Families, during and after emergency situations such as Superstorm Sandy and now in the face of the Newtown shooting, are going through different phases of turmoil. On the basis of our experience in Israel with war and terrorism (seetraumaweb.org), we can point to some issues that can help parents take care of their children.
People usually function in quite effective ways to survive danger. This is due to our “survival” mode that is built-in our nervous system. Survival mode changes the way our brain and nervous system work and helps us function in quite effective ways to avert danger or cope with danger with minimal damage.
Before the 1970s, Oriental medicine was only practiced in the US by immigrants who brought the knowledge of its practice with them. Until that time, acupuncture was basically ignored by non-Oriental Americans.
All that changed in 1971 when President Nixon sent a group of diplomats to China. During that trip, a reporter from the New York Times had to be admitted to a Beijing hospital for an emergency appendectomy. He wrote about how a Chinese doctor in the hospital used acupuncture to alleviate his post-operative pain.
His report opened the eyes of the American people to the benefits of Oriental medicine. More articles about how the Chinese use acupuncture during various surgeries and in the treatment of a wide array of diseases started to surface. Before the end of 1971, the first Western school of acupuncture was established. In 1972, acupuncture was legalized in the US.
The Beth Torah family has lost more than our rabbi. We’ve lost our spiritual guide, our leader, our father. Rabbi Zvulun Lieberman has nurtured our congregation since its inception over 50 years ago. He has molded Beth Torah into a congregation of inclusion, tolerance, brotherhood and understanding. Always sensitive and respectful of our customs and traditions, he has safeguarded our Sephardic heritage.
How fortunate we are to have found a rabbi who represented all facets of knowledge. He was an expert in Torah studies and halachah. He was fluent in many languages. An Intellectual, and student of the renaissance he was well versed in Shakespeare’s works. He understood the financial world and its intricacies. He was very current on all global events. He was even a sports enthusiast, with a special place in his heart for baseball. His understanding of the world allowed him to relate to everyone, from the greatest scholars to the simplest layman.
Our mission at Ahi Ezer Yeshiva has been consistent for more than 50 years. We offer our students Academic excellence, Torah-based values, fluency in the Hebrew language and a strong Jewish identity.
The members of The Ahi Ezer Board are a unique group; Hy Bunny Escava, President, Albert Ayal, Vice President, Aslan Bawabeh, Treasurer, and Eli Levy are dedicated to the success and growth of our children. Some of the members contributed the seeds to the development of Ahi Ezer. They are indispensable in helping us achieve our goals. Their relentless efforts in day to day operations safeguard our yeshiva’s mission now and for the years to come.
Barbara Levine Offenbacher’s book “First Words: A Parent’s Step-by-Step Guide to Helping a Child with Speech and Language Delays” gives parents the information they need to allow them to stimulate their child’s speech and language. Parents are given actual samples of how children with autism and other language delays respond differently to questions and how their responses can be redirected in order to start building connections.
Offenbacher explains terms such as speech and language, typical language delay, PDD-Pervasive Developmental Delay, ASD-Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and ABA-Applied Behavioral Analysis.
Community member Joseph Aboudi recently wrote a book about his adventures as a young man in Syria and his fight for the creation of Israel.
Following World War II, after 6,000,000 of our people perished, nothing was more important than rescuing Holocaust survivors languishing in DP camps and elsewhere and bringing them to Eretz Yisrael, The Promised Land.
The Palyam, the naval branch of the Palmach, striking arm of the Haganah, rescued over 70,000 Ma’apilim (refugees) from various points in Europe eluding the British Blockade and taking them to Palestine. Most were caught and sent to Cyprus as detainees but were later released after the State of Israel was declared.
In the center of this rescue effort was teenager Joseph Aboudi from Aleppo, Syria, whose family members in Marseilles, France, had been sent to Auschwitz. Joe was mad. He believed that the only way Jews could survive was through the creation of a sovereign Jewish nation.
Fifty-seven Yeshivah of Flatbush families were displaced from their homes, due to Hurricane Sandy. In the aftermath of the storm, the entire YOF family mobilized to help.
Every student and class in the yeshivah participated. Students, parents and staff responded immediately as students Natalie Sidaoui and Celia Tawil kicked off the effort with a clothing drive, gathering warm outerwear and other items which were distributed quickly to those in need. A team of high school seniors, with faculty, ran to pitch in with the massive cleanup needed in a teacher’s deluged home. One hundred sophomores and juniors gave out meals and blankets at a community center in Brighton Beach to stranded senior citizens.
In August 2002, just two weeks after his 24th birthday, Jeffrey J. Cohen A”H passed away. Ten years have gone by since then, yet it feels like yesterday.
Jeffrey was more than a son, brother, and friend. He had the ability to make you feel at easeeven when you were having a bad dayjust by standing next to you. He could make you laugh when you wanted to cry. His presence had that effect.
He loved all of his nieces and nephews and they adored him. Their faces lit up every time they saw him. He, too, always had a big smile on his face. He loved to do special things for them on their birthdays.
He had a passion for music. He played his guitar for them, and taught them how to play. They loved him so much, that his passing had a tremendous impact on their lives. He was also very loved by his cousins.
If you close your eyes and take a deep breath as you enter Super Nuts, on Kings Highway, the aromas of exotic dried fruits, nuts from Israel and roasted seeds minglemaking you feel like you’re in a market in the Holy Land. Upon opening your eyes, you’ll see the beautifully arranged, vast array of chocolates, candies, dried fruits, nuts and seeds.
Using a special roasting machine, everything is made fresh daily on the premises. As the name of the store implies, the assortment of nuts is huge. Each has a distinct flavor, texture, and aroma. Whether you love peanuts, cashews, almonds or more exotic nuts; you’ll find them all at Super Nuts. Every day a new study is released extolling the health benefits of nuts. Almonds are nutrient dense. Pistachios are packed with fiber and walnuts have special properties, as well. Of course, snacking on nuts is not only healthy, it’s delicious, too.
Their seeds come straight from Israel. In addition to sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, Super Nuts sells more unusual seeds including water melon seeds, which are delicious and contain iron, potassium and vitamins.
Some people love salty snacks, others prefer sweet. Super Nuts’ selection of nuts will satisfy your salty cravings. Their candy, decadent chocolates and dried fruits will satisfy your sweet tooth and their amazing chocolate covered pretzels will take care of your desire for both salty and sweet, plus they make the perfect gift for the hostess who has everything.
The dried fruit is perfect for snacking and/or cooking. From dried bananas to other exotic flavors, you’ll have to see the selection to believe it. Super nuts has platters for office and holiday parties, as well as any other special occasion, and deliver their sumptuous treats right to your door. If you order in advance, they’ll create a platter just for you that your guests will talk about for weeks to come.
Right now, they’re having a special Hanukah promotion–spend $100 in the store and receive a free gift. Walk in todayyou’re sure to feel like a kid in a candy shop.
Super Nuts is located at 724 Kings Highway. Call them at (718) 872-5490 to discuss your holiday needs.
There once was a young Japanese man who wanted to become a Zen master. So he sought out a famous Zen teacher and asked him how long it would take to reach his goal.
“If you study really hard and give me your complete concentration and attention 24 hours a day, it will take ten years,” said the teacher.
“Ten years,” exclaimed the pupil. “Suppose I really give it everything I have day and night; then how long will it take?” asked the young man.
“Twenty years,” replied the teacher.
“No wait, you don’t understand. I’ll give it everything I have; I’ll follow every instruction to the letter; then how long will it take?” asked the pupil.
Sarah’s Tent has delighted the community in Deal for the past two decades with succulent mazza, delicious sesame chicken and mouth-watering bourekas. These are just a sampling of the gourmet items sold at this fabulous kosher gourmet grocery. For years Brooklyn residents have hoped for a Sarah’s Tent closer to home and were thrilled when they heard that Sarah’s Tent finally opened a second location in the heart of Brooklyn.
In addition to the main gourmet shop, Sarah’s Tent is proud to announce the upcoming grand opening of its new dairy caf. With beautiful white leather couches and a relaxing ambiance, customers can enjoy a delicious lunch while their takeout/grocery order is filled next door. The reasonably priced caf offers mouth-watering sambusak, a variety of salads, wraps, specialty drinks, coffee, cappuccino, espresso and fresh ice cream.
The caf will also feature a pandimiga station, a delicious South American specialty sandwich, which is served on very thin bread in many different varieties. Wi-Fi service will also be available, contributing to the “hot spot” atmosphere of the caf.
“We took great pains to create an inviting atmosphere that will enable our customers to relax and enjoy our new caf, while our dedicated staff fills their grocery order. We are excited to be able to serve the community all year round,” said owner Jonah Shemueli.
For those who love Sarah’s Tent in Deal, you can expect the same warm and friendly service in the new Kings Highway location and you will find the same fabulous food, including: kibbe, lahamagine, yebra, mecshe, deli meats, marinated meats, cigars, sesame chicken, roasted potatoes and new gourmet sauces.
Customers can view the clean preparation of the food from the refrigerated kitchen overlooking Kings Highway. In addition, there is a grocery filled with everyday essentials, a fresh meat department, freshly ground spices, cakes, dried fruits and nuts.
One customer said, “Every summer my family looks forward to all the delicious foods Sarah’s Tent has to offer. We are thrilled that we can now enjoy their delicacies all year round.”
If you reside in New Jersey in Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean or Union County, and suffered physical or economic damage due to Hurricane Sandy, you may be eligible for a disaster loan.
Types of Disaster Loans
Home Disaster Loans
These are loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate or personal property owned by the victim. Renters are eligible for their personal property losses, including automobiles.
Business Physical Disaster Loans
These are loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, synagogues, and private universities are also eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
These are working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
This assistance is available only to entities and their owners who cannot provide for their own recovery from non-government sources, as determined by the US Small Business Administration (SBA).
Applicants must have a credit history acceptable to SBA. Applicants must show the ability to repay all loans. Collateral is required for physical loss loans over $14,000 and all EIDL loans over $5,000. SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but requires you to pledge what is available.
By law, the interest rates depend on whether each applicant has credit available elsewhere. An applicant does not have credit available elsewhere when SBA determines the applicant does not have sufficient funds or other resources, or the ability to borrow from non-government sources, to provide for its own disaster recovery. An applicant, which SBA determines to have the ability to provide for his or her own recovery is deemed to have credit available elsewhere. Interest rates are fixed for the term of the loan. The interest rates applicable for this disaster are:
The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. However, the law restricts businesses with credit available elsewhere to a maximum 3 year term. SBA sets the installment payment amount and corresponding maturity based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
Loan Amount Limits
Home Loans: SBA regulations limit home loans to $200,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate and $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Subject to these maximums, loan amounts cannot exceed the verified uninsured disaster loss.
Business Loans: The law limits business loans to $2,000,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate, inventories, machinery, equipment and all other physical losses. Subject to this maximum, loan amounts cannot exceed the verified uninsured disaster loss.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans:
The law limits EIDL(s) to $2,000,000 for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit. SBA also considers potential contributions that are available from the business and/or its owner(s) or affiliates.
Business Loan Ceiling: The $2,000,000 statutory limit for business loans applies to the combination of physical, economic injury, mitigation and refinancing, and applies to all disaster loans to a business and its affiliates for each disaster. If a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2,000,000 statutory limit.
Loan Eligibility
Uninsured Losses: Only uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses are eligible. Any insurance proceeds which are required to be applied against outstanding mortgages are not available to fund disaster repairs and do not reduce loan eligibility. However, any insurance proceeds voluntarily applied to any outstanding mortgages do reduce loan eligibility.
Ineligible Property: Secondary homes, personal pleasure boats, airplanes, recreational vehicles and similar property are not eligible, unless used for business purposes. Property such as antiques and collections are eligible only to the extent of their functional value. Amounts for landscaping and swimming pools are limited.
Noncompliance: Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans are not eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain flood and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA or Federally insured loans.
If your loan application is approved, you may be eligible for additional funds to cover the cost of improvements that will protect your property against future damage. Examples of improvements include retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps, etc. Mitigation loan money would be in addition to the amount of the approved loan, but may not exceed 20% of total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements. It is not necessary for the description of improvements and cost estimates to be submitted with the application. SBA approval of the mitigating measures will be required before any loan increase.
SBA can refinance all or part of prior mortgages that are evidenced by a recorded lien, when the applicant (1) does not have credit available elsewhere, (2) has suffered substantial uncompensated disaster damage (40% or more of the value of the property), and (3) intends to repair the damage.
Homes: Homeowners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing liens or mortgages on homes, in some cases up to the amount of the loan for real estate repair or replacement.
Businesses: Business owners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing mortgages or liens on real estate, machinery and equipment, in some cases up to the amount of the loan for the repair or replacement of real estate, machinery, and equipment.
You may use your SBA disaster loan to relocate. The amount of the relocation loan depends on whether you relocate voluntarily or involuntarily. If you are interested in relocation, an SBA representative can provide you with more details on your specific situation.
To protect each borrower and the Agency, SBA may require you to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance. By law, borrowers whose damaged or collateral property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain flood insurance for the full insurable value of the property for the life of the loan.
For more information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance customer service center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit www.sba.gov.
You may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) at www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Magen David had the wonderful and unique privilege of hosting Gilad Shalit and his unit for their final intensive therapy, to “close the circle” of the trauma that affected us all in June 2006. Fourteen members of this unit of the Armored Brigade of the IDF and three career IDF officers specializing in dealing with post-traumatic stress therapy were welcomed by MDY and the Syrian community of Brooklyn for 10 days.
The members of Gilad Shalit’s unit were met at JFK Airport by Dr. Chagit Hadar, Hebrew Department Chair at MDY and Ms. Elyse Nadjar, Director of Hesed Activities. They were welcomed to our school and our community as befitting of the men that dedicate themselves to the security of the State of Israel and Jews around the world. The primary purpose of the unit’s visit to NY was to complete the therapy they started after Gilad was kidnapped.
During that incursion, Hanan Barak and Pavel Slocker were killed and Roi Amitay was severely injured. The trauma of that event has affected these men and indeed the entire Jewish world.
As a community, we recognize the need to not only provide for soldiers in the midst of combat, but also to help them recover from the emotional and physical traumas of the experience of war as well.
In heartwarming welcome ceremonies MDY embraced the members of the unit, demonstrating true Syrian hospitality. With thanks to Hashem, we welcomed these heroes to our community. Rabbi Sutton, our Rosh Yeshivah imparted to the students the tremendous importance of Hakarat Hatob (giving thanks). Rabbi Zucker, principal of the high school, welcomed the men as giborim (heroes). In true modesty, the soldiers commented that they don’t feel like heroes because this is something that every one does in Israel. It is just a part of life. Yoav Belkis, the unit commander at the time of the incident, commented that the warm embrace of the community served to reinforce their commitment to serve. “In Israel we feel like Israelis, but here we are part of the Jewish world.”
Rabbi Dr. Baruch Hilsenrath reminded the soldiers and the students that three years ago Gilad Shalit’s father stood in the same auditorium to ask for the community’s help and support in securing his son’s release. At the time, Rabbi Hilsenrath promised Mr. Shalit that one day we would be celebrating Gilad’s safe return.
On Friday morning, MDY welcomed students from NY and NJ to a panel discussion with the unit, to hear from the men themselves what it means to serve in the IDF and how they dealt with the trauma of the devastating events. We heard from each unit member. They discussed their commitment to the IDF’s principle of leaving no man behind; and the importance of serving in the IDF and protecting their country and their people against ruthless enemies. They also discussed the camaraderie that is established between soldiers and how that crosses over between secular and religious Jews, creating bonds and establishing unity. The men discussed how moral conflicts arise in dealing with an enemy that uses children as shields and how they have put their own lives in danger to save Palestinian children. And we heard from Gilad Shalit, as he recounted the difficulty of the isolation during his years in captivity. He is thankful for the efforts of the Jews around the world who demonstrated, lobbied and prayed for his release, even as he struggles to have a semblance of normalcy in his everyday life.
At the end of the school day, hundreds of community members came watch the Magen David Varsity Basketball team play against the unit. Although the men of the unit might have preferred a soccer match, they held their own against our champion team. The high spirits of the crowd and their rousing cheers bolstered the efforts of the soldiers and a great time was had by all.
The unit participated in Shabbat services at three local synagogues: Ahaba v’Ahva, Shaare Zion and Congregation Hokhmah U’Mussar. At every location, shuls overflowed with crowds of well-wishers wanting a glimpse of the unit and especially Gilad Shalit, who for many, represents the answered prayers of years of beseeching HaKadosh Barukh Hu for his safe return.
Throughout the week in NY, Magen David provided a place for the men to receive their intense therapy and many of the men commented on how much the therapy was helping them. On Rosh Hodesh Heshvan, the unit was welcomed by our boys to celebration in our atrium. It was an emotionally charged moment for our boys and the entire unit. MDY also arranged for the men to appear at Yale University, Yeshivah University and to spend their final Shabbat in NYC welcomed by Kehilat Jeshurun. While the unit appreciated visiting communities throughout the tri-state area, they always felt they were returning home to Magen David Yeshivah High School.
As we bade the men a tearful farewell, we wished them a safe journey and strength and purpose in their endeavors in the IDF and as the individuals we had come to know and care for. They presented Magen David with a gift of appreciation for our hospitality.
The men have since written to us to check on our entire community’s status after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. They wanted us to know that their thoughts and prayers are with us. They said it is now our turn to be “giborim.”
What is beauty? Beauty is that which is perceived as being attractive. Beauty is also defined as the quality present in a person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind.
And as far as I am concerned, “beauty” is a trap. When you buy into the idea of good looks and beauty, you are selling yourself short.
Of course, there are many different kinds of beauty, like internal beauty, sweetness, and kindness, but I am talking about external beauty, that which is perceived in your looks. If we buy into that beauty, we are heading for a great falland, in my opinion, most women do.
We see models and actresses, and love to read beauty magazines. However, the movies we watch have fabulous makeup artists and trick photography and the models that are in the magazines are photographed in special flattering lights.
We are inundated with ideas about how the media wants us to look. The media would like us to believe that every woman should wake up without wrinkles, looking younger than her age. Many men now have plastic surgery just to look younger for their work, afraid of losing their jobs to younger men. This is the reality we live in.
We should remember that every commercial, ad and photograph of a beautiful person in the media has been digitally altered and retouched.
In this fake world of beauty, people do not age. They look the same or younger. It would be a cardinal sin to actually look our age, and when we fall short of that, somehow we’ve disappointed everyone, especially ourselves. Physical appearance seems to be the most important thing.
Why are we adults trying to have teenage bodies and faces? We should get over this crazy idea. After all, nothing is more beautiful than realizing who you truly are.
Think about the ads and the way we are bombarded with ideas about how we are supposed to look and who we are supposed to be. In many ways, these ads are like propaganda. The kind of beauty they represent is a trap.
Models without makeup are pretty, but even they don’t look like the airbrushed ads they appear in.
Confidence is beautiful. I am not saying I don’t try to look as beautiful as I can. I am just saying I won’t buy into their kind of beauty. True beauty is happiness and knowing what your true values are; who you are and who you want to be and standing by these values. You don’t have to be any certain age to accomplish this. Although aging comes with a few lines around your eyes, it also brings wisdom and you become more comfortable with yourself.
Everyone is trying to hold onto what was instead of being present for what is. Being who you really are at present is the best deal there is, and minimal makeup, to bring out your natural beauty, always looks better than too much makeup.
We are lucky to be living in a culture where we can live longer. Look in the mirror and love ourselves. What is more beautiful than that?
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Sylvia Hamowy is the owner of Reflections Cosmetics. She is a professional makeup artist, beauty editor and former radio show host. She is featured in the International Whos Who of Entrepreneurs.
Before the 1970s, Oriental medicine was only practiced in the US by immigrants who brought the knowledge of its practice with them. Until that time, acupuncture was basically ignored by non-Oriental Americans.
The Beth Torah family has lost more than our rabbi. We’ve lost our spiritual guide, our leader, our father. Rabbi Zvulun Lieberman has nurtured our congregation since its inception over 50 years ago. He has molded Beth Torah into a congregation of inclusion, tolerance, brotherhood and understanding. Always sensitive and respectful of our customs and traditions, he has safeguarded our Sephardic heritage.
Our mission at Ahi Ezer Yeshiva has been consistent for more than 50 years. We offer our students Academic excellence, Torah-based values, fluency in the Hebrew language and a strong Jewish identity.
Sutton, our Rosh Yeshivah imparted to the students the tremendous importance of Hakarat Hatob (giving thanks). Rabbi Zucker, principal of the high school, welcomed the men as giborim (heroes). In true modesty, the soldiers commented that they don’t feel like heroes because this is something that every one does in Israel. It is just a part of life. Yoav Belkis, the unit commander at the time of the incident, commented that the warm embrace of the community served to reinforce their commitment to serve. “In Israel we feel like Israelis, but here we are part of the Jewish world.”
