Tournament Champions
Girls Soccer: 3rd and 4th Grades
Helen Ashkenazi, Nina Shamah, Jayne Ades, Alexis Menaham, Ziva Saada and Shirley Goldenberg
Boys Football:
3rd and 4th Grades
Abe Mosseri, Adam Heaney, Joseph Heaney, Uzi Heaney, Eric Cytryn, Ivor Braka and Steven Nasar
It began 35 years ago. Thats when they stopped speaking. Each one claims that theyve been angry with the other, on and off, since childhood. Apart, they are able to recount stories of misunderstandings that evolved into arguments that grew into a feud that resulted in two sisters, now 96 and 94 years old, fueling their anger into a state of permanent combustion until they could no longer bear to share anything: not even a conversation.
This is a true but extreme case of anger triumphing. We all get hot under the collar from time to time. Were human beings with a bucket load of emotions. However, holding on to anger can be devastating in more ways than one.
Living in anger leads to frustration, misery and troubled relationships in your personal life. In business, anger lowers performance levels and stifles both creativity and potential.
I have met very few people who prefer or choose to be angry. Most of us react and then get stuck or hijacked by our own negative emotions. For those who are truly interested in letting go of negative emotions in general, and anger specifically, the trick is in the first minute.
Engaging Lectures and Fabulous Food
Summertimes and great food! Magen David of Union Square is taking care of both with a weekly Monday night barbecue and lecture program that jump started summer in the city and continues to be a brilliant success.
Each Monday night, approximately 60 people gather at MDUS for Minha and Arbit followed by an amazing lecture given by their summer scholar in residence, Rabbi Avi Harari. Some of the topics have ranged from Maimonedian approaches to life, finding ones soul mate and what it means to follow G-ds will. The barbecue and learning program at MDUS is a chance to form and sustain friendships through learning Torah and enjoying good food in a warm atmosphere, said Rabbi Harari.
Over 600 people gathered to celebrate Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) in grand style at the 33rd Anniversary Dinner of American Friends of Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai. Each year, Ateret Cohanim honors individuals who have dedicated themselves to supporting the re-establishment of thriving Jewish communities in and around the Old City of Jerusalem.
Ateret Cohanim has restored a number of renowned yeshivot, in the Old City and its outlying areas, which has ensured a vibrant future for generations of Jews to come. The organization has successfully rekindled the flame of Jewish life in the heart and soul of Jerusalem.
A palpable electricity filled the room as this years honorees were assembled on the dais. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Chaim Leibtag who introduced each awardee. The recipients of the prestigious Bonei Yerushalayim Award were Shoshana Hikind, Executive Vice President of Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai and Dr. Morris and Rickie Platt.
I am most grateful to Hashem for the opportunity I have had for so many years to stand by our courageous brethren striving to keep all of Jerusalem united under Israeli sovereignty. It is my fervent hope to be able to continue to reach many more American Jews with the message that we must step up to the plate if Yerushalayim is to remain our eternal and undivided capital, declared Mrs. Hikind.
Dr. Morris and Rickie Platt have been exceptionally generous supporters of Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai, Chabad centers around the globe, and have made significant personal contributions to many other wonderful organizations.
This years Oheiv Yisroel Awardees included Helen Freedman, Executive Director of Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI), and Shlomo and Aviva Mostofsky. Ms. Freedman said, I get great pleasure from planning and leading the AFSI semi-annual chizuk (strength) tour of Israel. Our participants travel through Israel and provide succor to the fearless Jews who live in Judea and Samaria.
Shlomo Z. Mostofsky is a family law attorney in Brooklyn and his wife Aviva is a reading specialist. They count Ateret Cohanim as one of their favorite organizations.
A new and highly enthusiastic generation of Jewish leaders were introduced to the audience. Michelle Laufer and Rachel Zehava Ruchlamer were presented with the Young Leadership Professionals Award. Hailing from a family with a strong commitment and love for Jerusalem, Michelle has been in the forefront of planning numerous events for Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai.
Its such an honor to receive this award. I love helping the precious Ateret Cohanim children in the Old City and cant wait to do another young leadership event to raise money for their activities, said Ms. Laufer.
Together, we can put more smiles on the faces of the beautiful children living in the Old City, proclaimed Rachel Zehava Ruchlamer, a 30-year old teacher from New Jersey, as she received her award. I congratulate Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai on 33 years of keeping Jerusalem united and making it a better and safer place for today and tomorrow, she added.
In addition to redeeming land in and around the Old City of Jerusalem, Ateret Cohanim, which was founded by Matityahu HaCohen Dan, establishes educational centers, provides assistance in the renovation of old buildings, installs and maintains security systems and initiates a variety of other Jewish educational projects in an effort to revitalize Jerusalem.
Everyone going to Israel is urged to take one of Ateret Cohanims fascinating tours. For more information visit www.jerusalemchai.org.
Celebrating 28 Years
The Annual Aleh Foundation Gala took place in the ballroom of the Museum of Jewish Heritage, where beautifully attired guests gathered to celebrate 28 years of service to disabled children.
TV and radio talk show host Zev Brenner was the Master of Ceremonies. He introduced a line-up of special guests including the nights award recipients, NYS Senator Dean G. Skelos, Dr. Jeffrey Wisoff, Jack and Violet Harounian, and Drs. Andrew and Galina Zaretsky. The event was dedicated in loving memory of the late Moshe Ben Michael, Mike Silverstein, brother of our beloved friend and supporter, Stanley Silverstein.
Zev Brenner kicked off the evening by calling upon Senator Dean Skelos who spoke eloquently about Alehs accomplishments, followed by the events Medical Leadership Awardee, Dr. Jeffrey Wisoff.
Jack and Violet Harounian, honorary board members and two of the hardest working philanthropists in the Jewish community, received a beautiful plaque in recognition of their unflagging support. Zev then called upon the Humanitarian Awardees, Drs. Galina and Andrew Zaretsky.
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik spoke about the wonderful work Aleh Foundation does. The rabbis profound soul shined through each of his carefully selected words during his powerful speech.
Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, a Foundation Rabbinical Board member and supporter of many years, sang the national anthems of both the United States and Israel, as he has done so many times in the past. He then sang the Hashkava in memory of Mike Silverstein and presented a congressional certificate to Nina Miner and their daughter and son-in-law Leslie and Michael Kule. The Silversteins have generously sponsored a wing in Aleh Negev in loving memory of Chana Emunah Kule.
Sam Amster, a board member, drew the winning ticket in the evenings raffle.
You can join our wonderful supporters, friends and honorees in supporting the worlds most worthy institution for disabled children by sponsoring vital medical equipment. Visit alehfoundationusa.org/prg_eqiupment.html.
ALEH FOUNDATION
5317 13th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
718-851-4596
800-317-ALEH
www.alehfoundationusa.org
I was recently privileged to participate in the NY Road Runners Achilles Hope and Possibility five mile run on behalf of the Special Childrens Center.
The Special Childrens Center is an amazing organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with special needs. They provide support for the children and their families. I know that it will be a day I know I will remember the race forever, not simply because it was the first race I ever ran, but rather because of Victoria, a 9 year old girl I had the privilege to cross the finish line with.
Eleven Jews are pedaling and peddlingtheir message across the country and another three dozen bicyclists will join them at segments along the way. They are participating in the Hazon Cross-USA Ride, a 10 week journey across America.
Their mission is to have the government make healthy food systems a priority. Theyre collecting signatures on a petition, which will be presented to the White House and US Department of Agriculture. They will talk with Jewish community groups about sustainable farming and meet with farmers to learn about sustainable agriculture.
During the past decade, The Shehebar Sephardic Center has placed rabbis in eight Italian cities. Each is helping the Sephardic community in his city preserve the past, and stay enlightened so community members can share their Jewish heritage with future generations.
Rabbi Sam Kassin, Dean of the Shehebar Sephardic Center, recently visited each of these rabbis to provide support and advice. Rabbi Kassin landed in Milano, during Lag BOmer, where he met with Rabbi Eliyahu Berenbaum, who has been the SSC rabbi in Torino for two years.
Helping 2,000 Men, Women and Children Every Month
Sarah Herzog Hospital, established in 1894, is Israels foremost center for geriatric treatment and research. With 330 beds, its the third largest hospital in Jerusalem. The hospital specializes in the full range of problems associated with agingacute medical problems; physical rehabilitation; psychogeriatrics.
Focus on Safety and Provide Guidance
As our teens begin a new school year, the time we spend with them will be greatly reduced. High school hours are long, socializing is of the utmost importance to them, and then there is homework. By the time Shabbat rolls around, many young adults are too tired to engage with family members, much less their parents. And yet, we know that the common denominator among teens that do well academically and socially, stay healthy and drug-free, is that they have a close relationship with Mom and Dad.
Teens need to be connected to their parents during this time of exploration. If theyre not, they will find something else to hold onto. They need us to help them navigate barriers, to answer questions and to discuss problems. They also need space, so they can begin to make decisions for themselves.
Hundreds of kites flew against the clear blue sky, as over 1,000 community members joined together for a fabulous afternoon in the sun. The event was Kites for a Cure 2012, now in its fifth year, and it was held to heighten everyones awareness about the fight against lung cancer.
Adults and children were thrilled to take part in the fun, uplifting afternoon benefiting Elliots Legacy Uniting against Lung Cancer. Elliots Legacy has set the precedent as the event of the summer. Many children are already looking forward to the next event.
Unfortunately, people are not aware that lung cancer is the number one cancer killer. Our objective is to make Dads legacy the cure for lung cancer. Reaching that goal would be a true tribute to Elliots Chalme, said his children.
The morning began with an energizing start. Over 70 women exercised, while enjoying the beautiful view of the seashore. The women were invigorated by an array of exercise classes with Michal Cheney.
Stand in front of any makeup counter and you will see that there are hundreds of lip, eye and nail colors. If you are in a department store there may be thousands of colors. How do you know which one is right for you? What you choose can make a drastic difference in your skin tone and your overall appearance. A shade that is wrong for you can make you look pale and washed out. On mature skin it can highlight wrinkles and age you 10 years. Knowing how to choose the right hues is vital for you to look your best.
With a Night of Fun, Food and Old Friends
Hillel Yeshivas Class of 2002 recently met for their 10 year high school reunion. What was unique about this reunion was that the organizers, alumni Millie Marcus and Gitta (Sultan) Kaplan, opened the guest list up to students and teachers who attended and/or taught at Hillel Yeshiva while the Class of 2002 was there.
Bullying Can Have Tragic Repercussions
Very soon, children will be trading sun and sand for paper and pencils as they return to the classroom for the start of a new school year. For some young people, this is a time of great stress and anxiety, because going back to school means going back to being bullied. Bullying has become a problem which can lead to tragic repercussions. That is why my colleagues and I are working hard to create effective anti-bullying initiatives. We need to protect our children and teens, not just from being teased and picked on, but from the emotional and psychological effects that can last a lifetime.
The 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed that more than 20% of students, nationwide, in grades 9 through 12 experienced bullying. Thats only slightly less than one quarter of all the high school students in the US.
