DREAMS FOR TOMORROW
Flecha de los andes
Israel EduExpo 2025 Your Academic Future Starts Here!
Explore top universities & colleges in Israel at Israel EduExpo 2025
Whether you’re considering undergraduate or postgraduate studies, this is your opportunity to discover the programs, connect with admissions officers, and get all the answers you need to take the next step in your academic journey.
Boca Raton
Sunday, November 2
5pm-8pm
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Miami Beach
Monday, November 3 5pm – 8pm
In collaboration with Katz Yeshiva High School (Boca Raton) and Hebrew Academy (Miami Beach).
Location details will be sent after registration
• Meet admissions officers from Israel’s top universities and colleges for one-on-one conversations.
• Institutions participating include: Tel Aviv University, Reichman University, Technion, Bar-Ilan University, Ben-Gurion University, Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT), Holon Institution of Technology (HIT), TCS Telecom along with representatives from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
• Explore academic programs in all fields - undergraduate, postgraduate, and more.
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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
The Light That Endures
Ditsa Or’s Unspoken Speech
The following text was never read aloud. Ditsa Or prepared it carefully and worked on it for a long time, but in the end— overcome by emotion, speeches, and embraces—she did not deliver these words.
Hostage Avinatan Or returned this week to the community of Shiloh, stopping at each station along the route where children and adults waited, overcome with excitement. For two years the Binyamin Regional Council has accompanied dozens of the fallen in silence and tears; standing on the same roadside and seeing someone come back from the abyss felt deeply healing.
Below is part of what Ditsa intended to say at the event:
“My brothers and sisters, ‘For this boy have I prayed,’” Ditsa began. “Just as thousands of years ago Chana prayed here in Shiloh for her son, Shmuel Hanavi, we prayed for this boy together. Our prayers were answered.
“For two years we wondered why we never received a video of Avinush,” she continued. “This week he told us the reason: every time they came to film him, he refused to cooperate, speaking in a low, monotone voice. He refused to be used to broadcast Hamas propaganda and prematurely end the war. We also heard about his desperate escape attempt from captivity—an operation that nearly succeeded. His head was
already outside the tunnel, but at the last moment they grabbed his legs.”
These are only a few of the details now coming to light. Each of the twenty living hostages carries an astonishing, unique story of bravery.
“Avinush,” Ditsa continued, “the more isolated you were, the more we embraced you from here. That overflowing goodness reached you and strengthened you.”
It was reported that Avinatan lost three centimeters in height during captivity—his body had simply shrunk and weakened. He needs to regain strength now. By contrast, a neighbor of Ditsa’s told me she feels that Ditsa has added stature, straightening the posture of everyone who accompanied her through this period.
This is not only Ditsa’s story. Our tradition teaches that the Jewish people will be redeemed through righteous women. This
week I watched released captive Yelena Trufanov (mother of released captive Sasha Trufanov), address about a thousand women at the community hall in Rehovot, and I heard Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of released captive Idan Alexander, address some five hundred women at Yeshurun Synagogue in Jerusalem. Without coordination, both women returned to the same sacred, strengthening message: an intense frequency of unity and Jewish identity that only they seem to know and feel compelled to share. Observing from the side, I wondered what you would call this gathering: not a conventional lecture, not a performance—perhaps a ritual after which people leave a little taller. At the end, long lines formed as women waited simply to embrace them.
Near the end of her speech, Ditsa wrote: “We feel sharp pain and a special hardship today because of the families whose loved ones’s killers are now being released home under the deal. We will pursue them until we destroy them.
“And from here on, od yoter tov—better and better, until complete redemption.”
The Soul Illuminates
Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook wrote a short guiding sentence for each month of the year. This is what he wrote about the new month of Cheshvan that began last week:
“When the soul shines, even skies shrouded in fog radiate a
pleasant light.”
Rav Kook offered this teaching specifically for Cheshvan — the onset of winter, the month that follows the spiritual heights of Tishrei and suddenly contains no holidays at all. It is a time when darkness settles earlier, the skies grow heavy and gray, and a long routine can bring with it a sense of dullness or gloom. Yet Rav Kook reminds us that if the soul is shining within, its light can transform even the thickest fog. With the power of the soul, even clouded skies can glow.
This insight also captures the reality of the past two years. We have witnessed how, even in a time of deep and overwhelming darkness, the soul of the Jewish people has continued to shine — and that light has shaped the world around us. In these very days, we are hearing the astonishing stories of some of the hostages. After two horrific years in the tunnels of Hamas, they returned with souls that still shone — radiating faith and hope in the face of terror and confusion.
And what is true of our nation is also true on a personal level. Each of us carries inner light. We do not need to rely solely on external circumstances to determine how we feel. When we choose to see the world through the light of the soul, the world reflects that light back to us.
The Courage to Stand Apart
I once heard a young man, stylishly dressed in the latest fashion, challenge another young man who was wearing traditional
chassidic clothing: “Do you really believe that our forefather Avraham dressed like you — in black and white, with a hat like that?”
The chassid smiled and replied: “I’m absolutely certain Avraham did not dress like me. But I’m just as certain that he looked around at the fashion trends of his time — and then chose to wear the exact opposite.”
We are not commanded to dress in outdated or unfashionable clothing. But there is a truth hidden in that answer. In his time, Avraham Avinu was an outsider, a revolutionary, a man who stood apart from his surroundings. Today we admire him as a spiritual giant, but in his own generation he was viewed as a radical voice challenging the entire cultural order.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, in his commentary on this parashah, emphasizes that Avraham is meant to instill in us the courage to stand as an alternative to the prevailing culture — and not be absorbed by it. This applies not only to global culture, but even to trends within Jewish society: The isolation imposed upon Avraham placed him in total opposition to the spirit of his age. His values were the polar opposite of those around him. No one can claim, “I am righteous,” merely by meeting society’s standards. A person is answerable to God, not to the fashions of the moment. If the majority behaves in a way that is false, then one must serve God truthfully even if it means standing in the minority. Had we
(L to R) Released hostage Avinatan Or and his mother Ditsa.
COMMUNITY NEWS
not inherited Avraham’s courage to be different, how could we have survived as a nation — then or now?
There are those who promote a “Judaism that keeps up with the times.” The very first command spoken to Avraham — “Lech lecha,” go forth — is the Torah’s strongest rebuttal to that idea. Avraham’s first steps on the stage of history were not in harmony with the cultural spirit of Babylon, Assyria, Sidon, or Egypt.
And so it is for us. To walk in the path of Avraham is to be willing to stand apart, to hold fast to truth even when it is unpopular, and to have the courage and faith to live by God’s call — not by the fashions of the moment.
The Truly Joyful Week
The book Hayom Yom teaches that every person should “live with the weekly Torah portion”—not only read it on Shabbat, but carry it with us throughout the week, allowing its messages and insights to influence our daily lives.
Two weeks ago, we began the book of Bereishit. It opened with joy—the creation of the world— but ended in sorrow: the sin of the Tree of Knowledge, the expulsion from Eden, and the murder of Hevel by his twin brother Kayin.
The second portion, Noach, began somberly—with a corrupt humanity and the devastation of the Flood—but concluded with joy: the birth of Avraham Avinu.
This week’s parashah, Lech Lecha, is known as “the truly joyful week,” for we spend these days in the company of Avraham and
Sarah—figures we still call “our father” and “our mother.” Through their actions, their character, and their unwavering faith, they became Avraham Avinu and Sarah Imeinu, the first father and first mother of our nation.
This week’s portion teaches us about their kindness and their faith; about their remarkable tent, open wide in hospitality; about their mission to spread belief in God; and about their courage to stand against the majority and ultimately influence the world.
All of these qualities, they bequeathed to us. We are their continuation.
May we merit to feel the joy of this week!
Sivan Rahav Meir?
The concentration of the Druze population in the Sweida region, located in southern Syria near the Jordanian border, raises the prospect of establishing a Druze state. Currently, the Druze do not possess a state of their own. Traditionally, the Druze minority demonstrates loyalty to the state in which it resides. There is a Druze minority in Israel that has tied its fate to the Jewish state, as well as Druze communities in Lebanon and Syria.
Generally, the Druze do not aspire to establish an independent state. The Druze Mountain region, known as Jabal al-Druze in Syria, was granted autonomous status under the French Mandate (Sykes-Picot Agreements), yet the idea of a Druze state never materialized. In Lebanon, the Druze enjoy a degree of political status and leadership, and an autonomous entity existed under Ottoman rule, though it never evolved into full statehood.
The notion of founding a Druze state is not driven by nationalist ambitions but rather by a need
A Druze State
By Dr. Yeshayahu (Yishy) Bick
for survival. This survival imperative arises in the context of the collapse of nation-states or in the face of existential threats, such as ISIS or civil wars.
The State of Israel is committed to its Druze minority and, accordingly, extends protection to their Druze brethren in Syria. Druze individuals from Israel have mobilized to assist their relatives in Syria. Israel is already supplying weapons and ammunition to one of the Druze factions and is reportedly paying salaries to approximately 3,000 Druze militia members.
The process of establishing a Druze militia to defend the Druze population and contribute to Israel’s security has already begun. This initiative is of strategic importance, particularly in light of Turkey’s training of hundreds of Syrians as commando forces.
This raises the question: why not leverage the chaos in Syria to assist the Druze in founding their own state or autonomous region? A Druze state or autonomous entity would coexist peacefully with Israel and serve as a buffer against the infiltration of jihadist forces from Syria, Iraq, and Iran toward Jordan and subsequently the West Bank.
The “stars are aligning” for the realization of this revolutionary idea. The Trump administration would likely support and assist in the establishment of a Druze state or autonomy that would enhance Israel’s security along its northeastern border.
It may even be necessary to expand the autonomy into a broader alliance of minorities. Syria is home to Alawite and Kurdish minorities who also require protection from extremist Muslim forc-
es, such as Sunni ISIS or Shiite groups loyal to Iran.
Israel must determine its longterm strategic objectives regarding minorities, particularly the Druze. Once a decision is made to establish autonomy or a state, Israel must provide sustained military and economic support to this entity. Such support must be longterm and unwavering. Betrayal of this entity, as occurred with the South Lebanon Army, must be avoided. In the Middle East, betrayal is never forgiven.
For example, Shiites in Lebanon who were betrayed by the Iranians, refused to fire even a single missile at Israel when Iran was attacked by Israeli and American air forces.
I propose the creation of a
Druze “civil guard” that would function both as a civilian police force and a Druze border guard. This force would not constitute a formal army and would not require aircraft or tanks. It would be equipped with light weaponry and trained by Israeli instructors of Druze origin. A local policing force would be committed to its people and residents, providing protection in times of crisis. This national force would serve as a border guard for Israel and Jordan, preventing the infiltration of hostile forces and the transfer of weaponry to and from Jordan and Israel.
Should a greater threat emerge that necessitates military intervention, Israel would be obligated to defend the Druze autonomy.
GARELLEK COUNSELING
This model should be expanded to include other minorities in neighboring countries. In Lebanon, there are Druze and Maronite (Christian) minorities who would welcome backing and support from a strong state such as Israel. Although Lebanon has a central government, it is weak and unable to collect the vast quantities of weapons held by Hezbollah operatives or Palestinian refugee camp residents.
It is worth reminding readers that Israel is currently engaged on seven different fronts. Any front where Israel has allies will be easier to manage in times of war and will contribute to the preservation of national security
Dr. Yeshayahu (Yishy) Bick yishybick@ gmail.com September 18, 2025
JNF-USA’s Global Conference for Israel
At the Diplomat Hotel, more than 2,500 proud Jews from around the world gathered to show their unwavering support for the Land of Israel at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel. The atmosphere was charged with energy and purpose, as participants united to celebrate resilience, strengthen community bonds, and reaffirm the eternal connection between the Jewish people and their ancestral homeland.
“Through every challenge, we have overcome, fueled by an unshakable spirit and an unbreakable bond with our ancient homeland,” said Jewish National Fund-USA’s Local Event Chairs Ariel and Josh Deitchman, and Loren and Eric Stein. “Now, more than ever, Israel needs us, and we need Israel. Our Global Conference for Israel is more than just a gathering—it’s a call to action.”
Nearly 3,000 attendees came together to engage in meaningful dialogue, participate in thought-provoking sessions, and draw inspiration from the shared vision of building Israel’s future. The conference not only highlighted the challenges facing Israel today but also showcased the collective power of Jewish communities standing shoulderto-shoulder in solidarity.
We at South Florida Community Voice had the privilege of covering this extraordinary event, and we are excited to share with you not only what we witnessed, but also what we experienced—moments of unity, resilience, and inspiration that left a lasting impact on all who attended.
As the gathering concluded, excitement turned toward the future: “Join us next year at the 2026 Global Conference for Israel in San Diego to experience the magic of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Circle of Impact.”
The North Is Rising: JNF-USA Unveils a Vision of Renewal and Hope for Israel’s Future
Hollywood, FL — At the 2025 edition of JNF-USA’s Global Conference for Israel, nearly 3,000 participants gathered under the twin themes of “Join the Journey: The Emergence of a New North” and “Dreams for Tomorrow.” The event laid out an ambitious vision for transforming Israel’s northern region into a hub of resilience, renewal and opportunity — while also reinforcing the enduring bond between diaspora supporters and the land of Israel.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR ISRAEL’S NORTH
Opening the session, JNF-USA Ambassador Dr. Orlee Panitch reflected on her family’s story of immigration, framing the North as Israel’s next frontier: “what began with planting trees has grown into building entire ecosystems of life and opportunity.” The organisation’s target: attracting 300,000 new residents to Israel’s North through strategic investments in housing, infrastructure, economic development and more.
LOCAL LEADERS: STORIES OF RESILIENCE AND RENEWAL
Speakers from the Galilee region offered powerful testimony: Asaf Langleben, Mayor of the Upper Galilee, described how factories and agricultural work per-
sisted during wartime — and now how “we are rebuilding together, with JNF-USA at our side.”
Michal Shiloah Galnoor, Chief Executive Officer of Western Galilee Now (and operator of the Lauder Employment Centers backed by JNF-USA), explained how the organisation’s Online Mitzvah Marketplace helped bakers, artists and farmers regain business and hope during shutdowns.
Farmer Dor Pintel recounted how JNF-USA delivered a bomb-shelter to his farm when no one else would — “it wasn’t just concrete — it was a message that we were not alone.”
CULINARY INNOVATION & CULTURAL RENEWAL
One of the marquee projects of the “New North” agenda is the Galilee Culinary Institute (GCI), created by JNF-USA. Steve Dabrow, Chair of GCI, described the Galilee as “a crossroads of 82 cultures” and said the Institute could place the region on the global food-map alongside Tuscany, Napa and Bordeaux. Joining him was chef Lior Lev Sercarz, co-founder of GCI and owner of La Boîte, who reinforced the vision of transforming the Galilee into a hub for culinary innovation and international collaboration.
INSPIRING HOPE: THE CLOSING PLENARY
In the closing plenary titled “Dreams for Tomorrow,” JNF-USA leaders Deb Lust Zaluda, Jeffrey E. Levine and Russell F. Robinson, along with Vice-President Ron Werner, issued a stirring rally. Werner reported that since October 7, the JNF-USA family had raised nearly $400 million in support of Israel’s land and people. He shared a moment from the Western Galilee: when asked how the community survived, one resident said simply, “Tikvah v’Emunah — hope and faith.”
Zaluda urged attendees: “Our Jewish tradition compels us to take action, even in moments of darkness… Visit the communities we support, meet the people, and remind them they are not alone.” Robinson closed with a bold challenge: “Our story is not finished— it is just beginning. It is within your hands to make tomorrow better than today… Because the next chapter of our story is ours to write.”
WHY THIS MATTERS
For those tracking Israel’s development and diaspora support dynamics, JNF-USA’s framing of the North as a pivot point of renewal is significant. This initiative goes beyond tree-planting — it focuses on human infrastructure: settlement, economic opportunity, cultural revitalisation, and strategic community building. For a region impacted by conflict and instability, these initiatives offer hope, investment and a forward-looking vision.
Amit Segal Breaking the Story: How Media Shapes Israel’s Narrative
In a short but meaningful ted speech Amit Segel
The Senior political analyst spoke on how the media shapes Israel’s Narrative.
In the crowded space of international news, few subjects receive as much scrutiny—or distortion—as Israel. For journalist and political analyst Amit Segal, this is not just a professional reality but a personal concern. Speaking in a recent interview, Segal explored how Israel’s story has been framed, misunderstood, and at times misrepresented by global media, and why he believes justice—not suffering—must be the central theme of Israel’s narrative.
MEDIA FRAMES AND HISTORICAL TURNING POINTS
Segal traced the media’s treatment of Israel back to its defining wars: the War of Independence in 1948 and the Six-Day War of 1967. In both moments, Israel’s survival seemed to hang by a thread. International media coverage at the time, he argued, often focused narrowly on the drama of war and the image of a vulnerable state.
“The world tends to view us through the lens of crisis,” Segal explained. “But when the story is told only as one of survival or suffering, it reduces Israel to an object of pity. That is not the full picture. What should be told is the story of justice—the justice of a people returning home, defending their right to live here, and building a society against all odds.”
SYMPATHY VS. JUSTICE
Segal believes the media’s emphasis on sympathy is both unstable and dangerous. “Sympathy comes when people see tragedy,” he said. “It fades as soon as headlines move on. Justice, however, is timeless. It explains why Israel exists, why it endures, and why its story is not just one of grief but of legitimacy.”
He criticized the tendency of global coverage to highlight conflict without context. “When a rocket falls or a war breaks out, the images travel instantly. But the broader truth—the reason why Israel defends itself, the history that explains our presence here—too often gets lost.”
A JOURNALIST’S PERSONAL LENS
For Segal, these reflections are not detached analysis but lived experience. He recalled his upbringing in Jerusalem and the atmos-
phere of a country shaped by war and resilience. “I grew up around people who had lost loved ones, who had fought in battles, who carried heavy burdens but never surrendered their belief in Israel’s justice,” he said.
Those memories continue to inform his own approach as a journalist. “When I report, I remember that behind every headline are people who refused to be defined by suffering alone. They insisted that Israel is here because it deserves to be here. That lesson matters just as much today.”
MEDIA RESPONSIBILITY IN THE WEST
Segal also spoke critically about how Western outlets handle the Israeli story. “Too often, reporters frame it as a morality play of strong versus weak, occupier versus victim,” he argued. “But that framing erases history. It ignores why wars began, what threats Isra-
el faces, and the moral clarity behind its existence.”
Instead, he urged journalists— both Israeli and international—to ground coverage in context. “We cannot change every headline,” he admitted, “but we can speak consistently about justice. If we do not, others will fill the silence with narratives that strip away our truth.”
JUSTICE AS THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE
As the conversation closed, Segal returned to his central theme: Israel’s story must be built on justice, not victimhood. “Every time we present ourselves as merely suffering, we lose power,” he said. “But when we explain that our cause is just—that this land is our home, that our people have a right to live in safety and dignity—then the story becomes unshakable.”
For Amit Segal, journalism is not only about breaking news but about breaking through distortions. His message is as much to reporters as to policymakers: Israel’s narrative must be one of justice, not simply survival.
From the ER to Israel: Dr. Steve Katz Leads a Mission of Solidarity
A LIFE OF SERVICE
For most people, leading an emergency department in one of South Florida’s busiest hospitals would be more than enough responsibility. But for Dr. Steve Katz, Chief of the Emergency Department at Memorial Hospital West, healing is not confined to the walls of his hospital. When tragedy struck Israel on October 7th, his work and his world converged in a new way — as a call to action.
Dr. Katz has dedicated over 25 years to medicine, spending countless hours treating the sick and the injured, guiding his team through the toughest of cases, and offering calm leadership in times of crisis. Living in Delray Beach with his wife and their five children, he has always balanced his demanding medical career with an equally strong commitment to Jewish life and Israel advocacy.
Even before October 7th, Dr. Katz was active in projects that bridged South Florida’s Jewish community with Israel. But in the aftermath of that day, which left Israel shaken and the global Jewish community reeling, his sense of responsibility deepened.
“I’ve always supported Israel,” he explains, “but this time it felt different. I couldn’t just continue life as usual — I had to do more, and I knew others felt the same.”
BUILDING “BROTHERS”
What began as late-night phone calls and urgent conversations quick-
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ly turned into action. Dr. Katz gathered a group of 38 men from South Florida, each committed to standing with Israel during this critical time. Together, they formed what came to be known as the Brotherhood Mission — not just a group, but a bond of solidarity.
“These were men from different backgrounds and professions,” says Katz, “but the common thread was our commitment to Israel. We felt that unity and strength here at home could translate into real support abroad.”
The first mission in February 2024 raised $1.1 million, funding hospitals, rehab centers, therapeutic farms, and even a massive wedding for ten soldiers at the Tel Aviv marina who had delayed their weddings because of the war. Over 2,000 guests attended, and the Brotherhood group was the only delegation invited to speak.
That trip also included barbecues at military bases, parties for displaced families in the south, and a donation to Sirocco Hospital treating injured soldiers. They even met with President Herzog at his official residence, a moment that underscored the impact of their efforts.
In February 2025, the second Brotherhood Mission returned — this time with 45 men, raising $2.5 million. Their focus expanded to supporting amputees, rehab centers, Air Force bases, and small businesses in the north to help families rebuild their lives.
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT MISSION
Now, Dr. Katz and his group are preparing for their biggest step yet: the JNF Brotherhood Mission, scheduled for February 2026. With 90 men already committed and a fundraising goal of $4 million, the trip will bring participants directly into communities still bearing the scars of war.
The projects will be hands-on and impactful. One day will be spent rebuilding at Kibbutz Neros, where a general contractor traveling with the group will lead a fullscale rehabilitation effort. Other projects will take place in the Golan with local leaders Ori and Yaakov, and with Green Horizons, a JNF-affiliated nonprofit supporting children suffering from trauma — whether from displacement, loss, or the horrors of October 7.
“This mission is about presence,” Katz explains. “When you sit with families who have lost so much, when you look into the eyes of soldiers who are still serving on the frontlines, you bring them strength. You tell them: ‘We see you. We’re with you. You’re not forgotten.’ That’s powerful medicine in its own right.”
A DOCTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
As a physician, Dr. Katz brings a unique lens to his community work. Just as he calms patients and families in moments of crisis, he is now applying the same skills to support a people under extraordinary stress.
“In the ER, you never know what’s going to walk through the doors,” he reflects. “But you do know that your job is to be present, steady, and to help however you can. That’s exactly the mindset I
bring to Israel.”
HEALING BEYOND BORDERS
For Dr. Katz, the mission is not only about supporting Israel but also about strengthening the South Florida Jewish community. By mobilizing a group of committed individuals, he hopes to inspire others to see that action is possible, even from thousands of miles away.
“We can all do something,” he says. “Some people can give, some can travel, some can advocate. The key is not to sit on the sidelines.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As preparations for the upcoming mission continue, the Brotherhood is building momentum. More people are reaching out, asking how they can get involved — whether by joining future trips, contributing resources, or spreading the message.
For Dr. Katz, this journey is only the beginning.
“Israel needs us now more than ever,” he says. “But just as importantly, we need Israel. This connection gives us strength, purpose, and identity. My hope is that through this mission, we not only bring comfort and solidarity, but also return home inspired to do even more.”
From the ER to Israel, Dr. Steve Katz has built a life dedicated to saving lives, strengthening others, and showing what it means to act in times of crisis. Today, his mission extends beyond hospital walls and across an ocean — to the very heart of Israel itself.
Dr Steve Katz is the chair of Jewish National Fund- USA’s brotherhood mission to Israel more info athttp://www.jnf.org/brotherhoodmission
The Story of Omer Shemtov
On Sunday, October 26, joined by his parents, Omer Shem Tov gave a powerful speech about his time in captivity. The crowd could not hide its excitement and gratitude for his return—again and again, people rose to their feet, clapping for minutes at a time. The room was overflowing, with every chair taken, the aisles packed, and even people sitting on the floor just to be present for his words.
I was taken underground. Into the tunnels. Into the darkness.
For the next 450 days, my life was no longer my own. I became their prisoner—and in some ways, their servant. I cooked for them, I cleaned for them, I dug tunnels for them. I fixed their plumbing, I carried out their orders. Anything a household needs, they forced me to do.
And still, I survived.
After many long months, the terrorists brought a TV into the tunnel. For the first time in nearly half a year, I saw moving images again. And every Saturday—after I had finished digging, cooking, and cleaning—they gave me five minutes. Just five minutes. That was my reward.
I used those five minutes to watch the protests for the hostages.
Every week, in Israel, families gathered in the squares—one in Kaplan, and one in Hostages Square. My parents were always at Hostages Square. But in the tunnels, the terrorists only showed me the other protest, the one in Kaplan. Every time, they would sneer at me: “Look—your parents don’t even come. They’ve forgot-
ten you. Even they want you dead. The government doesn’t care about you.”
It broke me. It shattered my heart into pieces. At night, I would imagine myself screaming at my parents, “Where were you? Why didn’t you fight for me?” And yet, deep down, I knew who my parents were. I knew their strength. I knew they would never stop. And today, I can say it proudly: my parents are the founders of the Hostages Square protest. They never gave up on me.
After five months, I understood Arabic fluently. I never told my captors. I just listened, silently gathering everything they said. In the end, I was able to give Israeli intelligence vital information about their movements, their tunnels, their plans.
Toward the last month, something changed. The food rations increased. From one sandwich a
day, suddenly I was given three meals—chicken, meat, fish, even sweets in between. I realized what it meant: they wanted me to gain weight. So that when they released me, I would look “presentable.”
And then, the day came.
It was a Wednesday. Three terrorists stood with me at the tunnel exit. One of them told me, “Before you leave, explain how to run the place—because you did everything for us.” And I did. I showed them where the spices were, how the chores were managed. And then I climbed the ladder.
As I rose higher and higher, I felt it: the cold breeze, the rush of fresh air against my skin. After 450 days underground, I breathed deeply. For the first time, I could feel the wind again.
Two terrorists grabbed my arms and pushed me into a waiting vehicle. I was blindfolded, crouched
down between them. Suddenly, the passenger asked: “Eliya, do you want some water?”
I froze. Who is Eliya?
And then, beside me, I heard a voice: “Yes, please.” It was Eliya— another hostage. The first fellow Israeli I had seen or heard in 450 days.
Later, more hostages joined us. We whispered to each other in the darkness, sharing fragments of our stories, clinging to the fragile bond of survival.
At one point, Eliya confided
in me. He told me about his fiancée—how on October 7th, terrorists threw grenades into their shelter, killing everyone inside. He believed she had died that day. He was certain he had lost her forever. And I tried to give him hope: “Maybe she survived. Maybe she is still alive.” But he shook his head. And then, days later, when we were already on the way to freedom, an officer whispered to Eliya: “She’s alive.” At that moment, he broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. I held him as a brother.
For me, it was another miracle. Finally, on February 7th, they blindfolded us again and led us through the tunnel. At the exit, Eliya whispered a prayer. And I began to sing, loudly, from the depths of my soul: “Shema Yisrael.” He joined me. Others joined me. Together, as brothers, we sang into the light.
And then, after hours of driving, the doors opened. Soldiers surrounded us, rifles raised in the air. But these were not terrorists. These were our soldiers. I looked up and saw the sky. It was raining, but to me, it was the sunniest day of the year.
An officer approached me— her name was Dalia. She looked me in the eye and said: “Welcome home. You’re safe now. Very soon, you will see your parents again.”
I asked her: “Can I hug you?”
She wrapped me in her arms, and for the first time in 450 days, I felt the warmth of a mother’s embrace.
Soon after, I was reunited with my parents. The door opened, and we ran to each other, crying. My mother sobbed: “My life is safe now. You are safe.” My father held me silently, his strength surrounding me.
Later, I returned home to my city. Crowds filled the streets, waving flags, throwing flowers, cheering. At night, in our house, music played, wine poured, and dancing filled the rooms. And when it all quieted down, my mother sat beside my bed, watching me as I slept, just as she had when I was a baby.
A week later, I was already on a plane to Washington, D.C., meeting the President of the United States. Because from the moment I stepped out of those tunnels, I knew: my life’s mission is to fight for every hostage still left behind.
Today, some have come back. But too many are still there. And their families—they cannot move on. They are broken, with no graves to visit, no place to mourn. We cannot stop. We cannot rest until every single one of them comes home.
A Motzei Shabbos Call: Pizza, Smoking, and a Father’s Heart
It was on a quiet Motzoi Shabbos evening and the phone at the Refuah B’Halacha Center was quiet, not too much happens at this time. That is, until the phone rang. On the other end was a man, speaking with a mix of urgency and hesitation. “A gut voch,” he began. “I… I need some guidance. I don’t know what to do.”
The Rav, accustomed to calls like this, replied gently, “Tell me what’s going on, take your time.”
The man took a deep breath. “It’s my son… he’s making his famous homemade pizza tonight for melava malka. Normally, I’d be enjoying it with him, but last Friday night something happened, and I’ve been unsure how to handle it ever since.”
The Rav encouraged him to continue.
“Friday night… I couldn’t sleep. Quietly, I went downstairs to get a drink. That’s when I noticed the door to the porch was open. I peeked out, and I saw my son… smoking… on Shabbos!”
A pause. The Rav said softly, “And that upset you, I can understand.”
“Yes!” the man exclaimed, voice shaking. “I didn’t confront him. I went back upstairs so he wouldn’t know I saw. I’ve kept it a secret, trying to figure out what to do. And now, tonight… he’s making a whole melava Malka for the whole family. I’m worried—what if the food is bishul akum? I don’t want to eat it, but I also don’t want to embarrass him.”
The Rav spoke firmly but warm-
ly: “Let me tell you something important. There was a story with R’ Moshe Feinstein Zt”l, as recorded in Mesoros Moshe (chelek alef, p. 248). A man came to R’ Moshe on Shabbos morning, very distressed. His wife had been caught smoking on Shabbos. He asked if he should divorce her, thinking she was no longer Shomer Shabbos and could not be trusted to run a frum home or run a reliable kosher kitchen. Her doctor said she was addicted, and it was very hard for her to stop.
“R’ Moshe explained that addiction is real, and a person struggling with it does not lose their ne’emanus in other areas of Torah and mitzvos. Just as someone who is physically ill cannot perform like a healthy person, someone with an addiction cannot always control certain urges. Halacha recognizes this. Even if she smoked publicly, she would not automatically lose her trustworthiness in other areas.”
The man listened intently, his tension slowly easing.
“R’ Moshe even compared addiction to mental illness,” the Rav continued. “He gave the example of a doctor who smoked to cope with the smell of patients. He did not smoke out of choice or enjoyment alone; the habit had taken hold. R’ Moshe concluded that divorce was not warranted, and he blessed the wife with a refuah sheleimah. The Torah understands human weakness, and we must too.”
The Rav paused, letting the father absorb the lesson. Then he said gently: “So regarding your son and the pizza—do not worry. The food is kosher; your son is just struggling, and the act of cooking it does not make it forbidden. More importantly, use this moment to reach out to him with love and concern. Speak with him, not in anger, but with a sincere desire to help. Addiction, even small or hidden, is a struggle, and halacha encourages us to respond with compassion.”
The man let out a small sigh of relief, touched and relieved. “Thank you, Rav… I was so afraid I’d make the wrong decision. I didn’t know how to approach this.”
The Rav’s voice softened warmly: “Take the first step with love. Sometimes just opening the conversation can make all the difference. A father’s guidance can help lead a son back to strength. Tonight, after the melava malka, embrace him, tell him you love him, and that you want to help him. That is the Torah way.”
Later that evening, the father
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followed the Rav’s advice. He approached his son as he carefully arranged the homemade pizza. He embraced him warmly and said, “I saw what happened Friday night. I want you to know I love you, and I want to help you. Let’s talk and work on this together.”
His son, surprised but relieved, nodded, and a weight lifted from both their hearts. The melava malka went on, the pizza baked to perfection, and the house was filled with laughter, Torah discussion, and the warmth of a father and son reconnecting.
The Rav’s words stayed with the father: even when loved ones stumble, halacha and the Torah guide us to act with wisdom and compassion. Addiction and human frailty do not erase a person’s commitment to Torah in other areas,
and they certainly do not mean we abandon them. Guidance, patience, and heartfelt support are powerful tools in navigating life’s challenges.
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 just something that’s been on your mind — remember that you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Refuah B’Halacha Center is here to help, with experienced rabbanim available to guide you through even the most sensitive or confusing situations.
Our Rabbanim;
R’ Yaakov Forchheimer shlit”a
R’ Noach Isaac Oelbuam shlit”a
R Uri Deutch shlit”a
R’ Micha Cohen shlit”a
R’ Moshe Zev Feldman shlit”a
R’ Baruch Hirshfeld shlit”a
R’ Daniel Neustadt shlit”a
R’ Avrohom Yaged shlit”a
We specialize in
Mental health
Shabbos
Treatment issues
Hospital stays
Fertility
Kashrus
We are here Sunday through Friday 8:00 am till 10:00 pm and erev Shabbos 10 minutes before candle lighting.
Refuah B’Halacha Hotline: 732 755 0851 or email us at www.refuahbhalachacenter.org
Operation Inspiration: Shortcuts
By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
“The day is short, and there is much work.” Let’s face it, life is busy and there’s always so much to do. Aside from our spiritual responsibilities, we have regular stuff to deal with and sometimes it seems like everything takes so long to complete. That’s why we like shortcuts.
When you have a twenty-minute walk to shul, but there’s a shortcut that takes it down to twelve, you certainly want to take it. Of course, sometimes that shortcut involves climbing over a fence, through brambles, and up the side of a rocky cliff. Then, it might not make so much sense to take that route. In Chazal terms, this is “derech k’tzara she’hee arucha, a short path which is truly longer.”
I could relate very strongly to this dictum of our Sages one day when we were coming home from the airport. There is a specific car service I use, and one particular driver we always request. He knows we like to take a specific route, because we’ve found it to be the most reliable and predictable overall. Even with traffic, we prefer to take it over others because it’s familiar.
Well, one day, we were heading home and it seems the driver forgot what we had previously requested. Maybe there was a big backup on the road we like, or maybe he was trying to save a bit on tolls. Either way, he began driving a way I wasn’t familiar with. From time to time, his GPS offered him alternatives and sug-
gestions that could save a minute or two.
When I get those, unless I understand the factors leading up to the time discrepancy, such as construction or an accident, I generally ignore them. If it’s a large difference I might consider it, but for two or three minutes, I stick to what I know. First of all, the GPS is likely giving the same suggestion to all the other drivers on the road, which means the timing will change when everyone starts
doing it. Second of all, when you get off the highway to take city streets, let’s say, you could very easily lose the time you saved by sitting at a stoplight or waiting for other drivers to let you go.
Well, our driver, we’ll call him, Peter, decided to take the different shortcuts offered to him. We went down side roads, through residential neighborhoods, and past a football stadium (!) in search of a shorter way to get to our house. I think timing-wise we ended up pretty much with the same time we would have the other way, and maybe even longer, because whatever time we made up in corners cut, we lost at stop signs, traffic lights, and lower speed limits.
It seemed to me to be a metaphor for life. We are the drivers in our lives, but there is a client Who tells us which road He prefers we take. We can follow His directions and not worry about the delays or traffic, because He has taken that
all into account. However, if we try to take shortcuts, taking paths He doesn’t recommend, hoping to get ahead faster, we’ll usually find ourselves falling behind, doing more work, and not seeing the outcomes we hoped for.
We all have things we want, things we think will make us happy, and we don’t want to wait for them. We want to get someplace without having to put in the effort, or maybe we just want to beat the crowds and be there first. We find ways we think will help us navigate life better than the directions of Hashem, but inevitably, there’s a breakdown and disappointment. At some point we’ll regret taking the backroads, whether we end up
with a blown tire, or just get stuck waiting behind someone else.
I don’t know if Peter learned his lesson, or if he’ll keep trying to find a new way to beat the system. I don’t think most people learn their lesson after one time, or even several. But we can try to learn the lesson for ourselves.
Hashem has given us the Torah. He tells us which are the straight roads to stay on, and which are the dangerous curves to avoid. He knows more than the GPS, and at the end of the day, He’s the client we want to make happy. Not only is He giving us the car, gas, and money for tolls, but He is going to pay the fare at the end, and possibly give us a very nice tip!
One extra insight is that when people cheat or steal, Chazal tell us they are matriach, that they bother Hashem by making Him return the money to the proper place, and they end up losing out anyway. It’s like you’re guaranteed to fall behind.
So, the next time you’re tempted to take a bit of a crooked path, ask yourself if it’s worth it to annoy your client, especially since He wants you to have a smooth ride and knows the road better than anyone.
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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.
Chaim Jakob, DMD
CHABAD CHAYIL
Children interact with the animals in Noah’s Ark, build their version of the ark and learn about the rainbow and all its colors at Gan Chabad Preschool. Credit: ChabadChayil.org/Preschool
KYHS SHAARI BINA
Our students and staff joined together in remembrance of October 7th and in gratitude for the release of the hostages.
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Eden Gardens, Orlando Celebrates the Launch of a New Full-Time Kollel
Eden Gardens, FL – A new chapter of Torah growth and community development is unfolding in Eden Gardens with the official establishment of the Eden Gardens Kollel and a vibrant celebration marking this milestone.
The newly founded Kollel, led by Rabbi Yisroel Meir Shalom, has brought with it six dedicated families—five Kollel families and the Rosh Kollel’s own—who have settled in Eden Gardens to learn, teach, and strengthen the growing community. These families have arrived from Yerushalayim, Bayswater (Far Rockaway), Flatbush, Lakewood, and Detroit, each bringing their own warmth and commitment to Torah life.
They are: the Bondi, Braun, Levovitz, Tucker, and Winegard families.
Rabbi Shalom, formerly of the Kollel at Yeshivas Bais Yehudah in Detroit, is a gifted young talmid chacham whose leadership and scholarship are already leaving a deep impression. The Kollel learns daily in a brand-new, beautifully refurbished Beis Medrash adjacent to the Eden Gardens Shul, complete with a full seforim library and three daily sedarim. A community Night Seder program offers full- and part-time residents the chance to learn with the Kollel through chavrusa study, shiurim, and special programming.
In addition to his role as leader of the Kollel, Rabbi Shalom will be guiding the community in halachic matters and will oversee the Eden Gardens Mikvah and Eden
Gardens Eruv.
The Kollel’s establishment was made possible through the vision and support of Joseph Saka, Eli Steinhardt and family, and Rabbi Gedaliah Zlotowitz alongside a group of passionate Eden Gardens homeowners eager to see the neighborhood flourish as a true Makom Torah.
With the arrival of the Kollel and additional new families, Eden Gardens now boasts close to 20 fulltime year-round families and a steady daily minyan, transforming the area into one of Orlando’s most promising centers of Jewish life.
The celebration event drew the entire Eden Gardens community, along with guests from neighboring Orlando communities and beyond. Distinguished rabbanim in attendance included Rabbi Yom Tov Goldberger (Rosh Kollel of the Orlando Community Kollel), Rabbi Menachem Zev Kramer (Rav of the Orlando Torah Center), and Rabbi Yisroel Meir Shalom, who each shared inspiring words about the exponential growth of Torah in the region.
Guests enjoyed a lavish fleishig
buffet catered by Eatin’ Gardens— the neighborhood’s own food truck, operated by Shimon Shushan and family—followed by a spirited kumzitz led by Avraham Shmuel Weinschneider and Eliezer Kanner. The Roshei Yeshiva of Orlando Torah Academy—Rabbis Chaim Kazan, Yehuda Schepansky, and Avraham Wachsman—along with Rabbi Naftali Kassorla, Executive Director of the Orlando Community Kollel, also joined in the festivities.
Speakers highlighted how Eden Gardens is “seeding the ground with ruchniyus,” creating a foundation for Torah, family life, and spiritual growth in the heart of Florida.
What began as a dream is now taking root, a real Torah community in the heart of Orlando. With a kosher grocery on premises, and with plans underway for a dedicated 5,000-square-foot shul, men’s and women’s gyms, and a water park currently out for permitting, Eden Gardens continues to evolve as a premier destination for frum family life.
The soon-to-open Eden Gardens Mikvah, which will serve Eden Gardens, Encore, Reunion, Solterra, and the surrounding vacation communities, marks another milestone in this growth. With a strong pipeline of new families preparing to move in, the momentum toward Torah, community, and shared vision continues to build, accelerating the establishment of the Kollel and solidifying Eden Gardens as a thriving Makom Torah in Central Florida.
Inspiring and Celebrating Leadership Excellence in our Day Schools and Yeshivot
For decades, supporters, advocates and proponents of Jewish day school and yeshiva education have been searching for the magic silver bullet that will transform these schools into cohesive institutions of academic excellence.
This quest continues to take place in an ever-shifting environment, demanding high quality instructional personnel, educational leadership and an unswerving communal and institutional commitment to their financial stability and viability. It also takes place at a time in our history, which relies heavily upon professional and lay leadership decision-making, policy development and support, and consensus-building in order to help build strong and viable institutions.
Although the success and impact of today’s Jewish day school and yeshiva is quite remarkable, it is nevertheless an institution (not unlike other high quality schools) which is in search of high quality professional leadership and role models to help lead and guide
By Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick
it through a variety of 21st century challenges and exigencies.
These challenges range from a growing teacher shortage to increased costs of school operations; from responding to students with exceptionalities to the growing need for additional physical space; and, from the slow erosion of parental involvement and apathy to the continuous challenges of modern technology – these are just a few of the many challenges and concerns now facing our day schools and yeshivot.
As a student of organizational development, I always had a profound interest and respect for how schools are led, how they function, how they problem-solve and effectuate strategic change; and, how the variety of different leadership styles, personalities and philosophies (of those that head these institutions) impact on their effectiveness both internally and in the community.
One of the most fascinating aspects of school leadership are the wide range of leadership styles, personalities and approaches now at play in our day schools and yeshivot. This includes the manner in which these styles and approaches effectuate positive impact on students, faculty, parents and the community,
As we know, an experienced menahel, head of school or principal with a trained eye and years in the trenches, need not spend an inordinate amount of time in leader-
ship positions to truly understand, appreciate and recognize that there are multiple types of leaders in every community and school. Some are seasoned and highly professional and some are still novices irrespective of years on the job. Some are eager to improve their craft through best practice and modeling; and others unfortunately believe that they can make it up as they go along; and yet succeed (a topic for a separate conversation).
Irrespective of years of leadership service, the bottom line is that an effective leader must know how to motivate, challenge and inspire their respective faculty, staff and administrative team in order to be the best they can be.
Several years ago, I facilitated a c-suite executive Think-Tank of like-minded yeshiva/day school educational leaders. The theme of the two-day session was Strategic Planning in Education for the 21st Century. It was truly stimulating, inspiring and informative; and above all, it afforded participants the opportunity to reflect upon our individual leadership skills, practices and strengths.
During the course of the presentation, the keynoter stated that in order for 21st chinuch to be effective, it must be “transformational” and that it is the responsibility of the head of school, principal or senior menahel to initiate and lead this transformational process.
When listening to this assertion,
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I was almost certain that many of the 132 menahalim in the conference room had their own sense or definition of what he actually meant by the word transformational. To be sure when I compared notes with my colleagues during the conference break, I was proven correct.
We all walked away from the keynote hearing the same message, but interpreting its meaning or application in different ways. In a sense, we all had the feeling that transformation, by definition, from a leadership perspective, is subjective and only relative to the leader or institution being impacted. In other words, one person’s definition of transformation may be another person’s same-old-same old, but doing it a bit differently.
Transformational School Leadership and Chinuch Excellence:
In recent years the topic of “transformational day school/ yeshiva leadership” – its meaning, purpose, application, and value, has gained tremendous traction. It is now widely accepted that transformational school leaders know how to encourage, inspire and motivate their staff to perform in ways that create meaningful school change. This is of particular importance when addressing or creating school improvement or enhancement plans.
For example, following the COVID pandemic of many school leaders were forced to take a deep dive into the manner in which their respective schools responded to the crisis, as well as their changing leadership roles and responsibilities. Words and concepts like resilience, grit, new normal, new realities, paradigm shift, realignment
and unprecedented, created a new lexicon anchored in uncertainty. It also created a new and evolving leadership mindset which helped many school leaders understand and appreciate the true depth and essence of what it means to lead strategically during times of change and future uncertainty. As a result, the need for true transformational leadership in schools began to take on more importance and significance than prior to the pandemic.
Simply stated - transformational leadership as it relates to chinuch excellence – whether it be limudei kodesh or chol, represents a leadership approach that empowers, enables and motivates school staff and the schools administrative leadership team.
In its ideal form, it creates change in its followers by transforming a school’s followership into leadership. This transition – from followership to leadership – represents one of the most powerful indicators or markers of true organizational leadership and change.
It is important to note that transformational leadership does not need to be disruptive, nor does it need to be the result or response to a crisis, but rather part of a natural ebb and flow rhythm
of a school’s ecosystem. It encourages the school leadership team to improve their performance by pushing them to be creative, innovative problem-solvers and to begin viewing their roles and responsibilities not as a job requirement and responsibility on a checklist, but rather as a critical link in the school’s future trajectory.
The Head of School and Principal as a Leader
Transformational school leadership empowers, enables and motivates members of the school faculty and leadership team to become the most effective at what they are expected to do. In its “ideal form”, it creates a value proposition and an environment of trust and positive change in members of a school’s leadership team; and, over a period of time transforms them from being followers to leaders in their own right.
This creates an amazingly powerful and effective school culture and structure which can only benefit the variety of school programs, services, policies and protocols as well as impact on students, teachers and parents.
When encouraging, motivating or leading transformational school change, the head of school or prin-
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cipal clearly understands the critical importance of authenticity and practicing what he or she preaches. They need to walk the walk and continuously model school standards of behavior, expectations and actions; and they are always cognizant of their actions and the perception of their actions on the part of staff, students and community.
Leading a day school or yeshiva through a transformational change process doesn’t take place in a vacuum. Highly effective heads of school and principals do not set out (from the get-go) to “transform” their schools. Their motivation is not “to transform”, but rather to change, improve and enhance the school’s structure, leadership, policies, programs, operations and effectiveness. By doing so effective, a series of transformational changes take place which will have a cumulative strategic impact of the school as a whole. Transformational change is therefore the total sum of a school’s hashkafa and its efforts to improve its way of doing business, across the board internally and externally
Several important characteristics or traits of day school and yeshiva leaders may include:
Delegating ownership of curricular coordination and supervision;
Encouraging and soliciting feedback from teachers, students and staff;
Motivating students and staff to share critical insights and opinions that can change classroom environments;
Encouraging and empowering students to make their own (independent but guided) decisions;
Ensuring that personal and shared organizational goals an-
chored in Torah values are clearly linked;
Expecting that teachers are intellectually stimulated and always encouraged to try new things;
Ensuring that there is a clear shared school vision, hashkafa and curricular expectations;
Continuously striving to ensure high morale and motivation;
Providing continuous curricular support, guidance and chizuk to faculty; as well as public recognition for their achievement in striving for academic excellence;
Inspiring and promoting collaboration, trust, honesty and transparency;
Ensuring that all curricular goals are clear, concise, measurable and attainable;
Promoting and supporting empathy and collegiality;
Ensuring that all communications – internal and external – are clear, concise and timely;
Ability to take intelligent risks; Commitment to active listening; Ensuring that all member of the staff and administration exhibit personal integrity;
Encouraging self-management; Soliciting new ideas for continuous growth and improvements; Keeping egos parked and the door and treating everyone equally and fair;
Stimulating intellectual curiosity on the part of staff, faculty and students; and
Creating and supporting a value system anchored in torah values, middot, derech eretz and chesed.
These are just a select few of the characteristics or school leadership traits necessary to help create school environments of excellence
Not all day schools or yeshivot require all of the above expecta-
tions at the same level of frequency or intensity. The role of the head of school and/or principal or menahel is to determine an organizational balance and to determine which aspects of the school require change first, in order of priority. This is what true leadership is all about. It must be deliberate, balanced, realistic, measurable…. and, above all, purposeful and imbued with Torah values.
Postscript:
Although this article focuses specifically upon excellence and transformational leadership in our Jewish day schools and yeshivot, reality dictates that most of the fundamental principles and building blocks described herein are the same for most nonprofit organizations and institutions,
The one aspect of transformational change that is very specific or unique to our schools however, is that a school, unlike any other institutions, is entrusted with the cognitive, intellectual, social and emotional growth, development and wellbeing of our students.
This reality suggests a very tall order; and one which must always be supported, protected, guarded and honored.
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 in Miami; in addition to head of school and principal for several Jewish day schools and yeshivot. As an Influencer in education, he has publish and lecture 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 Chinuch Horizons podcast. He is Author of “Think Excellence”, Brown Books, 2011,
Landow Jewish Academy Grand Opening: A Night of Music, Energy, and Jewish Pride
The energy was electric the night of October 28, 2025 at Landow Jewish Academy in Ft. Lauderdale as world-renowned Israeli artist Gad Elbaz lit up the stage, filling the campus with his powerful voice and uplifting spirit. His performance, featuring beloved hits that have inspired Jewish communities worldwide, set the perfect tone for an unforgettable Grand Opening celebration—the debut of Landow’s brand-new Athletic and Arts Center.
This milestone event marked a defining moment in the school’s growth and vision. Families, students, faculty, and community members gathered in awe of the enormous, state-of-the-art facility designed to enrich every student’s experience. The new center brings together athletics, a space for the arts, and community engagement under one roof—encouraging creativity, teamwork, and personal excellence. It’s more than just a building; it’s a statement of Landow’s commitment to shaping well-rounded, confident Jewish leaders.
The excitement of the evening carried through every corner of the campus, guests explored the modern gymnasium with basketball court and fitness center. This new space reflects Landow’s forward-thinking approach—providing students with world-class resources while staying true to the values that make the school so special.
This year also marks a new era of leadership with Principal Vera
Perkovic, formerly of the prestigious Cooper City High School, now guiding Landow Jewish Academy into the future. Her expertise in academic excellence and student development has already strengthened the school’s curriculum, ensuring that academics and electives remain at the core of the Landow experience.
Yet, at its heart, Landow is about more than education—it’s about identity. Jewish pride and Torah values permeate the campus, shaping not just what students learn, but who they become as individuals. Every class, event, and interaction reflects a deep connection to heritage and faith, fostering an environment where students grow with knowledge, purpose, and moral strength.
As the celebration continued with music, dancing, and amazing food, one thing became clear:
Landow Jewish Academy is not just a school—it’s a movement. A place where innovation meets tradition, and where every student is empowered to reach their fullest potential in a nurturing, values-driven community.
Families across South Florida are invited to schedule a tour and experience firsthand what makes Landow so extraordinary. From its outstanding academics and vibrant sense of community, Landow represents the best of what Jewish education can be.
Every Jewish child deserves the opportunity to grow in an environment that celebrates who they are. Landow Jewish Academy was created to fulfill that mission—and this celebration was a powerful reminder of how bright that future truly is.
HURRICANE RIDDLES KIDS ZONE KIDS ZONE
I have an eye but cannot see, I spin and roar across the sea.
Hurricane
Q: I start small over waters warm, Then grow and grow into a storm.
A: Tropical Storm
Q: I’m the calmest spot inside the fight, Where skies are clear and winds are light.
A: The Eye (of the hurricane)
Q: I’m a number that tells the tale, How strong the roaring winds will wail.
A: Hurricane Category (Saffir–Simpson 1–5)
Q: I rush ashore in a rising wall, One of the biggest threats of all.
A:Storm Surge
Q: I’m invisible yet strong and keen, I drive the storm like an unseen machine.
Q: I mark the moment sea meets street, When pounding rains and gales first greet.
Landfall
Q: I have a season you should remember— From June through late November.
A: Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1–Nov 30)
Q: I’m a giant you can’t hold, I carry a name that’s called and told.
Named Hurricane
Q: I swirl and feed on waters blue; Without the warmth, I can’t renew.
Warm Ocean Water (the storm’s energy source)
A:
A: Wind
A:
A:
A:
KIDS ZONE KIDS ZONE
FACTS ABOUT HURRICANES DID YOU KNOW THAT...
1. A hurricane is a giant storm — it can be up to 600 miles wide, bigger than the entire state of Texas!
2. Hurricanes spin differently depending on where they are: they spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. The eye of the hurricane is calm — inside the “eye,” the skies can even be clear and the winds quiet, even though the storm is raging all around.
4. Hurricane winds are super strong — the fastest ever recorded was 215 mph, stronger than a race car on a track!
5. They get their power from warm ocean water — the hotter the water, the more energy a hurricane has.
6. Hurricanes have names — every year there’s a list, and if one storm is especially destructive, that name is retired forever.
7. Hurricane season lasts half the year — in the Atlantic, it runs from June 1 to November 30.
8. Rain from hurricanes can flood cities — some storms have dropped 40 inches of rain in just a few days.
9. Animals can sense hurricanes — birds, fish, and even sharks change their behavior before the storm arrives.
10. Not all hurricanes are bad news — they also help move heat across the planet and keep the Earth’s climate balanced.
KIDS ZONE KIDS ZONE
RUCARHENI
YEE
AONCE
INDW
CILTOPRA
NTAICLTA
MROST
Basic Rainbow Cake
By Jamie Geller
This pretty, happy cake makes me smile and takes nothing more than some colorful jelly beans to pull off.
For best results we recommend chilling the cake after the first layer of frosting.
Ingredients
• 1 9-inch round yellow or white cake, frozen for 45 minutes
• white frosting
• jelly beans or other colorful candies
Preparation
1. Using a large serrated knife, cut the dome off the top of the cake and flip over.
2. Slice the cake in half to form two half circles for your rainbows. You can carve out a semicircle to form the bottom of the rainbow, or you can just leave it and frost it white without the colorful candies, to create the illusion of a rainbow shape, whichever you prefer.
3. Using an offset spatula, crumb coat your cakes with white frosting.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least
one hour or overnight.
5. Frost your crumb-coated cakes with a thick coat of white frosting. Use an offset spatula to smooth it and make sure everything is covered.
6. Your rainbow pattern will be determined by the size of your cake and candies, as well as desired effect. To determine your color pattern, use different colored candies to form a straight line starting from the highest point of the arch down to the bottom of the cake. If you didn’t carve out a semicircle you can opt to leave a portion of the cake without
candies as per note above. This is the foundation for the colors of your rainbow. You can choose to represent all the colors of the rainbow each in a single row (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple etc…) or two rows each of fewer colors.
7. Fill in the rows of candy to form a rainbow pattern.
DRESS IT UP
Create a double decker rainbow cake by stacking the two half circles on top of each other with a thick layer of frosting in between, crumb coat, and proceed as directed above.
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.
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Beyond Dreams: Building a Nation
Nearly 60 streets and squares across Israel are named after Ze’ev Jabotinsky - placing him among the top three most commemorated figures in the country, alongside David Ben-Gurion and Menachem Begin.
Why does Jabotinsky appear on more street signs than Theodor Herzl, the father of modern political Zionism?
Perhaps because Herzl gave us the dream - the vision of a Jewish homeland - but Jabotinsky offered the means to make that dream a reality. Herzl imagined; Jabotinsky insisted we act. His uncompromising belief in Jewish self-defense and sovereignty helped shape Israel’s foundations and inspired a generation of leaders - including Menachem Begin, who called him “our teacher and commander.”
Born in Odessa in 1880 to a traditional Jewish family, Vladimir (later Ze’ev) Jabotinsky grew up immersed in Russian culture and literature. As a teenager, he began writing and quickly gained a reputation for his sharp wit. He refused to tolerate hypocrisy or complacency, and believed that words could change the worldand the Jewish condition in particular.
But the Kishinev Pogrom of 1903 changed his path entirely. After witnessing 49 Jews murdered and hundreds wounded while the world looked away, he realized that words were not enough. He put aside his flourishing journalistic career and
By Gedaliah Borvick
turned to action. In Odessa, he organized Jewish self-defense units, training young men to protect their communities, and often declared: “Better to have a gun and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”
During World War I, Jabotinsky championed the creation of a Jewish fighting force. The Jewish Legion, under the British flag, helped liberate the Land of Israel
from Ottoman rule. For the first time in nearly two millennia, Jewish soldiers marched into battle in their ancestral homeland.
After the war, Jabotinsky grew disillusioned with Britain’s retreat from the Balfour Declaration. He founded the Revisionist Zionist movement, demanding mass Jewish immigration to Palestine and a state capable of defending itself. His famous 1923 essay, The Iron Wall, was unapologetically blunt: “We must build an iron wall of Jewish strength. Only then will peace be possible.”
His insistence on Jewish strength was not limited to Israel. In 1938, as the Nazis tightened their grip on Europe, Jabotinsky criticized the Zionist establishment for being too passive in protecting European Jewry. Un-
Jabotinsky in 1926
Jabotinsky as a WWI British officer (National Photo Collection of Israel)
bowed, he traveled to Warsaw and pleaded with Jewish leaders: “I am prepared to take every Jew out of Poland. If you do not do this, you will condemn two million Jews to death.” His warning went largely unheeded - and within a few years, his nightmare became reality.
Many of Jabotinsky’s fiercest clashes were with David Ben-Gurion, leader of Labor Zionism. Ben-Gurion favored gradual diplomacy with Britain and building the Yishuv through kibbutzim and cooperative farming communities, while Jabotinsky demanded immediate statehood, mass immigration, and unapologetic strength. Their rivalry was often
bitter, but Jabotinsky’s insistence on military power became central to the state Ben-Gurion eventually led.
Ze’ev Jabotinsky was a poet, novelist, and translator who brought Dante and Edgar Allan Poe into Hebrew. He was convinced that a Jewish state needed not only an army but also a national culture and a shared pride rooted in Jewish history: “We were not born to be a nation of beggars. We are the people of David and the Maccabees.”
Jabotinsky understood that Jewish survival requires both faith and determination. In 1935, speaking in Tel Aviv, he delivered a defiant declaration of Jew-
ish sovereignty and resolve - no more pleading for permission, only asserting a right that would never be relinquished. His words were relevant then, and they are just as relevant today, as Israel faces unrelenting threats and Jews worldwide confront growing hatred:
“Tell them: We have returned and we shall remain. Forever.”
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.
