Childhood and teen obesity in America has gotten so out of hand that it’s been labeled an epidemic. Some people feel that this language is a little strong or misleading, but it doesn’t take a particularly observant person to notice the staggering increase in obese children and teenagers we’re seeing year after year. While it’s easy to point the blame at schools, parents and the children, themselves, one thing about the trend is clear—it needs to be reversed.
In Chinese medicine, scars represent an actual blockage in energetic circulation. Many aspects of Chinese healing rely on a system of meridians, or pathways, which energy or qi (pronounced: chee) flow freely through and connect with our organs. Imagine these channels are like the vascular or nervous systems that transport necessary blood or impulses to every area of the body.
On the 69th anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 2013, my 6th grade history class at Magen David Yeshivah (MDY) experienced a unique event. They had spent ten months learning about World War II, extensively researching Pearl Harbor Day and Yom HaShoah and discussing their findings and thoughts about these special days that are part of American Jewish history.
There are only 600 Jews living there today, yet at one point in time, Jews were the heart of Portugal’s economic and intellectual development. Once a country concentrated with Jews, Portugal is filled with Jewish history: a history of success, happiness, persecution, despair, and reconstruction.
The year was 1953. Right after the development of the life-saving Polio vaccine was announced, the Minneapolis Lakers beat the NY Knicks in the seventh NBA Championship, and Sir Edmund Hillary became the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, eight students reached an important and historical moment in their own lives by becoming the first graduating class of Magen David Yeshivah Elementary School (MDY).
Remember squirming to get comfortable in a classroom chair fitted with a side arm for writing? Squirm no more, thanks to a “Smart Cushion” that easily attaches to the seat. Ever struggle to get a backpack on over a jacket? Piece of cake now, thanks to the all-in-one JackPack. Ever watch a roof being shingled and wonder if there was a faster way to get the job done? Roll-A-Roof cuts time and saves money. But don’t look for these products in a local store just yet. These winning ideas were developed by students in Magen David Yeshivah Celia Esses High School’s tenth grade Entrepreneurship Program, which culminates in a business contest.
As we roll into summer, the days are getting longer. With daylight savings time, sunset is really late. For most families, especially those with little children, it is really inconvenient to begin the Friday night meal at 9:00 or 9:30. So, many people take advantage of the halakha that permits us to begin Shabbat on Friday afternoon after pelag haminha.
Defining himself as a passionate Jewish educator, Rabbi Yosef Bitton has taken command of Congregation Ohel David and Shlomo, adding spiritual guidance that has had a clear and meaningful impact on the community in just six months. Attendance is up and the synagogue now has a full activity agenda that draws in members of the community and motivates them to be involved and engaged in a way they never have before.
This year, Hillel commenced on the construction of our latest additions, Founders’ Hall and a state-of-the-art Auditorium. What is Founders’ Hall? The hall is a testimony to the leadership of Hillel Yeshiva’s founding fathers: Mr. Saul E. Ashkenazi A”H, Mr. Ely Ashkenazi A”H and Mr. Morris I. Franco A”H. Ralph Tawil, Vice President.
Established in June 2012, the NYC Community EMS Volunteer Ambulance Corp (CEMSVAC), under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Ezra Max, was put to the test during Sandy.
Yitzhak Rabin assumed office as the first native born Israeli Prime Minister. Rabin was born in Jerusalem on March 1, 1922. Before he got involved in politics he was an Israeli statesman and soldier. In 1968,after he retired from the army, he became Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, and during this time he formed amazing relationships with many US leaders. In 1974 he was elected prime minister.
Gesher Yehuda Yeshiva recently held its 21st Annual Bake Sale benefiting both the elementary school and Yeshivah Prep High School students. The months of preparation were well worth the effort. A steady group of community women have been organizing this event for over a decade and a half, dedicating themselves year after year.
