LINK PLUS Vol 1 Issue 2

A Weekly Link Supplement

Vol. 1 Issue 2 / Sep. 10, 2019

Take the You to the

Sur"rounded"

by Grandeur

nExt lEvEl

Round Challos Lekovod Yom Tov

The Mind!

It Matters

compare & contrast Mismanagement to Mastery A personal journey

Sep. 10, 2019

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table of contents Publisher The Weekly Sob, Sob!Link

The Mind!

It Matters

8

347.787.4018

ThE LEarning CurvE Growth through movement

12

plus@weeklylink.com Common sense tips and tricks 8 Website www.weeklylink.com Looking

A Family's Journey from Mismanagement to Mastery

14

Sur"rounded"

by Grandeur Round Challos Lekovod Yom Tov

16

forever upward

22

TRAINING GROUND serial

24

compare & contrast

28

creative creations

30

Teach your Phone children to laugh 347.787.1838 at their terrible predicaments

Fax

4

Back In School Email

for a job?

Mailing Address

Professional resume 1303 53rd St. writer shares some Suite #125 guidelines 11219 12 Brooklyn NY

Off the bus basics

Easy supper to greet your kids with 19

bedtime battle tips 24 Š 2019. All Rights Reserved.

New drama serial: Link Plus is published by The Weekly Link.

TRAINING Link Plus assumes no GROUND

26 responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements in whole or part in any form without prior written permission

from the publisher is prohibited.

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|5

We all have goals.

Today, our goal is to cover it all up…

DESIGN: YANKY GOLDMAN

...with chocolate.

What’s Your Goal?

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Sep. 10, 2019

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The Mind!

It M a tt e r s

By Alizah Teitelbaum

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Grandma Elka marched up and down her spartan living room, banging her fist on her palm. “Blumie, your teacher is a hundred percent right! Play your violin and stop making excuses!”

Blumie, feeling despondent and washed out, shook her head. “How can I play? It’s so noisy in the house!

The kids run into my room and bother me every five minutes. Then Mommy needs my help. Then I eat, and that makes me feel dragged down and tired.”

“If you want to, you can practice anywhere.” Grandma possessed such a confident view of life that no one could find a catastrophe bad enough to disturb her. “Tell me what’s stopping you.”

Blumie counted on her fingers. “The renovations next door are getting louder; they make me nervous. I can’t hear what I’m playing. The fire engines and police cars get so loud that I can’t think. I play my song like a mechanical robot. Maybe I should move to Bangkok. Or maybe Kyoto.”

The school had sent Blumie for testing.

Her lack of focus and exuberance was disturbing the class.

When she took the pills prescribed, she felt sleepy and ready to give up.

That was why she skipped classes today and hung out at Grandma’s house.

Grandma sat down to think. “I know how you feel. Well, obviously the food and the medicine are putting you to sleep and that is why you couldn’t practice your violin last year.”

Sep. 10, 2019

“Grandma,” Blumie protested, “I was talking about noise.”

“Blumie,” said Grandma, “these problems don’t come by themselves; it’s the real estate sharks. They’re building next to you, to force you out of the neighborhood so they can sell your apartment for mega dollars.”

“They can’t do that!

“Right!” said Grandma. “At last you admit it. They can’t if you don’t let them.”

Blumie was opening her mouth to say “how?” when Grandma ran to answer a knock at the door. “Time for your medicine,” said the visiting nurse, checking Grandma’s name off the list on her clipboard.

Grandma reached out her hand.

“Thank you, dear”, she said.

The nurse dropped two pills in Grandma’s palm and left, and Grandma tossed them into the garbage can.

“Blumie,” said Grandma. Before you can control the noise and the sharks, you must control yourself.

Completely. It’s mind over matter.

In a week it will be Rosh HaShanah.

“What is your goal for this year?”

“To play Tumbalalaika on my violin, of course.”

“I see. And it’s hard to concentrate.”

“Right.”

“Show me what happens.”

Blumie picked up her violin and tuned it. She played the first few bars of the song and stopped.

“What happened?” said Grandma.

|9

“I’m hungry. Can I open your refrigerator?”

Grandma nodded. Blumie put down her violin and rummaged in the kitchen. Grandma’s kitchen was bursting with jars of grains and beans, and flowerpots where mint and oregano grew.

“Where are your cornflakes and milk, Grandma?”

“I stopped buying that.”

“How about peanut butter and jelly?”

“I decided that, when the new year starts,” said Grandma, “my goal will be to buy pure, real food and nothing else. No hormones, not pesticides, no additives, no genetic engineering, no antibiotics. And starting now, I don’t need pills!” Grandma washed two celery stalks and handed one to Blumie. Then she tore open a pack of rice cakes, cut an avocado, and made them into sandwiches.

Blumie frowned. “Don’t you have some leftover challah?”

Grandma opened a large jar, releasing a smell of fermentation. “See the bubbles in there? That’s going to be my sourdough bread. I threw out the white flour, sugar, canola oil, and the yeast.”

“So, you can’t make challah!”

“I can, but it can’t be done fast anymore. With sourdough you must wait and be patient until the spelt flour and spring water ferment. That patience gets into your bones when you eat the bread. Then you’ll have patience to overcome the noise and practice your song.”

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Blumie was starving but decided it wouldn’t be nice to complain. She took a bite of the avocado sandwich.

She wasn’t used to the new Grandma.

Would she be the new Blumie? It was hard to imagine that such a person could ever exist.

A few hours later, it was time to go home. Blumie packed up her violin.

Grandma stood up and walked her outside.

“Grandma,” said Blumie. “aren’t we taking the bus?”

“My goal this year is to walk.”

Blumie looked doubtful.

“If you want to play an instrument, you need stamina. You have to walk!”

“But it’s late!”

Grandma looked at the sky. “So it is.

Let’s jog!”

They arrived, breathless, in time for dinner.

Blumie was shocked to see chickens running around in the dining room.

“Mommy!” she cried. “What’s this?”

“Oh,” said her mother, breathing hard and pumping a weight behind her back, “a dog in the neighborhood started breaking into the chicken coop behind our building. We had only ten chickens left, and, until we fix the coop outside, we have no place to keep the chickens but in the apartment.” Mom put down the weight and returned to the kitchen for spoons.

Blumie followed close behind. “What do we need chickens for?” We can buy eggs in the store.”

“I know,” said Mommy. “but the best

eggs come from chickens free to run around. When you eat eggs from free, happy chickens you become free and happy too.”

“Let me guess,” said Blumie. “That’s your goal for the new year.”

“I’d better go home,” said Grandma.

Her eyes lit on two six-packs of beer by the entrance. “Why is this here?

Are you throwing it out?”

“Yes,” said Mommy. “Tatty decided his goal for next year is to drink only water.”

“Blumie,” called Grandma. “Help me carry these.”

Blumie lifted one of the six-packs.

“Are you taking them home?”

“Goodness, no! I’m taking them nextdoor.”

Sep. 10, 2019

Grandma knocked. There was a lull in the banging and drilling while one of the workers opened the door.

“Here, this is for you,” she said.

“Thank you,” said the man.

Grandma waved goodbye.

Suddenly Blumie realized that everything was quiet, even the chickens, sharks and workers next door.

She opened the case, brought the violin to her chin and fingered the bow.

She had silenced her hunger. She had silenced the sharks.

She was in Bangkok, playing her song.

She was everywhere. It was mind over matter.

■

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ThE LEarning CurvE The body and mind are closely linked so when your body feels better so will your mind. Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication without the side effects.

Your skin is affected by stress in your body. Regular moderate exercise increases your body's production of natural antioxidants which delays the appearance of aging.

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Growth through movement The body and mind are closely linked so when your body feels better so will your mind. Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication - without the side effects.

Researchers show that sedentary, healthy adults who engaged in just as little as 20 minutes of low to moderate aerobic exercise 3 days a week for 6 weeks, reported an increase in energy levels and reduction in fatigue.

Sep. 10, 2019

A regular regimen of moderate to rigorous exercise daily has shown to improve sleep quality by a large percentage. It has helped people with insomnia sleep longer and deeper.

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A Family's Journey from Mismanagement to Mastery

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Sep 10 2016 I'm keeping a record - this is not a diary.

We are trying something new with my family; I'd love to see how it will go. Our morning routine is a disaster.

There is never a good Morning. I want them all on board, from teen to tot.

I think we're on to something real.

Motivation is what drives.

The idea is a second grade style contest, but tailor made to each child. If you keep your morning routine perfectly, you mark your point for the day.

Our goal; A Chanuka 2 day getaway vacation. If there's any slip up the child must make up with an age appropriate consequence of extra evening household chores.

A week of consecutive slip ups throws him/her off the program and the child will not (seriously) join the family.

Good Luck to us!

Sept 18 2016 This is working! It's real cooperation accross the board. I never knew charts work for teens, but they do!

I must tell my friends. Our families could all use some motivation in different areas.

Sept 20 2016 My oldest Tzippy is getting stuck - she's running out last minute each day and then needs to make up for it each evening by doing lots of household chores. Looks like the habits are with her the longest.

Twelve year old Moishy is the second one to struggle. Mendy, faigy, Chany and littly yidel are doing A+. Oh well, hope for a better day tomorrow.

September 28, 2016 It's the last day of school before Rosh Hashana - what a month! First Sep. 10, 2019

in history to move along with such a good routine! We can't wait to start again after Yomim Tovim. They could all use a break.

October 20 2016 There's an extra bonus to having under performing contestants.

The kitchen gets cleaned up every night by Tzippy and Yossi. They're frustrated but at least they have each other. We've amended the program and the winners will receive extras at the overnight. Of course they'll all come! what were we thinking...) Yidel's taking it all seriously, by marking each day with perfect precision. He should shteig further. For Mendy, my yeshiva ketana bachur, it's a bonus, since shachris is early and he hears his alarm clock in a second. He's getting treated for something he does anyway.

November 8 2016 These weeks of routine can become sleepy. B"H the contest is going strong, the momentum is growing.

The kids her me working on the plans... they can't wait...!!

It's not a surprise; Tzippy is giving up, but what did I think? A teenager will be a teenager after all. I must discuss this with her; it's so important that she learn these skills! They will affect her all her life!

Yossi's doing better; he hardly received any consequences this week. Now ten year old Faigy is going downhill, she's tired of doing so well for so long.. ( I have to think of some fresh incentives.)

'V-Day' 2nd night of Chanukah We're all packed up.. leaving tonight after lecht tzinden to our Mega Family Getaway!

What a journey!! | 15

Sur"rounded" round challa lekovod yom tov

Round Challahs are one of the quintessential foods that we eat on Rosh Hashanah. Dipped in honey, this all-time favorite is a delicious and sweet way to start your Yom Tov meal.

The Chasam Sofer explains that there is an essential and fundamental difference between the braided ones and their round counterparts. The braided Challahs have a beginning and end, while the round ones never finish. Just like the many foods on Rosh Hashanah that are a sign of something, so too does a round challah symbolize that our Brachos should be unlimited and with no end.

Some believe that the round shape represents a crown for Hashem commemorating the Tefillahs of Rosh Hashanah that proclaim he is King over the universe.

Other family traditions say that the round shape symbolizes the yearly cycle and the “wheel of fortune”. The many ascents and descents that a person experiences during his lifetime, as well as the wealth or poverty that one will experience, is all determined on Rosh Hashanah. Round Challah also symbolizes perfection and infinity, expressing our hope for a perfect year, free of troubles and tribulations and filled with unlimited blessings.

This week, we bring you a delicious, tried-and-tested Challah Recipe with a variety of different presentation Ideas. Whether going with sweet or savory, swirled or braided, these Challahs will beautifully enhance your Rosh Hashanah Table.

Have a sweet new year!

-Sarah F. ABOUT THE EDITOR: Sarah F. is a certified copywriter, columnist, and food enthusiast that’s committed to elevating your everyday cooking experience. In her spare time, she’s busy creating web copy, sketching advertorials, drafting resumes, and researching exotic foods. You can easily get in touch to leave feedback, chat about recipes, or to request a write-up of your choice. thestatementwriter@gmail.com

16 |

" by Grandeur

Sep. 10, 2019

| 17

Apple & Honey Wreath

Cinnamon Lotus Rosettes

18 |

Six-Strand Classic Braided Crown

Bilkelech

Sep. 10, 2019

| 19

basic Challah recipe

Sift in half of the 6 lb. flour. Add eggs, warm water, margarine, and oil. Add foaming yeast mixture. Sift in the rest of the flour.

Mix for 12 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Mix again for 2 minutes.

Ingredients: • 3 oz fresh yeast

3. Grease countertop with cooking spray or flour. Place dough on prepared surface and cover with cheesecloth or plastic wrap.

Allow to rise for 45 minutes.

• 2 cups warm water • 1 cup sugar • 5 teaspoons salt

4. Once risen, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Divide dough into 6 equal parts.

Working with each part, braid each one into a standard Challah or follow one of the ideas below.

• 6 lb. Flour • 3 eggs • 3 1/2 cups warm water • 1 stick margarine • 1/4 cup oil • 2 eggs, beaten (for egg wash) • Toppings: Sesame Seeds, poppy seeds, everything spice, minced garlic Directions: 1. In a medium bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Crumble yeast until slightly dissolved. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer (fitted with dough hook), add 5 teaspoons salt.

Apple & Honey

Wreath:

On a floured surface, divide the dough into 3 equal parts and roll into ropes 20 |

5. Once braided, allow to rise for additional 15 minutes. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with topping of your choice. Place in oven and bake on 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then lower heat to 350 degrees and bake for 1 hour (Bilkelech should be baked on 350 degrees for about ½ hour, until golden brown).

TIP: You can easily freeze the Challahs by storing them in large Ziplock bags or freezer bags. To reheat frozen Challah, simply heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for about 30 minutes.

(approximately 12 inches long). Pinch the 3 ropes together at the top and create a braid. Pinch the end to finish off. Place in a greased 10” tube pan, so it creates a wreath-like effect.

Pull-apart Dipping Challah

On a floured surface, divide the dough into 8 equal parts. Create even-sized balls and place into a greased 10” tube pan (if using an 8” tube pan, add one ball in the center to

create flower effect).

Six-Strand Classic

Braided Crown

and arrange on a greased 10” tube pan. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and cinnamon (optional).

Bilkelech B

C On a floured surface, divide the dough into 6 equal parts and roll the ropes in to 8-10” strands. Place two strands 2 inches apart, side by side horizontally across your work surface. Place the second two strands lengthwise over the first two, approximately 2 inches apart. Place the fifth strand in the width, over all the previously placed pieces, centered between strands 1 and 2. Place the last strand vertically on top of and perpendicular to the fifth, centered between the third and fourth strands (It should look like a plus sign lying on top of a tic-tactoe grid). Working with 3 strands each, weave into braids until you have 4 separate braids. Tuck the ends of each braid underneath the Challah.

Place into a greased 8” round pan.

Sep. 10, 2019

On a floured surface, divide the dough into 3 equal parts and roll into thin long strands. Pinch the 3 ropes together at the top and create a braid. Pinch the end to finish off. In a greased 8” round pan, create a rose-like effect, swirling the braid until finish. Tuck in edge.

Cinnamon Lotus Rosettes

On a floured surface, divide the dough into 3 equal parts and roll each one out thinly into an 8 x 10” rectangle. Spread cookie butter and any other topping of your choice.

From the width, roll into a log. Cut 2” inch slices

A On a floured surface, divide the dough into 4 equal parts and braid each one, with one of the following ideas below.

A) Divide the dough into 2 equal parts and roll into thin ropes. Pinch 2 ropes at edge and twirl both tightly together. In a greased 4” round pan, create a roselike effect, swirling the braid until finish. Tuck in edge.

B) Roll the dough into 1 long rope. In a greased 4” round pan, create a rose-like effect, swirling the rope until finish. Tuck in edge.

C) Divide the dough into 3 equal parts and roll into thin strands. Pinch the 3 ropes together at the top and create a braid. Pinch the end to finish off. In a greased 4” round pan, create a rose-like effect, swirling the braid until finish. Tuck in edge under challah.

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Forever upward

New resolutions...

Positive conclusions Remember at the beginning of the year, you made promises to wake up a half hour earlier, write perfect notes, do all assignments in advance, and think positively? And then remember how easy it was to slide back into old patterns about six days later? Sticking to new resolutions are challenging, and these tips can help you stay on track.

1

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Set SMART goals. The most important part of sticking to a resolution is the way you set it up. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound. For instance, "I want to lose weight" is not a goal that can be achieved very easily -- "I want to lose 10 pounds by November by cutting out sugar and eating three protein-including meals each day" is more specific, measurable, realistic and incorporates a deadline. When goals are too vague, like “I’ll write perfect notes” it has no chance for success.

2

Make it smaller. No matter what you want to achieve, it can probably be broken down into smaller pieces. Rather than summoning the motivation to “have a calm morning”, decide to set the alarm clock just 15 minutes earlier. Instead of “being a star student,” choose a certain subject to focus on.

3

Write down your goals. It’s not enough to just think it! Putting it in writing will force you to clarify what you want and motivate you to take action. A study from the Dominican University of California found that people who wrote down their goals were on average 33% more successful in accomplishing their stated goals than those who merely formulated goals in their heads.

4

Find support. Very few people are able to get where they’re going on their own. We all need encouragement and support throughout our journey of change. Maybe that’s a good friend or sister, or a group that is like-minded. You can only get so far on your own back.

5 6 7 8 Sep. 10, 2019

Nix the Quick-Fix Attitude. Change isn’t easy, but it’s something you can achieve as long as you’re willing to make daily choices and steps that will bring you to your goal. Some days you’ll have setbacks, and other days will pass with flying colors. Real, lasting change can’t happen overnight!

Know your weaknesses. We all have our weak spots that got us into bad habits in the first place. Identify your triggers and try to determine what throws you off course. When you are able to take a good look at your behavior and identify what causes you to slip up – you can work on strategies to tackle those challenges so you can achieve your goal.

Surround yourself with success. Keep a journal, applaud yourself mentally, get yourself a reward, and share with your support group. It’s the victory messages in our brains that help us overcome the next set of challenges!

Mistake Strategies. Progress usually doesn't come in a straight line. You'll likely make some mistakes along the way. Just don't allow yourself to conclude your mistake is proof you can't be successful! Every time you bounce back from failure, you'll reinforce to yourself that you can be successful after all! | 23

2

TRAINING GROUND

by Chava Leah Beer

Recap: Shoshana, an older single who works as a secretary in a doctor’s office, decides to live her life to the fullest, no matter her status. Her mother, anxious to see her only child married, shares her concerns with a friend. A young, new secretary joins the team at Dr. Lowy’s clinic.

Chapter Two Shoshana’s thoughts were interrupted by a frantic, frazzled mother who walked in, holding a flushed infant. A little boy tugging at the mother’s coat seemed to be on the verge of tears.

“I must see the doctor! My threeweek-old baby has been burning with fever since last night and she’s so lethargic, she barely has strength

24 |

to cry, let alone eat. I wanted to see Dr. Lowy before heading off to the hospital….”

Shoshana got up and quickly led the woman to a vacant room.

“I’ll get Dr. Lowy here right away.

Have a seat, and I’ll take your little boy with me, so you can catch your breath. What’s his name?”

Boruch, Shoshana quickly discovered, loved lollipops and storybooks, like the average fouryear-old. She was well-stocked with both, for emergencies such as these.

Dr. Lowy quickly examined the baby and sent her to the local emergency room. Shoshana offered to watch Boruch until the end of her workday at 5:00, and the mother gratefully accepted. Boruch waved good-bye

to his mother as he turned to chat with his new babysitter.

Shoshana had almost forgotten about Ayala, until she heard someone clearing her throat. She swung around and nearly bumped into Ayala, who stood right behind her. Pointing toward the black screen, her eyes spelled out her desperation.

“Your computer crashed?”

Ayala nodded, looking toward the floor.

“When did this happen?”

Ayala seemed flustered as she said, “At 2:30.”

Shoshana glanced at the clock.

It read 3:05. She’d been standing around doing nothing for the past half hour, waiting for me to notice that something was amiss?

“Oh. Next time, please tell me as soon as you have a problem, so we can fix it right away.”

Ayala looked grateful for Shoshana’s calm response.

Shoshana fiddled around with the wires and noticed that one of them had been unplugged. Boruch grinned sheepishly; he was the obvious culprit.

After getting the computer running again, Shoshana gave Boruch another book to read. She made a mental note to mull over this new project called Ayala Roth as soon as she had the headspace to do so.

At 4:55, Shoshana buzzed in a tired-looking father who had come to collect Boruch.

“Is everything okay? How’s the baby?” she asked.

Sep. 10, 2019

“She’s been given an IV infusion and is under observation. Everything seems under control. Thanks so much for watching Boruch. We never could have managed without you.”

Shoshana grinned at a beaming Boruch. “He was so well-behaved!

You should be proud of your big boy!” She waved good-bye and redirected her attention toward Ayala.

“Two more minutes to go, Ayala.

You can shut down the computer and get ready to leave. It’s been a long day, hasn’t it?”

Her question hung limply in the air as Ayala wordlessly followed her instructions. Shoshana straightened up her desk and jotted down some reminders for the next day. They left the room and she locked up. She wished Ayala a good afternoon, but it was like talking to a brick wall.

She rushed home, bracing herself against the brisk winter wind, letting the vigorous exercise and crisp air fill her with a new wave of energy.

She felt her cellphone vibrate in her coat pocket and she stopped for a split second to glance at the screen. It was Miri, a longtime single friend. Shoshana wasn’t in the mood of having her 15 minutes of refreshing privacy and peace of mind interrupted. Miri also tended to be especially needy, and she simply didn’t have the patience to hear her latest sob story.

She made a mental note to return the call as soon as she could. Then she continued walking at her usual energetic pace.

| 25

*** “Hi, Ma, what’s for supper? I hope it’s not quinoa….” Shoshana called out to her mother, who was puttering around in the kitchen.

“You’d do well with nightly quinoa, Shosh. That skirt seems to be getting a bit snug around the waist. And why are you wearing it anyhow? Brown isn’t in now.”

Feigning indifference, Shoshana asked again, “So what is for supper?”

“I made kasha varnishkes. And shepherd’s pie. With broccoli salad.

I hope that’s sweet enough for your taste buds…”

“Oh.” This was Shoshana’s standard response whenever she wanted to avoid conflict. This truce, however, did not tend to pacify her mother. At least it didn’t add fuel to the constant friction that simmered between the two.

Thankfully, the phone rang, and she hurried to pick up, motioning to Shoshana that it was important and she was going to her bedroom to continue the conversation.

Shoshana tried to relax and searched the pantry for some good food. Her phone buzzed again, on cue.

“Hi,” she ventured casually, awaiting the angry onslaught she was sure would follow.

“Miss Pressman,” Miri began her tirade, “have you lost your phone?

Or your loyalty to your very best friend?”

“I’m sorry, Miri. I was just preoccupied. What’s going on? I’m available now.”

26 |

“Shoo – I’m bursting to tell you what happened. Just as I finished teaching today, my baby sister, all of nineteen-and-a-half, married for a total of two months, called to suggest the match of the century, her husband’s friend’s uncle; a 40-year-old divorcee on medication for some mysterious mental illness, completely under control, of course. If that wasn’t insulting enough, exactly five minutes later, my brother calls in, asking me if I would look into this suggestion, since he knew the man’s neighbor who vouched for his impeccable and charming personality, talent, intelligence…blah, blah, blah.”

Shoshana could practically see Miri foaming at the mouth.

“To top it all off, Moish ended the conversation, ‘With all due respect, you’d better just take what’s out there, Miri. You don’t want to be left out in the cold. He’s a decent guy; just agree to meet him. You never know.’”

She stopped to catch her breath and Shoshana took the opportunity to commiserate. “That ‘with all due respect’ is clearly way out of bounds, Mir. Your siblings should really think twice before suggesting the average John Doe to someone like you.”

“That’s an old story, Shosh. But this one really tipped the boat. I mean, for one, he’s 40. He’s divorced. And he has some mental illness.”

“Miri, I hear you. But don’t you think they know by now that they’re taking a risk at upsetting you by calling you with such a daring proposal? They must care about you enough to try to help you, even at the risk of

getting yelled at. Do you hear me?”

did you say?”

“But they don’t care about me! They just want to fix my family’s status.

‘The Berman family with the older girl’ doesn’t sit well with them…”

Before she had a chance to explain, Miri mumbled a quick excuse and hung up. Shoshana was glad for the reprieve and watched the door swing open as her father walked in.

“Miri, relax. Don’t you think we should have a tough enough skin to ignore these things?”

“I don’t know. I can’t handle it.

These things just eat away at me!”

Miri sounded more like a whiny 14-year-old than a respected high school teacher who doubled as an assistant principal. When would she ever grow up?

Sep. 10, 2019

“Hi, how are you, Ta? Do you have time for some detective work?

“Sure, let me just put down my stuff and settle on the couch. What’s new?”

Shoshana knew he would have some logical insight into Ayala Roth.

“I know, Mir, and I’m sorry. But I can’t always be here to bail you out, you know.”

“Roth? Ayala, you said? That name sounds eerily familiar. Maybe it was once mentioned for Tehilim purposes?”

Miri gasped, clearly insulted. “What

To be continued…

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COMPARE & CONTRAST THOSE GOOD OLD SCHOOL DAYS “High schools today are becoming increasingly lenient, in order to attract and please their clientele.

This makes girls come to seminary with a very relaxed attitude. They can’t understand what’s wrong with relaxing during a lecture with a coffee and sandwich. There is definitely a lot more disciplining than there used to be.”

-Popular Seminary Teacher

“We did a lot of dry learning and memorizing – we didn’t delve into meforshim or come up with questions and answers on the passuk. We were terrified of our teachers – who were way more formal than the teachers of today – and we accorded them the proper respect. And there were no trips.”

-A Bais Yaakov D’Rav Meir Student in the School’s Nascent Years

28 |

By: Chana Friedman

“Parents used to be a lot more trusting of the schools and their rules and decisions. Today, we receive an unprecedented amount of parental feedback – and second guessing. It’s great that parents are so involved in their children’s chinuch, but sometimes it makes it difficult for us to enforce school policies.”

- High School Principal

“I had to win an election to be chosen as GO. Obviously, we didn’t do half of what is done today, but we did have songs and handouts. Lunch was sold in the lunchroom for students who didn’t bring from home. A glass of milk cost a dime, and a (hamotzi) roll was a nickel.”

- Bais Yaakov Graduate of the 1960’s

“School started in first grade.

There was no concept of preschool, and definitely not playgroup! My school was so small that we shared one bus for both boys and girls. The boys sat in the front and the girls in the back. Of course, we had no air conditioning – not on the bus and not in the classroom.”

-A Mother Who Marvels at Today’s Entitlement

In recent years, it has become perfectly acceptable and even mandatory to pick up the phone and share a suspicion with a parent. This keeps the lines of communication open and problems at a minimum.

Previously, teachers would just deal with issues on their own or turn to their principal for help.”

-Elementary School Guidance Counselor

Sep. 10, 2019

“Seminary used to be an exclusive program for the highly motivated and intellectual student. Lately, attending a good seminary became part of the unwritten code – no sem, no shidduch.

Girls who were done with the school system back in tenth grade now have to sit through another year. This weakens the drive and idealism and makes discipline a greater issue.”

-Seminary Principal

“Teachers are expected to attend workshops and chinuch events and to constantly update and upgrade. We need to be cutting edge regarding teaching methods, technological advances, curriculum, and even parental involvement. I think it’s a great thing; it keeps me on my toes.”

-Upper Elementary Teacher

“Girls today don’t want to teach.

Everyone’s looking to earn a pretty penny.

I used to have three applications for every available teaching position; now I have three openings for every applicant.”

- Elementary School Principal

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Creations

creative

A weekly project for your entire fAmily

By Mrs. P.

Built-In Homework Desk 30 |

After a fun, wonderful summer, kids are finally standing ready in their fresh uniforms, loaded down by heavy knapsacks.

And homework.

While homework is not the favorite pastime of most students, having a clean and designated workspace makes it so much more palatable. Custom, built-in furniture can be quite pricey, and office desks are bulky and expensive, too. This simple do-it-yourself option, can cost under $100 and can be made to fit any space and décor. And the best part? As soon as you have all supplies, it can be put together in 20 minutes!

INSTRUCTIONS: STep 1 Before you shop for supplies, you’ll need to measure how big your space is to know what size shelf to buy. Home improvement stores sell 8ft, 6 ft, and 4 ft pieces, and most will cut it down to a size you need.

STep 2 Measure the wall and make a small mark at the height you want the desk to be. Then, attach the 2x4 to the wall at that height using the drill and screws to form a lip for the desk top.

STep 4 Set up the filing cabinets on both ends of the 2x4. Then, place shelf above the filing cabinets, resting

You’ll need: •Formica shelf and 2 Filing cabinets (from Ikea, Target, or any office supply store) •2x4 wood (the length should be the same as the shelf •Drill •Screws

on the 2x4 lip, adjusting it so the ends are flush with the cabinet sides.

STep 5 Drill some screws into the 2x4 to attach the desk top for stability. (You can also choose to omit the 2x4 and keep the desk top free, so you can take the desk apart at any time without leaving a wood beam or holes in the wall.)

Sep. 10, 2019

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