June 29th Edition

Dear Readers,

Iused to think my mother was the Shabbos Queen She stands so regally with royal grace And whispers to the King of the Universe, Hashem

From a very special place, behind her covered face.

I know that she’s not asking Him for diamonds

My noble mother doesn’t ask for gold She’s asking Him to help me study all the Torah’s ways And to let her eyes behold the joy as she grows old.

As a little girl, this was one of my favorite songs. There was no Toveedo, YouTube, Spotify, or any Jewish music videos back then, and so we had to imagine the scenes of the songs in our minds. The image in my mind was someone older, someone who had lit Shabbos candles for a while, but still had little children standing next to her in awe.

And when I had to imagine a Shabbos queen, I imagined Mrs. Vera Menlo. Always with a perfectly coiffed silver sheitel, large round eyes, perfect posture, a nice suit, and a warm smile. The thing is, I never actually saw Mrs. Menlo light Shabbos candles.

But I saw her cooking in her sunlit kitchen, coming out to say hello in her apron to the pool where we were swimming, and offering us a snack. She never stayed outside long but made sure we were enjoying ourselves. She never cared about how much we screamed or made noise or ran around. She loved having her home filled with children. And she had a large family, KAH.

Interviewing her family upon Mrs. Menlo’s first yahrzeit, it was amazing to see that everyone had the same exact things to say about her. That is a truly impactful legacy. Her values were clearly known not only by what

she said, but more by how she modeled them in her daily life. Her grandson Ushi describes her as a “regal, noble, aristocratic woman, who had the European class with which she carried herself.”

In this week’s Parsha of Chukkas, we learn about laws that have no reason (chukkim), just like the Parah Adumah, red heifer. We also lose the two influential leaders of Aharon and Miriam. In Parshas Balak, we learn that if we are doing the right thing, Hashem protects us. Bilaam was not able to curse Bnei Yisroel as he tried to do three times; Hashem made blessings come out of his mouth when he tried to curse. Later on, when Bnei Yisroel took wives from Moav, they were in the midst of a deadly plague. When Pinchas, the son of Aharon, acts by killing a Jew with a Moav wife, the plague immediately stops, indicating Hashem’s approval of Pinchas’s action.

Pinchas is a man who steps up and does what’s right in the eyes of Hashem and the Torah, much like his grandfather Aharon did. The legacy of our grandparents seeps into us, as the way that Mrs. Vera Menlo’s life serves as a model for her extended family as a legacy to carry on. The reason we write about people who have built the community, both past and present, is because we want to recognize and thank them, but also because they began the work that we must carry on.

We each have a special role within Klal Yisroel that we should actively work on day in and day out. When my children are older, I want them to hear my voice in their minds, that I said when they were young, “What are you going to do for the Jewish people?”

Children learn this at a young age, first by watching their parents model it, and second by being provided opportunities. So I am grateful to Chai Lifeline, who provided an opportunity for my son to experience a week of “giving to another Jew” during Camp Simcha Without Borders last week. Giving changes the giver. The basketball event that kicked off their summer camp brought together so many parts of our community, united for one cause, while having fun! Check out who joined in the Around the Community section.

In the last issue, I mentioned the importance of purchasing life insurance as a hard but necessary “adult” thing to do. The article was not printed, but is now in this week’s issue. Lastly, I want to remind you all that we want to hear from you! If you have feedback on any of our articles or topics, please email us! Also, this paper is “for the people by the people,” so if you have something you’d like to write, be in touch!

Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos,

Yoel Halpern PUBLISHER publisher@thelajewishhome.com

Sara Halpern EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

sara@thelajewishhome.com

Ariela Kauffman MANAGING EDITOR editor@thelajewishhome.com

Avi Heyman PUBLIC RELATIONS avi@thelajewishhome.com

Blimie Weiss

HEAD OF SALES blimie@thelajewishhome.com

Bethaney Ang GRAPHIC DESIGN

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The LA Jewish Home is an independent biweekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. All submissions become the property of The LA Jewish Home and may be edited for publication. Pictures may be modified at our discretion to conform to standards of modesty in dress. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any advertised product or business advertised within.

Shabbos Zemanim

Friday, June 30

Parshas Chukas-Balak

Candlelighting: 7:50 pm

Havdallah: 8:53 pm

Rabbeinu Tam: 9:20 pm

Friday, July 7

Parshas Pinchas

Candlelighting: 7:49 pm

Havdallah: 8:52 pm

Rabbeinu Tam: 9:19 pm

Sara Schenirer is not a college or degree-granting institution. All degrees are conferred by College of Mount Saint Vincent, Katz School of Science and Health, Manhattanville College, St. Peter’s University, University of New Haven, or Wurzweiler School of Social Work.

Emek Graduation

This past week, Emek hosted graduations for our Middle School seniors and Early Childhood Center students. Sixty-six Middle School students and forty-three ECC graduates participated in various ceremonies at the Emek Magnolia and Early Childhood campuses.

The 8th grade programs began with the National Anthems and Tehillim led by Jacob Gurevich at the boys’ ceremony and Adina Noble at the girls’ ceremony. A variety of awards were presented to Middle School students at graduation, as well as at a special awards assembly conducted separately at school. In particular, Rabbi Levi Solomon and Rabbi Moshe Tropper presented the Kesser Shem Tov Derech Eretz and Middos Award to Talia Haykani and Yochai

Sarusi. Mrs. Michelle Andron gave the Sentiments of Gratitude to our seniors, encouraging them to continuously challenge themselves, take risks, and always remember Hashem is in charge. Additionally, the yearbook was dedicated to Mrs. Stephie Bregman, honoring her 43 years of commitment to our Emek family. Rabbi Mordechai Shifman, Emek’s Head of School, gave the Charge to the Graduates, encouraging them to prepare themselves for the real world; he expressed the importance for them to always have and express Hakaras Hatov to anyone from whom they have benefited, including parents, teachers, mentors and friends. Emek is proud of all our graduates and we wish them much hatzlocha in all their future endeavors.

LAJHL Championship Games

The LA Jewish Ice Hockey League (LAJHL) wrapped up its spring season with 2 championship games. The Younger Division game (ages 6 thru 9) featured a goalie duel between Yonah Botnick and Alex Zirkind ending in heartbreak when Pinchas Tashman from team Pesach on the Mountain broke the tie with 6 minutes left in the 3rd period giving them a 2-1 lead.

Team Manela & Co., led by Yossi Medvedev and Momo Merewitz, fought hard till the end but was unable to break through Pesach’s solid defensive duo of Yaakov Tomaszewski and Yosef Wineberg.

The Older division (ages 10 thru 14) featured the 3rd place team (Fishman & Associates) taking on the 1st place Bibi’s Boutique. The game started off close with 2 quick goals by Yitzchak Rosenbaum (Bibi’s) which were quickly answered by Elisha Fishman and Moshe Dov Samet (Fishman’s) ending the 1st period in a 2-2 tie. Unfortunately, Moshe Klien, Fishman’s star player and leading scorer, left the game in the 1st period with a lower back injury. He returned to the ice mid-2nd period, even scored a goal, but was in too much pain and ended up sitting out the rest of the 3rd period. His teammates tried to rally around him and pick up the slack, but the score was already out of reach. Both Yitzchak Rosenbaum and Sam Zirkind each scored 4 goals and Bibi’s went on to win the game 10-4 and capture the coveted Kiddush Cup.

For more information or for sponsorship opportunities for next season, please visit LAJHL.com or email info@lajhl.com

LAJHL Championship Pic - Bibi’s - June 2023

LAJHL Championship Pic Pesach On the Mountain June 2023

On Sunday June 18, YULA High School teamed up with Chai Lifeline for the 3rd Annual CHAI LIFELINE HOOPS. This community basketball event kicked off the beginning of Chai Lifeline’s local camp, Camp Simcha Without Borders (CSWB), which offers two incredible week-long summer day camps for the kids and siblings of Chai Lifeline. The boys’ CSWB session took place the week of June 18, and the girls’ CSWB experience will launch in August!

Chai Hoops is held in memory of Noah Arnold a”h, a beloved Chai Lifeline teenager. The Arnold family attended this meaningful event.

Special thank you to our Chai Hoops Event Committee who worked tirelessly to make this event a huge success: Felice Gottlieb and Shmuel Barak, Atara and Dael Geft, Elaine and Nachum Hascalavici, Michelle and Daniel Lapson, Shain and Joe Shemula, Pammy and Mike Talansky, and Georgette and Steven Westerman.

The event began with fun kids’ activity booths, delicious food stations including a fresh smoothie bar, and

Chai Lifeline’s Chai Hoops Scores Big

more! And then the real fun kicked off as Team Lyons (coached by Ben Lyons) faced off with Team Remer (coached by Jeff Remer) in an exciting basketball game! Rabbis, educators, and community leaders from across the Jewish community played on the basketball teams, representing many local frum institu-

tions including Yeshivat Yavneh, Hillel Hebrew Academy, LINK Kollel, Gindi Maimonides Academy, Ohr Eliyahu, and more! Chai Lifeline’s Camp Simcha Without Borders counselors infused the YULA gym with amazing energy, as everyone cheered on their favorite team players! The score was close, the teams gave it their all, and the winner was… Team Lyons!

Rabbi Nosson Cohen, Rabbi David Block, Alex Hendeles, Omer Markush, Elie Hendeles, Nachum Joel, Rabbi Eitan Liptsein, Rabbi Asher Rosen, Rabbi David Mahler, Coach Ben Lyons

Rabbi Nosson Cohen, Rabbi David Block, Alex Hendeles, Omer Markush, Elie Hendeles, Nachum Joel, Rabbi Eitan Liptsein, Rabbi Asher Rosen, Rabbi David Mahler, Coach Ben Lyons

The Magic of Chai Lifeline’s Camp Simcha Lights up Los Angeles

or showering him with attention and care!

The magic was bursting at this year’s Camp Simcha Without Borders (CSWB), Chai Lifeline’s weeklong day camp in Los Angeles! In response to the Covid pandemic which prevented many Chai Lifeline children from attending New York based Camp Simcha, a world-renowned sleep-away camp for medically ill kids, Chai Lifeline expanded their program to local communities across the U.S. and Camp Simcha Without Bor-

CSWB counselors greeted their campers daily with dancing and singing; every camper ran through the famous tunnel of counselors cheering his name, making him feel on top of the world! From a mobile aquarium to an escape room, a cake wars competition to professional art projects, this summer added a surprise day trip to DISNEYLAND, thanks to a generous anonymous sponsor. The week culminated with a banquet, where each camper was taken for a thrilling ride on a unique exotic sports car! Special thank you to Shlomo and Ahuva Gurwitz for generously hosting the boys’ camp session in their home, as well as to Chaim Dov and Esther Greenberg for hosting a magnificent Counselor Appreciation Dinner.

“CSWB is doing its perfect magic!!! My boys are soooo happy!! They are

ders (CSWB) was born. This summer is the 3rd CSWB summer in Los Angeles, and its largest group yet!

Last week, 50 Chai Lifeline kids and siblings from the Jewish communities of greater Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, Ventura County, and even Las Vegas and Phoenix, bonded in a week of endless fun. What an incredible chessed opportunity for 40 local high school boys, who represented high schools across the city: MBY, Valley Torah, YULA, Shalhevet, and Yeshiva Ohr Elchanan. Our local counselors teamed up with Chai Lifeline’s devoted and energized Camp Simcha counselors who came from New York, creating an epic week of fun and excitement.

The impact of this one-week long summer camp is immeasurable and extends way beyond the few days of camp. Each camper had his own counsel-

shining and glowing after a truly magnificent week. Thank you a zillion times!!” says Sara, a CSWB mother.

The impact extends beyond the Chai Lifeline kids, and it leaves an indelible mark on our local frum counselors. Local counselor Chaim sums up the sentiment: “This was the best week of my life… All I want to do is more. I just want to keep giving to these kids!”

Torah Thought

Rabbi Avraham Yechiel Hirschman

Parshas Chukas Parshas Balak

While the Jews traveled in the desert, they enjoyed a miraculous spring of water that accompanied them during their journey. Hashem granted the Jewish people this spring in honor of the prophetess Miriam, Moshe’s sister. When Miriam died, the well dried up and Moshe turned to Hashem for directions on how to procure water for the Jewish nation. Hashem commanded Moshe to speak to a specific rock, but instead, Moshe hit the rock and water came gushing out. Moshe sinned by not following Hashem’s instructions and was banned from entering Eretz Yisrael as a punishment.

When describing the incident, the Torah writes that Moshe hit the rock twice. Rashi explains that when Moshe hit the rock the first time, just a few drops of water came out. Only when Moshe hit the rock a second time did the water come gushing out.

The baalei mussar learn something very important from Moshe’s mistake. When a person finds themselves overwhelmed by the yetzer hora and unable to withstand the temptation to do an

aveira, they will often encounter a practical difficulty in carrying out the aveira. For example, when someone wants to send a text message containing lashon hora and they drop their phone, or the autocorrect messes up the text, it’s important to be aware that Hashem is sending a message. Hashem is giving us a second chance to stop ourselves from doing the aveira. Here, too, when Moshe hit the rock once, the water only trickled out so Moshe would have another chance to do exactly what Hashem instructed and speak to the rock.

Hashem is aware that the yetzer hora can be extremely difficult to overcome, so He assists by making it harder for us to do an aveira. We should try to be aware of Hashem’s interventions and use them to our advantage.

Shalom Bayit Through the Parsha

Rabbi Nir Yacoby

Parshat Pinchas

Your wife is terrorized by a cockroach. You’re the leader of the house. What’s your response?

Moses in the Torah portion of סחנפ details the qualities of a king-like leader. In our daily prayer, our sages defined a king as someone who helps, saves, and shields. Note the progression: A husband helps with regular house chores for example. But he does something even greater when he saves his wife, when something goes wrong, killing a cockroach for her, for example. A husband does the ultimate when he shields his wife.

Your wife walked to an evening lecture. She calls you late at night asking if you feel like walking together with her.

If you pick up on the cue, put your clothes on and go get her, you’ve saved her. If you had anticipated and waited for her there, you would have shielded her.

A husband helps his wife, saves her, and protects her for Shalom Bayit.

When Bilaam went to curse the Jews, he woke up early in the morning and personally saddled his donkey. Rashi quotes an interesting anecdote from the Midrash regarding Bilaam’s behavior. “Hashem said [to Bilaam]: wicked one, Avraham already preceded you as it says, ‘Avraham woke up early in the morning and he saddled his donkey’ (Vayera 23,13).”

From the Midrash, it would seem that in the absence of Hashem’s response, Bilaam’s actions would have been considered meritorious. This is quite difficult to understand: How can the evil Bilaam, en route to curse the Jewish nation, accrue any merits at all?

R’ Moshe Feinstein answers: In the house of the successful Bilaam, the task of saddling a donkey was typically reserved for the stable staff. Nevertheless, Bilaam’s contempt for the Jews and the opportunity to curse them was so exciting for him that he woke up early and saddled his own donkey. Of

course, Bilaam’s actions alone deserve absolutely no recognition; however, a subtle message lurks within them as they could have evoked a negative judgment from Hashem towards the Jewish nation: How is it that Bilaam wakes up early in his excitement to satisfy his contempt for the Jews, while at times, Jews do not approach their avodas Hashem with the same energy? Do the Jewish people value their opportunity to serve Hashem less?

Therefore, Hashem considered the manner in which Avraham approached the Akeida. Even though Avraham was going to slaughter his own son, since it was the wish of Hashem, he approached the task with a sense of importance and urgency. He woke up early in the morning, saddled the donkey on his own, and set out on the journey. Avraham’s eagerness to fulfill Hashem’s most difficult commandment was something that Hashem always remembered and stored away as a zechus for the people of Israel.

Rabbi Avraham Yechiel Hirschman is the Rabbi of YIBH - Pico Bais Medrash and the director of Bikur Cholim Ateres Avigail.

Rabbi Nir and his wife Atrian give regular classes on Shalom Bayit. His popular 3-minute podcast is funny and draws Shalom Bayit ideas from the Torah portion of the week. To register: ShalomInComics@gmail.com

Fantasy or Reality: The Ultimate Challenge

There was a peasant farmer in old Russia standing at the side of the road, weeping profusely. As he stood there, the Czar happened to pass by in his royal coach. The Czar saw the peasant, and when he noticed him weeping, he stopped his chariot to inquire what was wrong. The man tearfully explained that he had no land to farm, and he and his family were starving. The Czar, touched by this man’s misfortune, pulled out a stake from his chariot and drove it into the ground. He then gave the peasant three more stakes and instructed him: “Walk as far as you wish and then drive this stake into the ground. Turn, walk again as far as you wish, and then place the next stake in the ground. Finally, turn again and walk as far as you’d like before placing the last stake in the ground. The land between the four stakes will be yours as a gift from me, the Czar.”

The man was overcome with joy and eagerly began to walk. After some time, he stopped and prepared to plant the stake in the ground. He was about to drive it in when he paused and thought, “Why should I stop here? I can have so much more!” So he continued to walk. After some time, he stopped and once again prepared to plant the stake in the ground. He was about to drive it in when he once again paused and thought, “Why should I stop here? I can have so much more!” So he continued to walk. And as the story goes, he never stopped walking…

The powerful message from this story is clear; we have so much potential in our lives, but if we never sacrifice our po tential in order to create something real, we will never accomplish anything.

Potential vs. Actual

The Maharal explains that there is an important relationship between the spiritual concepts of potential and actual. Potential is endless, multipotent, everything and any

thing. It has no boundaries, no borders, and no limitations. Something real and actual, on the other hand, is restricted, has borders, and is limited only to what it is. Potential might be endless, but it’s not real. What is real might be limited, but it has taken on true existence. Our lives are filled with experiences of both potential and actualized potential. Let us explore a few manifestations of these ideas in order to better understand this root concept.

Important Expressions

The prime example of the concept of potential and reality is our relationship with time. When you wake up each morning, the day holds infinite potential. You have the time to do anything, go anywhere, meet anyone. But that’s only potential, for in reality, you haven’t done anything yet. And in reality, you can’t do everything, only something. On the other hand, every night when you go to sleep, the potential of that day is completely gone. The only thing that remains is that which you made real from the time you were given, what you accomplished, who you became on that day. The sadness of this moment is that the potential is gone - your day is over. The happiness is everything that you have accomplished, everything you’ve made real.

This same paradigm applies to life itself. At the beginning of life, you have infinite potential; you can become anything, learn anything, and meet anyone. Your whole life is ahead of you, but completely in potential. This is not yet real, it is only potential, the possibilities for what you can choose to become. Only the potential that we actualize becomes eternal. At the end of our lives, there is a mixture of feelings. The sadness is that your potential is gone. The happiness is that we can look back at all that we have accomplished with a feeling of pride, knowing that we have taken the time we were given to build ourselves, to

make our potential real.

The Strength and Weaknesses of Both

Potential is beautiful, majestic, and infinitely precious. We all understand the value of potential. However, the weakness of potential is that it’s just that, potential. It’s not real, it’s merely theoretical. The greatness of something that has been actualized is that it’s tangible and real. The weakness, though, is that it’s only that, nothing more. A finished project is a form of actualized potential. It’s beautiful in that it’s real, but it’s still important to realize that it’s limited to what it is. It could have been anything

This is a life trapped in potential, without ever making that potential a reality. Potential is beautiful, but only inasmuch as we utilize it, only in how we bring it to fruition. We must be willing to start with what we have, where we are, and work our way from there. May we be inspired to actualize our potential to the fullest extent, trying our best to choose the real over the fantasy.

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He is also a business, executive, and leadership

Mrs. Vera Menlo:

A REGAL ROLE MODEL

donations each month, and she took the time to read letters that came to her, to understand their plight, to respond to them in writing and then include donations.

Mrs. Menlo was known for her sincere kindness to other people. People felt that she was their best friend, as she listened to them intently, leaving them to feel very cared for. Even if they weren’t close, she made them feel like they were close and cared about them.

building the LA Torah community. The role of the Menlos is no excep tion. With the Yahrzeit of Mrs. Vera Menlo, we have a special opportunity to peek into the life of a pillar of the LA community.

Sam and Vera Menlo met in Vienna and got married in 1957, coming to settle in Los Angeles soon after. Their first of five children was born in 1958. Both Mr. Sam and Mrs. Vera Menlo worked in a purse facto ry; Sam made 99 cents an hour, and Vera made $1.99 per hour because she knew how to sew. It was only later that they built a business around real estate.

to others of her time and her concern. Instead of people coming to her, she would look to see who needed help, always talking to people who worked the cash register at the market, asking them if they needed help and how they were doing.

IF SOMEONE ASKS, YOU GIVE. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO.

As a young girl during World War II, Mrs. Vera Menlo was saved by the Portuguese embassy at the age of 8 and was moved out of her home country by the Red Cross with her one-year-old brother. Vera’s mother was unable to join them at the time, and her father had died in a labor camp. When her younger brother got sick, Vera convinced the Red Cross to allow her mother into the Portuguesecontrolled area. When the Russians took over Hungary, then part of the Soviet Union, Vera and her family secretly walked all the way to the

Upon their move to Los Angeles to start a new life after the war, the Menlos brought along Vera’s mother and brother. Later, when her mother became elderly, she moved into the Menlo home and lived there for many years. Mrs. Menlo was dedicated to caring for her mother, and would not hire a nurse. She had a respect and commitment to her mother that knew no bounds, and she felt a strong responsibility for her brother, who spent decades celebrating holidays and other family occasions together with their families in the Menlo home.

Because she would truly listen, many people asked for her opinion, and she would give such wise suggestions that she became known for her excellent advice. Her daughter, Shaindy Winter, can still hear her mother’s voice giving her advice even now. She always knew what to say and what to do. Even though she never received a formal education as a young girl during the war, Mrs. Menlo had a way of knowing what to do in every situation. As a young widow, Mrs. Menlo’s mother had to work to provide for the family, and as a young child, Mrs. Vera Menlo had to help out wherever she could. There wasn’t much time or opportunity for enjoyment. Nevertheless, Mrs. Menlo always knew how to carry herself gracefully, enjoy her family, and knew the proper way to act in any situation.

She would receive hundreds of letters from organizations requesting

With the motto to give freely and generously, Mrs. Menlo’s tzeda kah didn’t only come in the form of money. As already mentioned, she would give freely of her time, her listening ear, advice, and caring.

According to her grandson Moshe, Mrs. Menlo lived by her value of “if someone asks, you give it.” It didn’t matter who it was. They could be not religious, not Jewish, or not relevant to her life. She would give help when ever she would be asked. This includ ed sending money to foundations for multiple sclerosis, U.S. Army veter ans, disabled and handicapped people, various telethons, or even the Indian tribe on a reservation. For cancer research, she would give more, as it affects everybody. She would say, “Jews get cancer and we need to support cancer research.”

Whenever a wedding or bar mitzvah initiative came in the mail, Mrs. Menlo would send a generous check, even more, if she knew the family or bride was struggling financially. She would even send to fami-

lies that invited her to a simcha that she didn’t recognize or know. She gave generously to Bikur Cholim, Hachnasas Kallah— the list goes on and on.

For many years, Mrs. Menlo would send a check to every Rav in the city for each of the Yamim Tovim, even if she didn’t daven by them. “My parents were raised that you have to support the Rabbanim in town, and so they helped more than their own Rabbi. They sent money to a lot of people and institutions who never asked for money, such as schools or other individuals,” remembers their son Frank Menlo. Whenever anyone knocked on her door for tzedakah, Mrs. Menlo invited them in, had them sit down, would offer them a drink or a snack, and would listen to them. “She had a lot of respect for all humanity. Whatever my father wanted to give, my mother automatically said, “‘No, let’s give more.’” Most women don’t get involved in the charities, but not only was Mrs. Menlo very involved in the charities that her husband was involved with, but she also took over all of it when he got sick many years later, and she would write all of the checks. She remained active in her

tial mother.” During his teenage years, Yonatan moved in with his grandparents and felt that they provided him a warm and loving two-parent home. When he was older, Yonatan would thank his grandmother for all she did for him, and Mrs. Menlo wouldn’t make a big deal about it. Yonatan would say “but it is a big deal because you already raised a set of kids once, and you didn’t have to do it again. But you did raise me for two years.” When he was a teenager he would tell his grandmother not to wait up for him, but she would insist on staying awake until he got home. “She was the quintessential mother who always had to make sure that everyone was home before she would go to sleep. It felt so good to know she was waiting up for me, that she cared for me like a mother would, and she wanted to make sure I went to bed.”

Mrs. Menlo loved being a grandmother and having a house full of family. For every birthday, Yuntif, and anniversary, she sent her children and grandchildren a check and a card. She kept a calendar of all the important dates and would include writing these cards while answering mail and sending Tzedakah checks to organiza-

her grandson Yonatan, that unconditional love, care, and concern was a new chapter and a turning point in his teenage years. Yonatan recalls that although his grandparents could be serious and traditional at times, they would laugh and joke at the nightly dinner table when he was living with them and his Aunt Judy.

Moshe, a grandson who lived with his family at his grandparents' home since the age of 9, remembers the attention and selflessness that his grandmother raised him with. She was attentive to what each family member needed, and never cared or worried about herself. Her mission in life was to care for her husband first, then her children and grandchildren, and then the rest of the community. She lived for others, never for herself.

When her children were young, Mrs. Menlo did everything herself, including laundry, shopping, tailoring, and preparing 3 home cooked meals per day. As a true balabusta, she made everything from scratch and took care of all the family and household needs. There wasn’t much paid or hired help in those days. Her home was open to anyone who needed to stay for an extended visit, and she

Frankel.

When Mr. Sam Menlo became ill, Mrs. Menlo fully took over his care and devoted herself to him even more so. This was reminiscent of when she cared for her own mother a few decades before. Mrs. Menlo never hired a nurse for her elderly mother, but rather did everything herself. During various stages of her life she was caring for her elderly mother, her husband debilitated after a stroke, her adult daughter who had cancer, or her teenage grandson. She was always serving in the role of caregiver and nurturer.

Granddaughter Tanya Heyman remembers that “we were not allowed to come into the house without stopping in grandma’s room to say hello. I find that very admirable. She taught us to respect and show up for our family.” She was a second mother to so many of her grandchildren, ensured that their favorite foods were cooked fresh and also stocked in the freezer to entice them to come over often. “She was so good to us! She would pick me up from school if I was sick, give me a bath, prepare me food and let me lay in her bed.”

A MODEL TO EMULATE

important they tion that for fundamental Toras Jewish ed neighborhood. the supported was would which lo’s not be also education way and seriously. word, who impact they shul. more

It’s her grandson, Yonatan Menlo, that calls her the “quintessen-

through an encouraging kind word or a special hot cooked breakfast. For

needed. She continued to prepare meals for her family until the end of her

“While my grandfather was a builder, my grandmother supported his work, encouraged it, and enhanced it. She was a visionary in the community, both in building schools and also her husband’s business that would not have flourished without her guidance and support,” explains grandson Ushi

The responsibility to family that Menlo had, especially as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother, is something to be admired and emulated. All of this, along with her devotion to her husband and to her marriage, were modeled on a daily basis. According to grandson Ushi Frankel, these are the legacies she leaves for her children and grandchildren.

“She treated every person like a human being. It didn't matter what you looked like or where you’re from. She would do anything she would be asked for. I pointed out to her that it wasn’t her responsibility, but she still wanted to be able to do it for someone else,” describes her son Frank. She never judged.

Jewish education was very

became his even of mother a Menlo elderly everything her elderly after had She of Heyman allowed without say She for second grandchilfoods in come us! school if bath, let bed.”

MODEL EMULATE responsithat especially and admired with to a grandson legacies grandlike a what from. be that it still someone She very

important to her and her husband, as they never received a Jewish education back in Europe. They believed that Jewish education was the future for the Jewish people. They were fundamental in the development of Toras Emes, created scholarships for Jewish school attendance, and donated generously to many schools in the neighborhood. Tanya explains one of the reasons that her grandparents supported Valley Torah High School was because Rabbi Stuhlberger would never turn away a student, which was consistent with the Menlo’s ideology that no child should ever not be provided a Jewish education or be accepted to a Jewish school. She also felt passionately about Holocaust education and supported that in any way she could.

Mrs. Menlo took her davening and religious observance very seriously. She would say every single word, and inspired so many others who observed her prayers. The impact on others was so strong that they all wanted to sit next to her in shul. She was always looking to be more religious, as opposed to others

who are satisfied with how they are, and she was always looking to grow, working on herself, to be a better Jew. She hosted a Torah shiur in her home for many years.

Well after the war, Mrs. Menlo’s life was full of difficulties and trage dies, including the loss of two of her adult daughters. Her grandson Ushi Fran kel remem bers her as a forwardthinking and forward looking person, who would never harp on her difficulties, but rather focused on what can be done in the moment, how to live in the present, and continue on in a positive way.

When hearing from a variety of

Mrs. Vera Menlo had tremendous patience and lived her life with grace. No one was ever beneath her; she interacted with everyone with kindness and humility, with no one being better than anyone else, with extremely humility that she modeled

Mrs. Menlo was the backbone to the success of all the people who were in her life, who lived in her home. Even when she was well into her seventies, a time when most people want to retire and have a free life, she never chose otherwise. She wanted to be productive and lead a meaningful

On a Summer Sponge Stamps

Get ready to dive into a world of creativity and bring the vibrant spirit of summer to life with your very own handmade stamps! In this step-by-step tutorial, you will learn how to transform simple sponges into delightful summer-themed stamps. Whether you’re decorating cards, sprucing up scrapbooks, or adding a touch of summer to fabric, these stamps will make your creations shine!

Supplies:

Sponges (preferably new and unused), Scissors, Paints, Paintbrushes, Paper

Instructions:

Step 1: Think about a summer-themed design and cut out the shape. Ideas include ice cream, sun, palm trees, watermelon, cherries, etc.

Step 2: Glue your design to a full sponge.

Step 3: Paint your desired paint color onto the sponge.

Step 4: Press the sponge down on the paper and apply a bit of pressure.

Step 5: Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different color combinations and patterns.

1 2 3 4 5

@onarollcrafts

To book a craft event contact her at onarollcrafts@gmail.com

Did you hear about the fire in the shoe factory?

Shoes

NETHERLANDS - KLOMPEN

Klompen are an odd type of footwear made from a single piece of wood and is a type of clog. They are carved from a solid piece of wood giving the wearer’s feet protection from dropping heavy objects on their feet or spilling dangerous chemicals. Originally klompens were used by farmers, gardeners and others that worked in muddy fields or industries with the risk of objects falling on their feet.

NORTH AMERICA - MOCCASINS

This was the traditional type of footwear worn by indigenous North American tribes, mostly worn by hunters, traders and others that would be spending time outdoors. Originally the design of this shoe, and decorative patterns embroidered on them, was different from tribe to tribe and a simple way to know what tribe someone was from. This beautiful beadwork is indicative of tribe and identity, point of pride, and hard work.

JAPAN - GETA

The Japanese Geta were originally worn to keep the feet and traditional Japanese clothing elevated from the ground thus keeping them clean. The elevated and impermeable wooden base allows the foot to remain well above the ground, keeping it dry during rainy months of the year and the solid wood eliminates water or mud splashing up on your clothing which normally happens with modern day flip flops. Like many cultures shoes are not worn inside the home; they are left outside the door. This practice is observed in Japan.

MOROCCO - BABOUCHE

In Morocco a traditional shoe called Babouche is worn by many. Babouches are made of fine leather or high quality fabric. These shoes have no heels with the backs folded down, giving the slipper-like appearance. Babouches also have a pointed toe and exposed stitching.

Mushky Yiftach

Mushky, aka the “Duct Tape Lady”, is a duct tape artist and lover of crafts who is always On A Roll coming up with something new and exciting. Mushky believes that creativity and connection are 2 really important things to take with you throughout life. Crafts build confidence, teach problem solving, and encourages “Out of the box” thinking. She currently teaches 3rd grade in Bais Chaya Mushka LA and is an adjunct professor at Sara Schenirer College. You can check out more awesome projects on her YouTube channel, onarollcrafts, or follow her on instagram

INDIA - JUTTI

Juttis were originally worn by wealthy people in Northern India including zamindars, kings and rulers. They eventually became the traditional footwear for people living in Northern India but in recent times are mainly worn for special occasions such as weddings and festivals. Jutti are traditionally made of leather and covered with exquisite embroidery. They have a flat sole and, like the Moroccan Babouche, look like slippers.

RUSSIA - LAPTI

The Russian Lapti look like works of folk art. The Lapti are traditional shoes of Russian peasants that are made of bast and not meant to last very long. While these shoes are amazing they are not worn very much anymore.

AFRICA - BEADED BOOTS

In Africa you would think the climate to not be conducive to wearing shoes. In many areas this is true and shoes are important symbols because of this. However, there is a variety of footwear ranging from leather and rawhide sandals to intricately beaded footwear of royalty.

FRANCE - SABOT

The clog is a traditional footwear in France and other surrounding European countries. In France the clog, or Sabot, was worn between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries by the lower classes. Sabots were carved from a single piece of wood and covered the whole foot from heel to toe

Rabbi Praida and His Student Rebbe’s Stories

Rabbi Mordechai Dubin

There was a man named Shmuel who was hired to work for three years for Rabbi Eliezer, a great Talmid Chacham and a very rich man. Rabbi Eliezer owned many fields and many herds of cattle. Shmuel was a very good worker and Rabbi Eliezer was very appreciative of his hard work.

When the three years were up, Shmuel approached Rabbi Eliezer to let him know that it was time for him to return to his family. When Shmuel asked Rabbi Eliezer for the money that he was owed, Rabbi Eliezer responded that he didn’t have any money to give him. Shmuel asked Rabbi Eliezer for some fruits and vegetables that were growing in his fields, but Rabbi Eliezer said that he didn’t have any. Shmuel then requested cattle, but Rabbi Eliezer apologetically said “I am sorry, but I don’t have any cattle!”

What is the origin of the shoe?

During the Kassite period (c. 1600–1200 bce) in Mesopotamia, soft shoes were introduced by mountain people on the border of Iran who ruled Babylonia during that time. This first type of shoe was a simple wraparound of leather, with the basic construction of a moccasin, held together on the foot with rawhide lacings.

Shmuel looked around and saw fields full of produce and hundreds of cattle grazing on the grass. Without a word of complaint, he said goodbye to Rabbi Eliezer and sadly returned home with nothing to show for his 3 years of hard work.

A few weeks later there was a knock on Shmuel’s door. He opened the door and saw Rabbi Eliezer standing there with a sack of money in his hands. He handed Shmuel the money that was owed to him and showed him three donkeys that were loaded with gifts for him and his family. As they sat down for tea and refreshments, Rabbi Eliezer asked Shmuel, “When I told you that I didn’t have anything to give you, what did you think?” Shmuel responded innocently, “I thought you must have donated everything that you had to Tzedakah!”

Rabbi Eliezer responded excitedly, “You are correct! When I saw that my son Hurkanis refused to learn Torah, I angrily shouted that I will never let him benefit from my

wealth! I made a promise to give all of my possessions to Tzedakah. After my anger settled down and I realized what I had done, I knew that I had made a big mistake, but what could I do? I made a promise. It was only at a later time, when the Rabbis told me that the promise that I made in anger did not count as a promise, that I realized that my possessions still belonged to me.”

Rabbi Eliezer then took Shmuel’s hand and gave him the following blessing. “Just as you judged me in a favorable way, Hashem should always judge you in a favorable way.”

Found in Meseches Shabbos 127a

Questions for Discussion

1. 1. What might Shmuel have been thinking when Rabbi Eliezer told him he had nothing to give him, and yet the fields were filled with fruits and vegetables and herds of cattle were grazing on his land?

2. 2. Why did Rabbi Eliezer tell Shmuel that he had nothing to give him when his fields were still filled with fruits and vegetables and there were hundreds of cattle?

3. 3. What can we learn from Rabbi Eliezer’s behavior?

4. 4. Where do we see that Shmuel judged Rabbi Eliezer favorably?

5. 5. What does it mean to judge someone favorably?

6. 6. Why is it good to always judge everyone in a favorable way?

Rabbi Mordechai Dubin is a Rebbe at Gindi Maimonides Academy. He is the author of three illustrated children’s books, I’ll Never Forget Yerushalayim, I Believe, and I Know 6; and has produced four Musical CD’s for children, I Made This World For you, Let My People Go, Al Shelosha Devarim, and Hashem is Always With Me.

If you want to share a story, recipe, D’var Torah, or something creative with us, we would absolutely love it! Please send them in to editor@thelajewishhome.com and write “Kids Section” in the subject line

Rachel Malk

Looking for some outdoor adventures to enjoy this summer? Look no further! As a mom of all boys, with varying ages and interests, I’m always on the hunt for new outdoor adventures. Below are some of my local tried and true outings, as well as a few on my bucket list.

Huntington Beach (aka Surf City)

Huntington Beach Harbour

Kick off your day by paddling through the canals of Huntington Harbour. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board at OEX Rentals and set out to explore. Launch your kayak from the small “baby beach,” where younger kids can play in the sand and wad in the waveless water while older siblings venture further into the harbor. Not keen to get wet? Try renting an electric motor boat to cruise the harbor. I recently found a great groupon for a two-hour rental of a 12-seater boat at PCH Electric Boats.

Huntington Beach Central Park

Don’t forget to pack a delicious picnic and make your way to Huntington Beach Central Park. I recommend parking at the Huntington Beach Senior Center and walking down a gentle slope, where you will discover one of the most incredible public climbing parks I’ve ever encountered. Picture expansive green fields and a serene lake with ducks in the background. Older kids may enjoy the outdoor batting cages just across the street at the HB Sport Complex.

Adventure Playground Park

And that’s not all! Within walking distance from the batting cages lies a nostalgic gem, the Adventure Playground Park. Part Tom Sawyer’s Island and part Lord of the Flies, this park offers kids aged 5 to 12 the opportunity to raft on a small pond, zoom down a mudslide (seemingly lined with thick trash bags), and play in forts. Note to mud park veterans: the option to build on the forts with hammers and nails has been removed to ensure the safety of all participants. No joke, years ago my 3-yearold was offered a hammer and nails to

Summer Fun in Local Los Angeles

construct his own fort! This four-dollar fun is geared towards 5-12 year olds and is closed Sundays. If your crew is hungry again, end your day by grabbing a mouthwatering pizza from Pizza Tanya, a new kosher restaurant, on your way back home.

Pasadena Adventures

Eaton Canyon

With the abundant rain we’ve had this season, Eaton Canyon has transformed into a local hiker’s paradise. Even if you have family members who

a stunning central park in San Marino. You truly won’t believe you’re a halfhour away from LA.

Looking for a short getaway in nature?

creek, outdoor pool, and miles of hiking trails. There are also activities to enjoy all summer long, including live outdoor music, magic shows in addition to yoga and fitness classes, canoes and kayaks.

are hiking-haters, I surmise that even they will like this water hike. Prepare to get wet, as you criss-cross streams and climb rocks that lead to a pretty serious waterfall for Southern California. You may even find people panning for gold, as we recently did!

Huntington Gardens

If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, spend the day exploring the Huntington Gardens, in nearby San Marino. Spanning approximately 130 acres, these botanical gardens boast 16 themed gardens that showcase an awe-inspiring collection of living plants. While you may not get teenage boys to join you on this trip, most families will be captivated by the sheer beauty and grandeur of the gardens. My favorites are the Japanese and Chinese gardens, as well as the Children’s Garden- complete with refreshing water features. Mark your calendars for the first Thursday of every month, as it’s Free Day at the gardens. These tickets are released on the last Thursday of the month at 9 am. And after achieving your daily 10,000 step goal at the gardens, treat yourself to a picnic at Lacey Park,

Glamping

Check out a new glamping resort, Huttopia, in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. Formally a summer camp, a French-Canadian camping chain recently opened a family-friendly camping experience that combines affordability with comfort. Bring your portable bbq and kids’ bikes and park yourself on the porch of the newly renovated tent cab ins. Let your kids explore the large

Bedding and linens are provided and most cabins have kitchens and bathrooms.

Wishing you a fantastic summer!

Rachel Malk is a Lactation Consultant (RN and IBCLC) in Los Angeles who takes most PPO plans for In-Home or virtual visits. She can be reached at rmlactation@gmail. com.

Life Insurance: A Smart Act of Love

Calanit Kopple

Afew months ago, I was sitting in a restaurant with my daughter, when I overheard a macabre conversation in a light tone. A woman was speaking on the phone to a friend, confiding that her 70th birthday was coming up and what would be the best way to “go” were it to happen between now and then, thus providing the funds prior to the impending expiration of her term life insurance policy.

It’s fascinating that life insurance is so painstakingly obvious to some, while completely off the radar to others. Some people grew up with parents who discussed the importance of life insurance, thus encouraging its purchase upon the birth of their first child. But for others,

it’s uncomfortable, seemingly irrelevant, or a waste of money. Perhaps the premiums feel financially out of reach. Maybe it’s the task one hopes to get to when there is time. Or maybe the thought of death is just plain scary, so life insurance gets avoided permanently.

The following is a personal account by a woman in Los Angeles:

“My dad died when I was 13. And he didn’t have any life insurance. My mom never worked and had a GED and she struggled to support us. I wish my parents had the foresight to plan for the possibility that either of them might not be around to take care of us, because it was very hard once he was gone. I’m one

of five kids; I am the second oldest and my brother and I sacrificed a lot to make sure our younger sisters had anything close to the stability and normalcy like we experienced when we were younger. And we are still paying the price for that.

“And I miss my dad so much. But I’m also so angry because he could have put money away to make sure there was money for my sisters. I think in the Jewish community there is this huge assumption that the community will take care of you. And they might. But, you never know when there will be a new cause that will be more important or a financial crisis. I’ve had big donors tell me they’ve had to step back from donating like they used to.

“Whether they’re the parent that’s left over to see financial destruction wreaked on the family or not–no money is no money. And they do not want their legacy to their kids being that they left them to fend for themselves. Because that’s what it feels like. Like he knew the situation he was leaving us in and he was okay with that. No child should go through losing a parent and feeling betrayed by them, as well.

“If I was a parent, I would plan like it was my sole responsibility to provide

for my family’s future, to leave them financially secure under the guidance of an advisor, so that they can focus on properly mourning and not worry if they’re going to lose their home.”

Here are a few points to consider:

1. If you want to apply for life insurance but feel overwhelmed, the best thing to do is ask around for agents and call three. Explain that you are interested in life insurance, but are not ready to commit to a specific agent. Ask them to walk you through the steps. (If you don’t even want to deal with finding agents, then email me and I’ll send you a list I’ve collected).

2. Before you write off life insurance as too expensive, or perhaps a friend or an agent told you off-hand that it would be not worthwhile, ask again. Find an agent that has information on a variety of plans from different carriers so that you have a broader spectrum to choose from. Ideally consider at least a $1 million dollar policy.

3. There are so many types of life insurance plans! Many options for many situations. If you have newly-

wed children, encourage them to buy a plan, as premiums will be less expensive for their age bracket.

4. It’s important to purchase life insurance even for a mother (or father) who provides less income or no income, because everything that a mother (or father) does is valuable. If she’s not there, who is taking care of the kids? Preparing supper? Driving them to school?

5. Even if you think you may be excluded due to your health history, ask!

In speaking to various community members in different stages and financial circumstances, I encountered these compelling viewpoints:

1. “People should very strongly understand the need to have a minimum of ten years of their annual costs in the bank. For example, if a family needs $150,000 per year to survive, then $1.5 million in life insurance would be the bare minimum, because costs will go up, and the need for therapy and other emotional support will come up.”

2. “It’s our responsibility to each other and to our children if something happens, lo aleinu.”

3. “Life insurance is a matter of when. Everyone dies, hopefully not at a young age. It’s a reality.”

4. “Life insurance is an ethical responsibility.”

5. “Hashem created life insurance in the minds of people to put money away so there will be this abundance. Why do people save money? It’s part of hishtadlus.”

6. “Instead of wedding gifts, people should group together and give life insurance!”

7. “Can a person say lechatchila, ‘Oh, I will rely on the community for help’? This viewpoint is ‘less religious’ than buying life insurance. For one to continue saying the community ‘will take care of us’ is less appropriate.”

8. “For families in the midst of their growing years, financially growing, it’s the responsible thing to do.”

9. “It is the ultimate act of love for your spouse and child. Even if I’m not here, I want to take care of you.”

Finally, I would recommend speaking to your shul rav if you are uncertain as to which way to turn. Just like so many other areas of life we ask shilahs—of course life insurance is just as important.

I urge you, please, call an agent now, while it’s fresh in your mind. Just take the first step.

And may your life insurance serve as a segula for arichas yamim (long life). Amein.

Calanit Kopple lives in Los Angeles with her family. If you would like to reach her, you can find her at JOANN on La Cienega most days of the week.

An Alternative Tzedakah Fund: Areivim USA

As an alternative to the tzedakah campaigns that raise money for widows/widowers and orphans, Areivim USA quietly helps to maintain the dignity of its recipients, while removing the costs of advertising and appeals.

“The current model of fundraising for newly orphaned families is unsustainable in the long term. The mad dash to mobilize and raise funds to set up the devastated family for financial independence is not something that is viable for much longer,” states Areivim USA.

The goal of Areivim is to collect and set aside a fund of up to $150,000 for each unmarried child and for every widow/widower left with three or more unmarried children. The Areivim board and its rabbonim review each case to determine eligibility. The funds from each collection are placed into a secure trust fund account, which is managed by the family’s rav, a family member, and a financial advisor. They ensure the money gets used to help provide the family with food, clothing, tuition, medical care and weddings.

To become a member of Areivim, a family must apply. Widows, divorcees and single parents are also eligible to apply. If someone is denied membership, then their spouse may apply separately. There is no sign-up fee to join and there are no mandatory charges. Contributions are only solicited in the event of the passing of a member, r”l, and no more than $42 is collected per month.

If an applicant is eligible for membership, contributions may be made by a separate donor on the member’s behalf. For example, parents may make payments for their married children or schools may make payments for their staff. People can also become members of Areivim as donors who do not intend to benefit from the fund.

Areivim strongly encourages its members to also sign up for life insurance. People should not solely rely on Areivim if, G-d forbid a tragedy occurs. It’s an option for someone who cannot afford something better. And everyone must have something to secure their family’s future.

For more information, please visit Areivimusa.org or call 866-727-3484

“The Twin Children of the Holocaust: Stolen Childhood

Dr. Lisabeth Fisher DiLalla

In her newest book, “The Twin Children of the Holocaust: Stolen Childhood and the Will to Survive,” Nancy Segal has provided a story of survival, documenting the travels of some of the twins who were subjected to the horrors of Dr. Josef Mengele’s machinations in Auschwitz. Utilizing photos and short essays, this book recounts the 1985 trek by surviving twins as they attempted to bring Mengele to justice. This riveting photographic accounting of their journey provides a glimpse into the 40th anniversary reunion of the twins’ release from the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1985 and their ensuing trip to Israel for the Yad Vashem hearing of Mengele’s atrocities. Segal tells this story in photographs more than words, with short descriptions peppered throughout the book to explain the photographs.

The story is given perspective in the book’s Foreward by Dr. David Marwell, an American historian and former director of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City. He provides the history for the book’s narrative. As Segal

then notes, the story of what happened under Hitler and Mengele must be retold so that it is not forgotten. It is essential to continue “[e]ducating the public about what happened to [the twins and other victims]” (page 11). Segal definitively accomplishes this with her book. The book is not only a recounting of the adventure that a number of surviving twins experienced in 1985. It also serves as a testament to them and a memorial to those who were unable to be there. As

notes, “It is time for me to offer these pictures to those who wish to see them, and to those who need to see them” (page 11).

The book is filled with photographs that Segal took herself, mostly in 1985, some later when revisiting some of the twins. She augments these with short chapters describing the events that unfolded. Her personal reminiscences of her conversations with individuals and her travels with them help bring the pictures alive. Some of these memories remind

us of the “horror, pain, and fear” experienced 40 years earlier, but others remind us of the indomitable will of the human spirit as these survivors grew, had families, and thrived, coming together in 1985 as one body to both remember and extinguish their demons. Because Segal accompanied the twins on their trip to Auschwitz and Israel, she is able to provide first person accounts of the events there. Her engagements with the people she traveled with provide an intimacy in her retelling of the events.

The photos and the personal information that Segal presents make the horrors come alive again and make them more personal. This document is fascinating, upsetting, and important. It should be read as a celebration of those who survived, with a reminder to all of us that these events must not be forgotten. This book serves as a critical reminder to keep us aware of the atrocities that occurred and keep us saying, “This will not happen again!”

This review originally appeared in the Jewish Press.

“This book recounts the 1985 trek by surviving twins as they attempted to bring Mengele to justice.”

and the Will to Survive.”

Segal

Inspiration at Siyum on Sefer Chovos Halevavos at Home of Rav Don Segal, Shlita

Rav Don Encourages Daily Mussar Learning in Dirshu’s Kinyan Chochma Program

Chaim Gold

Ifeel such a sense of chibah, of love for this gathering of avreichim who have taken upon themselves the learning of daily mussar with a program. Of course, we are so fortunate in our generation to see the tremendous increase in limud haTorah hakedosha, nevertheless, this gathering has an additional component that makes it special. Today, we are celebrating the combination of learning mussar with Torah. When Torah learning is complimented by the learning of mussar, it is a different Torah learning!”

Those were the words of the venerated Mashgiach, HaGaon HaTzaddik HaRav Don Segal, shlita, at a unique gathering in his home to celebrate the completion of the Sefer Chovos Halevavos in Dirshu’s Kinyan Chochma Mussar program, together with the commencement of the Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim

Dirshu’s Kinyan Chochma Mussar program was established six years ago at the Dirshu Convention in Stamford, Connecticut. Its purpose was to elevate lomdei Torah in their avodas hamiddos and grant them the extra push that is specifically needed in our generation in the constant battle against the yetzer hara. The program follows a daily mussar calendar with limudim from the classical mussar sefarim such as the Chovos Halevavos, Mesilas Yesharim, Orchos Tzaddikim, Tomer Devorah, Shaarei Teshuva, Rabbeinu Yonah on Pirkei Avos, and Orchos Chaim L’Harosh

Sequel to Meeting at the Home of HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, Zt”l

Just a few months ago, at the end of Shevat, a special asifa was held at the home of the gadol hador, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, zt”l, who recently passed away. Rav Don, who attended that meeting, played an integral role in encouraging the learning of mussar. That meeting was attended by many senior mashgichim from Eretz Yisrael. Rav Gershon himself, despite his weakness delivered a drasha, passionately encouraged that every avreich should make daily mussar an integral part of his schedule and then praised the Dirshu Kinyan Chochma program as an important vehicle to achieve that purpose.

The more recent meeting held at the home of Rav Don Segal was a sequel to the original meeting in Rav Gershon’s home. Rav Don was deeply gratified that the Sefer Chovos Halevavos had just been completed by thousands who were

now embarking on the Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim

At the meeting in the home of Rav Don, a group of those who had recently completed the Sefer Chovos Halevavos was present along with senior members

The Common Denominator Between Rav Chaim Volozhiner and the Divrei Chaim

Then, in a voice full of emotion, Rav Don exclaimed, “Do you know how great Rav Chaim of Volozhin was

intricacies of the sugya that Rav Yaakov was surprised when in the middle the Divrei Chaim grabbed his peyos and said, “Yekele, do you remember that there is a Borei Olam?!”

“This was the same Divrei Chaim who prepared for tekias shofar on Rosh Hashana by learning a deep sugya in the Sefer Ketzos Hachoshen. What was he saying?! Even in the midst of learning the deepest sugya, a Yid cannot forget about Hashem! His yiras shomayim must always be foremost.”

Rav Segal expressed his tremendous satisfaction that so many people were learning mussar in the program and that they were now starting the Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim, a sefer that is based on many other earlier mussar works from various Rishonim that are brought down in easyto-read, concise language making it easier to absorb the lessons.

of Dirshu’s hanhala led by Dirshu’s Nasi, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita, who also addressed the gathering.

The Mussar Obligation

Rav Don explained that limud hamussar is something that every single Jew is obligated to engage in, yet, at the same time, it is especially significant when talmidei chachomim who learn Torah all day make the time to learn mussar. Why?

Because when everyone sees that even talmidei chachomim who are engaged in spiritual matters all day, also attach great importance to the learning of mussar, they will realize how important it is for them as well.

Not only that, Rav Don continued, but if a talmid chochom wants his Torah learning to stand by him and imbue him with the kedusha and tahara that Torah learning accomplishes it can only be done when coupled with limud hamussar and yiras shomayim. In fact, the Mishnah tells us that only when ones yiras Shomayim precedes his chochma, will his Torah learning leave a lasting impact.

in Torah?! He was the primary talmid of the Vilna Gaon, he was the founder of the Volozhiner Yeshiva and yet he writes that if a talmid chochom is in the middle of learning and feels that he is somewhat cooling off in his yiras shomayim, do you know what he should do? He is allowed to stop his learning and learn some mussar until he feels that he has strengthened himself in yiras shomayim. Only then can he return to his learning! That is how important learning mussar is!”

Rav Don then continued with a fascinating story about the father of Tshebiner Rav whose name was Rav Yaakov, the Rav of Horimlov. Rav Yaakov or Rav Yekele, as he was fondly called, was one of the greatest gaonin of his time. He never forgot anything he learned and his gaonus was simply astounding even in his generation.

“He once met with the famed Divrei Chaim of Sanz, who was also a great gaon and they began talking in learning. Before long, a raging Torah debate ensued between the two gaonim They were so deeply immersed in the

Dirshu also has made available recorded shiurim on the Sefer Orchos Tzadikim delivered by Rav Zev Smith, shlita, Maggid Shiur, Dirshu Daf HaYomi B’Halacha and Irgun Shiurei Torah. They can be accessed by calling Kol Halashon at, 718-906-6449 3-1.

The Best Insurance Policy

He then concluded that it is important that younger people have older mussar role models to watch and emulate. “When I learned in the Ponovezh Yeshiva there were several elder talmidei chachomim and tzaddikim who did not have official jobs in the yeshiva but whom the Ponovezher Rav fully supported so they should be in the beis medrash and serve as role models for the talmidim on how a person with true yiras shomayim conducts himself. I remember there was a Yid named R’ Leizer. He had been a maggid shiur in Slabodka before the war. When the Rav asked the Chazon Ish if he should buy an insurance policy for the yeshiva, the Chazon Ish replied that, “As long as Reb Leizer is learning there, you don’t need insurance. He is the best insurance policy.”

Indeed, perhaps the best insurance policy that anyone can have, is to incorporate daily learning of mussar into his schedule.

Don’t wait. Now is the time to join Kinyan Chochma. With just a few minutes of learning Kinyan Chochma per day, your whole day will be transformed.

For information on how to join Kinyan Chochma and to receive a copy of the day’s limud, please call Dirshu at 1-888-5Dirshu or email info@ kolleldirshu.org

HaRav Don Segal imparting Divrei Chizuk at the Kinyan Chochma Asifa

Rav Dovid Hofstedter greeting HaRav Don Segal at the Siyum on Chovos Halevavos

Short Ribs in Spicy Pineapple Sauce

This week’s recipe is from a cookbook co-written by Chef Nir and Sunda Croonquist called “Kosher Soul Food.” A few years ago, La Gondola hosted a monthly comedy night where different comedians would perform, accompanied by good food and laughter throughout the night. It was here that Chef Nir met Sunda, and they have been close friends ever since. Sunda, who has a Jewish African American/Scandinavian background and is married to an Ashkenaz, always desired to share her culinary history, which blends Soul Food and Jewish cuisine. One of her objectives was to create a healthier approach, as Soul Food is often associated with high fat content. Consequently, they not only adapted all the recipes to be Kosher but also made them health-conscious. Together, Chef Nir and Sunda collaborated to bring this amusing comical cookbook to life.

La Gondola is renowned for its BBQ Ribs, but obviously, we can’t reveal that secret recipe! Therefore, Chef Nir has decided to share a tantalizing variation called the Spicy Pineapple Short Ribs. This sauce can also be used for roasts, whether they are bone-in or boneless ribs, or even chicken. It complements anything you put it on!

Chef Nir Weinblut was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and at a young age, he moved with his family to the east coast of the United States, where they opened a pizza shop. Nir grew up helping his parents in their restaurant, and he developed a love for cooking and hospitality from an early age. In the mid-80s, Nir moved to Los Angeles to study business and psychology. While supporting himself, he found his way back into the catering world and discovered his passion for high-end catering. Slowly but surely, he began to explore the culinary world and experienced the higher-end side of the industry.

As he gained more experience in the catering industry, Nir decided to slowly transition back into the culinary world, this time with a focus on the higher-end side of the industry. During this time, he learned from many talented individuals, including French maîtres d’ and back-of-house staff, all of whom taught him something new and valuable.

After gaining extensive experience and training, Nir established La Gondola Restaurant and Catering, which quickly became a front-runner in the kosher world in Los Angeles. Three decades later, the establishment is still going strong and continues to be a leader in the industry. In addition to his success with La Gondola Restaurant and Catering, Chef Nir has also taken his culinary skills to international audiences. He has catered for royals in Dubai and has been a judge on Kosher.com’s Skill’it. As well as being a co-author for a cookbook called “Kosher Soul Food,” which showcases his unique blend of Jewish and African American cuisine.

Recipe Card:

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 Ibs full-size, bone-in beef short ribs

• Fresh pineapple, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp sized piece of ginger, peeled

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp fresh garlic

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp Chinese 5 Spice powder

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 300 F.

• Preheat a large skillet.

• Sear all sides of the short ribs and place in a dish deep enough for the ribs and sauce for braising in the oven.

• Blend all the above ingredients until smooth and pour over the ribs.

• Cook at 275-300 F for 5-6 hours.

Chef Nir Weinblut

Trump’s Indictment: A Lesson In Prosecutorial Discretion

Lou Shapiro

Our country is once again divided on an issue of national importance. The debate is about whether former President Donald Trump should be prosecuted for willfully retaining classified documents and sharing some of their information with reporters.

One side maintains that Trump had no business sitting on the records for as long as he did, even if he once had the legal ability to review them. They feel that Trump brought these charges on himself by not simply cooperating with the National Archives when he had the chance to do so.

Defenders of Trump argue that Trump is a victim of a double standard. President Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence both were found to be in possession of classified documents and have not been prosecuted. Hillary Clinton stored classified documents on a private server, destroyed emails, and yet was not charged with willfully retaining

classified documents or obstruction of justice. Finally, they claim the Presidential Records Act provides the remedy for this situation which removes it from the realm of prosecution. Therefore, he is being “selectively prosecuted” to ruin his chances of success in the 2024 election.

This topic brings to light a very common, yet understated notion known as “prosecutorial discretion.” Prosecutorial discretion is defined as when a prosecutor has the power to decide whether or not to charge a person for a crime, and which criminal charges to file. A typical prosecutorial agency will be provided several police reports per month. A filing prosecutor will be tasked with determining which police reports should be converted into a criminal case and which should not.

There are many reasons why a prosecutor decides to reject a case for criminal filing, even if the facts support it. It could be because the victim is no

longer desirous of pressing charges or because the defendant has otherwise a stellar record and the filing prosecutor does not feel that the situation warrants a criminal filing. There are many other reasons why prosecutors choose to not file cases, even though the facts are present to support a conviction.

Prosecutorial discretion was exercised in Biden, Pence, and Clinton’s matters. They all had classified documents that were directly in violation of the Espionage Act. Nowhere in the Espionage Act does it provide that if you violate it, but then act kind and nicely thereafter, then you are no longer in violation of it. It is the exercising of prosecutorial discretion that provides a pass.

This subtle point is what the nation is really arguing about but doesn’t realize it. Trump defenders deep down recognize that Trump is not 100% innocent. They will admit he was reckless and should have handled things

differently. They just want him to get the same benefit of the doubt that anyone else would. They don’t expect him to be held to a lower standard, and they certainly don’t want him to be held to a higher standard. They feel the latter is in play and it infuriates them to no end. Prosecutorial discretion can be a beautiful thing. It has the power to grant someone a second chance in life when they would otherwise be charged and even convicted. At the same time, it can be flawed because one prosecutor might have a different view than another prosecutor on what type of case merits a criminal filing. This can lead to unpredictable results. Sound familiar?

‘‘Insight into cause has been translated into a method that works. I encourage every stutterer to join the chorus of his clients’ fluent and effusive appreciation’.

Dr. Howard Lebowitz MD Chief Medical Advisor, Specialty Hospital, Harvard Medical School

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.

There was a man who had dedicated his life to studying in kollel, while his wife worked tirelessly to support their family for over three decades. Their lives were turned upside down when his wife was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. The doctors delivered a devastating prognosis, giving her a mere three months to live. In a state of desperation, he sought solace and guidance from his revered Rebbe, R’ Shmuel Birnbaum ZT’L, pleading for some miracle to save his wife.

Moved by the man’s heartfelt plea, R’ Shmuel agreed to intervene. The following week, a ray of hope emerged as his wife was presented with a unique opportunity to undergo groundbreaking chemotherapy treatment. The treatment had been administered to ten individuals, and miraculously, half of them had fully recovered, while the other half tragically succumbed to the disease. With trepidation and anticipation, his wife courageously opted for the procedure.

A Personal Favor

Based on a story told over by Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein ZT’L Prepared for print by Daniel Agalar

To everyone’s astonishment, immediately after the treatment, his wife’s health began to improve dramatically. Her recovery seemed almost inexplicable. Filled with gratitude and a deep curiosity, he returned to R’ Shmuel and beseeched him to reveal the secret behind this miraculous turn of events.

R’ Shmuel, with a gentle smile on his face, proceeded to share his extraordinary experience. He explained that he had opened his Gemara to a profound dispute between two sages, Abbaye and Rava. Turning to the pages, he addressed the ancient tannaim directly, pouring out his heart in a heartfelt conversation. “I speak to you throughout the day,” he said, “we are chavrusas, learning partners, and I have never asked for anything. Please, go before Hashem, the Almighty, and beseech Him for the refuah, the healing, of this woman.”

R’ Shmuel continued to recount how, at that moment, he felt an incredible connection to the wisdom contained with-

in the pages of the Gemara. It was as if he transcended the confines of time and space, engaging in a dialogue with Abbaye and Rava themselves. Through the power of his words and his unwavering faith, he implored these ancient sages to intercede on behalf of the ailing woman.

And so it happened. The refuah, the healing, that his wife received was not merely a result of medical intervention; it was a profound manifestation of the living Torah. R’ Shmuel had not only studied the words of Abbaye and Rava, but he had engaged with them on a spiritual plane, living and breathing the essence of the Torah.

Overwhelmed by the Rebbe’s account, the man was awestruck by the deep connection between the teachings of the Torah and the real world. He witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sincere prayer and the living nature of the sacred texts. From that moment on, he vowed to live his life as a testament to the Torah, embracing its

teachings and living them with every fiber of his being.

Inspired by the miraculous recovery of his wife and the spiritual journey he had witnessed, the man returned home with a newfound appreciation for the profound wisdom of the Torah. He dedicated himself not only to its study but also to living its principles in every aspect of his life. The couple, now bonded by their shared experience, embarked on a journey of gratitude and spiritual growth, cherishing each moment as a testament to the miracles that can unfold when one lives the Torah.

Daniel Agalar is the founder of Stories to Inspire, an organization dedicated to sharing curated inspirational stories from renowned Rabbonim. With a widely popular podcast that has surpassed 4 million downloads, Daniel’s passion for spreading positivity shines through. Join their daily Whatsapp broadcast by messaging 310210-1205 or explore over 4,250 stories on their website at www.storiestoinspire.org. The stories can also be accessed on their hotline at 718-400-7145.