LINK PLUS Vol 7

A Weekly Link Supplement

Vol. 1 Issue 7 / Oct. 30, 2019

Elixir of Life Mayim Chaim

______

Six Simple Solutions

Creative Household Advice

______

Divine Order...

Down Under A Ship Upon Stormy Seas 1939

Bountiful Blessings Snack 'n Go Great Nutrition Great Results

Publisher: The Weekly Link Phone: 347.787.1838 Fax: 347.787.4018 Email: plus@weeklylink.com Website: www.weeklylink.com Mailing Address: 1303 53rd St. Suite #125 Brooklyn NY 11219

TABLEof CONTENTS 5 | Divine Order... Down Under

10 | Six Simple Solutions

12 | Snack 'n Go

16 | Sun showers

Š 2019. All Rights Reserved.

18 | After the Wedding

Link Plus is published by The Weekly Link.

Link plus assumes no responsibility for typographical errors, content or kashrus of articles or advertisements.

Reproduction in whole or part in any form without prior written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

2|

| Oct. 30, 2019

19 | Training Ground

23 | Elixir of Life

V

YO

UR TIME.

S

OUR TEA EY R

SA

E

AV

OPEN CAN. POUR INTO POT. IT’S THAT EASY.

S.

READY DICED, AND SAUTÉED ONIONS.

Oct. 30, 2019 |

|3

IGN:

DES

Just Fruit. Nothing Else.

AN

M OLD KY G YAN

Brought to you by

BloomsKosher.com 4|

| Oct. 30, 2019

BY: B . S C H WA R T Z

Divine Order...

Down Under

A Ship Upon Stormy Seas 1939

T

he story about the Dunera Boat's survival has been told and retold. It is a story of miracles, of Hashem's presence even in the face of terrific madness, of true ‘gam zu l'tovah'. Now we'll hear about this fascinating event from Mrs. Rivka R., the daughter of one of the passengers on the boat.

Oct. 30, 2019 |

|5

Hi Mrs. R.! Your esteemed father a"h, was on the famed Dunera boat, is that correct?

Correct. My father a"h was an eighteen- year- old bachur on the Dunera boat, when it set sail from the UK to Australia.

Why was your father sent to Australia?

My father is originally from Germany. In 1939 the Yavneh Yeshiva where he learnt, escaped the explosive minefield Germany had become and transplanted themselves on English soil. My father was sixteen years old at the time.

In 1941, the English became suspicious of the German nationals living in their land. In a rather twisted way of

6|

| Oct. 30, 2019

thinking, they surmised that the German (and Austrian) refugees seeking refuge in their country, might collaborate with the German Army, if the Third Reich mounts an offensive on British soil.

The British Government decided to send these German nationals to one of their colonies, where they would not be of a threat to England.

But, I still don't understand. Why was he sent across the globe to far-away Australia?

Because Australia was one of England's colonies.

Some were sent to detainment camps in Canada, for that too, was under British control.

The British deported any German and Austrian nationals. It

just happened to be (for obvious reasons‌) that most were Yidden.

Now for the fascinating storyThere were three boats leaving to Australia with German and Austrian Yidden, at the same time. One of those boats were the Dunera Boat, the one my father traveled on. Sailling the U-boat (submarine) infested seas, where the Germans ym"s ruled and terrorized everyone, was almost suicidal. The British offered their prison convicts an opportunity for freedom, in exchange for becoming part of the ships' crew. Thus, the crews upon these boats consisted of criminals, murderes and thieves.

As the Dunera ship

slowly set sail, the crew members began to antagonize the motley group of ragged survivors.

They made them hand over their luggage. They greedily pounced upon any valuables and then took the rest of the Yidden's belongings and spitefully dumped them into the sea.

These poor survivors lost their possessions, precious photos and

correspondence, due to the crew members' cruelty.

In hindsight, though, this nasty act saved their lives. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

As the ship navigated the troubled waters, a torpedo launched by a German U-boat attacked the Dunera Boat. At that moment, Hashem caused a huge wave to crest under the boat and it lifted

the ship as the torpedo whizzed by and narrowly missed its target. It grazed the bottom of the boat but did not cause major damage. The other two boats that left together with the Dunera were not as fortunate. They were torpedoed and the Yidden sadly ended their lives in a mass watery grave. The Dunera, though, managed to complete the fourmonth journey to Australia

Oct. 30, 2019 |

|7

without further incident.

and preparing them to eat.

Don't think it was easy.

The hooligans acting as crew members mistreated and abused the Yidden on the boat. But my father mentioned that at the beginning of the journey, everyone was so seasick (the crew members included) that they could not hurt the passengers too much. Once they got used to the roiling seas, though, they hurt the refugees terribly.

The living conditions were harsh. It was hot during the day and cold at night. This was a desert, so of course there were sandstorms. But they did not have to do forced labor. Everyone was left to their own devices.

After four miserable months the boat finally docked at Australia's port. The refugees were detained in a camp in the Australian desert.

Was this a labor camp?

No. It was an internment camp, where the refugees lived in little huts and fended for themselves.

They washed their own laundry and cooked their own food. There were lots of sheep roaming the place, so some were busy slaughtering the sheep 8|

| Oct. 30, 2019

My father a"h spent his time learning and writing letters to the Rabbanim in nearby Sydney and Melbourne inquiring about the kashrus status of the available foods. He also requested seforim to learn from and tashmishei kedusha, such as a megillah for Purim, arba minim for Sukkos and so on. As a matter of fact, I still have the reply letters that my father got from these communities. In one of the letters, they answer him about a sefer that he requested, that even they don't possess it!

Other inmates later described the difficulties they faced; the intense

heat during the day and the frigid cold at night.

But when we asked my father if it was hard to live in the internment camp, he responded, "Hard?

Why? It was good for me. I was able to learn and learn undisturbed."

That was my father a"h.

As long as he was able to learn and to fulfill Hashem's mitzvos, he was thrilled. He did not need more than that.

What a story!

Wait! I'm not finished yet! There's an amazing piece of information that only came to light many years later.

Decades later, the German captain manning the U-boat that attempted to torpedo the Dunera Boat, died. When they looked through his personal diary, they found an unbelievable tidbit of information. In his diary from the war years he writes, that he tried to torpedo a boat.

The torpedo narrowly missed. He then looked a bit closer and noticed papers floating all around the boat, as well as luggage and personal belongings. When he and his crew came nearer they realized that the papers had German writing on them. They assumed that the passengers on this Dunera boat, were not their enemies, only German Prisoners-of-War! This German Captain

radioed all the other U-Boats and announced that the Dunera ship was carrying German POWs. Nobody should torpedo the boat. The Dunera successfully docked in the Australian port, unharmed, due to the Germans vigilantly guarding her and her Yiddish passengers!

Wow! That sounds like Pharoah decreeing that all the baby boys get tossed into the sea, yet

Moshe Rabbeinu, the one the decree was created for, grows up in Pharoah's palace! Unbelievable!

Yes. The passengers lost their luggage, but the luggage saved their lives, Baruch Hashem!

Like I said before, what a story! Thank You Mrs. R. for your time, for the information and inspiration you so graciously provided us with. â–

Oct. 30, 2019 |

|9

Six Simple Solutions The grandkids are coming for a pizza party lunch – and will probably stay for supper too, if you let them. Make some disposable bibs by tying a shopping bag around their necks, so they stay clean and Bubby stays calm. Your kids will thank you! This also works if you're on a trip and don't want to lug dirty bibs around – especially if your toddler just discovered how to eat on his own.

Keep an eye on Baby to ensure the bib is not tied too tight, which can be a strangulation hazard.

Sheet cakes and large sponge cakes are usually to big to cut evenly, especially delicate and sticky ones that stick to the knife. You start with a ruler at one end of the cake, and by the time you've cut through the whole thing you're a full inch off! Rectify this problem by cutting your confection with a long piece of unflavored floss. This gives you a chance to position the piece before you actually slice.

Move the floss slightly from side to side as you go through the length of the cake.

You need to use a strong floss – not dental tape, and make sure it has a hechsher!

Simplify Shabbos serving by lining a large bowl with a plastic shopping bag. Keep it on the counter near the sink, so you can scrape the plates clean on site before you dump ‘em and wash ‘em. After all the plates are cleared, just tie up the bag and throw it out.

No sticky spots on the floor or slimy unidentifiable food between the garbage can and bag.

10 |

| Oct. 30, 2019

By Chana Friedman

W

elcome to our newest column, Six Simple Solutions. On these pages you'll find the full gamut of random household advice, from creative and quirky, to practical or pretty. Here you'll find ways to avoid running to the grocery, calling down that handyman, and de cluttering your cabinet and brain space. And the best advice of all – clip this page so you can have it handy and apply in a pinch!

If you've used the broom even once in the sukkah, you know how the bristles look – they flatten out like they're trying to reach all the corners without being asked. Wash your broom in warm water and disinfectant and then tie a rubber band around the bristles. Then dry your broom upside down for a restored look.

You already have every kitchen gadget out there!

Half are hidden in your knife, some are substitute peelers, and a blender/ processor takes care of the rest. Still missing an egg separator? Use the trusty old funnel to do the job. Crack an egg into a small funnel. The white will slide out and the yolk will stay put on top.

Create your own economical artificial floral arrangement. Fill your vase with salt, position the flowers the way you'll want them to stay, and pour a little water into the mix.

The salt will harden and you'll have a permanent centerpiece. Spray a floral scent or linen spray onto the bouquet for that immersive experience.

Turn your Family Favorite into a Link Plus Favorite!

Got some tried and trues of your own?

Enlighten us! Email linkplus@ weeklylink. com or fax: 347787-4018 Att Six Simple Solutions.

We'd love to hear what's out there.

Oct. 30, 2019 |

| 11

Snack 'n Go Great Nutrition Great Results

As we head into the new zman, embrace the routine by offering your hard workers delicious, healthy, energy inducing snacks.

A daily boost for a great start.

Enjoy the results.

12 |

| Oct. 30, 2019

A great way to get your vegetables quota! Snack on it at school, work, or even at home.

Totally Veggie Chips Time Saver Tip: Shred carrots and parsnips using food processor.

Ingredients: • 1 16 oz. package frozen French style green beans • 2 large tomatoes • ¼ cup oil • 3 cloves garlic • 2 T. salt • 2 large carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise, sliced thinly on an angle • 1 large parsnip, peeled and halved lengthwise, sliced thinly on an angle • 1 red pepper, cut in ¼"x1" strips • 1 yellow pepper cut in ¼"x1" strips • 1 medium red onion, sliced in thin wedges (optional) • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced in thin wedges (optional)

Directions: 1. Bring green beans to a boil in a pot of salted, boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain. Set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 325°. Prepare 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

3. Blend tomatoes, oil, garlic, and salt using a blender or food processor.

Lay carrots, parsnips, peppers, and onions onto one baking sheet. Lay green beans onto second sheet. Divide tomato dressing evenly between 2 pans and stir to coat vegetables.

Set oven timer for 25 minutes and bake both pans together. Combine green beans with vegetables in pan and return to oven. Reduce oven temperature to 180° and bake 6-8 hours or overnight.

Oct. 30, 2019 |

| 13

Have you ever needed to grab some cookies because you skipped breakfast? Now you can grab a wholesome breakfast and have your cookies too! These are chock full of whole grains, complete proteins, and totally sugar free!

Granola Breakfast Cookies Ingredients: • 1 18 oz. canister quick cooking oats • 9 oz. applesauce • 21 oz. (about 3 cups) checked and pitted medjool dates • 2 tsp. vanilla extract • 2 tsp. baking soda • 2 tsp. cinnamon • ¾ tsp. salt • 15 oz. ground almonds • 9 eggs, beaten • 14 oz. roasted, salted peanuts, coarsely chopped • 10 oz. dried unsweetened fruit cut in small pieces 14 |

| Oct. 30, 2019

Directions: 1. Use food scale to measure ingredients brought in weight to ensure accuracy and yield a delicious cookie.

2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop cookies onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Use the back of a wet spoon to flatten cookies.

Bake at 350° for 18 minutes. Yields about 90 cookies - 18 portions.

Spicy Puffed Corn Niblets Make 2 or 3 bags at once so you have enough left to pack up for snack.

Ingredients: • 1 bag Arrowhead Mills Puffed Corn • 2 Tbsp. Oil • 1 tsp. salt • 2 tsp. smoked paprika • 1 tsp. cumin • 1 tsp. parsley flakes

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread out puffed corn onto baking sheet. Combine oil, salt, paprika, and cumin. Stir into puffed corn.

2. Bake 5-6 minutes. Cool and add parsley.

Oct. 30, 2019 |

| 15

Sun Showers The Wonders in Your Own Backyard

By Liba Gottehrer

I

t's back to routine and routine can get boring. It's a challenge not to feel burnt out. Beauty surrounds us, we just need to really see. The colors of the leaves as they fall about you, the different shades as they dry and wilt, or even the ever-changing sky or baby pigeons on the street. Taking pleasure in your kids' matching clothes, or your toddler's balanced walk. Or the garlic cloves in your fridge that are each wrapped so protectively in some mysterious way.

16 |

| Oct. 30, 2019

True beauty is find in little stories of gratefulness and moments that fill your life with a sliver of sun. It's the time the baby stops hollering just as that important phone call comes in, the time you run out of brown sugar and try a new recipe that comes out so much better, the time your heart expands with happiness, with a flash of contentment and you return to the humdrum of life empowered.

Sometimes you need to actually search out the sunshine. Chumie Millman recalls

Because life is ever so colorful for those who care to find the sun between the clouds that day, some lifetimes ago, when her six-month old daughter just wouldn't stop crying. It was late, she was tired, but there was no sleep on the schedule until the baby would calm down.

She sat, exhaustedly rocking her human siren, wondering just how her better half was sleeping through the air raid. At some point, negative thoughts began creeping in on her cranky, fatigued mind.

She thought about all the things that had gone wrong that day. There were plenty.

She remembered the socks she couldn't get because the shop was closing as she arrived, the burnt cupcakes for her son's siyum, and the Everest of laundry yet to be tackled. "This is all I need now," she remembers thinking, "a late night and tired morning."

After another few minutes of simmering in her soup of misery, Chumie decided to turn the tables. If the baby was cranky, it didn't mean she had to be, too. She began to think about all the positive moments she had experienced throughout the day. Her boss had been in a good mood.

Chayala had gotten a good mark on her test. Shimmy

ate up all of his squash for the first time in his life. The shirt stain she was working on for two days had come out. The baby cooed happily on the floor for longer than Chumie had expected her too. The little joys of life. When she emerged from her mindful thinking, Chumie noted that the persistent wailing had subsided. Coincidence? I think not.

Helen Keller, America's paradigm of success despite disability, writes about what she would have done had she had three days to see. Many of her dreams include watching a sunset, taking a walk in the forest, and viewing other wonders of nature.

She doesn't forget about the wonders in her own backyard, though. She writes, "On the first day, I should want to see the people whose kindness and companionship have made my life worth living‌I, who am blind, can give one hint to those who see: Use your eyes as if tomorrow you would be stricken blind."

Open your eyes to the happy moments that add zest to everyday living. Because life is ever so colorful for those who care to find the sun between the clouds. â– Oct. 30, 2019 |

| 17

After the wedding...

Drunk with joy, half closed eyes, Emotional - how time flies, What a wedding - memories forever, How sweet the couple looks together!

Petticoats and ruffled skirts A dozen dirty pants and shirts Headbands, earrings shoes and crocs Tangled tights and mismatched socks A messy joyful combination Proof of a week-long celebration! "thank you Hashem, with all my heart For this pure and promising start I further entreat you - please Hashem While I put this house together again A ‫ בנין עדי עד‬may it be forever May they build beautiful ‫ קשר‬together!"

Drunk with joy, half closed eyes, Emotional - how time flies What a yom tov, memories forever, ‫ כלל ישראל‬and ‫ הקב"ה‬together!

Quilts and pillows and dirty sheets, Sticky wrappers, ‫ שמחת תורה‬treats, ‫מחזורים‬, books and ‫תפילין בייטלעך‬ ‫ לולב‬holders and unrolled ‫גארטלעך‬ Bekishas with buttons lost

R. Lowy

Freezer waiting to defrost Dishes, glasses, bowls, and mugs Sprays to kill the bees and bugs Stapler remover nuts and screws, Mounds of laundry, dirty shoes Empty freezer and pantry - whoa!

Where oh where did the food go?? (yes we know - boy how we know!!)

All of this and so much more, Behind every "mezuzah'd" door….

A messy joyous combination Proof of a week - long celebration "thank you Hashem, with all my heart For this pure and promising start Rosh Hashana - (‫ )ר''ה‬what a beautiful ‫התחלה‬ A ‫ קבלת פנים‬- an awesome ‫הכתרה‬ Followed by Yom Kippur a day of purification ‫ חופה וקדושין‬for a chosen nation Culminating into joyous ‫מסורה‬ The mitzvah tanz of ‫קבלת התורה‬ As we put our homes together again, We further entreat you - "please Hashem" A ‫ בנין עדי עד‬may it be forever ‫ הקב"ה‬and ‫ עם ישראל‬together! ■

The author can be contacted at: 914-299-5744 18 |

| Oct. 30, 2019

7

TRAINING GROUND

BY CHAVA LEAH BEER

R

ecap: Ayala has yet another nightmare, as she relives the accident that took her father's life.

Shoshana attends a class

by Rebbetzin Thaler where she learns about PTSD and wonders if Ayala might be suffering from this condition. She wonders how she could find out more about Ayala.

chapter seven After finding a way to gracefully end the conversation with Grandma, Shoshana went upstairs, picked up her cell phone and put her ingenious plan into action.

"Hi, Shoshana, what's new? Have you changed your mind about the Blass boy?"

"No, Mrs. Goldner, I am calling

about something completely different."

"Oh, how can I help you?"

"I know that you are involved in shidduchim, and I thought you might have access to information on the up-and-coming candidates in the twelfth grades of Brooklyn?"

"Yes, I do!" Mrs. Goldner replied, a touch of pride in her voice. "Which school are you looking for?"

Shoshana told her it was Bais Yehudis and in thirty seconds flat, Shoshana had the list in her hands, thanks to modern technology.

She quickly clicked open the file and scanned the list. Sure enough, Ayala's name was there; after all, she had attended school up until recently.

Now, how could Shoshana get more information on her workmate?

Who else did she know in Bais

Oct. 30, 2019 |

| 19

Yehudis?

Another name caught her eye.

Leah Jacobs. That must be Faigy's daughter. Faigy was her first cousin.

She couldn't believe that Faigy's little princess, her aunt's oldest grandchild was almost graduating already. She dialed the number before she could change her mind.

"Hello? Can I please speak to Leah?"

"This is Leah. Who is this please?"

S h o s h a n a reminded her who she was and explained the nature of her call.

"Leah, can you describe what Ayala was like before the accident? What kind of personality did she have?"

Her cousin's daughter sounded wistful. "Ayala was a really fun, outgoing girl who was always singing or humming.

She was a good student, but she knew how to have fun too, you know what I mean?"

"Was she a good friend of yours?"

"Not really, but she was friendly with everyone! When we started 11th grade, we knew she'd be sad, but we were shocked at her complete change of personality."

"Wow," Shoshana said sympathetically. "That must have been hard on your class. Okay, Leah,

thanks for the information."

Shoshana found it hard to reconcile the two Ayalas; the vibrant, outgoing high schooler and the solemn and withdrawn bookkeeper.

Could she do anything to help Ayala? Somehow, her heart had gone out to her. But it seemed that Ayala carried a warning label: FRAGILE: HANDLE WITH CARE. She did not want to risk shattering the delicate contents… 

But it seemed that Ayala carried a warning label: FRAGILE: HANDLE WITH CARE

20|

| Oct. 30, 2019

Shoshana looked in the mirror. As usual, Grandma, peeked in to offer her unsolicited opinion. "Shoshana, I think you could use some more lipstick," she said.

"Oh, really?"

"And I think your other necklace would look much better with this top," she added.

Shoshana bit her lip and thought quickly.

"You're right, that necklace does look very pretty with this top," she said, rummaging through her drawer to find the preferred necklace. I hope she'll forget about the lipstick. I'm in a hurry and don't have a lot of time for this…

"Ah – that's it!" Grandma patted Shoshana on the back and Shoshana mentally patted herself on the back.

"Thanks, Grandma. I'd better get

going now. Do you want something to read?"

Shoshana gently led her grandmother to the living room, placed the weekly newspaper on the sofa and put the footstool near Grandma, just as she liked it. She wanted to lock the door of her room before she left. That way her grandmother couldn't go in to "straighten up" while she was out.

As soon as she was finished, she called out a general, "Bye!" and was off.

She flew the short few blocks to Reb. Thaler's class, hoping she would still be early enough to catch her for a private consultation before the day's class began. From experience she knew that after class there would be a line of questioners and Rebbetzin Thaler would be more rushed.

The door was open, and Shoshana stepped into the brightly lit auditorium. Rebbetzin Thaler sat in the empty room, perusing her notes.

There were still ten minutes left until the class officially began.

"Rebbetzin Thaler?"

"Yes, how can I help you?"

"Can I ask you a question regarding PTSD?" "Sure, go right ahead. Shoshana – that's your name?"

"Yes." It felt good to have someone beyond her family and work life know her name.

She briefed Rebetzin Thaler on Ayala's background and current behavior, without mentioning her name, and then posed her question.

"Do you think she has PTSD? And if yes, what can I, as a workmate, do to help her, being that I spend a large chunk of the day in her company? " Rebbetzin Thaler didn't respond immediately, but then she cleared her throat and said slowly, "It seems very likely that this girl is suffering from trauma. As I always say, it's impossible to diagnose someone without meeting them personally, but either way, I can guide you on how to interact with her in the best way possible."

She flipped open her loose-leaf and rummaged through the pages.

Removing several papers from their sheet protectors, she handed them to Shoshana.

"Here, take these; I have more copies at home. They'll provide you with a better picture of the symptoms of the disorder and how to deal with them. The consensus is not to push the suffering person in any way, not to force them to share their thoughts and fears. Of course, if they do, provide a listening and nonjudgmental ear. Don't just tell them that their fears are imaginary.

Just being there for them as a source of warm and friendly company is an excellent way of supporting them."

"Anything else?" Shoshana asked.

"If you'd like to suggest treatment, listen carefully to today's lesson.

I'm going to share some interesting information about a treatment that has proven to yield amazing results in a short amount of time."

Shoshana thanked her and headed off to grab a seat before the

Oct. 30, 2019 |

| 21

best spots were taken. 

"So, ladies, there was a Vietnam War veteran who had witnessed his comrade's death in a most traumatic fashion. There they were in the air, just the two of them. Suddenly, a bomb hit their plane, and they saw the wing catch fire. There was smoke and shattered glass, and his friend bravely attempted to land. He landed successfully but passed out as soon the plane touched down. Our veteran managed to make his way out and survive, but the horrific images of his friend's burning body tormented him constantly."

The room was silent.

Rebbetzin Thaler, as dramatic as she was, enjoyed an active audience, so she threw the question out, "How do you think the symptoms of PTSD played themselves out for our veteran?"

"He had nightmares."

"He lived in constant fear of his shadow."

"He had difficulty maintaining relationships."

"Correct – all of the above. This highly intelligent and successful man became a shadow of his former self. There were days that he coped

and somehow managed to resume his daily activities. But there were often triggers that set off full-blown reactions causing bouts of anxiety and depression."

A hand shot up. As usual, it was a plump middle-aged woman, who voiced her question loudly.

"For the less informed among us, can you explain what triggers are?"

"Sure. In the world of psychology, a trigger, is defined as a stimulus, such as a smell, sound or a sight that evokes feelings of trauma. In Mr. War Veteran's case, this included fires, airplanes and the sound of ambulance sirens.

When exposed to these triggers, his level of function declined dramatically, and as I said before, he experienced intense negative emotions such as fear, worry and sadness."

S h o s h a n a scribbled rapidly in her notebook.

Ambulances. Smoke. What else could possibly set off a negative reaction in Ayala?

She snapped out of her reverie as she heard Rebbetzin Thaler say, "Eventually, he made a complete recovery from his PTSD. He was one of the first to be healed by an amazing form of treatment known as EMDR." To be continued... ■

Ambulances.

Smoke.

What else could possibly set off a negative reaction in Ayala?

22 |

| Oct. 30, 2019

Elixir of Life By: Yehudis Schonfeld

W

ater.

Mayim Chaim.

Water flows and gushes with sparkling, nurturing droplets. It saturates and irrigates verdant fields and blooming orchards. Water cleanses and purifies. Water sustains life.

Yet, water can be deadly. Water can flood, water can submerge and deluge. Storms wreak havoc, furious waves capsize ships and leave trails of destruction in their passing.

What is it about water? What is that mysterious, paradoxical quality that it possesses that either nourishes and nurtures or destroys and drowns out life?

Perhaps water's characteristics hint at its perplexing powers. Water, when contained within proper boundaries surges forth with lifegiving force. Yet, when let loose, or when we lose our standing and fall into its depths - it becomes lethal and deadly. Water teaches us the importance of creating and

maintaining proper boundaries.

Possibly as a direct consequence of dor hamabul's lack of boundaries, water, wild, fuming water, that flooded the earth. The earth that had lost its values, boundaries and respect, felt the consequence of unleashed forces, of powers unrestrained by proper limits.

In a world gone mad, the Torah teaches us appropriate values and behaviors. Perhaps today, more than in any other generation in the past, we can learn from the dor hamabul and try not to repeat their mistakes.

Connection, affection and caring - when boundaries erode - are not affectionate and caring at all. They turn toxic and harmful.

Do we still remember how true relationships are built?

Lasting, loving relationships require time, heart, conversation, caring, humility and respect of personal boundaries.

Harder than just maintaining superficial tech-induced interactions?

Definitely. But, oh, that much more meaningful, nourishing and real. â–

Oct. 30, 2019 |

|23

INVEST YOURSELF in

#1 SELF CONFIDENCE

Boro Park 15 Weeks

#2 PEOPLE SKILLS

Tuesday

7:00 - 11:00 PM

Starting ‫אי"ה‬

#3 COMMUNICATION

Tuesday, November 12 Presented by the renowned

Rabbi Yeedle Melber Call or Text

#4 STRESS MANAGEMENT

#5 LEADERSHIP SKILLS

718.807.4433 Lehasig@gmail.com

‫דער קורס ווערט געגעבן פאר מענער אויף אידיש‬