4-10-25

May our heritage continue to guide us

At Cedars-Sinai, we hold fast to the strong Jewish foundation we were built on over a century ago. Whether partnering with institutions to conduct groundbreaking research, supporting Jewish and community organizations through grants that feed and house our neighbors, or providing spiritual care for Jewish families, we’re here to ensure this holiday of freedom is celebrated in good health.

We wish you a happy Pesach.

EL AL wishes you a holiday filled with renewal, hope, and freedom.

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Dear Reader,

There’s something in the air this time of year — and it’s not just Lysol and lemon juice. It’s the thrum of preparation. Spiritually. Physically. Logistically. Existentially. Pesach is the one Yom Tov that demands your full self — your hands, your head, your heart, and if you’re not careful, your entire sanity.

But that’s what makes it so powerful.

It’s a full-body reset. A Jewish Super Bowl, yes — but also a family reunion, a storytelling masterclass, and a community-wide declaration that our history is still alive and kicking. There’s no other moment on the calendar where tradition, memory, and identity collide in quite the same way.

Which is why this issue of The LA Jewish Home is packed with content that doesn’t just report — it resonates.

We dive deep into the conversations that matter — like the power of a good ad (yes, even those fullpage ones), what makes Pesach the most emotionally loaded marketing season of the year, and why storytelling isn’t just a tool for sales — it’s how we’ve survived 3,000 years.

You’ll also find the classic pieces you rely on each issue — thoughtful divrei Torah, cultural commentary, community spotlights — but all woven together under the theme of clarity,

connection, and yes, chametz-free inspiration.

So before you start peeling vegetables at midnight or doublechecking your kashered countertops for the third time today, take a breath.

Grab this paper. Sit down. Exhale. And let these pages remind you that preparation isn’t just a checklist — it’s a mindset. And if Pesach is all about leaving narrowness behind, then maybe that includes the mental kind too.

As always, we love hearing from you — your feedback, ideas, and yes, your questions about why we do things the way we do. This paper is your home as much as it is ours. And just like the Seder table, it’s the voices around it that make it meaningful.

Wishing you a Chag Kasher V’Sameach — may this Pesach bring liberation not just from physical constraints, but from creative, emotional, and spiritual ones too.

Warmly,

The LA Jewish Home Team

SHABBOS ZEMANIM

Los Angeles, CA:

Shabbat Torah Reading: Tzav

Light Candles at: 7:04 PM

Friday, April 11, 2025, Nissan 13, 5785

Light Pesach Candles at: 8:01 PM

Saturday, April 12, 2025, Nissan 14, 5785

Light Pesach Candles at: 8:02 PM

Sunday, April 13, 2025, Nissan 15, 5785

Yom Tov Ends: 8:03 PM

Monday, April 14, 2025, Nissan 16, 5785

Light Shabbat and Pesach Candles at: 7:10 PM

Friday, April 18, 2025 Nissan 20, 5785

Light Pesach Candles at: 8:07 PM

Saturday, April 19, 2025 Nissan 21, 5785

Yom Tov Ends: 8:08 PM

Sunday, April 20, 2025, Nissan 22, 5785

Shabbat Torah Reading: Shemini

Light Candles at: 7:15 PM

Friday, April 25, 2025 Nissan 27, 5785

Shabbat Ends: 8:13 PM

Saturday, April 26, 2025, Nissan 28, 5785

San Francisco, CA:

Shabbat Torah Reading: Tzav

Light Candles at: 7:24 PM

Friday, April 11, 2025, Nissan 13, 5785

Light Pesach Candles at: 8:23 PM

Saturday, April 12, 2025, Nissan 14, 5785

Light Pesach Candles at: 8:24 PM

Sunday, April 13, 2025, Nissan 15, 5785

Yom Tov Ends: 8:25 PM

Monday, April 14, 2025, Nissan 16, 5785

Light Shabbat and Pesach Candles at: 7:31 PM

Friday, April 18, 2025 Nissan 20, 5785

Light Pesach Candles at: 8:31 PM

Saturday, April 19, 2025 Nissan 21, 5785

Yom Tov Ends: 8:32 PM

Sunday, April 20, 2025, Nissan 22, 5785

Shabbat Torah Reading: Shemini

Light Candles at: 7:37 PM

Friday, April 25, 2025 Nissan 27, 5785

Shabbat Ends: 8:38 PM

Saturday, April 26, 2025, Nissan 28, 5785

Phoenix, AZ:

Shabbat Torah Reading: Tzav

Light Candles at: 6:38 PM

Friday, April 11, 2025, Nissan 13, 5785

Light Pesach Candles at: 7:35 PM

Saturday, April 12, 2025, Nissan 14, 5785

Light Pesach Candles at: 7:36 PM

Sunday, April 13, 2025, Nissan 15, 5785

Yom Tov Ends: 7:37 PM

Monday, April 14, 2025, Nissan 16, 5785

Light Shabbat and Pesach Candles at: 6:44 PM

Friday, April 18, 2025 Nissan 20, 5785

Light Pesach Candles at: 7:41 PM

Saturday, April 19, 2025 Nissan 21, 5785

Yom Tov Ends: 7:42 PM

Sunday, April 20, 2025, Nissan 22, 5785

Shabbat Torah Reading: Shemini

Light Candles at: 6:49 PM

Friday, April 25, 2025 Nissan 27, 5785

Shabbat Ends: 7:47 PM

Saturday, April 26, 2025, Nissan 28, 5785

We’re stepping up. Now we’re asking you to stand with us. Your support makes the difference between vulnerability and protection, between concern and peace of mind. Together, we can make this Pesach safe for everyone. Over 50 Hours of Patrols. One Goal:

This Pesach, Shmira will be on the streets — both Seder nights and throughout the days of Yom Tov — providing over 50 hours of active patrol coverage to keep our families, shuls, and neighborhoods safe.

Are Ads Chametz?

If

So

Then Why Are These Ads Different from All Other Ads?

Yoel (Justin) Oberman shifts uncomfortably in his seat on the Zoom call as he recalls a particularly stinging memory. Several years ago, he found himself at Shabbos services when the rabbi, making direct eye contact with him, launched into a sermon about advertising.

“The first advertiser,” the rabbi declared with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, “was the serpent in Gan Eden.”

The crowd chuckles appreciatively as the rabbi elaborates: the snake had an excellent product, knew his market thoroughly, stressed an essential need, and employed two fundamental advertising formulas – admonition and repetition. Eat the apple, eat the apple.

Oberman, marketing director at The LA Jewish Home and an award-winning veteran creative director who’s worked for several major advertising agencies on Madison Avenue, feels the familiar sting of being cast as the villain in his own community. It’s a moment that encapsulates the peculiar paradox he faces daily – respected in the secular world for his creative talents, yet viewed with suspicion in his Orthodox community for the very same skills.

“It was an amusing allegory,” Oberman reflects, “but deeply disturbing. There’s a major difference between the serpent and advertising people. The snake wanted Adam and Chava to lose their soul. I don’t want anyone to lose anything. In fact, I’m trying to help businesses make more money while at the same time trying to help people connect with products that improve their lives.”

Nevertheless, in the Orthodox Jewish world, the advertising professional occupies a peculiar niche – necessary but suspect, useful but morally ambiguous. While Jewish bankers face antisemitism in the secular world, Jewish admen often face an odd combination of fascination and contempt within their own community.

“That’s why most Orthodox Jews who go into marketing gravitate toward direct response or performance marketing rather than brand creative,” Oberman explains. “Advertising as a science is easier to justify as a business necessity. There are only a handful of us who brave the creative side. But the community views what we do with suspicion – as if we’re using dark arts to manipulate innocent souls.”

The Orthodox Indictment

This critique of advertising from the Orthodox world runs deeper than simple suspicion, however. It’s a multi-layered indictment that touches on fundamental values: modesty, authenticity, spiritual priorities.

Oberman is uniquely positioned to talk about this subject. Besides being a religious Jew who works in advertising, he is also a student of human nature and declared by many on LinkedIn as advertising’s current foremost philosopher and historian. As his partner in a personal branding agency called Genius Scouts Aaron Zakowski puts it, “People always tell me that they don’t know anyone who thinks as much about advertising or knows its history as well as Justin Oberman.” Oberman dismisses these observations to mere curiosity and the results of his trade. “If you think about it,” he points out, “advertising is one of the most expensive sociology and psychology experiments on the planet. Every year brands and companies spend billions of dollars in order to try and change peoples’ behaviors enough to buy their product. When something doesn’t work you stop doing it. So if you really want to study why people do what they do all you really need to do is study advertising.”

And according to Oberman, Orthodox Judaism’s current tension with advertising all comes down to its weird relationship with money.

“During Pesach it is not uncommon to hear speeches equating money and an obsession with it as a kind of chametz – leavened bread, a necessary evil. Unlike the American Puritan spirit that sees wealth as God’s

reward for righteousness, Orthodox Judaism maintains an uneasy relationship with financial success.”

This ambivalence creates what Oberman jokingly refers to as “the Orthodox Money Making Paradox” where prosperity is simultaneously something you pray for and something you shouldn’t desire.

The most indiscreet question you can ask an Orthodox Jew isn’t ‘what do you do?’ but ‘how much do you make?’ “We want to know, but we also don’t want to know,” Oberman jokes. “So people find other ways of finding out.” When we asked how, Oberman puts on one of his famous smirks and asks what my last name is.

Oberman goes on to say that this suspicion extends to anyone who handles money, either professionally or for an organization or school or shul. “And unfortunately,” he sighs, “it follows that since an advertising person is paid to say things that make people more money, they must be lying.”

When asked about other criticism he hears about advertising from the Orthodox community, Oberman recalls a dialogue he once had at a Yeshiva training some of the top rabbis in the country where he was invited to speak. “After my talk they were very quiet,” when I asked them why one of the students declared, “We aren’t against advertising. We just think a good product (Torah) doesn’t need it.”

But not all the criticism comes from Rabbis and yeshiva students. “Many Jewish housewives insist that advertising artificially raises prices – that consumers end up paying for all those glossy spreads and clever campaigns.”

Perhaps the biggest argument against advertising he hears from Orthodox Jews is how it’s “an unnatural force that perverts priorities, elevating physical wants over spiritual needs.”

They like to point out how advertising works against orthodox Judaism by influencing the community with secular values, how it creates unhealthy desires by planting materialistic aspirations in previously contented hearts and tricks people into spending money on things they don’t desire or need.

“Which,” Oberman points out, “is a weird thing to say. Especially when you take a look at most of the Jewish publications during Pesach.”

The Pesach Paradox

And he’s right. For all this righteous condemnation, something peculiar happens each spring as Pesach

approaches. The same community that views advertising with suspicion suddenly embraces it with enthusiasm bordering on frenzy.

Every year, thousands of businesses enter the marketplace with one simple goal: to be seen. Whether you’re Ozery Bakery or AP Marketing, The LA Jewish Home, or H&M — if you’re in business, you’re in the business of getting noticed. That’s where marketing comes into play. It’s not optional, not fluff, but the engine behind every dollar earned. And during Pesach, this engine runs at full throttle.

For eight days — in addition to the intense month leading up to it — Jewish households enter a full sensory, spiritual, and consumer reset. Kitchens are flipped. Closets emptied. Suitcases packed. Seders planned, matzah priced like gold, and parents across the country frantically ask: “What are we doing for Pesach this year?”

While other Jewish holidays have their advertising moments — think lulav and etrog for Sukkot or olive oil for Chanukah — Pesach is a full-blown production. It touches everything: food, fashion, travel, education, and even furniture. From kashering services to luxury programs, it’s the time of year when every brand wants in.

“It’s the Super Bowl of Orthodox Jewish advertising,” Oberman says with a knowing smile. “Everyone forgets their objections when the holiday preparations begin.” Why? Because people need stuff to read during long yontifs. So they pick up the many Jewish magazines that make themselves available for shabbos and yom tov reading. “And, where there are eyeballs there are ads,” Oberman jokes again.

“I know there are some people who say that you shouldn’t read ads on shabbos and Yom Tov. And I am not a Rabbi so I can’t say anything on that subject. But what I do know is that without advertising none of these Jewish publications would exist (remember what I said about the weird relationship with orthodox Judaism and money). So it’s a catch twenty-two.”

And on Pesach, Jewish publications that struggle financially through the year suddenly find themselves flush with ad revenue. Pages that normally feature modest commerce suddenly burst with colorful and creative spreads for everything from specialty kosher-for-Passover products to luxury resort packages.

For Oberman this contradiction reveals something fundamental about the relationship between Orthodoxy and advertising. “It’s not the practice itself that’s problematic but the context. When aligned with religious

observance, advertising becomes not just acceptable but celebrated.”

The pressure is high, the emotion is high, and the spend is high — making it a marketer’s dream if done correctly. It’s why Pesach ads are often the most creative, aggressive, and emotionally charged campaigns of the year — and why it’s the issue in which The LA Jewish Home sees the most ad placement volume. By now, everyone knows that the Super Bowl isn’t just a sports event — it’s an ad showcase. Brands spend millions on 30-second spots, not because of the airtime, but because of the eyeballs. It’s the moment. The platform. The intensity. The guaranteed audience. The Jewish world has its own Super Bowl, and it’s not in February. It’s Pesach — and you don’t want to show up without a game plan.

Front cover? Centerfold? Field position matters. As Pesach approaches, more businesses than usual are eager to get in front of readers. We always see a blitz of ad submissions leading up to this season, but this year’s response has been especially strong.

Print: Not Dead, Just Observant

The phenomenon also highlights one of advertising’s most unique characteristics in the Orthodox world – the continued relevance of print. While digital dominates elsewhere, the religious prohibition against using electronic devices on Shabbat and holidays creates an unusual opportunity for traditional media.

“It’s really fascinating and exciting to me,” Oberman explains. “In a world where digital dominates, the frum community still flips pages. This makes print advertising not just relevant but prime real estate.” Oberman, who started his ad career making print ads before Facebook advertising became a thing, is overjoyed to create the kind of ads he loves to make.

“Print reality produces a distinct breed of advertising – one that must capture attention without the benefit of algorithms, targeting, or metrics. The result is often better creative, attention and brand building unlike anything in mainstream marketing.”

Jewish brands like Liebers, Manischewitz, and travel programs know that flipping through the paper before Yom Tov is where attention actually lives. Mainstream digital tools simply aren’t built with the Jewish consumer in mind.

“Facebook and digital marketing platforms don’t segment Jews well,” Oberman explains. “You can’t just target ‘Shabbat-observant families’ the way you can target ‘yoga moms’ or ‘tech CEOs.’”

Jewish advertising, on the other hand, takes a more values-first approach. “Secular marketing tells you what you want,” Oberman explains. “Jewish marketing tells you what you should want — it invokes identity, tradition, and continuity.”

When asked to name his most favorite Pesach ad, Oberman very quickly points out the nostalgic ads illustrated for Kedem by the acclaimed Reader’s Digest illustrator Chris Payne. But then we begin to see what Zakowski was talking about when he mentioned Oberman’s historical knowledge.

“The best Pesach print ad I’ve ever seen, however, was created by Heinz company in the 1920s or 30s.” Oberman explains how it was actually a kind of anti-ad. “They put out an ad in religious publications reminding people not to buy their products as they weren’t kosher for Passover.” “Why would they do that?” Oberman asks rhetorically. “Because it demonstrates understanding of their Jewish customers. That builds long-term trust that pays dividends the rest of the year.”

Oberman then points out another much more well-known company that does this really well. “A lot of religious Jews don’t know this, but the two-liter bottle of Coca-Cola was invented specifically for the Jewish Shabbos table,” Oberman reveals. He also points out how deep Coca-Cola’s loyalty runs. “When Coca-Cola

The LA Jewish Home

Farbreng with The Kosher Gang:

Don’t Passover

This One!

Where to eat during Chol Hamoed & All Things Pesach.

We went shopping at La Brea Market last week when a disposable barbecue caught my eye. “Levi, I need to get this for Passover,” I said. 50,000 views later, we’re scratching our heads a little, lol. The moment I asked Levi if I could light the thing on Yom Tov, it was like a rabbi instantaneously spawned out of nowhere. He quickly clarified that we could, for sure, light the barbecue from an existing flame, like a candle.

My name is David Greenberg. I run the social media account @WeWantMoschiachNow on TikTok, IG, and YouTube. I wasn’t able to kasher my entire kitchen for Pesach this year. Instead, I had to sell a huge portion of it. So a barbecue I could throw away at the end of the week seemed like a novel idea. And after an exchange over toasty buns, the rabbi left me reassured it could work.

That is until we found out that I could just eat out during Chol Hamoed. There are a lot of restaurants open for Pesach in town this year! But before we get to that, we gotta tell you about another fun video we made this week: we literally ranked every kosher-for-Passover snack. We ate snacks for legitimately 3 hours. Levi, how are you feeling after all that eating?

“Ughhhh… Oi vey, my stomach hurts! But boy, am I glad to have tried such a wide variety of sugary, grainless goodies. It’s not every day you get to run a marathon with your stomach in Ralph’s parking lot, watching helicopters fly by and police sirens going off—to say the least! To be honest, the Schmerling's Kids chocolate bar was straight shamayim to my holy neshama’s taste buds. And OH MY! BH!! Thank you for Kosher l’Pesach Bissli. I had no idea that matzah meal could replace, and arguably surpass, the classic Israeli Bissli. These were the bigger highlights from our Passover Palooza video—available on our new YouTube channel, Farbreng With The Kosher Gang.”

I really liked the baked goods too! Zizgit made some cupcakes and brownies that were softer than I thought was possible for Passover cakes. Even Better? Having all that Cholov Yisroel chocolate. That was the highlight for me. I only took on Cholov Yisroel six months ago, and a couple of the videos I made

about it have reached a lot of people. So, I was excited to try some of the commenters’ suggestions. We started with a whole lot of Schmerling’s.

In my last chocolate video, I got Schmerling’s milk chocolate, and everyone told me I got the wrong kind. So, we had to make up for it this time, and Levi wasn’t lying—the Schmerling’s Kids is absolutely, positively a straight-up elite chocolate bar. As of writing this, I have every intention of buying a case of them before Pesach starts.

“David, I think there’s a plethora of people who would agree they all need their chocolate fix. Myself, semi-guiltily and semi-sweetly included—especially on Passover. But the sweetest thing of all is remembering the sweet freedom of leaving Egypt. We are all escaping our inner Mitzrayim and bringing redemption to this world through telling the story of Pesach to our fellow Jews. This is who we are, a nation bonded by G-d’s saving grace. Dayenu—even one miracle would have been enough! Yet we live to tell the story this year with the gift of abundant kosher snacks in your local Los Angeles Jewish communities.”

Amen! We have a lot to be grateful for. First and foremost is our freedom and all the blessings that have been done for us. On a smaller scale, we can also be grateful to have some pretty great restaurant options around town this year. There isn’t a ton, but Lieder’s, Trattoria, Natalie, and Benny’s Grill are all open for Chol Hamoed—and they’re all offering something unique!

Where Heimish Meets Hollywood

Poppers, Yapchik, and a Whole Lotta Neshama. Lieder’s in Pico is comfort food taken to its uppermost echelon. Located at 8721 W. Pico Blvd. I think I’m going to be here a lot over Chol Hamoed.

“I couldn’t agree with you more, David! Wow, it’s funny how we’re actually on the same page here. I love Moroccan salmon so much that I’m simply more inclined to marry a Moroccan woman. Lol. Lieder’s did a great job with cooking the fish to a softness that was made even juicier and more flavorful with the sauce. That Yapchik was lip-smacking and surprisingly good! I ordered it on a whim and was satisfied with the meat-to-kugel ratio. The fact that I like this Yapchik is the highest of praises since I am not the biggest fan of kugel. (Ashkenazim, don’t sue me please.) I am also Ashkenazi—and so is Lieder’s. I write this with honesty and innocence. I plead not guilty.”

I guess we’re agreeing today, huh? There’s a first time for everything, I guess. I think the Yapchik knocked my socks off the most. Kugel is a top-five Jewish food, so I guess we’ll never agree on everything! Moroccan fish is one of my favorite foods, and they did it excellently. But the Yapchik transported my neshama straight to Gan Eden and back. The BBQ, too—I think that’s going to be my biggest go-to order over the chag because it’s just so versatile. Cut open a potato, BOOM—throw in some of that beef! Forget about it! That’s next-level eating right there.

“You know what’s really next level? Drinking four Lieder’s of wine at the Pesach seder. Seriously though, that beef barbecue would be great with a brisket and a holy hagafen blessing.”

I would drink four cups of their Yapchik straight from a blender. Chas v’shalom that I should ever need to, but that Yapchik really is that good.

“Is it fair to say their Yapchik could compete with any cholent? Or is that just my wishful thinking for Passover?”

Yeah idk about all that… but it’s fire enough to stand out in its own right. When it comes to a score, I’m getting the rare sense you’re actually going to give a good one here. Am I right?

“Your spidey senses are right. I’m giving Lieder’s a whopping 9/10!”

Dang! Are you getting soft on us after just three articles, Levi? I honestly get it though! This one’s just too good. It’s a high-score kind of place.

I’m giving it a 94 out of 100. Right up there with all the best foods in town, and one of our highest scores so far!

If you’re looking for some classic comfort over Chol Hamoed, head to Lieder’s. Get yourself some yap Yapchik chik, maybe some Moroccan fish, and get ready for a heimish taste of heaven. Food that tastes this good has to be a sign that Moshiach is coming any second. May it be today!

Lieder's:

@LeviParisMusic Hot Take: 9.2/10

@WeWantMoschiachNow Overall Score: 94 out of 100

Fire-Kissed

Flavor the Sephardi Way

“Now that our stomachs are properly satisfied with Lieder’s, let’s talk about another heavy hitter: Benny’s Grill.”

“Located at 11540 Santa Monica Blvd., Benny’s Grill is like the undercover boss of the kosher food scene—one man, one grill, and a menu that’s got more personality than your bubbe’s kugel. Benny runs a solo operation, but his flavors pack enough punch to feed an army. I ordered the beef soltani with the grilled vegetables and let me tell you, they were so juicy with flavor that I didn’t even need any sauces. My order didn’t come with any sauces, but there was salad dressing with a complimentary salad.”

“For those who eat rice on Passover—cough cough Sephardim—there is tahdig rice available. I got regular rice with my order, but that crispy rice looked incredible! I mean, who can resist such a Persian masterpiece?!”

Me! My non-kitniyot, non-gebrokts-eating Chabad behind can resist it—at least during Pesach! The Soltani platter was epic. The grilled veggies were pretty fire too—no pun intended. The kebab was classic, well-seasoned, Mediterranean goodness.

“I really enjoyed everything I had at Benny’s. Sans the rice, I would definitely stop by here too over Chol Hamoed.

What are you thinking, score-wise, Levi? Are you telling me we’re getting back-to-back positive reviews once again? BH!

“Ya know? As far as a beef kebab goes, this sure as heck does it for me! Am I going to write to the Queen of England about it? Unlikely. But I am compelled to share my genuine satisfaction.”

“Flavor-wise, Benny’s nails a 9/10. Texture to tongue, a fair 8/10. Outdoorsy atmosphere, 8.2/10.”

“On the Levi’s Kosher Food Scale, I’m giving Benny’s Grill an overall score of 8/10.”

I seriously can’t believe my eyes! This is becoming a trend for you—perhaps your harsh scoring days are behind you! I’m so proud.

In fact, I’m right there with you, brother. I don’t know what it is this week, but we’re just in sync. Should we start a boy band?

For real though, I think the food was very tasty and a cut above. I would recommend it, especially during the chag!

I’m giving Benny’s Grill an 86 out of 100. It’s a classic taste with modern flair, and I respect the hustle of Benny the owner—out there running the show, on his own, day in and day out.

When you’re craving kebab, Benny’s Grill is a perfect choice, during Chol Hamoed, or after. The skewers dance on the flames—and so will your taste buds.

Benny’s Grill:

@LeviParisMusic Hot Take: 8/10

@WeWantMoschiachNow Overall Score: 86 out of 100

Another great week of kosher eating in the books! BH! Benny’s Grill and Lieder’s have our endorsement for your Chol Hamoed meals. Wishing you a Good Yom Tov and a Chag Pesach Sameach! 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

Lou’s Views

Trump’s Tariffs Terrific or Terrible Idea?

President Trump ran on the platform that he was going to realign the economy and bring back jobs and manufacturing to the United States that have been outsourced to other countries. He announced that he was going to accomplish this goal by issuing tariffs. His philosophy is that the U.S. economy will suffer short term pain in exchange for long term gain.

A tariff is a tax or duty imposed by a government on imported or exported goods. It’s mainly used for two reasons: 1. Protect Domestic Industries – By making imported goods more expensive, tariffs encourage consumers to buy locally-produced products. 2. Generate Revenue – Tariffs can be a source of income for governments, especially in countries where other forms of taxation are limited.

Consumers often end up paying more because tariffs increase the cost of imported goods, and businesses usually pass those extra costs on to the consumer. For example, let’s say a 20% tariff is imposed on imported washing machines. A washing machine that used to cost $500 to import now costs $600 (with the $100 tariff added). The retailer doesn’t want to lose money, so they raise the selling price—maybe to $650 or $700—to cover the increased cost and still make a profit. Now, customers have to pay more for the same washing machine, even though the product itself hasn’t changed. This is a classic example of inflation.

Trump argues that foreign countries are unfairly undercutting American manufacturers by flooding the market with cheap goods (sometimes heavily subsidized by their governments). Tariffs, he claimed, would make imported goods more expensive, help level the playing field for U.S. companies, and encourage businesses to produce more goods in the U.S., creating jobs.

If Trump was playing chicken with the rest of the world, he lost round one.

China immediately retaliated with a 34%

tariffs on all goods, European Union leaders also are considering countermeasures, and the suddenly antagonistic relationship with Canada and Mexico will have to be smoothed over during United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement talks in coming months.

Markets recoiled at the developments, sending stocks into a vicious threeday sell-off that put the Nasdaq Composite, home to powerhouse Silicon Valley names that Trump has been courting in the early days of his second term, into a bear market.

“ONLY THE WEAK WILL FAIL!”

Trump proclaimed on Truth Social.

The stock market dropped $6 trillion in value as the Dow Jones Industrial Average hemorrhaged more than 3,900 points in a two-day span, something it’s never done before.

“I think this is the biggest policy mistake in 95 years,” Wharton School professor Jeremy Siegel said on CNBC. “This is a self-inflicted wound. It’s an unforced error – did not have to happen.”

Elon Musk, who up until now has been a staunch supporter of Trump’s economic policies, publicly opposed the tariffs. It might have something to do with his net worth dropping by $11 billion since the announcement of the tariffs.

The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board proposes that a lawsuit be filed to stop these tariffs: “There is also the not-sosmall matter of the rule of law. Mr. Trump justifies his tariffs by declaring a national emergency under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. No previous President has used that law to impose tariffs. Mr. Trump is stretching his authority much as Joe Biden did with his student-loan forgiveness.

Congress has circumscribed the President’s power to impose tariffs, allowing it on imports that threaten national security (Section 232) or in response to “large and serious” balance-of-payments deficits (Section 122), a surge of imports that harms U.S. industry (201), and discriminatory trade practices (301).

None of these trade provisions empowers Mr. Trump to impose tariffs on all imports from all countries based on an arbitrary formula. Section 122 lets a President impose tariffs of up to 15% in response to trade deficits, but Congress must approve them after 150 days. Someone should sue to block his abuse of power.

Mr. Trump’s tariffs are the biggest policy shock to the world trading system since Richard Nixon blew up Bretton Woods in 1971. As with that decision, Mr. Trump is acting with little understanding about the damage his tariffs will cause. The “disturbance” might not be as little as he imagines.”

Peggy Noonan of the Wall Street Journal is no fan of tariffs either. She writes:

“The administration’s roughness is in pursuit of what? Alienation? In what way could that benefit us? We’re becoming a nation of preppers, fearing the fragility of complex systems and seeing the particular talents of our foes. It is odd, at this moment, to alienate the people next door, who have fewer enemies and, in case of hacked grids, lots of electricity.

The new American aggression is a terrible mistake. We are making the world colder. We are making our world colder. And that in time and in ways we don’t anticipate will make us more vulnerable. Which means weaker. In any case it is gross and ignorant to throw old affection away, and to think the only day that counts is today.”

Josh Hammer takes a more optimistic approach in the LA Times: It is that noble

impulse that seems, in the year 2025, to motivate President Trump as he embarks upon the most aggressive tariff campaign the nation has seen in decades. Investors, invariably in thrall to classroom theory, have reacted poorly. But this experiment has just begun; the jury is still out.

Truth be told, we may not know the full effects for years. But already, there have been at least some positive signs that Trump’s promised approach has been working. In February, Apple — the largest company in the world by market capitalization — announced it would invest $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. Johnson & Johnson has pledged $55 billion in U.S. investment, and Nvidia allegedly plans to invest “several hundred billion” dollars in electronics manufacturing. Other recent examples abound, and we should expect the trend to continue.”

Trump may very well have good intentions. But timing is everything. For the past four years, most Americans have been struggling financially. Inflation has been high, housing prices have skyrocketed and interest rates climbed faster than they are coming down. More Americans are dipping into their retirement accounts than ever before taking hardship withdrawals.

Trump needs to ask himself if this is the right time to experiment with the economy. No question he’s a risk-taker and it’s probably paid off for him in many situations. But this time he is playing with everyone else’s money, and he needs to be mindful and sensitive to that. If he continues to push this agenda and the U.S. economy doesn’t react favorably to it, then his relationships with other countries will be the least of his issues.

Lou Shapiro is a criminal defense attorney-certified specialist and legal analyst, but most importantly, makes the end-of-shul announcements at Adas Torah. He can be reached at LouisJShapiro@gmail. com.

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

LEAPING FORWARD

Here are a few words from Rabbi Menachem Brod on the energy associated with this time of year:

“The word ‘Pesach’ means skipping, jumping, or passing over. Among all the technical preparations for this holiday, let’s not forget the secret message of Pesach — that we have the power to leap over every obstacle, to save ourselves and be redeemed. That was the situation at the time of our redemption from Egypt. A moment before our deliverance, we were slaves with no idea how our situation could ever change, and then we suddenly left slavery for freedom.

There are times when history

moves forward ever so slowly. At other times, as happened on Pesach, there is a sudden rush that leaves the old reality behind as we leap ahead. We break through and step forward into a completely new reality.

The month of Nissan and the holiday of Pesach give us the strength to make this leap. God helps every individual, both on the personal and national level, to rise to the loftiest spiritual heights, to truly change, to merit an abundance of good things. To paraphrase a statement from the Gemara: Just as we were redeemed in the past, so may we be redeemed in the days immediately ahead.”

‘DON’T RETURN AN EMPTY POT’

Maayan Bar Yochai from the Education Department of the Sderot Municipality wrote to me about a meaningful outing for the local elementary school children just before Pesach. She writes: “There’s a saying in Moroccan: ‘Don’t return an empty pot.’ After completing a weeklong program on social and emotional resilience, we went to ‘return a full pot,’ to say thank you to everyone who helped us.”

The students went to the evac-

uation centers where they stayed after October 7, 2023. “This time, they arrived not as evacuees needing help, but as children coming to say thank you,” Maayan wrote. “We returned to the schools and hotels in Eilat, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, and Netanya – and this time from a place of abundance, resilience, and strength. We bless everyone with the ability to always be able to return a full pot.”

BRING A CHAIR

I have already written in this space about the need for peak sensitivity during this period, about the need for a safe, non-toxic space. So many people are on edge, struggling emotionally and otherwise. There is such a great need for small human gestures: a hug, some attention. Here is one of the many responses I received. Tali Versano-Eisman, a Home Front Command instructor for children, wrote the following big-little story:

“I visited the kibbutzim in the Gaza vicinity and witnessed the burnt, broken homes. I entered the home of the Bachar family from Kibbutz Be’eri. On October 7, terrorists broke in and set it on fire. The family was trapped in their safe room for 22 hours — without water, without toilets. Surrounding them were only the sounds of horror, fire, and paralyzing dread.

“When the IDF forces finally arrived, they discovered that the door to the safe room could not be opened. The exhausted family had to be rescued through the small window. When the mother, Inbal Zecharia Bachar, approached the window, her son Maayan said to her simply: ‘Wait, Ima, I’ll bring you a chair.’ It is at this point in the story that Inbal’s voice breaks. Not when describing the terrorists, not the fire that consumed their home, not the endless hours of terror. But at her son’s simple comment.

“In the midst of hell, when everything was burned and shattered, that chair symbolizes something that the fire could not consume - love, humanity, and care for one another. The simplest

and smallest gestures, especially in moments of trauma and mortal danger, reveal the deepest humanity in us. After 22 hours of existential fear, thirst, absolute uncertainty, and terror—the son’s concern for his mother’s comfort represents a moment of kindness and love.

“That chair is still there, next to the safe room in Be’eri — a symbol of the resilience of the human spirit and the hope that can sprout even within the darkest moments. Look around and bring a chair.”

MESSAGE FROM ELI SHARABI

With all the “noise” we’re hearing these days, it’s worthwhile to hearken to Eli’s weak but clear voice. After 491 days in Hamas captivity, he traveled to New York to deliver a speech in the U.N. and then went to pray at the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

After visiting the Ohel Eli said: “I’m not a religious person. I was in the darkest place, 50 meters underground. What gave me strength every day was to recite Shema Yisrael in the morning, to sing Eishet Chayil every Friday night and to make Kiddush — over water because we

didn’t have any wine. It gave me and the other hostages so much strength— we felt the power of our faith and it helped us survive nearly 500 terrible days of captivity.”

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director at Chabad World Headquarters, asked Eli to convey a message to the Jewish people. Eli, whose wife Lianne and two daughters were murdered by Hamas, said: “With the power of faith it is possible to conquer everything. The power of faith. And unity, our unity, is the most important.”

The chair placed next to the safe room in Be’eri is still there

Sderot children visit the people who helped them in the aftermath of Oct. 7

The Four Sons: A Tapestry of Individualized Communication Pesach

The Talmud Yerushalmi in Pesachim provides us with one of the most famous Midrashim on the entire Hagaddah, ‘K’neged Arba’ah Banim’, the story of the Four Sons. This story offers a rich tapestry of psychological insight when viewed through the lense of individualization of attention whether for children or generalized overall. Communication works for those who work at it. Each individualized interaction is an opportunity to create a connection.

The Four Sons embody a spectrum of personalities and inclinations, from the wise and inquisitive, the simple and naive, the rebellious and disengaged, and the silent and introspective. Each son represents a unique blend of characteristics, requiring a customized approach to nurture their growth and understanding. Just as in individualized child-centered parenting, where caregivers adapt their guidance to suit the needs of each child, the Haggadah reminds us of the importance of recognizing and honoring the distinctiveness of each individual within our families and communities.

Each of the four sons corresponds to a passuk in Torah, in which Hashem indicates instruction given by a father to his child. The Chasam Sofer teaches us from ‘K’neged Arba’ah Banim’ - the word ‘K’neged’ can be translated as ‘According to the four children.’ According to the needs of each child, we must adapt our techniques, depending on what the child needs in each particular situation. What works for one child may not work for another. We must help each person on their own level. We must validate others, show them love, recognize their needs and be there for them. We must adjust and tailor to each person individually. ‘K’neged Arba’ah Banim’ - according to the needs of each one of our children.

Here are communication tips and steps for each personality type:

1. Chacham (The Wise Son):

• Tip: Engage in thoughtful discussion and provide depth.

• Steps: The Chacham is eager to learn and understand deeply. Encourage their curiosity by engaging in meaningful conversations, answering their questions thoroughly, and providing additional resources for further exploration.

2. Rasha (The Rebellious Son):

• Tip: Approach with empathy and understanding.

• Steps: The Rasha may challenge or question tradition, but it’s essential not to dismiss or condemn them outright. In-

stead, try to understand their perspective, validate their concerns, and engage in open dialogue. Encourage critical thinking while also emphasizing empathy and respect for tradition.

3. Tam (The Simple Son):

• Tip: Provide clear and straightforward explanations.

• Steps: The Tam may not ask many questions or show much interest initially, but they still deserve clear and accessible explanations. Avoid overwhelming them with complex or abstract concepts. Instead, offer simple, concrete explanations that they can easily understand and relate to.

4. She’eino Yodea Lish’ol (The One Who Does Not Know How to Ask):

• Tip: Be patient and proactive in offering guidance.

• Steps: This person may struggle to articulate questions or express curiosity. Be patient and observant, paying attention to cues that indicate their interest. Offer gentle prompts, share stories, and provide opportunities for them to engage at their own pace. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their curiosity.

Tailoring your message to the individual shows that you value them enough to speak their language. The Haggadah’s response to each son demonstrates the art of tailoring communication and guidance to meet the needs of the individual. Similarly, in our interactions with others, whether in parenting, teaching, or mentoring roles, adjusting our approach to resonate with each person individually fosters understanding, connection, and growth. In a world full of noise, personalized communication is the signal that breaks through. May we learn from the lessons of the Haggadah to understand the unique needs and perspectives of all people by learning to speak their language.

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

Self-Reflection for Pesach

Pesach isn’t just about matzah, maror, and the four questions. It’s about freedom—not just from Pharaoh, but from the things that hold us back in our own lives. Every year, we sit at the Seder as if we, ourselves, are leaving Egypt. But what does that mean in real life? What are the modern-day chains that keep us stuck? And are we really ready to let them go?

Freedom doesn’t happen automatically. It requires awareness, intention, and sometimes a push. So, let’s be honest—where in our lives do we need an Exodus? Below are ten questions to help you reflect on what’s keeping you enslaved and what it would take to break free. Whether you discuss them at your Seder table, journal about them, or just let them simmer in the back of your mind, the goal is to walk away from this Yom Tov not just full of matzah but with a clearer sense of how to cultivate freedom, purpose, and connection in your life.

Ten Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. What in your life today feels like an “Egypt” that you need to escape from?

2. What habits, routines, or thought patterns enslave you, and how can you break free?

3. Freedom isn’t just about leaving something behind—it’s about moving toward something greater. What’s your personal “Promised Land” this year?

4. What is one area of personal growth that you’ve been avoiding, and why?

5. If you were rewriting your personal Haggadah, what would be your ten plagues—the struggles that shaped you?

6. What “chametz” (ego, bad habits, limiting beliefs) do you need to clear out to feel lighter and freer?

7. Has there been a moment in your life when you clearly saw Hashem’s presence? How can you be more open to seeing it daily?

8. If your ancestors could see you at your Seder, what would you want them to know about how you’re carrying on their legacy?

9. What’s one thing you keep putting off that you need to finally do—no more waiting for the “dough to rise”?

10. Imagine yourself at next year’s Seder. What’s one thing you want to say you’ve accomplished or changed by then?

A Few Quotes to Inspire:

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” — Mark Twain

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” — Viktor Frankl

“The greatest test of a person is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience, but how he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” — Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski

“We do not find life’s meaning by asking what we want from life, but by asking what life wants from us.” — Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

“People become attached to their burdens sometimes more than their burdens are attached to them.” — Anonymous

“Not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry.” — Anonymous

This Pesach, let’s be honest with ourselves. Freedom is a choice. Every moment, we have the power to choose between staying stuck in old patterns or stepping into something new. Are we choosing comfort over growth? Fear over faith? Resistance over transformation? True freedom isn’t about waiting for the right circumstances—it’s about making the choice to change, even when it’s hard. So, what are we choosing?

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.

The End of an Era, Not the End of the Story

They were always there- at school plays, birthday parties, sitting amongst us in the audience at Yom Hashoah memorials. They were in our homes, telling us to finish every last drop of food on our plates, to be careful every time we left the house. As a child, on trips to Israel, I’d see them casually waiting with young teenagers at bus stops, both tattooed on their arms, but for different reasons,...

We took it for granted- after what they lived through, we thought they were immortal, that they’d always be there. After all, as my mother always said, “to survive the Holocaust, you had to be made of something different.” It is true, they were superhuman.

Shortly before my Bubbie passed away, I remember her saying “By the year 2025, there will be very few survivors left.” Now, I recall those words every time there is a survivor in my presence. I make a point to bring my children over, introduce them, and have them shake hands in an attempt to forge a bond that will forever remain, even once they are gone.

Who ever thought we’d be living in a time where the term ‘survivor’ has taken on a new meaning? Shortly after October 7th, when a friend of mine told her children she was interviewing a survivor for a work project, their response was “a Nova survivor or Holocaust survivor?” I can be sure survivors of the Holocaust never imagined there’d be another kind of ‘survivor’ in their lifetime. Yet, the most powerful footage I’ve seen in the past year and a half is of Holocaust survivors meeting with October 7th survivors, ensuring the younger generation that they too can surely move on.

A few weeks ago, I brought a few of my students to visit and interview a 98 year old survivor of Auschwitz, as part of a project they are preparing for Yom Hashoah. Although Mary did not directly answer all the questions the girls asked, they were in awe of the optimism and hope that illuminated as she spoke, bringing light to a situation that would have left many hopeless. The girls felt charged with a new sense of responsibility to pass on Mary’s stories and the life lessons she shared to all those they will encounter in the future. As we were leaving, a student asked “Mary, during the war what kept you going with the will to continue living?” Although Mary grew up with a secular upbringing in Budapest, she responded “in the camps I prayed. I prayed and I knew God was listening. My mother, a non-religious woman, told me that this is the story of our people- we suffer but have lived through it and have gotten this far- we will continue to survive and live a beautiful life when we’re out of here.” After all she’s been through, hearing Mary’s words of hope and the pride she takes in being a part of an irrepressible nation left us speechless and filled

with emotion.

This empowering message made me think of the words of Dovid Hamelech, in Perek 118 in Tehillim, the ‘grand finale’ in Hallel. He writes “Lo amut ki echye ve’asaper ma’aseh ya”- “I will not die, for I will live and tell over the acts of God.”

I first gave thought to these words when I was 18, on a trip to Poland. The movie ‘Escape from Sobibor’ was playing on the bus throughout our journey. Here, I learned about the heroic uprising and escape of hundreds of inmates from Sobibor in October, 1943. I delved into the words of this pasuk and discovered that they are here to teach us that despite enemies surrounding us, the Jewish people live. On a deeper level, we desire to live in an active, purposeful, and meaningful way, spreading these messages of faith, resilience, hope and thanksgiving in Hashem.

In a recent podcast I listened to, Rabbi Simon Jacobson, noted speaker and scholar, reflected on how he personally manages to stay connected and inspired by the messages of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, even long after his passing. Rabbi Jacobson explained that just as we believe Hashem’s Torah is eternal, so too, we believe the Tzaddikim and Gedolim who represent the Torah’s messages are everlasting. He stated “If it’s emes (the truth), it’s always emes, whether the Rebbe is there or not. Does that make him less real…when it’s not on your terms?” And he went on to compare the Rebbe’s teachings to the messages of survivors, whose stories we so cherish. Their physical absence doesn’t represent their everlasting legacy. He concluded with a Ba’al HaTanya teaching- our lives consist of love of the almighty, reverence and faith. These teachings and the people who represent them are eternal.

We are entering the Chag where we fulfill the mitzvah of “Vehigadata Lebincha”telling our children. The chain that has remained adamant in telling the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim will remain unbreakable as we retell the stories of the Holocaust. Yes, the number of survivors is dwindling, but the next generation is not- we live on and we tell.

And our children will do that, and their children. The end of an era does not mean the end of their story- our mesorah of storytelling the wonders of our God and the people that comprise his invincible nation lives on.

Ilanit Zakowski, originally from Monsey, NY, lived in Israel and now lives in LA with her husband and six children. A Jewish educator and ESL teacher, she teaches middle school at Maimonides and English to Israeli children. In the summer, she serves as Camp Mom and Jet Ski driver at Camp Moshava. Ilanit is a passionate runner who loves Torah, Jewish history, and exploring Jewish communities around the world.

Ilanit Zakowski

EFRAT: Empowering Choices and Celebrating Life

Before we know it, we will all be sitting around the Seder table with family and guests. As we fulfill the mitzvah of telling over the story of our slavery and redemption from Egypt, the heroism of the Jewish midwives shines brightly. Shifra and Puah defied Pharaoh’s decree to harm newborn Jewish boys, setting a precedent of courage and self-sacrifice. Their actions not only saved lives but also helped pave the way for yetzias Mitzrayim.

Today, the legacy of these valiant women continues to resonate through EFRAT, the organization that empowers women in distress, providing them with the ability to choose life. Since its founding, EFRAT has made a profound impact in the Jewish world, helping to save close to 90,000 Jewish lives.

EFRAT’s mission extends beyond just numbers; it reflects a deep commitment to supporting women in making life-affirming choices. Many pregnant women face immense pressures, due to economic hardship and other considerations, that can push them towards decisions they may later regret. EFRAT stands by these women, offering moral support, medical care, counselling and practical assistance. At the heart of EFRAT’s approach is a comprehensive support system that ensures no woman needs to face her challenges alone.

Trained volunteers are available to offer a listening ear as well as valuable advice throughout the pregnancy and afterwards. Shortly before the birth, the women receive all the necessities for a new baby such as a crib, stroller, bathtub, layette and more. For the next two years, mothers receive a monthly package with essential baby supplies. This support, amounting to a modest $1,500 per family, has a transformative effect, enabling women to embrace motherhood with confidence.

Introducing the Chai Circle

EFRAT is now proud to launch the Chai Circle, a pioneering initiative designed to broaden the network of EFRAT’s support and solidarity. The Chai Circle aims to gather 18,000 women, each contributing just $18 every Rosh Chodesh, to form a robust community committed to empowering and preserving life. This circle of donors strengthens the fabric of communal care, ensuring that EFRAT’s message of hope and choice reaches even further.

Nir Salmon, EFRAT’s Executive Director, emphasizes the organization’s philosophy: “While some claim to support ‘prochoice,’ we know that true choice means providing women with the options and support necessary to make decisions aligned

with their deepest values. EFRAT ensures that no woman feels coerced into a choice that isn’t right for her.”

EFRAT’s message to expectant women is clear: “You’re not alone.” Every woman contemplating the future of her pregnancy deserves to have accurate information, emotional support, and tangible assistance. By joining the Chai Circle, you can help save a life while enabling another Jewish woman to step into motherhood with dignity and joy.

For more information contact us at info@cribefrat.org and visit www.cribefrat. org

60 Teens. Zero Social Media. One Trip of a Lifetime.

They Something incredible just happened right here in Los Angeles.

A group of 60 students from Valley Torah High School made a bold and beautiful decision: they deleted social media, installed filters, set time restrictions, and reclaimed their lives.

Yes, in 2025 — the age of algorithms and endless scrolling — a group of teenage heroes stood up and said: Enough.

The movement is called *ALIVE* — an acronym for *Awareness, Learning, Inspiration, Vitality, and Eternity*. Each value represents something that’s so often drained by phone addiction, and yet so vital to truly living. ALIVE wasn’t just a slogan; it was a lifestyle shift. And it came with a promise: if they stuck with it, something amazing would be waiting.

Throughout the year, the boys enjoyed small, fun outings — to places like Dave & Buster’s, local restaurants, and swimming trips. But the crown jewel of the experience? A trip to Florida they’ll never forget.

On a Sunday night, 60 ALIVE students boarded a flight from LAX to Miami and hit the ground running. They davened *vasikin* on the beach, visited the Miami Kollel, and heard a powerful speech from none other than *Amar’e Stoudemire* — former NBA All-Star and now a *ger tzedek* — who shared a heartfelt message about tuning out the noise of the world to find clarity and meaning.

From there, it was off to Orlando for a whirlwind week of water sports, amusement parks, go-karting, learning, davening, latenight kumzitzes, and deep conversations.

“We wanted to give them a trip of a lifetime,” said Rabbi Yisroel Majeski, 10th grade Rebbe and program director. “To show them

that we see the sacrifice they made — and we admire them for it.”

And the boys felt it. One student told Rabbi Semmel, the school principal, “I thought I was doing this just for the trip. But I didn’t realize how much it would change me. I feel like a whole new person.”

The change didn’t go unnoticed. One restaurant owner, after hearing why so many yeshiva boys had just packed into his burger joint, turned to Rabbi Segal and said, “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll comp the whole meal — if you can convince my wife and daughter to get rid of their social media too.”

At home, parents noticed the difference. “He was sitting at the dinner table,” one mother said. “Talking. Laughing. Playing with his siblings — like the good old days. I couldn’t believe it.” She paused. “Now tell me: what can we do for my daughter?”

Rabbi Chaim Davidowitz, assistant principal, believes this is just the beginning.

“This is what the boys really want — not distraction, but depth. We just had to give them the opportunity.”

Rabbi Stulberger, Dean of Valley Torah, agrees. “We’ve already heard from other schools who want to bring ALIVE to their students. This is bigger than Valley Torah. This is a movement.”

Technology is here to stay. But that doesn’t mean it has to define us. These boys reminded us of that. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll inspire the rest of us to feel a little more ALIVE, too.

For more information about the ALIVE initiative, contact Rabbi Yisroel Majeski at *ymajeski@vths.org*.

The Woke American Jews Upending Israeli Society

The Reform Movement’s Legal Campaign Against Religious Life in Eretz Yisroel

Over the past decade or so, a wave of lawsuits targeting the lifestyle of the 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. Moreover, these petitions have deepened the divisions among Israeli society. But who is spending time and money to bring these cases? And why do they care how the frum community chooses to live?

A close look into each of these cases reveals a fascinating pattern. The fingerprints of the Jewish American woke left, organized into the Reform movement, are present each time. Desperate for relevance, Reform leaders in America have merged their anti-Torah ideology with the woke left agenda, launching a systematic campaign against the Torah communities of Eretz Yisroel. In doing so, they have created a cause célèbre to rally their dwindling membership.

While the Israeli court system leans strongly to the left and is widely viewed as unkind to religion, by law, courts do not initiate actions against Israeli citizens. Courts intervene only when a petition is filed before them. Successfully bringing a case before the Supreme Court requires expert legal representation and significant financial resources. Litigation typically starts at around 20,000 shekels, and many cases drag on for years, racking up large legal fees. Without the backing of a well-funded institution, these petitions or lawsuits hardly stand a chance of gaining any traction. For these reasons, the status quo understanding between the state and the religious communities in Israel has mostly held. Only in more recent years have so many rulings been handed down by the courts targeting religious practices.

This new reality is due to the emergence of a new force on the Israeli

scene: The Reform Center for Religion and State. This legal arm of the Reform movement in Israel has taken the lead in each of these petitions and the lawyers they retain have fought these battles.

The Reform Center was established approximately 35 years ago. Officially, it was founded to advocate for the rights of Reform communities and promote the recognition of pluralistic and Reform values. However, in practice, the Center has led campaigns against virtually every area in which the Torah communities of Israel operate.

Key Legal Battles

Since the advent of cell phones, the Charedi public in Eretz Yisroel has embraced the use of kosher-filtered cell phones, which safeguard the purity and wholesomeness of their chosen way of life. But in 2016, a lawsuit claimed these phones don’t allow access to hotlines for people with alternative lifestyles. This sparked a years-long legal saga to protect what the Charedi community views as a basic right. While this case continues to work through the legal system, the courts have already ordered the Knesset to pass laws that satisfy these pluralistic goals.

A review of the official court documents shows that the petition was jointly brought by organizations advocating for those who practice alternative lifestyles along with the Reform Center and the Movement for Progressive Judaism, another Reform arm. And that all the petitioners were represented by lawyers who are members of the Center’s legal staff. It is obvious that the Reform movement has no direct stake in the type of cell phones used by the frum community, nevertheless, they exploited this issue to advance their broader agenda of gaining relevance by generating coverage in Israel’s media outlets sympathetic to their cause.

Thousands of working parents in

Eretz Yisroel rely on government-subsidized childcare during work hours. For decades, based on the understanding that an avreich has the legal status of a “studying spouse,” families where the husband learns in kollel and the wife works have also benefited from these subsidies. To strip kollel families of this badly needed assistance, a petition was filed arguing that full-time Torah study does not meet legitimate standards of “studying”.

Court documents again reveal that the Reform Center for Religion and State led this petition, along with five other leftist organizations, and that the Center’s legal team represented all petitioners. Ultimately, this baseless petition was dismissed because the subsidies are intended to encourage female participation in the workforce, regardless of their spouse’s employment status.

It’s hard to believe the petitioners truly opposed subsidies for working women, a cause they often champion. Instead, it appears that it was all about delegitimizing the kollel system by painting them as unfairly benefiting from government funds.

Another staple of organized life in Eretz Yisroel targeted by legal petition is the Mehadrin bus lines, which maintain separation between men and women per the community’s societal norms. In yet another case arguing that this longstanding practice violates laws of equality, the Reform Center and its lawyers are listed as petitioners. This time, the courts ruled in favor of the petitioners, forcing an end to Mehadrin seating arrangements. The result? A massive disruption for thousands of frum commuters, whose cultural norms were ironically disregarded under the guise of “equality.”

Also targeted by the Reform Center and its lawyers is the curriculum being taught in the vast network of chadorim serving the Torah communi-

ties. Since Tanach is part of the core curriculum taught in every school in Israel, a case has been brought to block the legitimacy of chadorim who refuse to teach Tanach in the politically correct manner acceptable to the woke left in Israel. While this is an obvious non-starter for frum schools, this litigation resulted in a disparity in funding for the religious sector in Israel and became yet another talking point with which to disparage communities committed to following authentic Jewish traditions.

The Effect on Israeli Society

Besides these high-profile cases, many other petitions were brought in at all levels of the Israeli court system but were thwarted along the legal maze. Nevertheless, the mere threat of judicial intervention is enough to make the politicians sympathetic to traditional Jewish values think twice before crafting any new legislation. This dynamic is true at every level of government, from the Knesset, where laws are passed that apply to every citizen of the country, to local municipalities, which are responsible for scores of regulations that affect everyday life. Moreover, these petitions worsen the longstanding tension between the government and the courts. This rift recently boiled over in the well-known judicial reform drama that caused upheaval across Israel.

Media coverage of these lawsuits confuses the question of who truly represents Judaism. Since the founding of the State, only Orthodox Judaism has been recognized as authentic Judaism. This aligns with the perspective of the overwhelming majority of Israelis who identify with religious traditions. In fact, until a relatively short time ago, there was no official Reform presence in Israel.

However, the Reform movement has recently fought to change this perception and be recognized as representatives of the Jewish faith. A notable example of this push is evident from yet

Dovid Gold

Inspiring Insights for Your Seder Night

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

We all want to share deep and thoughtful ideas at the Seder in order to enhance our Pesach experience. I hope this collection of Divrei Torah will aid you on your journey towards a meaningful and transformative Seder night.

What’s With All the

Questions?

A notably prominent theme of the Seder is that of asking questions. While “Mah Nishtanah” is the most obvious example, the commentators explain many features of the Seder as purely serving as an impetus for the children to ask questions. It’s not only children, though, who are enjoined to question. The Gemara in Pesachim (116a) says that if a man’s child cannot ask the questions, then his wife should, and if he has no wife, he must ask himself questions. Even if two Torah scholars are sharing their Seder together, they should ask each other. Why is questioning such an integral part of the Pesach Seder?

Asking questions is the gateway to learning. A question creates a gap- it allows you to recognize your current limitations, to shed the illusion that you already know everything. You can only learn something once you realize that you don’t already understand it. The Gemara in Gittin (43a) says that you can only understand a Torah concept if you originally struggled with it. Only by recognizing that you don’t already know something can you break it down, analyze it, and see it in a new way, thereby building a new, deeper understanding. If you believe that you fully understand something, you simply will not allow your mind to develop a new way of seeing it. Only by realizing a lack in your understanding and perception can you develop deeper paradigms.

The Seder night serves as an opportunity to pass over our mesorah, our tradition and legacy, to the next generation. It’s a night when we speak about emunah (faith), the meaning of being a Jew, and our purpose in this world. In order to teach these lessons to our children and our-

selves in a deep and lasting way, we must encourage the Seder participants to ask questions, no matter the age or knowledge-level.

Our yetzer hara (evil inclination) convinces us that we are perfect, that we already know everything. As such, there’s no need to question. This flawed belief is personified by Eisav, who was born fully hairy. Hair is the outermost expression of a grown human being - Eisav projected the belief that he was completely developed and therefore required no additional growth. The name “Eisav” itself is the word “asui” - meaning made or complete. Eisav represents the illusion of being complete, perfect, not requiring any further work or growth.

Our goal and mission as the Jewish People is to grow, develop ourselves, and fulfill our potential. On the Seder night, as we focus on whom each of us can become, we ask questions - creating holes that we then yearn to fill with additional knowledge, insight, and growth.

What’s Our Goal in Telling Over the Story of Yetzias Mitzrayim?

We conclude the paragraph of “Avadim Hayinu” by proclaiming, “v’chol hamarbeh li’saper bi’yitzias Mitzrayim, harei zeh mishubach” - all those who elaborate on the Exodus from Egypt, behold, this is praiseworthy. The Rambam (Maimonides) codifies this as a legitimate halacha of Seder night. What is the meaning of this statement? What is the importance of telling over the Pesach story at great length, and why on this night specifically?

There are two ways to interpret the statement of “v’chol hamarbeh.” The first is on a quantitative level, that one should tell over as much of the Exodus story as possible. The second is a qualitative approach, that one should delve into the miracles and wonders that Hashem performed when taking us out of Mitzrayim in as much depth as possible.

There is, however, a third way to understand this statement, one that offers

a new perspective on Yetzias Mitrayim and the goal of Seder night. Yetzias Mitzrayim was not merely a historical event, rather it was the birth of the Jewish People - our people, you and me. The story did not end with the birth of the Jewish People, it continues with them growing into the nation they are meant to become. When the Jewish People left Mitzrayim, we journeyed to Har Sinai and Matan Torah, where we were given the Torah and our mission in this world as Hashem’s chosen nation. This is the story that has continued throughout history, that you and I are commissioned to continue to this very day.

Sippur means to tell over a story, and the hagaddah says that whoever does this increasingly is praiseworthy. Jewish history is not only “his”-story, it’s our story. It is our mission and destiny, and we must continue to grow and thrive in this mission. The goal is to make yourself a part of the Jewish story, to continue what began with Yetzias Mitzrayim, to become the person you were meant to be. V’chol hamarbeh.... harei zeh meshubach.

Wine on the Seder Night… Really?

Pesach is a spiritual time, where we connect to some of the deepest themes of Judaism. Why then do we spend the night drinking wine? We see repeatedly that

wine is a dangerous and damaging entity, connected to many infamous sins. According to one opinion, the eitz ha’da’as was a grape vine. Immediately after the mabul, Noach became intoxicated, repeating Adam’s original sin. Lot and his daughters erred with wine. According to one opinion, Nadav and Avihu’s sin was performing the avodah while intoxicated. If wine has so many destructive consequences, why do we spend our Seder night drinking wine?

Nothing in the physical world is objectively good or evil, rather, everything has the potential to be used for either good or evil. The choice is solely up to you! Electricity is neither good nor bad. An outlet can be used to charge your appliances, but it can also give you an electric shock. The same applies to money: it can be used to enable Torah learning, but it can also be used to fund destruction and chaos. A charismatic personality can be used to inspire others to grow, or to seduce them down a twisted path. Everything in this world is merely potential, waiting to be used. Evil, therefore, is really the misuse of potential, when we choose to use an object for something other than its true purpose. Evil is the breakdown and corruption of good. This is why the Hebrew word for evil is “rah”, which means brokenness or fragmentation.

Hashem created the world in this way so that we can have free will. We get to choose whether to use things for their

The Relationship Reset Learning How to Be Fluent in Love Language

Yehudah Kamman

In many relationships, couples love each other deeply. They work hard, support each other, raise families, and try their best to be present. But despite all this effort, something still feels off. They keep missing each other. It’s not for lack of trying or lack of love. It’s simply that they’re speaking two different languages.

He thinks he’s pouring love into her life with every hour he works, every problem he solves, and every time he pays the bills. She thinks she’s lifting him up by nurturing the children, creating beauty in the home, and holding space with her heart. Yet they keep butting heads. Not because they don’t care—but because they haven’t learned to speak each other’s unique language.

The masculine language is often rooted in provision, protection, and purpose. He’s out in the world—battling, building, and conquering to bring home safety and security. The feminine language is rooted in connection, emo-

tion, and intuition. She’s creating calm, warmth, and light within her space and within others. But when they come together, they sometimes forget that they’re not speaking to a mirror version of themselves.

A woman can’t talk to him like he’s just another big, hairy girlfriend (and let’s be honest, he’s really bad at girl talk!). And he can’t talk to her like she’s one of the guys on the job site. That’s not polarity, that’s miscommunication.

Learning to speak each other’s language is an act of love. It’s an act of humility. And it begins with curiosity. When a man slows down and carves out time to really ask, “What helps you feel loved? What words make you feel safe? What can I do that helps you feel cherished?”—he’s not just doing something romantic. He’s stepping into his strength by choosing to lead through understanding. And when she, in turn, invites him to express how he gives

love, and honors that—she’s not just being sweet, she’s building trust in his leadership.

This is the backbone of healthy polarity: we don’t demand the other person change to match our style. We teach them our language, and we learn theirs. With patience, humor, and humility.

Torah gives us a profound example of this during the Exodus. When Hashem took us out of Egypt, He didn’t just hand us a list of laws and say, “Now behave.” He brought us into the desert—into a relationship space, free from distraction—so we could learn His language, and He could teach us ours. We stumbled, we argued, we misunderstood. But Hashem didn’t give up on us. He gave us time, space, and ultimately, the Torah—the ultimate communication of love.

Your relationship is your desert. It’s your holy classroom. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present. To be patient. To be willing to learn the way your

partner expresses love, and to teach them your own. That’s how two people who speak different languages become fluent in one sacred dialect—connection.

So the next time you’re tempted to say, “We just don’t get each other,” stop and ask: “What if we just haven’t learned each other’s language yet?”

And hey, if she says she needs a hug, maybe don’t respond with, “I fixed the faucet though!” Be fluent. Be intentional. Be a man of integrity.

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

CARPET CLEANING FOR PESACH

You’ve tried everything—cutting calories, avoiding carbs, spending hours at the gym—but the weight just won’t stay off. It’s NOT your fault.

Dieting slows your metabolism, increases cravings, and makes weight harder to lose over time—keeping you stuck in a frustrating cycle.

It’s time to stop dieting and start working with your body—so you can finally lose weight in a way that lasts.

Transforming Health Marketing: Why Quick Fixes

Fail and Mindset Matters

We’ve all seen the flashy ads promising remarkable transformations: “Lose 15 pounds in 30 days!”, “Get ripped without breaking a sweat!”, or “One supplement to fix it all!” The allure of quick fixes is undeniable—especially when juggling busy lives, family responsibilities, and the beautiful demands of our Jewish lifestyle. Yet, deep down, we recognize these promises rarely deliver lasting change. The glossy before-and-after pictures seldom tell the full story, often masking a cycle of disappointment, frustration, and resentment.

Health, fitness, and wellness marketing have long capitalized on our deepest desires for immediate gratification. Unfortunately, this focus on speed and ease neglects a crucial aspect of achieving genuine, lasting health: Mindset. Without developing specific strong mindsets, short-term success inevitably collapses under life’s ongoing pressures.

Think about the last time you jumped onto a trendy diet or fitness fad. You initially felt inspired, perhaps dropping pounds rapidly or feeling energized in the short term. But as weeks passed, the restrictive meal plans or exhausting workout routines became unsustainable. Eventually, motivation waned, and you slipped back into old habits, feeling defeated yet again. It’s a painfully common story. It’s a failure of the entire health industry. And it’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility.

The health industry’s marketing approach is often superficial, fixating on instant results rather than genuine transformation. This narrative subtly implies that if you fail, it’s due to a lack of willpower or discipline. But the truth is far more nuanced. Real, sustainable health transformations require more than just short-term bursts of discipline—they require a shift in your mindset, habits, and core beliefs about health.

If the marketing you’re encountering doesn’t clearly articulate how it cultivates long-term habits and mindset growth, it’s best to steer clear. True wellness isn’t transactional; it’s transformational. It unfolds gradually, built upon a foundation of daily practices and incremental shifts in your mindset.

Consider this: health isn’t just something you “do” temporarily—it’s something you become. Achieving a healthy lifestyle isn’t about enduring weeks of deprivation or intense exercise; it’s about embedding small, manageable habits into your daily life that cumulatively lead to powerful, lasting results. Mindset, therefore, isn’t merely a motivational buzzword but the central pillar around which lasting health revolves.

Successful programs, coaches, and professionals understand this. They prioritize helping clients develop resilience, patience, and consistency. They teach you to value incremental progress, celebrating each small win as a meaningful step toward long-term success. This subtle yet powerful shift helps

you transform temporary motivation into enduring commitment.

When evaluating any health or wellness program, ask yourself these questions:

● Does this program promote a sustainable lifestyle, or is it pushing quick, unsustainable results?

● Is the emphasis on restrictive behaviors, or is it nurturing positive habits?

● Are the promised results realistic, considering my life, family, and responsibilities?

● Is there a clear, supportive approach to developing a healthy mindset and mindset strategies for setbacks?

If the answers lean towards short-term promises, restrictions, and unrealistic expectations, it’s likely not a fit for sustainable success.

Let’s get raw and personal for a moment. You’ve probably experienced the crushing frustration of regaining lost weight, the guilt after a binge caused by restrictive diets, or the shame of “failing” yet another program. You’ve questioned your own discipline, doubted your capabilities, and wondered if achieving lasting health is even possible.

It is.

But it starts with rejecting the false promises of instant results. It starts by demanding more authenticity and transparency from the wellness industry. And most importantly, it begins by recognizing that sustainable health demands a supportive mindset, cultivated patiently and consistently over time.

Real transformation is achievable. It involves embracing setbacks as learning opportunities, celebrating incremental progress, and shifting focus away from short-term wins towards building lasting, healthy habits. It’s about discovering joy in the process, rather than merely tolerating it until you achieve some elusive goal.

Health professionals who truly care about your long-term success prioritize developing your mindset, resilience, and consistent habits alongside physical health. They understand you have responsibilities—family, community, chaggim, and work—that deeply shape your life. Programs focused on mindset development will equip you with strategies to navigate these realities without guilt or stress, helping you achieve health without sacrificing joy and community connection.

As we move forward, let’s challenge the industry. Let’s demand marketing that authentically represents sustainable wellness. Let’s embrace programs that nurture longterm mindset shifts, empowering us with the tools to thrive, not just survive, in our health journeys.

Because real, lasting health isn’t just about how quickly you can change. It’s about how deeply and sustainably you can evolve.

Chaim Loeb

Evolving Perspectives

Jessie Alyesh AMFT, M.S. Ed.

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way – Viktor Frankl

When I think about the power of perspective and apply it to my work with adolescents, there are so many points of entry. Adolescence is a time of growth, challenge, and self-discovery, where perspective can shape not only how teens experience the world but also how they navigate the inevitable highs and lows of life. The way they interpret setbacks, friendships, academic pressures, and personal struggles can profoundly impact their resilience and emotional well-being.

A clear example of this plays out when discussing details of an exciting upcoming overnight trip with my students—one that involves traveling on an airplane. Their questions often reflect fear or an already negative perspective: “Who am I rooming with?” “Who will I sit next to?” “Are we going to boring places?” “Is the food going to be bad?” “Is our hotel gross?” Their mindset going into the experience often dictates how they will ultimately feel about it. If they approach the trip with curiosity and openness rather than skepticism and anxiety, they are far more likely to enjoy and benefit from the experience.

Now, let’s strip down this quote and make it

bite-size friendly for the teenage mind: You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. This simple yet powerful shift in thinking can change everything.

My work reminds me daily that helping students shift their perspectives—from feeling powerless to recognizing their agency—can be transformative. Whether it’s guiding them through social struggles, academic stress, or moments of selfdoubt, teaching them that they have control over how they view and respond to challenges is one of the most powerful tools we can give them. By choosing their attitude, they can shift their experience, creating opportunities for joy, connection, and growth, even in moments of uncertainty.

Now, let’s see how the power of perspective can be truly transformative on this upcoming trip. By shifting their mindset from worry to excitement, from doubt to curiosity, students have the opportunity to shape their own experience in a meaningful way.

I can’t wait to see how this plays out—will keep you posted!

Jessica Alyesh, AMFT, is a Middle School Counselor at Milken Community School with 17 years of experience in education. She holds a Master’s in General and Special Education and has worked at the Chabad Treatment Center in Los Angeles. Jessica specializes in supporting students’ emotional and academic growth, blending expertise in mental health, education, and family dynamics. A dedicated mother of five, she brings a compassionate, holistic approach to her work.

For teen girls, ages 13 - 19 (rising 8th grade and up)

Two-Week Workshop June 16 - 27

One-Week Workshop August 11 - 15

Emek’s Bnot Sherut Program

Once a month, as part of the Bnot Sherut program Artzi-יצרא, each Middle School girls’ grade visits the Bnot Sherut house for a meaningful and engaging session. These gatherings focus on Zionism, Judaism, and Israel, while also fostering teamwork and connection. The girls meet for an hour during the week, incorporating interactive games that convey a meaningful message. Additionally, they engage in hands-on activities such as cooking, baking, art, or music. Each session includes a shared dinner, generously provided by a volunteer parent. We want to thank the Bnot Sherut for inspiring and being such wonderful role models for our students.

Los Angeles, CA – March 26, 2025

–Yesh Tikva held a special evening, In the Kitchen with Sivan Kobi, on March 26, 2025, at Shalhevet High School with over 130 attendees. This event featured Instagram influencer and culinary expert, Sivan Kobi, as she demonstrates easy-to-prepare Passover recipes, offers delicious tastings, and shares insights on the importance of showing compassion to those facing fertility struggles—especially during this time of year.

The evening highlighted Yesh Tikva’s Infertility Awareness Shabbat (IAS), a key initiative in the organization’s mission to raise awareness about infertility in the Jewish community. March 27-30, 2025, IAS marks its 10th year, and Yesh Tikva had 100’s of individuals and communities joining together for this global movement in supporting those affected by infertility.

“Infertility Awareness Shabbat is a vital campaign led by Yesh Tikva to cultivate empathy, understanding, and active support for those struggling with infertility,” said Gila Block, Yesh Tikva co-founder and Executive Director. “Each year, this initiative unites community leaders to encourage compassion and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inclusive environment. Each year, more than 200 communities worldwide have participated, helping build a stronger, more compassionate Jewish nation.”

Infertility affects 1 in 6 individuals within the Jewish community, and Yesh Tikva’s IAS campaign provides a platform for synagogues, organizations, and individuals to raise awareness and show solidarity. Through grassroots engagement, Yesh Tikva aims to create a culture of support and understanding for those facing the challenging journey of infertility.

Yesh Tikva is a Los Angeles-based national organization dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals navigating the world of infertility. Founded in 2015, Yesh Tikva helps people cope emotionally and practically while facing fertility challenges. The organization is committed to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and creating a compassionate community for those in need.

The fourth-grade students at Cheder Menachem raised nearly $700 through their annual Purim carnival to help families in need for Pesach. The funds were presented to Rabbi Noach Raichik of Congregation Levi Yitzchak for the Maos Chitim appeal.

Link’s New Annex Dedicated To Marty Katz And His “Chevra”

On Monday evening, March 31st, the LINK Kollel dedicated its beautiful new Annex/Lounge in honor of a long-time friend and supporter, Mr. Marty Katz and his “Chevra.” The Annex, which has a separate outside entrance/stairway, extends from the second floor of the building and contains a large multipurpose room. It houses LINK’s women’s programming, which includes LINK Seminary for young women who are Yeshiva high school graduates ages 1825, TLC which is an outreach learning program for not-yet-observant women ages 1830, monthly women’s Mussar Vaadim led by Rabbi Geiger and Rebbetzin Brander’s Navi Shiurim for adults. It is also a cozy space for YPLA (yeshiva program for young men working or in college part-time) to host Thursday night Mishmar dinners and guest speakers, as well as a special ambiance to host event dinners/Sheva Brachos. Its distinctive lighting and comfortable couches lend an informal aura to the space - hence, the title “lounge.”

Mr. Katz or Marty, as he is universally known, is a successful businessman and long-time friend and supporter of the Kollel, dating back to 2005. Besides his own very generous philanthropy, he has facilitated the gifts of many of his friends who have become major benefactors of LINK. One of them in particular is Mr. Stephen Samuel, whose name is prominently displayed on the outside of LINK’s new building, who not only oversaw parts of the construction, but donated much of

its costs.

Marty is a true profile in courage, confined to a wheelchair for over 20 years, and battling an assortment of serious illnessesincluding at this very moment. Marty has remained steadfast in his Emunah and in his Limud HaTorah. Indeed, his “Chevra” consists of those who come weekly to learn with him whether in his home, assisted living facility, or in the hospital and then take him out to dinner whenever feasible. His friends have been loyal in upholding his tremendous desire to learn Torah.

Many of the “Chevra” spoke at the dinner that officially named the new lounge in Marty’s honor. There was one consistent theme in all of the talks: Everyone who visits and/or learns with Marty comes away strengthened. As more than one speaker commented: We thought we were coming to give Chizuz, but we came away the main beneficiary of our encounter. Amongst the speakers was LINK’s own Rabbi Daniel Weinstock, presently the Mashgiach Ruchani, who has been learning weekly with Marty for 20 years. Rabbi Asher Brander, Founder and Dean of LINK, officially unveiled the plaque renaming the annex as the “Chevra Lounge” and delineating the many ways in which Marty has given Chizuk to the Kollel as well as to the whole frum community.

The dinner climaxed with Marty speaking very emotionally from his wheelchair. He thanked the community for all its

Chesed to him, downplayed his role as a prime supporter of LINK and offered a fervent Tefillah to Hashem for recovery from the serious illness he is currently valiantly battling. The moving tribute ended with heartfelt singing and dancing as the “Chevra” danced around Marty and gave him hugs of affection and Brachos for Refuah Shleimah. The spirit of camaraderie that was manifested in that evening is mirrored by the Chevrashaft that takes place every day in the lounge as young men, and, separately, and young women, grow together to serve Hashem.

Left to right- Rabbi Brander, Marty Katz, close friend Bobby Rechnitz

Marty Katz (left) shaking hands with close friend Moise Hendeles

The Chevra grouped around Marty Katz (canter, seated on right and Rabbi Brander on the left)