing guests to “turn” virtual pages and examine details up close, revealing techniques and materials used by medieval craftsmen.

The new exhibit at the Morgan Library & Museum is on display through January 4, 2026. Whether you are an art lover, a student of history, or simply curious about the spiritual and artistic heritage of the Psalms, this show offers a window into a world where beauty and devotion intertwine. Through its extraordinary collection and innovative displays, the exhibit honors the legacy of medieval scribes and illuminators, reminding us that art and faith have long been partners in the human quest for meaning. 

Natalie Senior Greenberg is a former art history lecturer at Brooklyn College. She is currently teaching studio art to adults and giving tours at various museums and locations in New York City.

Winchester Bible Leaf. David and Goliath. England, Winchester, ca. 1160–1180. Morgan MS M.619v. Single Leaf. 580 x 390 mm. The Morgan Library & Museum, Photography by Graham S. Haber.

Books of Truth (Sefrei Emet). Written by Isaac ben Ovadiah for Jacob, son of Rabbi Benjamin of Montalcino. Illuminated by Mariano del Buono. Italy, 1467. New Haven, Beinecke MS 409, fol 3r. Codex. 111 x 80 mm. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

6 WAYS JEWS SHAPED THANKSGIVING

HOW JEWS HELPED TO CREATE THE QUINTESSENTIAL AMERICAN HOLIDAY

DR.

YVETTE ALT MILLER

MODELING THE FIRST THANKSGIVING ON SUKKOT

America’s first Thanksgiving holiday took place in 1621, just a few months after the first Pilgrim settlers first landed on the shores of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. They arrived in the New World just as winter was approaching, and spent their first few months in Massachusetts huddled on the Mayflower boat that had brought them from England, subsisting on the ship’s stores of food. Fully half of the Pilgrims perished over the winter.

When the weather began to improve, they ventured onto land. March 21 was the day the Pilgrims officially left the Mayflower and began to farm and build homesteads. The Pilgrims were aided by members of the local Abenaki, Pawtuxet and Wampanoag tribes, particularly by a Pawtuxet man named Squanto who had an amazing history. He had been kidnapped some years previously by an English ship captain, had learned English, and eventually returned to his tribe in Massachusetts. With Squanto’s aid, the Pilgrims succeeded in cultivating native crops.

At harvest time, the Pilgrims declared a three-day long feast of Thanksgiving to thank G-d for their harvest. Deeply religious Christians, the Pilgrims were well acquainted with the Hebrew Bible and Jewish holidays, including the autumn festival of Sukkot, when Jewish pilgrims brought offerings from their harvests to the Temple in Jerusalem. Some see the first American Thanksgiving was an attempt to thank G-d for His beneficence in a new place, and to a new set of Pilgrims, a conscious imitation of Sukkot.

Pilgrim leader William Bradford had another Jewish custom in mind when he declared a service of thanksgiving soon after the Pilgrims made landfall in 1620. He opened his Bible and led the Pilgrims in reciting Psalm 107. Incredibly, the annotations in Bradford’s Bible, written by the English clergyman Henry Ainsworth, quoted the Medieval Jewish Sage Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon (Rambam), whose legal work the Mishnah Torah directs Jews to recite a prayer based on Psalm 107 after making a dangerous journey and overcoming other obstacles. It seems that the very first American act of Thanksgiving had Jewish roots as William Bradford incorporated Jewish traditions into his first thanksgiving prayers in the New World.

ENSURING JEWS CAN CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING

During Colonial times, it was common for colonies to declare special days of thanksgiving at times of prosperity and good fortune. Shearith Israel, the oldest synagogue in America, eagerly took part. Established in 1654 by Sephardi Jews seeking refuge from the Portuguese Inquisition in Brazil, Shearith Israel (also known as the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue) took part in various thanksgiving celebrations that were declared by New York’s colonial governor. Shearith Israel wrote new prayers and included prayers of thanksgiving during these colonial thanksgiving days.

There were times, however, when New York’s Colonial Governor insisted that special days of thanksgiving have a specifically Christian character. (This was true of other

colonies as well, which sometimes insisted that days of thanksgiving be celebrated with Christian prayers.) At these times, Shearith Israel had no choice but to refrain from taking part. The synagogue’s predicament became known to George Washington, thanks to the synagogue’s leader, Gershom Mendes Seixas, the congregation’s cantor who was devoted to the cause of American Independence, and his family.

Many of Shearith Israel’s members joined the Continental Army and fought with George Washington; approximately 20 members of the synagogue died in America’s revolutionary war. After the war, Seixas was selected to be one of the small number of clergy people present at George Washington’s presidential inauguration. When the new President declared a national day of Thanksgiving for the new United States in 1789, he specifically made his day of thanks non-denominational, ensuring that his Jewish supporters could fully take part in America’s first national thanksgiving festival.

Gershom Mendes’ Seixas brother Moses was active in his own synagogue in Rhode Island, Kahal Kadosh Yeshuat Yisrael (later called the Touro Synagogue). In 1790, seven years after the conclusion of America’s War of Independence, President George Washington visited that synagogue and Moses Seixas delivered him a warm letter of affection on behalf of his congregation. President Washington responded with a letter of his own, in which he famously reiterated his strong belief that America was not to be a Christian nation, but one to which all peoples could equally contribute and call home.

“All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship,” Washington wrote. “For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it all on occasions their effectual support...” It was a strong reminder that America’s national character must include all its citizens, no matter what their religious persuasion.

THE SHAVUOT CONNECTION

Thanksgiving only became a regular, annual holiday in 1863. That was thanks in large part to one woman: Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of America’s most popular journal, Godey’s Ladies Journal.

Hale was a progressive idealist. Each year, starting in 1846, she published a public appeal in Godey’s, asking the government to establish a national day of Thanksgiving across the entire country. Notably, she called for a day of Thanksgiving in which all Americans, including Jews, could

take part. Hale made specific reference to a key Jewish holiday in her annual appeal, “Pentecost,” which is a Greek name for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, the day G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai.

Hale saw this Jewish holiday as a time for family gatherings and giving charity so that no poor household would be left out of the national celebration. (Hale lived in New Hampshire, which had a small Jewish population, it’s possible she observed the ways that Jews support their communities with charity, ensuring that all members have the resources to celebrate festivals such as Shavuot and other Jewish holidays.)

“The noble annual feast day of our Thanksgiving resembles, in some respects, the Feast of Pentecost, which was, in fact, the yearly season of Thanksgiving with the Jews,” Hale insisted in the pages of her magazine, year after year. Fixing a regular Thanksgiving day “would then have a national character.... It is a festival which will never become obsolete, for it cherishes the best affections of the heart – the social and domestic ties. It calls together the dispersed members of the family circle, and brings plenty, joy and gladness to the dwellings of the poor and lowly.”

President Lincoln finally listened to Hale’s entreaties – and those of her many readers and admirers – and proclaimed the final Thursday in November to be an annual holiday of Thanksgiving across the United States. Deep in the Civil War, it was the hope of many that a national day of Thanksgiving could help heal the country’s wounds.

THE JEW WHO CHANGED THE DATE OF THANKSGIVING

For years, Thanksgiving was celebrated on the last Thursday in November: until a Jewish businessman helped alter the date – and provoked a firestorm across America.

In 1939, there were five Thursdays in November and Thanksgiving fell on November 30. With the economy in depression, merchants were worried that a late Thanksgiving would mean an unusually short Christmas shopping season, as in the 1930s it was customary to start decorating stores and promoting Christmas merchandise only after the Thanksgiving holiday.

American retailers lobbied President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to bring Thanksgiving forward a week, to November 23, to help America’s embattled retailers. The leader of the push was Fred Lazarus, Jr., the Jewish chairman of the Federated Department Stores, a national retailing grouping he’d organized in 1930 to link stores in different communities by sharing a financial base. (Federated Department Stores eventually became Macy’s.)

Lazarus’ logic appealed to President Roosevelt, who

changed Thanksgiving from the final Thursday of November to the third Thursday of the month in order to help the nation’s merchants. This provoked a swift backlash from conservative states and politicians, some of whom seized on the change to promote antisemitic tinged criticisms of President Roosevelt’s New Deal policies. Critics called the “new” Thanksgiving “Franksgiving” and many states refused to celebrate it.

The backlash fell along party lines. As the New England Historical Society notes, “Republicans called Roosevelt’s declaration an affront to the memory of Lincoln. People began referring to the ‘Republican Thanksgiving (last Thursday) and the ‘Democratic Thanksgiving’ (fourth Thursday) as ‘Franksgiving’.”

President Roosevelt changed Thanksgiving back to its original date in 1941. Fred Lazarus Jr. went on to contribute to the American war effort, serving as vice-chairman of the Retail Advisory Council of the National Council of Defense. He also served on the Office of Price Administration and the War Production Board during World War II. After the war, President Eisenhower appointed Lazarus to the President’s Committee on Government Contracts, where Lazarus was a voice for fair labor practices. He passed away in 1973.

INVENTING THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

No Thanksgiving would be complete without watching a Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition started by the descendants and business partners of a Jewish immigrant named Adam Gimbel.

Born in 1817 in Bavaria, Gimbel moved to America where he worked as a dock hand and then a travelling peddler. He soon gained a sterling reputation as a scrupulously honest businessman who treated all people fairly, no matter what their background. Gimbel founded Gimbels

Department Store in Milwaukee. He later expanded to Philadelphia; after his death, he sons expanded Gimbel’s further, opening a store in New York City.

In 1920, Bernard Gimbel, Adam’s grandson, held the first Thanksgiving Day Parade, sponsoring a huge spectacle that marched from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Gimbel’s Department Store at 8th and Market Streets. Each year, until the last Gimbels’ Parade in 1986, the department store sponsored Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Macy’s in New York started their own Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, in a clear imitation of Gimbels’.

CREATING AMERICA’S GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

The iconic green bean casserole topped with crunchy fried onions that many Americans enjoy on Thanksgiving has a remarkable story, and was popularized in the 1950s by the Jewish food writer Cecily Brownstone. In 1955, Ms. Brownstone wrote a story about a journalists’ dinner she’d attended at the home of John Snively Jr., a pioneering citrus grower in Florida.

At the dinner, Mrs. Snively served a delicious green bean casserole – and shared a remarkable story about that signature dish. The Snivelys had recently hosted the Shah of Iran and his wife, and Mrs. Snively made her delicious green bean casserole. The Iranian Queen was so taken with the dish that she kept asking about its ingredients. The Snivelys’ butler answered each question, until he finally lost his patience and told the royal, “Listen, lady, it’s just beans and stuff.”

Dr. Yvette Alt Miller holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the London School of Economics and has taught at Northwestern University, London Business School, and lectured around the world.

THE STARTUP NATION ON WALL STREET

HOW ISRAELI TECH IS SHAPING THE MARKET

WALK THROUGH TEL AVIV ON A WEEKDAY MORNING AND YOU’LL SEE A CITY BUZZING WITH IDEAS. CAFÉS DOUBLE AS OFFICE SPACES, ROOFTOP TERRACES HOST MEETINGS, AND CO-WORKING HUBS BRIM WITH YOUNG FOUNDERS AND ENGINEERS. ISRAEL HAS EARNED THE NICKNAME “STARTUP NATION” FOR GOOD REASON. WITH ONE OF THE HIGHEST NUMBERS OF STARTUPS PER CAPITA IN THE WORLD, THE COUNTRY HAS BUILT A REPUTATION FOR INNOVATION THAT STRETCHES FAR BEYOND ITS BORDERS.

What many people don’t realize is how often these ideas end up on Wall Street. Over the past two decades, more than 100 Israeli companies have gone public on U.S. exchanges. They span industries ranging from cybersecurity and biotech to artificial intelligence and communications, highlighting how Israeli innovation doesn’t just stay local but plays out on the global stage. Israel now ranks fourth in the number of Nasdaq-listed companies by country, behind only the United States, Canada, and China.

There is no single type of company that defines Israel’s presence on the market. Instead, the variety is striking. Cybersecurity firms, biotech researchers, software providers, mobility innovators, and financial technology platforms all call Israel home. Each represents a piece of the country’s wider story: a small nation that punches far above its weight in science and technology.

Some of these names may already be familiar. Mobileye, founded in Jerusalem, pioneered the vision systems used in

advanced driver-assistance and autonomous vehicles. The company’s technology is inside cars around the world, even if drivers don’t realize it. monday.com, with its colorful and easy-to-use project management tools, has become a fixture in offices globally. CyberArk is another standout, recognized as one of the world’s leading cybersecurity firms. Behind each of these tickers, MBLY, MNDY, and CYBR, is a story rooted in Israel’s culture of innovation.

Beyond the big names are dozens of smaller, specialized firms. Israeli biotech startups have listed on U.S. exchanges with research ranging from oral insulin capsules to new cancer therapies. Satellite technology companies have raised capital to expand communications infrastructure far beyond Israel’s borders. Software firms that began in modest offices in Herzliya or Haifa are now shaping how international businesses operate. For every well-known giant, there are five lesser-known innovators quietly pushing their fields forward.

This variety is not accidental. Israel invests more in

research and development as a share of GDP than any other country in the world, about 4.3 percent compared to the U.S. at around 2.8 percent. That level of investment helps explain the breadth and pace of innovation that fuels new public offerings and global impact. Just as important, venture capital firms around the world see the opportunity and continue to pour money into Israeli startups. Billions of dollars in VC funding flow into the country each year, giving entrepreneurs the backing they need to grow from small labs and offices into global players ready for Wall Street.

The sectors where Israel excels also reflect broader global trends. Cybersecurity remains a constant focus as companies and governments around the world look for ways to protect their data. Health and biotech draw on Israel’s strong medical research institutions, producing therapies and devices that have the potential to improve lives worldwide. Artificial intelligence and mobility solutions connect Israel’s engineering talent with industries that are rapidly reshaping everyday experiences. For market watchers, this mix of innovation ensures that Israeli companies appear across a wide spectrum of sectors.

One of the most exciting traits of Israel’s tech ecosystem is its velocity. Startups can rise quickly, attract international attention, and reach the stock market faster than many of their global peers. Some companies go public, while others are acquired by larger firms eager to capture their talent and intellectual property. The result is a steady stream of fresh names for those who keep an eye on market listings.

It is important to remember that following these developments does not require being a professional investor. The stock market is simply another lens through which to watch Israel’s impact on global innovation. Spotting an Israeli name in financial headlines can be a reminder that the technology shaping our work, health, and trans-

portation often began in a small office or lab across the Mediterranean.

Looking ahead, a number of Israeli companies are set to expand their reach and capture worldwide attention. Navan is reinventing corporate travel and expense management with a sleek software suite. Claroty and Cato Networks are cybersecurity firms protecting everything from Fortune 100 companies to national infrastructure. Gauzy is pushing the boundaries of smart-glass and vision-control technology now used by automakers and aircraft manufacturers.

eToro, a retail trading platform, recently made its Nasdaq debut, opening global access to new kinds of investing. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the country’s largest defense and aerospace company, is preparing to go public with a massive valuation. And StoreDot, still privately held, is drawing attention for its ultra-fast electric vehicle batteries that promise to charge a car in minutes.

For investors there is an added dimension. Buying shares of Israeli companies not only offers the potential for profit, but also supports the country’s thriving culture of innovation. Many Israeli firms on U.S. exchanges have delivered strong results, especially in sectors where Israel has a global edge. Even carving out a small slice of a portfolio for Israeli companies can be a meaningful way to align financial goals with confidence in the Startup Nation’s future.

So the next time you skim the financial pages or hear about a tech company making headlines, take a closer look at its origins. If it started in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Haifa, you are seeing the Startup Nation’s story unfold in real time, not just in research labs or office parks, but on the global stage of the stock market where performance and pride often go hand in hand. 

YOU’VE BEEN USING AI FOR YEARS

AND IT’S SHAPED YOUR LIFE MORE THAN YOU REALIZE

IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED HOW YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORMS ALWAYS SEEM TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO WATCH, HOW YOUR PHONE FINDS THE FASTEST WAY AROUND TRAFFIC, OR HOW SHOPPING TOOLS PREDICT YOUR NEXT PURCHASE, THE ANSWER IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. AI MAY SOUND FUTURISTIC, BUT IT HAS ALREADY BECOME PART OF DAILY LIFE IN WAYS MOST PEOPLE DON’T NOTICE. IT ISN’T ONLY DRIVING RESEARCH LABS OR ROBOTICS, IT’S QUIETLY SHAPING EVERYDAY CHOICES, HABITS, AND ROUTINES.

That makes AI both exciting and a little unsettling. On one hand, it saves time and makes life more convenient. On the other, it raises questions about how much data we share and how it’s used. To understand this balance, it helps to look at the ordinary places where AI is already at work.

Think about the last time you opened a streaming service or music app. Behind every recommendation is an algorithm that studies what you’ve watched or listened to, how long you stayed with it, and what people with similar habits enjoyed. The goal is to keep you engaged by predicting your next interest. This can be useful when you’re looking for a new series or playlist, but it can also trap you in a bubble, serving more of the same instead of encouraging variety. Experts suggest mixing in your own searches from time to time so you don’t miss out on something new.

Navigation apps are another quiet showcase of AI. They don’t just map routes, they constantly process live traffic updates, accident reports, and even how fast other driv-

ers are moving. Directions adjust on the fly, shaving minutes off commutes or steering you around a jam. It’s a simple example of machine learning, but it shows how much we already rely on AI to guide us without a second thought. At the same time, these apps know where you go, when you travel, and how often. That information isn’t only used for navigation, it can also feed into advertising profiles, making it worth reviewing your privacy settings.

Shopping tools highlight AI in a different way. When a site suggests products based on what you browsed, or when a grocery app remembers your weekly order, that’s AI predicting behavior. Some retailers use it to keep popular items in stock, while others rely on it to run customer service chatbots. If you’ve ever called a toll-free number and spoken to an automated system that directs you to the right department, or clicked on a website chat box only to find a program answering, you’ve interacted with AI support. It often speeds up simple requests, though it can feel impersonal when you want a human touch.

Advertising is perhaps the most visible sign of AI in

daily life. Targeted ads appear in your email, on your social feeds, and across the web. They’re not random, they reflect the messages you open, the posts you like, and the searches you make. AI can even draw on voice commands or your location. Walk past a store, step inside a mall, or type about a product, and you may see an ad for it within hours. Many of the free services we rely on every day stay free by collecting and selling this data to advertisers or third-party companies. The trade-off is personalization at the cost of privacy, with our information treated as a commodity.

Social media takes this influence even further. AI decides which posts rise to the top of your feed, learning quickly from every like, comment, and share. That’s why it often feels like the app “knows” you. The upside is that it connects you with content and communities that match your interests. The downside is that it can trap you in cycles of distraction or feed misinformation. Digital wellness experts recommend setting time limits or clearing your history now and then to help reset the algorithm.

Even the devices in your pocket and home are full of AI. Voice assistants interpret natural language to carry out commands. Smart thermostats learn your patterns and adjust temperatures automatically. Fitness trackers record heart rates and sleeping habits, then suggest routines to improve your health. These tools act like personal helpers,

but they also collect sensitive details that can reveal more than you may want shared.

So what can you do if you’d rather limit how much AI follows you? The first step is to explore your phone or app settings. Many services automatically turn data sharing on, so you need to look for options labeled “privacy,” “ad preferences,” or “do not share.” Turning off ad personalization, disabling location tracking when it isn’t needed, and choosing not to share activity history are small but powerful steps. On websites, you can often click “manage cookies” or “opt out” instead of accepting defaults. These tools don’t shut AI off completely, but they give you more say in how your data is used.

The larger point is that AI is not separate from daily life, it’s woven into it. Recognizing that fact helps you make smarter choices, balancing convenience with caution. And you don’t need to be a tech expert to take control. A few quick checks in your settings can limit what is collected without losing the benefits that AI brings.

Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and most of its uses aim to make life more comfortable. But comfort should not come at the cost of control. By noticing how AI shapes your day, from the shows you stream to the ads that follow you, you can enjoy the benefits without giving away too much. The key is not to fear AI, but to approach it with awareness and deliberate choices. 

OUR COMMUNITY CELEBRATES SUKKOT

THIS MONTH’S COMMUNITY PHOTO ALBUM CELEBRATES THE JOY AND TOGETHERNESS OF SUKKOT. FROM CHILDREN CREATING COLORFUL DECORATIONS AND LEARNING ABOUT THE LULAV AND ETROG TO FAMILIES GATHERING FOR MEALS IN THE SUKKAH, THESE MOMENTS CAPTURE THE BEAUTY AND MEANING OF THE HOLIDAY. OUR COMMUNITY CAME ALIVE DURING CHOL HAMOED WITH TRIPS, OUTDOOR EVENTS, AND CLASSES HELD BENEATH THE SCHACH. EACH PHOTO TELLS A STORY OF CONNECTION, CELEBRATION, AND GRATITUDE. IT REMINDS US HOW SPECIAL IT IS TO SHARE THESE FESTIVE DAYS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

THE RADICAL STRENGTH OF HUMILITY BEYOND EGO

RABBI MEIR BIER AND DAVID H. ROSMARIN, PHD

IN OUR AGE OF SELF-PROMOTION AND PERSONAL BRANDING, HUMILITY CAN APPEAR OUTDATED— ALMOST A WEAKNESS. WE EXPECT MODERN LEADERS TO BE CONFIDENT, DECISIVE, EVEN FORCEFUL. YET WE ALSO SENSE THAT THESE TRAITS OFTEN HIDE INSECURITY RATHER THAN REVEAL TRUE STRENGTH. JUDAISM AND MODERN PSYCHOLOGY BOTH SHOW WHY HUMILITY IS THE REAL KEY TO CONFIDENCE, LEADERSHIP, AND HAPPINESS.

The Torah presents a strikingly different model. It praises Moses—the greatest and most brilliant of Jewish leaders—not for his power, but for his humility. The Talmud describes his humility as total, so much so that he saw himself as “nothing.” But how can this be? How can a leader embody immense authority and still view himself as nothing? Doesn’t humility mean self-doubt that undermines leadership? Conversely, doesn’t power negate humility altogether?

Judaism offers a deeper understanding: humility is not weakness or self-negation, but strength rooted in selfawareness and clarity.

This article, co-written by a rabbi and a psychologist, was itself an exercise in humility. Rabbis focus on sources

and tradition; psychologists on lived experience and data. Only by combining perspectives—dialogue instead of dominance—could we begin to understand humility in its fullness.

What follows blends classical Jewish teachings with modern psychology, showing how both converge on the same truth: humility is not the opposite of strength. It is the foundation of emotional health, effective leadership, and lasting happiness.

ARROGANCE MASKS INSECURITY

Rabeinu Yona of Girona (c. 1200–1264), a leading medieval Spanish rabbi, ethicist, and Talmudist, best known for his classic work Gates of Repentance, taught that arro-

gance does not flow from greatness, but from deficiency. The human spirit is lofty; when it senses something missing, it strains under the weight of that gap. To cover the emptiness, a person asserts dominance over others who possess what he lacks.

Arrogance, then, is not strength but fragility. The egomaniac does not mistreat others because he truly feels superior but because he fears he is inadequate. Wealth, beauty, influence, or intellect become shields to hide a gnawing void. But these shields never work.

This insight explains why those who project the most dominance are often deeply insecure. Their arrogance is a desperate strategy to mask fear of being unloved or unworthy. Yet the mask cracks: external superiority cannot replace inner security.

Modern psychology echoes this. Narcissists often appear supremely confident, demanding admiration and bristling with indignation. Yet research shows narcissism is tied to low self-esteem and vulnerability. The appearance of strength is often only a fragile defense.

One CEO Dr. Rosmarin treated, seemed the epitome of toughness: decisive voice, commanding posture, uncom-

promising authority. But at home, his arrogance alienated his family until they gave him an ultimatum—therapy or separation. In therapy, his facade collapsed. For the first time, he admitted his lifelong fear of inadequacy. His arrogance, he realized, was not confidence but a coping mechanism.

Centuries earlier, Rabeinu Yona captured this truth: arrogance is an attempt to cover insecurity. True humility, by contrast, grows out of emotional wholeness. The humble person does not need to dominate, because their worth is already secure.

HUMILITY AS SELF-ASSURANCE WITHOUT ENTITLEMENT

Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin, (1816–1893), known as the Netziv, the Rosh Yeshiva of the famed a theological dimension Volozhin Yeshiva and a leading Torah commentator and halakhic authority of his time, defined humility in a counterintuitive way. A humble person does not belittle themselves or deny their gifts. They may recognize their greatness clearly. The difference is that they do not demand honor or privilege because of it.

The Talmud offers proof. Rabbi Yosse once called himself humble, and the Talmud confirmed it. If humility meant a lack of self-awareness, such a statement would be contradictory; no one, let alone a great sage, could not accurately describe themselves as “humble” if humility means blindness to one’s own worth. Instead, humility means knowing one’s value without insisting on special treatment.

Rabbi Berlin extended this idea further into the theological realm, noting that even G-d is described as humble. Obviously, this cannot mean a lack of self-awareness. It means that true greatness does not require recognition. Humility, therefore, is greatness without entitlement.

This redefinition reframes humility as strength. The arrogant person asserts superiority to hide insecurity; the humble person leads forcefully without needing external validation. Moses could be both decisive and “the humblest of all people” because his self-assurance was rooted in wholeness.

Psychology supports this. Research on authentic selfesteem shows that those whose self-worth is secure—not dependent on others’ approval—are more resilient, less defensive, and more open. Confidence rooted in stability makes humility possible.

One of Dr. Rosmarin’s patients, a gifted young physician, feared being labeled arrogant. She downplayed her achievements and exhausted herself proving her humility. Over time, she learned that acknowledging her gifts was not arrogance but freedom. By accepting recognition without demanding it, she led with grace instead of fear.

This is Rabbi Berlin’s insight: humility is not erasing oneself, but standing in greatness without entitlement.

HUMILITY AS THE SOURCE OF HONOR AND HAPPINESS

Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz (1878–1953), known as the Chazon Ish, a preeminent Torah scholar in Israel, took humility in another direction. He taught that character growth does not require erasing self-love. Human beings must love themselves, seek honor, and desire happiness. The real question is: what kind?

True honor, Rabbi Karelitz said, lies in humility—the refusal to chase external accolades. True happiness lies in freeing oneself from the endless pursuit of status.

This reframes humility not as self-denial but as redirection. Instead of building identity on wealth, beauty, or power, the humble person builds on goodness, kindness, and sensitivity. Unlike status, intrinsic goodness cannot be outdone. It lifts others instead of competing with them.

Psychology confirms this. Self-determination theory shows that people who live by intrinsic values—growth, kindness, deep human connection—experience greater well-being than those chasing validation. Studies of selftranscendence also reveal that meaning beyond the self brings higher life satisfaction and resilience.

One entrepreneur Dr. Rosmarin treated spent years chasing luxury and acclaim, yet felt perpetually empty. When he shifted toward mentoring and philanthropy, the emptiness faded. His honor came not from others’ applause, but from a life of substance.

Rabbi Karelitz’s wisdom shines through: humility does not erase self-love, it refines it. By rooting worth in intrinsic goodness, a person gains honor that cannot be taken and happiness that cannot be shaken.

MOSES

A PARAGON OF HUMILITY

We can now understand how Moses embodied both greatness and humility. The teachings of Rabeinu Yona, Rabbi Berlin, and Rabbi Karelitz form a unified vision:

• Arrogance is a mask for insecurity.

• Humility is self-assurance without entitlement.

• True honor and happiness come from rooting worth in goodness.

Moses embodied this vision. He led decisively yet never demanded honor. That paradox made him history’s most enduring teacher—and remains a challenge for us today.

In a world obsessed with image, promotion, and competition, Judaism’s vision of humility is countercultural. Real strength is not in domination but in the quiet confidence of knowing one’s worth. Arrogance hides insecurity; humility reveals true self-worth.

Humility allows individuals to thrive without fear of comparison, families to grow without rivalry, and leaders to guide with conviction and compassion. In a society that prizes appearance over substance, humility is the most radical and transformative form of greatness. 

Rabbi Meir Bier is an educator with Meor at the University of Pennsylvania. He studied at the Philadelphia Yeshiva, Brisker Kollel, and Beth Medrash Govoha. He was a member of the Boston Kollel and served as a synagogue rabbi in Newton, Massachusetts.

David H. Rosmarin, PhD, is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and the founder of the Center for Anxiety. He is an international expert on spirituality and mental health, and his work has been featured in The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and on Good Morning America.

THE ENERGY OF LIFE

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NAD AND LONGEVITY

THINK OF YOUR BODY AS A HIGH-POWERED DEVICE. JUST LIKE YOUR PHONE NEEDS A CHARGER, YOUR CELLS RELY ON SOMETHING TO KEEP THEM GOING. THAT “CHARGER” IS A MOLECULE CALLED NAD, AND WITHOUT IT, THE BODY’S ENERGY SUPPLY QUICKLY FALTERS. RESEARCHERS ARE FASCINATED BY NAD BECAUSE ITS LEVELS DECLINE AS WE GET OLDER, AND THAT DROP MAY PLAY A ROLE IN FATIGUE, SLOWER METABOLISM, AND THE BODY’S ABILITY TO REPAIR ITSELF.

This is where the conversation about longevity comes in. While no one has discovered the secret to living forever, scientists are exploring how supporting NAD could help us live healthier for longer. The buzz around it can feel overwhelming, but the science, while still young, is pointing toward some promising ideas.

NAD, short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is found in every cell of your body. It helps turn food into usable energy and acts as a kind of traffic director for countless reactions that keep you alive. It plays a key role in metabolism, DNA repair, and communication between cells. If you picture your body as a city, NAD is the power grid and the maintenance crew rolled into one. Without

enough of it, the system begins to slow down, and that’s part of why scientists suspect it may influence how we age. Animal studies have shown that higher NAD levels are linked to improved energy, stronger endurance, and even better repair of DNA damage, which is one of the drivers of aging. Some early human research is also encouraging. Small trials suggest that boosting NAD might improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support healthier blood sugar levels. Still, it is important to keep perspective. Much of this work is in its earliest stages, and we don’t yet know if NAD therapies can actually extend human lifespan. What we do know is that it plays a central role in health, which makes it a promising area of study.

With so much attention, it’s no surprise that supplements aimed at raising NAD have become popular. The two main ones are NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside), both of which are forms of vitamin B3. They are sold in capsules or powders, marketed as ways to “boost NAD naturally.” So far, they appear safe in short-term studies, but questions remain about long-term effects. Supplements are not strictly regulated, which means quality can vary, and prices can be high. For anyone considering them, it’s wise to consult a doctor, especially if you already take other medications or have health concerns.

The good news is that you don’t need to buy a pill to support your NAD levels. Your everyday choices have a big impact, and they come with no side effects and almost no cost. Regular exercise is one of the most powerful ways to keep NAD pathways active. Even brisk walking or cycling a few times a week makes a difference. Sleep is another critical factor, since the body replenishes and repairs itself at night. Eating patterns matter too. Intermittent fasting and balanced diets rich in whole foods appear to encourage healthier NAD activity. Foods that contain natural sources of B vitamins, such as leafy greens, fish, eggs, and whole

grains, also provide the building blocks your body uses to make NAD. Taken together, these habits not only support this molecule but also strengthen nearly every part of your health.

Longevity is about more than how many years we get. It’s about the quality of those years, what scientists call healthspan. While the idea of boosting NAD with supplements is intriguing, it should not distract from the fundamentals of living well. Moving your body, resting deeply, and eating thoughtfully will always matter more than any capsule. In Jewish tradition, there is a concept called shmirat haguf, caring for the body as a sacred responsibility. It’s a reminder that each day of life is valuable, and maintaining our health allows us to live fully in the time we are given.

The science of NAD is still unfolding, and it may one day offer tools that transform how we age. For now, what’s within reach are the choices we make every day. Think of them as simple ways to keep your body’s battery charged: walk more, sleep better, eat real food, and embrace the rhythm of caring for yourself. The promise of longevity may not lie in a bottle, but in how we choose to live right now. 

THE OZEMPIC DEBATE

BEYOND WEIGHT — A CONVERSATION ON HEALTH, SHAME & TRANSFORMATION

JOIN BRACHA BANAYAN, NP, FOUNDER OF HELLO DOSE AND IVDRIPS, IN CONVERSATION WITH RENOWNED PSYCHOTHERAPIST MARY ANNE COHEN TO EXPLORE “THE OZEMPIC DEBATE: OBESITY, SHAME, AND HEALTH AT ANY SIZE” ON NOVEMBER 17 AT 7:30 P.M.

As the conversation around weight loss drugs grows louder, Bracha shares insight from treating nearly 1,000 patients with GLP-1s, and why the real story goes far beyond the scale.

SHOULD EVERYONE WHO ‘FEELS FAT’ CONSIDER THESE MEDICATIONS?

No. These drugs aren’t just about how you look and feel, they’re about metabolic health. At Hello Dose, I’ve seen GLP-1s transform patients struggling with insulin resistance, hormonal changes, PCOS, and food addiction. They quiet food noise, reduce impulsive eating, help with inflammation and addictive behaviors. The real question isn’t “Do I need to lose weight” but “Could this improve my metabolic health, biology and habits?” Used correctly, they’re transformation tools, not shortcuts.

ARE ALL BODY SIZES HEALTHY?

No. Obesity raises the risk of insulin resistance, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Real body love means caring for yourself, not short-term but long-term. The damage builds silently, like smoking or diabetes. Cardiovascular effects appear years later. Compassionate care empowers

people with the tools, such as GLP-1s, to prevent disease and achieve metabolic balance, not through shame but through self-love.

DO THEY OFFER BENEFITS BEYOND WEIGHT LOSS?

Yes, GLP-1s are longevity drugs. They improve glucose control, reduce inflammation, and support liver, heart, and gut health, and help with addictions. They also help break cycles of impulsive behavior, from overeating to alcohol and nicotine use. They are gut drugs and brain drugs. At Hello Dose, we use a specific technique called the DROP Method, teaching patients to build lasting habits so results extend far beyond the medication.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Using the medication without proper guidance can cause nausea, fatigue, muscle loss, hair thinning, or rapid regain. The gap in education is astonishing! Over 30% of people stop early because they weren’t educated on proper use. Your body needs time to reset to a new body set point, stabilized after major weight loss. With the right supervision, GLP-1s can be life-changing. Without it, they’re just temporary. A QUICK FIX! 

Bracha Banayan, NP, Founder of IVDRIPS and Hello Dose, helps patients use GLP-1 medications safely for sustainable weight management, habit change, and longevity—transforming not just their bodies, but their relationship with food. (607) 638-3948 - www.hellodose.com | www.ivdrips.com - (212) 257-0512

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A BUZZWORD

FINDING BALANCE FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY PROTEIN MORE THAN

EVERYWHERE WE TURN, IT’S PROTEIN THIS, PROTEIN THAT. SMOOTHIES BOAST EXTRA PROTEIN, BARS SCREAM “20 GRAMS!”, AND EVEN CEREALS ARE FORTIFIED WITH IT. YET BENEATH ALL THE HYPE, REAL QUESTIONS REMAIN. HOW MUCH DO WE ACTUALLY NEED? IS THERE SUCH A THING AS TOO MUCH? AND WHAT IF YOU DON’T EVEN LIKE PROTEIN FOODS?

As a dietitian specializing in eating disorders, I believe protein shouldn’t become another food rule to obsess over. It should instead be understood as one part of a balanced picture, one that supports not just your body, but also your mood, appetite, and relationship with food.

WHAT PROTEIN ACTUALLY DOES

Protein is far more than a muscle builder. It repairs and maintains every cell in the body, from skin and hair to hormones and enzymes. It supports immunity, helps regulate appetite and blood sugar, and prevents sharp highs and lows. It also supports mental health by providing amino acids that become neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO WE REALLY NEED?

For most adults, about 0.8–1 gram per kilogram of body weight, or roughly 0.36–0.45 grams per pound, is

enough. Active adults, older adults, or those on weight loss medications (like GLP-1s) may benefit from 1.2–1.6 g/kg to help preserve muscle mass and manage satiety. The body can handle moderate extra protein, but chronic excess, such as multiple scoops of powders on top of a high-protein diet, is not magic. It will not double your strength and can crowd out other important foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROTEIN

Animal sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and dairy are complete and easily absorbed. Plant based options like beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, edamame, nuts, and seeds bring fiber, minerals, and variety. They do not have to be combined in one perfect dish, since your body balances them across the day. What matters most is how these foods make you feel, whether they give steady energy, help with focus, or leave you sluggish. Your experience matters as much as the nutrition facts.

LAURA SHAMMAH, MS, RDN

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Are unhealthy thoughts eating you Alive ?

• Normalize your eating habits and conquer your weight related fears

• Restore a healthy relationship with food

• Stop restricting/ diet cycle, binging, under/overeating, emotional eating and finally feel free to live the life you want!

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WHAT IF YOU DON’T LIKE PROTEIN FOODS?

Not everyone loves eggs or steak, and that’s okay. Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt can blend into smoothies. Lentils can disappear into soups or sauces. Roasted chickpeas or edamame make satisfying crunchy snacks.

PROTEIN THROUGH THE LENS OF EXERCISE AND AGE

Exercise increases demand, and protein helps muscles recover and adapt. Spreading intake throughout the day is better than loading up at dinner. Age shifts the picture. Muscle naturally declines, so after 30 years old, protein becomes more protective against weakness and frailty.

PROTEIN’S INFLUENCE ON MOOD, APPETITE, AND BINGES

Adequate protein provides building blocks for healthy brain chemistry. Skipping it often leads to irritability or fatigue. Consistent protein helps stabilize blood sugar and reduces the roller coaster of hunger and cravings. Balanced protein can also decrease the extremes of hunger that often drive overeating.

PAIRING PROTEIN FOR BALANCE

Protein works best in combination. Pair it with fiber rich carbs like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for lasting fullness and energy, and add healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, or olive oil to support hormones and brain health. This trio: protein, carbs, and fat, is the true recipe for satiety and balance.

BUT WHAT IF YOU ONLY LIKE CARBS?

This is common, especially if protein is not naturally appealing or if carbs have always been your comfort zone. Try adding protein alongside your favorite carb, like toast with eggs, pasta with chicken, or crackers with cheese. Just as coffee or dark chocolate are acquired tastes, many protein rich foods can be too. Over time, your body connects them with steady energy and fewer crashes, and you may even start to crave them.

Building these pairings step by step helps your body and brain relearn trust in food without restriction, just gentle experimentation.

BALANCE OVER PERFECTION

Protein is essential, but it is not a magic bullet. Too little leaves you tired, too much can crowd out balance, but the sweet spot supports energy, mood, and stability. The real goal is not chasing a number, but creating meals that nourish your body and mind. Pair protein with foods you enjoy, listen to your body’s signals, and remember that balance always wins over extremes. 

Laura Shammah, MS, RDN, specializes in eating disorders and works with a wide range of clients, including those managing PCOS, infertility, hypertension, high cholesterol, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, and cancer. She also supports clients training for marathons, women who are pregnant, and individuals seeking to lose or gain weight in a healthy way.

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ONE-POT WONDERS FOR BUSY FALL WEEKNIGHTS

WHEN THE AIR TURNS CRISP AND THE DAYS GROW SHORTER, FEW THINGS FEEL AS COMFORTING AS A WARM, HEARTY MEAL AT THE END OF THE DAY. THE CHALLENGE IS FINDING TIME TO COOK SOMETHING SATISFYING WHEN WEEKNIGHTS ARE ALREADY FULL. THAT IS WHERE ONE-POT RECIPES SHINE. WITH A SINGLE POT OR DUTCH OVEN, YOU CAN BRING TOGETHER FLAVORS THAT TASTE LIKE THEY SIMMERED ALL DAY, WITHOUT LEAVING A SINK FULL OF DISHES BEHIND.

These dishes are practical, cozy, and deeply rooted in the idea that cooking for your family should nourish body and soul without adding stress. The following four recipes highlight two classic soups and two filling main courses. They are designed to be simple enough for a weeknight, yet warm and rich enough to become seasonal favorites.

HEARTY LENTIL SOUP (SERVES 6)

This soup is earthy, filling, and perfect for when you want something nutritious without fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsps olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 8 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in lentils, tomatoes, broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

3. Lower heat and simmer, partially covered, for 35–40 minutes until lentils are tender.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in parsley before serving.

This soup keeps well for several days and thickens as it sits, making it even more flavorful the next night.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP (SERVES 6)

A sweeter option that balances autumn produce with warming spices. It is smooth and elegant enough for Shabbat dinner but easy enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsps olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion and cook until

golden, about 5 minutes.

2. Add squash and apples. Stir to coat with oil.

3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until squash is tender.

4. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

This soup can be prepared in advance and reheated gently. It pairs beautifully with a slice of challah.

CHICKEN AND BARLEY STEW (SERVES 6–8)

This dish is a hearty one-pot meal that has the comfort of a long-simmered stew but cooks in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsps olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 carrots, chopped

• 2 parsnips, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed

• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over mediumhigh heat. Add onion, carrots, parsnips, and

garlic. Cook until softened, about 6 minutes.

2. Push vegetables to the side and add chicken thighs. Brown lightly on both sides.

3. Add barley, broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

4. Cover and simmer for 50–60 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and barley is tender.

5. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with dill.

The barley adds a nutty texture that makes this dish filling on its own, no side dish required.

THESE ARE THE PROGRAMS

BETH SIFRA RAN

Separate Orthodox Boy Scout 8 Girl Scout Club • Matchmaking

• Trips and Rallies • Free Legal Advice Jewish Films Jewish History Classes

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• Free Bar Mitzvahs • Several English Classes (Green Cards) • Work Release Programs • Release Hours

• Free Flee Market • Homeless Shelter

BEEF AND ROOT VEGETABLE BRAISE (SERVES 6)

This recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. A slow simmer allows the beef and vegetables to melt together into a satisfying fall supper.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsps vegetable oil

• 2 pounds stewing beef, cut into large cubes

• 2 onions, sliced

• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1 small turnip, peeled and cubed

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsps tomato paste

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 tsp rosemary

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, working in

batches if needed. Remove beef and set aside.

2. Add onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook another 2 minutes.

4. Return beef to the pot along with carrots, parsnips, and turnip. Pour in broth, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 2–2½ hours, until beef is fork-tender.

This braise tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for preparing ahead.

Fall weeknights rarely leave us with time to linger in the kitchen, but with the right recipes, you do not need hours to create something memorable. These one-pot wonders save time and dishes, while still offering the depth of flavor that makes a meal feel special. With a little chopping and one pot, you can have soup simmering on the stove or a stew gently bubbling away while you tend to everything else. When it is time to sit down together, you will have a warm, nourishing dinner that celebrates the best of the season. 

Hannah Kosher Foods

MIAMI REAL ESTATE MARKET ON THE MOVE

THE HOUSING MARKET IS SHOWING NEW SIGNS OF LIFE

This fall, Miami and South Florida’s real estate market is entering one of the most active stretches of the year. After a quieter summer, we’re seeing more movement across multiple segments of the market, with both buyers and sellers positioning themselves before the winter season begins and 2025 closes out.

Interest rates are expected to trend lower in the coming months, giving buyers increased purchasing power while inventory begins to build. Combined, these factors are creating the early signs of a more balanced market, where motivated sellers and well-prepared buyers can align for strategic opportunities.

The condo sector rebounded slightly but still continues to struggle, with sales down and pricing sliding. Inventory

surged, giving buyers a clear advantage and strong leverage. This combination suggests that well-priced, newer, or renovated units continue to draw interest, even as older inventory lingers.

With its unmatched mix of beaches, tropical lifestyle, and no income tax environment, combined with global connectivity, South Florida has firmly established itself as one of the most desirable places to live, work, and invest. 

Roberta Gordon Esquenazi, is a Realtor with over 40 years of experience specializing in luxury condos, home sales and rentals. Originally from Brooklyn, she’s passionate about South Florida living since 1982. Her goal is pairing people with the right property.

ROBERTA GORDON ESQUENAZI

SALE

FINVARB Realty

Available New Developments: Bentley, St. Regis, Onda, Casa Bella etc...

Bellini 5850 sf 6bedr 7 bath gorgeous view, move in The Landmark 3 bedrooms, direct ocean pool, golf and lake view. Best line in the bldg. Rarely on the market

Mystic 500 2/2 completely renov Bay Marina Pool view

Mystic 500 3bed/3bath completely renovated ocean view

Hamptons South 2 bedr + den 3,000 sf

Bellamare 3 bedr 2.5 bath spectacular ocean bay view furnished

RENTALS

Sands Pointe 2 plus den on the beach sunny Isles furnished

Hamptons South 3 bedr + den, furnished, pool, intracoastal golf view

Hamptons South 2 bedrm plus den ocean intracoastal view

The Landmark 3/3 best line Direct Ocean view and golf view

Turnberry Village 2/2 furnished Golf and lake view

Turnberry Terraces 3/2 furnished direct ocean intracoastal pool view

Turnberry Towers 3/2 completely remodeled ocean intracoastal pool marina view

Turnberry Towers 2bedr 2 bath completely renovated Mystic 200 2 bedr plus den corner unit Bay view

Turnberry South Tower

Selling or buying, we can help you! Call Tova for all your real estate needs. Quality • Honesty • Integrity

JUST LISTED. FOR SALE OR RENT. AVE S/HIGH TEENS. EXCLUSIVE

Magnificent luxury all brick single fam home on a 56x100 lot with 46x60 built, grand entry, 8 beds, 9 1/2 baths, stunning master suite with walk-in closets, master baths and balcony, full bsmt with gym, sauna, steamroom & more, prv drv, beautiful backyard.

UNIQUE

OPPORTUNITY. PRICE REDUCTION – Huge corner Parkway/A on Ocean

ve X, , det, irregular. Build your dream home. 63x130

NEW OFF MARKET. AVE S NEAR OCEAN PKWY57x100. Don't miss this rare opportunity to build your dream home!

AVE T/HIGH TEENS. EXCLUSIVE – beautiful luxury 1 fam, det, 5-6 beds, huge mstr suite w/mstr bath & walk-in closets, 4.5 baths, 3 flrs + v parking for 3 cars, high ceilings, heated flrs.

OFF MARKET/PRIME OCEAN PKWY130 deep, R-5 zoning. Call me for more details.

GRAVESEND. AVE T/LOW EAST. EXCLUSIVE

AMAZING NEWLY RENOV, semi-det 1 fam, 25x100 lot, built 20x58, 4 beds, 3.5 baths, mstr bed, mstr bath, parking.

Shaare Zion

HOUSES FOR SALE

40 x 120 Detached, Private Drive

Asking: $7.5M

Gravsend

100 x 100 lot great for builder

Avenue M / Ocean Parkway

30 x 150 Detached

7 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, Private Parking Asking: $4M

Avenue O / Low East Streets

Luxury Detached

One-Family Home

6 Bedrooms — $3.35M Also Available: 3 Bedrooms — $2.2M

Avenue N / Teens

Brand-New

One-Family Home

5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, Parking Asking: $1.65M

Avenue P / Low East Streets

6-Family, Owner-Occupied Asking: $2M

Avenue U / West Streets

Detached House with Private Drive, 4,100 Sq. Ft. Perfect Lot to Build Your Dream Home

Coney Island / Kings Highway Small Building Asking: $1.5M

Rentals available at all price

7 Bedrooms 4.5 Baths Finished Basement. Plus Third Floor. Set On 100 X 150. Plans for a pool. (Subject to Town

PROPERTY

bedrooms 3.5 baths On 220 x 260 property… that’s 1.3 acres!! Room for pool sports court.

Near Hillel Yeshiva campus. 6 bdrms, 2 baths, remodeled inside set on 100x125...room for pool (with town approval)

BUILDINGS FOR SALE BKLYN

492-494 Ave P – Two adjacent buildings only. 1st fl store, 2nd fl, 4 beds apt, 2-1 beds apt. Excellent tenants. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk/ Jack Kishk 917-288-4001

HOUSE FOR SALE BKLYN

1326 E 2nd St – Fully modern recently renovated home. 4 beds, 4 baths, spacious den, 40x113 ft, classic red brick, new basement, garage. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk 718-415-8800

1405 E 7th St – 30x120 lot, duplex unit with 5 beds, 3.5 baths, 1st fl unit 3 beds & 2 baths, central air, 3 balconies, 2 sink kitchens, private driveway & 2 car garage. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk 718-415-8800

1315 Ocean Pkwy – 37x137 lot, detached brick-face home. Grand spiral staircase, eat-in kitchen, 3 fireplaces, central air, indoor gym, private elevator, private driveway. Call Century 21/ Melanie Kishk/ Monique Benun 732-236-7976

1006 E 22nd St – Charming one fam, 4 beds, 3.5 baths, eat-in kitchen, private drive, fin bsmt, backyard, 30x100 lot. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk/ Kal Abed 917-549-6571

East 4th St/Ave W – 40x100 lot, prv drv. Build your dream home. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk 718-415-8800

309 Ave J – 30x100 lot, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, primary suite with private balcony, private parking, detached garage. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk 718-415-8800

HOUSE FOR SALE BKLYN

2391 E 4th St – Prime multi-fam brick home. 2 units, Unit 1: 3 beds, 1 bath, Unit 2: 2 beds, 1 bath, modern kit, fin bsmt. Call Century 21/ Melanie Kishk 718-415-8800

East 2nd St/Ave U – One fam, 4 beds, primary suite with bathroom & wall to wall closets, den, private parking. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk 718-415-8800

1575 E 8th St – Semi-det 2 fam, 2 units, 3 beds, 1 bath each unit, kitchen, private driveway, 28x100 lot, backyard. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk/ Lauren Avital 732-688-6993

1753 East 9th St – Ave R/low East detached 5 beds home with prv drv, 3.5 baths, new EIK with dinette. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk 718415-8800

Ave S/E 18th St – Detached brick face single fam, 25x100 lot, parking & more. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk/ Kal Abed 917-549-6571

2138 26th St – One fam brick home, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, fin bsmt. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk/ Betty Tabbush 917-885-9551

1595 E 13th St – 2 fam home, 5 beds, 3 baths, unbeatable location, 24x100, corner property. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk/ Kal Abed 917549-6571

West Long Branch, NJ

For Sale or Rent: 4,000 sq ft office space in West Long Branch, NJ, featuring parking for 12 cars, additional handicap parking, and wheelchair accessibility. Conveniently located near Route 36. The property includes a separate 2-bedroom house and an additional rear lot ideal for development. Offered at $1.99M. Call or text: 917-385-9247

CO-OP FOR SALE BKLYN

1170 Ocean Pkwy 11H – Luxury full ren 1 bed Junior 4, 1 bath, 24-hour doorman, on-site super, 2 elevators, laundry room, large heated outdoor pool. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk 718-415-8800

HOUSE FOR SALE NJ

505 Albert Ave, Lakewood NJ – Single fam detached, 100x200 lot, 5 beds, 2 baths. Call Century 21/Melanie Kishk/ Jack Kishk 718-6277390

Deal - 7 bdrms, 4.5 baths, fin bsmt plus third floor set on 100x150. Plans for a pool. (Subject to town approval). Call Sonya Grill/Grace Marcus 732-531-3322

Ocean Township - Near Hillel Yeshiva campus. 6 bdrms, 2 baths, remodeled inside set on 100x125...room for pool (with town approval). Call Sonya Grill/Grace Marcus 732-531-3322

CONDO FOR SALE FL

AVENTURA l WESTON l EDGEWATER I FORT LAUDERDALE l CORAL GABLES - Corporate Office: 2875 NE 191st Street, Suite 200| Aventura, FL 33180 Mobile: 516.972-3384 I Office: 917.287.6752

TIMESHARE FOR RENT ARUBA

Marriott Aruba Surf Club- 2bdrms, 2 bath, full kitchen, laundry. Sleeps 8, Jan 16- Jan 23 2026. Call or text Boni (973) 723-1611

Marriott Aruba Surf Club January 11th 2026 - January 18th 2026 and or January 18thJanuary 25th. 2 bed/ 2 bath, Ocean View. Call Mitchell 516-509-1940

QUENTIN/EAST 4TH ST

K & L!

New construction.

Detached family home! Private parking, excellent condition. 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath, central air, finished basement. Gorgeous outdoor space. $2.69m

Detached one family with private driveway, master suite, radiant heat, central air, stunning! $1.99m

M & N/PRIME EAST

Detached, 30x100, 6 bedroom, master suite, private driveway.

Priced to sell!

$2.5m

Magnificent legal three fam home. Gut renovated, excellent investment opportunity or live in while collecting income. Prv parking, 3 bdrm, 2 bath over 3 bdrm, 2 bath over 2 bdrm, 2 bath over full fin bsmt. $2.65m

AVE O/EAST 2ND

EAST 13TH ST!

Detached 40x100 with private driveway. Priced to sell!

$2.4m

Ave J PRIME

Detached 40x100 stunning two family, 4 bedroom triplex with master suite and den, plus 3 bedroom apt for income. Private driveway!

-

Brick beauty. Gorgeous removed two family with private driveway. Spacious and beautiful!

EAST 5TH ST /AVE M&N

Mini mansion for sale. Gorgeous huge det 40 x 125, 7 bdrm, 4.5 bath house. Magnificent kit, massive fin bsmt, prv drv and more.

Luxury One FamilyGorgeous with 4 bedrooms, den, stunning eat in kitchenParking & backyardExtra long lot, & extended $2.99m

AVE T/PRIME EAST

EAST 4TH ST/N&O

Amazing location

Detached one family with private driveway

Attached 1 family Ave T prime!!! Excellent condition, 3 bdrms, 2.5 bath, den! Central air! Front and back porch. Finished bsmt.

6 bedroom, master suite, custom closets

Huge finished basement Fully renovated!

JUST LISTED! AVE R/PRIME E

Detached beautiful one family Center hall layout, Huge living room, Separate dining room, Beautiful EIK, Den, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, custom closets, finished basement.

Magnificent 1 fam, 50 x 100 terrace home. Stunning 5 bdrm, 1 fam. Custom granite kitchen. Private parking and garage. Master suite and more. $2.39m MADISON PRIME CORNER!

MIDWOOD

NEW LISTING/AVE J PRIME

Detached 30 x 100 1 fam home. Make it your own! $2.39m

Finally! A fully detached home in Midwood PRICED TO SELL! Located between N & O with parking, charm, and endless potential. $999k!!!

OCEAN PKWY/QUENTIN

OCEAN PKWY/QUENTIN

Rare opportunity. Brick legal two fam extra long 150 lot. Parking for 3 cars.

Rare opportunity. Brick legal two fam extra long 150 lot. Parking for 3 cars.

QUENTIN/LOW EAST

305 Ave O

Detached 40x100!

Two family with finished basement

Private driveway

Great condition

Huge gorgeous townhouse, legal two family home. 5 bdrm luxury duplex over 5 bdrm duplex. Master suites, den, magnificent kitchen, private parking. And more

EAST 10TH ST/QUENTIN

AVE V

Spectacular brand new home!

Detached 30x100

Luxury two family with private driveway

Can easily be converted into one family

Magnificently done with high end finishes by top interior decorator, 3 bdrm, 3.5 baths, prv parking. $2.69m

Beautiful fully renovated

CONGRATULATIONS

Mabrouk, Mazal Tov

BIRTHS

Adele and Raymond Dayan – Boy

Carelle and Al Arazi – Boy

Linda and David Azar – Girl

Lorraine and Zack Ashkenazi – Girl

Renee and Joey Chehovah – Girl

Margot and Isaac Betesh – Girl

Sari and Ralph Chattah – Girl

Rabbi Ike and Yocheved Hanon – Girl

Morgan and Abe Sultan – Girl

Sandy and Joey Betesh – Girl

Lori and Allie Russo – Boy

Fortune and David Guindi – Girl

Evon and David Ades – Boy

Renee and Eliot Cohen – Girl

Joan and Jacob Franco – Girl

Leslie and Saul Ancona – Girl

Diana and Ike Dweck – Boy

Tina and Jonathan Imani – Girl

Claire and Eddie Shabot – Girl

Barbara and Jacob Setton – Girl

Paula and Jack Benzaken - Boy

Dorette and Albert Halabieh – Boy

Sarah and Ezra Buchbinder – Girl

Barbara and Charles Michael – Boy

Raquel and Jack Terzi – Boy

Joy and Albert Nsiri – Boy

Rachel and Morris Dweck – Girl

Jacqueline and Joey Uziel – Boy

Yvonne and Elliot Tabush – Boy

Amanda and Jack Guindi – Boy

Rita and Maurice Grazi – Boy

Lisa and Nissim Hamadani – Boy

Nicole and Aaron Dahab – Girl

If you would like to include a birth, engagement, or wedding announcement in our magazine, please email the details to:

Sapir Azulay to Jonathan Moreno

Allie Sarway to Josh Sabbagh

Ariel Levy to Albert Hamui

Jacklyn Massre to Joseph Salem

Carol Tawil to David Hammer

Leah Arje to Abie Saada

Vivian Gindi to Abie Matalon

Dolly Barakat to Moshe Hasbani

Linda Abramson to Elie Ojalvo

Ruthy Dwek to Maurice Mosseri

Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, which was formed in May 2025, held a special training focused on identifying and responding to antisemitism. The session brought together about 150 public safety professionals from multiple city agencies, including the NYPD and other enforcement groups, to learn how to recognize extremist behavior, hate symbols, and threats against Jewish communities. The goal was to ensure that the people serving on the front lines understand the challenges Jewish New Yorkers face and are prepared to intervene quickly and appropriately.

This event showed how the office plans to turn policy into real action across the city. Led by Executive Director Moshe Davis, the training highlighted that protecting Jewish residents is a shared responsibility across government. Public safety workers were reminded that responding to antisemitism is not just an enforcement issue, but an important part of keeping communities safe and ensuring every New Yorker feels protected.

Noise-camera systems from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection are being installed in South Brooklyn, with many more planned throughout the area. These devices detect cars and motorcycles that exceed legal noise limits and automatically capture the license plate so the city can issue fines.

Many of the complaints come from modified vehicles that create sharp popping and backfire sounds, which disturb residents during the day and wake them up at night, hurting quality of life. Fines start at $800 and increase for repeat violations. The city hopes the growing network of cameras will help reduce the excessive noise and keep streets calmer for everyone.

fine DINING

NEW YORK

BORDEAUX STEAKHOUSE

1922 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn (718) 942-4040

CHINA GLATT

4413 13th Ave, Brooklyn (718) 438-2576

GLATT A LA CARTE

5123 18th Avenue, Brooklyn (718) 438-6675

GRUIT

252 Empire Blvd. Brooklyn (347) 846-0622

LA BROCHETTE

340 Lexington Avenue, New York City (212) 972-2200

LE MARAIS

150 W. 46th St., New York City (212) 869-0900

MIKE’S BISTRO

127 East 54th St., New York City (212) 799-3911

MOCHA RED

127 4th Avenue, New York City (212) 419-8889

NOI DUE CARNE

141 W 69th St., New York City (212) 712-2222

PESCADA

1776 Ocean Avenue Brooklyn (718) 766-2759

UN PLAZA GRILL

845 United Nations Plaza, New York City (212) 223-1801

URBANA

1305 53rd St., Brooklyn (718) 438-4448

WOLF & LAMB

16 East 48th St., New York City (212) 317-1950

NEW JERSEY

656 OCEAN & STINGERS BAR & GRILL

656 Ocean Ave, Long Branch (732) 728-9656

BALAGAN

66 Monmouth Rd, Oakhurst, NJ 07755 (732)716-4200

BUTCHER’S STEAKHOUSE

401 Main St, Allenhurst (732) 686-1498

CRUST CO PIZZA

379 Monmouth Road, Long Branch (732) 229-2145

DIET GOURMET

167 Lincoln Avenue, Long Branch (732) 870-3287

DOUGIE’S BAR & GRILL

256 Norwood Avenue, Deal (732) 517-0300

DOWN TO EARTH

312 Main Street, Allenhurst NJ (732) 686-1597

GRANDMA’S CHEESE CAFE

101 Brighton Ave, Long Branch (732) 895-3621

JELI’S RESTAURANT

125 Ocean Avenue N., Deal (732) 686-9595

JERSEY SHORE SUSHI

250 Norwood Ave, Deal (732) 660-5393

OUTPOST RESTAURANT

125 Ocean Avenue N., Deal (732) 686-9595

PKS BY THE SHORE

244 Norwood Avenue, Oakhurst (732) 813-5757

PRIMAVERA RESTAURANT & BAR

118 Norwood Avenue, Deal (732) 430-2073

RETRO GRILL

214 Roosevelt Avenue, Oakhurst (732) 695-3119

SALT STEAKHOUSE

15 Morris Avenue, Long Branch (732) 813-7258

SHENG MAO CHINESE

214 Roosevelt Ave, Oakhurst (732) 531-7086

TAPAS

116 Norwood Ave, Deal (732) 660-1700

TEVA RESTAURANT

125 Ocean Avenue N., Deal (732) 686-9595

CONSUMER GUIDE

ABA THERAPY

Dr. Randi Matsas ............................ 89

ACCOUNTANT

Mitch Holsborg 79

ALARMS, CAMERAS & WIRING

EJS Technology Systems 124

APPLIANCE SERVICE

Astre Appliance Service 124 ATTORNEY

Expert Legal Solutions 77

Goldstein & Goldstein .................... 75

Jack Erdos 71

Robert Akerman 89 AUTO

Eli Cohen Ferrari Ambassador 69 BEAUTY CARE

Lauras Skin Care 103

BROADWAY SHOWS

Gazillion Bubble Show 6 CAREER OPPORTUNITY

New York Life 63 CONSTRUCTION

DRB Builders 125

HMS Construction 125

Joseph and Sons Builders.............. 125

DENTIST

Dr Jacques Doueck 101,103,105

Tawil Dental 99

DISC JOCKEY & LIGHTING

DJ David Zeitouni .......................... 79

DR.-INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Ezra Israel 97

DR.-PRIMARY CARE

Rambam Family Health ..................... 1

DUCT CLEANING

Remex 83

EXTERMINATOR

A&V Prime Exterminating LLC 85 FACTORS

Hedaya Capital Group 7

Middlegate Factors 3

FILING SERVICES

Liberty Filing................................. 128

FINANCIAL ADVISORS & ESTATE SOLUTIONS

Power Forward Group 53

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

Endurance Wealth Partners .............. 31 FISHING BOAT/FLORIDA

Therapy IV Capt Stan 109 FLOOD

Remex 83

FLOORS

Modern Wood Flooring 83 FURNITURE OUTDOOR

David Cohen Outdoor Furniture 124 HANDYMAN

Eddy Gindi 125 INSURANCE

Allstate David Cohen 35

Dynasty Advisors/Jayne Levy 77

Eli Cohen Agency ........................... BC

Eric Derzie & Associates 41

Rabbi Leiner ..................................... 9

Sholom Bursztyn Insurance 79 INSURANCE ADJUSTER

Equitable Adjusters IFC,18-19 JEWELRY/WATCHES

Bangles by Kelly Shrem 69

David Rudy IBC Malsons Jewelers 17,37 Ralphs

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For over three decades, our family, here at Eli Cohen Insurance Agency Inc. , has been deeplyrooted in safeguarding families and homes throughout the five boroughs. With our wealth of experience and our close-knit relationships with insurance providers, we're able to tailor the perfect coverages at incredible rates, just for you. Let our team of 20 licensed agents be your trusted advisors, guiding you with personalized care every step of the way.

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