Eretz HaKodesh is a movement created to protect kedushas Eretz Yisroel. They established a party in the World Zionist Congress (WZC), a board of Jewish representatives from around the world that wields serious influence and controls substantial funds that shape life in Eretz Yisroel and throughout the Jewish World.
Every five years, an election determines who represents American Jewry in this congress. In the last election cycle, Eretz HaKodesh received 20,000 votes from people like you. This election cycle, they aim for 100,000 votes because the stakes are higher. The opposition—woke left and liberal Jews—are working harder than ever to bring more of their representatives and change the face of Eretz Yisroel.
The Kosel. Our Yeshivas. Our way of life. Everything we hold sacred is under attack.
Through these efforts, they have brought millions of dollars in funding to our mosdos, including yeshivas, Bais Yaakovs, and seminaries in Eretz Yisroel.
Eretz HaKodesh has been fighting for kedushas ha'aretz for the past 5 years.
Eretz HaKodesh has also taken the lead in fighting legal battles brought by the woke and liberal movement against kedusha in Eretz Yisroel and our Torah lifestyle.
You have a say in what happens in Eretz Yisroel by electing Eretz HaKodesh to represent us.
Show you care about Eretz Yisroel. Vote for Kedusha.
Dear Reader,
This week’s issue is packed with stories that matter—a reflection of the incredible work our team puts in each week to keep you informed, connected, and engaged. Two features, in particular, stand out this week—each striking a different but equally important chord in our community.
First, the Lev Tahor exposé. This isn’t just another story—it’s a wake-up call. Lev Tahor’s ongoing abuse and manipulation under the guise of religion is not just a tragic narrative from afar; it’s a crisis that demands action. We’ve outlined clear steps that every one of us can take— from being more mindful about where our tzedakah goes to directly supporting efforts to rescue innocent children from this dangerous cult. There are real lives at stake, and the Jewish community cannot afford to look away.
On a lighter note, we’re thrilled to introduce a new partnership that’s already making waves: David Greenberg and Levi Paris—better known as The Kosher Gang—are officially part of the LA Jewish
Home family. Their social media-based kosher food reviews have become mustwatch content, combining humor, insight, and a genuine love for Jewish cuisine. We’re excited to bring their unique voice to the paper, and we can’t wait for you to read their take on the LA kosher food scene.
A huge thank you to the entire team for the hard work that went into this issue—and to you, our readers, for the feedback and support that keeps us going. Be sure to check out our business directory for anything you might need— we’re proud to highlight the businesses that keep our community strong.
We’re always listening, so please keep the feedback coming. Your voice matters here.
Warm regards,
David Rogatsky Editor-in-Chief
SHABBOS ZEMANIM
Los Angeles, CA:
Shabbat Torah Reading: Ki Tisa
Light Candles at: 6:43 PM
Friday, March 14, 2025 Adar 14, 5785
Shabbat Ends: 7:39 PM
Saturday, March 15, 2025 Adar 15, 5785
Shabbat Torah Reading: Vayak’hel
Light Candles at: 6:48 PM
Friday, March 21, 2025 Adar 21, 5785
Shabbat Ends: 7:44 PM
Saturday, March 22, 2025 Adar 22, 5785
Phoenix, AZ:
Shabbat Torah Reading: Ki Tisa
Light Candles at: 6:18 PM
Friday, March 14, 2025 Adar 14, 5785
Shabbat Ends: 7:13 PM Saturday, March 15, 2025 Adar 15, 5785
San Francisco, CA:
Shabbat Torah Reading: Ki Tisa Light Candles at: 6:58 PM
Light Candles at: 6:23 PM Friday, March 21, 2025 Adar 21, 5785
Shabbat Ends: 7:19 PM Saturday, March 22, 2025 Adar 22, 5785
In a world of charity campaigns and pocket credit card processors, tzedaka has morphed into something far different than the terumot and maasrot that we were originally commanded. Technology has allowed organizations — big and small — to tap into every corner of the Jewish world, whether it’s to build a new mikva or renovate a legendary Rosh Yeshivas’ school. The way we give may have become more about instant gratification and less about a personal investment into the organizations that reach us in their time of need.
A few weeks ago, through a community member, we received word of a family suffering a fate that very few people talk about. A fate that may very well be made possible by the instant gratification that we receive when we hap-hazardly tap our phones on that pocket credit card processor finding its way into shuls across the globe. It’s not to say that there aren’t those who collect in shul for the organizations they claim to collect for, but as the Russian proverb goes: “Doveryai No Proveryai” — trust but verify. Trust that your fellow Yid is going to use your hard-earned money to build that shul and to feed that family. But verify that the shul or that family aren’t using those funds to run a Yiddish-speaking, abusive cult halfway across the world.
There’s a fine line between religious devotion and extremism. Between piety and manipulation. Between a community and a cult. And Lev Tahor? They didn’t just cross that line—they burned it to the ground.
You might have heard the name before, whispered in scandalous tones, or mentioned in news reports about child abductions and international manhunts. But what you might not realize is just how dangerous this group is—not just to its own members, but to the broader Jewish world.
Lev Tahor is not a Chassidus. It is not an extreme sect. It is a dangerous, manipulative, and criminal cult that has torn apart families, trafficked children, and abused its followers under the guise of religious zeal. They pervert Yiddishkeit and tell their followers that only the Rebbe (the cult leader), through Ruach Hakodesh, can “fix” our mesorah completely rejecting the teachings of the Rishonim (our forefathers and righteous rabbis) and the foundation of our belief system - claiming it’s wrong.
Canada expelled them. Guatemala is cracking down on them. The U.S. has issued multiple indictments. They are, in every sense, fugitives hiding behind the veil of religion.
A Nightmare Cloaked in Gold
Despite decades of documented atrocities, they continue to operate. They continue to recruit. They continue to destroy lives.
This is the truth—and a warning to us all.
The true terror of Lev Tahor is not just in its methods—but in its ability to infiltrate even well-meaning, frum families.
A Family’s Horror: “We moved to Guatemala”
One of these frum families, who decided to remain anonymous, has been dealing with the repercussions of Lev Tahor and its twisted ideology. The LA Jewish Home spoke with a distraught aunt. Her niece and nephew, a young yeshivish couple, moved to Israel seeking a deeper connection to Yiddishkeit. That’s when they met “Rabbi” Rompler, a charismatic manipulator who lured them in with promises of higher spiritual growth. ”They grew up in mainstream Yeshivish households…” said the aunt. “In a pursuit of being better…before you realize it you’re in a place where it’s not Derech Hatorah anymore, but you’re so ingrained in this mentality of following the cult leader… no questions asked… it has become the norm.”
At first, the changes seemed smalladopting new minhagim, stricter tznius, then she replaced her sheitel with a shawl “which resembled a nuns’ habit” (which the cult named Mishpat Hazuhov) as her aunt
described. Unfortunately that led to the slow disconnect from their family.
Their parents hoped that when the cult leader died, it would collapse. Instead, it only strengthened.
Months go by and on Erev Rosh Hashanah, the niece called her mother to wish her a Gut Yom Tov.
Her mother, confused, responded, “Isn’t it already Yom Tov in Israel?”
That’s when the chilling truth came out.
“I forgot to tell you—we moved to Guatemala.”
The parents were horrified, “this was the first indication that their daughter had joined up with Lev Tahor…which is much more fanatical than the original cult they were in.”
Picture this, her nephew went to his sister’s apartment in Israel to gather her remaining belongings, he found dirty dishes still in the sink, toys still scattered on the floor. ”It looked as if they were taken in the middle of the night!” Exclaimed the worried aunt on the other line.
Their five children did not even have passports. And yet, Lev Tahor managed to smuggle them out of the country.
This is the power of Lev Tahor.
The Loyalty Trap: A Cult That Kills
The phone call left us unnerved, compelling us to uncover the truth about this cult. We reached out to Mendy Levy, a former member and now a leading activist against Lev Tahor, he has seen horrors most of us could never imagine. Mendy shared with us his personal experience to shed light on what is really going on behind the curtain of this powerful cult.
His father, once a secular Israeli, was lured into Lev Tahor by the leader himself. Trapped in the cult, he became ill. “Medical care needs to be approved by the leadership… but they did not let him see a doctor,” said Levy. Unqualified cult members attempted to administer an IV into his body, and directed him to sleep in the communal shul. His condition worsened. He begged for a doctor. They refused. He died a preventable, tragic death.
This wasn’t the only time Lev Tahor’s blind obedience to leadership resulted in tragedy. Mendy recalls witnessing the cult leader’s son Nachman Helbrans force his own sister Miriam Halbrens to eat challah dipped in Tahini, knowing that his sister was deathly allergic to sesame. Nachman, who took over his father as the cult leader, encouraged her to have ”Emunah” (faith) and assured her nothing will happen.
She went into anaphylactic shock and died in front of her children.
No remorse. No accountability. A man who “mamish has zero heart, zero feelings.” Just another life lost in the grip of Lev Tahor’s unchecked power.
Leaving Lev Tahor is not as simple as walking out the front door. These young families live on a mountain, surrounded by locked gates, and patrolling guards taking note of who comes in and out. Mendy Levy ultimately escaped before being forced into marriage with a twelve year old girl who was also his first cousin. He had to run through acres of land before they could even hope to see signs of other human life.
The Making of a Cult Leader: The Ugly Story of Shlomo Helbrans
Shlomo Helbrans, born in 1962, was not raised in an ultra-religious home. In fact, he was completely secular, living in Jerusalem and attending a non-religious Israeli school. An only child, he was spoiled by his
Mindy Levy, his brother Yoel, and his father A’H
Baily Rogatsky
mother, according to his own daughter in the “Nachi Uncensored” podcast.
But his life took a drastic turn when he was abducted by radical yeshiva students who forcibly brainwashed him into extreme religious ideology. Isolated until adulthood, he met his wife and soon developed his own extreme beliefs.
Helbrans quickly gained a following, particularly among Sephardic Jews, and established a small yeshiva and shul called Lev Tahor. But his hunger for control was insatiable. In 1990, he moved his followers to the United States, where his crimes escalated.
The First Red Flag: Kidnapping and Abuse
Helbrans was convicted of kidnapping a child and sentenced to two years in prison. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Community members soon came forward with disturbing allegations of child abuse, cruel punishments, and even forced medication of children.
Deported to Israel upon his release, he fled to Canada, where Lev Tahor members settled in million-dollar homes in Quebec (according to his daughter’s testimony). They sustained themselves through government welfare programs, exploiting children’s benefits to keep the cult running.
After years of dodging authorities, Helbrans’ life was cut short. While in Mexico, he drowned in a river under mysterious circumstances. His death, however, did not signal the end of Lev Tahor. Instead, the cult only grew stronger, falling into the hands of his son Nachman Helbrans who was far more dangerous and fanatical than him.
The Cults’ Laws of Attraction:
Lev Tahor’s most sinister power lies in its ability to transform ordinary, unsuspecting Jews into brainwashed cult members.
It happens in stages:
1. Love-Bombing: New recruits are treated like royalty. They are given beautiful
homes, endless praise, and a false sense of belonging.
2. Slow Isolation: Members are gently pressured to abandon their families, reject mainstream Jewish practices, and adopt the cult’s strict lifestyle.
3. Absolute Control: Once fully immersed, members are stripped of their identity. Women are forced to dress in full-body black garments resembling burqas. Men must obey the leadership blindly.
4. Child Marriages & Abuse: Girls as young as eleven are forcibly married off, subjected to horrifying abuse, and have children before the age of fifteen. If parents show too much love, their children are taken away and placed with stricter families.
5. Fear & Punishment: Those who question authority are tortured. Helbrans’ own daughter recounts being tied up, stripped naked, and whipped by her father until she lost consciousness.
The Ongoing Rescue Efforts:
In recent years, efforts to dismantle Lev Tahor and rescue its victims have gained momentum. The Guatemalan government, with the help of Jewish activists, raided Lev Tahor’s compound and removed 160 children and 80 women from the cult. The children were placed in protective facilities where they are cared for by Guatemalan workers. Efforts are underway to provide kosher food and send English and Yiddish-speaking social workers to help the children with deprogramming and trauma therapy, but the need is extensive and costly.
“These children don’t know what life looks like outside the cult,” Mendy Levy explained. “They’ve been raised to believe that the outside world is dangerous and that leaving Lev Tahor means rejecting Hashem.”
What Is Needed Now:
Despite these successes, the road ahead remains difficult. Over 160 children still need to be reunited with healthy family members, requiring coordinated efforts, funding for legal fees, temporary housing,
To support Mendy Levy’s efforts to rescue and rehabilitate victims of Lev Tahor, please consider donating via Zelle at **mendylevy2@gmail.com** or contact him directly at **+1-438-483-2268** for more information.
and other resources.
Many of the rescued children’s parents refuse to leave Lev Tahor, choosing loyalty to the cult over reclaiming their families. Even so, activists remain hopeful. “We’ve already seen some children begin to reconnect with their extended families,” Mendy said. “We just have to keep pushing forward.”
The rescue efforts have proven one thing: exposing Lev Tahor’s abuse works— and saving these children is possible.
Lev Tahor is not just another extremist sect. It is a criminal organization that has weaponized Judaism to destroy lives.
If we, as a Jewish community, remain silent, we are complicit.
Investigate before you donate. Educate yourself and your family. Support organizations fighting this battle. Speak out.
The only way to defeat Lev Tahor is by exposing them.
That starts now.
The Real Cost:
Lev Tahor operates over 80 fake charities, collecting money under different names. Members travel to religious Jewish communities worldwide, dressed in traditional garb, soliciting donations from unsuspecting Jews who believe they are supporting Torah institutions.
Every dollar given helps fund child abuse, forced marriages, and human trafficking. For years, the Orthodox world has remained largely silent on Lev Tahor, focusing on behind-the-scenes efforts instead of public condemnation.
That must change.
1. Educate the Community: Every Jewish school and organization must teach about how cults recruit and manipulate.
2. Stop Blind Tzedakah Giving: Verify where your donations go. Do not give to organizations with unclear leadership or vague missions.
3. Publicly Condemn Lev Tahor: Rabbanim and community leaders must issue strong, clear statements against this cult.
4. Support Escape Efforts: Donations should be directed toward vetted organizations that provide legal aid, therapy, and rehabilitation for former members.
We have covered a wide range of topics in the past few months, sticking to the local news and issues we Angelinos face every day. Yes, Lev Tahor is far away, but this is supposed to be more than a frightening telling of a cult in the far reaches of South America.
We have an opportunity to save the lives of innocent children.
You can never judge someone by the sins of their father, even more so when they don’t have the ability to take control of their own lives and write a new narrative.
Not everyone is as brave as Mendy Levy, and those who escaped but they still deserve our help.
This Purim, when we fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot La’evyonim, trust your fellow Yid asking for assistance, but verify that you are giving to a cause that does what they say they’re doing.
May Hashem bless you all to always be on the giving end, and for our brothers and sisters in South America, and everywhere around the world to receive the ultimate Yeshua of Moshiach Tzidkeinu.
How You Can Help
This isn’t just a story—it’s a call to action. If you have any resources—whether you’re a therapist, social worker, lawyer, or have contacts in the government—please reach out to rescueourgrandchildren@ gmail.com. Your expertise could help save lives. If you’d like to support rescue efforts directly, you can donate via Zelle to mendylevy2@gmail.com or contact Mendy Levy, a survivor leading the fight, on WhatsApp at +1-438-483-2268.
Every connection, every dollar, every effort counts.
If you have any resources that could help rescue these children—therapists, social workers, lawyers, or government contacts—please email **rescueourgrandchildren@gmail.com**. You can also support this critical effort by scanning the QR code or using the link to donate. Every bit of help makes a difference.
https://bit.ly/RescueOurGrandchildren
Farbreng with The Kosher Gang: From TikTok to The Table
How Two Creators Are Shaking Up LA’s Kosher Food Scene
Do you know about the best kosher food hack here in LA?
You can find it at 550 Pizza, located on W. Pico Blvd… There’s a washing station on the side of the road, making it the perfect place to wash on the go! This video got 20,000 views on TikTok @WeWantMoshiachNow. From that video, the account found success rating LA Kosher Food on a scale from 0 to 100. Starting from this article, The LA Jewish Home has become the official home of the internet’s best kosher food reviews!
My name is David Greenberg. I’m a 30-year-old music industry professional and resident of Hancock Park. Two weeks ago, this paper put out a call for a kosher food reviewer to help elevate the kosher food scene here in LA. Like many of you, I read about it on Shabbos, and it just so happened I had already started social media accounts dedicated to making positive Jewish content, including food reviews! In collaboration with a talented rapper and content creator friend—Levi, say what’s up to the people:
“To be honest, the LA Jewish community has beautifully embraced me with open arms. Since I left New York as a Yeshiva University marketing graduate, my dream has been to give back to the Jewish community through kosher media and music. My name is Levi Paris, and I have generated over 10 million views on social media, wrapping tefillin, singing psalms, and rocking my YAMAKA with Jewish pride.”
In our videos, we review local kosher restaurants and debate topics like whether the kosher scene is better in NY or LA. B”H, it’s really resonating with people. That’s why we are so excited to have these conversations with you, the readers of The LA Jewish Home. (For the record, LA has way better kosher food than NY...)
“Take ten rabbis and ask them if they’d rather order a steak in New York or LA; they’ll all tell you New York… That’s all I’m sayin’!”
Reserve Cut is fire, fine, I’ll give you that. BUT, LA wins in quality and variety. Which brings us to today’s review. In each edition of this newspaper, you’ll find some smoking hot reviews from your boys.
SCAN ME!
Meet The New Kid on Pico Blvd.
The Best Kosher Burger in LA!? Shawarma That Will Set Your Taste Buds On Fire!
Speaking of hot, let’s start off with the new kid on the block: Sandwichim by Nagila, the new fleishigs restaurant on the side of Nagila Pizza, located at 9407 W. Pico Blvd.
I’m just gonna come right out and say it—this might be the best kosher burger in LA! Yes, Jeff’s is fire. Burger Bar is also fire. They’re staples, and no one is taking that away from them. Although, the burger at Sandwichim by Nagila is second to none! The new guy is a top contender!
“Wow! That’s bold, but the customer service experience was genuinely pleasant. I asked if they could substitute my fries, and while they couldn’t do a salad, they hooked me up with the best onion rings ever—and even threw in a salad on the house. We like it saucy, so of course, we were happy to see the abundance of sauces next to our juicy burgers. David, what would you rate your experience at Sandwichim by Nagila? I’m talking flavor; I’m talking—”
Kosher cheeseburgers! Old news. Everyone’s heard of those before, right? Well, this is the most flavorful and authentic tasting I’ve ever had! As a Baal Teshuva—one that never, ever misses treif—I know more than I’d like to on this matter. That being said, it also means I can say with authority that this burger tastes legit.
What would I give this? It’s gonna be a high-ranking score for sure. I am confident when I say that this very well may be, The Best Kosher Burger in all of LA, at this moment. So I’m giving Sandwichim by Nagila a 95 out of 100! Owner Eran Nitka is a friendly guy, and he really went above and beyond when it came to customer service. All in all, it’s a well-deserved score!
“There are few things in life that satisfy an American, and a mouth-watering burger is one of them. Now, I’m not sure if Sandwichim is the best burger spot in town, but their double smash burger was absolutely delightful! The pretzel bun holding two juicy patties with crispy onion rings on the side hit the spot. Let’s dive right into my overall score. I’ll give Sandwichim by Nagila a 9.2 out of 10.”
My scoring takes a broad approach to the overall dining experience, with a nuanced assessment of the food itself, while Levi’s is a balance of sharp critiques, tough grading, and hot takes. So if we give something a high score, you know it’s for real.
Sandwichim By Nagila
@LeviParisMusic Hot Take: 9.2/10
@WeWantMoschiachNow Official Score: 95 out of 100
Next, we’re hitting the road on down to flavor town and heading to the valley. Our next stop is Al Ha Esh Grill, located at 22950 Vanowen St, #100B, West Hills. If you don’t mind a short drive, this might be your new go-to spot for Mediterranean cuisine.
I had the chicken shawarma on the softest laffa, which was, as your kids might say, straight gas. Or, as Mediterranean kids might say, ‘straight petrol’! I let the owner, Sean Kraizberger, customize my shawarma for me because he seemed so confident I knew I could trust his expertise. The result? He guided my taste buds on the journey he envisioned when he opened Al Ha Esh last year. So if you want to share that experience with me, go in there, ask for Sean, and tell him, “We Want Moshiach Now!”, He’ll know what to do from there.
Levi, how did you like your shawarma plate?
“The drive was worth it because my stomach was grumbling for a steaming plate of chicken shawarma, hummus, and cabbage with pita on the side. Speaking of sides, yes, Al Ha Esh is 'SAUCY like ooooooo’ (Shameless Plug: Stream Saucy by Levi Paris on Spotify. *Now available for Bar Mitzvahs and parties* lol).”
“Anyways, the sauce selection was excellent, and rappers like myself love options. There were many salad options, but no rice came with the plate, only pita. I guess I missed the NY-style shawarma plates that came with rice… Either way, rice is available as a side on their menu. Sean recommended that we try the Schweppes drinks imported from Israel, and they were pretty refreshing! It reminded me of a hot Jerusalem day. I’ll give Al Ha Esh a 9 out of 10.”
Wow! That’s back-to-back high scores!? Who are you, and what have you done with Levi Paris? For all the new readers, Levi is notorious for giving extremely harsh reviews, so don’t go expecting these kinds of scores from him every week! Well, whoever you are, I couldn’t agree with you more! Al Ha Esh was straight-up DELICIOUS! We had stacks of sauces like rappers have hundred-dollar bills. The overall experience, paralleled by Sean’s customer service, was top-notch.
I’m giving Al Ha Esh a 92 out of 100. If you need an excuse to come to the valley, Al Ha Esh is it.
I highly recommend it!
Al Ha Esh Grill
@LeviParisMusic Hot Take: 9/10
@WeWantMoschiachNow Official Score: 92 out of 100
Not bad for our first week! Super high scores, extremely delicious food! We can’t recommend both Sandwichim by Nagila and Al Ha Esh Grill enough! Until next time, I think that’s a review.
David Greenberg is a music industry professional, songwriter, and content creator. You can follow him @WeWantMoschiachNow on TikTok, IG, and Youtube. Hear his kosher pop music at soundcloud.com/WeWantMoschiachNow. For all inquiries: WeWantMoschiachNow@thelajewishhome.com
Levi Paris is a music artist, marketing strategist, and content creator. Follow him on all platforms @LeviParisMusic. Search Levi Paris on Spotify to listen to his music. For All Inquiries: ParisMedia@TheLaJewishHome.com
The Woke American Jews Upending Israeli Society
The Reform Movement’s Legal Campaign Against Religious Life in Eretz Yisroel
Over the past decade, a wave of lawsuits targeting the lifestyle of religious communities in Eretz Yisroel has been brought before the powerful and left-leaning Israeli Supreme Court. While not all of these cases have succeeded, they’ve complicated life for hundreds of thousands of religious people and deepened divisions within Israeli society. But who is funding these cases—and why do they care how the frum community chooses to live?
A close examination reveals a clear pattern: the fingerprints of the American Jewish woke left, particularly the Reform movement, are present each time. Desperate for relevance, Reform leaders in America have aligned their anti-Torah ideology with the broader progressive agenda, launching a systematic campaign against the Torah communities of Eretz Yisroel.
The Reform Center’s Influence
While the Israeli court system leans strongly to the left and is known to be unkind to religion, courts don’t initiate action on their own. A petition must be filed, which requires expert legal representation and significant financial resources. Litigation can start at around 20,000 shekels and often drags on for years. Without the backing of a well-funded institution, such petitions would rarely succeed.
Enter the Reform Center for Religion and State. Established approximately 35 years ago, the Reform Center claims to advocate for the rights of Reform communities and pluralistic values. In reality, it has led a sustained campaign against virtually every religious practice in Israel. The Center’s well-financed legal team has fought key battles aimed at reshaping Israel’s religious landscape.
Key Legal Battles
Kosher Phones and Religious Autonomy
Since the advent of cell phones, the Charedi community in Israel has relied on kosher-filtered phones to safeguard their way of life. But in 2016, a lawsuit claimed these phones restricted access to hotlines for people with alternative lifestyles, triggering a years-long legal battle. The courts ordered the Knesset to pass laws satisfying these pluralistic demands, even though the frum community views kosher phones as a basic religious right.
Court documents show that the petitioners were represented by lawyers from the Reform Center and the Movement for Progressive Judaism. The Reform movement had no direct stake in kosher phones, but they used the issue to generate media attention and advance their broader agenda.
Childcare Subsidies and Kollel Families
Thousands of working parents in Israel rely on government-subsidized childcare. For decades, families where the husband learns in kollel and the wife works have also qualified for these benefits. But a petition was filed challenging this arrangement, arguing that full-time Torah study should not qualify as legitimate work.
The Reform Center, along with five other leftist organizations, led this case. Ultimately, the petition was dismissed because the subsidies were designed to encourage female workforce participation, regardless of the husband’s employment status. Nevertheless, the attempt to delegitimize kollel families was clear.
Mehadrin Bus Lines and Religious Norms
The Mehadrin bus lines, which maintain separate seating for men and women according to community standards, were also targeted. A legal challenge claimed that gender-segregated buses violated equality laws. The courts ruled in favor of the petitioners, forcing an end to Mehadrin seating arrangements—a massive disruption for thousands of frum commuters.
Curriculum in Chadorim
The Reform Center has also attacked the religious curriculum taught in Israeli chadorim (religious schools). Since Tanach is part of the core curriculum in Israel, the Reform Center argued that chadorim refusing to teach Tanach in a politically correct manner should be denied funding. Though this case was legally unsuccessful, it resulted in disparities in funding for religious schools and fueled media attacks on the frum community.
Undermining Religious Life in Israel
Beyond these high-profile cases, the Reform Center has funded and supported many other legal challenges aimed at eroding religious norms. The constant threat of
judicial intervention has made politicians wary of supporting legislation aligned with Torah values. This dynamic has played out at both the national and local levels, contributing to the broader political tension between the government and the courts—a conflict that boiled over during Israel’s recent judicial reform crisis.
Media coverage of these lawsuits further distorts the issue by implying that Reform Judaism represents authentic Jewish values in Israel. Since the founding of the State, only Orthodox Judaism has been recognized as authentic Judaism—a reality that aligns with the views of the overwhelming majority of Israelis. Until relatively recently, Reform Judaism had no official presence in Israel.
However, the Reform movement is aggressively pushing to change this perception. A recent petition filed by the Reform and Conservative movements against Channel 14—a popular religious media outlet—argued that Reform and Conservative clergy should receive equal time to present their views on religious matters. This push for recognition threatens to reshape the very identity of the Jewish people by granting pluralistic Judaism legal and cultural influence.
Follow the Money
The Reform movement’s involvement in the World Zionist Congress directly funds these legal campaigns. Through their advocacy in the Congress, the Reform movement has secured tens of millions of shekels in funding each year to support the growth of the Reform movement in Israel.
A significant portion of this money is funneled to the Reform Center for Religion and State under the guise of promoting religious pluralism. In reality, these funds are used to fuel legal battles against Orthodox communities and weaken Israel’s religious framework.
In the 2020 World Zionist Congress elections, the Reform and Conservative parties collectively secured approximately 45,000 votes out of the 120,000 votes cast by American Jews. The Reform movement has since intensified its efforts to increase its influence in the upcoming March 2025 elections.
What’s at Stake
The outcome of these elections will
determine who controls billions of dollars and shapes the future of religious life in Israel. American Jews who support traditional Torah values must participate in these elections and vote for delegates who will oppose the Reform movement’s attempts to redefine Judaism in Israel.
This battle is not about minor policy differences—it’s about preserving the Jewish identity of the State of Israel. The Reform movement has already succeeded in influencing issues related to marriage, conversion, and the management of holy sites like the Kosel. Allowing them to gain further legal and political control could permanently alter Israel’s religious character.
Countering the Threat
The frum community cannot afford to remain passive. To protect Israel’s religious framework, American Jews must take action:
1. Educate the Community –Awareness is the first line of defense. Jewish schools and organizations must inform the community about the Reform movement’s legal and political agenda.
2. Vote Strategically – American Jews who support authentic Torah values must vote in the 2025 World Zionist Congress elections.
3. Strengthen Orthodox Institutions – Increased funding for Orthodox schools and organizations will help counterbalance the influence of the Reform movement.
4. Political Engagement – Orthodox leaders must engage with Israeli politicians and policy-makers to ensure that religious interests are represented at every level of government.
The campaign to redefine Judaism in Israel is not just a legal battle—it is a fight over the soul of the Jewish state. By standing united, the Orthodox community can push back against the woke American influence threatening Israel’s religious identity and preserve the integrity of Jewish life for future generations.
Make sure to VOTE at eretzhakodesh.org starting MARCH 10TH.
Dovid Gold
Yoel’s Lemonade Stand
What Are You Working On? Why The Jewish Business Community Should Stop Ignoring LinkedIn
The most peculiar thing about LinkedIn is not what it is, but what it isn’t yet - a platform crowded with Jewish business people who traditionally excel at networking. This absence strikes me as a rare oversight from a community that has historically been three steps ahead in matters of commercial opportunity.
While everyone runs breathlessly after the latest digital shiny objects - TikTok dances, Instagram filters, and whatever new platform promises fifteen seconds of algorithmic favor - there sits LinkedIn, perhaps the only social media platform actually designed for business rather than distraction.
I am not, as you might suspect, a paid evangelist for this platform. My relationship with advertising and promotion has always been skeptical at best. But I do believe in pointing out the occasional elephant in the room, and LinkedIn appears to be wearing a rather expensive suit that many in our community have yet to notice.
Consider this: When you attend a Chamber of Commerce meeting or a synagogue fundraiser, you do so partly because the people there are predisposed to business matters. LinkedIn offers this same environment without the necessity of choking down another rubber chicken dinner. The users arrive already in a business mindset - a startling contrast to other platforms where your carefully crafted message lands between vacation photos and political arguments.
The advertising industry has conditioned us to believe that mass reach is the goal. It is. But it also isn’t. LinkedIn is one of the few platforms that can offer both of these. Becoming well known and speaking directly to those who might actually care about what you have to say - this is the opportunity LinkedIn presents. I
I once watched a talented manufacturer struggle for months trying to connect with buyers through elaborate trade show booths and expensive industry magazine ads. When he finally joined a specific industry group on LinkedIn, he made more substantive connections in two weeks than in the previous six months. Why? Not just because he was fishing where the fish actually were but also because he was fishing where the fish wanted to get caught.
What’s fascinating about the Jewish business community’s relationship with LinkedIn is the mismatch between our traditional strengths and this platform’s design. Our people have historically excelled at relationship-based business, thoughtful exchange of ideas, and finding opportunities through networks of trust. LinkedIn is engineered specifically for these approaches, yet adoption lags.
Perhaps there’s an assumption that it’s merely another frivolous social network. Or a glorified resume rolodex. It isn’t. Nor has it been a Rolodex for years. Or that one must become a “content creator” - that peculiar modern profession that seems to involve talking much while saying little. You needn’t. The platform rewards substance over performance and expertise over extravagance. I know one guy who built a million-dollar business just by commenting on people’s posts.
The truth about LinkedIn isn’t that it’s revolutionary but that it’s refreshingly old-fashioned in its premise: business people connecting with other business people about business matters. The algorithm, mercifully, hasn’t yet completely overwhelmed the human element.
If there’s one thing worth taking from this modest observation, it’s this: don’t confuse LinkedIn with other social media. It’s not a place that requires you to perform, pander, or pontificate. It simply asks that you bring your actual business self to the table. Share what you know. Ask about what you don’t. Connect with purpose rather than volume. No social media platform is going to be 100% Kosher. But because of its nature, LinkedIn is as kosher as you can get.
Our community has always understood that business is fundamentally about relationships. LinkedIn merely offers a tool to extend those relationships beyond geographic boundaries. The platform isn’t perfect - no digital environment is - but it may well be the closest thing to a clean online global business community currently available.
don’t have to fight alone.
Justin Oberman
LET’$ Grow WIth Lorenzo
The Accidental Millionaire:
How Your Child Can Pay Their Own Yeshiva Tuition (Even If You Can’t)
Lorenzo Nourafchan
Somewhere in the back of most parents’ minds lurks a peculiar fantasy – that their offspring might somehow stumble into enough wealth to pay the credit card bills and loans they took out to pay for their Yeshiva education (+ the 1k “registration” fees none of the schools seem to be able to explain).
Our financial planning for our children often follows the same vague pattern. We know we should be doing something, but the specifics remain blurry.
Luckily, for the modern Jewish parent – concerned with everything from private Yeshiva tuition to eventual retirement so that you can go back to Yeshiva – there exists a trio of financial instruments that might just make this possible (or at the very least not have to live in your ADUt at forty).
First, consider the custodial Roth IRA.
When your budding entrepreneur earns money from their makeshift lemonade stand or from playing a minor character in your cousin’s independent film or for, ahem, helping you make photocopies in the family office, that income can be invested in this tax-advantaged account.
The arithmetic is both simple and astounding: $200 invested monthly compounds to roughly $1 adulthood (goyish adulthood, not bar or bat mitzvah adulthood). This assumes, of course, that the market doesn’t decide to behave like a dyspeptic meshuggeneh in the intervening decades.
Next on our financial mezuzah is the 529 account. It’s one of the first accounts you should open up for your bubelahs.
Jewish education isn’t getting any cheaper – a fact that every Jewish parent is being so rudely reminded of right now (tell
me again what the 1k registration fees are for and why you always have to charge them during tax seasons nd right before Pesach?).
The beauty of the 529 is twofold: potential state tax benefits for parents and flexibility in how the funds are used. If your little mensch decides Yeshiva isn’t for them after all, up to $35,000 can be rolled into a retirement account. It’s the educational equivalent of saving your challah crusts for bread pudding.
Finally, there’s the credit-building strategy of making your child an authorized user on your credit card. This isn’t about letting them go wild on Amazon but rather about establishing their credit history early. Think of it as a financial bar mitzvah of sorts – they’re not really taking on responsibility yet, but they’re beginning to learn what it looks like (just make sure you teach them a positive lesson by also paying your bills on time).
What all these strategies share is a quality that (if you ask me) the Jewish world could stand to learn from – the value of delayed gratification. Unlike the immediate-results obsession of most Jewish schools when it comes to their monthly tuition bill, financial planning requires patience and bitachon in the unseen future.
But perhaps this is the most Jewish approach of all: to plant trees under whose shade we will never sit. Or in this case, to plant investments whose dividends might someday fund a grandchild’s education –assuming, of course, our children remember to invite us to the graduation
Lorenzo Nourafchan is the CEO of Northstar Financial Consulting Group, a full-service Accounting, tax, and fractional CFO firm specializing in Proactive Financial Strategies for businesses and families. He can be reached at lorenzo@nstarfinance.com
The Real Estate
Sholom Feldheim
Jews have forgotten how to laugh, but even in these trying times, it is still our most valuable natural resource.
Please consider this humorous vignette for publication.
There’s lots of good stuff in my garbage. It all started when I realized every drawer in my house was stuffed with stuff that I don’t use: old, dried-out pens, broken pencils, stumps of crayons from the Obama administration [the first one], dog-eared pamphlets, yellowing greeting cards, crumpled receipts, instruction manuals to forgotten appliances, keys to abandoned locks, [There’s a key on my key ring that is a total mystery to me—what to do?], and a million benchers.
Desperate for space, I dumped everything, and now I could breathe deeper. This isn’t downsizing; it’s pikuach nefesh.
Next, I attacked the clothes with the tenacity of General Patton. Garments I hardly recognized were crammed into the backs of drawers and corners of closets. Did I wear this jean jacket? It must’ve been given to me; I’d never wear such a thing. I pitched the apparel into a trash bag liner—voila!
Once the garments were gone, I tackled the most challenging segment of my purging—the photo albums, all eighteen of them. They were a formidable opponent—this was family; you know what Don Corleone said about Family in The Godfather: “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” Whatever, Don, it’s not like the Smithsonian will ask me for these pictures. Old photos are like moldy bread; it’s food, but what can I do with it? I removed a few dozen pictures from the albums and stored them in a shoebox. Then I asked Mishy to send her son Oakey to my house, and he cast the heavy albums into my waste container.
—-Phew! I felt lighter, happier, and freer.
Next were the moldering paperbacks on my shelves. Over the years, I’ve been proactive with my books. If
it’s a good book, I give it to a friend and tell them, “Read it, like it, keep it.” I throw the boring books into the recycling bin.
Fartig! Done, finished.
Three or four piles of framed photos and prints are on the floor of my walk-in closet. They were once on the walls—what happened? Here is Feldheim’s postulate of pitching: If you don’t remember owning or using it, it never existed. That’s right. I threw out those framed pictures; I have enough on my walls without them.
The closets were now more cavernous—onto the furniture. This was my chance to make the rooms roomier, the living room livable, the bedrooms bigger.
I removed lots of furniture: bookcases, chairs, desks, and folding tables were my primary targets. Now, the house felt empty. I flashed that I should rent out a room. Perhaps I’d find a divorced man or a widower to share the house with. Together, we could sit around in our underwear watching movies [romcoms?], eating cold beans out of cans, and passing wind.
—Oy, forget it. What am I thinking?
Instead, I decided to sell the place. I called my sister and told her I was coming, and she said she’d find me a one-bedroom unit near her place. I got rid of everything except my newish kitchen set, my muchloved bedroom set, and my favorite lounge chair.
The week before the movers came, I emptied my safety deposit box and stuffed my important papers into one of the fifteen boxes I would put in the moving van. The night before, I took a room in a hotel because I had no food in the house.
That night, a fire roared through
my 1,400-square-foot 3/2, consuming all I had to my name. I was left with little more than I had come into this world with.
That’s when I realized the meaning of real estate. Real Estate is not your house; it’s not even the lot your home sits upon. The Real Estate is, and forgive me if this sounds cliche, your good deeds, what you remember of others, and what others remember of you. That’s it!
Real stuff you can’t pack, box, crate, store, or ship; your legacy is your Real Estate. Once I grasped this, the distress of losing everything evaporated like rainwater on the sidewalk when the sun comes out. I took the money I received from insurance and gave the rabbi a sizable donation.
My new home is perfect—Spartan and utilitarian—I only have what I need. And I have Sis! The first weekend, she took me to a botanical garden. The man manning the ticket booth beckoned me with brochures, but I politely declined. The silver-haired lady in the souvenir shop showed me knickknacks and whatnots, and I told her, “No, thank you.”
But Sis took several brochures “for friends, or maybe I’ll cut out the pretty pictures and put them in frames.” She also purchased a key ring with the likeness of two green and gold leaves hanging from it and a picture frame with plastic succulent leaves sprouting from its edges. She stuffed the brochures in a drawer when we returned to her place. I wonder how long they will sit there. She dumped the souvenirs on a folding table because she didn’t know where else to put them.
I smiled but didn’t say anything about her living habits. Instead, I thanked her for a lovely afternoon and invited her to my house for dinner next week.
• Fully itemized computer generated monthly reports with owner and tenant online portals.
• Fast, quality repairs at below market rates.
• No more dealing with aggravating tenants or city inspectors
• Full and complete tenant screening and leasing.
• Quick turnover of vacant units.
• Highest market value for your rentals.
• Professional and accessible bilingual management team.
• 24/7/365 on call emergency maintenance.
• No up charge on vendors. We pass on our great deals to our clients.
“Should I bring anything?” She asked.
“Um, a corkscrew for the wine.” She looked nervously around the room.
“I might have to buy one,” she answered, “I can’t find mine.”
Sholom Feldheim has published his cute, comical musings in ESRA, HaMizrachi, and Mishpacha magazines. One of his stories aired on National Public Radio’s Miami affiliate. He lives in Florida with his wife and enjoys yoga, bicycling, and cooking.
The Top 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Tariffs
Inhonor of Purim, we interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to reflect on…
8. Now you can brag about your “made in china” products.
7. Jared & Ivanka worked out a carveout for Shaloch Manos.
Lenny’s Casita guacamole with California avocados is just as delicious as
4. Zelensky now has a valid reason for not being able to afford a suit.
3. You didn’t really need that new car anyways.
2. It’s easier to remember your net worth if it has less digits.
Jewish Home is still “free”.
Special thanks to my talented comedic writing colleagues Yoni Barz, Donnie Feldman, Adam Rich and Jeff Astroff.
Setting Boundaries Actually Brings You Closer
Yehudah Kamman
I
magine a couple deeply in love, yet constantly clashing over small things—one feels unheard, the other feels suffocated. They try to accommodate each other, but frustration builds. Resentment creeps in, and intimacy starts to fade. What’s the missing piece? Boundaries.
Most people think of boundaries as walls that keep love out. But in truth, boundaries allow love to flow more freely. They aren’t about creating distance—they’re about defining who you are, what you value, and how you want to be treated. When couples communicate their boundaries in a healthy and compatible way, something profound happens: mutual respect deepens, attraction strengthens, and connection grows.
One of the greatest misunderstandings in relationships is thinking that love means unlimited access to each other. But real love isn’t about dissolving into one another—it’s about seeing each other fully, in all your uniqueness,
and honoring that. When you and your partner learn what you each like, value, and need as individuals, you gain the clarity to express your boundaries in a way that enriches the relationship rather than divides it.
This concept is deeply rooted in the wisdom of polarity—the natural dynamic between the masculine and feminine energies in a relationship. Masculinity thrives on direction, structure, and knowing where the edges are. Femininity flourishes within safe, defined spaces where she can fully express herself. Without boundaries, polarity weakens. But when both partners communicate their needs clearly and honor each other’s limits, trust strengthens, and attraction deepens.
In Jewish tradition, boundaries are not restrictions; they are pathways to deeper connection. The detailed laws that govern daily life—from keeping kosher to observing Shabbat—aren’t about limitations, but
about creating a relationship with Hashem that is both structured and intimate. Similarly, in marriage, when you respect the boundaries that define each other as individuals, you create a relationship that is both secure and passionate.
The more you understand and articulate your boundaries, the more you truly get to know one another—not just on the surface, but on a deep, spiritual level. This transforms every aspect of the relationship. The small things—how you spend time together, how you handle conflict, how you express love—become more intentional. You see each other not as extensions of yourselves, but as unique souls choosing to walk through life together.
So here’s my challenge to you: set aside time to talk about your boundaries. Not in the heat of an argument, but intentionally, with love and curiosity. What do you each need to feel respected, safe, and
cherished? What are your non-negotiables? What makes you feel most alive in the relationship?
When you honor each other’s boundaries, you’re not creating distance—you’re forging a deeper, more passionate connection. You’re building a love that is both free and secure. And in that space of mutual respect, intimacy flows like never before.
Yehudah Kamman is a relationship coach and founder of Men of Integrity, dedicated to transforming lives and relationships. He helps men move from feeling stuck and disconnected to embodying strength, confidence, and authentic connection. Yehudah has also helped countless couples rekindle the honeymoon phase, creating deeper passion and harmony. Through his work, he guides individuals and couples toward greater self-awareness, purpose, and fulfillment. If you’d like to learn more, follow Yehudah on Instagram @men_of_integrity_life E: yehudah@ menofintegrity.life
Embracing Flexibility: Overcoming
Stiff-Neckedness
Parshat Terumah
Parshat Ki Tisa delves into the story of the sin of the Golden Calf and the subsequent conversation between Moshe Rabeynu and Hashem related to the consequences. During this back and forth, Hashem characterizes Bnei Yisrael as a “stiff-necked people” as the motivation behind many of our struggles. The parsha provides us an opportunity to explore the psychological concept of being Stiff-Necked and the lessons we can learn to overcome this poor quality.
In Exodus 32:9, Hashem says to Moshe that he has seen Bnei Yisrael to be “Am-kesheh-oref hu – a stiff-necked people.” Rashi on the spot writes that Bnei Yisrael turned their stiff-necks away from those who reprove them and refuse to listen. Rashi describes Bnei Yisrael as stubborn and resistant. The Ibn Ezra further elaborates that they refused to follow Hashem’s commands like a person unwilling to turn and listen to someone calling them. The Sforno brings the point home by indicating that Hashem saw no hope in Bnei Yisrael, as the qualities of resistance to change and stubbornness are the precursors to a nation inflexible to grow.
In psychological terms, being “stiffnecked” breeds traits such as stubbornness, rigidity, or resistance to change. It often reflects a certain cognitive inflexibility or emotional resistance to new ideas, perspectives, or ways of doing things. This term is commonly used in a negative context to highlight someone’s inflexibility, reluctance to compromise, or refusal to consider alternative viewpoints. It suggests a certain rigidity and resistance to being swayed or influenced by external factors or opinions. A stiff neck usually goes along with a stiff brain.
The Rambam on Deuteronomy 10:16 discusses when Moshe rebukes Bnei Yisrael to no longer being stiffnecked. He describes the first step to overcoming this quality as being self aware, leading to disavowing our incorrect ways. The Gemarah on Taanit 20b says, “a person should always be soft like a reed and not rigid like a cedar.” Addressing psychological stiffness often involves fostering a more flexible mindset, encouraging adaptability, and helping individuals
develop coping strategies for managing change.
Here are three tips for overcoming stubbornness and resistance:
1. Cultivate Self-Awareness:
Begin by developing a keen awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions. Notice when you feel resistant to change or overly attached to a particular viewpoint. Journaling or mindfulness practices can be valuable tools in enhancing self-awareness.
2. Practice Humility:
Embrace the humility to acknowledge mistakes and recognize that change is a natural part of life. Understand that being open to new ideas and perspectives does not diminish your worth; rather, it is a sign of strength and wisdom.
3. Set Small, Achievable Goals for Change:
Overcoming stiff-necked tendencies often requires gradual steps toward flexibility. Start by setting small, achievable goals for yourself. Celebrate your successes along the way, reinforcing the idea that change is manageable and rewarding.
Hashem’s rebuke of Bnei Yisrael provides us insight that the more rigid the mindset the fragile the spirit of the person. Parshat Ki Tisa invites us to examine our own tendencies to be stiff-necked and encourages us to break free from rigid mindsets. By doing so, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater flexibility, humility, and openness to positive change.
Elan Javanfard, M.A., L.M.F.T. is a Consulting Psychotherapist focused on behavioral health redesign, a Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University, & a lecturer related to Mindfulness, Evidence-Based Practices, and Suicide Prevention. Elan is the author of Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha & Psychology, a weekly blog. He lives in the Los Angeles Pico Robertson community with his wife and three children and can be reached at Elan.Javanfard@gmail.com.
Let’s Be Honest
Pesach Anxiety
Let’s be honest—Purim may be this week, but Pesach has already infiltrated our collective consciousness like an overzealous houseguest. The anxiety? Oh, it’s real. It’s spectacular. And it starts right about now.
Let’s be honest, there are so many moments in life when I look around and think, “Nope. I can’t handle this.” When my living room resembles an explosion at a toy factory. When multiple deadlines at work all coincide with a fast day. When every child needs me right now, the phone is ringing, and it’s my mother who somehow needs me even more. And then, just when I think I might have a second to breathe, Pesach prep taps me on the shoulder and whispers, “Hey, I heard you like suffering.” We now embark on an epic, room-by-room crusade against chametz, armed with a bottle of cleaner and a steadily fraying sense of patience.
So what’s the plan? Step one: Breathe. (Seriously, inhale. Exhale. It helps.) Step two: Accept that yes, Pesach prep is overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to break us.
The morning blessings remind us, Baruch Atah Hashem…Ha’noten layaef koach—Blessed are You, Hashem… who gives strength to the weary. I always pictured this as the Bracha us parents say before bedtime with the kids, but its just as impactful at 2am when you are still attempting to remove an unknown sticky substance from deep inside your fridge.
So, if you find yourself spiraling into a Pesach-induced panic attack, here are a few strategies to reclaim your sanity:
1. Make Lists Like Your Sanity Depends on It (Because It Does)
Let’s be honest, lists are the only thing standing between you and total mental collapse. Make a list for cleaning, a list for shopping, a list for cooking. Make a list of the lists you need to make. If writing “remember to breathe” on there helps, go for it.
2. Clean What Matters
Let’s be honest, Pesach cleaning is not the same as spring cleaning. The goal is to get rid of chametz, not deep-
clean your attic. The kitchen? Yes. The dining room chandelier? Unless you’ve been stashing bread up there, hard pass. Repeat after me: If my toddler wouldn’t eat it, it’s not halachically chametz.
3. Delegate Like a CEO
You know who else lives in your house? Other human beings! Let’s be honest, they make messes all year long; they can help clean for once. Assign tasks to children, spouses, and any innocent bystanders who wander in. Your kids will survive the temporary hardship of wiping down baseboards. Your spouse can absolutely kasher the sink. And if they complain? Just remind them of the alternative: you in full meltdown mode. You are not a one-person Pesach production team.
4. Accept That It Won’t Be Perfect
Let’s be honest, at some point, you have to surrender. Your neighbor’s house might be cleaner. Your siblings might have their menu planned since January. Do you know what you have? The ability to roll your eyes and move on. Hashem gave you your life, your strengths, and your chaotic, chametz-infested reality. Do your best, and let go of the rest.
Finally, when all else fails, turn towards Hashem. He’s been managing Jewish complaints literally since the dawn of time. We’re in good hands. And here’s the best part: Even if the lists aren’t finished and the chametz isn’t perfectly annihilated, Pesach will still come. You will sit at your seder table, somehow. The matzah will be eaten. The story will be told. And you will have made it through, not just because of sheer willpower, but because Hashem gives strength to the weary. Pesach is the festival of freedom. Maybe, just maybe, we can free ourselves from the bondage of anxiety along the way.
Elan Javanfard, M.A., L.M.F.T. is a Consulting Psychotherapist focused on behavioral health redesign, a Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University, & a lecturer related to Mindfulness, Evidence-Based Practices, and Suicide Prevention. Elan is the author of Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha & Psychology, a weekly blog. He lives in the Los Angeles Pico Robertson community with his wife and three children and can be reached at Elan.Javanfard@gmail.com.
Ask the Rabbi
Certificate Documentation for Persons Collecting Tzedakah
Dovid Nissan Bressman
Is it fair to say, that if one is collecting tzedakah and they do not provide a certificate from a local tzedakah va’ad (organization) that vouches their worthiness, then one does not need to give them tzedakah?
Before addressing this question, it is important to understand that defining the qualifications of someone who is worthy to collect tzedakah is complex as it depends on many factors. Our Sages write that one should do their best to distant themselves from the need of collecting tzedakah even if they halachikly qualify.1 Of course, in some cases if someone needs tzedakah and refuses to seek help, that itself can lead to spilling of blood. Certainly, one who is collecting for oneself or family, and they are lacking basic necessities, where they do not have the means to cover them, would qualify to receive tzedakah.2
1 See Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 255:1) - a person should always distance themselves from receiving tzedakah and not cause themselves to need others for tzedakah.
2 See Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 250:1).
Prohibition to not Give Anything to a Poor Person Asking for Tzedakah
The Rema3 writes that if a poor person asked for help, it is forbidden to leave the poor person empty handed, even if one gives just a small amount that should be done rather than to not offer anything. The exact amount, one should give is something that each individual should decide on their own, as this depends on many factors. Generally speaking, since each poor person has the right to ask anyone possible in the city, therefore, one can give with the knowledge that they are not the only one to ensure (Devarim 15:8) “…sufficient for his needs, which he is lacking.”4
Requiring Certificate of Worthiness to Collect Tzedakah
One should not give tzedakah to improper people, if one does so, it could be that the mitzvah of tzedakah is lacking somewhat.5
3 Rema (Yoreh Deah 249:4).
4 See Rema (Yoreh Deah 250:1).
5 See Bava Basra 9b (on the bottom). See also Har Tzvi (Orach Chayim 35)- undeserving tzedakah collectors are a common occurrence that one could have checked beforehand. See also Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 251:1). See also Pele Yoetz (Tzedakah) –certainly there is a problem when
The Aruch Hashulchan writes that although we do not give tzedakah to a ramai (swindler), however if we do not recognize the person and he is asking for food, we give the person immediately without needing to checking them. Only if they ask for clothes, we have a right to check that they are not a ramai 6 Regarding if one should first insist a tzedakah collector provide a certificate, Rav Menashe Klein has a teshuva on this topic. His view is that although it is always better to know certainly that the recipient is truly worthy for receiving tzedakah, nonetheless, it is wrong to insist that lacking a certificate from a local tzedakah va’ad, one should not give even anything.7 It is also forbidden the tzedakah money is spent on improper things.
6 Aruch Hashulchan 251:12
7 See Mishna Halachos (13:173). As he writes that in some communities the Rabbis of their communities have tried to make tekanos (enactments) that no one can collect tzedakah in their community unless they have received a certificate from a tzedakah va'ad that vouches of their legitimization to collect tzedakah for a specific amount of time. The certificate typically lists the nature of the collecting and also has a picture of the individual collecting. Rav Klein was very against the idea that an individual must receive a certificate before being allowed to ask individuals for tzedakah. He explains that there is a difference between a kuppah tzedakah (communal tzedakah distribution
to make a poor person feel bad, particularly as they are collecting, they are going through hard times.8 Certainly, we do not have to suspect someone who looks to be a religious G-d fearing Jew, that they are possibly a swindler. fund) established for the poor of the city and between a poor person asking from individuals on his own. When appointing gabaim for a communal kuppah tzedakah, so then the gabaim would need to be checked as being exceedingly honest individuals to serve in their capacity. The gabbaim would then check to a certain level that the people who are receiving from the communal funds are worthy, (see Bava Basra 8b and Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 256).). Or at least that they are not rama'im (swindlers). See Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 251:10). There it mentions, if one would say "please give me food" for that day, they would not check him, but give immediately, for they could be hungry. If, however the person would ask for clothing, they would check him that he is not a ramai (swindler).
However, when the poor individual is requesting tzedakah from other individuals on a personal level, (for example, collecting from people in shul or door knocking), then one does not need to check them to ascertain that they are not a ramai (swindler). Only if they are certainly a ramai, one does not need to give them tzedakah. We also find harsh stories in the Talmud how severe it is to not embarrass the poor person in need. See Kesuvos 67b 8 See Rambam (hilchos matanos ani'im 10:5). Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 249:4).
The following Talmudic passage9 is also noteworthy to bring:
“R’ Chanina knew a certain pauper and was accustomed to send to him four dinars every erev Shabbos. One day he sent it in the hand of his wife. She came and said to him: The man does not need charity. R’ Chanina asked her: What did you see? She said to him: I heard them saying to him: With what do you dine: Silver, tablecloths or gold,
9 Kesuvos 67b-68a.
tablecloths? R’ Chanina said: This is what R’ Elazar said: Come and let us appreciate the swindlers, because were it not for them, we would be sinning every day, as it is stated (Devarim 15:9) “… and he cry to the Lord against you, and it be sin in you.”
Takeaway Message when Giving Without Verifying
It is a tremendous merit to give tzedakah to very needy
G-d fearing poor people.10 It would be ideal for an unknown tzedakah collector to present a letter of verification from a tzedakah va’ad on their deserving to collect, as this is the general custom. Nonetheless, any collector who is asking for tzedakah and appears to be G-d fearing, should be given tzedakah, at the very least a small amount of money, so they could potentially buy food with it.11 The Chida
10 See Sefer Chassidim (61). 11 Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh
writes that just as if we give tzedakah without scrutinizing the worthiness of the receiver, so too Hashem should pour to us abundant blessings even if we might not have otherwise been fully deserving of them.12
Deah 249:4). Aruch Hashulchan 251:12. 12 Bris Olam on Sefer Chassidim (144)
- Rabbi Dovid Nissan Bressman authored two halacha books on mezuzah and sefer torah. He has Yoreh Yoreh and Yadin Yadin from Central Tomchei Tmimim Brooklyn NY. He is also an ordained sofer and magiah and the director of Chesed Umishpat which assists on Jewish status matters. For questions or dedications you can reach him at jewishchesedumishpat@gmail.com or 310 617 5205
Beyond the Headlines
A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news
Sivan Rahav Meir
Translated by Yehoshua Siskin, Janine Muller Sherr
PURIM: UNDERNEATH THE COSTUME
On the fourteenth of Adar, we celebrate Purim. The principal mitzvot of the holiday are reading Megillat Esther, giving gifts to the poor, sending packages of food and drink to friends, and holding a Purim feast. But the holiday includes many other customs, too, such as banging raashanim, eating hamantaschen, and, of course, dressing up in fancy costumes. The Lubavitcher Rebbe called on us to learn an important lesson from the costumes:
“When we see someone dressed up on Purim as a frightening animal or a clown, it doesn’t occur to us to be angry, or afraid, or to take that person seriously. After all, it’s just a costume. But in everyday life we frequently meet people who seem to be walking around in disguise. One is disguised as someone arrogant, another as someone vulgar, and a third as someone apathetic – but what we see is not a true reflection of who these people really are.
“Sometimes our children also disguise themselves in a similar fashion and exhibit negative behaviors. In all these cases, we need to look deeper into their inner purity and goodness, and reinforce it. We can even help them to remove the inauthentic costumes that they sometimes wear. We have seen many times how, in a moment of truth, the true essence of the person underneath is revealed when they remove their costume.
“The Jews of the Megilla disguised themselves as completely assimilated into the culture of ancient Persia, but when faced with Haman’s decree to exterminate them, they were reminded of who they were and their true identity was suddenly revealed.
“We also wear a disguise sometimes. We need to look upon each other with love and understanding, knowing that whatever objectionable behavior we may see is not a reflection of the person within. We must take this awareness with us from Purim and keep it fresh in our minds throughout the year.”
A
REVOLUTIONARY VIEW OF HAPPINESS
At the beginning of Megillat Esther, Achashveirosh holds an extravagant feast that is nothing more than an exercise in showing off. It is a celebration of silver, gold, and alcohol. In contrast to this mistaken and empty worldview of happiness, at the end of the Megilla, Esther brings the nation to a state of “light and happiness, joy and glory” (Est. 8:15). How does Esther express her joy? After the feast, she teaches us the meaning of true happiness through the mitzvot we perform until today:
First, happiness within the family circle – a festive meal that is an intimate family gathering and not just for show.
Second, happiness through community connections – sending packages of food and drink to one another to strengthen social ties.
And finally, helping those in need, caring for others and sending gifts to those who have less.
That is how we rejoice.
The equation of what makes us happy is completely reversed. Instead of conspicuous consumption and self-aggrandizement, we look outside of ourselves and learn that giving to those who surround us increases happiness. Instead of thinking that the more we receive, the happier we will be, Esther teaches us that the more we give, the happier we will be.
THE RIGHT CHOICE
There’s one verse in Megillat Esther that we should take with us into all areas of life. At the height of the crisis, when a decree of destruction threatens the entire Jewish people, Mordechai asks Queen Esther: “And who knows if it is not for just such a moment that you reached this royal position?”
In other words, he was saying to her: “The fact that you were crowned as queen wasn’t by chance. Everything you’ve been through has brought you to this position, and perhaps this is your moment to act and help. It’s precisely you, precisely here, precisely now. Use all your strength, choose your mission, be on the right side of history.
Our commentators write that this phrase applies to everyone, even in less dramatic circumstances: A teacher facing a struggling student who has failed over and over can give him confidence and faith in himself with just a few words. A military commander can save a soldier who has given up on everything and motivate him. A boss can notice his employee; and of course, parents, family members, and friends can leverage their relationship to help loved ones.
We didn’t just end up where we are, with our talents and abilities for no reason. We need to look at reality, seek what is still not fixed in the world, and ask ourselves: “Who knows whether it is not for just such a moment that I have reached this position?”
PARASHAT
KI TISA: FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE
Moshe was instructed to carve our two new tablets to replace the first ones that he had shattered because of the sin of the Golden Calf. The second set, which had the same Ten Commandments engraved on them, signified the start of a new era of reconciliation.
The new era, however, did not erase the past and from now on Bnei Yisrael would continue their journey through the wilderness carrying both the shattered and the whole tablets, which our sages say lay side by side in the Ark. This is not simply a technical description of their physical location, but a spiritual teaching. Wherever Bnei Yisrael wander, they will carry with them their sin and forgiveness, the shattered and the whole. The the same applies to any individual who has sinned and repented.
Cracks were formed in the idyllic existence, but from a certain perspective the new reality is even more whole. Those who have overcome crises or downturns will testify that they emerge stronger and more mature. Life’s journey will continue, but one now possesses the knowledge that it is more complex, with ups and downs, and it is the memory of the failures which gives the strength to carry on. There is nothing more whole than a broken heart.
T h i n k i n g a b o u t
S t u d y i n g i n I s r a e l ?
J o i n J L I C ' s C o l l e g e i n
I s r a e l O n l i n e W e b i n a r !
M A R C H 3 0 | 8 P M I S R A E L T I M E , 1 0 A M P T
C u r i o u s a b o u t p u r s u i n g y o u r d e g r e e i n I s r a e l b u t n o t s u r e
w h e r e o r h o w t o s t a r t ? O u r i n t e r a c t i v e w e b i n a r i s y o u r g a t e w a y t o d i s c o v e r i n g h o w s t u d y i n g i n I s r a e l c a n
t r a n s f o r m y o u r c o l l e g e e x p e r i e n c e !
Y O U ’ L L D I S C O V E R
H o w t o s t u d y a t t o p I s r a e l i u n i v e r s i t i e s i n E N G L I S H o r
t h r o u g h t r a n s i t i o n a l p r o g r a m s w h i l e d e v e l o p i n g y o u r
H e b r e w s k i l l s
I n s i d e l o o k a t w o r l d - c l a s s a c a d e m i c o p p o r t u n i t i e s
a c r o s s d i v e r s e f i e l d s
P r a c t i c a l g u i d a n c e o n h o u s i n g , s c h o l a r s h i p s , a n d
n a v i g a t i n g d a i l y s t u d e n t l i f e
T h e v i b r a n t , s u p p o r t i v e J L I C c o m m u n i t i e s w a i t i n g t o
w e l c o m e y o u
Q U E S T I O N S ?
E m a i l u s a t i n f o @ c o l l e g e i n i s r a e l o r g
o r v i s i t c o l l e g e i n i s r a e l o r g
S V P
S h i f f y F r i e d m a n JLIC Israel Marketing
E v a n L e v i n e JLIC Director at the Technion A r i e l F r o m o w i t z Student
Current
The story is told of a dictator who ordered a citizen to come to his compound. The subject, knowing that he could be executed in a moment’s notice, decided to get himself a good advocate. He went to those he was close to throughout his life—those with whom he had partied. They told him that although they were friends, they were not willing to go with him, since the dictator could kill them too. Then he went to those he didn’t feel as close to, but decided to ask anyway. They said they would walk him to the compound, but not go all the way in to face the dictator. Then he went to those he wasn’t close to at all, but since he was desperate, he decided to ask them. They said they would walk him all the way and advocate on his behalf so that nothing bad would occur. This is what happened and he was saved.
The same thing applies to life. That which many of us pursue—money—doesn’t go with us beyond death. Then after we die, there are friends and family who walk with us until the grave. Then there is that which we might not have felt so close to—Torah and maasim tovim. This is what will not only escort us all the way through, but can truly save us (see Chofetz Chaim, Naso, 5:10).
Afterlife Actions
After people die, we recount their actions that really made a difference, that which lives on eternally. That is, the Torah they learned and taught, the chessed they performed, and so on, and as the Mishna informs us, when one departs from this world, he is accompanied by his Torah and maasim tovim, not his money (Avos 6:9. This is alluded to in the word תמ as its ini- , tials are the first letters of םיבוט םישעמ and הרות ). This is hinted to in the parshiyos in Sefer Vayikra, which are in the order of רומא ,םישודק ,תומ-ירחא, as it can be expounded that after one dies (תומ-ירחא), we say holy things about him (רומא םישודק). Let us spend time on that which will spend time with us eternally.
When the Alter of Kelm was on his deathbed, he requested that his clothes be laundered before being given to the poor. This is what was on his mind before he died.
A Jew named Jack was getting old so he told his rabbi that he wants to hire him to deliver his eulogy when the time comes for him to leave this world. He asked how much he charges. The rabbi told him that it depends on the eulogy. For the best eulogy which is delivered with emotion
and relating praises of the deceased, it cost $5,000. That was too expensive for Jack so he asked for the lower level eulogy. The rabbi told him that cost $2,500$. “For that one, I say how beloved you were by the community and what a great husband and father you were, but I don’t cry.” Since that was also expensive for Jack he asked for the cheapest one. The rabbi replied that cost $1,000, and for that one I tell the truth!
This story is a segue for the following question: Can one exaggerate the praises of one who died? The halacha states that it is forbidden to overly exaggerate the praises of a dead person (Yoreh Deah, 344:1). However, to say a little more than is actually true is okay. The Taz (Yoreh Deah, s.v. umosifin) is bothered by this. Why is there a difference between lying a little or a lot. Let us take an example of one who performs a mitzva, for instance tzedaka, by giving a specific amount of money. If there were a need to give a bit more, he would surely do so. Therefore, it is considered as if he actually did.
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Rabbi Alt merited to learn under the tutelage of R’ Mordechai Friedlander ztz”l for close to five years and received semichah from R’ Zalman Nechemia Goldberg ztz”l. Rabbi Alt has written thousands of articles on numerous topics for various websites and publications and is the author of nine books, which are available on Amazon at https:// amzn.to/49V6jO7. Many of his writings have been translated into Yiddish, Hebrew, German and French, inspiring Jews across the spectrum of Jewish observance to live with the vibrancy and beauty of Torah. His shiurim are available on various websites, including Kol Halashon. Rabbi Alt lives with his wife and family in a suburb of Yerushalayim where he studies, lectures, writes and teaches. He can be reached via email at yalt3285@gmail.com.
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt
PJ Library Is Your Go-To Destination For All Your Passover Needs
Find a downloadable Passover Guide, our Family-Friendly Haggadah, resources and ideas for your seder, surprises in your box of Streit’s Matzo, and a new PJ Publishing Bookall on PJ Library’s Passover Hub
Agawam, MA (MARCH 5, 2025) – Passover is the ultimate Jewish story – a tale of freedom, hope, and food – which makes it the perfect holiday to share with the entire family. From the experiential delight of the seders to the eight days of exciting matzo baking projects, Passover is time for gathering, reflecting, telling stories, and working towards a world with freedom for all. But planning to cover all that with kids may feel lofty – especially if you’re a little hazy on the details yourself. PJ Library, a globally beloved free Jewish book program, has you covered as your go-to destination for making Passover special.
Visit PJ Library’s Passover Hub at pjlibrary. org/passover starting March 1 to find everything you need to plan your festive Passover meal (seder), set your table, and answer your kids’ curious questions (and encourage them to ask some of their own). There, you’ll find our free downloadable Passover Guide, a family-oriented primer that lays out how to prepare for the seders and the foods you need for your table, as well as offering up meaningful activities to make the most out of all eight days. The guide covers three main sections: How to get ready, what you need to get through the seder, and what comes next after the festive meals have come to a close.
Also available for digital download from the Hub is the thoughtfully crafted PJ Library Family Hagaddah – a family-friendly version of the cherished seder guidebook. It follows the arc of a traditional Haggadah and features all of the major songs, prayers, and moments, but also incorporates helpful framing and stories for kids so they can get the most out of this experiential meal. It also has new question prompts to help you reinvigorate your seder like never before. Over the past seven years, PJ Library has sent over 800,000 Haggadahs to more than 200,000 families and enabled downloads on our site for thousands more, ensuring that this storytelling tradition continues into the next generation. The PJ Library Family Haggadah is available for purchase in paperback for $7.99 through the PJ Library storefront on Amazon.
Beyond the guide and the Haggadah, the Passover Hub features downloadable activities to keep little ones entertained during the seder, book lists, a step-by-step video playlist to help kids learn (or brush up on) their Four Questions, and recipes. After all, what would a Jewish holiday be without food? Find fun and easy recipes like Charoset Breakfast Balls, a perfect grab-and-go breakfast that’s healthy and packed with protein, Chicken Skewers with Avocado Dip or Cholent, a hearty and kid-pleasing classic Jewish dish made in the slow cooker.
Speaking of traditional foods: This year, PJ Library is again proud to partner with Streit’s during their landmark 100th anniversary, bringing together two beloved names in Jewish family traditions. PJ Library will be featured on Streit’s iconic matzo boxes, giving even more families the chance to discover the joy of free books and activities delivered right to their door each month. There’s also a special surprise for families in the 5lb box of Streit’s Matzo! As you search for the afikomen this Passover, also keep an eye out for the PJ Library logo on Streit’s Matzos boxes in supermarkets across North America or visit streitsmatzos.com to learn more.
In March, eight-year-old PJ Library subscribers will receive a brand new book just in time for Passover: Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder by Richard Michelson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis. This non-fiction children’s book from Penguin Random House Crown Books for Young Readers in partnership with PJ Library, tells the true story of how a small Passover seder dinner on the campaign trail inspired then-Senator Barack Obama to declare “Next Year in the White House,” and then host the first-ever seder in the most famous house in America. Check out the backmatter that includes a letter from the staffers who made the seder possible, photos from the first seder in the White House, and more. With the gorgeous hardcover available for purchase from Penguin Random House for $18.99, it also makes a great afikomen gift.
About PJ Library
PJ Library inspires joyful Jewish experiences by sending free storybooks and activities to families with children ages 0-12 and offering ways to connect with community. The program was founded in 2005 by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) and, with the support of generous donors and partners, now distributes books in seven languages to more than 650,000 children in over 40 countries every month. The PJ Library family experience is built around the monthly storybooks and also includes family-focused holiday guides and other free gifts. Anyone who visits PJ Library’s website can hear original storytelling podcasts and explore a vast collection of Jewish parenting resources. The program welcomes families across the diversity of Jewish life. Learn more or sign up for monthly children’s books at pjlibrary. org.
Introducing: Tnuva Table, Where Tradition Meets Taste and Convenience
Tnuva USA, the trusted name in kosher dairy products, is proud to introduce the Tnuva Table line, a new range that combines tradition with modern culinary innovation. This collection is designed to enhance everyday meals with quality, versatility, and a dash of global flavor.
Leading the lineup is Halomi, perfect for those who love to discover new channels for culinary creativity. This Mediterranean cheese retains its shape under heat, making it ideal for grilling, frying, or baking. Either cubed or sliced, breaded or plain, it complements a variety of dishes, providing delicate flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
Feta Delight, Tnuva’s Danish-Style Feta, is a smooth, creamy feta that adapts to your culinary needs, whether you’re dressing a salad, spreading on bread, or enriching a baked dish. Available in three fat percentages: 5%, 16%, and 24%, the new products highlight the brand’s commitment to catering to diverse dietary preferences.
Extending our innovation to snacking, Tnuva is excited to unveil Labaneh To Go — our tangy Labaneh with crispy crackers in a convenient, portable package. Plain or with olive oil and zaatar, it is a satisfying, protein-rich snack that’s perfect for health-conscious individuals on the go, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or at work.
Every product under the Tnuva Table brand is produced with the highest standards of quality and under the strict supervision of the Vaadat Mehadrin. Tnuva USA CEO and President Gilad Hachmon remarked, “We’re proud of our new Tnuva Table series, and delighted with the contribution that Tnuva products make to good times spent with family and friends!”
Halomi and Vegetable Skewers
This recipe combines the salty, chewy texture of Halomi with the freshness of grilled vegetables, making it a colorful and tasty dish that’s perfect for grilling season or any festive occasion.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes not including grilling
Ingredients
1 block Tnuva Halomi Cheese, cut into cubes
1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red onion, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the Tnuva Halomi cheese, zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating the ingredients.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Brush mixture over the skewers.
4. Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the cheese has grill marks.
5. Serve the skewers hot, with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
CONVERSOS and QUEEN ESTHER
Rosal Mendez
“Esther … advised the Jews to repent by fasting. This act of repentance saved the Jews from destruction.” (Yalkut Me’am Lo’ez The Book of Esther,R.Y. Culi, transl. R. Aryen Kaplan, c. 1978)
“So important was the Fast of Esther to Marranos that it was considered proof by the Inquisition that a person professed to be a “New Christian” was actually a Jew.” (“Queen Esther & The Jews of Spain,” S. Katz, OU, Feb. 28, 2018.)
In 1691 three Chuetas, Jewish Conversos of Mallorca, Spain were burnt alive at an Auto-da-Fé by the Spanish Inquisition. The story of Rafael Vallis, Rafael Benito Terongi, and his sister Catalina Terongi is poignantly told in Rabbi Nachman Seltzer’s book Incredible! From the Bronx to Bnei Brak: The amazing true story of Rabbi Yossi Wallis (Shaar Press, Mesorah Publications, c.2016).
Rafael Vallis was ancestor of Rabbi Yossi Wallis of Arachim in Israel and of his father Yehuda “Yeedle” Wallis. Rabbi Wallis’
father recalled an ancient family Chumash passed down listing each generation’s father. The first name was Rafael Vallis from Mallorca, burned by the Inquisition.
When the Spanish government permitted access to Inquisition archives, the files of Rafael Vallis, his student Rafael Benito Terongi, and Terongi’s sister, Catalina Terongi appeared. This discovery spurred Rabbi Wallis to visit Spain and copy the Inquisition record on Rafael Vallis. Tortured, Rafael Vallis had admitted receiving guidance from rabbis abroad instructing Conversos to observe one special mitzvah: “that Spanish Jews keep the Fast of Esther, the most vital mitzvah for your community.” Through this act they would always remember they were Jews:
“Queen Esther was the first Marrano in Jewish history...[who] pretended to be like everyone else, but inside, never ceased keeping the commandments and acting like a daughter of Israel. [T]he Fast of commemorates her bravery, will remind us who we are.”
The three Kedoshim, condemned for the “crime” of instructing their fellow
Chuetas in this mitzvah, suffered two years of torture before being led to the pyre, where they were placed close to the fire to slowly burn to death. A priest held a cross should they “repent” last minute and “accept the cross” to be strangled rather than burnt alive. The slow roasting of their bodies began to have an effect on Rafael Vallis, who at one point lifted his hand for the priest. What followed next:
“Catalina was tied to a neighboring pillar. Upon seeing Vallis raising his hand, she screamed with her final bit of strength, ‘Don’t give in. They are only able to burn our clothing, they won’t be able to touch our souls!’”
Hearing her, Rafael Vallis refused the cross and the three died Al Kiddush Hashem.
Centuries later, Rabbi Yossi Wallis’ trip to Mallorca was the catalyst bringing the Chuetas back to Torah and Am Yisrael. In Bnei Brak, Rabbi Wallis went to Rav Nissim Karelitz zt”l seeking halachic direction, relating that in Mallorca were 20,000 men, women and children, Jewish, with an unbroken material line documented by family trees
and Church records.
The Beis Din conducted a thorough examination of records documenting their Jewish descent. On the day before Shavuot, holy day of Matan Torah, the Beis Din issued its decision, stamped by Rav Nissim Karelitz. The verdict:
“All descendants of Marranos who reside in Majorca, Spain, and possess the necessary documents attesting to their family tree and lineage, are Jewish in every way and need to be dealt with accordingly.”
Rabbi Wallis concludes: “I remember how a Jewish woman screamed out with her last vestige of strength, ‘They are only able to burn our clothing, but they can’t touch our souls!’ and I tell myself that words like those are the backbone that have kept our nation intact from time immemorial. How it was the power of the Jewish women that kept us strong: from Queen Esther in Achashveirosh’s palace, to Catalina Terongi being burned at the stake in the square in Majorca, Spain, in 1691.”
Do you know…? Parshas Vayeitzei
Do You Know...? Parshas Terumah
when Yakov came to Har Hamoria?
What was the name of Lavan’s wife?
Stories to Inspire
wanted Yakov to go to sleep so He made
How did Moshe count the Yidden?
1. He collected a half-shekel from everyone
2. He collected a chocolate coin from everyone
1. Adina
Who was in charge of the building of the Mishkan?
2. Adidas
1. Bob the Builder
Faith in the Face of Darkness
didn’t pay the electric bill switched to Daylight Losing Time sending him to Harhamoria, Alabama, time he realized it, it was very late
3. He made them all sit on the counter
4. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, he sang the longest “Hoshia es amecha” ever
rocks that Yakov put around his
What was the half-shekel used for in the first year?
1. They melted them down and made the silver sockets for the Mishkan walls
into a fluffy pillow rock band a donut eating contest into one stone the Yarden river?
2. They melted them down and made electric sockets for the Mishkan walls
3. They saved them until motzai Shabbos and used them for Half-dalah
What was the half shekel used for other years?
1. To buy animals for korbanos
2. To buy animal crackers
3. To buy new counters
4. To buy new Havdalah candles
his staff until the winter when it froze, and he
What mitzvah do we learn from the kohanim washing their hands and feet from the Kiyor?
ferry across the chicken and the fox, then the chicken back, then ……..
1. That before we eat bread we must wash our hands
2. That before we eat bread we must wash our feet
the well when he saw Rochel?
3. That before we eat bread we must build a kiyor
4. That we should eat animal crackers
for water for his camels
selfie put her in a box the heavy stone Yakov?
What did Moshe do with the leftover anointing oil?
1. He saved it and used it for his Chanukah menorah
2. He made latkes o Chanukah
3. He used it instead of an alarm clock to help him wake up oily in the morning
4. It was used to anoint the Jewish kings in later generations
and he wanted his mummy giving hugs
National Hug-a-Lavan Day checking for hidden money and gifts
What was miraculous about the anointing oil?
1. Even though they only found enough for one day it lasted eight days
any money or gifts?
2. A double portion of it fell on Fridays 3. No matter how much they used it never ran out
all from him Spirit Airlines gashmiyus!
4. When the Jews threw it, it turned into arrows and spears
2. Betzalel
3. Noach
3. Lavanah
4. Mrs. Stevens
4. Mr. Stevens
How did Lavan trick Yakov?
Who was Betzalel’s assistant?
1. Oholiav
2. Oholei Torah
3. Charvonah
1. He claimed his name was Besuel
M4. Mrs. Stevens
2. There were no Franks ‘n Blanks at the smorgasbord
Why did Aharon ask the men to get their wives’ jewelry?
3. He had a secret card in his sleeve
1. To delay them until Moshe came back
4. He gave him Leah instead of Rochel
2. He was going to melt them down and make sockets for the Mishkan walls
oshe Avitan was an ordinary man living in a town near Israel’s border, an area where violence lurked in the shadows. One night, as he drove down a dark road with his wife, a car behind him flashed its headlights repeatedly. Thinking it was an impatient Israeli driver trying to pass, Moshe signaled, moved to the side, and let the car overtake him.
But this was no ordinary driver.
What did Lavan say about why he tricked Yakov?
3. Actually, they thought he said “Can you please get me your wives’ earrings” but he really said “Can you please get me Wise onion rings”
1. It’s not our minhag for the younger sister to marry first
4. For a present for Mrs. Stevens
2. I trick people for a living
When Moshe came down from Har Sinai what did he see?
3. I don’t hold of the Eruv
1. The Jews were serving a golden calf
2. The Jews were serving supper
As the vehicle pulled up alongside him, the man inside rolled down his window. Moshe, assuming he needed something, lowered his own. In an instant, a machine gun emerged, and the night exploded with gunfire.
A bullet ripped through Moshe’s left cheekbone. Blood poured everywhere. His vision blurred. He ducked, hit the brakes, and fought to control the car to keep himself and his wife alive. The terrorist’s vehicle swerved in front of them, spraying bullets through the windshield.
His wife screamed.
4. Did you hear about the mommy goat who claimed she couldn’t give birth and she wasn’t kidding?
3. The Jews were trying to learn how to count to forty
4. The Jews were eating chocolate coins
How did Lavan trick Yakov again?
What did the Jews do with the golden calf?
Moshe, bleeding and half-blind, struggled to stay conscious. Fearing that the attacker might return to finish the job, his wife quickly took the wheel. She dialed for help while racing toward the nearest Israeli settlement, Kochav Hashachar.
1. He changed his promise of payment
1. They melted it down and made sockets for the Mishkan walls
2. He claimed he didn’t know what speckled or spotted sheep were
2. Although most Jews didn’t, some of them offered korbanos to it
Upon arrival, she pulled Moshe out of the car and laid him on the ground. Blood filled his throat, threatening to suffocate him. She repeatedly pulled out his tongue, trying to clear his airway until the ambulance finally arrived.
A Moment of Truth
3. He said, “I thought you said, ‘dotted sleep’!”
3. They used it to give a calf-shekel
4. They made golden hamburgers
4. When he changed the clocks, he sprang backward and fell forward
At the hospital, Moshe was rushed into emergency surgery. His wife paced the floor, whispering prayers, uncertain if she would ever see him alive again.
The Power of Preparation
Years later, Moshe stood before an audience, sharing his story. He described his recovery, his losses, and his unwavering faith. When the floor opened for questions, a rabbi in the back— who had been waiting impatiently—finally got his turn.
“How?” he asked, with just one word.
“How is that your response? How do you get shot in the face, lose your eyesight, and still write those words? How does someone reach that level of faith?”
Moshe’s answer was as profound as it was simple:
“I didn’t think of it in that moment. I didn’t have the strength in that moment. But I had said those words a hundred million times before.”
He continued:
“When I spilled my coffee, I said, ‘Everything God does is for the best.’
When I tore my new suit on a nail, I said, ‘Everything God does is for the best.’
When I tripped and skinned my knee, I said, ‘Everything God does is for the best.’
Because if you say it a thousand times in the small moments, when a moment comes that requires Herculean faith, you are ready.”
The Purim Connection: Seeing Through the Darkness
Purim teaches us that recognizing divine providence in broad daylight is not enough. The true challenge is to see it in the darkness. That is why the mitzvah of reading the Megillah is not performed once, but twice—at night and again in the day.
What did Moshe wear so that the Jews shouldn’t see the rays of light shining from his face?
Why was Lavan upset that Yakov left secretly?
Hours later, he emerged, wrapped in bandages. His whole head was covered in gauze, his face swollen and bruised.
She sat beside him, waiting. Finally, he stirred.
We do not say Shema at night and in the day.
We do not eat matzah at night and in the day.
We do not shake the lulav at night and in the day.
5. Sun block
1. Someone stole his idols
6. Funny nose glasses
7. A veil
“Can you speak?” she asked, holding her breath.
2. Someone stole his iPad 5 DSI WiiU 10,000
8. A screen protector
He nodded. Relief flooded the room.
3. He wanted to give him shliach mitzvah gelt
4. He loved giving hugs!
The moment arrived to remove the bandages. Carefully, they peeled away the layers. When the final wrap was lifted, his wife leaned forward.
“Moshe,” she asked, her voice trembling, “can you see?”
What did Yaakov tell Lavan to explain why he ran away?
But Moshe didn’t answer her question.
Instead, he whispered, “Bring me a piece of paper.”
1. I was afraid you wouldn’t let me leave
2. I was afraid you would hug me again
Confused, she handed him one. He grasped a pen and, with shaky hands, wrote four words:
“
3. The sheep were giving me baaaad dreams
“Everything God does is for the best.”
But we read the Megillah twice. Why?
Because it is easy to see God’s hand when the sun is shining, when miracles are clear. But the real test—the Megillat Esther, the revelation of what is hidden—comes in the darkness of night. If we practice seeing God’s hand when all is bright, we can recognize it even in our moments of suffering.
Moshe Avitan’s story is a living Megillah—a lesson in faith forged in the shadows, illuminated by unwavering belief. And like the story of Purim, it reminds us:
If we learn to see clearly in the daylight, we will never be blind in the dark.
glove compartment was full of gloves room for gifts
4. First you take across the chicken and the fox, then you bring the chicken back, then ……..
Tears streamed down her face. She knew what this meant.
Moshe motioned for another paper. He wrote again:
“
“I plead with you—live with this.”
Once more, he repeated the words:
“Live with this.”
Daniel Agalar, founder of Stories to Inspire, is dedicated to sharing uplifting stories from renowned Rabbonim that touch hearts and transform lives. With over 7 million podcast downloads and an ever-growing collection of 5,350+ stories, the platform inspires a global audience through its website at storiestoinspire. org and hotline (718-400-7145). Join the daily WhatsApp broadcast by messaging 310-210-1205 or tune in on Apple and Spotify podcasts to experience timeless wisdom and positivity.
Daniel Agalar
TThe 64th Annual Trustee Dinner of the Emek Hebrew Academy Teichman Family Torah Center took place on February 19th at the elegant Kanner Hall. Yossi’s Catering provided a delectable menu for the 180 guests, combining exquisite flavors with impeccable presentation. Attendees were entertained by Yoav Gabay Productions and had the opportunity to view a powerful video entitled Past, Present, and Future, created by our videographers, Gabriel and Adam Silverstein. At the event, Emek honored Rabbi Avrohom Wagshul of Yad Menachem and Rabbi Joshua Bittan of Em Habanim, for partnering with us to provide funding for Jewish education. Additionally, a select group of Emek’s fourth grade girls graced the stage to sing for the crowd.
Our Master of Ceremonies and Emek’s Vice President, Mr. Leon R’bibo, warmly welcomed our esteemed Trustees. He expounded the profound significance of Emek’s education, emphasizing that the school serves as a beacon of Torah learning, instilling values and wisdom that extend far beyond the walls of its classrooms. Mr. R’bibo highlighted chessed, good middot, love of Torah, and devotion to Eretz Yisrael as some of these values. More than just an academic institution,
Emek’s 64th Annual Trustee Dinner
Emek shapes the future leaders of our community, instilling in them a deep sense of moral responsibility, an unwavering commitment to Torah, and the strength to be guiding lights in a world full of darkness.
Mr. Israel Bachar, Consul General of Israel, delivered an eloquent and moving speech. He opened by expressing sorrow over the loss of the Bibas family, urging us to Never Forget, Never Bow, and Never Give Up. He reminded the attendees that we are living in historic times, having successfully eliminated some of the most senior terrorist leaders.
Mr. Bachar expressed his gratitude that Emek exists to safeguard Jewish identity, since assimilation poses the greatest threat to our Nation’s continuity. In his words, ‘There is no Jewish nation without Jewish education.’
Rabbi Mordechai Shifman, Emek’s Head of School, extended heartfelt thanks to his dedicated administrative team, stating that Emek is not only a model for Jewish schools in Los Angeles, but an inspiration to Jewish institutions nationwide. He emphasized the cornerstone of Emek’s foundation, that it is built on inclusion and acceptance, whereby families of diverse backgrounds and levels of observance join together to contribute to a culture of Ahavat Yisrael. Loving every Jew, he
stressed, should not be based upon how they look, speak, or dress, but simply because they are a Yid. Rabbi Shifman noted that Emek’s uniqueness and source of its success lies in its unwavering mission, not just to build a school for our children but for all Jewish children.
The evening concluded with a delightful dessert reception, where guests indulged in rich chocolate mousse, refreshing fruit parfaits, and hand-rolled cigars. As a final touch, attendees received elegant parting gifts, leaving them with lasting memories of a truly special night.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs. Sandra R’bibo for orchestrating such a spectacular event. And to our dedicated Trustees—your presence and involvement made this evening truly magical.
(FEB 8, 2025, Bayonne, NJ) – The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Tasting Competition has awarded top honors to Royal Wine Corp, a producer, importer and distributor of the finest kosher wines and spirits, headquartered in Bayonne, NJ. In total the company was awarded ten medals, Best of Show/Double gold, three gold medals and six silver medals.
The 2025 Wine and Spirits Tasting Competition is a highlight of Access LIVE, sponsored by Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America and the Tasting Alliance, which brings together various tiers of the industry for constructive dialogue, product education and business relationships. This year’s contest pitted hundreds of products in blind, head-tohead tastings to pick the finest, most flavorful drinks in 35 diverse categories.
The Best of Show/Double Gold medal (score 97) was awarded to Psagot 2021 Peak, a premium non-Bordeaux Blend produced in Judean Hills, Israel ($55), distributed by Royal Wine Corp.
Three Gold medals were awarded to:
• Herzog 2022 Special Edition Cabernet Sauvignon, (score 93), Rutherford District, Napa Valley, USA ($100), produced by Royal Wine Corp.
• Flam 2021 Noble (score 94) Judean Hills, Israel, ($90), distributed by Royal Wine Corp.
• Chateau Roubin 2023 Hippy Rose (score 94), Mediterranee, France ($20), distributed by Royal Wine Corp.
Six Silver Medals were awarded to:
• Herzog 2023 Special Reserve Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, USA ($40)
• Herzog 2023 Special Edition Pinot Noir, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, USA ($55)
• Herzog NV Special Reserve Methode Champenoise Brut, Russian River Valley
USA ($50)
• Yatir 2021 Forest, Yatir Forest, Israel ($90)
• Sonoma-Loeb 2022 Dignitary Cabernet Sauvignon, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, USA ($80)
• Sonoma- Loeb 2023 Dignitary Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, USA ($30)
“We are exceptionally honored and grateful for this coveted industry accolade, and to be recognized by top viniculture professionals. We are pleased to produce, distribute and import these fine wines for oenophiles,” says Nathan Herzog, President of Royal Wine Corp.
The contest featured a panel of judges who evaluated all entries to award silver, gold, and double gold designations. Products were judged completely blind — liquid only, no brands or packaging — with each product identified to evaluators by a three-character code. Entries winning double gold in the first round advanced to the second round during which the full panel tasted all products to pick the “Best of Show” winners.
Marriage: Whose Needs Come First?
“You don’t love me anymore” a wife complains. “Didn’t I tell you I love you when we got married? If anything changes I’ll let you know!” This joke goes to the heart of our question: You bought your wife some nice flowers but oy, she walked by & didn’t notice. Should you say anything? After God gives us the gift of Shabbos he says in יכ
“for I am God who sanctified you”1 and the sages learn that “Anyone who gives a gift to his friend needs to inform him.”2 Why inform? If you see a flower and tell your wife : “Look: a flower” you have just reflected reality. However if you say “I got this flower for you” you haven’t only reflected reality, you reinforced it. Your strengthened the bond. Is it required to inform? No, it’s only recommended because you don’t want your wife to feel you’re doing it because there’s a mitzvah, because you want
some credit, because you want to use this to trade favors. No ulterior motive. It is therefore recommended that you ask your wife, honey how do you like the violets? You’ll reinforce your bond and your Shalom Bayit.
Rabbi Nir and his wife Atrian give regular classes on Shalom Bayit. His popular 3 minute podcast is funny and draws Shalom Bayit ideas from the Torah portion of the week. To register: thegameofmarriage@gmail.com
