LINK PLUS Vol 4

A Weekly Link Supplement

Freedom To Forgive A True Story

Simanim etcetera...

Table Settings For Sweet Blessings

Home Again A soul stirring poem

Recipes:

Crowd Pleasers Fast & Easy Hors D'oeuvres

Vol. 1 Issue 4 / Sep. 25, 2019

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TABLE of CONTENTS Publisher The Weekly SOB, SOB!Link

FREEDOM TO FORGIVE A TRUE STORY

8

CROWD PLEASERS FAST & EASY HORS D'OEUVRES

11

HONEY TO YOUR HEALTH

16

HOME AGAIN A SOUL STIRRING POEM

18

BASICS

YOUR ACTIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

20

BEDTIME BATTLE TIPS 24

THE SIDDUR AS A SYMBOL

23

TRAINING GROUND SERIAL

26

SIMANIM ETCETERA

30

Teach your Phone children to laugh 347.787.1838 at their terrible predicaments Fax 347.787.4018 BACK IN

4

SCHOOL

Email Common sense plus@weeklylink.com tips and tricks 8 Website LOOKING www.weeklylink.com FOR A JOB? Professional resume Mailing Address writer shares some 1303 53rd St. guidelines 12 Suite #125 Brooklyn 11219 OFF THENYBUS Easy supper to greet your kids with 19 © 2019. All Rights Reserved.

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The Weekly Link.

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

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Freedom to Forgive A

t r u e

s t o r y

BY MALKY HAUER

8|

| Sep. 25, 2019

T

hough it’s been many years, my memory of Bracha is crystal clear.

Painfully clear. 

“Toby! You’re off tomorrow!?” my friend Bashy gushed, as she passed me at Pathmark.

“Yeah, I guess.” I replied.

“Well, well. I need to tell you this.

Listen. My neighbor Bracha Weinstein is a must-meet. I can so see you becoming fast friends! And she is flying El Al tomorrow!

She’s tall, thin, black hair, blue eyes, a bubbly personality. She’s just the right type for you!”

“So you think I’m in search of new friends, Bashy? Did you forget I’m going with Gitty, Genesha, Fraidy and Esty?”

Bashy rolled her eyes.

“Toby, trust me. You’ll love Bracha!

I was quiet.

“Meet her. Let me know if I am wrong.”

This conversation replayed itself in my head as I headed to check in my suitcases, my parents’ lingering goodbyes still reverberating in my head. It repeated itself as I waited in line at security, especially since I spotted a tall, dark-haired girl that fit Bashy’s description perfectly. I didn’t even realize I was listening to Bashy at all. I wasn’t interested in meeting people who she decided would be good for me.

I wanted to feel like I get to know the girls and then if a friendship develops, great. But why was she pushing this on me?

I didn’t have long to wait. The minute I was settled in my seat, Bracha came to visit me.

“Hi, you must be Toby.” She smiled.

“Yeah, I am. Nice to meet you.”

“Same here. Your neighbor Bashy is convinced we need to be friends.” She laughed nervously.

“Right, she told me all about it. So which school are you coming from?” I asked.

We chatted a bit and then the stewardesses urged us to quickly take our seats for takeoff. We listened to the monotonous safety drawl and tried to quiet the butterflies in our stomachs. With my school friends surrounding me, I couldn’t fathom why I’d want to get to know Bracha, but still I found myself looking backwards to catch a glimpse of her every so often.

Finally, we landed. 

Seminary was turning out to be all that I imagined, and more. I loved it. the atmosphere, the shiurim, the comradery.

Though I did have my own circle of friends, I started spending time with Bracha-and discovered I really did like her. The more I got to know her, the more I realized she was something special. Nothing compared her to my friends from school. She was intelligent, humble, happy, giving and very likeable. It was a friendship too good to be true.

The red flags though, were fast in coming.

Naively, I chose not to pay attention to them.

A few months into seminary, I confided in her about a substituting job that I was looking into. Somehow, Bracha landed the job and I didn’t. Though it hurt, I let it pass. There were a few other incidents too, but I was blinded by my love for Bracha and the prospect of having a best friend blocked me from seeing anything negative about her. I invested a lot in our relationship and we ended the year in seminary as the closest of friends.

Back in the states, we both found jobs. It didn’t take long for us to find shidduchim. We got married and rarely spent time together.

Once, after being out of touch for several months, Bracha asked me if I wanted to come with her to visit a mutual acquaintance in the Sep. 25, 2019 |

|9

hospital. Though I wasn’t opposed to visiting, my main reason was to connect with her. I then realized that she only reached out to me for convenience’s sake. My suspicions were confirmed when I met Esty, another seminary graduate.

She told me that Bracha had first asked her to join her to visit that same acquaintance. She didn’t have anyone else to go with, so she turned to me as a last resort. Ouch.

Another time, I spotted her jauntily strolling down the avenue with a different friend. I kept thinking she had no time for friends, but now I suspected she wasn’t interested in me.

I didn’t hear from Bracha in ages.

Every time I called her, there was no response. I must have left about a dozen messages on her answering machine. Once, I called her and she picked up the phone, saying how lucky I was that she was home and that I got through to her, implying that it was a one-way friendship. The more time passed, the more I realized that I was the only one reaching out to her all the time. My phone calls were never returned or acknowledged. She ignored my messages. I realized that there was something way off with our “friendship”. I was hurt.

I never got accustomed to the fact that Bracha was not my friend. In fact, when she had a baby, I made the effort to arrange babysitters for my little ones. I spent money I didn’t have on a car service to the mother and baby home where she was recuperating. But instead of showing excitement about my visit, she made it pretty clear that I shouldn’t have come, making me feel stupid and unwanted. I felt rejected and cried the whole way home. I tried to reason with myself that maybe it 10 |

| Sep. 25, 2019

wasn’t completely her fault she was acting this way. The more I thought about it, the more I convinced myself that she couldn’t understand how much she hurt me.

She did not attend any of my simchas. Since she was the closest friend I ever had, the pain was deep.

When my friends from seminary wished me Mazel tov at my son’s barMitzvah, they asked me where Bracha was, I didn’t know what to say. For an entire year after that, I kept thinking about the pain of my lost friend. I even had dreams about Bracha. It took a very long time to let go of her.

Fast forward five years. With the approach of Rosh Hashana, my thoughts were constantly on Bracha.

It was so hard for me to forgive her. But I knew it had to be done. I understood now what an unhealthy relationship it had been. I needed closure. I needed to forgive.

One day, a few days before Yom Tov, I gathered my guts and dialed her number (which I still knew by heart.) Of course, I got her answering machine as usual, which was a good thing.

“Hello Bracha” I said with a pounding heart. “It’s Toby, a voice from the past. Just wanted to wish you a good gebenched yohr. I fully forgive you for everything (did she even know how hurt I was?). Have a wonderful Yom Tov. ” It was just a few words with worlds of meaning. I cannot explain the feeling I had after that call. I was finally able to go into Yom Tov, knowing that I did what had to be done.

I never heard from her again. But I was totally fine.

Forgiving is freedom. That Rosh Hashana, I felt it.

■

Pulled Chicken Hors d'oeuvres

Bite-sized appetizers are always a favorite. You’ve got to admit, there’s something fun about dipping a mini wonton into chili sauce.

This week we bring you a FAST and EASY hack to make delicious pulled chicken. With just a simple boiling technique you can virtually forget about the slow cooker (and endless wait time!).

Grab some puff pastry or taco shells and transform the chicken into crave-worthy Hors d’oeuvres everyone will love. Have Fun! -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

Sep. 25, 2019 |

| 11

With a golden, flaky crust and savory pulled chicken filling, these Teriyaki Chicken Puffs make the perfect side dish to accompany any Yom Tov meal. Serve with barbeque dipping sauce.

Teriyaki Pulled Chicken Puffs

-Sarah F.

Yield: 12 Chicken Puffs Ingredients: • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • • • • • •

¼ cup soy sauce ¼ lemon juice 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 cloves garlic, minced Pinch ground ginger (optional)

• 12 mini puff pastry squares Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Fill a medium pot with water and add the raw chicken breasts. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and let cook for about 10-12 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool. Drain the water and place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Shred the chicken (using two forks, have one fork hold the chicken and other 12 |

| Sep. 25, 2019

pull the chicken away). Set aside.

3. In a saucepan over mediumhigh heat, add in the soy sauce, lemon juice, sugar, brown sugar, minced garlic and a pinch ground ginger. Whisk until well combined.

Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 8 minutes. Add the pulled chicken to the sauce and mix well until combined. Let cook for additional 2 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and drain liquid from pulled chicken. Place a teaspoon of pulled chicken in the center of a mini puff pastry square. Pinch the edges together to create a triangle (you can also experiment with any other shape of choice). Secure edges with a fork and brush with egg wash.

5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

NOTE: These Puffs can be easily frozen in an airtight container, and rewarmed prior to your Yom Tov Sueda.

Loaded with toppings of your choice, these pulled chicken tacos are a fun and easy appetizer to freshen up your menu.

-Sarah F.

Pulled chicken wonton cups

Barbeque Pulled Chicken Tacos Ingredients: • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • ½ cup Hickory Barbeque Sauce (or any other flavor of choice) • 1 teaspoon tomato paste (optional) • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added spice) • Ready Taco shells or Wonton Cups (see directions below)

Directions: 1. Fill a medium pot with water and add the raw chicken breasts. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and let cook for about 10-12 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool. Drain the water and place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Shred the chicken (using two forks, have one fork hold the chicken and other pull the chicken away).

2. Return the pulled chicken to the pan and add the barbeque sauce, tomato

paste, and red pepper flakes. Let cook over medium heat for additional 5 minutes.

3. Place pulled chicken in taco shells or Wonton Cups with some Salsa or Matbucha. Drizzle with dipping sauce and garnish with parsley and lime wedges. Serve.

Wonton Cups These little cups are a fun and easy alternative if you’re out of taco shells.

The bite-sized portions are great for simply noshing or as a pretty side dish.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350° and grease mini muffin pans with cooking spray. Place a wonton wrapper in each cavity, lightly spray with cooking spray, and bake for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Fill with barbeque pulled chicken (see recipe) or any other filling of your choice. Enjoy!

Sep. 25, 2019 |

| 13

Yield: 12 Large Eggrolls Ingredients: • 12 large Gefen Spring Roll Wrappers (11 oz. bag) • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1 medium onion, finely diced • 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely diced • 2 tablespoons oil (for frying) • 1 Bag Coleslaw mix (14 oz.)

• 1 bag cooked chestnuts (5 oz.), finely diced • ½ cup soy sauce • ¼ cup teriyaki sauce • 1 teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon black pepper Directions: 1. Fill a medium pot with water and add the raw chicken breasts. Bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat and let cook for about 10-12 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool. Drain the water and place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Shred the chicken (using two forks, have one fork hold the chicken and other pull the chicken away). Set aside.

2. In a pan over medium heat, heat the oil for frying.

Once hot, add in the diced onions and garlic.

Let cook until onions are translucent (not browned).

Add the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, teriyaki sauce, and soy sauce.

14 |

| Sep. 25, 2019

The Ultimate Pulled Chicken Eggroll

Loaded with flavor and texture, these Chinese Style Eggrolls will take the plate.

Filled with pulled chicken, shredded cabbage, and that unmistakable chestnut crunch, these eggrolls will become your newest family tradition.

-Sarah F.

Mix well and let cook for additional 5 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the diced chestnuts.

Drain liquid from meat and cabbage mixture. Season with salt and black pepper.

4. Heat about 1 ½ inches of oil in a deep frying pan.

While oil heats, create the Egg Rolls (see process below). Wet the edges in order they should stick. Fry until a deep golden brown.

Drain in paper towels.

Serve with Truffle mayo or Sweet Chili Sauce.

5.

NOTE: These Eggrolls can be easily frozen in an airtight container and rewarmed prior to your Yom Tov Sueda. __________ You can easily create wontons, by filling wonton wrappers with the chicken cabbage filling. Deep fry and serve.

Directions: 1. Lay out one spring roll wrapper with a corner pointed toward you.

2. Place the meat/coleslaw in the middle.

3. Use your finger to spread a little bit of water along the edge.

4. Fold two opposite corners together to make a triangle, fold the sides in and then roll tightly.

Sep. 25, 2019 |

| 15

Honey ____ ____ To Your

I

t’s honey season!

This golden liquid from the beehive is a popular kitchen staple in this special time of the year. Sticky, and sweet, honey contains a treasure chest of hidden nutritional and medicinal value with health benefits for the whole body. And if you want to get 100% of the goodness from your honey, make sure it is pure and raw so you have all the vitamins, minerals and enzymes not present in refined honey.

Health 1

2

3

16 |

| Sep. 25, 2019

Seasonal Allergies. Honey acts like a natural vaccine to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. It contains small amounts of pollen, which can trigger an immune response that produces antibodies when the body is exposed it. After repeated exposure, antibodies build up and the body becomes accustomed to their presence. Less histamine is released, resulting in a lesser allergic response.

Natural Cold Cure. Honey can be the all-natural cure when it comes to pesky colds. Two teaspoons of honey is a great remedy for a persistent cough that won’t go away. Children who are prone to nighttime coughs due to colds will sleep much calmer and cough less frequently after taking two teaspoons of honey 30 minutes before bed. It can also help in treating upper respiratory tract infections.

Calmer Sleep. Honey is a great sleeping aid for those suffering from restless, sleepless nights. It causes a rise in insulin and releases serotonin - a neurotransmitter that improves mood and happiness. The body converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the length and the quality of sleep. Instead of popping pills, go the natural route!

4

5 6 7

Wound, Eczema, and Burn Healer. Honey is a natural antibiotic.

It can be used as treatment for minor wounds, burns and MRSA infections while disinfecting the area from certain bacteria. Burns treated with honey will heal beautifully leaving no scars! Even old scars can fade considerably after applying honey for a few days. Patients who suffered from wound and leg ulcers showed remarkable improvement after a steady application of honey. People with sensitive skin can benefit greatly from constant treatment with raw honey.

Sore Throat Soother. One of the better known health benefits of honey is that it is able to help treat sore throats.

It not only soothes throats but also kill certain bacteria that cause the infection.

Professional singers and chazanim commonly use honey to soothe and condition their throats.

Magical Honey Drink: This

simple to make drink uses common ingredients and tastes delicious.

In addition to being a wonderful warmer on cold days, it has many super benefits which have been proven time and again. Drinking a cup every morning on an empty stomache will help significantly with weight loss, bloating, constipation, and bad breath. It flushes out toxins making you feel better all around. Simply mix 1 cup warm water, 1 Tablespoon honey, and 1 Tablespoon lemon juice.

Enjoy and feel well!

May you have a sweet, healthy year!

Excellent Sugar Substitute. Even though honey contains simple sugars, it is NOT the same as white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Raw honey especially, can actually help the body regulate blood sugar levels.

Acne Treatment. Honey’s antibacterial properties make it an excellent cleanser for your skin. Simply apply a thin layer of honey to acne affected area and wash off after 10-15 minutes. You will see a notable difference after a few days.

Sep. 25, 2019 |

| 17

Home Again A Soul Stirring Poem

I knocked upon my neighbor’s door, one morning for a chat, She led me inside and said to me, “Take a-look at that!”

In her playroom surrounded with every game and toy, Sat the most adorable bright eyed little boy.

“Aren’t we just lucky?” she asked him with a smile, “His mommy went away for quite a long while, Look at all these expensive toys, the gadgets and the sweets, What a lucky boy to be surrounded with such treats!”

She left the room, and boy was I surprised, For when I smiled to the child, those beautiful bright eyes Did not smile back, I stared askance, full of consternation.

Those eyes where so big and sad, so full of desperation.

“What is it, little boy, please, help me to discern, What is it that you lack- what is it that you yearn?

Is there another sweet, another brand new toy, That I can get for you and refill your eyes with joy?”

The little boy wiped his tears and shook his curly head, And all my life, etched into my heart are the words he said, “You really want to make me happy, OK, I’ll tell you how, Please, oh please,” he implored, “Take me home right now!”

18 |

| Sep. 25, 2019

It’s Erev Yom Tov, walk down the street, What a sight your eyes will meet, Masses of children, women, and men, What a great Kiddush Hashem!

Stores displaying children’s wear, Colors and trends, with style and flair.

Headbands, tights, accessories, Taste and budget, easy to please.

Are you hungry, thirsty or bored?

Our variety will have you floored.

Milchig, Fleishigs, a little bit of each, Eat in- take out, within your reach!

Life’s not flowing, at the smoothest pace?

Classes forming all over the place!

Chinuch, photography, and color schemes, Guaranteed, instant self-esteem!

Dance with grace, Redefine your face, Sleep like a queen, Let your business be seen.

Be wined and dined and entertained, Have your photos custom framed.

An e-mail, a text, a phone call away, Swipe your card; it’s a small price to pay.

For all of life’s necessities, To satisfy and soothe and please, An only child, a chosen nation, Worthy of gratification!

Surrounded with abundance and noise, Artificial joys of adult ‘toys’….

Sisters let us look again, For they are us, and we are them, Look and you will recognize, Your heart reflected in their eyes, See the pain the desperation Of a broken long-lost nation.

Smiling bravely, not confiding, All the pain that they are hiding….

Let us proclaim with one voice, Hashem you know our only choice. ‫ אבינו מלכינו‬please Hashem, Bring us all back home again!

Sep. 25, 2019 |

| 19

By Chana Friedman

“An acquaintance was making Chasunah and I really had no patience to go, though I knew it would mean a lot to the kallah. After much deliberating, I reluctantly got dressed and went over. I ended up really enjoying the wedding. I met with old friends and danced the night away.

To top it all off, somebody offered me a ride home. I felt really great afterwards that I had done the right thing.”

Why am I doing this?

-Rochel Katzberg

“My husband’s family is very close knit, and everyone’s expected to visit, call and be there for my grandmother. Quite frankly, I didn’t enjoy making the trip to Deal, NJ, where I had to move into a stranger’s Hachnassas Orchim apartment and join my grandmother seudos. Out of respect to my husband, I went at every possible opportunity, as much as I hated it. Lately, she had surgery and is currently in rehab.

I went to visit her and she got up for me, hugged me and kissed me. It was then that I saw how much my efforts mean to her.”

-Aliza Nussbaum

*Names and identifying details have been changed.

20|

| Sep. 25, 2019

Reevaluate:

Your Actions Make A Difference

“I sporadically have students who need an extra bit of TLC and/or help. It’s helping these kids that keep me focused on why I went into the chinuch field. There’s the kid who couldn’t focus in class, so I got her a special seat that resembles an inflatable tube, so she could bounce around and learn at the same time. Another child has difficulties with anxiety.

I took a course to learn what it takes for me to help her. Baruch Hashem, she now comes over to tell me, “Mrs. Frankel, I feel it, but I’m squashing it!” It gives me so much sippuk to hear that.”

-Mrs. T. Frankel

“As a camp director, it is my responsibility to make sure the program takes off and runs smoothly, the staff do their job, etc. This responsibility drains me, and you can imagine that I’m not in the best mood all the time. One Friday I decided to go the extra mile and I complimented a camper on her Shabbos outfit. The kid was beaming for the rest of the hour – and so was I. I felt like the whole summer was worth it.”

-Leah Rubin, Camp Director

Sep. 25, 2019 |

| 21

22 |

“I somehow got involved in helping a family that’s going through a rough patch. The parents are divorced and too absorbed in their own troubles to be able to care for their children. The situation got so bad that there is literally no food in the house. One of the kid’s rebbeim called me and asked if I could deliver a Shabbos box, as he didn’t want the family to know that it was coming from him and he knew that I was a familiar face in the home. Although their financial and emotional neediness had been getting to me, I agreed to do this act of chessed. The heartwarming phone call I received from the mother afterwards showed me that I am just a shaliach doing Hashem’s will, as if He sent me a direct message saying, “Your effort are so valued up here… keep up the vital work!”

“My mother and I are jointly working on being mekariv an irreligious 15-year-old girl. We have long hashkafic conversations with her on all sorts of topics. As some point last year, my mother was trying to convince her to switch to a Jewish high school.

She adamantly refused, explaining that she didn’t want to give up on a top education. After much cajoling, she agreed to take a tour of one of the schools. It was counter effective.

She refused to attend such a “crummy place”. My mother tried to prove the importance of a Jewish education, the effect this would have on her future, etc., to no avail. Finally, she agreed to see the school again. Again a no. More talk. After the third time, her answer was final. Next my mother tried taking her to a different school. She liked the place and had an interview. We davened and held our breath until the rejection letter arrived. At this point, both my mother and I were disheartened. Didn’t Hashem want her to become frum? Why was He doing this? The first day of school found our friend in public school and us feeling like we failed. When she came home, she was crying. Her class consisted of only 5 white kids and she was feeling unsafe. She is now happily enrolled in the original school we had taken her to, and is growing in her observance and commitment to Yiddishkeit.

-Chaim Stein

-Esther Rivky Jacobi

| Sep. 25, 2019

Siddur Symbol

The as a

By Liba Gottehrer

I

leafed through the biography of R’ Avigdor Miller: His Life and His Revolution, and unwittingly stumbled upon a Rosh Hashanah in Slabodka: “…The atmosphere was electric…the davening took on a life of its own... They let their emotions loose through copious tears, banging their feet on the floor as a veritable roar of tefillah emerged…So much effort was expended that, without exaggeration, the talmidim were able to wring sweat out of their sleeves.”

I had to pause and reflect on R’ Yaakov Hamburger’s words, if only for a moment. But what he penned on the following page stunned me into motionlessness. R’ Hamburger Sep. 25, 2019 |

| 23

describes how years earlier, Rabbi Itzele Peterburger once davened Neilah in Slabodka. Afterwards, he commented to the talmidim, that the fervor and intensity with which they had just davened was a daily occurrence in the “shoemakers’ shul” in Kovno.

How did that happen? Of course, the pure faith of the shoemakers can never be analyzed and dissected into neat little explanations. However, it can arrest you in your tracks and demand of you: What about us?

Famous anecdote: A man needs to lead a presentation at an important meeting at half past nine. 9:22 finds him circling the block of the office building, still searching desperately for that elusive parking spot.

9:23. Should he try two blocks down and risk having to run all the way to the office?

9:26. “Hashem, please, please, make me find a spot and all be good all my life, I’ll give money for tzedakah, I’ll learn another … forget it, Hashem, I just found one.”

Many of us look at tefillah as a request to an Unknown – who sometimes pays attention and sometimes doesn’t.

However, the chief purpose of tefillah isn’t a “Customer Service, how may I help you?” phone call, but rather a “Hi, how are you doing?” phone call. As a reward for checking in, Hashem provides us with what we desire. In the case of the desperate manager in the incident above, he finds a parking spot because he asked, not because of what he asked. This is also the reason (among others) of why we keep davening all year when everything is destined on Rosh Hashanah.

The shoemakers in Kovno perceived Hashem as their loving Father to whom they could unburden their hearts. They toiled to attain the unique privilege of

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“possessing” Him in their thoughts and speech incessantly.

This mindset is the root of tefillah, and our ancestors’ understanding of it dovetails nicely with the history of the siddur. Originally, there was no siddur.

Everyone, from prophet to simpleton, connected with Hashem in their own words, language, and feelings. The Vilna Goan stated, “I can fathom the kedushah of a Tanna or an Amora, but I cannot fathom the kedushah of a simple Yid who lived in the times of the Bais Hamikdash.”

This statement is clear evidence that when the siddur was compiled, with nevuah and Ruach Hakodesh, the Yidden were still on an unimaginably high level. However, even then the Great Assembly felt that it was imperative to document our order of tefilla for posterity.

As the generations slackened in their service, the leaders of Jewry in the beginning of the era of the second Bais Hamikdash, who were the Anshei Knesses Hagdolah (think Ezra Hasofer, Chaggai, Zecharia, Malachi, Mordechai Hatzaddik, etc.) grew concerned that tefillah would become confused and disordered, and therefore compiled an order of tefillos with which to daven, in addition to composing many tefillos, including Birchas Krias Shema and Shemonei Esrei. This order, or seder, became known as a Siddur.

The earliest existing systematization of the siddur was drawn up by Rav Amram Gaon, about 1150 years ago. He was the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Sura in Bavel.

This siddur contained the arrangements of the tefillos for the entire year, including some laws regarding tefillah. It was copied and used by the Jews of Spain, France and Germany, and was considered the standard siddur for all Jewish communities.

Siddur Rav Amram Gaon remained in handwritten form for about 1000 years, until it was printed for the first time in Warsaw in 1865. Rav Saadia Gaon, who headed the Sura Yeshiva half a century after Rav Amram, arranged a siddur for the Jews in the Arabic countries, with explanations and instructions in Arabic1.

These were the basis of Rabbeinu Simcha’s Machzor Vitry (11th century France), which was based on the ideas of his teacher, Rashi. Another formulation of the siddur was that which was added by the Rambam to the laws of prayer in his Mishneh Torah: this forms the basis of the Yemenite tradition and has had some influence on other rites. From this point forward, all siddurim had the same basic order and contents. The first printed siddur then appeared in the early 1500’s.

During the Middle Ages, the seder of tefillah grew lengthier, as Yidden longed to spend more time in prayer. New bakashos, penitential prayers, and piutim were added.

It was not only the desire to daven and connect that fueled the expansion of the siddur, but also the fact that Jews could read. Literacy was extremely prevalent amongst Jews when most men in Europe could not even sign their own names.

With time, as printing costs decreased, owning a siddur became commonplace. Each household had one, then each adult, and finally, the printing explosion ensured that each child possesses one or two siddurim, engraved and presented in all classes of ingenuity. This eruption demands of us once more: With the advance of siddurim, are we advancing our own characters and relationship with our Father? We need to take a lesson from the five-year-old children, who so lovingly kiss their first siddur and proceed to daven with all the devotion they have. As the saying suggests, “Rather sit at the work desk and think of the siddur, than to sit with the siddur and think of the work.”

■

1 My Prayer by Nissan Mindel, published

by Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, Inc., 1972 Sep. 25, 2019 |

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4

TRAINING GROUND

BY CHAVA LEAH BEER

R

ecap: Grandma Pressman is about to move into the Pressman home, disrupting the quiet routine to which Shoshana has been accustomed. Project Ayala is getting more complicated, as she finds out about how her workmate’s father was killed under tragic circumstances.

Chapter Four It had been a long day at work and Shoshana could feel the overtime hours in every single bone. She was aching for some quiet time after dealing with crowds of noisy children, chattering teenagers and coaxing mothers and fathers for ten hours straight.

“Hi, Mommy! I’m home!” Shoshana called out.

“Shh.. Grandma’s sleeping,” Mrs. Pressman whispered.

Shoshana inhaled deeply. “Do you know for how

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much longer? Is there some sort of schedule here?”

“Well, I guess we’ll learn on the job.

She’s been sleeping since, hmm…”

“I’m not sleeping, Devorah! With all that noise, how could anyone sleep?

Who’s that, Shoshana?”

Grandma shuffled out of the bedroom wearing a floral buttondown housecoat and fuzzy slippers, her maroon kerchief slightly askew.

“What time is it? Why am I here? Is it Pesach?”

Shoshana exchanged glances with her mother who seemed drained after a few hours of caring for her cranky and disoriented mother-inlaw. Shoshana was exhausted too, but decided to try to take over, at least for now.

“Grandma, it’s dark outside, see?

And it’s cold, too. Today is Tuesday, February 10th and you are staying in

our house because you came to live with us.”

She held the older woman’s feeble hand and led her to an armchair.

Looking straight into her hazy blue eyes that filled with deep confusion, she asked, “What time do you think it is?”

“If it’s late, then I guess it’s in the evening. Who do you think I am – a three-year-old?”

Shoshana let the snide remark fly overhead, effectively missing its target.

“Great. Would you like to wash up and eat dinner?” she asked.

It was a tough call, being respectful to her elderly grandmother while talking in simple, child-like language.

“Yes. I made vegetable soup and baked chicken. I think there is some leftover rice – you know, the one with the mushrooms?”

Shoshana held back her smile.

Grandma had been a chef par excellence in her prime and that had been her classic supper. Tantalizing vegetable soup, steaming hot, with oily rice and mushrooms and spicy baked chicken was, she had to admit, an all-time favorite. She had eaten it countless times as a guest in Grandma’s home.

“Grandma, let’s go into the kitchen and check out what’s cooking on the stove.”

In the kitchen, Mrs. Pressman was quickly preparing a portion of food for her mother-in-law.

“Shoshana, bring Grandma into the kitchen,” she called. “Her dinner is all prepared.”

Grandma’s wrinkled face assumed a compliant expression. Grabbing Shoshana’s arm for support, she hobbled into the kitchen.

“Why didn’t you bring me here in the first place? I’m telling you, Devorah, today’s kids…”

She wagged a finger as she slowly sat down at the table. Shoshana turned to leave the kitchen but stopped short when she saw her mother’s grimace. “ Ma, I need to breathe a little!” she whispered, hoping that her grandmother wouldn’t hear.

She needn’t have worried.

Grandma was thoroughly enjoying her meatballs and spaghetti, having completely forgotten about the vegetable soup and chicken she’d prepared 10 years ago.

“Shoshana, a little bit of understanding, please. Please stay here with your grandmother, I just need a minute.”

Luckily for Shoshana, the door opened just then, and Mr. Pressman walked in.

“Hello, everyone. Mommy, are you there?”

“Ah – Chaim, so good to hear your voice! I’m in the kitchen!”

Grandma suddenly sounded alert and perky. As Mr. Pressman entered the kitchen, though, her tone took an accusing note.

“Your hat is so dusty. Why don’t you put down your bags? It’s not good for your back. Listen to your mother, you don’t want to become a hunchback, do you?”

“How was your day, Mommy? Can I join you for dinner?”

“My day? I think it was okay. Yes, have a seat, but wash your hands first.”

As the water sloshed over his hands, Mr. Pressman murmured to Shoshana, “I have some interesting information for you. You go refresh yourself and then I’ll tell you all about

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it.”

“Thanks so much, Abba.”

She hurried off to her bedroom, relieved to have a chance to rest at last. On the way, she peeked into the spare room, now Grandma’s room.

The bed was covered with clothing and a suitcase stood neatly near the dresser. A hodgepodge of medicines and other items covered the end table.

She took a deep breath. At least she wasn’t responsible for Grandma taking her medication.  “So, the boy is exactly your age, and was never married,” Mrs. Goldner began.

“Okay, that earns him a few points,” Shoshana jibed, wondering what “but” would inevitably follow. It was nice having a name mentioned; it had been too long since she’d gotten a suggestion.

“His name is Shlomo Blass. He learned in Yeshivas Toras Mordechai until five years ago, when he began studying law. He’s planning to become a corporate law attorney.”

Shoshana was impressed but knew not to become excited prematurely.

“What’s his family like? Do you have any idea why he’s still around? Please, Mrs. Goldner, don’t beat around the bush!”

“Well, his family is quite your family’s type. I don’t have all the details, but if you’re interested, I can find out.”

“I want to hear more about him as a person. What’s he like?”

“He’s my friend’s neighbor, so I have seen him several times. He’s good looking and highly intelligent; he’s practically breezing his way through law school. He’s a delight to be around with a clever remark to say

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to just about everyone.”

“Does he have friends?”

“Hmmm… Yes, here are some numbers he gave me as references.

Yosef Gutman…”  At 9:00 that night, Mr. Pressman finally had a chance to fill Shoshana in on the Roth situation.

“Aha, so Dr. Lowy hired the daughter of his late friend out of pity. How kind of him! She probably wouldn’t get a job elsewhere with her poor self-image.”

“Didn’t you say she looks really young? Maybe she wasn’t even looking for a job yet. Maybe she’s still supposed to be in school!”

Shoshana furrowed her brows.

“One thing at a time. The accident. Mr. Weiss said that all the children were in the car when it happened?”

“Yes.” “So, she witnessed the whole thing?” The thought made her shudder.

“Yes, I suppose so.”

Poor, poor Ayala. If she were physically crippled, society would treat her with respect and give her a hand.

Since her issue isn’t externally visible, all she gets are stares, whispers, and condescending remarks.

“I hope I’m not getting you involved in a big mess, Shosh.”

“You didn’t hire Ayala! If anything, you are helping me. Awareness of her story will help me be more empathetic toward her.”

Time to make those shidduch calls, Shoshana thought. She excused herself and went to her room, dialing the first number.

To be continued...

■

EXTRA VIRGIN EXTRA LIGHT

DESIGN: YANKY GOLDMAN

CANDLE LIGHTING

BloomsKosher.com

Simanim etcetera…

I

t’s the time of year when summer gives way to fall and the cool breeze refreshes our body, mind, and soul. It’s the time of year for awakening, for renewal, for hischadshus. And what better way to set the Rosh Hashana table if not to depict this special time of year? Beautify your Yom Tov table with these personalized place settings, giving all your friends and family their own siman tov to usher in year 5780.

Option 1) Honey: This is a simple, yet very “sweet” idea to place on every ones plate. Take a few honey sticks and gather in a neat bundle. Tie with a piece of pretty ribbon that compliments the napkin color. To add some color and interest, purchase honey sticks with various flavors. To add extra pizazz and a personal touch, give everyone the option of taking their own heaping helping of the sticky sweetness. Using pretty patterned paper, cut little strips or flags and attach it to small wooden honey sticks with some hot glue or tape.

On each one, write the name of a family member or guest and tie it up in the honey stick bundle.

Option 2) Pomegranates: Maximize the beauty of this gorgeous fruit for a show-stopping place setting. Simply print or hand letter cardstock with the names of your guests, and place it in the pomegranate’s crown. You may want to wash and/or buff the fruit for enhanced shine. If card making is not your thing, try using a gold Sharpie or a metallic ball point pen to write the names of all family members and friends directly on the fruit. You may want to gather some inspiration by finding a pretty script or Hebrew font on a computer and copying it to the best of your artistic ability.

Option 3) Apples: This one may take some work and needs to be done right before you set the table but it really sets the tone beautifully. Using very small apples, slice off the top. Remove the core and insides of the bottom part and fill with honey. Cover with the top slice leaving it open just enough for the sweet surprise to be visible. ■

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| Sep. 25, 2019

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