February 1, 2024 by Joel Halpern

‫ ה׳ אדר תשפ״ד‬- ‫כ״ב שבט‬

February 1 - February 14, 2024 • VOL 2, #12

KOSHER MADNESS!

Rabbinic Love and Guidance During War

Meet The Man Behind The Revolutionary Restaurant

Page 15

Page 12

Questions That Cannot Be Answered Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox’s Take Page 33

The Eye Opening Initiative Page 22

Contest Winners! -----------------Cast your vote…

Contest Voting Group WhatsApp group

Open House

Scan the QR code to join the WhatsApp Voting Chat to vote for the contest winners.

New Caption the Cartoon! ------------------

Win a Meat Board ($100 Value) Page 35

2 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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Dear Readers,

his week’s parsha famously describes Bnei Yisroel gathered at the bottom of Har Sinai to receive the Torah. They prepare excitedly for three days and finally receive the holy and wellknown ten commandments. This is the stuff history is made of and this serves as our guiding light, our script for life. But I want to focus on Yitro and how he helps Moshe to set up what would be our future legal system. Yitro watches as Bnei Yisroel line up to get Moshe’s advice, a process that Yitro realizes is unsustainable. A leader can’t function on his own completely. So Yitro advises Moshe to develop an assembly that can assist him, one that is highly efficient and organized, so that Moshe can then teach Torah to the people instead of answering sheilos. Each man should do what he is meant to do, he should fulfill his purpose in life, and often this requires that we delegate other tasks by relying on others. We cannot do it alone. We need community. “It takes a village” is my favorite saying. Who supports a newly married couple? They can’t do it alone. Who makes grooms and brides happy? Guests are required at the wedding. Who assists in burying the dead? The community gathers to escort him to his final resting place. Who helps the young parents with educating their children? The teachers, Rebbeim, and Moros. Why do we get advice from others? Because we benefit from a second and different point of view. We cannot do it alone. This is the parsha where we said naaseh v’nishma to Hashem and to the Torah, to both of which we are forever bound. We are a nation because Hashem chose us, offered the Torah to us, made a promise to us that we will never be destroyed. And we also said naaseh

v’nishma to the Jewish people, to each other. We will be there for each other. While we’ve been struggling for four months with the situation in Israel and the increasing anit-semitism around the world, we are also struggling on an individual level. To feel the pain of others, we need to put ourselves in their shoes - the shoes of a mother whose son is fighting in Gaza, the shoes of a child waiting for a parent held hostage to return? It’s hard to imagine the pain they are going through but we need to. And how do we continue? By trying to keep going up, as suggested in this week’s Dear Dini, where she discusses the tragic loss of a young couple, cut down in the prime of their lives, nine months pregnant with a baby, on their way to a simcha. It’s hard to imagine. Our thoughts are with the families of Eli and Raizy NeyDavoud z”l. We are with you in your pain. Last issue contained sheimos in the Brachos in Nature article. Please dispose of them accordingly. Thank you to the reader that brought this to our attention.

We got many great responses to the Caption the Carton and the BlackOut Poetry Contest. Unfortunately we couldn’t publish them all. Keep sending things in! And vote for your favorite response using the QR code listed on those pages!

Send me an email with your feedback!

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4 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

CONTENTS COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE

Around the Community ..........................................8 Kosher Madness ...................................................12 Rabbinic Love and Guidance During War ..............15

JEWISH THOUGHT Psycho-Spiritual Insights .......................................16 Shalom Bayit- Parshat Yitro .................................. 17

KIDS

Poetry Contest ...................................................... 20 The Rebbe’s Stories ............................................ 21

FEATURE

The Eye Opening Initiative .................................. 22 FYI: Eyeglasses ................................................... 24

LIFESTYLE

Money | Stonewater Financials .......................... 26 Money | It’s Shotime ........................................... 29 Politics | Notable Quotes ................................... 30 Politics | Lou’s Views .......................................... 31 Advice | Dear Dini .............................................. 32 Mental Health | Dr. Fox Responds ...................... 33 Inspiration | Midlife Musical Musings ................. 34

HUMOR

Caption the Cartoon! ............................................ 35

SHABBOS ZEMANIM

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Friday, February 2

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Yoel Halpern PUBLISHER

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Parshas Yitro

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COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE

| Around the Community

YAYOE’s 6th Grade Girls Volunteer in the Community

s part of the 6th grade Bas Mitzvah curriculum at Yeshiva Aharon Yaakov Ohr Eliyahu, the class participants in various different chesed opportunities within the community. During Chanuka, we visited the residents of Garden of Palms nursing home. We distributed beautiful homemade cards, sang meaningful songs, and got to know the residents better. It was a special opportunity to be involved in giving, during a time when sometimes on Chanuka, there is a strong emphasis on receiving. The 6th grade class also had the opportunity to spend time with the Shoshanim group at the Young Israel of Hancock Park. We did an art project with them , shared divrei Torah and stories, and mingled and got to know a little bit about them. We look forward to many more opportunities to be involved with and give back to our wonderful community.

YAYOE 6th grade girls participate in activities with the Shoshana group

YAYOE 6th grade girls visit Garden of Palms

YAYOE 6th grade girls participate in activities with the Shoshana group

YAYOE 6th grade girls sing songs for the elderly

YAYOE 6th grade girls speak with residents at Garden of Palms

YAYOE 6th grade girls visit Garden of Palms

8 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

8th Grade Girls of Yeshivat Yavneh Complete Their Kashrus Curriculum

n conjunction with the eighth grade Kashrus curriculum, the 8th grade girls of Yeshivat Yavneh learned all the halachos regarding Tevilas Keilim, which culminated in a trip to the Keilim Mikvah located in the back of Young Israel Hancock Park. Led by their Morah, Mrs. Carli Becker, the girls brought in different items to tovel (saving their parents from doing an errand!) and had the opportunity to do the mitzvah firsthand! On the way back to Yavneh, the girls stopped for a surprise scavenger hunt at Ralph’s! They were challenged with having to find things like the most colorful item in the store, a hechsher they’ve never seen before, or five things that start with the letter K. Throughout the experience, the girls made a huge kiddush HaShem, acting respectfully and putting everything back exactly where they found it. Yasher koachachen, girls!

L-R Yakira Kupperman, Jacqueline Zamel, and Nava Ryzman enjoy the scavenger hun at Ralphs

L-R Shoshanah Hini-Szlos, Nava Brown, and Miki Rechnitz enjoy the scavenger hun at Ralphs

The 8th grade girls of Yeshivat Yavneh gather together before toveling items in the YIHP Keilim Mikvah

Shoshanah Hini-Szlos, Talya Barz, Lielle Tsarovsky, and Avigail More bond at YIHP

Lielle Tsarovsky tovels an item in the Keilim Mikvah

Around the Community |

COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE

Dirshu: As Amud HaYomi Set to Embark on Mesechta Shabbos, Gedolei Yisrael Urge the Learning of Shabbos as the Ultimate Shemira for Klal Yisrael

“I

t is a time of war, a time when we need so much shemirah! How can we achieve shemirah? How can we invoke rachamei shomayim for all of Am Yisrael, for the soldiers at the front, for all those who live in Eretz Yisrael, and for all Yidden around the world who are under attack?” exclaimed HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein, shlita, Rav of Ramat Elchanan and one of the leading senior poskim of our time. “The answer is simple! It is staring us in the face. It is a one-word answer. ‘Shabbos!’ Yes, when we keep Shabbos, enhance our shemiras Shabbos, Shabbos keeps us, Shabbos guards us from difficulty and tragedy!” Rav Zilberstein was commenting on the hashgacha pratis that Dirshu’s two most popular learning programs will embark shortly on learning Masechta Shabbos - both Dirshu’s widely popular Amud HaYomi program and Daf HaYomi B’Halacha. Since its inception, the Amud HaYomi program has opened nearly 1,000 shiurim the world over attracting more than 100,000 participants! The new daily limud “yomi’ with which Dirshu has gifted Klal Yisrael has taken off in an unprecedented way - whether it is baalei battim seeking a limud that enables them to gain a kinyan and have a geshmak; whether it is kollel yungeleit seeking a systematic way of being koneh Shas while simultaneously learning it in a non-superficial way; whether it is bachurim¸ yes, thousands of bachurim, who have taken to the limud! The Amud HaYomi will be beginning Masechta Shabbos in less than four weeks, 9 Adar 1/February 18, and it was about this that Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein and numerous other Gedolei Yisrael with

whom Dirshu met have expressed their joy. “Shabbos is a shemirah,” is the message that came through loud and clear. Dirshu’s other massive program, its Daf HaYomi B’Halacha daily learning program will also embark on hilchos Shabbos, Chelek Gimmel of the Mishnah Berurah in a few months’ time. Twin Powers: Shabbos and Achdus When hanhalas Dirshu met with the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, shlita in his home in Bnei Brak, Dirshu’s Rabbi Shlomo Rozenstein asked the Rebbe, “In what area should we seek to be mechazek ourselves in light of the current matzav?” “Shabbos is the mekor habracha,” the Rebbe responded, “The Torah was given on Shabbos. Likras Shabbos lechu v’neilcha, when we come and meet Shabbos by engaging in learning about Shabbos and learning the halachos of Shabbos, we tap into the source of our bracha and that endows Klal Yisrael with a special shemirah.” The Rebbe then turned his focus to Rav Hofstedter and highlighted another important ideal that brings Hashem’s shemirah on Klal Yisrael, the ideal of achdus, of bringing so much unity among Klal Yisrael. He said, “Dirshu has the zechus to bring tens of thousands of Yidden together in learning the Torah hakedosha. They are coming likras Shabbos, to greet the Shabbos by learning the Gemara and halachos of Shabbos. Embarking on this with so many Yidden together is a tremendous manifestation of achdus. Certainly, the twin powers of achdus and Shabbos contain within them the most important ingredients needed by Klal Yisrael to prevail in these difficult times!” concluded the Vizhnitzer Rebbe.

Hanhalas Dirshu meeting with HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein in his home

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Rav Dovid Hofstedter discussing the Amud HaYomi Program with the Vizhnitzer Rebbe FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | The LA Jewish Home

| 9

COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE

| Around the Community

The LA Jewish Hockey League (LAJHL) wrapped up its Fall season with 2 Championship games on January 14th

he first game featured the younger Divisions’ Team Tomchei LA facing off against All Time Maintenance. The game was a true goalie dual between Yonah Botnick and Alex Zerkind with the game’s first goal coming mid-way through the 3rd period when Yehuda Silverman sneaked a shot past Zerkind for Tomchei’s 1st goal of the game. That goal appeared to be all that they would need until All Time Maintenances’ Momo Merowitz spoiled the shutout by knocking in a rebound off Kalmen Mandel’s shot with under 2 minutes to go, to send the game into overtime. With nobody able to score in overtime, the game went to an exhausting record-setting 17 round shootout and finally concluded when Tomchei’s Yehuda Meyer slipped the puck past a sprawling Zirkind, winning the game and sending his team into complete jubilation. Our Division A Championship game featured the top two teams, Universal Leasing and Prero Orthodontics. Universal took an early lead with two first period goals by Sam

Zirkind and looked to be running away with the game. But a quick pep talk by Prero’s Coach, Dr. Daniel Klein, slowed Universals’ momentum and got his team back into the game. Moshe Klein answered with a goal at the 12:00 minute mark of the 2nd period and Yonah Botnick continued the threat with a 2nd period Hat Trick. Yaakov Margolies and Isaac Wineberg answered for Universal, ending the period in a 4-4 tie. The game looked to be going Prero’s way after Moshe Klein notched his 2nd goal of the game early in the 3rd period, but Sam Zirkind answered right back with his 3rd goal to tie the game at 5. With three minutes left in regulation, all bets had the game going to overtime, until Zirkind scored his fourth goal of the game to secure the win and the coveted Kiddush Cup for team Universal Leasing. Tryouts for the upcoming season will take place on February 4th 2024. Visit LAJHL.com for info and registration.

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Around the Community |

COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE

West Coast Shadchan Event Sparks Connections For Jewish Singles in LA

n January 11th, West Coast Shadchans (comprised of Adeena Halberstam, Channa Lalezarian, Nathania Braun, and Yael Braid) orchestrated a remarkable event at a private home in the Pico-Robertson community, bringing together 75 single women from all over Los Angeles. The gathering aimed to facilitate meaningful connections through speed meetings with four experienced matchmakers, who are all affiliated with the global matchmaking powerhouse Adopt A Shadchan, which boasts connections with hundreds of matchmakers worldwide. The turnout exceeded expectations, with an enthusiastic group of women spanning from post-seminary to middle age. The matchmakers dedicated an impressive 6 hours straight to engage with, understand, and encourage the singles. The room exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere, with delicious food, and the at-

tendees engaging in their own networking while awaiting their speed meetings. Already proving fruitful, the event has Baruch Hashem led to several dates for attendees. With this positive momentum, there’s anticipation that, bezrat Hashem, the event will continue to yield more connections in the coming months. Looking ahead, the group’s next event, scheduled for Motzei Shabbos, February 3, targets shomer Shabbos single men and women aged 23-33. Shadchans will actively facilitate speed meetings against a backdrop of nostalgic games, creating a delightful atmosphere that is focused and engaging. The group also plans to have a Meet the Shadchan event for men in the coming months. For more information about either event or to be in touch, please reach out to westcoastshadchans@gmail.com.

MagenAm and LAPD Collaborate to Launch Hate Incident Reporting

he LAPD has recently launched an online hate incident reporting feature on its Community Online Reporting System (CORS), making it the first metropolitan police department in the U.S. to offer this capability. Magen Am, along with other organizations, worked with the LAPD for close to a year to make this possible. The feature allows individuals to report hate incidents quickly and easily from their mobile devices or computers, empowering the community to play a role in addressing hate incidents. “We are excited to introduce online hate incident reporting on CORS to enable the community to quickly and efficiently report hate incidents to us from their own devices,” said LAPD’s Chief Moore. “Magen Am has been a great partner in the process since its inception.” This new capability comes at a crucial time, given the rise in antisemitism and general crime trends, as well as debates around police funding. The reports submitted through CORS will be reviewed by detectives, enabling timely data collection and trend monitoring. The data will also help allocate police resources more effectively and can be used to enhance sentencing for per-

petrators with a history of biased behavior. The system includes a feature for third-party reporting, allowing witnesses or advocates to report incidents on behalf of victims. Magen Am has been instrumental in driving this initiative and is encouraging community members to use the system. Please visit MagenAm. com to learn more and/or to file a report.

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| 11

COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE

| People

KOSHER MADNESS!

The Man Behind The Revolutionary Restaurant That is Taking Los Angeles by Storm By: B. Weiss

PERSONAL PROFILE: Name: Moshe Michael Edison Age: 45 Origin: Born in Jerusalem but raised in LA Current Residence: Los Angeles, CA Family Status: Married + 3 kids Religious Affiliation: Modern orthodox Hobbies and Interests: Golf, sports, and travel Favorite Destinations: Israel and Mexico Current Occupation: CEO and Chef @ Kosher Madness Best Mentor: My father, Reuben Edison

BUSINESS PROFILE: Name: Kosher Madness Industry: Restaurant Type: fast-casual dining Founder: Moshe Edison Founding Date: January, 2024 Locations: Pico, La Brea Mission: Revolutionizing the kosher food game!

Tasted and Rated! We personally paid a visit to Kosher Madness and sampled some items on the menu to bring you a firsthand review. We thoroughly enjoyed the food and will definitely be back!

DISH: Bulgogi Bowl DETAILS: This is a Korean dish made of thinly sliced beef marinated in a divine blend of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. Every bite was juicy, savory, and perfectly tender. The flavor is so simple yet intricate. I’d give it a 10/10 for its irresistible taste and texture.

DISH: Chicken Eggrolls DETAILS: These chicken egg rolls are the bomb. Crispy on the outside, bursting with juicy chicken and veggies inside. The golden-brown wrapper crackles with each bite. The tender chicken mixes with crunchy cabbage and carrots, seasoned to perfection. Dip them in sweet and tangy sauce for an explosion of flavor. One bite, and you'll be hooked.

DISH: Pastrami Beef Bacon Fries DETAILS: Ultimate comfort food! Each fry boasted a crispy exterior, complemented by the richness of the pastrami and beef bacon. The chipotle and garlic aioli drizzled over the combo provide a zesty kick and bring it all together. Trust me, satisfaction guaranteed with this one!

12 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

In Conversation with Moshe EdISON What is all the hype about Kosher Madness?

Picture this: A family wants to go out to eat. The kid insists they want a burger. The mom is craving a light Mediterranean meal. The dad says only orange chicken will do. Seems problematic? Not anymore! Kosher Madness has pulled off the impossible. We bring it all together under one roof. We offer a variety of global cuisines, American, Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean), Mediterranean, and Persian, all under one roof. This has been my dream for a long time. It's mad. It’s a crazy undertaking, but I have seen it done in the non-kosher world and am deeply passionate about making it a reality in the Jewish market.

Give us the details! What are you offering at each location?

Let’s start with Pico since this location is up and running. You can choose between delivery, takeout, and a dine-in experience. We currently seat around 40 people and have tentative plans to expand. When it comes to the menus, we proudly boast four separate options. There’s the Ta-eem Grill menu, which people know and love. The Skewer Madness division offers a selection of authentic Persian skewers like koobideh and chicken kebab. Our Asian Fusion menu is called Yaki-Ko. We are particularly excited to offer Japanese and Korean dishes that are not available anywhere else in the Los Angeles kosher market like ramen and the popular Korean dish, Bulgogi. Lastly, we have Burger Madness- the name speaks for itself :). Our La Brea location will be opening at the end of February. We have a ghost kitchen in this part of town and will only be offering delivery. The Ta-eem Grill and Burger Madness menus will be the same, but the special Chinese menu will be exclusive to this location.

Let’s backtrack. Can you tell us more about your culinary arts journey and how it led you to Kosher Madness?

When I was a kid, I was forever in the kitchen with my mom, helping her cook. I fell in love with culinary arts but didn’t pursue it professionally until much later. In 2016, I purchased a steakhouse in Vegas called Ace of Steaks. I loved it - the food,

the ﬁne dining, the Jews from all over the world who would stop by. The executive chef at the steakhouse was a Greek chef, Chef George, who previously worked at Milo’s Steakhouse, a ﬁve-star establishment on the strip. Even though I was the owner, he treated me like a sous chef and gave me the best education. Ultimately, I walked away from the business and left it to my partner in 2019 when we decided it would be best for our family to move back to Los Angeles. Having to start over again gave me the perfect opportunity to take my vision of Kosher Madness from a dream to a reality.

What ingredients are you bringing to this venture to set it up for success?

Passion, love, and hard work! I value honest feedback. When we ﬁrst opened, I invited all my friends and family to sample the menu and give me constructive criticism. I take the input seriously and adjust accordingly. I try to get out of the kitchen as much as possible so I can interact with customers and hear how we can keep improving their experience.

Besides its innovative concept, what sets Kosher Madness apart from the rest?

I am committed to presenting a palate that will absolutely delight people. Good enough won’t do. I want to serve the very best. Additionally, cleanliness is a huge priority for me. I am used to keeping the kitchen immaculate. At my steakhouse in Vegas, the health department would walk in and say “We would eat food off your ﬂoor. It's so clean!” I am actually certiﬁed to work as a manager for the health department. I am determined to uphold the same standards I set for my food and facility at the steakhouse, at Kosher Madness.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m not jumping, I like to crawl before I walk and walk before I run. But I’m in it for the long haul. I’m in it to literally open up a Kosher Madness in every city in the world where there is a market for it. For now, we are working on opening the La Brea location, perfecting what we’ve created so far, and ﬁne-tuning the menu.

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COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE

Rabbinic Love and Guidance During War Gedaliah Borvick

ver the past century, eminent rabbinic figures have helped the Jewish nation navigate halachic issues relating to the State of Israel and its armed forces. Many of these rabbis who impacted our nation have been memorialized with streets named after them. An early example is Rav Abraham Isaac Kook, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of British Mandatory Palestine and founder of the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva. In the years prior to the establishment of the State of Israel, Rav Kook wrote numerous responsa addressing issues relating to Yishuv Eretz Yisrael, rebuilding the land of Israel. Half a dozen streets across the country attest to the nation’s admiration of this saintly figure who loved, and was deeply concerned for, all members of the Jewish nation. During the War of Independence, Rav Shlomo Goren was a sniper on the front lines in Jerusalem and was often called upon to resolve questions concerning religious observance under wartime conditions. Word spread about his halachic expertise and, in 1948, Rav Goren was appointed the first chief rabbi of the army, a role that he served with distinction for over two decades. He later became the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel. As the IDF’s first chief rabbi, Rav

Goren established religious guidelines for the armed forces and wrote many responsa concerning observance of Jewish law in the military. It makes sense that Rav Goren was honored with a street named after him in Jerusalem’s Old City, as one of the most iconic photos of the Six Day War was of Rav Goren holding a Torah scroll and blowing the shofar at the Western Wall.

Rav Goren blowing shofar at the Kotel - David Rubinger GPO 1

Presently, many prominent rabbis are guiding our nation and answering our war-related questions, including Israel’s chief rabbis, Rav Asher Weiss and Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon, to name just a few. Permit me to share an extraordinary question submitted by a soldier to Rav Rimon. The soldier’s question and Rav Rimon’s answer reflect the true heart and soul of our nation’s holy army: One is required to bow his head during Tachanun when “Lifnei Hashem” – in the presence of the Almighty. Generally, if there’s no Torah present, then one is not considered “in front of Hashem” and doesn’t bow their head during Tachanun. We do not have a Sefer Torah in our Gaza base. Should we bow our heads when saying Tachanun, as the Almighty’s presence is found among the soldiers, as stated in multiple Biblical passages? Rav Rimon’s response is splendid (please email me to receive a copy of the teshuvah), but for the sake of brevity, Rav Rimon answers affirmatively, and declares that, in his many visits to soldiers during the war, he has felt the presence of the Shechinah among our troops. He then ends with an inspiring blessing for the soldiers. This article would not be complete without mentioning the unsung heroes: the

soldiers’ wives who are tasked with the impossible job of keeping their families strong and positive, while their husbands are defending our homeland. I would also be remiss not to give a shout out to the myriad Jews who are going on missions to Israel, attending rallies, donating funds, advocating on social media, picking vegetables, cleaning hospitals, etc. Nor can we overlook the many people who cannot do enough for our soldiers, such as sending gear, barbecuing, making tzitzit, purchasing tefillin, etc. These magnificent acts of chesed are helping to heal Israel’s fragmented society. It is heartening to see our nation reuniting, thanks to the tremendous unity being modeled globally by Jews and friends of Israel. This war is truly a national effort, bringing out the best in our rabbinic leadership, soldiers and civilians. We are blessed to be part of Am Yisrael. ______________________________________________

Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.myisraelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@gmail.com.

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| 15

JEWISH THOUGHT

| Parsha

Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parsha and Psychology

Delegation: A Father-in-Law’s Wisdom Elan Javanfard

nyone with in-laws can relate to this week’s Parsha. There are only two people in the Torah who provide criticism to Moshe Rabeynu. One is Hashem, who we see time after time providing Moshe with guidance and feedback. The second is Moshe’s father-in-law. Parshat Yitro presents a pivotal moment in the story of Bnei’s Yisrael’s acceptance of the Torah. Moshe Rabeynu’s father-in-law, Yitro, visits him and offers wise counsel on leadership and delegation. Drawing on the psychological concept of barriers to delegation, we can explore valuable insights from Yitro’s advice. Moshe is sitting day and night, holding court for Bnei Yisrael who wait in line solely to speak with him. In watching this occurrence, Yitro tells Moshe, “The thing you are doing is not right.” “Navol tibbol gam-attah gam-ha’am hazzeh asher immach kichaved mimmecha haddavar lo-tuchal asohu levaddecha - you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone,” (Exodus 18:17-24). The Or HaChaim writes that the word Navol is repeated because it has two meanings, with Yitro warning Moshe

that if he continued this course at first he would be slightly weary but eventually he would burn out. Yitro suggested to Moshe a lesson that echoes through history – to operate effectively, we must know when to delegate. Ibn Ezra writes on the pasukim above that Yitro was sharing with Moshe not only would he burn out, but it was irresponsible for Moshe to undergo such a strain and cause others the strain of waiting all day to speak with him. The Midrash further writes that the word Navol is a euphemism for a leaf wilting on the vine. Yitro suggests appointing capable leaders to assist Moshe in judging and resolving disputes among the people. Yitro’s advice reflects the recognition that leaders cannot handle all responsibilities alone and that sharing the workload with capable individuals can lead to more efficient and just decision-making. This concept is relevant in psychology, emphasizing the benefits of delegation and collaboration for better outcomes. According to the book Outperform for Leaders, delegation is a critical and often vastly missing skill among leaders. In a 2017 study on time management, almost half of

332 companies surveyed were concerned about their employees’ ability to delegate. According to Harvard Business Review, a tell-tale sign that you’re beginning to resist delegation is if you find yourself working long hours and feeling that no one else at work or the family can do what you do. For many of us, the problem isn’t that we don’t understand the importance of delegation. Instead, we can’t get around the psychological barriers that keep us from delegating such as perfectionism, not wanting to bother others, or feeling it won’t be done correctly. The concept of effective delegation and distributed leadership from Parshat Yitro can be applied to individuals and families in various ways: 1. Shared Responsibilities in Families: · Families can benefit from distributing responsibilities amongst each other based on their strengths and capabilities. 2. Balancing Work and Personal Life: · Individuals can apply the concept to balance their professional and personal lives effectively, helping manage time more effi-

ciently and reduce stress. 3. Support Systems: · Individuals facing challenges or decisions can benefit from seeking advice and support from others, just as Moshe sought advice from Yitro by creating a support system for counsel. Parshat Yitro serves as a guide for understanding and overcoming psychological barriers to delegation. By acknowledging and addressing the barriers, we can foster a style that empowers others, encourages collaboration, and ultimately propels our family and community toward its shared goals

______________________________________ 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 two children and can be reached at Elan.Javanfard@ gmail.com.

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Parsha |

JEWISH THOUGHT

Shalom Bayit

Parshat Yitro: My Grandpa Didn’t… Rabbi Nir Yacoby

“M

y grandpa didn’t take one shalom bayit class, and he had peace and harmony. Why do I need to take classes then?” “Did your grandpa watch TV?” “No.” “Did your grandpa spend endless hours surfing the net?” “No.” “So what did he do all day?” “Pray and work.”

“Speak to women, tell the men.” Our sages taught: that when you speak to women, you speak more softly and gently. With men, however, you are more straightforward. Women’s warmth and understanding were values that your grandpa grew up with. Now you watch the super-bowl and you wonder how you don’t stack up to your grandpa. Turn off distractions. Turn on Torah for the sake of Shalom Bayit.

Let’s see what values our grandparents grew up with. A moment before God gives the Torah to the Jews He instructs Moses: “I want you to speak with the women first.” First approach the women and find out if they are interested in receiving the Torah, then go to the men. Women have always enjoyed an elevated status in our circles. Note the different verbs too.

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| 17

THE WORLD IS IN CRISIS

‫בזכות התורה ינצל העולם‬ As Klal Yisrael faces unprecedented danger ‫ר"ל‬, harness the tremendous power of limud haTorah by joining Amud HaYomi. Mesechta Shabbos begins on Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 / 9 Adar 1, 5784. To join or start an Amud HaYomi shiur near you, visit AMUDHAYOMI.COM or contact: 732-987-3948 ext. 105 | info@DirshuNJ.org

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Join Gedolei Yisrael from across the globe for an unforgettable Shabbos, as Klal Yisrael marks the inaugural siyum of Mesechta Brachos of Amud HaYomi. T H U R S D A Y N I G H T | February 22

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| 19

KIDS

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE

BLACKOUT POEM! A big shoutout to everyone who joined our blackout poetry contest. Your submissions blew us away! We couldn't pick just one winner, so we turn that decision over to you.

Thanks to all participants for sharing your creativity. Let the voting begin!

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20 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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Rebbe’s Stories:

Onkelos PROPERTY & CASUALTY // EMPLOYEE BENEFITS // RISK MANAGEMENT Titus was the Emperor of Rome. He was a cruel man and he caused tremendous pain and suffering to the Jewish people. Titus had a nephew named Onkelos, who was nothing like his uncle. He was an inquisitive young man. He loved to read and learn new ideas. He loved to travel and to see the cultures of different people. One time in his travels he came to Eretz Yisrael. He was mesmerized by its beauty and its ancient stones. He came to Yerushalayim and met some of Yerushalayim’s greatest Rabbis. Onkelos was enchanted by their wisdom and character. “Please teach me your Torah,” he asked excitedly. Onkelos became a student of these Rabbis. He loved the Torah and the Jewish people and decided to become Jewish himself. He converted to Judaism and spent day and night immersed in Torah. After years of learning, Onkelos became a great Talmid Chacham. The Emperor of Rome was furious when he heard that Onkelos had become a Jew. He sent a troop of his toughest soldiers to Yerushalayim to take Onkelos prisoner and bring him back to Rome. When the soldiers arrived at his house, Onkelos was teaching Torah to his students. The soldiers stood outside his window transfixed as they listened to the beautiful words of Torah. Instead of taking Onkelos prisoner, they begged him to teach them Torah as well; When the Roman Emperor heard what happened, he sent a second group of soldiers to take Onkelos prisoner and gave them specific instructions not to let Onkelos teach them Torah. The second group arrived in the evening. They took Onkelos prisoner and led him outside. As they walked one of the soldier’s held a torch so that the officer in charge could see where he was walking. Onkelos asked the officer, “Who would carry the torch if you were walking with your captain?” “I would, of course” answered the officer, “The captain is a higher rank than I am!” “If so,” Onkelos continued, “The captain would hold the torch for the general and the general would hold the torch for the Emperor!” “That is correct,” answered the officer. “For whom would the Emperor hold the torch?” Onkelos asked. The officer answered surprisingly at the question, “The emperor would never hold the torch for anyone!” “Do you know that when Hashem led His people out of Mitzrayim, He placed Himself into a pillar of fire and personally guided his beloved

children through the darkness of the night?” When the second group of soldiers heard about the tremendous love and devotion that Hashem has for the Jewish people, they decided that they wanted to become Jewish and so they stayed to learn Torah from Onkelos. The Roman Emperor sent a third group of soldiers to take Onkelos prisoner and he instructed them not to speak with him at all. No words were spoken as they led Onkelos from his home. When they passed a doorway with a Mezuzah, Onkelos placed his hand on the Mezuzah and smiled. Although the officer was told by the Roman Emperor not to speak with Onkelos, he couldn’t resist asking Onkelos, “What was that you touched and why are you smiling?” Onkelos told him, “It is the way of the world for a king to remain safely inside his palace while his soldiers guard him from the outside. But that is not the way Hashem treats the Jewish people. His beloved children stay securely in their homes while Hashem guards them from outside, and His protection follows them wherever they go.” The third group of soldiers was also inspired by the tremendous love and devotion that Hashem showed the Jewish people, and so they also decided to stay and learn how to become a Jew. The Roman Emperor saw that this plan was not working so he stopped sending soldiers to arrest Onkelos. This story is found in meseches Avoda Zorah 10b

Questions for Discussion 1.

2. 3.

What caused Onkelos to want to learn Torah from the Rabbis when he was visiting Yerushalayim? How did Onkelos become a great Talmid Chacham? What was the similarity between the second and third groups of soldiers in their decision to join the Jewish people? Why do you think that the Roman Emperor would not hold the torch for anyone else? What should we feel when we kiss the Mezuzah?

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| 21

FEATURE

The Eye Opening Initiative Meet the Israeli Doctor Helping Thousands In Ethiopia Receive Eye Care By Andrew Jose When Israeli ophthalmologist Morris Hartstein visited Gondar in 2014 for a family volunteering trip, he did not know he would start an initiative that would help more than 8,000 Ethiopians receive eye care. Today, he is the founding director of Operation Ethiopia, a non-profit incorporated in 2022 and dedicated to providing Ethiopians in Gondar with high-quality eye care clinics, cataract diagnosis and treatment campaigns and eye surgeries, and training programs for local physicians. In addition, the non-profit delivers humanitarian aid to Jewish communities in the country. Humanitarian aid organized by Operation Ethiopia includes a feeding program for malnourished children and nursing moms in Gondar, established in partnership with the Struggle to Save Ethiopian Jewry to prevent the stunting of children due to lack of proper food. The idea for Operation Ethiopia was born when the Hartsteins were helping the Mother Teresa orphanage in Addis Ababa and the

Jewish community in Gondar as part of their 2014 volunteering trip, which exposed them to the country’s high levels of poverty. On their last day in Gondar, the family’s tour guide asked Hartstein if he could examine a child’s eye. Soon, several people flocked to the doctor to have their eyes examined. Despite lacking the necessary equipment, Hartstein obliged. The unexpected experience left a lasting impression on him, he said. On the one hand, he “felt accomplished” helping so many people, but on the other hand, he felt disappointed that he “did not have much to offer them,” Hartstein told JNS. “Many of the people lived in mud huts with corrugated tin roofs, having no water, no toilets, and many people suffering from malnutrition,” he added. “When you see such conditions up close on a large scale, it sticks with you.” He found returning to his routine in Israel difficult; he kept thinking about his experiences in Ethiopia.

THE FIRST CLINIC What was a one-week visit became a regular annual trip. In the summer of 2015, Hartstein and his family returned to Gondar with 12 duffel bags full of medical equipment, eye medication, and eyeglasses. With these resources, they established their first mobile eye clinic in Gondar city’s Jewish compound and treated hundreds of people. The volunteers’ project soon drew the attention and appreciation of the Gondar Municipality, which asked that Hartstein also help non-Jews in areas near the Jewish compound. His team began sending their mobile eye clinics to nearby villages. The initiative grew to include cataract treatment campaigns and surgeries for those with severe vision problems. “Blindness from cataracts is one of the leading causes of blindness in Ethiopia,” Hartstein said, adding that there “are fewer than 300 ophthalmologists for a population of 120 million people, most of whom live in urban areas.”

22 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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FEATURE

And where there are doctors, many people cannot afford treatment, he said. As a result, “not only there are cataracts but there are advanced cataracts – we don’t see much of this in the West.” Operation Ethiopia aims to make treatment for cataracts and other eye problems accessible to people far from urban areas. Hartstein also launched an exchange program for local medical students and physicians in partnership with the University of Gondar. As part of the program, select students and physicians from Ethiopia travel to Israel to work with Hartstein and gain hands-on experience. “The training was very important because we were able to observe and do different surgeries that we never used to do in Ethiopia,” said Alemnew Demissie Kassahun, one of the 18 doctors trained through the exchange program. “We had a life-changing experience in Israel.” Kassahun first met Hartstein while he was an ophthalmology resident at the University of Gondar in 2014. He now helps with Operation Ethiopia as a volunteer ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon. “Operation Ethiopia brings many medical professionals during each visit who provide lifesaving basic life support training for doctors and other health care professionals. This training is very important in improving the quality of medical care that we provide for our patients,” Kassahun told JNS. The first few trips to Gondar that Hartstein organized were mainly a “family affair” with some volunteers tagging along, he explained. He added that his children would invite some friends to help. Hartstein formalized the initiative as an Israeli non-profit only eight months ago. Since being incorporated as a non-profit, Operation Ethiopia has started to attract volunteers from all walks of life, both medical and non-medical professionals, according to Hartstein.

Hartstein during Operation Ethiopia’s 2022 mission in Ethiopia. She helped Hartstein and his team test patients for near- and far-sightedness, handle food and water distribution, and manage inventory. Ziering told JNS that seeing the smiles on people’s faces after they could see following cataract surgery made her thankful for the “gifts we have in our lives.” “Seeing a mother, who could see clearly after being given glasses, say she was happy to be able to do so not for herself but so she could help her children with homework was the most touching experience of all my time with the program,” said Yitzy Weiss, an EMT who volunteered in 2022. “Working for Operation Ethiopia helped with my professional development. The specialized type of medicine Dr. Hartstein practices is complex. I had only learned about it in theory,” Weiss told JNS, adding that working for the initiative gave him a close-up view of ophthalmology. Hartstein plans to expand Operation Ethiopia to include four trips to the country each year. “We would like to do more cataract surgeries. Our goal this year is to do 2,000 surgeries,” he said. Additionally, Hartstein plans to bring more doctors in his specialty to Ethiopia. He also hopes to train more local doctors in the near future, he told JNS. Hartstein has spoken at three Knesset committee meetings about the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia. Hartstein was invited to join the delegation accompanying then-Israeli President Reuven Rivlin during his 2018 visit to Ethiopia. In 2020, he accompanied then-Israeli Minister of Immigrant Absorption Pnina Tamano-Shata to Ethiopia on a diplomatic mission to the country. He flew back home with several olim on Operation Tzur Yisrael’s first aliyah flight. In August of 2022, the American Academy of Ophthalmology awarded Hartstein its Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award for his role in establishing Operation Ethiopia and its successful eye care outreach model. Hartstein also received the 2022 Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize for Global Impact. (JNS)

SMILES ON THEIR FACES “We often take our eyesight for granted,” said Debby Ziering, one of the volunteers who worked with FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | The LA Jewish Home

| 23

FYI

FEATURE | FYI

EYEGLASSES

Eye Opening Discovery The inventor of the ﬁrst set of glasses remains unknown to this date. However, according to historians, the Romans ﬁrst discovered the ability to use glasses to enhance their ability to see clearly in 1000 AD. Their visual aid was called a “reading stone” – a small glass sphere that was placed on top of small letters and texts to magnify them for easy reading. The modern-day magnifying glass is modeled after that.

By: BELLE MILLER

Eye-conic Glasses Styles Monocle

This was a single lens meant for vision correction in one eye only (think Mr. Peanut). Monocle wearers were usually men in society’s upper classes. How do monocles stay on? The eyepiece is made to sit comfortably between the ﬂeshy portion of the bottom eye socket just above the cheekbone and the ﬂeshy part of the eyebrow.

Lorgnette

A lorgnette is, quite simply, a pair of spectacles mounted on a handle. This was popular with the ladies, many of whom would not need spectacles for visual aid but enjoyed it as a fashion accessory. For a variety of styles, lorgnettes were made of materials including tortoiseshell, horn, bone, ivory, metal, enamel, mother-of-pearl, silver, gold, and jewel-encrusted.

Pince-nez

The name “pince-nez” is derived from the French words “pincer” (to pinch) and “nez” (nose). The name ﬁts the glasses since they “pinch” the nose bridge, and there’s no need for temple arms or earpieces. Famous ﬁgures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Mahatma Gandhi loved these glasses.

Spec-tacular Beginnings! The ﬁrst wearable eyeglasses known to mankind can be traced back to Italy during the 13th century. Primitive glass-blown lenses were set into wooden or leather frames (occasionally, frames made from animal horns) and then held before the face or perched on the nose. These were mostly used by monks. Glass blowers would make lenses of different thicknesses based on rudimentary vision testing. As these glasses became more popular, the Italian creations spread throughout Europe, mostly available to the wealthy. Because scholarship was a prized attribute during the Renaissance, glasses were status symbols of intelligence and prosperity.

Monkey See, Monkey Do! Monkeys, always imitating humans, thoroughly enjoy the beneﬁts of glasses. Of course, they must obtain them through criminal behavior. This usually happens at the moment when visitors bend toward the bars of the cage to read the warning sign: “Caution, monkeys will steal your glasses!”

Setting the Record Straight! Myth: Your vision will get worse if you read in dim light. Fact: It may be harder to read in dim light, but it won't damage your eyes. For centuries people read and worked by candlelight or gas lamps—both situations that offered far less illumination than the electric lights we have today. However, having good light will prevent eye fatigue and make reading easier. Myth: Sunglasses are the best way to protect your eyes from the sun. Fact: Don't assume dark sunglasses will keep your eyes safe. UV-blocking agents are what help block the sun's harmful rays. Clear prescription lenses with UV-blocking agents can protect your eyes as well as sunglasses. While the dark shading in sunglasses helps cut down on the sun's glare, always choose lenses with proper UV protection to adequately protect your eyes.

24 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Plastic, Not Glass Despite its name, glasses aren’t actually made out of glass. At least not the modern ones. Today, lenses are made of high-tech plastics that can be treated to have a ﬁlter to protect eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These lenses are thinner, lighter, and more durable than glass because they don’t break easily and are more scratch-resistant.

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | The LA Jewish Home

| 25

It's that time of the year when 'getting finances in shape' tops New Year's resolution charts, Steven Berstein, President of Stonewater Financial’s insights are more relevant than ever. He shares compelling stories from his clients: a thriving entrepreneur’s journey to maximizing profitability, a family planning their financial future, and retired individuals looking to preserve their legacy. Hopefully, these stories can inspire you with your finances for the new year. Let’s dive in and discover how Steven handles each situation.

Client 01

John (35) and Samantha (33) Situation: Tech business owner and parents planning for growth, financial optimization, and children’s education. TJH: Could you describe John’s situation as a tech business owner and the family challenges he and Samantha face? Steven: John’s tech business has seen remarkable growth, with a 125% increase in revenue last year. However, this success hasn't fully translated into personal financial gain, a scenario not uncommon in the tech industry where reinvestment is key. Moreover, John and Samantha are also focused on the financial aspect of their family life, particularly the future education expenses for their three young children. TJH: What was your initial assessment of John’s business finances? Steven: When examining John’s financial situation, I took into account both his personal finances and those of his business. It’s crucial to distinguish between the two for effective financial planning. We started by evaluating how John pays himself, ensuring a clear separation between his personal income and business earnings. Additionally, we scrutinized his business overhead costs and identified areas where strategic cost-cutting could be implemented without sacrificing efficiency or growth potential. A significant part of our analysis involved determining which expenses could be allocated under the business to maximize financial benefits. The goal was to strike an optimal balance that enhanced both John’s personal financial health and the financial stability of his business.

TJH: How did you plan to address these financial nuances? Steven: Our strategy was comprehensive. We worked closely with John's CPA and bookkeeper, and introduced him to an estate attorney, to coordinate between his personal and business financial plans. We also assessed the right level of debt for the business, focusing on leveraging 'smart' debt that could be used for growth without overburdening the company. TJH: What specific strategies did you implement for John? Steven: For employee benefits, we explored various plans to find one that maximized benefits for John and his family while minimizing costs. This involved evaluating all group plans, looking for flexible options that would allow us to maximize the amount of deduction available to the business. Given the competitive nature of the tech industry, offering attractive benefits is crucial for talent acquisition and retention.

We also integrated family roles into the business. By assigning specific roles to family members within the company, we created opportunities for additional tax deductions. This move not only supports the business by involving family members in meaningful capacities but also optimizes the family’s collective financial profile through strategic tax planning. TJH: What advice would you give other tech business owners? Steven: For business owners, it's crucial to view your finances holistically. Regularly review your business profit & loss, balance sheet statements and personal finances with your advisor in tandem. Leveraging professional expertise can provide insights into optimizing your financial strategy for growth and sustainability. Remember, it's not just about revenue growth; it's about smart financial management at every level of your business and personal life.

sbernstein@stonewaterﬁnancial.com | StonewaterFinancial.com

26 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Client 02

members could still contribute to the 529 plans. The result was not only accelerating the growth of the education fund but also allowing the couple to have the expectations of meeting their children’s educational fee requirements.

Ariella (39) and Nathan (40) Situation: Focused on family wealth management, college education and future planning. TJH: Can you describe Ariella and Nathan's financial situation and their family-centric goals? Steven: Ariella and Nathan have worked hard to accumulate substantial wealth, now exceeding a million dollars. They are at a pivotal point, contemplating the best way to manage this wealth for the benefit of their family. Their primary concerns are funding their teenagers' college education, assisting with their housing in the future, and hoping to secure retirement for themselves. TJH: What comprehensive strategy did you recommend for their family's needs? Steven: We adopted a holistic approach to support both the present and future financial well-being of Ariella and Nathan' family. A key part of our strategy involved setting up 529 savings plans for their children’s college education, a move that offers both tax advantages and a focused way to save for education costs.

Additionally, when it comes to gifts for the children, we flipped the script. Rather than opting for the usual toy overload, we asked the extended family to pitch in and contribute to the 529 plans for birthdays and holidays. It was turning every celebration into an investment in their kids' future. A novel aspect of our plan involved a strategic use of the Annual Gift Tax Exemption. We advised Ariella and Nathan that they can front-load or superfund the 529 plan. We suggested they immediately put a large amount – $65,000 – into the 529 plan. This amount was equal to five years' worth of gifts, based on the $13,000 exemption available per person in 2009. Extended family Our solution involved setting up an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, or ILIT for short. This kind of trust holds a life insurance policy on Eli and Illana. After both pass away, the money from the life insurance goes into the trust, which specifically can be used to pay estate taxes. It means essentially their children get the funds needed without hopefully having to sell their parents' assets. Plus, the money from the life insurance policy doesn’t get taxed as part of their estate.

Client 03

Eli (72) and Illana (69) Situation: Navigating wealth transfer and philanthropy in retirement. TJH: Could you describe Eli and Illana's ﬁnancial situation, focusing on their retirement and wealth transfer goals? Steven: Eli and Illana are a retired couple with a substantial net worth, aiming to maintain their lifestyle, manage wealth transfer efficiently, and establish their charitable legacy. Their biggest concern was also that their kids would have enough liquidity to pay their estate taxes at the moment of their passing. TJH: What strategies did you implement for their wealth management and philanthropy? Steven: In tackling their concern, a key focus was planning for the uncertain but eventual estate tax liability required to be paid 9 months after the last spouse's passing. We orchestrated a plan to generate the projected amount of liquidity and prearranged that their children would not need to sell valuable appreciating assets. This plan was choreographed to cover future estate taxes, preserving the integrity of the family’s estate.

To effectively manage their wealth transfer, we began by consulting with an estate attorney and implemented utilizing the Lifetime Gift and Estate Tax Exemption, which allows individuals to transfer up to $13.61 million tax-free, or $27.22 million for per married couple, during their lifetimes. For their philanthropic interests, we explored establishing a private foundation while maintaining involvement and control over their charitable activities. We also introduced Donor-Advised Funds as a flexible tool for philanthropy, enabling them to recommend grants over time while receiving immediate tax benefits. By incorporating tools like the ILIT and aligning them with their broader financial plan, we strived that their tax planning strategy effectively supported their wealth management and philanthropic goals. TJH: What advice do you offer other retirees with similar goals? For retirees with significant wealth, understanding the nuances of the Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption and titling your assets the right way is crucial. It's also important to align philanthropic goals with tax-efficient strategies. Regularly consulting with a financial advisor can help make sure your wealth management strategy evolves with your changing needs and remains aligned with your long-term goals.

TJH: When it comes to retirement and securing their kids' future, what was the plan? Steven: We identiﬁed the various sources of income that they would be receiving in their retirement years and highlighted the gaps between expected income and projected expenses. One surprise was a discussion on how we would include income-generating assets in retirement as a key step to subsidizing their living expenses. Additionally, we helped them establish a living trust which could protect their assets from creditors and potentially ensure that wealth is managed responsibly and aligns with their long-term family goals. Both parents expressed their concern that their hard work would not be used to fund their kids’ juvenile behaviors. In response to this concern, we added language in the trust to circumvent the ability of their children to receive signiﬁcant wealth at a young age.

If you're inspired by these stories and seeking guidance for your financial goals, Steven and the team at Stonewater Financial are ready to assist. Offering personalized advice and wealth management strategies, we’re committed to helping you navigate your unique financial journey. We provide securities and advisory services through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor and member FINRA/SIPC. This partnership ensures you receive comprehensive, up-to-date financial advice. Ready to take the next step? Contact Stonewater Financial and let's work together towards achieving your financial aspirations. Stonewater Financial 1800 Century Park East, Suite 230 Phone: (310) 402 2513 Web: stonewaterfinancial.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The financial strategies and stories shared herein are specific to the individuals mentioned and may not be suitable for all investors. Financial decisions can have significant implications, and it's important to understand that individual financial needs, goals, and circumstances vary. We strongly advise readers to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor before making any investment or financial decisions. The experiences and strategies discussed in this article are not guarantees of future performance or success and should not be interpreted as universal financial advice.

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | The LA Jewish Home

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Introducing Steven from Stonewater Financial: Your Partner in Wealth Management Steven Bernstein, with a career spanning over 25 years in finance, including 16+ in advisory services, founded Stonewater Financial in 2018 with a raison-d’être: creating partnerships with a purpose and always striving to help individuals and small business reach their financial goals. His journey through prestigious firms like RBC Capital Markets, MetLife Securities and J.P. Morgan Securities has culminated in a wealth management and planning approach that’s as effective as it is client-centred. In the world of wealth management, Steven is more than just an advisor; he’s a strategist who crafts personalized financial plans. He understands that managing wealth is about the whole picture: investments, taxes, retirement, estate, charitable gifting and more. Steven’s philosophy? “I’m okay not hitting the top as long as you never hit the bottom.” This mindset focuses on safeguarding your wealth while steadily growing it, balancing risk with reward.

Stonewater Financial prides itself on integrity, transparency, and lasting client relationships. Their approach is focused on understanding and adapting to each client’s unique situation. Steven offers a comprehensive suite of services, ranging from investment management to estate and business planning, each tailored to meet individual and company needs. Who Does Stonewater Work With? Stonewater Financial isn’t just for anyone. They specialize in working with individuals who are serious about their financial future. Whether you’re a professional climbing the career ladder, a family planning for the next generation, a business owner maximizing his/her profitability or someone navigating the complexities of retirement, Stonewater is equipped to help guide you. Their clients value not just financial expertise, but a personalized approach that considers their unique lifestyle, goals, and desires. By choosing Steven and his team at

sbernstein@stonewaterfinancial.com

28 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Stonewater, you’re not just picking a wealth manager; you’re selecting a financial partner committed to your long-term success and peace of mind. They’re dedicated to helping you make informed decisions, providing clarity and confidence in your financial journey. If you’re seeking a wealth management partnership that’s built on understanding, expertise, and a commitment to your goals, Steven at Stonewater Financial is a standout choice. Connect with him to explore how his approach can align with your financial aspirations.

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Money |

LIFESTYLE

“Shotime” Allan Rolnick, CPA

f you’re a football fan, you’ve just come off a weekend-long binge full of college and NFL games. If you’re a basketball fan, March Madness is just around the corner. If you’re a hockey fan… Well, does anyone but another hockey diehard know what’s going on in your head right now? So you might not be thinking much about baseball. But L.A. Dodgers fans are excited to host their season opener against St. Louis on March 28. That’s because, just last month, they lured two-way star Shohei Ohtani away from their crosstown rivals, the Angels. Ohtani is one of the hottest players in baseball. So how did the Boys in Blue lure him north from Anaheim? They did it the Los Angeles way – with money. Lots and lots of money. Specifically, they signed him to a 10-year, $700 million contract making him the highest-paid athlete in the history of pro sports. But the real value isn’t just the number. Ohtani’s record-breaking contract includes a unique twist designed to “help” the Dodgers spend more to build a competitive team around him. And it offers him yet another bonus – it could help him save nearly $100 million in tax. Baseball lets teams pay their players up to $237 million per year on total salaries. Pay anything more and they owe the league a “luxury tax” on amounts above that cap. Ohtani and his agent didn’t want to swallow the team’s entire allowance. So they structured his deal to earn just $2 million per year while he’s playing. When that period ends, he’ll get $68 million more for each of the next 10 years. So, here’s how the tax angle works. As long as Ohtani plays in the United States, he’s subject to 37% federal income tax. However, as long as he plays in L.A., he’s also subject to California’s highest-in-the-nation state income tax. That tax just went up this week to 14.4% on wage income over 1$ million per year. When he reaches that point in the contract – at age 40 – he can retire outside the state and avoid that bite. Assuming the rate hasn’t gone down, that puts nearly $98 million more in Ohtani’s pocket. “But wait?” you might be asking yourself. “Won’t California just tax him anyway since he still earned that income playing in the state?” Fortunately for Ohtani, Washington passed legislation almost 30 years ago forbidding states from clawing back tax on former residents’ retirement income so long as it’s paid in “substantially equal installments” over 10 years or more. Of course, that means “Shotime” won’t be able to start spending those installments until 2034. But don’t feel too bad for him. He’s expecting to earn another $50 million in endorsements next year, including his own line of branded shoes and apparel through New Balance. Like many athletes, Ohtani’s finances haven’t all been roses. In November of 2021, he took an equity stake in cryptocurrency exchange FTX to become a “global ambassador.” A year later, FTX declared bankruptcy, costing investors and customers billions. Ohtani is currently a

defendant in a class-action lawsuit against him, along with Tom Brady, Steph Curry, and Naomi Osaka. At least he’s not chilling with FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried in the same Brooklyn jail where Jeffrey Epstein didn’t kill himself. And so, baseball fans, what have we learned today? It’s not just how much you make that counts – it’s how you make it, when you make it, and sometimes even where you make it. That’s the sort of planning we love to do. So call us before you step into the batter’s box and let us help you hit a financial grand slam in 2024! ______________________________________________

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

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LIFESTYLE

“

| Politics

Notable Quotes

“

Kettering’s pediatric cancer ward, with leaders encouraging protesters to make sure that the cancer patients hear them. You cannot post the images yourself because you have to remember, that in Canada, we have a presumption of innocence, and posting that picture could be a violation of private life. - From a bulletin by Quebec police warning people not to post footage of thieves stealing packages off of their porches because it violates the thieves’ privacy rights

Have any of you come to see apartheid in this country? It doesn’t exist, you idiots!... Come to any hospital or school in this country, come to any city in this country. You will find Arabs, female Arabs who are professors, doctors… Come look at all the roadsides – it’s in Hebrew, it’s in Arabic, and it’s in English. If it were apartheid, you wouldn’t do that… And you’re all chanting “From the River to the Sea,” you don’t know what river, you don’t know your history, you don’t know your geography. - An emotional Thomas Hand, originally from Ireland, whose 9-year-old daughter is a freed hostage, in an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, responding to the allegation that Israel is an apartheid state

We must confront the deepening rot of antisemitism on social media platforms, on college campuses, and elsewhere in America. We must ask ourselves, what kind of society do we wish to be? Do we wish to be a society that affirms that every life, every Jewish life, every black life, every life has inherent dignity and value and worth that each of us is a child of God, that each of us is an equal creation in the image of G-d? Or do we wish to be a society that affirms that violence and terror, no matter how barbaric, can be justified and even glorified under the guise of quoteunquote, “resistance”? - Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), speaking at a Manhattan synagogue

A man in Portland recently found a working iPhone along the side of a road that is believed to have been onboard the Alaskan Airlines plane that had a door plug blow off mid-flight. And, honestly, I’m not sure what’s scarier: having the door blow off your plane or losing your phone. - Seth Meyers

The UN condemns Israel for shooting down 50 innocent Gaza rockets this morning. - Tweet by Liron Kopinsky

If you are reading these words, something must have happened to me. If I was kidnapped, I demand that no deal be made for the release of any terrorist to release me. Our overwhelming victory is more important than anything, so please continue to work with all your might so that the victory is as overwhelming as possible. Maybe I fell in battle. When a soldier falls in battle, it is sad, but I ask you to be happy. Don’t be sad when you part with me. Touch hearts, hold each other’s hands, and strengthen each other. We have so much to be proud and happy about. We are writing the most significant moments in the history of our nation and the entire world. So please, be happy, be optimistic, and keep choosing life all the time. Spread love, light, and optimism. Look at your loved ones in the whites of their eyes and remind them that everything we go through in this life is worth it and that we have something to live for. Don’t stop the power of life for a moment. I was already wounded in Operation Tzuk Eitan, but I do not regret that I returned to fight. This is the best decision I ever made. -A letter to his family, written in advance by Elkana Vizel, H” YD, who was among 24 soldiers killed in Gaza earlier this week

I am here today to tell you that the West is in danger. It is in danger because those who are supposed to uphold the values of the West find themselves co-opted by a worldview that inexorably leads to socialism, and consequently, to poverty. - Argentine President Javier Milei addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,

Terror apologists scream at cancer patients because they were helped by a guy who donated to a cancer center. Pretty clear who the monsters are here. - Tweet by Dana Loesch, after pro-Palestinians purposely protested outside of Memorial Sloan

30 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Who [is Israel] really fighting? It’s a group of cowards. They hide in tunnels. They hide behind civilians. They attack, kill, and mutilate children and women. Stop talking about “proportion.”... Now that we’re talking about “genocide,” and now South Africa is bringing that to trial? Maybe South Africa oughta sit this one out. - Sen. John Fetterman at a Capitol Hill luncheon with the OU

We need immigrants to this country. Forget the fact that our vegetables would rot in the ground if they weren’t being picked by many immigrants, many illegal immigrants. - Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY)

Politics | LIFESTYLE

Lou’s Views

Where Up is Down and Down is Up Lou Shapiro

o, you are not crazy. It seems as if almost every mainstream news article that is reporting about the Israel-Hamas war seems to blame Israel. On a daily basis, several newspaper publications devote half or full pages that go into great detail about how the residents of Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger and have to constantly move around. Good luck finding the same attention given to the 21 Israeli soldiers who were killed in one day by Hamas terrorists or the 153 remaining innocent hostages that have yet to be returned. No doubt that the hostages would gladly trade places with the Gaza residents who aren’t being tortured, traumatized and held against their will by evil terrorists. On the international stage, South Africa is accusing Israel of a state-led genocide campaign against Gaza in the United Nations International Court of Justice. Yes, South Africa, the country that practically invented Apartheid and supported it from 1948-1990s feels qualified to cast judgment on Israel. And yet the U.N. General Assembly has not condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7th which resulted in more than 1200 deaths and 232 hostages. On January 19, 2024, President Biden publicly encouraged a two-state solution between the Israelis and Palestinians, all while knowing that there are still 153 hostages outstanding. “The president still believes in the promise and the possibility of a two-state solution. He recognizes that it’s going to take a lot of hard work. It’s going to take a lot of leadership there in the region, particularly, on both sides of the issue and the United States stands firmly committed to eventually seeing that outcome,” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said at the White House briefing. I realize this is an election year and votes are vital but one would think even that has limitations. On the same date, the Los Angeles Times published a piece entitled, “With no end in sight to Netanyahu’s war in Gaza, will Biden ever say ‘enough’?” It was written by Josh Paul who was, until recently, a director in the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. The following is an excerpt from his piece: “In this most likely of futures, everyone loses. The Palestinians continue to suffer in increasingly grotesque conditions. Israel loses the chance at a lasting peace, becomes increasingly isolated from the world community, and never gains the real security its citizens deserve. The Middle East raises another generation prone to radicalization.

And the United States loses any remaining thread of moral credibility, and finds itself tied into another disaster in the region at a time when it is so urgently seeking to shift its focus farther east. It does not have to be this way — it has not had to be this way for months. The United States, and its allies and partners, have the leverage to force the parties to the conflict to make the necessary concessions, starting with a cease-fire, recognition of Palestinian statehood and support for all the diplomatic, economic and security steps that will be needed to set off on the right course. Instead, President Biden remains stuck in his embrace of Netanyahu, continuing to provide, without condition, the arms being used to devastate Gaza, the diplomatic cover being used to prevent real political solutions or any accountability under international law, and as committed as ever to whatever course Israel sets, however contradictory or harmful to both Israeli and American interests.” Once again, no mentioning of the need for Hamas to return the Israeli hostages. Alan Rubenstein of Encino responded, “I am glad that Paul resigned from the State Department after Oct. 7. The thought of my taxes going toward his salary would be unbearable.” With all the perversion in the news about Israel it is more important than ever for Israel to have clear and unwavering leadership. On December, 25, 2023, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote an Oped in the Wall Street Journal entitled, “Benjamin Netanyahu: Our Three Prerequisites for Peace.” He opened with, “Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarized, and Palestinian society must be deradicalized. These are the three prerequisites for peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors in Gaza.” After methodically explaining each requirement for peace he concludes with, “Once Hamas is destroyed, Gaza is demilitarized and Palestinian society begins a deradicalization process, Gaza can be rebuilt and the prospects of a broader peace in the Middle East will become a reality.” Hopefully Prime Minister Netanyahu can continue to maintain clarity in this sea of chaos and confusion.

____________________________________ 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.

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LIFESTYLE

| Advice

Dini Gres

__________________________________

Adina (Dini) Gres is a wife, mother of 4 adult daughters, business owner, writer, speaker, and certified life coach. Through her role as owner of Financial Concierge LLC and coach for personal and financial clients, Adina recognizes that trying to get ahead without managing a healthy mentality is the primary reason blocking individuals from success. When working with her clients, Dini helps them understand how they themselves can change the narrative of their lives. You can hear more from Adina by listening to her podcast titled “Things I think you should know.” Adina also shares on her Instagram page @ financialconcierge.

For submissions to the “Dear Dini” column, please send your questions to editor@thelajewishhome.com

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as we are strong and have withstood many obstacles, especially in recent months, I think we are all exhausted from being strong. Inherently we know everything is from Hashem and that belief is not up for debate for many reasons. Lately, the conviction to stay strong is wearing us down, and for that reason, the pain seems to be like a tower crumbling upon us. It is easy to say Mazel Tov, smile and dance with a happy new couple. We don’t say at those moments that “it’s all from Hashem, this is what Hashem wants.” Instead, we say B”H and we move on. But when something so tragic happens, our only response that helps us to stay sane is to lean on the concept that only Hashem runs this world. Our sages teach us that when the Torah says “good” it’s the angel of life, while “very good” or “excellent” is the angel of death. Initially, this seems absurd. The answer is that when you want things to be good, that’s a sign that you are alive. When you need things to be “perfect” and you are waiting for things to be excellent, that’s a death sentence because perfection is the enemy of progress. It suggests that you will never take initiative for anything in your life and it blocks you from fulfilling your dreams. You may be wasting the time and energy needed for your life trying to reach the level of perfection. Speaking with a dating coach at Sheva Brochos last night, I asked her opinion on what she thought was the worst idea out there coming from the people she works with. She stated unequivocally: that they want perfection. It’s not only this drive to achieve per-

GIFT

There is only one way As if we haven’t had enough tragedy in the last three months, again we were reminded that life is short and precious and we are not in charge. Walking into work yesterday, my employees told me about the terrible accident on a freeway in New Jersey that claimed the lives of a married couple from Lakewood and their unborn child. The husband, a Los Angeles native, and his beautiful wife were going to their cousin’s wedding, and this happened on the drive there. Their last act on this earth was going to be misameach a Chosson and Kallah. That same night, I attended a Sheva Brochos. While some of us were waiting around for everyone to arrive, we started talking about shidduchim, networking names, etc. The Sheva Brochos got underway, and it was a beautiful night to see a young couple glowing from their week of being surrounded by friends and family. On the way home, I couldn’t help but think of the dichotomy of my day, which started with bad news about a young couple and ended with joy and celebration of a new one. The heaviness of all of it started to sink in. For some reason, I couldn’t shake the thought of soul mates, Neshomos being linked together, and the concept of a Zivug. It was a glaring reminder of how careful and sensitive we need to be when entering the whole “Shidduch” arena. A friend who spoke at the Levaya said, “Our world is not the world of truth, and that he knew now that they were now in the world of truth, even though it was painful for those here living in this world.” I believe the pain is deeper. As much

ding how much he kept his promise. His response to me seemed simple yet a message loud and clear. “I only remember believing what I was saying because there was no way but up.” There is only one way to clear the pain we feel inside of this loss and the many losses that are coming out of this war. There is only one way and that is up. Up… the mountain with heavy rocks on our backs. Up… towards a unity to help one another get through the day. Up... to teach our children that life is not by any means supposed to be perfect and we can still climb knowing that. Up… to a better tomorrow where there is no such thing as a shidduch crisis, no more deaths to senseless haters. Up… towards a new dawn with the arrival of Moshiach.

Dear Dini, All I hear about it is tragedy after tragedy. There are so many young people getting sick and dying, sudden tragedies, the loss of IDF soldiers and innocent hostages… I just can’t seem to get out of bed with the heavy weight of this. How are we supposed to live our daily lives when there is so much heavy sadness?

fection that is so misconstrued, but also the idea itself that life can be perfect. As this dating coach reminded me - where in the Torah does it state that life was meant to be perfect? In all my years of teaching Torah and learning Navi and Megillos, I have never learned about any Torah personality whose life was perfect. We are all at fault for wanting this. It’s the cesspool of our existence. That is why the pain is too deep for us to bear and why we are truly exhausted from being strong - through Covid, then the war, and now when a simple nice young couple just wanted to celebrate a cousin’s wedding on a random Tuesday night. Where do we go from here? How do we survive yet another tragedy and put one foot in front of the other and carry on with our mundane activities? it seems so futile, so lifeless, and yet we know we need to. I was honored to be at the wedding of a boy whose family overcame a great challenge when he was a young child. I remember the father told his children back then that while they were experiencing what would be the worst of their lives, they shouldn’t believe that there wouldn’t be simchas and happiness later in their lives. He promised them that there would be. I told that father, that while that speech was given many years ago, it made a big impression on me. It was palpable after attending the wed-

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Mental Health | LIFESTYLE

Expert Opinion

Questions That Cannot Be Answered

“Why is this happening? Why are people suffering? What could anyone have possibly done to deserve this punishment? Why do they hate us? Why does the world do nothing to condemn this? Why don’t they leave us alone?”

ome crisis calls come in because of psychological distress. Some come in because of spiritual strife. Some come in because of philosophical struggles, whether or not the caller realizes that this is where their confusion lies. Perceptive people wonder and question the reasons for life’s challenges and inequities. Sensitive people too ponder and fret over suffering and injustice. A thinking adult and a feeling person may well puzzle over the appearance of evil, of wrong, of wrongdoing in the world around them. Our children also may pose fears and worries in the form of questions that usually begin with “why?”. As a parent, or as a teacher, so often the reflex is just to give an answer. We want to relieve that child’s sadness or that student’s anxiety, so we bounce back with a simplified response, or with a lengthy dis-

course to explain the mysteries of life and civilization. Much of the time, our responses are not satisfying because they are too superficial or too abstract. This is why our first response to difficult questions is to consider the person who is posing that question: do they seek an answer, or do they just need to know we are listening to them? Do they need my explanation, or do they need me to prompt them to expound on their own upon what is beneath their question, on what is really troubling them? Are they questioning because they have intellectual confusion, or because they have confused feelings? Is their question a function of mature contemplation or a reflection of less sophisticated assumptions? Stay patient. Stay attentive. If the question is ambiguous, prompt the person to develop their question and express themselves further. Repeat their question, which both validates that you accept that this is on their mind or heart, and also demonstrates that you are focused on, and caring about, their plight. Sometimes, you may be blessed with the ability to field difficult questions and can do so at a level that matches that of the questioner. At times you know facts, have insights, or know of resources that will educate

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the one in doubt. Other times you may have a vast depth of understanding yet lack the skills to communicate at a level that the child or student can grasp. Think these possibilities through rather than offer a quick-fix reply. Take time to consider the needs of the questioner as well as their readiness to integrate and appreciate what you will say to them. Generally, questions that begin with the word “why?” such as the ones in the above call vignette should be validated but not answered. Why the world is as it is, why in Heaven decisions are made, why we exist with suffering and pain…these are the questions of existence and theology. We have enough difficulty figuring out why things happen to ourselves. It is quite impossible to know why things happen to other people. It is possible that your student or child is growing up, especially as they reach adolescence, and have begun to grapple with existential mysteries. Commend them for being deep thinkers and for being sensitive about the ills of society, and for being concerned about how others are impacted. It is possible, too, that your child or student is wrestling with spiritual conflicts. This can be a matter of their having begun to encounter their deeper

spiritual consciousness or can be a reaction to having encountered situations that leave them doubting and questioning what you have tried to teach them. Regardless of the origin of their uncertainties, give them time, and honor their sincerity or seriousness. If you are capable of engaging them in an open, stimulating dialogue, do that. Remember that if a young person asks, for example, why bad things occur in the lives of righteous people, firing back that “everyone asks that question” won’t get you far. Telling them that this is a machlokes between the RamchaI and the Sha’agas Aryeh will not resolve their confusion. If you do not feel equipped to engage in fruitful dialogue, problem solve with your inquisitive child on identifying someone whom they look up to, or who is a mentor and role model, or a trusted resource, and offer to go with them to explore the matter. Questions are good when they can lead to feeling more secure. Never trivialize a sincere question with a premature answer. Why? Because! _____________________________________________

Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox is the director of Chai Lifeline Crisis and Trauma Services. For Israel crisis resources and support, visit chailifeline.org/israel or call 855-3-CRISIS.

JACOB SHADROOZ

(Brk)

Dre#00978679

310.777.0436

485 S. Robertson Blvd Suite 9 Beverly Hills, CA 90211

This is not intended as a soliicitation if your property is currently listed with another agent/broker

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | The LA Jewish Home

| 33

LIFESTYLE

| Inspiration

Midlife Musical Musings

I Think I Can; I Think I Can! Miriam Hendeles

“J

ust when you think you can’t do it anymore, that it’s too hard, that it’s just not going, that your voice is cracking… that’s when I want you to take the extra step, and push harder.” A voice teacher said that to her students while explaining various techniques for reaching high notes. The students were doing exercises of “coloratura” where they sing a five note pattern up and down repeatedly in different keys. Since everyone has a different natural voice range, this applies differently for each person but the concept struck me as a metaphor for life’s growth. Remember “the little engine that could” from the storybook by that name? “I think I can; I think I can!” This quote resonates today, a time when we as Jewish people are afraid for our lives. Some of us are thinking that we just can’t go on anymore like this. We are concerned about the decadent morals of society. And the worst of it is that we feel helpless to stop the situation from getting worse every day.

But if we apply the above quote to the angst Jewish people are feeling, we can realize that anti-Semitism is alive and well, and has always been from the beginning of time. Yet, there are things we can do. We can daven, we can give tzedaka, and we can do chessed for others and for ourselves. We can take good care of our family and our loved ones, and we can check in with friends near and far. We can speak out against anti-Semitism and try to spread the truth out there. Some of these actions may seem natural and others may seem like a stretch, but moving around our comfort zone is not growth. Rather, going outside that zone, even a half step pitch above, will promote development. If you’re at the gym and you’ve done nine push-ups and you think you just “can’t” do that tenth one, do it anyway. Just as the little engine pushed higher and higher till he got to the top of the hill, saying “I think I can, I think I can,” you can too. Push yourself out of your regular range just a little bit more to reach the higher notes of the song. You’ll be surprised at how pretty the music sounds. Am Yisrael Chai.

___________________________________

Miriam Hendeles, MT-BC, is a music therapist working with hospice patients. She’s the author of “Mazel Tov! It’s a Bubby!” and “Best Foot Forward,” and writes personal essays for online and print magazines. Miriam advocates for JWOW!, (jewishwomenofwisdom.org) an online group of women ages 50+ looking for connection, communication and growth.

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818.200.0340 34 | The LA Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2024

HUMOR

CAPTION THE CARTOON CONTEST!

We’ve selected the top 10 finalists,

and now it’s your turn to choose the winner.

IT’S TIME TO VOTE! When you sinned extra that year so you throw some bribes in by tashlich. Aharon Eliezer S. Kamornick

Hah I have bigger bills to catch Tamar Ornstein

This cartoon is in need of a caption. Please submit your caption to editor@thelajewishhome.com by February 10, 10:00 PM. The chosen finalists will appear in the February 15th issue and readers will vote for the best one. Disclamier: All internet and AI generated submissions will be disqualified.

Final Winner will appear in the Feb. 29 issue

and win a Meat Board ($100 value)

THE SHMORGBOARD LA

CUSTOMIZED CHARCUTERIE BOARDS

I didn't think it would be this hard to find a lawyer! Aaron Silverstein Although the Hamasfish can be easily lured with money, its favorite bait is the scent of blood in the water Mr. Hill It’s from a loan shark, Levi, from a loan shark that you can expect high interest with money – not from a lone shark! Elliot Pines

The shark tank rejects the low offer Moshe Ornstein Try again bud, that doesn’t even cover inflation! Ayala Satrashans Fishing for trouble Aaron Rotter Work smarter, not harder. Temima Vanounou If you give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day but if you teach a man to fish, he'll do something dumb like this Nan Mu

Scan the WhatsApp QR code to access the voting chat and cast your vote! Don’t forget to share the QR code with friends and family, so they can join in the fun too. The cutoff time for voting is Friday, February 9. Votes will not be accepted after Shabbat.

Final Winners will appear in the Feb. 15 issue 1st Place: 2nd & 3rd Place:

323.620.9801 Instagram @the_shmorgboardla

$100

Gift card at Fish Grill

$50

Gift card at Fish Grill FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | The LA Jewish Home

| 35

Attention High School Seniors & their Parents

DO YOU PLAN TO STUDY IN ISRAEL?

Touro College Los Angeles invites High School Seniors & their Parents to an information session

SEMINARY & YESHIVA

Financial aid opportunities + Getting the most out of your year • • • • •

Choosing a Seminary or Yeshiva Planning your year TCLA Israel Option Affording Seminary or Yeshiva in Israel Planning for after Seminary or Yeshiva

TOURO COLLEGE LOS ANGELES 1317 N. CRESCENT HEIGHTS BLVD, W. HOLLYWOOD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 | 8:00 PM

RSVP Daniela Gol 818.874.4155 admit.tcla@touro.edu @tourocollegela