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Beyond the Headlines
A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news By Sivan Rahav Meir
First Night of Chanukah in Australia A horrific terror attack took place Sunday night at an outdoor Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. To our great sorrow, 15 people were murdered, among them the Chabad emissary of Chabad to Australia, Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Dozens have also been wounded. The Australian Jewish community is in shock, as are many Jewish communities around the world. Our enemies tried to extinguish the world’s first Chanukah lighting. And just several days ago we watched the video of the six hostages lighting the sacred lights of Chanukah deep in the dark tunnels of Gaza. During every day of Chanukah, we add more and more light - by lighting our menorahs in our own private homes and in public venues throughout the world. The Chanukah celebration that was targeted in Australia was organized by Chabad. The Lubavitcher Rebbe said that Chanukah does not last for only eight days. It is our mission to spread Chanukah’s light, the light of faith, Torah, and mitzvot, throughout the entire year. Let’s think of practical ways that can bring more of the light of Judaism to the world in memory of those precious Jews that we have lost. And may we merit a bright Chanukah this year, even in the midst of the darkness.
deeper meanings. The meeting with that woman has continued to influence me. Often in my lectures, I want to start on the “third floor,” but then I realize that I need to return to the “first floor,” to the foundation. The feeling of inspiration needs to be translated into practical tools. Not everyone learned everything in school, and not everyone remembers. Knowledge is power. Share it. Begin with the Basics A year ago, I gave a lecture in Kiryat Motzkin about Chanukah. I spoke about the battle of the Jews against Greek culture, the ideological struggle that the Jewish people still face today against foreign influences, and the profound message of bringing light specifically at the height of darkness when the days are so short, dark, and cold. I added several modern stories of courage and light from our times. I thought it was excellent … but I was wrong. At the end of the lecture, a young woman with a slight Russian accent approached me and asked: “Okay, but practically, how do you light the candles? When? How many?” I stayed with her for a private mini-lecture, and a few other people in the audience lingered to listen. I realized then that in our current Jewish era, we need to begin with the basics. People want action. Mitzvot. Practical guidance. Only afterward can we add beautiful interpretations and
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The Secret of Our Survival Throughout history, our enemies wanted to annihilate us, from Pharaoh to Haman to Hitler, and unfortunately today as well: Sinwar and Nasrallah. But the Greeks from the Chanukah story were willing for us to live; only, not as Jews. They wanted us to become Hellenized, to exchange our identity, values, and faith. This year, in honor of Chanukah, IDF reservist Rabbi Aharon Tzohar sent me the following: “After a packed day in the army, at 8 p.m., I decided spontaneously, to stop in and visit Saba Shmuel, my wife’s grandfather, who is 105 years old. Yes, 105! He came to Israel after the Holocaust, all alone, and fought heroically in the battles of the War of Independence. He is from that strong, old-world generation. He would wake up before dawn, hitch a horse to a wagon, and go out to support his family, eventually building a successful tile-manufacturing factory with his own two hands. He
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COMMUNITY NEWS married an Auschwitz survivor and built a beautiful family. And me? I simply had the privilege of marrying one of his granddaughters. “But the truly astonishing thing, the reason I’m writing this, is not because of what I just described but what I saw when I came to visit him. In the nursing home lobby I met his Indian caregiver, Archana. She immediately recognized me and smiled. I asked where Saba was, and she said: ‘In a class. He’ll finish in about 40 minutes.’ She offered to bring him out, but I said: ‘Absolutely not. I’ll go to him.’ “When I saw Saba Shmuel in the beis medrash, sitting near the rabbi giving the class, my eyes were filled with tears. Holding a magnifying glass over a large-format Gemara, he was listening intently to the question posed by Reish Lakish and the answer of Rabbi Yochanan. At 105 years old, day after day, year after year, he keeps up his fixed learning of Gemara with aweinspiring perseverance. But it’s not just about him; it’s about all of us. “If you ask me how it is that every empire, without exception, ended up in the trash bin of history while the Jewish people continue to flourish despite continued persecution, I think this picture explains everything. ‘…Who gave us the Torah of truth and planted eternal life within us.’ Even at age 105. Forever. Am Yisrael chai. Happy Chanukah.” Four Things to Keep in Mind This Shabbat 1. This Shabbat is truly special since we do not only celebrate Chanukah but Rosh Chodesh as well. There is a wide range of customs as well as festive additions
to our prayers, to Birkat HaMazon, and to our Torah readings. 2. This week’s Torah portion is Mikeitz, in which the story of Joseph and his brothers continues. Three Torah portions with hundreds of verses are devoted to the difficult struggles and eventual reconciliation of the brothers who formed the basis of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Ten Commandments are quite short in comparison to this detailed story, which conveys a profound message for us all. 3. On Friday night we will first kindle the six Chanukah lights and only afterward, the Shabbat candles. At the close of Shabbat, most communities will light the Chanukah candles only after Havdalah, although certain communities will kindle the Chanukah lights first and then do Havdalah. 4. And here is a fascinating
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halachic question raised in the Gemara: If you only have enough money either for Shabbat or Chanukah candles, which should you buy? Today this is only a theoretical question, thank God, but in ancient Israel and in later generations as well there was great poverty among Jews. The answer is Shabbat candles, since bringing light inside our homes comes first and only then can we focus our attention on lighting up the world outside. With all due respect to our public mission, it is secondary to our private mission of radiating light within our homes. Shabbat shalom, Chodesh tov, and happy Chanukah! Translated by Yehoshua Siskin and Janine Muller Sherr Want to read more by Sivan Rahav Meir? Google The Daily Thought or visit sivanrahavmeir.com
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The Sore Throat Dilemma Some mornings begin with a burst of energy and eagerness for a new day. This was not one of those mornings for Reb Yisroel. Long before his alarm went off, he woke up to that unmistakable, scratchy burn in his throat — the kind that takes an ordinary “sore throat” and turns it into a fullblown crisis. Every swallow felt like sandpaper, and talking was almost impossible. Not ideal for someone who takes his tefillah seriously and davens each morning with a minyan. Still, despite the discomfort, one thing was non-negotiable: he was going to shul. That part of his day never changed. But as he got dressed and headed toward the door, a practical concern hit him hard. How was he going to daven like this? He could barely speak, let alone get through Pesukei D’Zimra, Shema, and Shemona Esrei. He thought of his usual plan whenever he wasn’t feeling well: drink something warm before davening, and then push through. But today was different. The pain was sharp, constant, and distracting. Realistically, waiting until after Shemona Esrei to drink again felt nearly impossible. A tempting idea crept into his mind: If only I could take a sip of hot tea during Pesukei D’Zimra… That would help so much. But he also knew enough halacha to understand that drinking during Pesukei D’Zimra isn’t straightforward. There’s the question of interruptions.
He glanced at the clock. 8:00 AM. Perfect timing. The Refuah B’Halacha Center hotline opens exactly at 8:00 AM. So, he picked up the phone and dialed: 732-755-0851. “Refuah B’Halacha Center, how can we help?” In a raspy voice, Reb Yisroel explained his situation: He had a very painful sore throat, was having a hard time talking, and wanted to know whether he could sip hot tea during Pesukei D’Zimra to make it bearable enough to daven properly. The Rav on call listened carefully and patiently — as the Rabbanim on the hotline always do. “Well,” the Rav began, “the main issue here is not actually the drinking. The real concern is the bracha you would need to make before drinking. A bracha is considered a verbal interruption. And the Shulchan Aruch in Orach Chaim 51:4 makes it clear that one should not interrupt during Pesukei D’Zimra.” The Rav continued, “The Mishnah Berurah in seif katan 7 adds that one shouldn’t even say a single extra word — not even in lashon hakodesh — once Pesukei D’Zimra has begun.” Reb Yisroel felt his heart sink. But then the Rav’s tone softened. “However,” he said, “the Mishnah Berurah writes that if someone forgot to say Birchas HaTorah and only remembered during Pesukei D’Zimra, he may say the bracha right then. Why? Because it’s necessary — you cannot continue davening without it.” “And in your case,” the Rav explained, “this is real discomfort.
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This isn’t someone looking to enjoy their morning coffee during davening. You’re trying to be able to say the words of tefillah. That is called makom tzaar — a situation of actual distress.” The Rav referenced Revevos Ephraim, chelek 6, siman 29, which discusses a nearly identical situation. The teshuvah rules that if a person is in genuine pain and needs to drink during Pesukei D’Zimra, he may do so — and he may make the bracha as well. “So yes,” the Rav concluded, “if you are in significant pain and cannot daven properly without soothing your throat, you may sip tea during Pesukei D’Zimra, and you may make the bracha beforehand.” Grateful and relieved, Reb Yisroel thanked the Rav, prepared a hot cup of tea, and headed to shul. During Pesukei D’Zimra, whenever the burning flared up, he took a small, careful sip — just enough to allow him to continue davening with focus. After davening, still sore but manageable, he walked out of shul with a renewed appreciation — not just for the hot tea, but for the clarity and sensitivity of halacha. At the Refuah B’Halacha Center, we are here to provide guidance for real-life challenges, big and small. Whether it’s a question about Shabbos, kashrus, or navigating difficult personal situations, our experienced Rabbunim are ready to listen and advise. If you ever find yourself wondering about a medical halacha question — big or small, serious or
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Israel Search & Recovery Team Deploys To Sydney After Deadly Hanukkah Terror Attack BEN GURION AIRPORT, Israel — In the wake of a deadly terror attack in Sydney on the first night of Hanukkah, ZAKA Search and Rescue is deploying an international team to Australia to assist authorities and the Jewish community in ensuring proper Kavod Hameit — dignity for the dead in accordance with Jewish law, faith and tradition. Australian authorities estimate that terrorists opened fire at a peaceful Hanukkah gathering on Sunday, killing 11 Jews and wounding nearly 60 others, several of them critically. ZAKA, Israel’s internationally recognized volunteer emergency response and disaster victim recovery organization, is sending a dozen veteran responders, including specialists with extensive experience responding to terror attacks in Israel and abroad. The team will work in close coordination with Australian law enforcement and emergency agencies. “Our mission is simple and unwavering: ZAKA is there for every Jew, no matter where they are, in times of crisis,” said ZAKA CEO Dubi Weissenstern. “We bring deep experience from terror scenes, working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to preserve critical forensic evidence, while also ensuring the dead are treated with the utmost dignity and can be buried as quickly as possible in accordance with Jewish law.” ZAKA teams are uniquely
trained to operate at complex attack scenes, balancing the demands of criminal investigations with the religious imperative to honor the deceased. That expertise has been applied repeatedly following mass-casualty terror attacks, where sensitivity, precision and cooperation with authorities are essential. The deployment is being coordinated from Israel as the team departs Ben Gurion Airport en route to Sydney. ZAKA officials said responders will provide both technical assistance and spiritual support to local communities grappling with the aftermath of the attack. “ZAKA stands with and supports Klal Yisrael across the globe,” said Moshe Rozenberg, ZAKA’s U.S.-based executive director. “When Jews are attacked for who they are, we show up, not only to help recover the fallen with dignity, but to send a clear message of unity, responsibility and care for
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one another, wherever we may be.” As Hanukkah begins under the shadow of tragedy, ZAKA said its presence in Sydney is meant to bring professionalism, compassion and a measure of solace to grieving families and a shaken community, reaffirming that even in the darkest moments, the dignity of the victims will not be compromised. Founded to honor the dead in accordance with religious tradition, ZAKA has evolved into a full-scale emergency response network, with over 4,000 trained volunteers operating 24/7 across Israel to honor the dead, aid the living and bring dignity in times of devastation. Today, it operates a wide range of units – from rapid medical response and urban search and rescue to water recovery and culturally sensitive burial teams serving Israel’s Jewish, Bedouin, Arab, and Druze communities. For more information, visit: https:// zakaworld.org/.
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A BEACON OF LIGHT – DEFYING ANTISEMITISM AND HATE
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How the Manhattan Institute Fights the Evil of Antisemitism On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Manhattan Institute is proud to present its annual City Journal Award to Ben Shapiro, host of The Ben Shapiro Show and co-founder of the Daily Wire. Individual tickets and sponsorships to the event are available on the Manhattan Institute’s website at Manhattan Institute . For many of us, this year’s award will be held in the midst of a difficult moment. Antisemitism and noxious extremism are rising, bubbling to the surface in terrifying ways including the deadly shotting at Bondi Beach, targeted attacks at synagogues and Jewish gatherings, and the murder of Israeli Embassy workers in Washington, D.C. The seeds of this evil have been sprouting on university campuses, in Americans’ increasingly biased and angry media diet, and with a torrent of poison on social media. Core to the Manhattan Institute’s mission is combating institutional corruption, and in particular exposing and rooting out antisemitic hate. The Manhattan Institute is proud to stand strong against the rising tide of antisemitism by honoring Ben Shapiro with the City Journal Award, and it has consistently spoken with a clear voice in the face of evil. The Manhattan Institute is the home to influential voices including Douglas Murray, Heather Mac Donald, Ilya Shapiro, Charles Fain Lehman, Tal Fortgang, Hannah E. Meyers, and many others; the following is a selection of excerpts, interviews, and events from the Manhattan Institute’s recent work.
If you would like to learn more, we invite you to join us on February 4th to honor Ben Shapiro and stand in this important fight against evil. Excerpts from “Fighting the Oldest Hate” Symposium In 2024, the Manhattan Institute hosted its Spring Issue Symposium entitled “Fighting the Oldest Hate,” with City Journal contributors Richard Goldberg and Hannah Meyers, Tablet’s Park MacDougald, and Manhattan Institute president Reihan Salam. Excerpts: Richard Goldberg: “How does antisemitism come together? I think it’s the ‘Four Is’: Ideology, Intersectionality, Institutionalization, and then finally Information Flow.” “On information flow, we are in a 24/7 news cycle, with social media, Tik Tok, and we’ve seen the effects of how people are getting information, how people are disseminating information, and the influence of foreign actors po-
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tentially the Qataris like others in a network that has reconstituted across the United States.” Hannah Meyers: “Israel itself, I was there last week, and you couldn’t have a society with more intense divisions than looking around you at the people walking around in Jerusalem, and yet it exists as the freest country in the Middle East—the vision of community that is focused on this ideological unity.” Reihan Salam: “The Hamas attacks and Israel’s response were only sparks that ignited something much bigger.” Douglas Murray Calls Out Joe Rogan on Expertise and Israel On April 10, MI Senior Fellow Douglas Murray ignited a firestorm when he directly called to task the number-one podcaster in the world: Joe Rogan. Appearing on Rogan’s show alongside comedian Dave Smith, Murray highlighted Smith’s anti-Israel commentary and Rogan’s role in platforming
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COMMUNITY NEWS uninformed views. Excerpts: Murray: “I think there’s a whole bunch of guys doing that. I think Dave is doing that, very obviously. Dave’s a comedian, but he’s now mainly talking about Israel.” Smith: “No. I don’t know if I’m mainly talking about Israel.” Murray: “That’s all I see you on the internet doing. Smith: “That might be what you’ve seen. I don’t think that’s what I mean.” Murray: “But that is also your shtick now, isn’t it? Smith: Well, what do you mean by that’s my shtick? Murray: Well, you’re not a geopolitics guy in general, are you? Smith: I don’t even know exactly what you’re asking. Murray: “I’m saying you’ve decided, being a comedian, you’ve decided now to become... Somebody who talks about Israel.” (…) Smith: “Well, I tend to talk about the conflicts that my government is directly involved in, which I think is reasonable to me, but I don’t quite get like, what’s all the appeal to authority stuff? I mean, what you have to be an expert or I think authority matters. Murray: “I think authority matters. And I think that if you just throw a lot of stuff out there and then say, I’m not interested in the alternative views on this, and particularly when it’s a counter-narrative that is wildly off. And when you get people... Murray (to Rogan): “Look, I just feel... We should get it out straight away. I feel you’ve opened the door to quite a lot of people who’ve now got a big platform who have been throwing out coun-
ter-historical stuff of a very dangerous kind.” (…) Douglas Murray: “It’s pretty hard to listen to somebody who says, ‘I don’t know what I’m talking about, but now I’m going to talk.’” Dave Smith: “(…) I mean Darrell’s point of view, however you feel about this, what Darrell is saying is he doesn’t really like doing debates. He likes to do long format stuff where he can really explain. (…) There’s some point at which ‘I’m just raising questions’ is not a valid thing You’re not raising questions.” Murray: “You’re not asking questions You’re telling people something.” Statement following the Israeli embassy shooting The following is an excerpt from the Manhattan Institute’s statement following the shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside an American Jewish Committee event in Washington, D.C. The suspect shouted “Free Palestine” as he was arrested. “This was not an isolated outburst—it was the latest in a growing pattern of politically motivated violence tied to the radical, lawless anti-Israel movement. “The accused killer was affiliated with a U.S.-based Marxist group that glorifies Hamas and embraces a vision of armed “resistance.” He didn’t invent these ideas. They’ve been cultivated for years—in classrooms, on elite campuses, and in public demonstrations that increasingly blur the line between protest and menace. “The same ideology that justifies vandalism, building takeovers, and infrastructure shutdowns now
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justifies murder. When a movement repeats that “resistance by any means” is righteous, eventually someone picks up a gun. “This is not just about antisemitism. It is about a broader, deeply nihilistic anti-Western worldview that sees violence as virtue and civilization as oppression. That ideology represents a profound threat to the American experiment. “We cannot allow it to fester. We cannot look away. “We must defeat it.” Excerpt from “Combatting Antisemitism on Campus” The following is an excerpt from “Combatting Antisemitism on Campus” by the Manhattan Institute’s Tal Fortgang on February 11. “Foreign nationals have no inherent right to study at American universities while promoting terrorist ideology. If critics believe there is something uniquely worthy about protecting pro-terror speech by foreign students, they should make that case directly and specifically. But absent some theory of why espousing terrorist ideologies really poses little threat to legitimate American interests– like antidiscrimination, preservation of property, or security from a violent uprising–their case faces an uphill battle. “Complaints about chilled expression appear to be little more than special pleading for a favored political cause—one that deserves no special protection under our immigration laws.” Tickets to the City Journal Award on February 4 are available on the Manhattan Institute’s website or by emailing cjawards@ manhattan.institute.
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From Minecraft to Millions Net Kohen, Co-Founder & CEO of Link Me
Born in Netanya and raised in Aventura, Net Kohen, Co-Founder and CEO of Link Me, doesn’t follow the classic tech-founder script. There’s no Ivy League pedigree or Silicon Valley internship on his résumé. His story is scrappier, more unconventional—and unmistakably Miami. Kohen began his education in a Jewish private school before transferring to Waterways, a local public school. He later attended Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School and went on to Florida International University. After two years, he dropped out. “Since then,” he says with a shrug, “I’ve basically just been grinding in business.” That grind started young. At just 13 years old, Kohen built a Minecraft server where players could buy virtual items— diamonds, gold, and in-game perks—with real money. Though the products were entirely digital, demand was real. “I was making thousands of dollars at 13,” he recalls. “My parents were freaking out.” The business ended abruptly when PayPal flagged his account for being under 18 and shut it down. Overnight, the revenue disappeared. But the lesson stuck: digital products, if designed well, could generate very real income. After Minecraft, Kohen shifted into building websites and mobile apps. That evolution led to his first formal company, Next Gen Apps, an app-development agency that served clients while
quietly funding his own ideas. One of those ideas was an app called Mes, which displayed nearby parties, events, and nightlife on a live map. The concept showed traction—until COVID shut down the social world it depended on. “COVID killed that business,” he says bluntly. “But that experience led directly to Link Me.” The lightbulb moment came in 2019 during a meeting with Miami event promoters. Kohen and his partner watched as promoters asked for Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, email—then physically took their phones to manually type in usernames.
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“The whole meeting was just exchanging contact info,” he says. “We weren’t even talking about the event.” It was inefficient, awkward, and universal. Kohen knew there had to be a better solution. Back home, he began researching existing tools—virtual business cards, stickers, and early link-in-bio platforms. None felt right. “They were ugly,” he says. “My generation would never use something like that.” So he built his own. That became Link Me—a modern digital identity platform designed to make sharing, connecting, and monetizing seamless. Link Me was initially bootstrapped using revenue from Next Gen Apps. Kohen already had an engineering team, allowing the first version to be built quickly and affordably. A beta launched, usage grew, and early validation followed. The first outside investment came unexpectedly. At a Miami event, Kohen met the daughter
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COMMUNITY NEWS of a major insurance executive. After seeing Link Me, she introduced it to her father, who wanted to invest. “I didn’t even know how to take money,” Kohen admits. “We weren’t raising.” With guidance from his father and legal counsel, the deal closed. A $250,000 wire hit the company’s bank account. “That was the moment we realized this could be real,” he says. More investors followed. Early rounds valued Link Me at $20 million, then $40 million, $60 million, and eventually $110 million. Today, the company is filling a round at a $200 million valuation, with roughly 60 investors— and remarkably, the founding team still owns about 90% of the company. Usage supports confidence. More than 150 million people visit a Link Me page every month, and growth has been almost entirely organic. In a crowded link-in-bio market dominated by Linktree, Kohen sees a clear difference. “They built a tool,” he says. “We’re building a platform.” Link Me now offers a suite of integrated tools, including AI-powered merchandise creation, built-in commerce, and global fulfillment. Creators can launch products—shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats—in minutes, with on-demand manufacturing and worldwide shipping. “Followers alone are worth zero,” Kohen says. “You can have 100 million followers and make nothing. The question is how you turn attention into value.”
For years, Link Me was completely free. Only recently did the company test monetization, introducing a $20-per-month subscription for new users while keeping a free-forever tier. Global adoption has followed. Live analytics show usage across North America, Europe, Africa, South America, and the Middle East. Israel, in particular, has seen explosive growth, with nearly 700,000 users in a single month. Celebrities and athletes use Link Me—not because they’re paid to, but because it works. Despite buyout offers that would ensure financial freedom, Kohen has turned them all down. “This isn’t about money,” he says. “This is my baby.” Behind the metrics lies a personal transformation. In his teenage years, Kohen drifted away from religion, influenced by online culture and skepticism. That changed after watching a lecture
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by Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi. “It completely flipped my perspective,” he says. He began reconnecting with Judaism—putting on tefillin, observing Shabbat, and gradually embracing a religious life. He recalls that on the first Shabbat he fully observed, Link Me was unexpectedly verified on Instagram. “To me, that wasn’t a coincidence,” he says. “That was Hashem saying, ‘I see you.’” Since then, faith has become central to his life and leadership. “God is my partner in everything,” Kohen says. “Almost everything I’ve truly prayed for, I’ve received.” From a teenage Minecraft server shut down by PayPal to a nine-figure platform reshaping the creator economy, Net Kohen’s journey is a story of experimentation, conviction, and belief— and proof that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
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Operation Inspiration: Thinking Out Loud By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
In Mishlei, (12:25) Shlomo HaMelech tells us, “Daaga b’lev ish, yashchena;” If a person has worry in his heart, he should quash it. The Gemara (Yoma, Sanhedrin, and Sota) teaches that R’ Ami and R’ Asi offered different explanations on this. One said, “He should forcefully push it from his mind,” and the other said, “He should tell it to others.” Presumably, the other person will offer him comforting words and thereby reduce his anxiety. As far as the first approach, I think it would be hard to do, but if one distracts himself with Torah, the end of the posuk relates, it will enable him to transform the worry to happiness. Recently, though, I saw something on the internet that would help explain this, but which I was skeptical of. It said a trick used by people in high-stress professions, like surgeons and special forces operatives, is to verbalize and articulate the anxious thoughts from their minds. For example, saying out loud, “I am fearful but continuing on,” does more for your body than merely thinking those thoughts. Articulation activates the left hemisphere of your brain, the same region that keeps your amygdala – your fear center – under control. I wasn’t sure whether to believe this or not, so I asked a professional therapist, who told me this is absolutely a technique he uses with his clients to combat anxiety. I was pretty impressed that something online was legitimate, and I started to think about the concept. If this is so, that speaking the
words you’re thinking in your heart can help calm you, then both those opinions in the Gemara make perfect sense. One on hand, speaking to others means you have to articulate your feelings, thereby already calming yourself. Merely telling your problems or worries to someone is helpful, regardless of what they respond. Unless of course, they aren’t sympathetic, in which case you might feel worse, but choose your listener wisely and you’ll be fine. According to the other opinion, now, perhaps we can suggest that the way you “push it out of your
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heart,” is to not keep it inside, but rather to verbalize it and literally think it out loud. It’s amazing how insightful our Chazal are and how they were able to provide this deep psychological and physiological understanding! It also made me realize something else; something very personal to me. A major turning point in my personal Bitachon growth was a drasha I heard from R’ Bentzion Bamberger Shlit”a. He quoted the Chazon Ish that a person should speak to Hashem. When you’re going to buy a pair of shoes, say, “Hashem, please help me find a pair that is comfortable and supportive, that looks nice, and that is a good price.” By including Hashem in your speech, you come closer to Him (much as we find by Yosef in Egypt, where the name of Hashem was frequently in his mouth.) When I started doing this, I found my faith was strengthened, and I worried less. Would I get a parking space on the busy street? I asked Hashem, and put it out of my mind. Now it was His prob-
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COMMUNITY NEWS lem. Would my interview go well? I asked Hashem to put the right words in my mouth, and now I just have to wait and see. The anxiety melted away. Now, we can understand why this works. It’s because in speaking to Hashem - actually verbalizing instead of just thinking it - we are activating the calm and fear-reducing parts of our brains and literally quashing the worry. The Chazon Ish’s advice works on actual medical knowledge of how people are made, and enables us to be more confident and avoid worry. Some will say that the conversations with Hashem, then, are merely a nice façade for the REAL reason we’re calmer, being that our left hemisphere is excited by
the expressed speech. And those people are missing the boat. Yes, speaking to yourself calms you physically. But why is that? Why does our physiology contain this quirk that we can quash our worries merely by talking them out? To me, it’s clear the intent is for us to not just speak things out to ourselves, but to share them with our greatest friend, Hashem. He loves us more than anyone else in the world; always has and always will. He wants us to talk to Him, and to feel we can turn to Him at any time and any place. This closeness is why He created us this way. Hashem is giving us the incentive to reach out and connect. Science can tell you how things work, and why the people who use this “trick” feel better. But
what we, who look at the world as something created from the blueprint of Torah, know, is that there’s no trick involved, and we can understand WHY it’s better to talk things out. It’s to get us into conversation with Hashem. In the words of R’ Yitzchok Hutner z”l, “Prayer isn’t to get you out of trouble. Trouble is to get you into prayer.” Please, don’t just think about what you’ve just read. Share it with others; discuss it. You’ve got no idea how much more powerful it is to think things out loud. © 2025 – All Rights Reserved Did you enjoy this column? Feedback is welcome and appreciated. E-mail info@ JewishSpeechWriter.com to share your thoughts. You never know when you may be the lamp that enlightens someone else.
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Chanukah 2025: A Time for Reflection, Resilience and Celebration By Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick
This week, Jewish communities throughout the world are celebrating the beautiful Chag of Chanukah, or Chag HaUrim, the Festival of Lights. This joy-filled Chag, commemorates the rededication of the second Beit HaMikdash, following its destruction and defilement by the Syrian-Greeks, the successful military victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek army and the miraculous burning of the menorah flames for eight days originating from one single jar of pure oil which should have lasted for only one day. As we know, upon reclaiming the Beit HaMikdash, the Maccabees, led by Matisyahu and his sons (led by Judah Maccabee) cleansed and rededicated our holy Temple to HaShem. In addition to this remarkable feat, the Maccabees lead a successful and heroic revolt (167-16 BCE) against the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire’s oppression thereby liberating Yerushalayim and
establishing the Hasmonean dynasty. During this Hellenistic period in history, the confluence of these amazing events have inspired and strengthened our Jewish people for generations. They captured the hearts, minds and attention of our people and for centuries have offered inspiring stories of Jewish heroism, faith, resilience, emunah, bitachon and religious commitment. Unlike most other enemies, the Syrian-Greeks were not totally interested in capturing land or territory, or the drawing of new borders or boundaries; nor were they particularly driven to eliminate or massacre Jews because they were Jews. Their sole interest and objective, was to do everything in their power and control to ensure and encourage the cultural, social and religious assimilation of the Jewish community, and to completely obliterate our religion, our religious practices and our belief in HaShem. Interestingly enough our unwavering and unswerving commitment and dedication to Hashem was indeed more of a threat to the Syrian-Greeks than was our physical existence. Throughout history, our Jewish community has experienced existential challenges, pogroms, wars and conflicts which threatened our physical existence. But, as we know, once our religion and religious practices are threatened, we
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are confronted with the very basic and fundamental foundation for our very survival and existence. The great Kotzker Rebbe (Rabbi Mendel of Kotzk, 1787 -1859) is reported to have said that it is far more dangerous for our people to be threatened by wars against our religious and spiritual survival than it is by a physical danger or crisis. In fact, he often spoke about putting our spiritual existence ahead of our physical wellbeing and that our spiritual wellbeing and commitment was paramount and the highest priority for our existence. This my friends is in part what Chag Chanuka is all about. From a metaphoric perspective – it represents the spiritual battle and struggle between light (our religion, religious commitment and spirituality) and darkness and the manner in which our light overshadows darkness. Throughout our history, one of the most critical characteristics of acheinu bnai yisrael has always been our amazing ability and capacity to be resilient in the face of adversity and to always put our bitachon and emuna in Hashem above all else. I can vividly recall when my good friend, Natan Sharansky was released from Soviet Prison, on February 11, 1986, one of the reporters at the airport in New York asked him the question …“Mr. Sharansky, “how were you able to survive the harsh conditions of pris-
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COMMUNITY NEWS on?” His response was (to paraphrase) my survival in prison was due in large measure to my faith in HaShem…it was not due to my physical strength or stamina, but rather to my Jewish identity, my tefilot to HaShem and my deep belief that one day soon I would be released from prison and united with my people in Eretz Yisrael When I replay this amazing story of resilience and (so many similar ones) in my head, I often ask myself the question… how many of us, whether living in Israel or in diaspora Jewish communities take our religious freedom seriously or for granted? And, why in spite of our physical freedom are our Jewish communities still assimilated and so distant from Jewish practice and identity? Yes, there is indeed a signifi-
cant explosion of vile Jew-hatred and anti-Semitism all around us, especially since October 7, 2023; and, we must do everything in our power and control to combat this metastasizing evil hatred. But, the one aspect of our lives which we do control completely is our bitachon and emunah in HaShem and the numerous ways in which we as a Jewish community and people embrace, celebrate and practice our Judaism. On this Chag Chanuka, I am reminded of the countless stories of how our brothers and sisters who were hiding in the woods from the Nazis went through great lengths to do everything and anything possible to have secret lightings of the chanukia (menorah) by using bits of string or wood as makeshift menorahs and a piece
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of fat from a parcel of food; for oil; and if they were lucky, they would try to find or locate a match or a source of fire in order to light the make-shift chanukia and recite brachot over the lights. This was a level of religious commitment and heroism not unlike the numerous stories about Jewish partisans hiding from Nazis in the forests while desperately searching for morsels of matzah during Pesach. There are also countless stories of families who during the Spanish Inquisition lit Chanuka candles in small secret closet crevices located far from public view; and in Nazi Germany, where people lit Chanuka menorahs in the corners of their dark basements in order not to be seen by German Nazi army officers for fear that they
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COMMUNITY NEWS would be either executed or carted off to death camps. These are just a small fraction of how our brothers and sisters sacrificed so much in order to maintained their profoundly important connection to Judaism and Jewish practices through mesirat nefesh, They also were so instrumental in keep our people together as a Klal Yisrael.. Fast forward….. As indicated, today, during Chag Chanuka 2025, we are blessed with a variety of opportunities to enjoy and celebrate our religious freedom and expression.. Whether lighting our chanukiot, putting on tefillin, giving tzedakah, performing acts of chesed, engaging in torah study or performing mitzvot, we are truly
blessed with opportunities as never before in history. Chanukah is not only a special joyous time for eating lakes, donates or paying dreidel with family and friends. They are all indeed beautiful activities and events. But rather a time for us as individuals and families and as a community to promote and celebrate the centrality of Judaism to our lives. We hope and pray to HaShem that this Chanuka will usher in a renewed sense of achdut, Jewish commitment and Jewish observance and practice. It is imperative that we redouble our efforts to fulfill more mitzvot and chesed. Finally, we thank HaShem that we live in a community that enjoys religious freedom. We should
not squander it, but rather cherish and protect it as a celebration of unswerving gratitude to HaShem Let’s take advantage of it as we celebrate this Chanukah. Wishing you and your families a joyous and bright Chag Chanuka. Chag Urim Sameach. About the Author: Dr. Chaim Botwinick is a senior executive coach and an organizational consultant. He served as president and ceo of the central agency for Jewish education in Baltimore and Miami; in addition to head of school and principal for several Jewish day schools and yeshivot. As an Influencer, he has published and lectured extensively on topics relating to education, resource development, strategic planning and leadership development. Dr. Botwinick is co-founder of LEV Consulting Associates and producer/host of the Chinuch Horizons podcast series.
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FOREVER YIDDISH 3
SONGS AND STORIES FROM THE SHTETL
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January 8th, 2026 7:30PM
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U
K IDS Z ONE KIDS ZONE RIDDLES!
FLORIDA WILDLIFE
A: Manatee I’m a bird dressed bright in pink, From shrimp and snacks my feathers drink. My bill looks like a funny tool— Who am I?
I’m a bear, but not brown, In Florida woods I wander ’round. I run and swim—don’t be surprised— Who am I? A: Florida black bear
A: Florida panther I’m big and round, I love warm seas, I float and munch on grass with ease. People call me a “cow” in the sea— Who am I?
I wear a white head like a crown, I soar above and circle down. A symbol strong, I fly so high— Who am I? A: Bald eagle
A: Alligator I’m a cat that’s hard to see, In Florida’s wild I roam free. Rare and quiet, I slip by— Who am I?
I dig a home deep in the sand, And many neighbors move right in. I’m a reptile, slow and grand— Who am I? A: Gopher tortoise
I look like a log till I move with a grin, I’m in swamps and lakes—don’t jump in! Who am I?
I’m long and sneaky, not from here, In the Everglades I bring fear. I squeeze my meals—no poison bite— Who am I?
A: Roseate spoonbill
A: Burmese python
I’m a deer, but not full size, In the Florida Keys I surprise. Small and sweet, I live down there— Who am I?
Two cousins live in one same state, One has a wider “U” shaped face. The other’s snout is pointy—true. What two are we?
A: Key deer
A: Alligators and crocodiles
K ID’S Z ONE KID’S ZONE . .. T A H T W O N K U O DID Y
FACTS ABOUT FLORIDA WILDLIFE Alligators everywhere – Florida has about 1.3 million alligators, and they can grow up to 14 feet long!
Panthers still roam – The Florida panther is one of the rarest mammals in the U.S., with only about 120–230 left in the wild. Manatees are gentle giants – Often called sea cows, manatees can weigh 1,200 pounds and love warm water and seagrass.
Tortoises are landlords – Gopher tortoises dig burrows that provide shelter for over 350 other species.
PHOTO CREDIT: BY JUDY GALLAGHER
PHOTO CREDIT: BY ANDY MORFFEW
PHOTO CREDIT: BY JOSEPH C BOONE
Bears in Florida?! – Yes! The Florida black bear can run up to 30 mph and is an excellent swimmer. Snakes vs. gators – In the Everglades, invasive Burmese pythons sometimes battle alligators—and either can win.
Pink birds are real – The roseate spoonbill gets its bright pink color from eating shrimp and other crustaceans. Mini deer exist – The Key deer, found only in the Florida Keys, are the smallest deer in North America.
Eagles live in the Sunshine State – Florida has one of the largest bald eagle populations in the lower 48 states.
PHOTO CREDIT: BURMESE PYTHONS
PHOTO CREDIT: CROCODILES
Two crocodilians, one state – Florida is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles live together in the wild.
K ID’S Z ONE KID’S ZONE Photography Contest
Enter for a chance to win a gift card!
CALLING ALL CREATIVE MINDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS! We are excited to invite individuals of all ages to participate in our Chanukah moments contest! Capture the spirit of Chanukah through photography and share your favorite moments with us!
SUBMISSION DEADLINE - DECEMBER 22 SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES VIA EDITOR@TSFCOMMUNITYVOICE.COM
UNSCRAMBLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS RELATED TO
FLORIDA WILDLIFE 1. RITOLGALA
6. R E E D Y E K
2. REHNTAP
7. A D L B L E A E G
3. EETAMAN
8. R A B E K C A L B
4. SEARTOE SNOPLBOIL
9. N O H T Y P E S R E B M U
5. OGEPRH OETSROTI
10. O S O D L R E C C I
6. GOPHER TORTOISE 7. BALD EAGLE 8. BLACK BEAR 9. BURMESE PYTHON 10. CROCODILES
ANSWERS: 1. ALLIGATOR 2. PANTHER 3. MANATEE 4. ROSEATE SPOONBILL 5. KEY DEER
FOOD
Chutney Grilled Cheese By Jamie Geller
• 10 MIN DURATION • 5 MIN COOK TIME • 5 MIN PREP TIME • 1 SERVING •
Chutney is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy and can be made with many different flavors. It can also be used in so many ways, but we just love how this sweet and tart apple mustard seed chutney works in the ultimate grilled cheese. Ingredients • 2 tablespoons apple chutney • 2 thick slices crusty bread • 1/4 cup baby kale • 2-4 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese • 1 slice cheddar cheese • 1 tablespoon butter Preparation
1. Spread 2 tablespoons apple chutney on chunky bread. 2. Top with baby kale, crumbled blue cheese and cheddar cheese. 3. Place in panini machine or toast in a nonstick pan with 1 tablespoon butter for three minutes per side. Jamie Geller is the Chief Media and Marketing Officer at Aish. She is also a bestselling cookbook author, celebrity chef, television producer, and businesswoman. She’s the author of eight cookbooks and the founder of Kosher Media Network. P.54 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
BUSINESS DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIED
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CUSTOM MADE FOOT ORTHOTICS Low bulk, dynamic and comfortable. Excellent for balance, sports & pain relief. Adults & Children Rochelle Silberman-Jawitz, Concierge Orthotist (917) 494-1111 SEAMSTRESS Alterations, Dressmaking, including wedding clothes. Phone: (646) 413-4542 Job Opportunity - Jewelry Office Assistant We are seeking a motivated and responsible individual to join our online-based diamond jewelry company as a full-time Office Assistant. This is an on-site position (no remote work). The hours are Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. You will be responsible for helping to fulfill orders, manage inventory, and maintain office organization. This is a great opportunity to join a growing jewelry company! If interested, please contact Yossi at 310-200-1192.
In-Home Private Pilates for women to strengthen, realign, and ease pain. Personalized sessions and private events + Kosher Healthy Meal Prep. WellnessRena.com 305-404-3904 | WellnessRena@gmail.com Computer, Laptop, iPad & iPhone Repair 954-367-3215 Free-Pickup-in-Aventura.FL Coolstar Air Service llc A/C Install & Repair (954) 200-1369 | coolstarair@yahoo.com IT Tech Support & Low Voltage Services 561-331-1680 | barry@navonpro.com Quick Diagnosis Telemedicine 561-299-0496 | myquickdiagnosis.com MOVE TO NORTH FLORIDA Most affordable housing in the entire state Esformes Hebrew Academy of Ormond Beach NOW HIRING • Elementary teacher • Office manager • School Event Coordinator • Drama & Music, Coach Part-time and full-time positions Quiet suburb School and shul community
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List your local business, services available, real estate opportunities, Help Wanted, & more!
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917-515-5967 | www.MaxSellsMiami.com Wine News! The new ‘Noble Wines’ catalog has arrived, featuring our latest selection of premium wines. Request your free copy by mail. Just text or email your address and we’ll deliver it straight to your door. Text: (845) 716-8306 or email: news@noblewinesinc.com To place a Business Directory/Classified Listing D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.55 contact: andrea@tsfcommunityvoice.com
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D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.57
REAL ESTATE & FINANCE
From Co-op Student to Top-Ranked Advisor
GLEN GOLISH ON 36 YEARS OF HELPING FAMILIES BUILD, PROTECT, AND TRANSFER WEALTH For more than three decades, Glen Golish has helped families, business owners, and philanthropists navigate complex financial decisions — from retirement and estate planning to multi-generational wealth and crossborder transitions. Born and raised in New Jersey, Golish’s journey into finance began at Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he enrolled in the school’s distinctive five-year co-op program. Unlike traditional college programs, Drexel’s co-op model is designed to immerse students in the real world long before graduation. After a foundational first year on campus, students alternate between six months of full-time coursework and six months of full-time paid professional work. By the time they graduate, they have accumulated years of hands-on experience in their chosen field. “You went to school for six months and then worked for six months. By the time you graduated, you didn’t just have a degree — you had real-world experience.” For Golish, the co-op program became a turning point. Each placement exposed him to a different discipline, allowing him to test not only what he was good at, but what he truly enjoyed. That process of experimentation — rarely available in a traditional academic track — ultimately led him away from engineering and toward finance and economics, where he discovered both passion and purpose. While playing on the Drexel soccer team, Golish completed four co-op placements — more than required — starting in engineering before discovering his true calling. “I was good at engineering, but I
hated it. Finance and economics is where I shined.” He graduated number one in his class receiving the financial management and honor society award and entered the financial world in 1989 — beginning what has now become a 36-year career. The Mentor Who Shaped His Career Early on, Golish worked under Sid Friedman, a legendary figure in the insurance and financial planning world. “Sid was the Michael Jordan of the insurance business. Forbes once ranked him the number one lifeinsurance/financial planner in the world. He taught me to focus on my unique ability — do what you do best and give away the rest.” One of the most enduring lessons Friedman passed on was the importance of efficiency, particularly when it comes to estate planning and taxes. “Estate tax is a bill no one wants to pay, but it’s real. Our job is to reduce waste, promote efficiency and create strategies so families keep more of what they’ve built.” “He also told me people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, once they know how much you care they don’t care how much you know” From Philadelphia to Florida Golish built his early practice in the Philadelphia area, but family
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life eventually brought him south. After marrying in 1992 and raising three children in Pennsylvania, he and his wife purchased a home in Florida in 1999 and gradually made the transition.Their fourth child was born in Florida. “The move meant re-licensing and rebuilding relationships, but one introduction led to another, and the Florida practice took off.” Today, Golish maintains clients across the country. “I’m licensed in most states and work with clients nationwide. Faceto-face is great, but geography no longer limits great creative planning.” What Makes His Approach Different In an industry crowded with “financial coaches” and productdriven advisors, Golish draws a clear distinction. “Most people think wealth is money, times rate of return, times time. That ignores efficiency — and that’s where most money is lost.” His firm evaluates every component of a client’s financial life: investments, insurance, estate documents, taxes, real estate, business interests, and even full monthly budgets. Using advanced, independent financial-planning software — not tied to any single product provider — the team integrates everything into one coordinated strategy. “We don’t sell products. We organize your entire financial world and make sure your accountant, attorney, and advisors are all working together.” Golish describes his role as both a micro- and macro-manager. “We find the broken window —
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כ ע י ן ל י א פרי ח נ ו כ !ה Yaakov Rosenberg
Office: 305-509-5353 Yaakov@ybrteam.com
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.59
www.ybrteam.com
REAL ESTATE & FINANCE the leak you didn’t even know existed — and seal it.” Finding Hidden Inefficiencies That level of detail has uncovered major savings for clients. In one case, a client with approximately $100 million in assets was paying 1.5% in fees. “We reduced that to 0.6%. Over decades and across generations, that difference is an enormous lost opportunity that we were able to recapture.” In another case, Golish’s firm identified a $17 million estate-tax exposure caused by advisors failing to coordinate with one another. “Everyone did their job well — but they weren’t communicating. That kind of gap can devastate a family if it goes unnoticed.” Multi-Generational Planning, Aliyah, and Snowbirds A core focus of Golish’s work is preserving wealth across generations. “By the third generation, most wealth is gone — lost to taxes, fees, efficiency and terrible planning. Our goal is to make it last.” The firm also specializes in sophisticated planning for clients making aliyah. “If you don’t plan before moving to Israel, your options shrink. We structure income, insurance, and tax strategies in advance so clients arrive secure and confident.” Snowbirds — part-time Florida residents — are another growing segment of his practice. “Most people don’t think they have a problem. Ninety percent of the time, we still find something — and we fix it.” A Message to the Next Generation Recognized by Forbes as a top-100 advisor for four consecutive years — including a recent ranking at number twenty nine — Golish views success as both a blessing and a responsibility. “Start early. Save aggressively. Don’t assume TikTok, Instagram, or AI has all the answers. Technology is powerful, but wisdom still matters. If the younger generation combines innovation with experience, there’s no stopping them.”
HELPING ISRAEL FUND — BUILT ON SPEED, TRUST, AND ZERO OVERHEAD
For Glen Golish, Helping Israel Fund was never meant to be a traditional nonprofit. It was built out of urgency — and frustration. “Too often, money gets stuck in process. Soldiers don’t need process. They need help — now.” Founded with a close partner, the fund operates on a firm principle: no salaries, no administrative overhead, and no fundraising expenses taken from donations. Any operational costs are personally covered by the founders, ensuring that contributions go directly to impact on the ground. The organization works closely with trusted contacts inside Israel — including logistics officers, unit representatives, and local community leaders — to identify real, immediate needs. That direct pipeline allows Helping Israel Fund to bypass bureaucracy and respond in days, not months. Over the years, the fund has delivered critical support to IDF units across the country, including: • Tens of thousands of winter jackets and cold-weather kits • Over 100,000 pairs of gloves • Unit-branded hats and gear that boost morale and identity • Emergency equipment requested directly by field units One of the fund’s most impactful initiatives is the creation of “warm corners” — modest but powerful rest points located near operational zones. These spaces provide soldiers with hot drinks, food, seating, and shelter, often serving as the only safe place to rest during extended missions. “Sometimes 20 soldiers would rotate sleeping inside while others stood guard outside. Those few hours of rest made a real difference.” In several cases, nearby civilian communities partnered with the fund, helping stock and maintain the spaces — strengthening the bond between soldiers and the towns they protect. The fund’s impact has reached far beyond logistics. In one unexpected moment, Golish was approached at a wedding in Germany by an Israeli soldier who recognized the Helping Israel Fund logo. “He told me, ‘You have no idea — during the war, you guys saved our lives.’ That’s not something you ever forget.” Helping Israel Fund continues to focus on speed, dignity, and precision — responding to verified needs, cutting out waste, and ensuring that every contribution translates into real support for Israel’s defenders and communities. “We don’t build monuments. We solve problems.”
P.60 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.61
REAL ESTATE & FINANCE
Breaking the Old Pattern to Light the Way Forward By Shmuel Shayowitz
As we move toward the final nights of Chanukah, I can’t help but think about how the Menorah can teach us a powerful lesson. What began just days ago with a single, modest candle now stands filled with light. It was not because of one extraordinary event but because of consistency. One flame being added, night after night. Chanukah teaches us not to rush the process. It teaches us that nothing meaningful happens all at once. Progress starts small, often unimpressive, and only reveals its power when you stay committed long enough to see it through. That’s why Chanukah feels like a holiday not only about miracles, but also about mindset. Yes, there was oil that lasted longer than expected. But before that, there were people willing to act without certainty and without guarantees. The Greeks wanted to change Jewish identity, to redefine what it meant to live with purpose and discipline. Judaism doesn’t reject growth or transformation. Quite the opposite. We believe deeply in changing ourselves. But the distinction is critical. The goal was never to abandon our core. It was to refine it. To become better, more aligned, and more intentional in how we live, earn, and contribute. That idea shows up everywhere I look, especially in money and business. People say they want change, but what they often mean
is they want new results without a new identity. They want growth without discomfort and prosperity without discipline. Unfortunately, real transformation doesn’t work that way. Chanukah reminds us that light increases only when you’re willing to remove what blocks it. And that is old habits, old thinking, and the old patterns that once felt safe but now quietly limit what’s possible. As we head into 2026, I hear a familiar theme from many people… Bigger goals, new opportunities, more money, and better returns. And that’s all good. But the reality of the matter is that you can’t step into a higher tier with last year’s behavior. If you want to operate at a new level, your daily actions have to reflect someone who already lives there. That means new conversations, new efforts, and new standards. It means preparation that goes deeper than motivation and discipline that lasts longer than inspiration. This applies directly to finances and real estate. I’ve watched people chase larger deals while still managing money with poor habits. They want better returns without a better infrastructure. As we all know, however, success isn’t about adding another property, another investment, or another strategy. It’s about removing what no longer serves you, so the right systems get us to where
P.62 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
we want to go. One of the biggest obstacles I see is how people interpret rejection or setbacks. Too often, a deal falls through, or a plan doesn’t go as expected. Suddenly, the attitude becomes crippling and debilitating. Chanukah teaches us that the opposite is true. What looks like rejection is often redirection. What feels like loss is sometimes refinement. The oil didn’t look sufficient, and the outcome certainly wasn’t guaranteed, but they lit it anyway without committing to an outcome. Trust followed action, not the other way around. As the candles reach their fullest glow, let’s take a moment to reflect on the vision for the year ahead. Growth doesn’t require you to abandon who you are, it requires you to become more of who you’re meant to be. And that’s the lesson of Chanukah. Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is a highly regarded Real Estate & Finance Executive, Writer, Speaker, Coach, and Advisor. He is President and Chief Lending Officer of Approved Funding, a privately held national mortgage banker and direct lender that has facilitated over $3 billion in mortgage funding. Shmuel has over twenty years of industry experience and holds numerous licenses and accreditations, including certified mortgage underwriter, licensed real estate agent, residential review appraiser, and accredited investor, to name a few. Shmuel has successfully navigated through many changing markets and business landscapes, making his market insights and experience well-coveted within the real estate industry. He can be reached via email at Shmuel@approvedfunding.com.
Happy Chanukah!
בס”ד
COMMUNITY NEWS
שis for שמואל
Shmuel Shayowitz D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.63
COMMUNITY NEWS It’s a non-profit community built on caring for one another’s health. As a non-profit Health Care Sharing Ministry, United Refuah exists to help families access the best possible care at the lowest sustainable cost. That’s why we offer: • No network restrictions — with strong reimbursement levels and low member responsibility as outlined in the Sharing Guidelines. You can choose any doctor, specialist, or hospital you trust. • No bureaucratic denials — our goal is to help our members, not search for clauses that let us say “no.” Eligibility for sharing is clearly outlined, and our focus remains on our members’ health and wellbeing.
Up until now my husband was always in charge of speaking and dealing with our health insurance. Since joining Refuah healthshare I have taken that responsibility and it has been a very positive experience. When calling any representative I feel like they actually want to help me get the best possible care with the best possible price and they are willing to guide me step by step. I love all the heimeshe representatives taking my calls, there is a certain comfort level with it. Working with this healthshare has been great! - Raizy K.
• A process designed to avoid long or frustrating delays. Sharing is personal, efficient, and compassionate. When major or complex needs arise, members receive a dedicated case manager who understands their situation and guides them with genuine care. This level of personal care is rare in healthcare. And throughout it all, monthly contributions have remained consistent for over 7 years. In that time, United Refuah has saved Klal Yisroel an estimated $170,000,000 — with some families saving more than $30,000 every single year.
($50 each add. member) P.64 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m United Refuah is a non profit healthsharing organization. It is not insurance and does not offer insurance. See Sharing Guidelines for full details. Application and annual renewal fees apply.