Issuu

PROPEL YOUR POTENTIAL at MDYHS TAKE YOUR MARRIAGE From Good to Great

ARD I C C

MUN I T

THE DIETING DANGER To Your Teeth WHEN EATING HEALTHY Becomes Too Healthy

FED

HOW JEWISH PEOPLE Changed The World

E RAT

SCF Strongly Endorses SAM SUTTON & JOEY SABAN SE

FOR STATE SENATE

FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

EARLY VOTING: OCT. 24TH-NOV. 1ST ELECTION DAY: NOV. 3RD

Vote For Our Community! OCTOBER 2024 JEWISH IMAGE 1

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Eli J. Mann • eli@middlegate.com Miro A. Sutton • miro@middlegate.com 8 WEST 40TH STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10018 T: 212-382-9500 F: 212-391-7312 WWW.MIDDLEGATEFACTORS.COM OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 3

A Whole Lot of Ways to Feel Better. VISION CARE

We’ve grown by listening to what our community needs and responding with more specialties, more services and more ways to feel better.

We See You Eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions and treatment for injuries, infections and eye disorders, with specialized care for children and adults.

D E N T I S T RY

Going the Extra Smile Trusted dental care for the whole family, with a focus on oral health, preventive care and comfortable treatment.

AC U T E FA M I LY C A R E

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Main Location

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P E D I AT R I C S

Big Care for Little Patients From the little things to the big milestones, stay connected with pediatric providers who know your child and are here through every stage of growing up.

INTERNAL MEDICINE

It’s the Inside That Counts Keeping you strong and healthy through preventive care, sick visits, and medication management, with providers who take the time to see the whole picture. W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Her Health Matters Thoughtful, respectful care for every stage, including well and sick visits, annual exams, screenings, reproductive health and family planning, delivered with the dignity every patient deserves.

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We Take Care Our Care Management team coordinates care across providers and services, keeping every part of your treatment connected, so nothing gets lost along the way.

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Exp. 10/30/26

10/30/26

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES SCF Strongly Endorses COVER STORY FOR STATE SENATE

OCT. 24TH

NOV. 3RD I

ARD I C C

FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

E RAT

MUN I T

FOCUS ON

FED

COMMUNITY NEWS

46 Vote For Our Community!

Five-Alarm Fire A Make-or-Break Moment for Our Future

Second Annual Sephardic Conference in NY By Sarina Roffé

DSN Takes Home 3 Gold Medals at Maccabi

By Eddie Esses

DEPARTMENTS BOOKS 104 Israel on Trial Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law

123 CALENDAR 121 CLASSIFIEDS 122 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 78

COMMUNITY EVENTS Community Photo Album Back to School

Literary All-Stars MDY’s New Spin on Favorite Authors The Best State to Form Your LLC By Ben G. Matsas

HEALTH 100 The Dieting Danger to Your Teeth How Dieting Habits Can Damage Your Teeth Without You Realizing It

NUTRITION When Healthy Eating Becomes Too Healthy

By Laura Shammah, MS, RDN

PARENTING The Three Core Beliefs That Make a Child Feel They Matter By Dr. Leslie M. Gutman

By Dr. Jacques Doueck

PERSONAL GROWTH The Mirror Principle What King David Teaches About Blind Spots

By Jeff Sitt

COMMUNITY NEWS Senator Sutton Presents $500,000 Grant to SAFE Foundation for Brooklyn Facility Expansion FINANCE The Money Stack Where Should Your Next Dollar Go?

By Ari Baum, CFP®

24 36

FOCUS ON Propel Your Potential at MDYHS Propel X MDYHS Club Fair Giving Dignity to Those Who Need It Most The Amazing Work of Tomchei Shabbat Beyond the AI Hype How Our Community Is Empowering People and Capturing Brilliance

By Ovadia Sutton 8 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS Morality Matters More Than Ever in A World Divided by Fear and Faithlessness By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l

An “Honest Man” Who Made Forgeries

By Debbie Gutfreund

By Rabbi Meyer Laniado

JEWISH HISTORY 110 Sir Isaac Newton and Judaism

52 LIFE SKILLS 106 5 Ways to Stop Taking Things So Personally

MARRIAGE Tips to Take Your Marriage From Good to Great By Sarah Pachter

RECIPES A Fresh Fall Reset Light, Seasonal Recipes to Bring Balance Back to the Table After the Holidays

126 RESTAURANT GUIDE: NY

By Bluma Gordon

By Devora Levy

Five Microchanges that Can Transform the New Year

WRITERS’ THOUGHTS Who Built the “Palestinian Mandela”? Tracing the Campaign Behind Marwan Barghouti

By Linda Argalgi Sadacka

Five Lessons My Father Taught Me in Business

By Itamar Frankenthal

How the Jews Changed the World

By Rabbi Ephraim Shore

REAL TIME MANUFACTURE CLASSIC WORLDTIMER

1322 KINGS HWY, BROOKLYN, NY 11229 718-645-8998

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From The Editors As we move into October, the High Holiday season comes to a close and life begins to settle back into its usual pace. The kids are back in school, full workweeks return, and fall begins to make itself felt. The air turns cooler, the leaves begin to change, and the season brings a welcome change of pace. Our cover story, Five-Alarm Fire, A Make-or-Break Moment for Our Future, by Eddie Esses, shares the Sephardic Community Federation’s perspective on the crucial upcoming election and highlights the campaigns of two members of our own community, Sam Sutton for State Senate and Joey Saban for State Assembly. New York’s general election is November 3, with early voting from October 24 through November 1. This is the time to get involved, make your voice heard, and go out and vote. As the holidays come to an end, the reflection inspired by Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur should not disappear with them. We spend those days looking honestly at the year behind us and thinking about what we want to change. The challenge now is carrying those intentions into everyday life. This issue offers several perspectives on doing exactly that. Rabbi Meyer Laniado explores responsibility and teshuvah in An “Honest Man” Who Made Forgeries. Jeff Sitt’s The Mirror Principle asks us to recognize the blind spots we often see more easily in others than in ourselves. And Debbie Gutfreund reminds us in Five Microchanges that Can Transform the New Year that lasting growth often comes through small, daily changes rather than sweeping resolutions. There is plenty happening throughout our community. More than 150 rabbis, rebbetzins, communal leaders, and young professionals gathered for the second annual Sephardic Conference in New York. MDYHS launched Propel Your Potential, Tomchei Shabbat continues its remarkable work helping families in need, Senator Sutton presented SAFE Foundation with a $500,000 state grant for its Brooklyn expansion, and our Community Photo Album celebrates Back to School. Also inside, read Who Built the “Palestinian Mandela”? by Linda Argalgi Sadacka, which examines the campaign and messaging that helped shape Marwan Barghouti’s international image. Our review of Israel on Trial looks at Judge Roy K. Altman’s evidence-based approach to the historical, legal, and political claims made against Israel. For health and nutrition, When Healthy Eating Becomes Too Healthy by Laura Shammah, MS, RDN, explores when good intentions around food can become overly restrictive. And after weeks of holiday meals, A Fresh Fall Reset offers lighter, seasonal recipes designed to bring balance back to the table. As we settle back into our routines, we hope this issue gives you something to think about, something to enjoy, and something to carry with you into the year ahead. The holidays may be behind us, but the opportunity to grow, make a difference, and turn our good intentions into action is just beginning.

Ben-Gurion Matsas and Rachelle Fallas Matsas

VOLUME 36 ISSUE 5 OCTOBER 2026 TISHRI - HESHVAN 5787

Ben-Gurion Matsas PUBLISHER/EDITOR Rachelle Fallas Matsas EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JEWISH IMAGE Brooklyn, NY (718) 627-4624 image@imageusa.com www.imageusa.com

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I N S P I R A T I O N A L

T H O U G H T S

MORALITY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER IN A WORLD DIVIDED BY FEAR AND FAITHLESSNESS RABBI LORD JONATHAN SACKS ZT”L

WHAT HAPPENS TO NATIONAL IDENTITY WHEN EVERYTHING HOLDING A NATION TOGETHER DISINTEGRATES OR DISAPPEARS? WHAT HAPPENS TO SOCIETY WHEN THE FOCUS OF A CULTURE IS ON THE SELF AND ITS ICON, THE “SELFIE”? WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOOGLE FILTERS AND FACEBOOK FRIENDS DIVIDE US INTO NON-COMMUNICATING SECTS OF THE LIKE-MINDED? AND WHAT HAPPENS TO MORALITY WHEN THE MANTRA IS NO LONGER “WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER,” BUT RATHER “I’M FREE TO BE MYSELF”?

hese were some of the questions that prompted me to undertake a five-part series on Morality in the 21st Century on BBC Radio. It was thrilling to engage in dialogue with some of the finest minds in Britain and North America as well as with some stunningly articulate high school students from London and Manchester. What emerged from this journey into the state of Western culture is that morality matters more than we commonly acknowledge. It’s all we have left to bind us into

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shared responsibility for the common good. Morality is our oldest and most powerful resource for turning disconnected “I”s into a collective “we.” It’s the alchemy that turns selfish genes into selfless people, egoists into altruists, and selfinterested striving into empathy, sympathy and compassion for others. It is no accident that the word “demoralization” means what it does, a loss of confidence, enthusiasm and hope. Without a shared morality, we are left as anxious individu-

@costaricakosheradventures

Panama Kosher Adventures by CRKA presents

OUR NEW HOME FOR

PASSOVER 2027 in Panama 21 - 30 April, 2027

Pre- and post-tour options available

Our signature CRKA all-inclusive, family-friendly program at a stunning beach-front resort on Panama’s Pacific coast.

This Passover we are taking our program to Panama! Join the CRKA team at the beautiful Playa Blanca Resort. Main program 21 - 30 April, 2027

Kosher Supervision:

Shevet Ahim Panama Glatt Kosher, No Kitniyot Gebrochts, Chalav Yisrael

Pre-program: 20 April, 2027 • Post-program 30 April - 2 May, 2027

Relax this Passover! About a 2 hour drive west of Panama City, Playa Blanca Resort is located along the Pacific coast and features the largest saltwater swimming pool in Central America and the Caribbean, multiple restaurant spaces, comfortable rooms, direct beach access, and many family-friendly activities. All the regular CRKA perks will be included: airport transfers, all tours, tips and fees, delicious and fresh Glatt Kosher meals with restaurant options, seders, on-site synagogue and minyanim. With this larger venue than previous locations, the CRKA staff aims to maintain the cozy feel of smaller programs that you have enjoyed with us in the past. Tours may include: Panama City Casca Viejo, Monkey Island, Panama Canal, Emberra indigenous village; El Valle de Antón - a town inside a volcanic crater - waterfall hike, butterfly house, craft market, zipline; on-site water sports and activities including water slides plus much more!

$9,000 $12,000 $13,000 $14,000

PRICING

1 person in a room 2 people in a room 3 people in a room 4 people in a room

Pre-Passover Program $300 per adult • $120 per child Post-Passover Program $750 per adult • $300 per child

Reserve your room for only $1,000 deposit per guest!

www.costaricakosheradventures.com CALL/TEXT/WHATSAPP +1 310 717 2102 (USA)

• EMAIL goinplacestravel@juno.com

Pricing is subject to change.

I N S P I R A T I O N A L

T H O U G H T S

als, lonely, vulnerable and depressed, struggling to survive in a world that is changing faster than we can bear and becoming more unstable by the day. One symptom of this was starkly revealed in the news that almost a quarter of 14-year-old girls in Britain had selfharmed in the course of a year. This is a deeply disturbing trend, but it will have come as no surprise to readers of iGen, the thoroughly researched study of American children born in or after 1995, the first generation to have grown up with smartphones. Jean Twenge, its author, is one of the participants in the radio series. She told me about her discovery that rates of self-ascribed life satisfaction among American teenagers plummeted after 2012, while depression and suicide rocketed upward. Again, it was girls who were the more vulnerable. Her view is that social media and smartphone addiction have played a significant part in this pathology. Young people were spending between seven and nine hours a day on their phones. The result has been a loss of social skills, shortened attention spans and sleep deprivation, but, above all, anxiety. Seeing their friends’ posts, they are subject to Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and they are constantly comparing themselves with the burnished images of their contemporaries. iGen’ers, she says, are “scared, maybe even terrified.” They are “both the physically safest generation and the most mentally fragile.” The second result, charted by another participant in the series, the American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, is the assault on free speech taking place on university campuses. His book is called The Coddling of the American Mind, subtitled How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure. It tells of how the new ideas of “safe spaces”, “trigger warnings” and “deplatforming”, despite their good intentions, can screen out from university life views and voices that fail to fit the prevailing canons of political correctness. This is being done in the name of the right not to be offended, a right that would have terrified George Orwell, whose dictum, engraved on the walls of the new BBC Broadcasting House, states, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” This is closely related to a third phenomenon playing an ever larger part in the liberal democracies of the West, namely, identity politics. There was a time, until recently, when politics aspired to be about what is best for the nation. One of the lasting unintended consequences of multiculturalism is that we no longer think of the nation as a whole. Instead the electorate has been fragmented into a series of subcultures, defined by ethnicity, religion, gender 14 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

or sexual orientation. These can easily become competitive interest groups, less concerned with the common good than with what is good for those-like-me. Each group can be encouraged, by the mood of our time, to see itself as a victim and to identify an oppressor who can be blamed for their current predicament. This gives rise to a divisive and rancorous politics that divides society, like the dualisms of old, into the children of light and the children of darkness. It also provides a justification for the use of social media to manipulate public opinion by fake news and “alternative facts.” When it comes to defending your group against oppressors, people think that the end justifies the means. These are dangerous tendencies at both an individual and collective level. You can see this in the spate of bestselling self-help books about anxiety and depression on the one hand, and, on the other, a string of books with titles such as How Democracies Die, The Suicide of the West and The Retreat of Western Liberalism.

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I N S P I R A T I O N A L

T H O U G H T S

What connects the personal and the political was given a name more than a century ago by the great sociologist Emile Durkheim. He called it anomie, a state of instability, in societies and individuals, resulting from the breakdown of a shared set of moral beliefs and attitudes. This would lead, he thought, to a rise in suicides as well as a loss of social cohesion. Since the Sixties, we have come to believe that you can outsource morality to the market and the state. The market is about wealth, the state about power. The market gives us choices and the state deals with the consequences of those choices. Within those parameters we can do whatever we like so long as it does not directly harm others. We are learning that this only works in the short term. In the long term, when all that matters is wealth and power, the wealthy and powerful gain and the poor and powerless suffer. That’s what has happened for at least a generation. Hence the anger and loss of trust that today divide societies throughout the West. There is an alternative. Since civilization began, morality has been humanity’s internal satellite navigation system as we have journeyed toward the undiscovered country called 16 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

the future. It has taken different forms, but it is always about caring for the good of others, not just ourselves, about decency, honesty, faithfulness and self-restraint, treating others as we would wish to be treated. It’s the world of “we,” not “I.” While the market and the state are about competition, morality is about cooperation. It is born and sustained in families, communities, voluntary organizations and religious congregations. Altruism, Viktor Frankl taught us, is the best cure for depression. Virtue, as Aristotle noted, is the basis of strong societies. And we can each make a contribution. As Melinda Gates reminds us in the last program of the series, change one life for the better and you’ve begun to change the world. Morality is the redemption of our solitude. With it we can face the future without fear, knowing we are not alone.  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.

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C O V E R

S T O R Y

FIVE-ALARM FIRE A MAKE-OR-BREAK MOMENT FOR OUR FUTURE EDDIE ESSES

FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND OTHER JEWISH COMMUNITIES ACROSS NYC, THE NOVEMBER ELECTION COMES AT A MOMENT UNLIKE ANY IN THE PAST. THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE OF NEW YORK HAS SHIFTED DRAMATICALLY. THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA AND THE BROADER SOCIALIST MOVEMENT HAVE MOVED FROM THE POLITICAL MARGINS INTO POSITIONS OF REAL POWER, WITH DEMOCRAT SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA (DSA) BACKED CANDIDATES WINNING MAJOR RACES AND THE MAYOR EMERGING AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL POLITICAL FIGURES.

ecent elections have demonstrated that this movement is capable of defeating established Democrats and expanding its influence well beyond the few districts where it traditionally found support. For our community, that development sounds a greater alarm than any we’ve ever faced. Frankly, the DSA and the broader socialist movement put everything we’ve built in Brooklyn over decades at risk. The concern is not simply about political labels. It is about what a rapidly changing political establishment means for public safety, antisemitism, Israel, policing, taxation, our schools, and the neigh-

borhoods our community has spent generations building. This November, the campaigns of Sam Sutton for New York State Senate and Joey Saban for New York State Assembly present a real opportunity for us to fight back. A NEW POLITICAL REALITY The Mayor and his allies have promoted a radical vision for New York, one that includes sky-high taxes on successful New Yorkers and businesses, a reduced police presence, homeless shelters in our neighborhoods, and a constant targeting of Zionist New Yorkers. The DSA

SCF Strongly Endorses

FOR STATE SENATE

OCT. 24TH NOV. 3RD I

ARD I C C

Y E RAT

MUN I T

FED

FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

Vote V O TFor E ! Our Community! 20 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

has continued expanding its political operation, while the Mayor has helped elevate DSA-aligned candidates with major victories in this year’s primaries not just locally, but even at the congressional level. For our community, this presents an emergency unlike any we’ve faced before. The DSA’s radical agenda has already reached our neighborhoods. The question is whether we fight back.

ment against hate crimes in order to protect our community. Their platform also calls for reforming nonsensical bail policies, opposing homeless shelter placements in our neighborhoods, and ensuring that law-abiding families, not criminals, are the ones protected. PROTECTING OUR SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS Over the decades, our community has built an extraordinary network of yeshivas, synagogues and nonprofit institutions. These critical organizations are also targets of the DSA, as shown by their “Not on Our Dime” bill which seeks to remove nonprofit status of organizations with a connection to Israel. Senator Sutton and Saban have made protecting private education and ensuring appropriate funding for yeshivas a foundational part of their work. They are crafting a bill in response OurTDime,” F O toR“Not S on TA E Awhich S Swould E Mtarget BLY institutions with connections to terror organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

SCF Strongly Endorses

ANTISEMITISM Perhaps nowhere are these concerns more immediate than when it comes to antisemitism. Jewish New Yorkers have watched antisemitic demonstrations on Israel increasingly target Jewish neighborhoods and places of worship. That is precisely why Senator Sam Sutton and Chief of Staff Joey Saban made their buffer-zone legislation a top priority. FThe Olegislation R S Tensured A T EthatSJewish E Nfamilies A T Eand other worshippers could enter their houses of worship without having to confront harassment or intimidation at the doors. It ultimately passed as part of the state’s budget and became the biggest legislative win for Jewish New Yorkers TH has alsoSTsecured approximately $20 million in years. Sutton in security funding for religious institutions, while helping direct additional millions of dollars toward our community MUN I T organizations Y such as SAFE and SBH. These accomplishOM ments demonstrate the results a strong advocate in Albany can deliver.

NOV. 3RD PUBLIC SAFETY E RAT

FED

ARD I C C

OCT. 24

Another defining issue is the future of public safety. While the DSA works toward their long-term goal of abolishing the police, Senator Sutton and Saban have fought tooth and nail to support the NYPD and strengthen enforce-

WHY REPRESENTATION INSIDE ALBANY MATTERS This is perhaps the most important consideration of all. Senator Sutton and Saban run under the Democratic Party label, which is what makes their presence in Albany all the more critical. In Albany, the Democrats have a supermajority. The DSA’s influence is growing within that broader ecosystem. Recent victories have demonstrated that socialist-aligned candidates can increasingly shape Democratic politics rather than simply operate on the fringes. The question, therefore, is not simply whether someone will criticize these policies. It is whether there will be strong voices inside the room willing to challenge them.

OurDAY-Community! EARLY VOTING - OCT 24 - Vote NOV 1 For ELECTION NOVEMBER 3RD OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 21

C O V E R

S T O R Y

SCF Strongly Endorses Senator Sutton has already established himself as a pragmatic and independent voice within the Senate Democratic Conference. Saban, after serving as Sutton’s chief of staff, is seeking to bring that same approach to the Assembly. serve as anSincredibly FThe Oduo R would STA TE E N A powerful T E team in Albany, standing up against antisemitism, protecting Jewish institutions, fighting for stronger hate-crime enforcement, supporting the NYPD and public safety, protecting private education and yeshiva funding, securing additional TH for religious ST institutions, bringing millions security funding of dollars to community institutions, opposing policies they believe threaten neighborhood stability and affordability, UNI T M and providing Y a strong moderate voice against the growing OM influence of the DSA. FED

ARD I C C

OCT. 24

NOV. 3 E RAT

RD HAVE NEVER BEEN GREATER THE STAKES The most important lesson of the past several years is that civic engagement matters. Our community’s increased voter registration and political participation have already produced major results. Greater engagement has given our community a louder voice in Albany and helped produce

legislation, security funding and millions of dollars for our institutions. But political influence cannot be taken for granted. The DSA is organized, disciplined and increasingly successful. ItsFsupporters O R SareTorganizing A T E year-round, A S S Eknocking MBLY on doors seven days a week, and building major political power. Recent victories show that this strategy is working. That means disengagement can carry enormous consequences. The November election will determine what kind of voices represent our community, South Brooklyn, and Jewish New Yorkers at large while New York’s political landscape continues to shift. For community members concerned about antisemitism, public safety, education, taxation, and the growing influence of the socialist movement, the moment demands urgent attention. Our community has spent generations building something extraordinary. The question now is whether we will remain sufficiently engaged to protect it and ensure that our voice remains impossible to ignore in Albany. Every single community member must get out and vote in this election for Sam Sutton for State Senate and Joey Saban for State Assembly. 

Vote For Our Community! Eddie Esses has been civically engaged in the community for many years, alongside Joey Saban. He is an active board member of the SCF, senior advisor to Senator Sutton, and owns multiple retail franchise stores.

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EVERYTHING IS AT STAKE THE SEPHARDIC COMMUNITY FEDERATION ENDORSES

SAM SUTTON & JOEY SABAN

FOR STATE SENATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

OUR FUTURE IS DETERMINED BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP

VOTE!

EARLY VOTING

OCT. 24 OCT. 24 - NOV. NOV. 11

ELECTION DAY

NOV. 3 NOV. 3

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F O C U S

O N

PROPEL YOUR POTENTIAL AT MDYHS PROPEL X MDYHS CLUB FAIR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PROPEL, MDYHS LAUNCHED PROPEL YOUR POTENTIAL, A SCHOOL-WIDE PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO RECOGNIZE THEIR STRENGTHS, THINK INTENTIONALLY ABOUT THE SKILLS THEY ARE BUILDING, AND EXPLORE HOW THOSE SKILLS CAN SHAPE THEIR FUTURES.

abbi Eli Mansour opened the program with meaningful words about the importance of pursuing a career, taking responsibility for providing for oneself and one’s family, and finding fulfillment in work that you genuinely love. Thoughtfully moderated by Melanie Kule, the panel brought together four professionals representing very different career paths. Robyn Esses is Director of Marketing at L’Oréal, Abie Sarway of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Joey Cohen of AmTrust Finance & Investment Banking, and Margo Rusinowitz is an OT and co-founder of NY Therapy and Wellness. Rather than simply hearing about what each panelist does, students gained insight into how they got there. Panelists walked them through real projects and client experiences, reflected on the choices and opportunities that shaped them during high school, and discussed the skills they rely on every day, from teamwork and communication to perseverance and networking.

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From there, students headed directly into the MDYHS Club Fair, where the message of the morning took on immediate relevance. Instead of choosing clubs based solely on what sounded fun, students were encouraged to ask themselves, “What interests me? What am I good at? What do I want to get better at?” Every club, activity, leadership role, and experience presents an opportunity to discover and develop a skill. For our juniors and seniors, the conversation went one step further, connecting the classes they take, activities they choose, and skills they develop to college decisions and potential careers. For seniors in particular, Propel Your Potential serves as an important starting point as they begin preparing for the NEXT Senior Internship Program this May. NEXT will give seniors the opportunity to spend several weeks immersed in a real professional environment, not simply observing, but learning, contributing, building relationships, and experiencing a potential career path firsthand. As we begin the placement process, students

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will be challenged to consider many of the same questions raised by the panel. What are my strengths? What do I enjoy? What skills do I want to develop? What industry am I curious to experience for myself? From the clubs they join today to the workplaces they will enter this spring, we want our students to recognize that the experiences they choose now are helping them discover who they are, what they can contribute, and where they might go next.

A special thank you to PROPEL, including Mrs. Gayle Krost, Mrs. Carroll Dweck, and Mrs. Viviane Darwish for the thought and care that went into creating a program that encouraged our students to recognize their strengths, make intentional choices, and begin connecting the skills they develop today to future opportunities. We truly value our partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to inspire and empower our students.  OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 27

F O C U S

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DSN TAKES HOME 3 GOLD MEDALS AT MACCABI FROM AUGUST 2ND TO 7TH, DSN PROUDLY BROUGHT 30 YOUNG ATHLETES ON FOUR TEAMS TO KANSAS CITY FOR THE MACCABI GAMES. OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE ‘JEWISH OLYMPICS,’ THE GAMES BRING TOGETHER TEEN ATHLETES FROM COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD.

nder the leadership of Sports Director Jon Entel, DSN competed in four divisions, boys 5-on-5 basketball for 16 to 17 year-olds, boys 5-on-5 basketball for 14 to 15 year-olds (gold medalists), boys 5-on-5 flag football for 16 to 17 year-olds (gold medalists), and boys 3-on-3 basketball for 14 to 15 yearolds (gold medalists). Even more remarkably, all three gold medal teams went undefeated, posting a combined record of 26-0. With three gold medal finishes, DSN had an incredible showing and demonstrated the talent, dedication and sportsmanship of our community. But the Maccabi Games are about so much more than what happens on the scoreboard. Now participating for the third year, DSN’s involvement in the Maccabi Games has

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become another next-level opportunity for our community’s athletes. DSN’s teams were led by an incredible coaching staff, Brian Jensen, Myles Owens, Jack Ashkenazi, Ezra Sultan, Griffin Thomas and Jon Entel. Their time, energy and commitment helped create an experience that went beyond practices and games. They were mentors, role models and teammates throughout the entire journey. For Entel, one of the most meaningful moments of the trip had nothing to do with winning a championship. His highlight of the week was seeing DSN player Sam Nasar honored with a Midot Award for Jewish values. Sam volunteered at the Maccabi Games to launch a wonderful program of activities. His initiative, leadership and engagement helped make the program a success. His willingness to

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step forward and contribute was exactly the kind of Jewish leadership and character that the Maccabi experience is designed to celebrate. DSN’s athletes competed exceptionally well. But they also represented DSN and the larger Jersey Shore community. They built relationships, experienced Jewish community on a national and international scale and discovered new opportunities to lead. As Entel reflected, “Running leagues and travel teams at DSN for 10 years has been incredible, but what Maccabi offers is a new level of competition where I get to showcase our talented community and compete with the best of the best from all over. Sharing those moments with our kids means the world to me.” DSN Executive Director Sammy Sitt summarized, “Programs like Maccabi reflect exactly what we want for our young athletes, opportunities to compete at a high level, deepen their Jewish identity and represent our community with confidence. I am proud that DSN continues to invest in experiences like this, and I am grateful to Jon, our coaches and our families for helping turn that vision into an unforgettable experience for our athletes.”  30 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

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THE MONEY STACK WHERE SHOULD YOUR NEXT DOLLAR GO? ARI BAUM, CFP®

THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF FINANCIAL TIPS OUT THERE. SAVE FOR RETIREMENT. BUILD AN EMERGENCY FUND. PAY DOWN DEBT. INVEST FOR THE FUTURE. MUCH OF IT IS PROBABLY GOOD ADVICE. AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT MAKES IT SO OVERWHELMING.

hen every financial goal feels important, it’s hard to know which one deserves your next dollar. And when you’re not sure where to start, it’s easy to feel like you’re not making enough progress anywhere. That’s where the Money Stack can help. Think of it as a simple way to organize your financial priorities. Instead of trying to tackle every goal at once, you can focus on the step that may have the biggest impact right now. Like building with blocks, the layers at the bottom support everything above them. And strengthening those first layers can make it easier to keep building over time. There’s no perfect order that fits every person or every stage of life. But thinking through these priorities one layer at a time can make it easier to spot where you’re on solid ground and where your next dollar might have the biggest impact. The Money Stack offers an intentional way to decide what deserves your next dollar. CAPTURE YOUR EMPLOYER MATCH If your workplace retirement account includes a matching contribution, it may be one of the most valuable places

32 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

your next dollar can go. Few financial moves offer an immediate boost like money your employer adds alongside your own contributions. That’s one reason this layer often comes first. BUILD A STARTER SAFETY NET Only 47% of Americans say they can cover a $1,000 emergency expense without having to scramble. A flat tire, an unexpected vet bill, or a trip to the emergency room can quickly derail even the best financial intentions. A starter emergency fund of about one month’s worth of essential expenses helps keep temporary setbacks from becoming long-term debt, making every financial step that follows a little easier. PAY DOWN HIGH-INTEREST DEBT Every dollar spent on high-interest debt is a dollar that can’t go toward savings or investments. Reducing expensive balances may not feel as exciting as investing, but it can free up more of your money for the goals that matter most. That’s why many financial strategies focus on paying off high-interest loans and credit card debt before moving to the next layer.

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F I N A N C E

BUILD A FULL EMERGENCY FUND Once high-interest debt is under control, a larger emergency fund can provide something that’s hard to replace, flexibility. Whether you’re facing a job loss or another unexpected setback, having three to six months of essential expenses saved can give you time to adjust without derailing your long-term goals. KEEP MORE OF WHAT YOU EARN After you’ve built a stronger foundation, the next step is making your savings more efficient. Tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs may help reduce the impact of taxes on your savings, depending on the account. That can help keep more of your money working toward your long-term goals before you invest elsewhere. PROTECT WHAT YOU’VE BUILT The more your financial life grows, the more there is to protect. Life and disability insurance, along with up-to-date beneficiary designations, can help your financial plan keep working even when life doesn’t go according to plan. It’s one more way to protect the people and goals that matter most. 34 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

PUT EXTRA DOLLARS TO WORK Tax-advantaged accounts can do a lot of the heavy lifting, but they aren’t the only place to invest. Once you’ve prioritized those opportunities, additional savings may go into taxable investment accounts, helping you continue to build wealth over time. WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE? Every financial stack starts the same way, one layer at a time. The goal isn’t to rush to the end, but to make sure each layer can support the ones that come after it. If you’re not sure where you are in the stack, let’s talk. Together, we can identify the next step that makes the most sense for you.  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. For nearly three decades, he has helped individuals, families, and business owners turn complex financial decisions into plans they can execute with confidence. Securities and Advisory services offered through Prospera Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Brokerage and Advisory accounts carried by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC.

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GIVING DIGNITY TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST THE AMAZING WORK OF TOMCHEI SHABBAT THERE ARE FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO STRUGGLE TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE. IT MIGHT SEEM IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE, GIVEN THE PROSPERITY OUR COMMUNITY HAS SEEN. HOWEVER, FOR SOME, EVEN MEETING THE MOST BASIC OF EXPENSES IS A CHALLENGE. THEY JUST BARELY GET BY, UNABLE TO AFFORD NICE MEALS FOR SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS. AND THEY STRUGGLE NOT ONLY TO FEED THEIR CHILDREN, BUT ALSO, HEART-WRENCHINGLY, TO EXPLAIN WHY THEIR FAMILY ISN’T AS COMFORTABLE AS THE ONE NEXT DOOR, OR DOWN THE BLOCK.

s hard as it might be to believe, even here in our community, which has been blessed with such prosperity, there are people struggling to buy food. Thankfully, organizations exist to help support those who are in need. One organization has, for over 26 years, assumed the specific responsibility of ensuring that every family, no matter how dire their financial straits, will enjoy large, festive meals every Shabbat and holiday. And now, this organization, Tomchei Shabbat, is reaching out and asking us to help it help the people who need it. 36 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

AN EMPIRE OF HESED ON THE JERSEY SHORE The Lakewood-based Tomchei Shabbos organization is a $14 million undertaking, quietly, without much fanfare or publicity, supporting over 2,400 families at different levels, depending on each family’s specific financial needs. They have a warehouse for the weekly/monthly deliveries, whatever the family requires. They also include special packages for the holidays. Lines extend out onto the highway consisting of people, including some from our community, waiting for food to give to their families.

Shmuel Kairy speaking

Rabbi Shlomo Diamond giving inspiring words and hizuk

Harry Adjmi addressing the crowd

Abe Tawil and Rabbi Kaye preparing for Pesach distribution

What sets Tomchei Shabbat apart from other organizations is that they directly provide food, rather than distribute funds. Tomchei Shabbat leverages both their infrastructure and location to provide the most food that they can at minimal cost to them. They work efficiently to get the most for every dollar they raise, and they keep everything quiet to preserve the dignity of their beneficiaries. For 26 years, this special organization has, under the guidance of numerous prominent rabbis of our community, helped struggling families enjoy Shabbat and holidays the way these occasions are meant to be enjoyed. Tomchei Shabbat’s involvement in our community began when Rabbi Bension Kaye saw the unfortunate need, and would deliver Pesach meals to 35 families before the holiday. Unfortunately, the number of families in need grew over time. Tomchei Shabbat would always be there to help pick them up. There was a shift around Pesach last year, in 2025. The families in need kept growing. After discussions involving Rabbi Kaye and the other rabbis of the Jersey Shore, a new Sephardic division of Tomchei Shabbat was established. Abe Tawil was appointed Director of Development, and Tomchei Shabbat of the Jersey Shore was born.

The Jersey Shore division hit the ground running, running weekly fundraisers, actively reaching out to donors, and building partnerships throughout the community. Baruch Hashem, thanks to the many generous donors and to the selfless volunteers, over 150 families received the assistance they needed. Local schools also joined the effort, with students participating in packing food boxes destined for families throughout our community, thereby expanding this initiative into a large-scale educational workshop on true hesed. The enthusiastic response to the new project showed yet again something that we’ve all known for a long time, when our community is made aware of a genuine need, people step forward to help. THE HIGHEST FORM OF TZEDAKAH “When we help others welcome the Shabbat, we’re welcoming blessing and peace into our homes,” says committee member Hymie Dana. “Supporting Tomchei Shabbat is definitely a source of blessing for our homes.” “Helping to feed those in need is one of the biggest mitzvot,” Ricky Esses, who is heavily involved with Tomchei Shabbat, added, “but giving a sense of joy and hope to these families on Shabbat and holidays is the greatest mitzvah. We must OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 37

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money, but I give food that is immediately beneficial.’ That is Tomchei Shabbat–they provide food to those in need, the greatest mitzvah possible!” Stanley Chera, Rabbi Meyer Yedid, and Ricky Chera

continue taking care of our community, and we must first start with those most in need. Tomchei Shabbat of the Jersey Shore does that.” The new division’s work quickly earned the support of numerous community rabbis. Rabbi Shaul Kassin said, “Tomchei Shabbat gives a tremendous amount of relief to these families who cannot imagine what they are going to do for Shabbat.” “There are families in our community that live down the block from you and me who can’t look forward to Friday night,” Rabbi Joey Haber said. “Tomchei Shabbat will ensure that every family in Deal is able to have the gift that all of us have.” “There are families who, unfortunately, don’t know what they’re going to do this coming weekend,” Rabbi Joseph Dana said. “What am I going to do to put chicken, wine, and challah on the table?” Rabbi Moshe Douek added, “I personally know many people who are so relieved once they receive the boxes from Tomchei Shabbat, like a huge stress is taken off their heads.” “It is imperative for us to support Tomchei Shabbat because they support our community,” Rabbi Eli Mansour said. “Tomchei Shabbat embodies the highest form of tzedakah,” Rabbi Avi Harari enthused, “giving with such discretion and dignity that families can rebuild their lives without shame, knowing their community stands behind them in their time of need.” Rabbi Reuven Semah describes Tomchei Shabbat as “an organization that provides vital assistance to the families in need in our Jersey Shore community,” emphasizing in particular “their food distributions during holiday times when expenses are high.” The rabbi implores community members to donate generously to this important cause. Rabbi Isaac Farhi said, “By donating food, we emulate the kindness of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. May we all merit to participate in Tomchei Shabbat of the Jersey Shore to assist our fellow community members.” Rabbi Shmuel Choueka added, “A great rabbi in the Gemara provided for the poor, as did his wife. They were saved from danger through his wife’s merit. He asked why her zechut saved them, and she answered, ‘You give 38 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT OF HESED Tomchei Shabbat of the Jersey Shore’s annual event was graciously hosted this past summer at the home of Ricky and Monique Chera, whose son, Stanley R. Chera, is very involved in the organization. It was a beautiful gathering that brought together community leaders, Rabbanim, donors and supporters from across the Jersey Shore, all united around one common mission, making sure that no family in our community goes without the basic necessities for Shabbat and Yom Tov. Stanley opened by thanking Hashem for giving him the opportunity to help out with this organization. “This organization is not something we should ever take lightly,” he said. He thanked everybody for coming, thanked his parents for hosting, and introduced Abe Tawil to speak. The next speaker was Abe Tawil, who expressed his appreciation for Stanley’s dedication to this endeavor and for all his behindthe-scenes efforts on behalf of Tomchei Shabbat. Abe also thanked the community’s rabbis for their leadership and for helping struggling families throughout the Jersey Shore. Shmuel Kairy spoke next, and he shared an emotional personal story. “When I was in Israel for my son’s bar mitzvah, I was in a yeshiva called Yakirei Yerushalayim, led by Rabbi Yehuda Cohen. I saw some boys wearing disheveled clothes, and I told the rabbi that it’s not kavod haberiyot (human dignity) for boys to walk around like this, with ripped clothes. I took money out of my pocket and asked the rabbi to get this money to the parents. The rabbi took a moment and then replied, ‘I need to tell you really what kind of aniyut (poverty) they suffer.’ “He pointed at a boy and said, ‘See that boy? He came to school last month with a 103 fever. I asked him why he came to school when he was so sick, why his mother would send him to school with a 103 fever. He said, “My mother forced me to stay home. But I told her, if I don’t go to school, I don’t eat for the day. I was starving. The only meal I get a day is in school. I have to go eat. I’ll come home after I eat.” And so, the boy left with a 103 fever to go to school to eat. I personally walked him home, and I saw there was nothing in the house. There are people out there that have real needs.’”

Rabbi Kaye and Rabbi Yossi Schrieber, Director of Tomchei Shabbos Lakewood

Shmuel then related that a certain Rosh Kollel told him of a sign that one of the avrechim (married students) hung up in the Kollel. It read, “Does anybody want to split a chicken with me for Shabbat? I can’t afford to pay for a whole one.” “There are stories like that out there,” Shmuel said. “Tomchei Shabbat makes sure that we don’t hear those stories. They are prepared and they are geared up and they are mobilized to make sure that the people have what they need. We are fortunate that we are able to support this organization. We are living in a nuclear power plant of hesed. We do so much hesed in this community.” Rabbi Shlomo Diamond spoke next, noting that there is a “tremendous need” in the community for this kind of work. “Although you might not think there’s a need,” Rabbi Diamond said, “there really is such a need. There’s a segment of people in our community who really have problems putting food on the table.” Rabbi Diamond then expressed his gratitude to Stanley and his parents for hosting the event, recalling his close relationship with Stanley’s grandfather, Stanley Chera, a”h. “I grew up with him. We were friends all the years,” he fondly reminisced. “And although we went in different ways, we went and grew in the community.” The next speaker, Rabbi David Haber, said that although some things in life are debatable, there are some that are not up for discussion. One of those things is a teaching in the work Pele Yoetz, “Every person is commanded to treat their fellow man like his own body part.” Why, the rabbi asked, does the Pele Yoetz use this particular comparison, to a part of one’s own body? Why did he not urge us to treat our fellow as a friend or family member? Rabbi Haber explained that when we feel very hungry, we don’t say that we “want” to eat, but rather that we “need” to eat. This isn’t something we want to do, like wanting to go to a certain place for vacation, or wanting to live in a certain kind of home. Food is something we absolutely must have when we’re hungry. Some people think that food

isn’t as much of an issue as others. “Food? What are you talking about? Food isn’t a real problem! That’s not an issue for us.” Rabbi Haber says that this is a mistake. “Every Rabbi here can tell you that they know somebody who receives food from Tomchei Shabbat. They have names. They have spouses. They have children. They will probably sit next to you in shul. Over 150 families in our community use Tomchei Shabbat.” Harry Adjmi closed the day by speaking about the amount of good the organization has done. Mr. Adjmi helped fundraise for Tomchei Shabbat, as well. Tomchei Shabbat continues to do more, for now and the future. The demand for it has not gone away, but has increased, instead. People come to Tomchei Shabbat at their lowest, and it’s up to Tomchei Shabbat to help give these families the support that they need to get back on their feet. Rabbi David Tawil described Tomchei Shabbat as “a lifeline for families in our Jersey Shore community, ensuring that no home goes without the joy and dignity of Shabbat and holiday meals.” Whatever it is, whether a parent passes away, or the father loses his job, Tomchei Shabbat is there to pick people up and help them rise once again, granting them much-needed dignity and discretion while doing so. It is a beautiful organization, and B”H, Tomchei Shabbat of the Jersey Shore will have the means to aid anybody who calls on them for help. For more information about the organization, email tsjs@tomchei.org or call 732 905 7136 ext. 417. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Abe at atawil@tomchei. org. Donations can be made by scanning the QR code, by Zelle at info@tomchei.org, by Venmo at @tomchei_shabbat, or by mailing a check to Tomchei Shabbat of the Jersey Shore, 885 Norwood Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740.  OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 39

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BEYOND THE AI HYPE HOW OUR COMMUNITY IS EMPOWERING PEOPLE AND CAPTURING BRILLIANCE OVADIA SUTTON

SINCE CHATGPT’S 2022 DEBUT, AI HAS SPARKED EXCITEMENT, CONFUSION, AND EVEN FEAR. SOME FORESEE TOTAL TRANSFORMATION, SOME FEAR JOB LOSS, AND OTHERS VIEW IT AS A BUBBLE. WHAT IS GENUINELY VALUABLE? WHAT IS MERELY HYPE? AND WHERE SHOULD A BUSINESS BEGIN?

cross our community, a grounded approach is emerging. Leaders are being challenged to think about AI both critically and robustly. They are focusing on two assets that have always driven our success, our people and the unique domain knowledge cultivated over many years. EMPOWER YOUR PEOPLE Much of the public conversation treats people as a cost AI is meant to eliminate, creating resistance before adoption even begins. Leaders cannot simply purchase a platform and expect transformation. Successful adoption begins by building AI literacy, giving employees dedicated time and support to explore, and encouraging curiosity. At one community company, leaders ran a three-month internal AI competition. Teams got expert support and targeted training to build tools for problems in their own departments. The winning team saved their department 4,500 hours of customer service work in a single month. By creating a culture of adoption, businesses empower their people to reclaim their time, make better decisions, and imagine new possibilities. BOTTLE YOUR BRILLIANCE General-purpose AI gives nearly every business access to the same capabilities. Leading businesses must, therefore, take a more focused approach. Rather than beginning with “What can this new AI tool do?” they ask, “What do we do exceptionally well? What important knowledge lives in the minds of a few people at our company? How can we capture that approach and apply it at a greater scale?” 40 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

A real estate team in our community is skilled at matching retailers with the markets where they will thrive. A chatbot can suggest familiar names, but it cannot reproduce the team’s read on tenant-market fit. So they mapped that process and combined it with retailer-performance data to build a recommendation system (similar to Netflix or TikTok’s algorithm) that applies their judgment at scale. Enter an address, and the system assesses which tenants fit that market. The team now evaluates more opportunities and carries its approach into markets it could not have covered by hand. BUILDING WHAT COMES NEXT Empowering people and bottling brilliance are not separate strategies. Together, they expand what people can contribute. Automation gives them time back. Insight supports better decisions. Creativity helps imagine new horizons. The businesses that lead in the years ahead will not be those that chase every new platform or try to remove people from the equation. They will create cultures in which people have the confidence to experiment while capturing the knowledge their companies have worked hard to develop and turn it into a compounding advantage. For more information, contact ovadia@daatlab.com.  Ovadia Sutton is the founder of Daat Lab and holds an MS in Artificial Intelligence. He helps community businesses build cultures of AI adoption, solve practical problems, and develop machine-learning products that turn their distinctive knowledge into new opportunities for growth.

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LITERARY ALL-STARS MDY’S NEW SPIN ON FAVORITE AUTHORS UNLOCKING STAR POWER ON THE BOOKSHELF WITH A CREATIVE, COLLECTOR’S SPIN ON LITERACY.

agen David Yeshivah is kicking off the school year with a creative spin on reading engagement. Under the new MDY Reads theme, “All Star Authors,” students in grades one through five are trading in traditional bookmarks for something far more collectible: custom author trading cards. Designed to mirror the excitement of classic baseball cards, each card features a photo of a beloved children’s book author, fascinating biographical fun facts, and details about their signature works. The literacy team and library staff carefully curated a balanced mix of picture book and chapter book creators to ensure the program appeals to readers across all elementary grade levels. To heighten the anticipation, cards are released precisely on the featured author’s birthday! The initiative officially launched on September 16, honoring H. A. Rey, the creator of Curious George, as cards were distributed directly to classrooms to launch the new theme. 42 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

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Rather than releasing all materials at once, this rolling birthday-release schedule creates recurring touchpoints for reading excitement throughout the academic year. Teachers are encouraged to feature these selected creators during story times and reading groups, with librarians on hand to help classes select the perfect titles. To keep momentum going, school staff are actively developing custom storage solutions and interactive elements to enhance the overall collecting experience for students. By pairing literary discovery with the universal thrill of collecting, the initiative aims to transform how young readers connect with the people behind their favorite stories, turning monthly author birthdays into school-wide celebrations of reading.  44 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

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MORE THAN 150 RABBIS, REBBETZINS, COMMUNAL LEADERS, AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FROM A DOZEN COUNTRIES AND 13 U.S. STATES CONVERGED ON NEW YORK IN AUGUST FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL RABBINIC CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE SEPHARDIC JEWISH BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICA, THE UJA FEDERATION, THE AMERICAN SEPHARDI FEDERATION AND THE HABURA, AS WELL AS INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS.

ore than a conference, it was a critical forum for collaboration, thoughtful discussion, collective leadership, bringing together those committed to preserving, enriching, and advancing the Sephardic heritage in the modern world. The idea of the conference is to ensure a vibrant future for the Sephardic community and the Jewish people and that it be the beginning of something greater. “Rabbinic leadership can sometimes be a very lonely responsibility. A rabbi is constantly expected to provide guidance, strength, answers, and support to others,” said Rabbi Gad Bouskilla. “It is therefore extremely valuable for rabbis themselves to have an opportunity to come together, exchange ideas, learn from respected colleagues and professionals, and strengthen one another. The conference also reminded us that despite the different traditions and backgrounds represented, we share the same fundamental 46 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

responsibility, to strengthen Torah and Jewish life, to care for our communities, and to help ensure that the next generation remains connected to our heritage. I left the conference not only with new ideas, but also with a renewed sense of responsibility and inspiration for the work we are privileged to do.” “One of the strongest messages was that a rabbi must not only look for answers in books but also learn to see through the eyes of his congregants, to understand their reality, emotions, needs, and personal circumstances,” said Rabbi Marcos Metta of the Monte Sinai Community and Director of Majón Torá VaDaat Monte Sinai of Mexico City. “As Rabbi David Bitton shared, the emotional memories of a child or young person serving as a chazzan, reading the Torah, and singing in the Beit Knesset can be stronger than any rational argument in protecting them from assimilation.”

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Avi Garzon, co-founder and co-director of The Habura, one of the conference organizers

Rabbi Marcos Metta

The theme of the conference was the “Art of Leadership,” focusing on the modern responsibilities and skills needed for rabbinic and community leadership. Addressing the needs of Sephardic communities within the Jewish institutional landscape traditionally shaped by Ashkenazi organizations has changed and rabbis need to be trained on how to address Sephardic communities within that context. Having an interchange where the rabbis can discuss issues pertinent to their communities provided a much-needed outlet and networking opportunities. Discussions centered around halachic authority, pastoral care, mental health, and building long-lasting diaspora institutions. Ethan Marcus, Executive Director of Sephardic Brotherhood, said, “We wanted to create a serious space to address real challenges in education, rabbinic training, outreach and communal leadership. The goal was for each of us to leave with ideas and strategies and maybe even partnerships and projects and ways we can impact our local, national and international communities.” “We also emphasized the importance of accompanying every congregant while respecting their individuality and level of religious observance, creating a community where everyone can feel that they belong,” said Rabbi Metta. “We had the opportunity to learn about the projects and initiatives developed by rabbis in different kehillot, gaining new ideas and practical tools that can be adapted to our own communities.” “The fact that we brought together so many like-minded rabbis and scholars in order to discuss Sephardic education the Sephardic way, something all of us here hold in common, is a tremendous opportunity,” said Rabbi Joe Dweck.

“One of my strongest takeaways was the importance of recognizing how multifaceted the role of a rabbi has become,” said Rabbi Gad Bouskilla. “A rabbi is, first and foremost, a spiritual leader and teacher of Torah, but today he is also called upon to be a counselor, educator, mediator, administrator, fundraiser, and community builder. The conference gave us an important opportunity to discuss how to balance these responsibilities while never losing sight of our primary mission, to inspire our communities through Torah, personal example, compassion, and genuine concern for every individual. Another important takeaway was how much rabbis can learn from one another. Although our communities may differ in background, size, and culture, many of the challenges we face are remarkably similar. Sharing experiences and practical ideas with colleagues was extremely valuable.” “We are all different, but I think we are focusing on the big picture of what unites us, which is so much more than what separates us,” said Rabbi Yosef Bitton of Great Neck. Rabbi Yamin Levy of Great Neck said, “To see the energy and the passion of these young rabbis getting together and sharing ideas, it’s fantastic.” “It was a unique and deeply enriching experience, focused on sharing experiences, addressing current challenges, and gaining new tools to strengthen our communities,” said Rabbi Marcos Metta of Mexico City. Sessions included the Role of the Sephardic Rabbi Today, the Rabbi as a CEO, Inspiring Congregants to Appreciate Jewish Life, Elevating Education & Educators and Growing Community. The session called Rabbi in the Public Square, Advocacy, Interfaith & Civic Engagement dis-

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150 rabbis and rebbetzins at the 2nd Sephardic rabbinic conference in New York.

Rabbi Abraham Tobal, Chief Rabbi ot the Monte Sinai Community in Mexico City, with Rabbi Raphael Delouya of Congregation Ohel Yitzchak in Riverdale, NY.

cussed how the rabbis represent Jewish interests outside of the congregation and how to engage community leaders. “I found Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter’s session particularly impactful and inspiring,” said Rabbi Bouskilla. “His presentation combined profound Torah ideas with practical messages that speak directly to the responsibilities we carry as rabbis and as individuals. I was especially moved by his thoughts relating to Rosh Hashanah and the importance of personal responsibility, relationships, and recognizing the opportunities Hashem gives us to grow and make a difference in the lives of others. What made the session especially meaningful was that the ideas were not merely theoretical. They were messages that a rabbi could take home, reflect upon personally, and ultimately share with his congregation.” “It was an incredible experience. We were together in the Sephardic way,” said Rabbi Abraham Tobal, Chief Rabbi of the Monte Sinai Community in Mexico City. “I felt I was not alone with so many rabbis who think like me. A 50 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

Rabbi Doron Podlashluk, Rabbi Marcos Metta and his wife Rina

lot of women participated and it was a big thing for the Sephardic world. We are trying to organize so we speak with the same voice, the way Ashkenazic organizations do.” Several female students of Rabbi Metta, who are leaders of spiritual projects in Mexico, also participated and benefited from the experiences, advice, and teachings shared throughout the Congress. “Without a doubt, it was a highly stimulating, enriching, and motivating experience, strengthening our commitment to continue working for the benefit of our congregants,” noted Rabbi Metta. “The Congress left us with a clear conviction, we must collaborate more closely among our different kehillot and unite our efforts to strengthen the impact of our Sephardic tradition, a rich and profound heritage with so much to offer our communities and future generations.”  Sarina Roffé, a genealogist and historian, is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017). She is currently researching her next book, Syrian Jewish Paths to Freedom. Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, an MA in Jewish Studies, and an MBA.

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WHO BUILT THE “PALESTINIAN MANDELA”? TRACING THE CAMPAIGN BEHIND MARWAN BARGHOUTI LINDA SADACKA

RECENTLY, REPORTS HIGHLIGHTED THAT MORE THAN TWENTY ACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MARVEL PRODUCTIONS WERE AMONG THE PUBLIC FIGURES BACKING THE CAMPAIGN TO FREE MARWAN BARGHOUTI. THE COVERAGE THAT FOLLOWED WAS PREDICTABLE AND SHALLOW. HEADLINES COUNTED THE FAMOUS NAMES. COMMENTATORS REACTED ALONG PREDICTABLE LINES. AND THE LETTER ITSELF, ALONG WITH THE “PALESTINIAN MANDELA” LABEL NOW WELDED TO BARGHOUTI’S NAME, WAS TREATED AS SOMETHING THAT SIMPLY HAPPENED, THE ORGANIC RESULT OF HUNDREDS OF CONSCIENCES ARRIVING INDEPENDENTLY AT THE SAME CONCLUSION. IT DIDN’T HAPPEN THAT WAY. IT WAS BUILT.

tart with what is not in dispute. In 2004, an Israeli court convicted Marwan Barghouti of five counts of murder arising from three separate attacks: the June 2001 killing of Greek Orthodox monk Georgios Tsibouktzakis near Ma’ale Adumim, the January 2002 murder of Yoela Chen at a gas station near Givat Ze’ev, and the March 2002 attack on Tel Aviv’s Seafood Market restaurant, which killed Eli Dahan, Yosef Habi, and police officer Salim Barakat. He was also convicted of attempted murder and membership in a terrorist organization, and sentenced to five consecutive life terms plus forty years. He refused to mount a defense and told the court he did not recognize its jurisdiction. None of that has changed. What has changed, and what almost no one covering this

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story bothered to examine, is the professional machine that spent more than a decade turning that record into an inconvenient footnote. The Mandela comparison did not arrive through public sentiment. It was constructed, deliberately, starting on October 27, 2013, when an international campaign to free Barghouti was launched from Nelson Mandela’s actual prison cell on Robben Island. The launch was organized by Ahmed Kathrada, the anti-apartheid veteran who had been imprisoned alongside Mandela and who modeled the new campaign explicitly on the old one. Within a year, the resulting Robben Island Declaration carried the signatures of eight Nobel Peace Prize laureates and more than a dozen former heads of state. That is the

piece of context missing from nearly every article written about the celebrity letter: the “Palestinian Mandela” framing is not a comparison journalists stumbled into. It is thirteenyear-old branding, engineered from day one to graft the moral authority of history’s most admired political prisoner onto a man serving five life sentences for murder. The campaign’s current phase, relaunched in November 2025 by Barghouti’s family with what the Guardian described as support from British civil-society groups, drew on a specific and traceable communications infrastructure. Own The Space, a London campaign organization, was publicly advertising a “Palestine Accelerator” initiative built to “deploy strategic communications to create platforms for Palestinians to be heard around the world,” with an explicit focus on “political prisoners.” That language comes directly from the organization’s own recruitment materials, not from a critic’s paraphrase. The people running Own The Space did not arrive at this work by accident. Anna Nolan co-founded and directed The Syria Campaign starting in 2014, an advocacy operation whose signature achievement was mobilizing celebrity support, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination push featuring George Clooney, Ben Affleck, and Alicia Keys, for Syria’s White Helmets rescue group. James Sadri sat on that organization’s board. Sadri later co-founded Led By Donkeys with Oliver Knowles and Ben Stewart, the British group behind the guerrilla billboard campaigns that used politicians’ own words against them during Brexit. All three, along with Nolan, are currently listed as directors of Own The Space. This is not a loose coalition of strangers who happen to share a cause. It is a small group of professional campaigners with substantial experience building high-visibility political advocacy, moving across Syria, Brexit-era activism

and now Palestine, applying a recognizable communications method: build the infrastructure first, recruit influential names, then let those names generate the headlines the infrastructure was built to produce. That does not mean Own The Space personally drafted the letter Cumberbatch and Ruffalo signed. No public record supports that specific claim, and a piece that made it anyway would deserve the same skepticism this one is aimed at. What the record does support, cleanly, is that Barghouti’s transformation into a unifying statesman was engineered over more than a decade by people who do this professionally, and that the actors backing the campaign are not its architects. They are its most visible amplifiers. There is a fair counterargument, and it deserves to be stated plainly rather than buried. The Inter-Parliamentary Union reviewed Barghouti’s case and concluded his trial did not meet international fair-trial standards. That finding is real, and campaign supporters cite it honestly. It is also worth explaining why that finding cannot simply be taken as the neutral word of a disinterested referee. The IPU is an assembly of 183 national parliaments, a majority of them from Arab and Muslim-majority states that maintain no diplomatic relations with Israel at all. That composition has produced a durable voting pattern: the IPU has for decades adopted resolutions condemning Israel by lopsided margins, in language mirroring the “occupying power” framing used at the UN, while comparable scrutiny of other governments in the assembly is rare to nonexistent. In 2017, an Israeli delegation walked out of the organization’s assembly in St. Petersburg after being called “child murderers” from the floor while the IPU’s own leadership did nothing to stop it, an episode serious enough to trigger a real debate in Israel’s parliament over whether to remain a member at all.

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None of that makes the fair-trial finding automatically wrong on its specific facts. But it is not the verdict of a neutral court. It comes from a body with its own long institutional relationship to anti-Israel advocacy, and it should be weighed with that context attached rather than treated as settled, disinterested fact. A flawed trial and a false conviction are not the same claim. The IPU’s objection concerns whether Israel’s court had standing to try him; it does not dispute that the court found him responsible for directing the killing of five civilians. Those are two different arguments, and it does not explain why the public-facing campaign so rarely places the five murder convictions and their victims beside the Mandela comparison. That is the actual failure here, and it is not really about the actors. Cumberbatch, Ruffalo, Swinton and the rest may sincerely believe they are lending their names to a campaign for justice. But sincerity is not a substitute for information, particularly when a celebrity signature can move a political narrative farther than pages of evidence ever will. So perhaps the answer is not another round of outrage at Hollywood. Perhaps it is a counter-campaign built around something much simpler: the complete record. Call it “Before You Sign, Know Their Names.” Send every current and prospective signatory the same one-page file. Put Georgios Tsibouktzakis, Yoela Chen, Eli 54 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

Dahan, Yosef Habi and Salim Barakat at the top. Explain the attacks. Include the five murder convictions. Include the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s objections to the fairness of the trial as well. Hide nothing. Then ask the celebrities who have attached their reputations to this campaign one question: Now that you have the whole record, do you still want your name on it? And send that same file to their agents, publicists and the reporters interviewing them. Because if the Free Marwan campaign has demonstrated anything, it is that narratives do not become dominant simply because they are true. They become dominant because someone is organized enough to repeat them. Those who believe Barghouti’s victims have been edited out of his transformation into the “Palestinian Mandela” should stop merely complaining about the campaign and start correcting the record with equal discipline. The next celebrity asked to sign should encounter five names before they encounter Nelson Mandela’s. That would be a campaign worth building.  Linda Argalgi Sadacka is a writer and strategist whose work explores Jewish life, culture, and public affairs. She is the founder of Shabbat 250, a grassroots initiative strengthening Jewish identity through the shared experience of Shabbat, and the host of The Silent Revolution podcast.

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THE MIRROR PRINCIPLE WHAT KING DAVID TEACHES ABOUT BLIND SPOTS JEFF SITT

SOMETIMES THE THINGS WE SEE MOST CLEARLY IN OTHER PEOPLE ARE THE VERY THINGS WE HAVE THE HARDEST TIME SEEING IN OURSELVES. We are remarkably good at seeing what’s wrong with other people. The employee who doesn’t take responsibility. The spouse who doesn’t listen. The child who is always on the phone. The partner who always needs to be right. The friend who is impatient. We see it, sometimes instantly. But here’s the harder question. What if some of the things we see so clearly in other people are the very things we have trouble seeing in ourselves? There is a remarkable story about King David that speaks directly to this. David HaMelech had made a series of serious mistakes involving Batsheva and her husband, Uriah. Hashem sends the prophet Natan to confront him, but Natan doesn’t begin with an accusation. He tells David a story. Two men live in the same city. One is wealthy and owns many sheep and cattle. The other is poor and owns only one little lamb, which he loves and raises with his family. When a traveler comes to visit the wealthy man, instead of taking one of his own animals to feed his guest, he takes the poor man’s one lamb. 56 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

David is furious. He immediately sees the injustice and selfishness of what the rich man has done. Then Natan says two words that change everything. “Atah ha’ish.” “You are the man.” The man David was judging was a mirror. David could see the wrongdoing clearly when he thought he was looking at someone else. He had much more difficulty seeing it when he was looking at himself. More than 3,000 years later, we still do the same thing. “My kids are constantly on their phones.” Maybe they are. But before criticizing them, how present am I when I’m sitting with them? “My wife never listens.” Maybe. But how well do I listen to her? “That guy is so impatient.” Maybe he is. But where in my life am I impatient? “My employees don’t take responsibility.” Perhaps. But have I actually given them the authority to make decisions, make mistakes, and grow? This doesn’t mean every criticism we have of another person is secretly about us. Sometimes people really are behaving poorly. The mirror principle simply asks us to do

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something harder. Before using the magnifying glass on someone else, turn the mirror toward yourself. Ask yourself. Is there some version of what I’m criticizing living in me? Maybe not in the same way. Maybe not to the same degree. But is it there? There’s another kind of blind spot, particularly in leadership. Sometimes we complain about a problem without recognizing that we helped create the conditions for it. A business owner complains that everyone comes to him with every little problem. But perhaps for years he has trained his people to believe that every decision requires his approval. A leader complains that nobody takes initiative, yet every time someone tries something new, he corrects them, overrules them, or shows them how he would have done it. Eventually people stop taking initiative. Then the leader complains that nobody takes initiative. The hardest problems to fix are often the ones we can’t see because we’re standing inside them. But perhaps the most powerful part of King David’s story isn’t that he had a blind spot. It’s what he did when Natan showed it to him. David didn’t attack Natan. He didn’t blame someone else or explain away what happened. He said, “Chatati LaShem.” “I have sinned against Hashem.” He owned it. Maybe that’s the real test of growth. Not whether we have blind spots. We all do. The question is what happens when someone holds up the mirror. Do we 58 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

defend ourselves? Do we explain? Do we blame? Do we attack the messenger? Or can we pause long enough to ask. What are they seeing that I’m not seeing? Every leader needs someone who can hold up that mirror. Every husband does. Every wife does. Every parent does. Every one of us does. So perhaps there are two questions worth asking. What criticism do I repeatedly hear from people who know me well that I keep explaining away? And who is my Natan? Who in my life has permission to tell me something I may not want to hear? A spouse, a partner, a child, a trusted friend, a rabbi, a coach? Someone who cares enough about me to tell me the truth. King David teaches us that greatness isn’t the absence of blind spots. Greatness is having the courage to look in the mirror when someone finally helps us see one. So the next time you find yourself thinking, “What is wrong with this person?” pause for a moment. Turn the mirror around and ask. What might this be showing me about me?  Jeff Sitt is a Business & Life Strategist, speaker, and author who helps individuals and business leaders move from stress, reactivity, and overwhelm to greater clarity, focus, and purpose. Drawing from decades of business experience, mindfulness practices, and practical Torah-based wisdom, he combines mindset, emotional awareness, and actionable tools to help people perform better at work and in life. Jeff is the author of “Driving to Thriving: Reduce Stress and Increase Profits.”

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SENATOR SUTTON PRESENTS $500,000 GRANT TO SAFE FOUNDATION FOR BROOKLYN FACILITY EXPANSION THE SAFE FOUNDATION IS ENTERING AN IMPORTANT NEW CHAPTER IN ITS GROWTH, WITH NEW YORK STATE SENATOR SAM SUTTON PRESENTING THE ORGANIZATION WITH A $500,000 STATE GRANT TO SUPPORT THE EXPANSION OF ITS BROOKLYN FACILITY. THE GRANT WILL HELP SAFE CONTINUE BUILDING THE SPACE AND RESOURCES NEEDED TO EXPAND ITS CLINICAL SERVICES AND REACH MORE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY ADDICTION.

he check was presented to SAFE President James Haddad and Founder and CEO Ike Dweck, whose work has helped guide SAFE from its beginnings in 2003 into a multidimensional organization providing treatment, prevention, education, and support to thousands of people. Today, SAFE operates licensed outpatient treatment programs and continues to evolve its services in response to the changing needs of the community. The partnership between Senator Sutton and SAFE is deeply rooted in the South Brooklyn community. Long before entering public office, Sutton spent decades building and supporting community institutions, including more than 30 years with Sephardic Bikur Holim, where he served as president for five years. As President, Sam helped create a drug prevention division at SBH, which would later go on to become SAFE. During that time, Sutton recognized Ike Dweck as someone who could help lead an organization dedicated to addressing addiction and brought him into the work. Sutton appointed Dweck to lead SAFE in 2003, going on to build an organization that has continued to grow while remaining focused on compassionate service to individuals and families struggling with addiction. Over the years, SAFE has grown and evolved alongside the community. As new challenges have emerged, including problem gambling, substance misuse, vaping, fentanyl, and the changing pressures facing young people and families, the organization has continued to develop new ways to provide treatment, prevention, education, and support. That growth now requires SAFE to expand its physical space as well. The organization is in the process of

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bringing together its facilities at 255 Avenue W and 251 Avenue W into a unified facility of nearly 10,000 square feet. The expansion will allow SAFE to increase its clinical and administrative capacity and create additional room for the services it provides to the community. This grant secured by Senator Sutton will help allow for this major vision to become reality. “SAFE has always been about being there for people when they need help most,” said Senator Sam Sutton. “This investment will help ensure that SAFE can continue expanding its ability to serve individuals and families throughout our community and beyond.” For SAFE, the $500,000 grant represents another chapter in a relationship that has continued across decades and through multiple stages of the organization’s development. “Senator Sutton has been part of SAFE’s story from the very beginning,” said James Haddad, President of the SAFE Foundation. “As President of the Sephardic Community Federation, he helped SAFE build its first building with more than $1 million in funding. He also previously helped secure $600,000 toward our second building, and now this additional $500,000 on top of that will help us take the next step in expanding our services.” As SAFE enters this new phase, the organization remains grateful for the community support that has helped make its growth possible. The expansion is not simply about creating more space. It is about ensuring that SAFE can continue to evolve, meet emerging needs, and remain a place where individuals and families can find treatment, support, and hope. 

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AN “HONEST MAN” WHO MADE FORGERIES TESHUVAH AND THE STORIES WE TELL ABOUT WHAT WE’VE DONE RABBI MEYER LANIADO

ABRAHAM SHALOM YAHUDA WAS ONE OF THE GREAT JEWISH SCHOLARS OF THE MODERN ERA. HE WAS BORN IN JERUSALEM INTO A BAGHDADI RABBINIC FAMILY. HE STUDIED TALMUD IN HIS GRANDFATHER’S YESHIVA, MASTERED ARABIC AND NUMEROUS OTHER LANGUAGES, EARNED A DOCTORATE, AND BECAME A MAJOR SCHOLAR OF ANCIENT LANGUAGES AND INSCRIPTIONS, ESPECIALLY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TORAH AND ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LANGUAGE

have spent a great deal of time studying his works because he represents a combination I deeply admire: someone thoroughly grounded in Torah and at the same time completely at home in archaeology, language, history, and academic scholarship. In a 1944 article in The Jewish Quarterly Review, Yahuda tells an extraordinary story about a Christian Arab guide and antiquities dealer named Salim. The year was 1902, and Salim brought Yahuda news of what he called “a great secret,” a stone sarcophagus hidden near the Mount of Olives that he said he was certain belonged to one of 62 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

the kings of Judah, perhaps even King David or Solomon. Yahuda tells the story in dramatic detail. They rode by donkey, took detours so no one would follow them, broke through a wall, dug for hours, and finally uncovered the sarcophagus. The American consul, upon learning about the find, was prepared to buy it, but Yahuda insisted on time to study the inscription. He rushed to the library, compared it with ancient inscriptions, and, as Yahuda puts it, “the veil was removed from the entire mystery.” It was a forgery. Salim affected innocence. They agreed to keep the matter quiet, and that seemed to be the end of the story.

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Then, several weeks later, Salim returned with genuine coins, jewelry, and antiquities, and Yahuda even found him legitimate work copying an ancient mosaic. Eventually, as Salim grew more comfortable with Yahuda, he began speaking about his past with what Yahuda calls “a surprising frankness.” Salim described how he had helped prepare forged manuscripts, manufactured false antiquities, and the methods he had used to deceive European collectors and institutions. Reading this account, I initially thought. Maybe this is a story of teshuvah (repentance and return). He had begun honest work and was admitting to Yahuda what he had done. He even went so far as to say that he was happier with the little he earned honestly than with the large sums he once made through forgery. And at one point, he even asks G-D to forgive him. But there was one line in Yahuda’s account that made me rethink the entire story. As Salim tells Yahuda that he is growing old and tired of a world of falsehood and wickedness, he describes that world as one in which “an honest man cannot earn his bread without making forgeries.” Only later does Salim admit that he himself had composed and engraved the inscription on the sarcophagus. He could acknowledge what he had done without giving up the explanation he had offered earlier. A dishonest world had left an honest man little choice. He was no longer disputing the facts. He was protecting what those facts meant about him. 64 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

I think we can recognize something of ourselves in this. We can admit what we did, and then, almost in the same breath, qualify it and begin explaining everything around it. I did it, but you have to understand. That made me look differently at the introduction to the vidui (confession), in the Ana prayer that we recite on weekdays. Before we say Ashamnu, bagadnu, gazalnu (we have been guilty, we have betrayed, we have stolen), we recite. She-ein anahnu azei panim u-keshei oref lomar lefanekha Hashem Elokenu ve-Elokei avotenu, tzaddikim anahnu ve-lo hatanu. Aval hatanu. We are not so brazen and stubborn as to stand before You and say that we are righteous and have not transgressed. But, indeed, we have transgressed. Normally, when we tell the story of something we regret, the aval, the “but,” comes after the admission, Hatati, aval... (I transgressed, but...), and then comes the explanation, “You have to understand what happened.” In the vidui we recite daily, the aval does something very different. It does not qualify the admission, but rather leads us into the admission that we did transgress. There may be an entire story around what happened, context, pressures, circumstances, explanations. Some of those may be completely true. At the end, though, we must conclude. Aval hatanu, indeed, we have transgressed. The Talmud in Yoma 87b calls aval anahnu hatanu the ikar vidui (the core of confession). I have to be able to say plainly. I did wrong. This part was mine. The rest of

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the story does not disappear. But I cannot use it to explain away my part or shift responsibility onto another person or the situation. There is a beautiful example of this in the final words of Rabbi Ben-Zion Meir Hai Uziel, the Rishon LeZion (Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel). Rabbi Uziel had spent decades in public life. Much of his life and leadership was devoted to Torah and to trying to bring people together. Near the end of his life, he dictated a final testament, later published as Devarav HaAharonim (His Last Words). In it, he looks back at what he had tried to do with his life, and then turns to anyone he may have hurt, whether against the community or against an individual. He asks for their forgiveness and says, “Know and believe that I did not do this intentionally.” Then comes his aval. Aval yakhol lihyot she-k’ven adam karutz me-homer... “But it is possible that, as a human being made of flesh...” He goes on to acknowledge that something may have escaped his mouth, or that he may have done something that harmed another person’s dignity or caused financial loss. And so he asks, Ana silhu li (Please forgive me). He does not pretend that his intentions are irrelevant. But he does not allow those intentions to erase the possibility that he caused harm or absolve him of responsibility. Why is it so difficult to make that admission ourselves? Because admitting that I did something wrong can begin to feel like I am admitting something larger about myself. It is no longer only, I did that. It begins to feel like, that is who I am. And so I keep explaining. I keep defending the person 66 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

I was, because if I stop defending him, it can feel as though I am condemning who I am. That may be the most interesting thing about Salim. He seems to have changed what he was doing before he changed the story he told about what he had done. He was earning his money honestly. He could admit that he had made the forgeries. But in the story he told about those years, he still needed to remain “an honest man.” Teshuvah is not only asking. Am I still doing this? It also asks me to look back at what I did and ask. How do I tell that story now? Some of my explanations may really be true. The circumstances may have been complicated. The other person may really have done something wrong. My intentions may have been good. But after I have told the whole story, I still need to ask. What part of this was mine? Maybe part of what allows me to stop defending the person I was is recognizing that I do not have to remain that person. I do not have to spend the rest of my life proving that what I did was really justified, or forced, or misunderstood. My taking responsibility for what I did does not mean that I am sentenced to remain the person who did it. I can still say. I did that. I should not have. I can own who I was without remaining who I was.  Rabbi Meyer Laniado is an associate rabbi at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun and leads its Sephardic community on New York City’s Upper East Side. He teaches at Ramaz and is a growing voice in the broader conversation on Sephardic history, ideas, and culture, having shared perspectives at UJA, the Maimonides Fund, and the Bronfman Fellowship.

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FIVE LESSONS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME IN BUSINESS TWO YEARS AFTER HIS PASSING, MY FATHER’S WISDOM STILL GUIDES HOW I WORK, LEAD, AND LIVE ITAMAR FRANKENTHAL

y father was a Torah scholar and an entrepreneur who fused Torah with business. Jewish values and wisdom shaped his life. Here are five of the business lessons he taught me.

1. KNOW WHERE YOUR PAYCHECK COMES FROM Just before entering the most important job interview of my life, I called my father and told him I was nervous. He put me at ease, telling me to remember, “He gives bread to all flesh, for His kindness endures forever” (Psalms 136:25). Your income comes from G-D, not from your employer. I walked into that interview calm. My fate was in the hands of G-D, not my interviewer. Thank G-D, I landed the position and it launched my career on Wall Street. 2. AFTER G-D, YOU ARE THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE Eighteen years later, sitting on the other side of the desk as the CEO of a small company, my father reminded me 68 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

to treat the position with reverence. “Remember, after G-D, you are the most powerful force in an employee’s life.” When I sit in a room with employees, and especially with job candidates, his voice echoes in my ears and shapes the way I treat them. 3. SAY HUMBUG AND MOVE ON Business, like life, has wins and losses. Losses hurt far more than gains feel good. The traditional Jewish response is Gam zu letovah, “this too is for the best.” My father compressed it into a single word: “Humbug.” It is okay to be frustrated. It is not okay for the frustration to stay with you. Say humbug and move on. He had an especially poignant version for people who had lived through tragedy. He would remind them of the command G-D gave Lot and his family as they fled Sodom: “Do not look back.” There are times in life when looking back turns you into a pillar of salt. It paralyzes you. The way through life’s greatest hardships is to move forward and not look back.

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4. THE GREATEST GIFT IS FREEDOM The Torah teaches that G-D freed the Jewish people so that they could serve Him, and it looks with disappointment on the Hebrew servant who chooses to remain in servitude. The Sages put it sharply: “They are My servants, and not servants of servants.” Our job is to serve G-D, not to be beholden to anyone else. This principle guided how my father led his business. More important to him than financial success was personal and economic freedom. When large companies approached him with sales opportunities that would have eclipsed his existing business, he turned them down. Selling to them would make him beholden to them, and over time it would cost him his independence. My father also understood that freedom requires discipline with credit, in both directions. He minimized debt and borrowed only when necessary. King Solomon said it plainly: “The borrower is a servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). 5. YOUR MISSION IS TO CREATE Paradise in the Garden of Eden didn’t mean a beach chair and rest. G-D placed Adam in Eden “to work it and to guard it” (Genesis 2:15). Work was man’s mission from the beginning. Eating from the forbidden fruit changed the terms, not the mission: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat bread.” The curse was not the need to work. It was the need to rely on work for sustenance, and that nature itself would now resist us with thorns and thistles, so that success would require overcoming nature rather than working with it. My father often quoted the Torah’s closing words about Creation: asher bara Elokim la’asot, “which G-D created to do” (Genesis 2:3). The world was created for doing, for 70 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

building, for creating. A manufacturer his entire professional life, he saw in his work a G-Dly mission: to take part in creation and move the world forward. THE FINAL LESSON The most remarkable thing I observed in my father was how he grew through life’s challenges. The Mishnah teaches that Abraham was tested with ten trials. Each test transformed him and prepared him for the next, another step on a staircase of growth. My father climbed the same staircase, including two bouts of cancer. The first, thank G-D, he survived. The second took him. He always loved life, but after the first cancer, he described every day as a gift, and he never let the gift become mundane. His love of life grew every day. His positivity was contagious. He made sure others knew that in spite of life’s challenges, we are all having an amazing day because we are alive. My father taught us to accept life as it comes and never bemoan our fate. We each get our lot. Our mission is to be partners with G-D in creation, to be productive, to leave the world a better place, and to grow through life’s challenges. Le’iluy nishmas Harav Yaakov Elchanan ben Moshe Yehuda, in loving memory of my father.  Itamar Frankenthal is a CEO, investor, and entrepreneur with a passion for values-driven leadership. After eight years leading a company in Silicon Valley, he recently relocated to Israel with his family. He writes about business, contemporary issues, and Jewish ethics, applying timeless principles to the complexities of modern life. His work has appeared in The Jerusalem Post and other leading Jewish publications.

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A FRESH FALL RESET LIGHT, SEASONAL RECIPES TO BRING BALANCE BACK TO THE TABLE AFTER THE HOLIDAYS AFTER WEEKS OF HOLIDAY MEALS, OCTOBER IS A GOOD TIME TO BRING LIGHTER FOOD BACK TO THE TABLE. FALL COOKING CAN STILL FEEL WARM AND SATISFYING WITHOUT BEING HEAVY. THESE RECIPES USE SEASONAL VEGETABLES, HERBS, WHOLE GRAINS, LEGUMES, FRUIT, AND SIMPLE PROTEINS TO CREATE MEALS THAT FEEL FRESH BUT STILL RIGHT FOR COOLER WEATHER. EACH DISH IS PRACTICAL ENOUGH FOR EVERYDAY HOME COOKING.

he idea is not to give up comfort food, but to make room for meals that are balanced, colorful, and easy to enjoy after a busy holiday season. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, it is possible to create dishes that feel nourishing without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. These recipes are meant to help ease the transition into a new season, offering plenty of warmth and comfort while keeping the table bright, fresh, and inviting. • 2 cups cooked quinoa • 2 cups baby spinach • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 1 tbsp tahini • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp water

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL BOWLS WITH ROASTED FALL VEGETABLES Parve Yields, 6 bowls Serves, 6 Ingredients • 1 medium delicata squash, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch slices • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced • 1 small red onion, cut into wedges • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided • 3/4 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 3 cups cooked green or brown lentils 72 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 2. Place the delicata squash, carrots, and red onion on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1/2 tsp salt, black pepper, and cumin. Toss well and spread the vegetables in a single layer. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until the vegetables are tender and browned around the edges. 3. While the vegetables roast, place the lentils and quinoa in a large saucepan over low heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, Dijon mustard, water, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. 4. Divide the spinach among six bowls. Add the warm quinoa and lentils, then top with the roasted vegetables. Drizzle each bowl with the tahini dressing. Finish with the parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds.

ZA’ATAR CHICKEN WITH WARM CHICKPEA AND HERB SALAD Meat Yields, 6 chicken portions Serves, 6 Ingredients • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 2 lb. total • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided • 2 tbsp za’atar • 1 tsp garlic powder • 3/4 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 2 15 oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 2. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, the za’atar, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Arrange the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast

for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. 3. While the chicken cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpeas and red onion. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the chickpeas are warmed through. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Remove the skillet from the heat. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Pour the dressing over the warm chickpea mixture. Add the parsley and mint and toss gently. Serve the roasted chicken with the warm chickpea and herb salad. • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1/3 cup chopped pistachios • 2 tbsp rolled oats • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 cup water

BAKED PEARS WITH CINNAMON, PISTACHIOS, AND SILAN Parve Yields, 8 pear halves Serves, 4 Ingredients • 4 ripe but firm pears • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 2 tbsp silan • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the pears in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to remove the cores and create a shallow hollow in the center of each half. Arrange the pears cut side up in a baking dish. Brush them with the lemon juice. 2. In a small bowl, stir together the silan, olive oil, cinnamon, ginger, pistachios, rolled oats, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Spoon the pistachio mixture evenly into the center of each pear half. Pour the water into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. 3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the pears are tender when pierced with a knife and the topping is lightly browned. Spoon a little of the warm pan liquid over the pears before serving. OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 73

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ROASTED CARROT HUMMUS WITH CRISPY CHICKPEAS Parve Yields, about 3 cups Serves, 8 Ingredients • 1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and divided • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp paprika • 1/2 tsp salt, divided • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/3 cup tahini • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 1 garlic clove • 1/4 cup cold water, plus more as needed • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 tbsp sesame seeds 74 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 2. Place the carrots on a large rimmed baking sheet. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, the cumin, paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper. Toss well and spread the carrots in a single layer. 3. Pat 1/2 cup of the chickpeas dry with paper towels. Place them on one side of the baking sheet and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and the remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once, until the carrots are very tender and lightly browned and the chickpeas are crisp. 4. Transfer the roasted carrots to a food processor. Add the remaining chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and cold water. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Add a little more water if needed to reach a creamy consistency. 5. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Top with the crispy chickpeas, parsley, and sesame seeds. 

F O C U S

O N

THE BEST STATE TO FORM YOUR LLC BEN G. MATSAS

WHAT IF THE STATE WHERE YOU FORM YOUR LLC COULD GIVE YOU ACCESS TO ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED BUSINESS COURTS IN THE WORLD, KEEP MEMBERS’ AND MANAGERS’ NAMES OUT OF REQUIRED PUBLIC FORMATION DISCLOSURES, AND PROVIDE A FAMILIAR BUSINESS FRAMEWORK, ALL WITHOUT YOU EVER NEEDING TO LIVE THERE?

hat state is Delaware. More than 60% of Fortune 500 companies and a significant share of startups are incorporated there, and it’s not by accident. Delaware’s business-friendly legal system has made it the gold standard for company formation for decades. WHO SHOULD CONSIDER IT Delaware is especially popular among startups planning to raise venture capital, companies anticipating rapid growth or acquisition, and businesses that want the credibility and legal predictability that come with a Delaware entity. This includes tech startups preparing to pitch investors, e-commerce brands scaling toward a future acquisition, real estate investment groups managing multiple properties across states, professional services firms like consulting or marketing agencies, and family-owned holding companies planning for the long term. PRIVACY FOR OWNERS Delaware does not require LLC members or managers to be listed in the state’s public formation documents. For entrepreneurs who value discretion, this provides a meaningful layer of privacy that many other states do not offer. The formation documents do, however, include the name and signature of the authorized person filing them. REGISTERED AGENT Delaware also requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The registered agent acts as the LLC’s official Delaware contact. The agent receives important documents on the LLC’s behalf, such as legal notices, service of process, and certain state tax and business correspondence, and forwards them to the address or contact information you designate. This is

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especially useful when you do not live in Delaware and the business does not maintain a physical office there. A FAMILIAR BUSINESS FRAMEWORK Delaware is a familiar name in business formation, with a legal framework widely used by companies and investors. Businesses considering outside funding should confirm the appropriate entity structure with their advisers before filing. FLEXIBLE, WELL-ESTABLISHED BUSINESS LAW Delaware’s General Corporation Law and LLC Act are among the most flexible and thoroughly tested in the country, with decades of legal precedent. This established body of law provides a framework for business governance and disputes. THE COURT OF CHANCERY Delaware’s Court of Chancery is a specialized business court staffed by judges, not juries, who handle corporate and other equity matters. The court has an established reputation for experience in business disputes. THE BOTTOM LINE For entrepreneurs considering Delaware, the state’s established business framework and limited ownership disclosure requirements remain points of interest. A formation service can help prepare and submit the required paperwork and provide registered agent services. 

Ben G. Matsas is the founder of Liberty Filing. Liberty Filing provides electronic filing services to form your LLC or corporation. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advice.

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BACK TO SCHOOL THIS MONTH’S COMMUNITY PHOTO ALBUM CAPTURES THE EXCITEMENT OF HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL. FROM FIRST-DAY PHOTOS AND SMILING CLASSMATES TO STUDENTS SETTLING INTO THEIR CLASSROOMS, MEETING TEACHERS, AND GETTING BACK INTO THE RHYTHM OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, THESE PICTURES MARK THE START OF A NEW CHAPTER. A NEW SCHOOL YEAR BRINGS NEW CLASSES, NEW EXPERIENCES, AND PLENTY OF MOMENTS WORTH REMEMBERING. WE ARE PROUD TO SHARE THESE SNAPSHOTS OF OUR COMMUNITY’S CHILDREN AS THEY BEGIN ANOTHER YEAR OF LEARNING, FRIENDSHIP, AND GROWTH.

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HOW THE JEWS CHANGED THE WORLD ELEVEN IDEAS PEOPLE TAKE FOR GRANTED THAT STARTED WITH ONE SMALL NATION RABBI EPHRAIM SHORE

THE JEWS STARTED IT ALL. AND BY “IT” I MEAN SO MANY OF THE THINGS WE CARE ABOUT, THE UNDERLYING VALUES THAT MAKE ALL OF US, JEW AND GENTILE, BELIEVER AND ATHEIST, TICK. WITHOUT THE JEWS, WE WOULD SEE THE WORLD THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES, HEAR WITH DIFFERENT EARS, EVEN FEEL WITH DIFFERENT FEELINGS. AND WE WOULD SET A DIFFERENT COURSE FOR OUR LIVES… THEIR WORLDVIEW HAS BECOME SO MUCH A PART OF US THAT AT THIS POINT IT MIGHT AS WELL HAVE BEEN WRITTEN INTO OUR CELLS AS A GENETIC CODE. — THOMAS CAHILL, THE GIFTS OF THE JEWS

he number of fundamental ideas and values the Jewish People have given to the world is truly remarkable, and it’s also remarkable how most people don’t realize this. We simply forget that these concepts and ideals were once not the way of the world. In fact, they were not only revolutionary but often at complete odds with conventional wisdom of the times. As Paul Johnson wrote in The History of the Jews, “All the great conceptual discoveries of the intellect seem obvious and inescapable once they have been revealed, but it requires a special genius to formulate them for the first time. The Jews had this gift.” Let’s stop to appreciate some of the Jewish inventions taken for granted in our world: 1. SABBATH DAY The Romans ridiculed the Jews for their idleness, but we have none but the Jews to thank for our weekend. Until the Jewish invention of Shabbat, every day, every month, every year was the same. We introduced the concept of taking out time to focus on the higher things in life and enjoying being

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and not just doing. Christians adapted the Jewish Shabbat to Sunday in the second and third centuries. 2. PEACE ON EARTH In a world that revered the warrior above all others, survival of the fittest was the highest value. If you could get it, you took it. The cost in human life was irrelevant. Judaism introduced the altruistic concept that peace amongst men was preferable to my tribe’s enrichment. As the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them” (11.6). And “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (2.4). 3. UNIVERSAL LITERACY AND EDUCATION In a world where literacy was a luxury enjoyed by the vast minority, the People of the Book taught that the pursuit of wisdom and learning was the highest pursuit and the

right and obligation of every child and adult. No Jewish community existed without a school. Even the Greeks and Romans came nowhere near creating a written culture, and the medieval world saw even greater drops in literacy. The Church, ancient Greece, and the United States not only discouraged literacy for some (e.g., slaves, non-clergy), but it took until 1918 for every US state to require students to complete elementary school. It took India until 2009 to adopt what the Jewish nation has been practicing for 3,500 years. 4. SABBATICAL YEAR The idea for academics and some professionals (20 percent of UK companies now have a career break policy, and many more joining the trend!) to take a year off every seven years to focus on academic advancement comes directly from the Torah. Judaism requires every farmer to take the entire seventh year off from work to focus on studying, self-improvement, and inspiration. One can imagine the impact of that intellectual focus on the entire nation. 5. JUSTICE FOR ALL In a world where women, children, the poor, immigrants, and other vulnerable members of society were systematically abused, the Jewish legal system was the first to protect the rights of the underdog and the helpless. As the Torah states,

“You shall not wrong or oppress a foreigner, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not abuse the widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry” (Exodus 22.21 to 23). Jewish law ensured that every man and woman has the right to a fair trial, is innocent before proven guilty, and allows for no prejudice towards the rich or powerful. 6. MONOTHEISM Judaism revolutionized the concept of G-D, moving from a belief in multiple deities and idols that require our sacrifice (even humans), are created in the image of Man, and can be bribed and manipulated, to recognizing the One Infinite, loving, altruistic Creator who is the unifying source of the entire universe, who needs nothing from mankind, and is equally available to every human being. 7. INFINITE VALUE OF EVERY HUMAN LIFE In a world of human sacrifice, murder of children (particularly baby girls), and wanton war and killing to further material gains, Judaism taught that every life is holy, created in the image of G-D, and of infinite value, even the old, the mentally or physically handicapped, and the sick. If you think that is obvious, consider the practice of human sacrifice that was central to most South American civilizations until the Spanish Christians conquered them just 500 years ago. OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 83

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8. THE RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS While the founding fathers of America may have found “these truths to be self-evident,” in fact it was far from self-evident unless you were highly influenced by Jewish values (otherwise the Declaration of Independence in 1776 would not have been so revolutionary!). Many societies up to modern times have sought to limit individuality in the name of service to the state or religion or feudal lord (Communism, Nazism, many religions, and all totalitarian regimes). But 3,000 years before 1776, Judaism introduced to the world that every human has the right, and obligation, to aspire to reaching his or her goals, personal fulfillment, and potential. 9. LIMITED GOVERNMENTAL POWERS It took until the Magna Carta in medieval England for the first small limitations on the power of the ruler to be instituted. Until then, despots of all kinds could and would take advantage of their citizens monetarily, militarily, and judicially for their own gain. The king was omnipotent. The Torah was the first system to place limits on the powers of the monarch. His powers were overseen by an independent judicial branch of government (Sanhedrin), thousands of years before the rest of the world was ready to adopt these ideas. And the Jewish king carried with him a Torah scroll, reminding him that he too is subjugated to all of its laws. 10. TZEDAKA AND TIKKUN OLAM In a world where the idea of giving away one’s property to others was seen as both bizarre and foolhardy, Judaism taught that we are obligated to donate 10 to 20 percent (tithe) of what we earn to make the world a better place. Judaism was trend-setting by a millennium when it required us to lend money to our fellow man with no interest, to return lost objects, to refrain from verbal abuse and gossip, not to take revenge or bear a grudge, to protect animals from suffering, and to demand that we love every human being regardless of race, religion, or color. “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19.18) was introduced 2,000 years before Christianity. 11. EQUALITY OF THE SEXES Judaism taught that men and women are equal in the eyes of G-D (in fact, the first “Man” was not actually a man but an androgynous male/female being which was then separated into two). From the earliest times, women have held important leadership positions in the Jewish world. Our matriarchs were considered even greater than their husbands in prophecy and other areas. Judaism forbade sexual harassment of any kind. Way ahead of its time, a woman’s rights to sexual and emotional intimacy were enshrined by the first Jewish marriage contracts (ketubah). Men are obligated to honor their wives even more than 84 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

themselves. Women in Judaism enjoyed more rights than in most of Western civilization. For example, it took until 1900 for all US states to allow women to buy, sell, and own property or to write their own wills and contracts. Without the Jewish nation, the world as we know it would simply not exist. Paul Johnson summed it up beautifully: “To them (the Jews) we owe the idea of equality before the law, both divine and human; of the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person; of the individual conscience and so of personal redemption; of the collective conscience and so of social responsibility; of peace as an abstract ideal and love as the foundation of justice, and many other items which constitute the basic moral furniture of the human mind. Without the Jews, it might have been a much emptier place.” And while the world was busy absorbing Jewish inventions into their culture, they were simultaneously persecuting and not infrequently attempting to destroy us. How strange that one of humanity’s most positive contributors has been singled out for more hate than any other. Cahill observed this phenomenon: “Our history is replete with examples of those who have refused to see what the Jews are really about, who, through intellectual blindness, racial chauvinism, xenophobia, or just plain evil, have been unable to give this oddball tribe, this raggletaggle band, this race of wanderers who are the progenitors of the Western world, their due.” Let’s keep in mind the words of American President John Adams, who said, “I will insist that the Hebrews have done more to civilize man than any other nation. If I were an atheist, and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that chance had ordered the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations.”  Rabbi Ephraim Shore worked with Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem, Miami, Toronto, and New York. He helped to found and run Hasbara Fellowships and HonestReporting. He lives with his family in Jerusalem where he is a sought-after Licensed Tour Guide.

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TIPS TO TAKE YOUR MARRIAGE FROM GOOD TO GREAT SARAH PACHTER

NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOUR MARRIAGE IS, IT CAN ALWAYS GET BETTER. KICK YOUR MARRIAGE UP A NOTCH BY FOLLOWING THESE SIMPLE GUIDELINES TO CREATE A G-R-E-A-T MARRIAGE. GRATITUDE Gratitude is the easiest and fastest way to increase harmony in relationships. In fact, Laura Doyle, bestselling author and relationship coach, surveyed men around the world, asking them, “What makes you happiest?” The most common answer was, “I am happiest when my spouse is happy.” You might be thinking: Well, my spouse didn’t get that memo! He doesn’t seem to care about my happiness. The truth is, the default mode of emotionally healthy men and women is to want to please their spouses. The problems start when your spouse seems insatiable. When you don’t think your spouse is able to be pleased, you give up. And it goes both ways — expressing gratitude consis86 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

tently shows that you can be pleased, which motivates your spouse to take action. Expressing consistent and daily gratitude also provides your spouse with a “pleasure compass,” a pathway that illuminates how to please you. Your expression of gratitude shows your spouse what you want. RECEIVE Have you ever tried to give something to someone and they didn’t want to take it? They were probably trying to be polite, but it doesn’t feel good to be deprived of giving. If you don’t allow yourself to receive from others, especially your spouse, you are robbing them of the deep-seated pleasure of giving.

Receiving from your spouse graciously gives him or her a feeling of empowerment and increases his/her love for you. Suppose your spouse surprises you one evening with a bouquet of flowers. You think, ‘Oh, that’s sweet and all, except they look really inexpensive. I would rather no flowers than cheap flowers.’ Your response options: outright criticism. Thank him verbally but imply disappointment — or lie. The best option is to receive them graciously and focus on his thoughtfulness. In this example the husband gives physically. If the wife receives with grace, she gives spiritually. EMPATHIZE When your spouse bids for your attention and you just grunt and continue looking at your phone, it can leave him feeling empty inside. The feeling of being married to someone who doesn’t care about what you have to say, or can’t empathize with you, can be more isolating than being physically alone. For example, your spouse may come home and say, “Honey, work was really hard today, my boss yelled at me for no reason.” Only half-listening, you make a noise of acknowledgement and return to cooking dinner, when he was really seeking comfort and your attention. Empathy requires real interest. It is important to actively listen, make eye contact, and show support, without trying to come up with a solution. This is one of the simplest ways to make your spouse feel loved, cared for, and respected. ANTICIPATE YOUR SPOUSE’S NEEDS When you anticipate your spouse’s needs and fulfill them, you show him tremendous respect and love. You can practice this in the following ways: • If your spouse has a big presentation coming up at work, take your kids out of the house for an hour or an afternoon so he can prepare. • If your spouse has to go out of town on business, you can pull out the luggage for him and have it waiting so it’s one less step for him to have to execute. • If your spouse mentioned he/she is in the mood for a certain dish, why not offer to go out to dinner, or prepare that meal?

These small gestures show him not only that you care, but that you are attuned to his needs. If I see that my husband’s phone or laptop is low on battery, I place it on the charger for him. If he seems depleted, I suggest that he do something energizing just for himself, and once even encouraged him to take a trip to Israel for a spiritual rejuvenation. TALK Divorced couples were surveyed by Dr. Terri Orbuch on what they wished they had done differently while married. Forty-one percent of participants reported they would have changed how they communicated with their spouse. Divorcees noted that their conversations when married were about mundane daily tasks, such as laundry or who would go to parent teacher conferences, what Orbuch calls “maintenance talk.” When the marriage mostly entails maintenance talk, dissatisfaction will eventually creep into the relationship. Those interviewed said that if they could turn back the hands of time, they would talk more deeply with their spouse, sharing their fears, hopes, and visions for the future; they would speak more affectionately and listen more attentively. Dr. Gary Neumann, a marriage expert, found that people who claimed to be dissatisfied in marriage spoke less than 20 minutes a day to each other. Make the time to have substantial conversations, and listen attentively to avoid dissatisfaction and numbness in marriage. These tips can really transform your marriage from good to great. Try them and see the benefits yourself. Sarah Pachter is a dynamic, motivational speaker who has lectured throughout the US and Israel. For the past thirteen years Sarah has passionately taught women of all ages and levels of Jewish observance, drawing in large crowds with her innovative and personal touch.

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G R O W T H

FIVE MICROCHANGES THAT CAN TRANSFORM THE NEW YEAR THESE SMALL DAILY HABITS, EACH UNDER A MINUTE, MATTER MORE THAN ANY BIG RESOLUTION DEBBIE GUTFREUND

ow that the High Holidays are behind us and you are returning to your daily routine, following through on the changes you committed to during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur may feel overwhelming. But real transformation usually comes from small, daily microchanges, not sweeping overhauls. Here are five simple changes that can help you grow and move closer to your potential this year. CHANGING THE WORDS YOU USE The words you use most often become the lens through which you see the world. You don’t need to pretend everything is positive to think more proactively, hopefully and accurately. Try replacing “I’m so busy” with “I have a lot on my plate.” This shifts busyness from an identity to a temporary circumstance. Or swap “I’m so bad at this” for “I’m learning to do this,” turning a permanent obstacle

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into a challenge you can overcome. The words you choose build a different reality moment by moment. HAVE A “NO ZERO DAYS” RULE Every day, do something, however small, that moves you toward your goals. Walk two blocks if you don’t have time for a full workout. Write one paragraph of that proposal. Send one email to push the project forward. This rule replaces the pressure of “I have to make major progress today” with “Every day I can do one small thing that brings me closer to the person I want to become.” REPLACE ONE COMPLAINT WITH A REQUEST This small change moves you from focusing on what you don’t like to asking for what would make things better, turning blame into communication. Instead of “You never help,” try “Can you do the dishes tonight?” Instead of “No

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one ever checks in on me,” try “I’d really like to hear from you. Can you call me later?” Next time you’re about to complain, pause and ask yourself. What request is hiding inside this complaint? SEND ONE APPRECIATION TEXT A WEEK This microchange takes about 30 seconds, but it can deepen your relationships and shift where your attention goes. The goal isn’t a generic “thinking of you” text, but training yourself to notice others and say the things you’d otherwise leave unsaid. Once a week, pick one person and ask yourself. What’s one thing I appreciate about this person that I haven’t told them lately? This habit stops you from assuming people know how you feel, and builds the habit of expressing gratitude for having them in your life. DO ONE UNCOMFORTABLE THING BEFORE NOON Committing to one hard task before noon each day ensures that discomfort itself doesn’t stand between you and 90 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

your goals. The idea is to practice moving toward growth, even when you don’t feel like it. Motivation usually comes after you act, not before, so doing something uncomfortable early in the day sends you a clear message. I can handle discomfort. I don’t have to avoid it. It also means you won’t spend the rest of the day finding reasons to skip it. Even a small daily practice like this keeps you moving toward who you want to become, especially when it’s hard. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks taught, “If we change the way we think, we can change the way we feel, which changes the way we act, which changes the person we become.” Now that the High Holidays are behind us, start making the small, daily changes that can transform your year.  Debbie Gutfreund is an OCD and trauma therapist. She holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in Family Therapy from the University of North Texas. In her free time, she is a competitive runner and skier. She lives in Parkland, Florida with her husband and children.

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P A R E N T I N G

THE THREE CORE BELIEFS THAT MAKE A CHILD FEEL THEY MATTER DR. LESLIE M. GUTMAN

WHEN CHILDREN INTERNALIZE THESE THREE BELIEFS, “I AM SEEN, I HAVE VALUE, I MAKE A DIFFERENCE,” THEY DEVELOP RESILIENCE, CONFIDENCE, AND A GROUNDED SENSE OF SELF.

researcher asked more than 300 teenagers a simple question: “When do you feel you matter?” Their answers were striking. They did not mention awards, grades, or achievements. They spoke about moments when someone looked up, listened, or cared. Psychologists call this experience mattering. Mattering is the deep belief that your existence has significance. It’s the sense that you are seen, valued, and that your presence makes a difference. Mattering is not the same as selfesteem. Self-esteem asks, “How do I feel about myself?” Mattering asks, “Do I feel that I count to someone?” 92 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

The Torah’s first message about humanity is that we are created b’tzelem Elokim, in the image of G-D, meaning every person carries a piece of the Divine, a value that has nothing to do with looks, talent, or achievement. Before a child achieves anything, before they behave well or impress anyone, their worth is already infinite. Children learn they matter through everyday experiences that shape three core beliefs. CORE BELIEF ONE “I AM SEEN” Every child wants to feel visible, not for performance

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but for presence. When a child walks into a room and no one looks up from their phones, they feel smaller. When a parent pauses, makes eye contact, or smiles, something inside them lights up. These micro-moments are not insignificant. They are the building blocks of emotional security. To be seen is to feel known. It is the sense that someone notices your inner world, your moods, your efforts, your struggles, and your joys. How to show this to your child Reflect their inner world by saying, “You look proud of that,” or “It seems like today was a lot.” Offer micromoments of presence. Even five undistracted minutes communicate to your child that they matter and that you are taking notice. CORE BELIEF TWO “I HAVE VALUE” Children feel valued when their feelings, ideas, and experiences are taken seriously. This is not about praise. It’s about dignity. To feel valued is to know that your inner world has weight. Your thoughts are worth hearing, your emotions are worth understanding, and your perspective is worth considering. When a parent listens without rushing to fix, dismiss, or correct, the child learns that their voice matters. How to show this to your child Validate before you guide by saying, “I can see why that upset you” or “That makes sense.” Invite their perspective by asking what they think about family plans, routines, or decisions. Separate their identity from their behavior by saying, “That choice was not like you” instead of “You are being difficult.” 94 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

CORE BELIEF THREE “I MAKE A DIFFERENCE” Children thrive when they sense that their presence changes things and that they contribute something real and meaningful. They see that their actions have an impact. When a child helps set the table, comforts a sibling, or makes someone laugh, they experience themselves as a source of goodness in the world. Every person has a unique role in repairing the world. Children need to feel that their presence leaves a mark. How to show this to your child Give them meaningful responsibility, not busywork, but something that genuinely helps the family. Name their impact by saying, “Everyone felt so happy to have you there today” or “Your kindness changed her whole morning.” Let them help you. Children feel valued when they are trusted to contribute. When children internalize these three beliefs, “I am seen, I have value, I make a difference,” they develop resilience, confidence, and a grounded sense of self. They become less dependent on external approval and more anchored in their inherent worth. Most importantly, they begin to see themselves the way G-D sees them, as irreplaceable souls with infinite significance, placed in this world with purpose. That is the deepest form of mattering.  Dr. Leslie M. Gutman is Professor of Psychology and Director of the MSc Behaviour Change at University College London. She writes and speaks widely about resilience, mental health, wellbeing, behavior change, and the intersection of Jewish teachings and contemporary research. She lives in London with her family.

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WHEN HEALTHY EATING BECOMES TOO HEALTHY LAURA SHAMMAH, MS, RDN

WE HEAR IT EVERYWHERE. CUT OUT SUGAR. AVOID CARBS. DON’T EAT PROCESSED FOODS. BUY ORGANIC. EAT CLEAN. DON’T EAT AFTER A CERTAIN TIME. TRACK YOUR PROTEIN. COUNT YOUR STEPS. ON THEIR OWN, SOME OF THESE CHOICES MAY SOUND HEALTHY. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TRYING TO BE HEALTHY STARTS TAKING OVER YOUR LIFE?

s a dietitian who specializes in eating disorders and helping people build a healthier relationship with food, I often see people who aren’t necessarily trying to lose weight. They genuinely believe they are just trying to be healthy. But slowly, their list of acceptable foods gets smaller. They stop eating certain carbohydrates. Then sugar. Then foods with ingredients they don’t recognize. They become anxious at restaurants because they don’t know exactly what is in the food. They bring their own food everywhere. They decline invitations because they can’t control what will be served. 96 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

At some point, healthy eating stops making you healthier. There is even a term for an unhealthy obsession with eating only foods considered healthy or “clean.” It is called orthorexia. Nutrition is important. What we eat absolutely affects our health. But health is much bigger than the nutritional content of a meal. For the body to truly be healthy, the mind needs to be healthy too. Being healthy also means being able to go to dinner with friends. It is enjoying your child’s birthday cake without calculating how long you need to exercise afterward. It is going on vacation without packing an entire suitcase of

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“safe” foods. It is eating something simply because you enjoy it. One question I often encourage people to ask themselves is this. Am I making this choice because I want to take care of my body, or because I am afraid of what will happen if I don’t? The difference matters. A healthy relationship with food includes flexibility. Most of the time, build your meals around vegetables, protein, fat and carbohydrates. Choose foods that nourish you and help you feel good, but leave room for everything else too. A cookie doesn’t cancel out the vegetables you ate at lunch. Pizza doesn’t erase your workout. A Shabbat of eating differently doesn’t undo months of taking care of yourself. Your body doesn’t need perfection. It needs consistency, and your mind needs flexibility. If eating “perfectly” is creating fear, guilt or anxiety, it is no longer supporting your overall health. This is especially important for parents. Our children 98 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

are listening to the way we talk about food. When they constantly hear foods described as “bad,” “fattening,” “toxic” or something we have to “burn off,” they learn that eating is something to fear. Instead, let them see that taking care of yourself includes both nourishment and enjoyment. Healthy eating should add to your life, not take away from it. If your eating rules are making you anxious, interfering with your social life or making you afraid to eat foods you once enjoyed, becoming stricter isn’t the answer. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is loosen the rules and remember that a healthy body starts with a healthy mind.  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, pregnant women, and individuals seeking to lose or gain weight in a healthy way.

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– I only brush in the morning.” Too bad for this group since bacteria do the most damage to teeth and gums while you sleep. The saliva is less effective while you sleep and the bacteria much more damaging. This is why it’s so important to brush and clean between your teeth every night. Because it is so difficult to floss effectively and without causing damage, I usually recommend the WaterPik. Studies have shown that it is easier for patients to use and we see our patients greatly improve the condition of their gums and also eliminate cavities. Let’s take care of it.

on’t remove e between need either Rotopoints, sh, or any to get the brush can’t

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It’s daily cleaning that will prevent damage and help you keep it’s a cracked crown, sudden swelling, your teethWhether for a lifetime. In addition, the medical journals are or arepeated toothache that won’t we’re with with gum loaded with studies thatquit, show thathere people emergency availability, years of expertise, and e who tell disease are more prone to heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and fast relief. Call us ﬁrst thing in the morning to s will readily diabetes. Isn’t your get health a few minutes yourworth pain solved, STAT. a day? t every day… nce or twice mportant to at bacteria ry day. If you your teeth FAMILY DENTAL CARE � COSMETIC DENTISTRY � EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS

THE DIETING DANGER TO YOUR TEETH

HOW DIETING HABITS CAN DAMAGE YOUR TEETH WITHOUT YOU REALIZING IT DR. JACQUES DOUECK

SINCE 1977, I HAVE OBSERVED SOME STARTLING PATTERNS IN THE EFFECT DIETING HAS ON OUR TEETH. TODAY, BECAUSE WE ARE MORE HEALTH-MINDED THAN EVER, MORE PEOPLE ARE TAKING STEPS TO CONTROL WEIGHT AND KEEP HEALTHY, MEASURES WHICH COULD HAVE A DEVASTATING IMPACT ON OUR TEETH.

he connection between dieting and dental health is not always obvious. Some habits that seem healthy, or are meant to support weight control and overall wellness, can create unexpected problems for your teeth. Here are several common examples I have seen over the years. FOSOMAX AND TUMS Osteoporosis, weak bones, and calcium deficiency have women supplementing their diets. Although calcium is essential for healthy bones, women may want to choose supplements that are low in sugar, like sugar-free Tums. But even with sugarless tablets it is best to brush after chewing them.

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THE FREQUENT NIBBLER This is the most common and, from a dental standpoint, most damaging style of dieting that I encounter. In an effort to control appetite, the frequent nibbler replaces large portions of high-fat foods with many portions of highcarb foods, like small crackers or even fruits throughout the day. Pregnant women who get nauseous when they eat large meals are also forced to eat many small meals. On Weight Watchers, six Melba toast or Saltines equal one bread serving. Many of our patients find it very satisfying to keep a pack of crackers or pretzels or other starchy snacks in their pocketbook. This allows them to eat the crackers one at a

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time over a period of several hours. As far as their calorie count, they only had one bread serving. But as far as their teeth, they have had six separate meals. Each time they have one of these mini meals, bacteria produce tooth-destroying acid and bone-destroying toxins. COFFEE, TEA, SODA OR WATER WITH LEMON Another famous diet habit, especially for men, is the continuous consumption of coffee or tea with sugar. Realizing that regular soda is loaded with sugar, some of our patients drink diet soda all day! They don’t realize that diet soda is high in tooth-decaying acid. A favorite aid for the serious dieter is hot or cold water with lemon. I have seen many patients with severe tooth erosion as a result. These acids are strong enough to melt away the hard enamel covering of your teeth forever. This erosion is not reversible. Once you’ve lost the enamel, it’s gone. THE CANDY MAN AND THE CANDY LADY Every three-year-old that comes to our office will tell you that if you eat too much candy, you get cavities. Unfortunately, many of our adult patients forget that important rule. Many of our patients use sucking candies similar to the way that others use pretzels or crackers. They will keep a pack or handful in their purse or sports jacket. The candy companies are notorious for misleading you right into a root canal. Many candies are promoted as “lowcalorie,” even though they are all sugar. It’s only because sugar is relatively low in calories that they can fool you. What about Ricola cough drops, Luden’s, Smith Brothers and all the other “medicated” cough drops and breath mints? Sugar and more sugar! IT’S NOT ONLY GUMMY BEARS THAT STICK TO YOUR TEETH Things that stick to your teeth have more time to do damage. Many health-conscious mothers send their children to school with raisins, dried fruit or “all-natural” fruit leather. These snacks really stick. But you may not realize that starchy foods are also sticky, in a different way. Because they are pasty, foods such as crackers or dry breakfast cereal will stick to the biting surface and between the teeth. Don’t fool yourself. Follow the advice in this article, get regular checkups, brush, floss and take your teeth seriously. DIET PLAN IDEAS THAT DENTISTS LIKE Stop eating by 7 p.m. or as early as possible in the eve102 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

ning, since many adults spend their entire evening nibbling. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a queen and dinner like a pauper, and drink at least eight glasses of water a day. In New York City, the tap water is fluoridated, and fluoride is one of the main reasons that so many of the children I see are growing up without any cavities at all. In New Jersey, where most of our patients drink only bottled water, it is a good idea to supplement your fluoride intake. Ask your dentist about this. DIET GUIDELINES TO SAVE YOUR TEETH Control the frequency of snacking. Carbohydrates are okay. It’s the frequency of nibbling that does the damage. If you must nibble, be sure to brush and floss afterwards. Try to clean your mouth after eating sticky foods. Foods that are sticky or pasty, such as raisins, candies, crackers, pretzels, dry cereal, etc., have more time to do damage. Never go to bed without brushing and flossing, or using Rota-Points. The bacteria and the food stuck to your teeth cause much damage. Don’t give your teeth a “sugar bath.” Sucking on hard candies is essentially bathing your teeth in sugar. For a candy treat, I like Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets lollipops and candies or Zollipops because they taste good and really don’t promote tooth decay. Plus they have no aspartame or sorbitol. Sugarless gum really does work to reduce the acidity after you eat. It doesn’t have to be any particular brand. Any sugarless gum will effectively reduce the acidity after eating, but a gum with xylitol will provide extra cavity-reducing benefits. Dr. Jacques Doueck has practiced restorative dentistry in the community since 1977 and has taken thousands of hours of advanced training. He is a clinical consultant for the Dental Advisor, a monthly publication.

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ISRAEL ON TRIAL EXAMINING THE HISTORY, THE EVIDENCE, AND THE LAW ISRAEL IS DISCUSSED EVERYWHERE. ON TELEVISION, ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA, ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES, AND AROUND DINNER TABLES, ACCUSATIONS ARE OFTEN REDUCED TO A FEW CHARGED WORDS. COLONIALISM. APARTHEID. GENOCIDE. BUT HOW MANY PEOPLE USING THOSE TERMS HAVE EXAMINED THE HISTORY, THE EVIDENCE, OR THE LEGAL DEFINITIONS BEHIND THEM?

srael on Trial, written by United States District Judge Roy K. Altman, approaches worldwide criticism of Israel, the war in Gaza, and the serious historical, legal, and political accusations made against the country the way a judge approaches a case. Altman asks readers to put aside slogans and examine what can actually be established through evidence. Altman serves as a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. A graduate of Columbia University and Yale Law School, he previously clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals and served as a federal prosecutor. That legal background shapes the book. Rather than asking readers to accept claims because they are repeated often or expressed with conviction, he applies familiar courtroom principles such as burden of proof, corroboration, and chain of custody. The book examines some of the most serious accusations made against Israel, including claims of colonialism, apartheid, and genocide. Altman draws on historical records, archaeological evidence, genetic data, and international law to examine those arguments and the evidence behind them. He also looks at how antisemitic ideas have changed over time and how some have entered contempo104 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

rary political discussion. That approach makes the book useful beyond the immediate debate over Israel. Readers are given a practical framework for evaluating difficult claims. What is the source? Is there corroborating evidence? Does the evidence support the conclusion being asserted? And when legal terms such as genocide or apartheid are used, does the claim satisfy the actual legal definition? Those questions matter in a media environment where information moves quickly and strong claims can reach millions of people before they are carefully examined. Israel on Trial has appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Former United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman has praised Altman’s use of evidence and legal reasoning, while John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, has highlighted the book’s focus on methodology and fact finding. For readers trying to understand the arguments surrounding Israel rather than simply repeat them, Altman offers a straightforward approach. Start with the claim. Examine the evidence. Understand the law. Then decide what the facts support. 

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L I F E

S K I L L S

5 Ways to Stop Taking Things So Personally THESE FIVE JEWISH MINDSETS WILL HELP YOU STAY STEADY, PROTECT YOUR WORTH, AND STOP TURNING EVERY COMMENT INTO A VERDICT DEVORA LEVY

WE ALL KNOW THE FEELING: SOMEONE MAKES A COMMENT, SENDS A SHORT TEXT, FORGETS TO INCLUDE YOU, ANSWERS WITH A STRANGE TONE — AND SUDDENLY YOUR CHEST TIGHTENS. YOUR MIND FILLS IN THE BLANKS. DID I DO SOMETHING WRONG? ARE THEY UPSET WITH ME? WAS THAT ABOUT ME?

aking things personally is exhausting. It keeps you emotionally on edge and spiritually off-balance. But Judaism offers a deeper approach: most of what feels “personal” actually isn’t personal at all. When you learn how to separate who you are from how people behave, you reclaim an inner steadiness that nothing outside of you can shake. These five shifts can help you stop absorbing every moment as a judgment and start moving through life with more clarity, strength, and freedom.

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IT’S USUALLY NOT ABOUT YOU The Mishna teaches, “Do not judge your fellow until you have reached their place” (Ethics of the Fathers, 2:4). You never truly reach another person’s place — their history, their pressures, their fears, their fatigue. So when someone snaps, withdraws, gets impatient, or says something careless, it’s usually not about you. You’re seeing their inner world spilling outward. Think of a friend who answers you sharply on a stressful day, a co-worker who seems cold because they’re over-

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whelmed, or a family member who shuts down because it’s their pattern, not your fault. When you pause and remember, “This is their reality, not my identity,” everything softens. You don’t excuse bad behavior but you stop inhaling it as self-criticism. This step back provides perspective, and protects your heart. ANCHOR YOURSELF IN YOUR INHERENT SELF-WORTH One of the most powerful Jewish ideas is that every person has a point of innate goodness. You are not defined by your lowest moments, your mistakes, or other people’s opinions. If you’re not anchored in your inherent self-worth, you become vulnerable to every passing comment. But when you root yourself in the inner core of who you are — capable, growing, inherently valuable — someone else’s tone or reaction stops having the power to rewrite your identity. Before a difficult conversation or interaction, remind yourself: “My value doesn’t come from this moment. I know who I am.” That grounding lifts you and makes you stronger. 3. PRACTICE THE PAUSE AND DON’T REACT When someone’s words sting, your first interpretation is almost always emotional and inaccurate. Before reacting, pause for a few seconds and give yourself space to choose your response. Ask yourself: • Is this truly about me — or could it be their day, their stress, their mood? • What else could this mean? • Do I need more information before absorbing this as personal? A tiny pause prevents you from building an entire story around a moment that might not mean what you think it means. This is the discipline of savlanut, active, steady patience. That short pause restores your agency and you’re no longer at the mercy of your first reaction. RESPOND WITH CURIOSITY INSTEAD OF HURT Most people take things personally because they assume intention. They ignored me on purpose. They meant to embarrass me. They wanted to hurt me. Curiosity dissolves those assumptions. A curious response might sound like: • “Hey, is everything okay? You seemed quiet earlier.” • “I may have misunderstood — what did you mean by that?” • “Just checking, was that text meant for me?” 108 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

Curiosity slows the moment down and keeps your dignity intact. And it gives the other person a chance to clarify, which, nine times out of ten, reveals that their behavior had nothing to do with you. Curiosity is mature, grounded, and one of the fastest ways to stop personalizing everything. SEPARATE INTENT FROM IMPACT Just because something felt hurtful doesn’t mean it was intended to be. There is a difference between what someone means and how their words land. Jewish thought places enormous weight on kavana (intention) as the inner meaning of an action. The same is true in your relationships, intention shapes understanding. Before spiraling, ask yourself: • “What did they actually intend?” • “Is it possible this landed wrong, even if they meant well?” This quiet distinction lets you acknowledge your feelings without assuming anyone was trying to harm you. It keeps the moment open instead of closing your heart. Taking things personally is a habit of the mind and like any habit, it can be reshaped. Each of these five shifts moves you from reflexive hurt to rooted clarity: seeing others with compassion, standing on your own inner worth, pausing before reacting, leading with curiosity, and separating intent from impact. The more you practice them, the lighter life feels. You stop living at the mercy of other people’s moods and start living from a stable place inside yourself, where your dignity is intact, your heart stays open, and your peace isn’t negotiable.  Devora Levy grew up in South Africa and made Aliya 24 years ago. She is a life coach and educator who works with women, teens, and couples—both virtually and in person. She also gives workshops on relationships, resilience, and personal growth. Trained through the Refuah Institute in Jerusalem, recognized by the American Association of Coaches, and certified in Reality Therapy, Devora lives in Israel with her husband and seven children.

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J E W I S H

H I S T O R Y

SIR ISAAC NEWTON AND JUDAISM THE SCIENTIST’S RECENTLY DISCLOSED PRIVATE PAPERS REVEAL HIS DEEP REVERENCE FOR ANCIENT JEWISH WISDOM BLUMA GORDON

SIR ISAAC NEWTON WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST SCIENTISTS OF ALL TIME. SOME OF HIS MOST OUTSTANDING DISCOVERIES INCLUDE THE LAWS OF OPTICS OR THE PHYSICS OF LIGHT, THE THREE LAWS OF MOTION, THE LAWS OF GRAVITY, AND CALCULUS. HE IS ALSO FAMOUS FOR HIS PRINCIPIA MATHEMATICA, THE MOST WIDELY READ SCIENTIFIC WORK OF ALL TIME, IN WHICH HE EXPLAINS THE MOTIONS OF THE PLANETS IN A SINGLE MATHEMATICAL SYSTEM.

orn in an age that embraced rationalism and shunned religious authority, Newton was also hailed as a hero of his era. Yet, recent divulgement of Newton’s personal writings challenges all common assumptions about his true identity. NEWTON’S PRIVATE BELIEFS Newton’s private beliefs have been under the radar for hundreds of years, perhaps because of their unfavorable reception. Bernard Cohen’s book Franklin and Newton discusses the first time scientists discovered Newton’s personal manuscripts. He quotes John Maynard Keynes, the great British economist, “Upon his death in 1727, a very big box of unusual papers was discovered in his room. Bishop Samuel Horsley, who was also a scientist, was asked to inspect the box with a view to publication. He saw the contents with horror and slammed the lid shut.” The recent disclosure of Newton’s private manuscripts revealed that Newton was far from the archetype rationalist he was originally assumed to be. After being tucked away for 200 years, Newton’s manuscripts were finally auctioned off in 1936. Keynes, the Babson family in America, and Israeli Professor Avraham Shalom Yahuda bought the majority of them and donated them to university libraries around the world. These manuscripts have been made available in the past 25 years. NEWTON’S “STRANGE” INTERESTS It’s no wonder that both Christian and secular-minded scientists who had originally revered Newton had little incentive to publicize their findings. Newton’s manuscripts revealed that he took a keen interest in “archaic” Jewish wisdom. Newton’s knowledge of Jewish thought was not superficial. He referred to rabbinic works such as the Aramaic Version of Esther, Vayikra Rabba, the commentaries of Sa’adia HaGaon, Ibn Ezra, Rashi, Sifra, R. Aharon ibn Hayyim, Seder Ma’amadot (about the daily sacrifices),

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the Bartinurah, and Talmudic passages from the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud in Latin. One of Newton’s manuscripts was entitled “On Maimonides,” where he quoted the Latin translation of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah. But the content in Newton’s notes should not really have come as such a big surprise, given the collection of works in his library. Newton kept five works of Maimonides essays in his library. He also owned a Latin commentary on Maimonides that references the Moreh Nevuchim, the Guide to the Perplexed, Maimonides’ reconciliation of Torah with science and philosophy. This particular work seems to have had a significant impact on Newton’s phi-

OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 111

J E W I S H

H I S T O R Y

professed that the commandment against eating “the flesh” or “the blood of (live) animals” is because “this religion obliged men to be merciful even to brute beasts.” NEWTON’S SCIENTIFIC WORKS AND MAIMONIDES What may have irked scientists more than Newton’s private beliefs and practices was how he applied these beliefs to his theological and scientific studies. Parallels of Newton’s philosophy and Maimonides’ teachings are interwoven in his manuscripts. For example, Newton used Maimonides’ “Laws of Sanctification of the New Moon” in his notes on “considerations about rectifying Sir Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica, his landmark work on motion and the Julian calendar.” gravity, written during a period when he was also deeply studying Maimonides, Jewish thought, and biblical measurements. Newton studied the measurements of Solomon’s Temple and the Third Temple to losophy. The harmony between scripture and science was a come to a greater understanding of the earth’s dimensions. theme threaded throughout many of Newton’s works, and He understood that the Temple was a microcosm of the a means through which he carried out his theological and earth and “revealed the works of G-D,” the world’s greatest architect. scientific pursuits. To that end, Newton quoted excerpts from the Latin translation of Maimonides’ De Cultu Divino, where he NEWTON’S BELIEFS, REVEALED explained the measurements of the Temple. Newton also Maynard Keynes, the scholar who studied Newton’s preoccupied himself with studies on the Jewish cubit or the manuscripts, summarized his findings in honor of the 200th amah (measurements used to build the Temple, the taberanniversary of Newton’s death. Keynes explained that nacle, and its vessels) and the measurements of the Great Newton’s beliefs were influenced by Maimonides’ philosoPyramid of Giza, which he believed to have derived from phy. Keynes described Newton as “a Judaic monotheist of the school of Maimonides.” In fact, in his work The Principia, Newton rejected the concept of the deity for a belief that closely mirrored the Jewish monotheistic concept of G-D. Newton even quotes an element in Maimonides’ teachings, that one can only learn about G-D indirectly, through His actions and His dominion. Newton’s leanings were not limited to the intellectual sphere, and he appears to have kept the seven commandments of the children of Noah that the Torah has given to non-Jews. To quote, in his own words, in Theological Manuscripts, “Although the precepts of Noah are not as perfect as the religion of the Scripture, they suffice for salvation... Indeed, (as the rabbis taught) Jews had admitted into their gates heathens A page of Isaac Newton’s personal writings featuring the Hebrew prayer Baruch who accepted Noah’s precepts, but had not shem kevod malchuto le’olam va’ed, alongside notes that appear to translate or discuss the phrase. converted to the Law of Moses.” Newton 112 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

We urge you to do whatever you can do to help Beth Shifra, RABBI AVIGDOR MILLER ZTʼʼL 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 • Job Placement • Boxing & Wrestling • Men's Karate • Women's Karate • CSW on Premesis-Business School • Brisim Performed • Speakers Bureau • Free Hebrew School • Free Summer Camps • Nursery schools • Jewish Services • Boxing- High School Programs In Public Schools • Chess Tournament • Free Bar Mitzvahs • Several English Classes (Green Cards) • Work Release Programs • Release Hours • Free Flee Market • Homeless Shelter WE HELP MAKE MINYANIM FOR SHULS IN THE COMMUNITY

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Sir Isaac Newton’s detailed drawing of Solomon’s Temple complex, part of his extensive study of the Temple’s dimensions, structure, and proportions.

the Jewish cubit. He wasn’t merely dabbling in mathematics. The accuracy of his analysis of the circumference of the earth and his theory on gravity were dependent on these findings. He recorded his calculations of the Jewish cubit in his work A Dissertation upon the Sacred Cubit of the Jews and Cubits of the several Nations. Many scientists who feel less than favorably toward Newton’s beliefs and his method of study consider him a fool who dabbled in mysticism and pseudoscience. In response to the critics, John Maynard Keynes wrote, “There was extreme method in his madness...All his unpublished works... are marked by careful learning, accurate method, and extreme sobriety of statement, they (his controversial works) were nearly all composed during the same 25 years of his mathematical studies.” Much of Newton’s private life, as well as some of the drafts of his scientific works, is still hidden from us. It’s per114 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

haps no wonder that he hid his true identity and means of study from the public. He would have likely been ostracized and his scientific discoveries immediately dismissed. Sarah Dry, author of The Newton Papers, notes that gaps in his original draft of The Principia suggest that he deliberately concealed them. Says Dry, “And it’s because Newton didn’t want people to know how he had come to his knowledge. I think that might relate to his religious beliefs.” Newton’s outstanding discoveries single him out as one of the greatest science influencers of all time. Perhaps we can now add his attempt to reconcile ancient scripture with science as yet another unique, albeit undervalued, accomplishment of Sir Isaac Newton.  Bluma Gordon is a freelance writer, columnist, and copywriter. Her work appears on national and international online and print publications.

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Selling or buying, we can help you! Call Tova for all your real estate needs. Quality • Honesty • Integrity JUST LISTED. NEW EXCLUSIVE. PRIME HOMECREST E 14TH ST/S&T BEST BLOCK!!! Amazing, newly renovated, 40x100, detached 1 fam, prv drv, 7 br, 4.5 baths, mstr br, mstr bath, den. Rare opportunity. Don’t miss out!

JUST LISTED. FIRST TIME ON MARKET. NEW EXCLUSIVE. PRIME GRAVESEND. Magnificent luxury all brick 1 fam on a 60x100 lot, center foyer, 4br, huge primary suite with prv bath, chef’s kit, large den, prv drv, gorgeous backyard. Exceptional home, must see!

BACK ON MARKET. AMAZING OPPORTUNITY. 40X100 EXCLUSIVE AVE V/LOW TEENS. Detached legal 2 family being used as a 1 fam. R5 zoning. Priced to sell. NEW OFF MARKET. AVE T/HIGH TEENS. Detached, 40x100, 24x63 b.s., 2 fam, prv drv, renovate or build. BEAUTIFUL NEWLY RENOVATED 1 FAM. EXCLUSIVE. AVE W/LOW E. 25x100 lot, build 20x58, 4 br, 3.5 baths, mstr br, mstr bath, parking. Must see! NEW OFF MARKET. N&O PRIME LOCATION. BEST BLOCK. One-of-a-kind, brick, detached 2 fam, 40x100 lot, 27x60 b.s., prv drv, PRIME LOW E/S&T Beautiful detached 1 fam home on 30x100, MIC. Must see! NEW OFF MARKET. PRIME BLOCK. S&T. 27x100 lot, built 20x68, house is in need of work. Cash buyer only. AVE T HIGH TEENS Beautiful luxury 1 fam, 5br, 4.5 baths, huge mstr suite with master bath & walk-in closets, prv parking for 3 cars, high ceilings, heated floors.

For All Your Real Estate Needs at the Jersey Shore MARCELLE SASSON GRI Broker Associate/Realtor G & G REALTORS

Office (732) 531-2000 Cell (732) 539-1850 Email: mgsasson@aol.com

House for Sale Bklyn Manhattan Beach Brick 4 bedroom Colonial, center hall, 4 baths, den with finished basement. 2 car garage, plus large patio.

Jon Sobel R.E. Broker 718-646-5300

GRACE MARCUS Licenced Real Estate Agent

1) ALLENHURST 4 FAMILY FOR SALE

2) HOUSE FOR RENT, OCEAN TOWNSHIP

3) WINTER RENTAL ELBERON

4) WEST LONG BRANCH FOR SALE

5) DEAL NJ FOR RENT WINTER RENTAL

1) ALLENHURST 4 FAMILY FOR SALE Takes in over $100k gross! Tenants pay water, gas, electric, sewer, lawn! Landlord just pays taxes & insurance!

4) WEST LONG BRANCH FOR SALE 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Totally renovated, modern. Near Eatontown, near Parks, near shopping, near houses of worship!

2) HOUSE FOR RENT, OCEAN TOWNSHIP Ocean Township home for rent. Year-round or winter. Four bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious living areas, hardwood floors, near beaches, near Deal, near golf, near houses of worship.

5) DEAL NJ FOR RENT WINTER RENTAL Two floors, three bedrooms, two baths, full house generator, fully furnished with a finished basement, one pet allowed. Center of Deal!

3) WINTER RENTAL ELBERON Three bedroom two bath ranch Winter Rental near Park Avenue

HOUSE FOR SALE BROOKLYN Ave W/Low E - Newly renovated 1 fam, 25x100 lot. Built 20x58. 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath, primary bdrm and bath, pkg. Call Tova Arazi, Tova Arazi Real Estate, 718-496-7699. Neck Rd/Village Rd - Corner 2 fam, 4 floors, 4 bdrm duplex plus 2 bdrm unit, bsmt, prv pkg. Call Esther Gindi, Gindi Realty, 917-330-3418. Quentin Rd/E Low 20s - Off-market det home. 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath, prv drv, 30x100 lot, full bsmt, backyard. $1.599m. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268. E 32nd St/Ave P - Legal 2 fam brick house. 4/4 rooms. Totally renovated finished bsmt. Shared drv. Each apartment has private rear porch. Private garage. $1.098m. Call Raizy, Brisman Realty, 718-677-0988 or 917-975-8550. Ave T/High Teens - Luxury 1 fam. 5 bdrm, 4.5 bath, huge primary suite with primary bath and walk-in closets, prv pkg for 3 cars, high ceilings, heated floors. Call Tova Arazi, Tova Arazi Real Estate, 718-496-7699. Ave W/Off Ocean Pkwy - Det, 40x100 lot. Prv pkg. $3m. Call Esther Gindi, Gindi Realty, 917-330-3418.

HOUSE FOR SALE BROOKLYN E 10th St/Ave I & Ave J - Det 2 fam Victorian triplex on 30x100 lot. First floor has large living room and dining room, kitchen, bath, 2 bdrm and front porch. Second floor is a 6 bdrm duplex with kitchen, living room and dining room, bath and front porch. $2.89m. Call Raizy, Brisman Realty, 718-677-0988 or 917-975-8550. HOUSE FOR RENT BROOKLYN Neck Rd/W St - $4,250. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

APARTMENT FOR RENT BROOKLYN Quentin/Low E - 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath. Penthouse. $6,750. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268. Ave N/E 9th St - Third floor. 2 bdrm, 1 bath. $2,800. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268. Ave P/E 2nd St - First floor and bsmt. 4 bdrm, 2 bath. Pkg. $4,500. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave P/20s - 5 bdrm, 3.5 bath. Luxury, all new, $10,000. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave R/E 29th St - 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath. Second and third floor duplex. Pkg. $4,000+. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-3618268.

W 3rd St - 3 bdrm, 2 bath. $4,250. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-3618268.

Ave T/E 8th St - Second floor. $2,800. No pkg. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

E 7th St/Quentin Rd - Luxury. Call for details. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave J/E High 20s - Duplex. 3.5 bdrm, 2 bath. $5,000. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave N/Low E - 3 bdrm, 2 bath. Low $5,000s. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268. E 21st St/Ave U - $4,500. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave P/Low 30s - 3-bdrm, 1.5-bath duplex. Pkg. $4,500. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

APARTMENT FOR RENT BROOKLYN

Ave O/E 12th St - 4 bdrm, 2 bath. First floor and bsmt. $4,600. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave J/E 30s - Second floor. 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath. All new. $4,000. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave S / Teens - 3 bdrm, 1 bath. Second floor. Pkg. $3,900. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave N & Ave O - Prime location. Brick det 2 fam, 40x100 lot, 27x60 bldg, prv drv. Call Tova Arazi, Tova Arazi Real Estate, 718-496-7699.

Ave P/E 12th St - 2 bdrm, 2 bath. No pkg. $3,000. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave N/E 15th St - 3 bdrm duplex. No pkg. $3,900. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

E 1st St/Ave V - Attached 1 fam, 20x100 lot, 3 bdrm, walk-in, prv pkg. Call Esther Gindi, Gindi Realty, 917-330-3418.

Ave O/E 12th St - Second floor. 3 bdrm, 1 bath. Pkg. $3,550. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

Ave P/E 2nd St - 3 bdrm, 2 bath. Rooftop. $3,500. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

3309 Ave M - Det house with prv drv, 3 bdrm, 2.3 bath, 2 porches, full bsmt and large backyard. 30x100 lot. Bldg approximately 16.67x40. $1.299m. Call Sarah Sasson, Homecrest Realty Group, 917-361-8268.

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 OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 121

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

CONGRATULATIONS Mabrouk, Mazal Tov BIRTHS Linda and Joey Sayegh – Boy Fortune and David Farca – Girl Jacqueline and Nessy Dahan – Girl Carol and Abe Seruya – Boy Julia and Edward Cohen – Boy Bella and Jack Terzi – Boy Lois and Jacob Ruben – Boy Sharon and Isadore Betesh – Girl Gaby and Jackie Sutton – Girl Pamela and Ness Azizo – Boy Barbara and Murray Mizrahi – Girl Linda and Marcus Adjmi – Girl Ronni and Daniel Srour – Girl Rosette and Teddy Betesh – Boy Sara and Ali Cohen – Boy Vivian and Bert Robinson – Boy Lisa and David Aizer – Girl Caroline and Ikey Shuster – Girl Regine and Mayer Cohen – Boy Marlowe and Ryan Klaus – Boy Renee and Joey Alfaks – Boy Kimberly and Moshe Dabah – Girl Evi and Elliot Dweck – Boy Rachel and Joe Nakash – Boy Dubby and Aaron Levy – Boy Donna and Joey Eliau – Boy Jennifer and Ricky Sasson – Boy Margo and David Ashear – Boy Claudia and Jack Mamiye – Girl Norma and Isaac Antar – Girl Grace and Sammy Ashkenazi – Girl Jaclyn and Albert Djemal – Girl Dorette and Joey Hamra – Girl Erica and Irving Fallas – Boy Eve and Jack Bibi – Girl Rachel and Louis Shalam – Boy Rachel and Allie Haber – Boy Emily and Noah Ohayon – Girl Danielle and Tsvi Vilinsky – Boy Lorraine and David Haddad – Boy Orly and Joe Mamrout – Boy Viviane and Joey Cohen – Boy Corinne and Sam Beda – Boy

ANNOUNCE YOUR SPECIAL MOMENT! If you would like to include a birth, engagement, or wedding announcement in our magazine, please email the details to: editor@imageusa.com 122 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

ENGAGEMENTS Lauren Araman to Eliah Seror Ruthy Hamadani to Eli Khadideh Marsha Zakay to Morris Lati Marcy Ashear to David Laniado Marielle Braunstein to Mikey Darwish Hadassa Benoliel to Shmuel Zvi Linda Jinani to Victor Safenia

FELDER CALLS FOR PAUSE IN NYC BIN ENFORCEMENT Council Member Simcha Felder is renewing his call for the Department of Sanitation to pause enforcement of the city’s mandatory NYC Bin program and dismiss, or treat as warnings, summonses issued since full enforcement began on September 8. Felder says residents are struggling to obtain the required containers while bins are appearing on the resale market at inflated prices and some homeowners are reporting that bins have been stolen from their property. He previously raised concerns about availability in a May letter to the mayor. DSNY delayed enforcement until September 8, but enforcement has now begun despite what Felder describes as continuing supply problems. Felder also criticized the decision to make Home Depot the sole authorized retailer for the NYC Bin. He argues that limiting sales to one retailer has contributed to shortages and made the bins harder to obtain, particularly for residents who do not have convenient access to Home Depot locations. “One retailer cannot carry the weight of an entire city’s compliance,” Felder said. “If the City is going to mandate a specific container, it should not also restrict who’s allowed to sell it.” Felder is asking DSNY to pause enforcement, dismiss existing tickets until supplies are reliable, allow additional retailers to sell the approved bins, and review inventory and distribution citywide. He emphasized that he supports the goal of cleaner streets but believes enforcement should wait until residents can reasonably comply. “The goal should be compliance, not punishment,” Felder said.

THE WORLDWIDE EVERYTHING GEMACH

929.248.8911 - 917.361.8268

SOCIAL EVENTS OCTOBER 2026 SUNDAY

TISHRI - HESHVAN 5787

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

5 SIMHAT TORAH

6 SCC BEGINNERS HEBREW

FRIDAY

SUKKOT VI (CH’’M)

SUKKOT VII (CH’’M) HOSHANA RABA

DSN SUKKOT HOL HAMOED TRIPS

DSN MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

8 SCC CENTERFLIX OCTOBER 7

SCC CERAMIC PAINTING

THYROID SCREENINGS

SENIOR TRIP

TASTE TOUR

ROSH CHODESH HESHVAN

SCC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY

COLUMBUS DAY

MAH JONGG AND CANASTA

SCC BEGINNERS HEBREW

ROSH CHODESH HESHVAN

19 SCC BINGO & BROWN SUGAR

WIDOWS SUPPORT GROUP DSN LADIES CARDS

SCC MAH JONGG AND CANASTA

SCC PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

SCC MAH JONGG AND CANASTA WIDOWS SUPPORT GROUP

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE SEMINAR DSN LADIES CARDS

Candle Lighting 5:56 PM NY/NJ 6:34 PM Miami

24 PARASHAT LEKH LEKHA MAQAM SABA

SCC FREE FLU SHOTS MEN’S CLUB

DSN RABBI CLASSES

17 PARASHAT NOAH MAQAM IRAQ

SCC PIZZA, POPCORN, & CLASSICS

22 SCC SOCIAL CLUB FOR WIDOWS

BOOK CLUB

SCC LEVI’S LOUNGE

CAREGIVERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP DSN RABBI CLASSES

DSN LADIES CARDS

Candle Lighting From Existing Flame 7:15 PM NY/NJ 7:39 PM Miami

Candle Lighting 6:06 PM NY/NJ 6:40 PM Miami

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR

SHMINI ASERET

PARASHAT BERESHIT MAQAM RAST

DSN LADIES CARDS

Candle Lighting 6:18 PM NY/NJ 6:48 PM Miami

SCC MAH JONGG AND CANASTA

SATURDAY

Candle Lighting 5:45 PM NY/NJ 6:27 PM Miami

SCC SENIOR TRIP

PARASHAT VAYERA MAQAM NAWAH

LEVI’S LOUNGE DSN RABBI CLASSES

Candle Lighting 5:36 PM NY/NJ 6:22 PM Miami

OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 123

SYLVIA’S WORKSHOP Winter is Coming!

Made with care.Made just for you.

Micheal Blaier

TABLE P A D S & GLASS TOPS C U S T O M

Easy Shop at Home Service

USHI STEINMETZ

Steve Jacobs

M A D E

917-776-7371

NEW!

MAGNE LOCKINTIC SYSTEMG

(732) 589-6982 COMING SOON Watch for the GRAND OPENING of our NEWEST LOCATION in the Jackson Premium Outlet Center. Call Ronnie & Elliot Today for all your mattress needs.

Now booking for spring/ summer, camps, school, synagouges, events, corporate.

124 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

WOOD OPTIONS Oak, Birch, Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Hickory, Alder & Pine Available in a wide variety of colors, styles and finishes.

Custom and Semi Custom Cabinetry Only Adelphi Dealer In Brooklyn

COUNTERTOPS Quartz, Natural Stone, Mica Laminates ACCESSORIES Sinks, Faucets, Handles & Knobs

Estimates, Budget Planning, Layouts & Installations Call for an appointment. Sales 917 273 3310 2163 Coney Island Ave (Ave R & S), Brooklyn, NY 11223 info@lismatcabinetry.com www.lismatcabinetry.com

Moshe Moving and Delivery Professional & Reliable Special Low Rate for Pick Up & Drop Off To Deal NJ

Call Moishe 917-642-3044

“THE HANDY MAN”

Carpentry • Electrical • Plumbing • locks

Over 25 Years Experience Always

A FREE

Estimate

EDDY GINDI 917- 601-7317

Brooklyn, Deal Five Towns NYC

ARIK J. MOVING & STORAGE Special Local Job By Hour Only For This Month

2 Men w/Truck 3 Men w/Truck Fully Licensed & Insured 4 Men w/Truck 5% Off w/This Ad 5 Men w/Truck (Four Hr. Job min.) 646-261-7019

$79/Hr. $99/Hr. $119/Hr. $149/Hr.

212-321-MOVE • 212 321-6683

US Dot #130966 The Company has the right to change prices at any time.

ZEBLINDS Window Blind/Shades Aleen Hamra (646) 309-4560 @Zeblinds

Zebra Blinds Roller Blinds Roman Blinds Custom Drapery OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 125

f N E W

i n e

Y O R K

BORDEAUX STEAKHOUSE 1922 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn (718) 942-4040 CHINA GLATT 4413 13th Ave, Brooklyn (718) 438-2576 CORK & SLICE BROOKLYN 509 Avenue P, Brooklyn (718) 645-1963 GLATT A LA CARTE 5123 18th Avenue, Brooklyn (718) 438-6675 LA BROCHETTE 340 Lexington Avenue, New York City (212) 972-2200 LE MARAIS 150 W. 46th St., New York City (212) 869-0900 MEAT NY 123 Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn City (516) 888-1730 MIKE’S BISTRO 127 East 54th St., New York City (212) 799-3911 NOI DUE CARNE 141 W 69th St., New York City (212) 712-2222 PESCADA 1359 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn (718) 766-2759 RESERVE CUT 40 Broad St., 2nd level, New York City (212) 747-0300 TABERNACLE STEAKHOUSE 315 W 36th St. #2, New York City (212) 933-7001 URBANA 1305 53rd St., Brooklyn (718) 438-4448 N E W

J E R S E Y

656 OCEAN & STINGERS BAR & GRILL 656 Ocean Ave, Long Branch (732) 728-9656 ABU LAFFA 116 Norwood Avenue, Deal (732) 686-1409 126 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

BASTA 118 Norwood Avenue, Deal (732) 686-1420 BUTCHER’S STEAKHOUSE 401 Main St, Allenhurst (732) 686-1498 CASA 232 Norwood Avenue, Deal (732) 508-9008 DOUGIE’S BAR & GRILL 256 Norwood Avenue, Deal (732) 517-0300 GRANDMA’S CHEESE CAFE 101 Brighton Ave, Long Branch (732) 895-3621 JELI’S RESTAURANT 125 Ocean Avenue N., Deal (732) 686-9595 OUTPOST RESTAURANT 125 Ocean Avenue N., Deal (732) 686-9595 PEPE KITCHEN 15 Morris Avenue, Long Branch (732) 955-7373 PKS BY THE SHORE 244 Norwood Avenue, Oakhurst (732) 813-5757 SALT STEAKHOUSE 15 Morris Avenue, Long Branch (732) 813-7258 SHENG MAO CHINESE 214 Roosevelt Ave, Oakhurst (732) 531-7086 SOYA 10 Ocean Ave, Long Branch (732) 588-7691 TEVA RESTAURANT 125 Ocean Avenue N., Deal (732) 686-9595 THE GRAY STREET 125 415 Spier Ave, Allenhurst (732) 686-1201 TRUFFLE GRILL & BAR 604 Second Ave, Long Branch (732) 749-1414

A Kosher American Bistro Glatt Kosher J.S.O.R

www.656oceanlongbranch.com 656 Ocean Ave, West End Long Branch, NJ 07740

(732)728-9656 Reservations Held For 15 Minutes Only

C O N S U M E R

1031 EXCHANGE SERVICES Atlanta Deferred Exchange ........... 11 ABA SERVICES Dr. Randi Matsas ....................... 101 ACCOUNTANT Mitch Holsborg ........................... 63 APPLIANCE SERVICE Astre Appliance Service .............. 124 ATTORNEY Expert Legal Solutions .................. 65 Gad Shaharabani ....................... 57 Jack Erdos .................................. 59 Robert Akerman ........................ 103 BAR MITZVAH LESSONS Bar Mitzvah Lessons................... 124 BEAUTY CARE Laura’s Skin Care ........................ 85 BROADWAY/OFF-BROADWAY SHOWS Going Bacharach ........................ 75 Our Sinatra ................................ 75 BUSINESS CONSULTING Jeff Sitt Consulting ....................... 57 CAREER OPPORTUNITY New York Life .............................. 47 CELLULAR SERVICE Consumer Cellular .................... 107 CONSTRUCTION HMS Construction ..................... 125 Joseph and Sons Builders........... 125 NRZ Luxury Builders ..................... 71 DAILY LEARNING Bekiim Bahalacha ......................... 2 DENTIST Dr. Jacques Doueck................... 101 GD Dentistry of Brooklyn ............. 91 Tawil Dental ................................ 99 DR./INTERNAL MEDICINE Dr. Ezra Israel ............................. 95 DR./PRIMARY CARE Rambam Family Health .......... 4-5,55 DUCT CLEANING Remex ........................................ 65 EXECUTIVE & FAMILY COACHING Rabbi Ezra Max ........................... 97 EXTERMINATOR A&V Prime Exterminating LLC ....... 71 FACTORS Hedaya Capital Group .................. 7 Middlegate Factors ........................ 3 FILING SERVICES Liberty Filing................................ 77 FISHING BOAT/FLORIDA Therapy IV, Capt. Stan ............... 111

G U I D E

FLOOD Remex ........................................ 65 FLOORS Modern Wood Flooring ............... 69 HANDYMAN Eddy Gindi ............................... 125 HOME BACKUP POWER Generac ................................... 128 HOSPITAL Mount Sinai Brooklyn................... 63 INSURANCE Allstate David Cohen ................... 35 Eli Cohen Agency .......................... 1 Eric Derzie & Associates ............... 45 INSURANCE ADJUSTER Equitable Adjusters ........... IFC,18-19 JEWELRY/WATCHES Bangles by Kelly Shrem ................ 59 David Rudy ................................ IBC Ralphs .......................................... 9 KITCHENS Kitchen Krafter ............................ 67 Lismat Designs ......................... 125 KNITTING & CROCHETING Sylvia’s Workshop ...................... 124 LASER HAIR REMOVAL Silky Laser ..................................... 6 LAWYERS/TAXES Goldburd McCone ...................... 61 MATTRESSES Mattresses 2 Go........................ 124 MEDICAL Shabbos Lift Solutions ................ 125 MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS MobileHelp ............................... 105 MOLD REMOVAL Remex ........................................ 65 MOVIE THEATER Kent Theater ............................... 85 MOVING Arik J. Moving & Storage ........... 125 Moshe Moving .......................... 125 MUSIC SCHOOL Music On The Go ..................... 125 NONPROFIT CONSULTANT Sarina Roffé Group ..................... 51 NUTRITION Laura Sasson Shammah ............... 97 ORGANIZATIONS Beth Shifra ......................... 113,115 Bnai Yosef................................... 63 Care .......................................... 29

Franco Cancer Center ................. 43 Ohel .......................................... 93 Safe ........................................... 61 Sephardic Community Federation . 23 Sephardic Heritage Project ........... 97 Simha......................................... 89 Special Children’s Center ............. 41 The Next Step ............................. BC OUTERWEAR Audacious Outerwear ................ 124 PAIN MANAGEMENT Dr. Kreizman & Dr. Suede ............ 99 PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO Mark Greenberg ......................... 59 NYC Photo Group....................... 85 PHYSICAL TRAINER Mendel Goodman..................... 124 POWER WASHING SB Power Washing ..................... 124 REAL ESTATE The Seashore .............................. 15 REMEDIES Baruch Klein ............................. 124 RESTAURANTS 656 Ocean Restaurant .............. 126 Art of Prime................................. 31 SPINE CENTER Dr. Melinda Keller ..................... 101 TABLE PADS Table Pads by Ushi Steinmetz ...... 124 TABLECLOTHS Tablecloths by Gitta Steinmetz ...... 69 TITLE AGENCY Madison Title Company ............... 17 TRANSPORTATION Steven’s Bus & Limo Service ....... 124 TRAVEL Panama Kosher Adventures .......... 13 TUTOR/READING SPECIALIST Leslie Matsas............................... 97 WALLPAPER Elegant Walls .............................. 69 WEALTH MANAGEMENT Endurance Wealth Partners........... 33 WINDOWS Renewal by Andersen ................. 109 WINDOW TREATMENTS Window Treats ............................ 71 ZE Blinds .................................. 125 YESHIVA Barkai Yeshivah ........................... 49 Safra Lubavitcher Yeshiva ............. 81 OCTOBER 2026 JEWISH IMAGE 127

128 JEWISH IMAGE OCTOBER 2026

The Next Step Empowerment Center had

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