Teach NYS, a project of the Orthodox Union, was formed in 2013 with a singular purpose: securing government funding for nonpublic schools. Through grassroots advocacy, Teach NYS says its secured $450 million in state funding for New York nonpublic schools. This year’s budget includes $15 mil-lion for nonpublic schools to hire Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) teachers—a $10 million increase over last year, when the program began. It also includes $15 million to strengthen security in nonpublic schools.What exactly is grassroots advocacy?

According to Teach NYS Grassroots Engagement Director Annie Watman, it means getting Jewish community members to register, vote, and speak to their legislators in large numbers. Teach NYS has initiatives to engage the community in each of these ways, and Watman says they are always look-ing for more community members to get involved.In 2016 and 2018, Teach NYS ramped up its voter registration and “Get Out the Vote” activities.

They educated day school parents through partnerships with over 50 yeshivah day schools, and made tens of thousands of phone calls reminding Jewish parents through-out the state to register and vote. Last year, they launched an online platform using Turbovote, which allows community members to register and get reminders to vote on their phones, tablets, or computers.In addition to voting activities, every year Watman and the Teach NYS grassroots team organize a Mission to Albany. Teach NYS brings hundreds of community members, teachers, rabbis, and students to meet with their state legislators and request funding for day schools.

“Legislators are bombarded all day by lobbyists and political operatives,” Watman said. “So legislators pay close attention when their constituents come in-person to explain why our schools need state funding.”This annual event complements Teach NYS’ Ambassador Network program, which pairs community members with legislators to build lasting, impactful relationships.

“Teach NYS Ambassadors give a human face and voice to New York State’s 1.7 million Jews, which is crucial for showing legislators that we’re more than just another interest group,” Teach NYS Director of Lay Network Development Avi Spitzer said. Consider Abe Sultan.

He’s no lobbyist or political operative—he works in real estate—but in February 2018, Abe was sitting in the office of Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman explaining why she should support security and STEM funding for New York day schools. Four months later in June, Abe brought the assembly-woman to the Yeshivah of Flatbush to see how the state’s STEM will be spent—in the school’s computer lab, robotics program, and math enrichment initiatives.

“She had never been inside a yeshivah before, but when I took her through, she was very impressed and reaffirmed her commitment to help in any way she could,” Abe said.Joey Braha is another one of Teach NYS’ roughly 50 Ambassadors; he is paired with State Senator James Skoufis, whose district in Orange County encompasses the heavily Satmar Hasidic village of Kiryas Joel. Braha said school visits by legislators go a long way towards dispelling myths about yeshivah day schools, such as Jewish schools are monolithic, ignore secular education, or are for wealthy families only.

“Elected officials may have a certain image of how a yeshivah operates—from the students to the administration to the curriculum,” Braha said. He continued, “That’s why it’s imperative we take the initiative and show legislators how a modern yeshivah functions. Once they witness firsthand that our children are well-versed not only in Judaic studies but also in STEM, English language, and the arts, then they generally understand what we would like to accomplish with their help. It’s crucial to have strong relationships with elected officials,” he added, “because that’s how we communicate the centrality of Jewish schools to our communities.

Fostering those relationships is what the Teach NYS Ambassador program is all about.”Joey Oved, another Teach NYS Ambassador, said building relation-ships with legislators is eminentlydoable. “It’s meeting with your assigned legislator once or twice per year, making a phone call or email every few months, and hosting them at your home or school once per year.”

All told, Oved said, it’s an investment of about 5 to 10 hours per year. Each hour Ambassadors invest has an outsized impact thanks to the hard work and expertise of the Teach NYS staff. “You don’t need to be a political genius or formulate the strategies because Executive Director Maury Litwack, Annie Watman, and Avi Spitzer have already figured that out,” Abe Sultan said, referring to the Teach NYS team. According to Abe, the staff pairs Ambassadors with legislators, coaches them on the policies, suggests when and where to schedule school visits, and gives regular reminders to contact their elected officials. Teach NYS Director of Lay Network Development Avi Spitzer said he works one-on-one with the Ambassadors to ensure they are fully equipped and comfortable with their roles.

Joey Oved said Ambassadors’ relationships with elected officials, like all meaningful relationships, should be long-term. For years, Oved has had a relationship with Tish James, former NYC Public Advocate. James’ help was instrumental in a successful push last year to create a $1 million kosher free lunch pilot program for pub-lic and nonpublic school students.

Last month, James took office as the New York Attorney General, and Oved said he looks forward to continue working with her for many years to come.According to Avi Spitzer, the high impact of the Teach NYS Ambassador Network program means they are always looking for more Ambassadors. “If you’re not sure about becoming an Ambassador, join our Mission to Albany on March 12, 2019 and try it out.

”The Missions to Albany make a huge difference, Joey Braha said. He related how two years ago the Teach NYS group was addressed by Governor Cuomo, who took the opportunity to announce $25 million in security funding for non-public schools. “It’s important to understand that the legislators in Albany, along with their staff, are keenly aware of the Governor’s where-abouts at all times. When Cuomo speaks to our group as he did then, that puts us on the map. I’m not aware of any other school group doing this.” And the fact that many participants choose to become Ambassadors is a nice bonus, Spitzer concluded. For more information please visit www.teachnys.org

Benyamin Mazoor moved to Beth Shemesh close to five years ago from a secular area in Israel so that his children can have an Orthodox education.  Under no circumstance was he able to find a school suitable for his children due to their Sephardic background. After searching for a proper solution, he was introduced to the distinguished great Tzadik and well known spiritual and major community leader Hagaon Rabbi Chaim Fogel Shlit”a.  Rabbi Fogel remembers and admires the love and concern of the first Grand Rabbi Yoel of Satmar O. B. M. had for our Sephardic and Yemenite brothers and sisters.  He told Mr. Mazoor that his only choice is to create a new Yeshivah for Sephardic children in Beth Shemesh and that he is obviously prepared to help him to make it a reality.

Within a year Talmud Torah Toras Chaim was established. Which is the only Ultra-Orthodox Sephardic School in Beth Shemesh and surrounding areas accommodating 70 students in six classrooms with a policy that  “No Child Will ever Be Left Behind”. This past year Mazoor also founded the first  Orthodox Sephardic Girls School with 30 students. A year ago Rabbi Shlomo Braun who has succeeded in assisting many organizations and individuals in the past 50 years, learned about the uniqueness of this school from some friends in Brooklyn and decided that on his next trip to Israel he will visit the Yeshivah.  During the last Chanukah season Rabbi Braun appeared unannounced to the Yeshiva, and Benyomin Mazoor gave him an impressive tour and invited Rabbi Braun to interview and test the children’s knowledge of their learnings.  Rabbi Braun having visited many Educational institutions in his lifetime was pleasantly surprised and considerably amazed at their behavior, self confidence and above all how much these children have absorbed in themselves the knowledge, respect and admiration of their Torah teachings.  The distinguished administrator, Mr Mazoor later shared with Rabbi Braun that the driver who transports morning & evening ten children from an area where there is no Orthodox education has not been paid for over one year.  it is unfortunately due to the severe financial burden on the Yeshiva and the poverty level of their parents that caused that the driver has not been paid. The driver gave an ultimatum that if he doesn’t receive the funds owed to him soon, he will have no alternative except to cease transportation services for these children, (which may have left them uneducated).  All other children of this school live in walking distance and have no need for transportation. 

Mazoor also mentioned to Rabbi Braun that the  small  house on Rechov Sinai 30/B in Beit Shemesh where the current Yeshiva has been for the past for years is unable to accommodate many additional children on the waiting list because there is no room for them. The School has an opportunity to purchase the house adjacent to them but needs a minimal fund of $100,000 for a down payment.

The first request about the transportation Rabbi Braun accommodated by bringing on the recent day of Purim several thousand dollars in cash! To pay out the entire balance owed to the driver. (See photo)  As Rabbi Braun presented him with the unexpected amount of money Mazoor stated, “it is extremely difficult to convince tourists from the USA to pay a visit to this outstanding school”.  He is certain that Rabbi Braun was a messenger sent by the one and only, and therefore came to visit our school earlier this year and returned again with the generous gift that he raised in the USA in the Boro Park in the main Satmar Congregation on 53rd Street.

Mr. Mazoor thanked Hashem for his unusual success in the past four years and prayed to almighty G-D that he be blessed with a few additional friends like Rabbi Braun. 

The second request is being addressed.  Everyones help is desperately needed. For additional information please call 0533122354 or email to Benyamin Mazoor at mmm96362@gmail.com

Gesher Yehuda Yeshiva, a K-8 special education school, has implemented a range of cutting edge improvements designed to offer a state-of-the-art education to children with learning challenges. After careful review of new pedagogical and therapeutic research, the changes are designed to contribute to an exciting learning environment.

Changes include:

• A sensory gym that will meet student needs in innovative ways. It will feature a variety of swings, a crawl tunnel and a rock climbing wall.

• A cutting-edge NeuroNet program designed to build neural pathways, enhance critical math, reading, and handwriting skills and facilitate higher-levels of learning.

• ClassStars a computer-based program that allows teachers to record behavior in real time facilitating classroom management.

• A 3 Cs program that rewards children for good behavior and diligence as it contributes to a joyful school learning environment.

• A fully elaborated information technology platform including smart classrooms, a computer lab and universal WiFi. Now in its 26th year, Gesher Yehuda Yeshiva educates children with learning differences in a comprehensive program.

A dual curriculum of Judaic and General studies is tailored to provide students with appropriate instruction within a personalized and encouraging setting. Gesher Yehuda views each student as an individual whose interests and abilities motivate their desire to learn.

Through a flexible and comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, Gesher devises learn-ing strategies based on students’ strengths. Our professional staff provides clearly structured, multi-sensory experiences in all subject areas. Small class settings, tailored groups and innovative individual instruction provide opportunities in a challenging yet nurturing environment. For more information about our programs or to schedule a tour please contact Sury Fleischman at info@gesheryehuda.org or visit gesheryehuda.org.

What’s GIGG’L?
GIGG’L is an acronym for Giving Inspiration Giving the Gift of Life. It is a Brooklyn-based organization, which specializes in Putting smiles and laughter on the faces of brave children, battling life-threatening illnesses!

How do they do this?
By arranging stunning parties and events, complete with delicious food and magnificent entertainment, allowing the patients and their families to escape harsh reality for a precious few hours.

To whom do they cater?
GIGG’L serves a plethora of families in the tristate area and beyond, with children who are battling dreaded diseases.

Who runs it?
GIGG’L is run by its Founder and President, Menachem Tzvi Roseman, under the guidance of its board of directors and with close rabbinic consultation.

How did Menachem Tzvi Roseman come to be involved in a project of this nature?
Menachem Tzvi began his career of cheering ill children when the daughter of a close friend, Rabbi Yisroel Landsman, took ill and battled a dreaded disease for several years. Throughout this long and arduous road, Menachem Tzvi continuously searched for ways and means to bring cheer and good spirits to Rabbi Landsman’s daughter, and her family, at large. Menachem Tzvi was there for them 24/7—liter-ally.Sadly, four years after Nechama was diagnosed, Rabbi Landsman was diagnosed, as well, with a dreaded disease and passed away only a few short months after his dear, beloved daughter.This experience, and his upbringing in a warm, caring home, where looking out for your friend, neighbor or acquaintance, and going the extra mile for them, was stan-dard protocol, provided Menachem Tzvi with the impetus to embark on this ambitious, arduous undertaking and create GIGG’L, which he founded in 2013.

Have you seen the organization in action?
We were at one of GIGG’L’s parties and it was absolutely amazing! I’m not sure what the kids enjoyed most, the beautiful array of happy lights, the superb props, the fantastic, colorful costumes, the delicious, plentiful food, the lively music, the trained, dedicated and professional volunteers, the exciting games, the fun toys, or the generous gifts that they distributed.

What I enjoyed most was the giggles and the smiles on the faces of the children and their families! We were awestruck by the outpouring of love and care exuded by GIGG’L, and this feeling is clearly reflected on the children’s radiant faces! It’s absolutely an amazing, mind-blowing experience! GIGG’L utilizes many avenues to stretch each dollar spent to the maximum. For example, the organization is staffed entirely by volunteers, which cuts down significantly on the costs. Another example, Menachem has built many valuable relationships with vendors and venues over the years and can often get a very reduced rate on services, products and venues—again significantly cutting down costs. Finally, GIGG’L does not employ professional fundraisers, ensuring that every dollar raised is directly applied toward helping the children and their families.

And yet, GIGG’L is dependent on the public’s generosity to continue their blessed work. It is the broader community that it depends on to fund their activities and enable them to continue to bring smiles and relief to the ill children and their families. If you would like to donate to GIGG’L, or perhaps would consider sponsoring a party, or would like to assist in any other way, please contact them! You’ll be glad you did. GIGG’L is a 501c3 approved organization.

To learn more about GIGG’L, please visit their webpage: www.giggl.org, or follow them on Instagram at giggl_official, or email Menachem Tzvi Roseman, directly at menachem@giggl.org. Please make checks out to: GIGG’L. Their mailing address is 515 East 9th street, Brooklyn, New York 11218.

Have you ever felt very relaxed when listening to music? Have you listened to music that instantaneously brought up strong feelings, or brought you back to a special time in your life? Have you felt a sense of inner strength or spirituality when listening to music? Have you sung a lullaby to help comfort a crying baby, or the alphabet song to teach a young child? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s because you have experienced the power of music.

Music can evoke emotions, memories, spirituality, social connections, a sense of security, and comfort, as well as provide a means of expressing feelings. Music also provides a fun way for children to learn. Music has a powerful impact on people, and for those reasons music therapy has served as a healing method for physical illnesses for generations. Music has the ability to neutralize negative feelings and enhance the body’s natural stress tolerance level. People of all ages are candidates for music therapy.

Traditionally, music therapists work in institutions, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools for children with special needs. Music therapy uses music as a vehicle to achieve non-musical goals. When a child has special needs, music may be one of the most powerful ways to reach him or her (we’ll use him from here on), and help him function at his full potential.

Music therapists work with individuals of all levels of abilities and challenges, including disorders such as autism spectrum, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental disorders, ADD and ADHD, to mention a few. Common music therapy goals include improving motor skills, communication, academic skills, social skills, attention span, improving behavior and mood, following directions, and eye contact. Music therapy can sometimes be covered through the I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan), Medicaid waiver reimbursements, and sometimes must be paid out of pocket.

Both sides of our brain experience the benefits of music, it bridges the gap between our brain’s right and left hemispheres, appealing to the whole mind. Music has the power to stimulate the senses, because when we experience music almost all our brain’s functions work at once. Children can more easily absorb information, and communicate better through music or song, and improve cognitive activity and self-awareness—which is a neurological dream come true, and which also helps explain music’s soothingly therapeutic benefits. While music has long been recognized as an effective form of therapy, parents, caregivers, and family members can use it to treat physical ailments, reduce stress, and to do a whole list of other things.

Listening to music helps develop the brain.Popular songs can be used to teach. You can take the song “BINGO” and change it to spell the child’s name. The tempo of a lullaby matches the tempo of a heartbeat. Lullabies can be used to comfort crying babies and help them feel secure. Incorporating lullabies into a bed-time ritual can help children make the difficult transition into sleep. Calm, quiet music can be used to reduce stress and enhance relaxation. Simply having relaxing music in the background can change the way you feel. Play relaxing music in the morning to reduce the stress of the morning routine. Even around dinner time, it can calm children, and help them unwind from school. This will help you relax as well.

Relaxing music can be used to reduce anxiety prior, during, or after surgery or in any medical situation where you or the child feels anxious. As children grow older and listen to more music, they will begin to have preferences. We all have favorite songs that we identify with. These songs may express an emotion that we feel, or talk about an experience we are coping with. Music is an expression of emotion and the words an expression of thought. Periodically, listen to your child’s favorite music with him.

This is a good way to communicate with your child. Asking why he enjoys a certain song can help you get a sense of things that you may not be aware of, or know about your child. Singing or playing music as a family can be a fun way to enjoy being together. Where words fail, music speaks. Music can change the world, because it can change people. It’s the one language we all speak.

In 2013, Governor Cuomo proposed a $2 billion bond titled The Smart School Bond Act. These general obligation bond funds, to be paid for by tax levy dollars, were earmarked for the construction of new schools and upgrading technology across the entire New York State school system. It was a major funding plan, usually reserved for new highways or dams.  There was just one problem: non-public schools were excluded from the bond proposal even though the Bond Act would be funded by our tax dollars.

In November 2013, the Sephardic Community Federation leadership received a call from the Catholic Conference. The Conference and Agudath Israel were focused on passing a School Tax Credit bill. They decided that the tax credit would be the only request from the State Legislature and Governor Cuomo, on behalf of non-public schools. That strategy precluded them from advocating for the inclusion of non-public schools (and yeshivot) as part of the Smart School Bond Act. For this reason, the Catholic Conference reached out to their friends, The Sephardic Community Federation (SCF). They asked us to spearhead securing the inclusion of funding for non-public schools in the proposed Bond Act. It is well known that a request like this usually takes months of lobbying by all of the affected constituents and most often, the efforts are not successful.

In this true “David versus Goliath” challenge, the road to success began with jelly donuts. SCF President Sam Sutton along with Co-Chairman Ron Tawil, received an invitation through the good auspices of our Assemblyman, Steven Cymbrowitz. The invitation was to enjoy a Hannukah morning get-together with the then Speaker of The State Assembly who truly enjoyed sufganiyot (jelly donuts). The Speaker would allow us to discuss one pressing issue with him.

Sam and Ron routinely nurture strong relationships with dozens of elected officials to promote the benefit and welfare of our community.  Essentially, they were being called upon to persuade the Speaker (the second most powerful man in New York State) to include an additional $75 million of funding to the Smart School Bond Act.

To their pleasant surprise, only four weeks later, the New York State Assembly proposed budget added $200 million to the Smart School Bond Act, and included non-public schools. The final version which was passed by the State Legislature in March 2014 (and approved by a public vote in November 2014) remained at $2 billion but was revised to include technology funding for all schools, including non-public schools.

From the date of that vote, it took four years to finalize the allocation details. The Sephardic Community Federation, along with Agudath Israel, were repeatedly called upon to ensure that our schools would not be excluded on any technicalities. The final result was that every school is eligible to apply for $196 per child for technology assistance from the state, in the same manner as they would receive aid for textbooks.

This is how two men, aided by the power of sufganiyot and working L’shem Shamayim, were successful in securing $28 million for yeshivot throughout the State of New York. 

The SCF develops relationships with legislators, and advocates on behalf of policies that benefit our community. Through cultivating these relationships, the SCF succeeds in making great strides for our community.