Ezer Mizion Doing the Impossible
It was a shattering story that could have ended in tragedy—were it not for the intervention of special people who cared enough to do the impossible.
*Mike, a father of a large family, was popular and well loved in his community. He successfully ran a network of respected kindergartens and elementary schools, until he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, after not feeling right for a few days. The doctors, in realistic pessimism, gave up from the outset, and issued dire predictions, telling his family that it was a matter of weeks. A second and third opinion echoed this view.
Rafael Eitan was a leading figure in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), of which he became Chief of Staff. He later entered into Israeli politics. Stocky, wiry and determined, with sharp, square features, Eitan knew no fear, and, as a field commander, always inspired confidence in the men he led.
Judaism boasts many of the most influential minds in the past 2,000 years. When we read about what chazal says about a matter, the term refers collectively to the consensus of authoritative opinion. Chazal is an acronym of the Hebrew phrase chachameinu zichronam liv’racha, which means, “our sages of blessed memory” or “our sages, may their memory be a blessing.” In its strictest sense, chazal refers to the final opinion expressed in the Talmud, but the term is sometimes used more loosely to refer to the generally accepted opinion of any of the wise people who have contributed to Jewish law.
The Jewish National Fund (JNF), through its Israel Advocacy and Education Department, has developed a number of ways to engage high school students across America to connect them to the land and people of Israel and prepare them to be Israel advocates when they go off to college.
…You’ll be the most famous of men, successful in your endeavors, with an unparalleled ability to influence those around you. Those you bless will be blessed. The land that lies before you will be yours and for your posterity…
The first Jews who settled in Japan were traders. As such, they were naturally attracted to port areas. They arrived soon after Japan was opened to Western commerce in 1862. In just a few years, by the late 1860’s, approximately 50 Jewish families lived in Yokohama.
The Orthodox Union recently announced challenge grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for up to three-years to develop innovative solutions to address the extreme high cost of Hebrew day schools/yeshivot.
This year’s Off Sides event was expanded to two separate tournaments benefiting two amazing organizations. One of the organizations, located in Israel near Modiin, is Ulpanat Dolev which was established in 1988 as a residential facility for girls at risk. Today it serves over 100 troubled girls who have been referred to the Ulpana by social workers. In addition to a basic high school education of religious and general studies, Ulpanat Dolev students are offered early childhood care giving courses, as well as courses in computer repair and programming, cosmetology, nutrition, catering and hotel studies. The school uses music, dance, videography and horseback riding as therapeutic tools to enhance each girl’s self esteem and to help them build successful lives after the Ulpana.
Hurricane Irene forced six million to evacuate the Jersey Shore, took down trees and power lines, causing mayhem in New Jersey. In the wake of this horrifying nightmare, we, the tournament chairmen, were forced to decide what to do with the Sephardic Food Fund’s First Annual Topspin Tennis Tournament, which was originally scheduled for the day Irene made landfall in New Jersey.
Nestled in our very own backyard, lies a treasure so well hidden that even those in close proximity might never have stumbled upon it. This hidden gem is Monmouth University, a state-of the art facility, and site of the first ever Deal Sephardic Network (DSN) Summer Games.
In the United States today, 77% of students have experienced some form of bullying and 14% say they have experienced severe negative reactions to some form of bullying. One in five kids admits to being a bully and 8% of kids miss a day of school each month for fear of bullies. Every seven minutes a child is bullied; adult intervention is 4%; peer intervention is 11% and no intervention is 85%. These are staggering statistics, but unfortunately they are true.