Four lessons from one gratitude picture a day

Debbie Gutfreund

Here’s a transformational gratitude challenge to try with your friends and family. Create a small WhatsApp group and each day members post one photo of something they’re grateful for.

I am part of Whatsapp group doing this and the impact is immediate. The act of looking for one good thing sharpens your eyes to beauty and kindness you’ve been overlooking. Judaism calls this hakarat hatov (recognizing the good), and this quick daily practice trains you to do exactly that.

Here are four lessons I learned from this gratitude challenge.

1. Change what you see.

After posting a picture of something we were grateful for that day, I was pleasantly surprised to notice many more beautiful things around me. A common thread between some of our pics was suddenly noticing a beautiful tree or sunrise right outside our homes that we had seen hundreds of times before and never really noticed. Choosing to really look at the beauty around me changed what I saw. And the more I chose to see goodness around me, the more goodness I discovered.

2. Witnessing the gratitude of others
makes me feel more grateful.

It isn’t just my own moments of gratitude that help me appreciate my life, seeing other people’s gratitude does too. When friends in our chat share a picture of something they’re thankful for, it instantly expands my own sense of appreciation. Their posts prompt me to think of even more things I’m grateful for, and make me feel more connected to everyone in the group. Gratitude is contagious. The more gratitude I hear and see around me, the more blessed I feel.

3. Finding something to appreciate today changes how I think about tomorrow.

Expressing gratitude doesn’t just shift how I feel in the moment—it also changes how I look toward the future. Posting a gratitude picture each day makes me look forward to tomorrow with more hope and enthusiasm. When I train myself to find something beautiful or meaningful today, I begin to trust that I’ll be able to find something good again tomorrow. This simple daily practice becomes a self-reinforcing cycle of hope.

4. I can find something to be grateful for even on my hardest days.

I’m often surprised to find something beautiful or meaningful even on my most difficult days. Sometimes posting the picture lifts my spirits; other times my mood doesn’t change at all. But I learn that I can be grateful and frustrated at the same time. I can even be grateful and sad at the same time. I don’t need to pretend I’m happy or that everything in my life is perfect in order to express gratitude. Finding one thing to appreciate works, no matter what kind of day I’m having.

Taking a daily gratitude picture motivated me to search for and notice the goodness in my life every day. Start your Whatsapp group and try taking one gratitude picture today. You may find yourself discovering blessings in your life that you didn’t even realize were there.

Debbie Gutfreund is an OCD and trauma therapist. She holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in Family Therapy from the University of North Texas. In her free time, she is a competitive runner and skier. She lives in Parkland, Florida with her husband and children.

Hanukkah Desserts from Around the World

Hanukkah is more than eight nights of candles and songs. It’s the scent of frying dough filling the kitchen, the sparkle of sugar on fresh pastries, and the laughter that floats between generations gathered around the table. For centuries, Jewish families across the world have marked the miracle of oil not only with light, but with sweets that celebrate abundance, warmth, and joy.

While latkes might get most of the attention, fried desserts are an equally delicious part of the story. From the shores of Spain and Italy to the markets of Greece, Iraq, and Turkey, Jewish communities have created golden treats to honor the miracle in their own unique way. These desserts, each kissed by oil and sweetened with honey or sugar, connect us to our roots and remind us that joy can be both simple and deeply meaningful.

Here are four time-honored recipes, all kosher and ready to bring a taste of the Jewish world to your Hanukkah table.

Spanish–Italian Sfinge with Powdered Sugar

Dairy or Parve

Serves 10–12

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 1 cup warm milk (or water or unsweetened almond milk for parve)

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Oil for frying (sunflower or vegetable)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk together the milk (or non-dairy substitute), egg, and vanilla, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir until a thick batter forms. Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes. Heat about two inches of oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Using a spoon, drop small rounds of batter into the oil, turning once until both sides are golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm. Serve piled high on a platter, best eaten the same day.

Greek Honey-Dipped Loukoumades

Parve | Serves 8–10

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups flour

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsps)

• 1 ¼ cups warm water

• Pinch of salt

• Oil for frying

• ½ cup honey

• 2 tbsps water

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Sesame seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Slowly add warm water and stir until smooth. Cover and let the batter rise for about 1 hour, until bubbly. Heat oil in a wide pot to 350°F. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil, frying a few at a time until golden on all sides. Drain on paper towels. In a small pot, combine honey, water, and cinnamon and heat just until blended. Drizzle the warm syrup over the fritters and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately, warm and sticky.

Iraqi Zengoula (Fried Spiral Pastries in Syrup)

Parve | Serves 10

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 ¼ cups warm water

• Oil for frying

For the syrup:

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup water

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp rosewater (optional)

Instructions:

Mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually whisk in the warm water to create a smooth, thick batter. Let it rest for 15 minutes. Heat oil in a wide frying pan. Spoon the batter into a plastic bag, snip off a small corner, and squeeze the batter into the hot oil in spiral shapes. Fry until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. In another pan, make the syrup by simmering sugar, water, and lemon juice until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in rosewater if using. Dip the hot zengoula in syrup, coat well, and let rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They’re crisp, fragrant, and perfect with mint tea.

Turkish Orange Blossom Doughnuts

Dairy or Parve | Serves 12

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ tsps dry yeast

• ½ cup warm milk (or water or unsweetened oat milk for parve)

• 3 tbsps sugar

• 3 cups flour

• 2 eggs

• 2 tbsps butter, softened (or 2 tbsps oil for parve)

• ½ tsp salt

• Oil for frying

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup orange juice

• 1 tsp orange blossom water

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine yeast, warm milk (or non-dairy substitute), and a tsp of sugar. Let stand 10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, eggs, butter (or oil), remaining sugar, and salt. Mix and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness and cut into rounds. Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. In a small saucepan, heat sugar, orange juice, and orange blossom water until syrupy. Brush or drizzle over the warm doughnuts for a fragrant, citrusy glaze.

Across the Sephardic world, frying has always been a way to celebrate light triumphing over darkness. The oil connects us to the Hanukkah miracle, but it also speaks of comfort and joy, of family gathered in the kitchen sharing something warm and sweet. Whether it’s the airy sfinge of Spain, the sticky honeyed loukoumades of Greece, the spiraled zengoula from Iraq, or the floral doughnuts of Turkey, each bite tells the same story, one of faith, tradition, and the sweetness that binds us together.

How to get your kids into the holiday spirit

Adina Soclof, MS, CCC-SLP

Hanukkah is one of my favorite holidays. Some parents complain how the holiday has become less meaningful and more materialistic. It doesn’t have to be that way!

Here are 8 ways to inject more meaning, giving and light into your Hanukkah holiday.

1. Gift giving

In the US, children on average have over 200 toys, but only play with 12 of them. That is a lot of stuff.

Think about donating some of your old toys.

Before the holiday, I ask my kids to go through their toys and see if there was anything that they would donate to the school or our shul.

2. Give an experience

Give experiences instead of gifts. Research has also shown that this is more rewarding for the one giving the gift and the one receiving.

Some ideas are:

Museum memberships

Music Event

Sports events

Large puzzles

Escape room

Treasure hunt

Craft kits

Research has shown that family time and experiences are linked to fewer behavioral problems in children, a stronger sense of identity and a sense of security for children

3. Be A Giver

To further temper the materialism, empower your children to be givers. You can help your children buy or make gifts for their siblings, grandparents, cousins etc.

And to remember those who are alone. You can deliver a simple gift or latkes and donuts to your elderly neighbor or invite them for candle lighting.

4. Give gelt and then give Tzedakah

Many families forgo the gifts and just give Hanukkah gelt. This is the perfect opportunity to teach about tithing, giving 10% of our earning/gifts to the poor. Let your child decide which organization to donate to. This can be a cause that is near and dear to their heart.

5. Volunteer

This is the perfect time of year to volunteer. Perhaps your synagogue is having a Hanukkah party and they need someone to set up or man the buffet. Children generally love to help out at these events.

Think about what your kids naturally love to do and how they can channel that drive through volunteering.

6. Be Grateful

Teach your children the rules of gift-giving, saying please and thank you- even if they don’t like the gift.

Make sure your children write thank you notes for their gifts or call to say thank you. Younger children can make pictures and dictate their messages to the gift giver. Phone calls/Facetime calls would also be appreciated by the older generation.

7. Lighting the Menorah

Make the lighting of the menorah a special time. Everyone can have their own menorah and special candles.

8. Tell Stories

Telling the story of Hanukkah is the best way to make sure that children understand the real significance of the holiday.

Focus on the commitment of the Maccabees to their faith and their refusal to assimilate into the surrounding Greek culture.

Talk about the children who refused to stop learning Torah and how they played dreidel to keep the Greeks at bay.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Hanukkah!

Sarina Roffé

Last month my husband David Roffé won a New York Emmy for his acting in a Katz Deli commercial directed by Nicolas Heller, aka New York Nico. Our grandson played a cameo role, along with our dog Snowball. “Who knew that just having fun would make me popular,” joked David.

My husband has always been this offbeat funny character. Short, half bald, with scraggly hair, David walks around with a pink hat and backpack, which identifies him and makes him easy to find. He carries bags of candy and is always handing them out. He brings Stella D’oro cookies to Brooklyn’s Best Toastmasters meetings at Sephardic Synagogue, where he learned speaking skills.

David likes to be the fun guy in the room and as such our basement is filled with a commercial size popcorn machine, a cotton candy machine and other carnival items he takes to Purim carnivals or our grandkids’ school events, where he often volunteers. He is warmhearted and has a dry wit. He never had an Internet presence or Facebook account.

For fun, David took classes fifteen years ago at Amy Poehler’s Upright Citizens Brigade that helped him learn and polish his improvisation skills. He started with small-time acting roles in student films, and even played a rabbi in one film.

A tour guide in NYC for years, he was profiled in The New York Times in 2011. A reporter had taken the tour and loved his knowledge of the little-known facts about New York only a native would know. He shared the juicy gossip and funny stories about New York as they traveled together up and down the streets of Manhattan.

When I saw an ad in Backstage for a cranky old Jewish man, I showed David. It was perfect for him and he didn’t even have to act.

He met with Noah Rinsky, the creator of Old Jewish Men, which brings niche content about New York’s Jewish elders. David’s characteristics have brought him Internet fame as the face of Old Jewish Men. When the MTA issued its last commemorative MetroCard, David was on it with New York Nico.

With more than half a million Instagram followers and over two hundred twenty thousand on TikTok, David has become an Internet sensation, recognized everywhere we go. People stop him in the supermarket, at the grandkids’ schools, and even when we travel. He was stopped on a cruise in Denmark. We were in Montreal last year, sitting at an outdoor café when the waiter said, “You look an awful lot like a guy I follow on the Internet.” These interruptions are always followed by photos and conversations. David adores being the center of attention.

The joke in our family is that we had to take two photos on vacation, one with him and one without him because he didn’t want to be on social media. Now that he’s an Internet sensation, he’s recognized everywhere we go.

Fans recognized David from skits, including a TikTok video in which he protested rising pastrami costs at Katz’s Deli. They did a hysterical video about the lack of public restrooms in Manhattan. OJM did a number of short videos at Costco, where they talk about the price and packaging of the rotisserie chicken. He is never seen eating it, as it is not kosher. They did one skit where David wears a T-shirt with a barcode for the rotisserie chicken and he goes to the register and asks them to scan the shirt.

“Honestly, I am having a lot of fun with this,” said David of his newfound popularity.

Our daughter Harriet thought it was annoying when David joined her at Trader Joe’s and the staff followed them through the store, whispering “Is that him?” She catches her high school students watching OJM videos during class. Our grandson rolls his eyes when David volunteers at his school and the other kids want to be introduced.

David was recently selected, along with Old Jewish Men, by the New York Comedy Festival as a Creator to Watch.

David has done collaborative social media videos with MrBeast, IShowSpeed, Peter Tuchman, rapper Busta Rhymes, actress Julia Fox and many more. He did two appearances on the Kelly Clarkson Show and was a guest on Live with Andy Cohen. David has also done commercials for Ray-Ban sunglasses, GrubHub, Mike’s Amazing Mustard, Vita Coco, Adidas, Rocco Fridge, the New York Mets and more. And let’s not forget the nineteen-minute short film, Sauna Dreams, about a contest to see who can stay in a hot sauna the longest.

OJM started a podcast called the “Chicken Show” on YouTube and they have had celebrity guests like satirical pop musician Kyle Gordon, TV personality Raffi Bastos, as well as comedians Modi Rosenberg, Mark Norman and Gianmarco Soresi. Politicians seeking supporters such as Brad Lander and Anthony Weiner also appeared on the show.

David was inducted into the Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame in 2024 and The New York Times wrote an article about OJM called “A Night Out With Old Jewish Men,” in 2022.

During the presentation, which can be seen on brooklynjewish.org, clips from Old Jewish Men were shared with the audience, including a favorite filmed in Crown Heights on erev (the eve of a holiday) Yom Kippur.

“I’m wearing my Tefillin, which are always worn for daily prayers, and asking Hasidic men if they have put on their Tefillin that day, which of course they had. I kept telling them I wanted the mitzvah. It was hysterical and reminiscent of an Impractical Jokers-type gag.”

David loves Brooklyn’s Best Toastmasters, and attends meetings often. The experience helps him with his OJM presentation skills.

Sarina Roffé, a genealogist and historian, is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017). She is currently researching her next book, Syrian Jewish Paths to Freedom. Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, an MA in Jewish Studies, and an MBA.

This Hanukkah, fill your home not only with the glow of the menorah but with the brightness of flavor. De La Rosa 613 Organic Vinegars bring light and balance to the season’s beloved dishes, enhancing both classic and modern recipes with natural vibrancy.

Crafted from certified organic, kosher ingredients, this extensive line of gourmet vinegars includes a full line up of Organic Vinegars:

•  Organic Balsamic Vinegar – Rich, smooth, beautifully balanced.

•  Organic White Balsamic Vinegar – Light, sweet, and elegantly versatile.

•  Organic Red Wine Vinegar – Bold and robust for savory dishes.

•  Organic White Wine Vinegar – Bold and robust for savory dishes.

•  Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother – Bright, tangy, and wonderfully aromatic.

•  Organic White Distilled Vinegar – Clean, crisp, and essential for pickling and baking. Made from Sugar Beets, not chemicals.

•  Organic Rice Vinegar – Mild, slightly sweet, perfect for dressings and delicate dishes.

•  Organic Raspberry Vinegar – Fruity, vibrant, and ideal for salads and desserts.

•  Organic Pomegranate Vinegar – Colorful, tangy, and festive for winter cooking

Each one brings its own unique character to your winter menu. They are a celebration of purity and taste — the perfect way to refresh traditional Hanukkah fare.

Bringing New Life to Traditional Favorites

•  Latkes with a Twist: Drizzle Organic White Balsamic Vinegar blended with a touch of honey or Greek yogurt over crispy latkes for a balanced, modern finish.

•  “Salt and Vinegar” Latkes: Some modern recipes provide twists on the classic potato pancake, including versions seasoned to taste like salt and vinegar chips.

•  Balsamic Caramelized Onions: This topping for latkes or other dishes uses balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, cooked down with onions until deeply caramelized, providing a sweet and savory contrast.

•  Balsamic Brisket: Brisket is a common Hanukkah main course. One recipe for Cranberry Beef Brisket calls for two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and two cups of burgundy wine to create a rich sauce. Another version of sweet and tangy brisket uses red wine vinegar in its sauce.

•  Bright Salads for the Festival of Lights: Create a vibrant salad of baby greens, apples, and walnuts tossed with Organic Raspberry Vinegar for a light start to your meal.

•  Roasted Vegetable Medley: Caramelize carrots, beets, or sweet potatoes with Organic Balsamic Vinegar for a rich, glossy side dish.

•  Main Course Magic: Marinate chicken, brisket, or salmon in Organic Apple Cider or Rice Vinegar with herbs for tender, flavorful entrees.

•  Sweet Endings: Reduce Organic Balsamic Vinegar into a glaze for baked apples, pears, or even sufganiyot — adding an elegant, tangy contrast to sweetness.

Organic Goodness for
the Festival of Lights

Hanukkah is a celebration of faith, joy, and renewal — a reminder that light endures through every season. With De La Rosa 613 Organic Vinegars, you can bring that same sense of light into your cooking. Each bottle adds brightness and balance, helping you honor tradition while savoring the fresh, wholesome beauty of organic ingredients.

Why Vinegar Matters During
the Winter Season

Winter dishes tend to lean rich, warm, and comforting — think root vegetables, poultry, brisket, grains, hearty greens, and baked fruits. A high-quality organic vinegar introduces the acidity needed to brighten flavors, lift heavier dishes, balance sweetness and richness, tenderize proteins, and add a polished, professional finish.

Just a splash can make roasted vegetables more vibrant, soups more satisfying, marinades more effective, and salads more refreshing — all without added sugars or heavy sauces.

What Makes De La Rosa
613 Vinegars Exceptional

100% Certified Organic

Every vinegar in our collection is crafted from organically grown ingredients and produced without synthetic pesticides, artificial additives, or unnecessary fillers. You get honest, authentic flavor — straight from nature.

Kosher-Certified & Crafted with Care

Each bottle meets strict kosher standards and reflects our commitment to purity, quality, and tradition. Certified by the OU and by Tarnopol Kashrus. Many of our Vinegars are Kosher for Passover as well.

About De La Rosa 613

De La Rosa 613 crafts premium organic vinegars, oils, and specialty foods with a mission rooted in purity and purpose. Each product embodies the joy of creation — nourishing body and soul while adding a spark of natural flavor to every celebration, from Hanukkah to everyday family meals. “Putting Heavenly Sparks Back into Foods & Wines.”

Our full line of products is Available now at: delarosa613.com. Free shipping on orders over $65.

Here’s a Perfect Recipe for You!
Thanks to Melinda Strauss for this
wonderful recipe!

Hanukkah Gelt Cake 

Ingredients

•  1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

•  3/4 cup white sugar

•  3/4 cup brown sugar

•  1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

•  1 1/2 tsp baking soda

•  1 tsp salt

•  1/2 cup De La Rosa Extra Virgin Olive Oil (We Also Sell Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

•  1/2 cup water

•  1/2 cup brewed coffee (1/2 cup boiling water+1 tbsp instant coffee)

•  3 tbsp De La Rosa Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (can use white vinegar as well)

•  1 tbsp vanilla extract

•  1 cup chocolate gelt (around 36 large gelt), chopped (you can also use chocolate chips)

Ganache Topping

•  1 cup chocolate chips (or more gelt)

•  1/4 cup dairy free whipping cream (if you don’t like whipping cream, other options include coconut milk, almond milk and soy milk)

•  1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and heavily grease a bundt pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the De La Rosa (Organic) extra virgin olive oil, water, coffee, De La Rosa Organic Apple Cider vinegar and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and pour into the bundt pan. Top with chocolate gelt and press the gelt into the cake batter.

3. Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before flipping out of the bundt pan.

4. For the ganache, warm the whipping cream in the microwave for 1 minute then add the chocolate and salt and whisk until smooth. Pour over the cake and top with more gelt. Allow the chocolate to set before slicing.

A Look at MDYHS Alumni

As our graduates venture into the world beyond Magen David Yeshivah High School, we are proud to follow their journeys and celebrate the leaders they are becoming. we are reconnecting with members of the Class of 2025 to hear how their time at MDYHS shaped their paths, their passions, and their futures. From Ivy League economics to breaking barriers in the world of sports marketing, our alumni are already making their mark.

We are excited to spotlight two outstanding graduates. Philip Sherr is studying Economics and Finance at Princeton, where he is diving into the analytical and strategic foundations of global business. Jacqueline Cohen is studying Marketing at Macaulay Honors College at Baruch and is pursuing her goal of entering the field of sports marketing, a path not commonly pursued by women and one she is determined to trailblaze.

Join us as we catch up with these young leaders and learn how their MDYHS experiences helped launch them toward their dreams.

Philip Sherr

How did MDYHS help prepare you to be a proud Jewish student on campus?

Throughout my time in Magen David Yeshivah, we were constantly being taught to be a proud and strong Jew. Through minyan morning and afternoon, special programming on the holidays, and Rabbi Mansour’s weekly Siha (Torah talk), Magen David helped instill a Jewish background that would remain with us forever. It was intertwined in every class that we took, both secular and Judaic.

I have made it a point so far to keep that Jewish identity with me at Princeton. I pray in minyan at the Chabad every morning, get involved in the Jewish organizations and events on campus, and continue to prioritize my Jewish values. Magen David gave me the foundation of Jewish traditions that I carry proudly on campus.

What skills, such as study habits, writing, time management, or critical thinking, did you gain at MDYHS that you use now?

During my time in high school, I was a part of Magen David’s Scholars Program, the varsity basketball team, and the SBH Youth Committee. Between the workload of the Scholars Program and my extracurriculars, time management became a big focus of mine. I learned how to stay organized, how to balance my tasks, and to stay efficient while also leaving time for some fun. These are skills you need in order to have success in college.

Although it was not easy at first, through learning by doing, Magen David taught me how to have a good balance and solid time management, which are critical skills for college and beyond.

How did MDYHS’s extracurriculars, clubs, sports, or leadership opportunities help you grow?

One thing that is special about Magen David is the number of clubs and opportunities it offers. MDY’s extracurriculars range from sports teams to science and business clubs. Being part of the basketball team taught me discipline and responsibility, and that hard work leads to success.

I was part of an advisory group that met with Dr. Vitow to discuss topics around the school, including the plans for the new high school building. I was also elected to MDY’s student government. The clubs at MDY are meant to teach you how to be a part of a team, and to lead and communicate with people.

Every senior in Magen David gets a unique internship opportunity in a field they are interested in through the NEXT program. NEXT helped show me and my friends what it is like to have a real world job and to work in a professional environment. Some students were even offered full time jobs after impressing during their internship.

Through NEXT and the other opportunities at Magen David, you learn important real world skills like leadership, collaboration, and communication. You also get a valuable chance to intern in a professional setting and see what life after school could look like.

How did the MDYHS College Guidance Office support your application process?

I do not think I would have been able to get into Princeton University without the help of the College Guidance Office at MDY, specifically Ms. Laura Miller and Ms. Seloi Beckford. They started working with me in my sophomore year, showing me how to build a strong profile and planning a timeline for the coming years.

The college guidance counselors spend countless hours helping students with whatever they need and are always available to meet and discuss anything. I worked on many essays and applications with Ms. Miller, and she helped refine every detail to make my application stand out. She helped me with my AP courses and my SAT process, and she showed me whom to meet.

The College Guidance Office at MDY makes sure that you leave no stone unturned, gives you the best chances possible, and provides all the resources you need to complete the application process.

If you could describe MDYHS in one sentence now that you’re in college, what would you say?

To me, Magen David feels like family, a home built with warmth and community where the faculty believes in you and is invested in you, all rooted in Jewish tradition that shapes who you become.

Jacqueline Cohen

How did MDYHS help you discover your strengths or interests?

The MDYHS NEXT internship program at the end of my senior year helped me discover my interest in sports marketing. Sports marketing focuses on promoting sports teams, athletes, events, and products connected to sports, as well as using sports to market non sports brands. I interned at Sparx Marketing Group, where I was able to gain real experience. I enjoyed it so much, and I even decided to change my major in college to marketing.

How did the AP, honors, or elective courses you took at MDYHS help you transition to college-level coursework?

The AP classes at MDYHS really helped prepare me for some of my difficult college classes. They also gave me credits for classes that I otherwise would have had to take. Having already entered with all of the credits from my APs, I was able to take classes toward my major.

This semester, I am taking Business 2000 where I am learning different aspects of the business world, including management and leadership basics and marketing principles. While it is an introductory course, it is giving me an understanding of the major areas of business and how they work together. As a marketing major, it is amazing to see how much creativity and strategy go into every area of business.

How did MDYHS’s extracurriculars, clubs, sports, or leadership opportunities help you grow?

Being a part of the Girls Volleyball Team at MDYHS, while also being a student, helped me become well rounded. It prepared me to balance the things that are important to me now that I am in college, including Torah classes, family, and friends.

What values from MDYHS do you find yourself carrying into college life?

MDYHS instilled in me strong bitahon (trust in G-D), and it is very comforting to know in this new college environment that I can always rely on G-D.

If you could describe MDYHS in one sentence now that you’re in college, what would you say?

MDYHS is my second home, and it is a place that inspired me to grow both spiritually and academically.

Ziv Hatorah’s First Annual Challah Bake

On November 5, 2025, Ziv Hatorah hosted its First Annual Challah Bake, welcoming one hundred twenty women from across the community, each bringing her own story, tradition, and brachot (blessings) to knead, braid, and bless dough for Shabbat.

The evening opened with inspirational words from the Menahel of Ziv Hatorah, Rabbi Yaakov Dwek. He shared the “secret” to making the best challah in the world. The secret lies in your mindset and how well prepared you are. By carefully blending the ingredients with the right kavanah (spiritual intention), it infuses the dough with hope for one’s family and creates space for personal tefillot (prayers) during each step. The ladies in attendance leaned in to catch every tip on how to anchor every motion in baking the challah to a personal and deeper meaning.

There was also a hands-on, inspiring highlight from Jackie Bitton on Dibbur (the sacred power of speech). Our words, she taught, shape reality. Just as dough rises with what we feed it, our lives and homes grow with the words we choose. When we speak with care and kavod (honor), we nourish the people around us. When we fill our challah with tefillah (prayer) and gratitude, we elevate a simple recipe into a vessel for blessing.

Midway through the program, Ziv Hatorah introduced its Chai for Life initiative, an invitation to become part of the school’s steady backbone with a monthly gift of eighteen dollars. The Chai for Life campaign is simple and powerful, small and consistent donations that truly make a difference for a small school doing big work. Each commitment helps ensure that students, especially those who need a more supportive setting, receive the individualized attention, warmth, and encouragement that turn potential into progress.

By evening’s end, the tables were lined with bowls filled with dough, each marked by a personal tefillah (prayer) and a shared intention to bring more light to the home and more strength to the school. The ladies left with dough to bake, tips to perfect their next batch, and a renewed sense of togetherness. Proof that when a community gathers around mitzvoth, everyone rises. With deep gratitude, we thank Margo Chalouh for setting up the Challah Bake and Rabbi Kishik for securing our donors. We are especially grateful to our Event Sponsor, FC Advance, dedicated Leilui Nishmat (for the elevation of the soul of) Yitzchak ben Loris, and for the refuah shelema (complete healing) of Lulu bat Miriam, and Habib ben Loris, to our Hafrashat Challah (the mitzvah of separating challah) sponsor, RHY, and to RCN for sponsoring the refreshments in honor of Rabbi Kishik.

Magen David Yeshivah Sixth Grade Boys Begin Their Journey Into Gemara Learning

This month marked a meaningful and unforgettable milestone for the MDY sixth grade boys as they gathered for a special kickoff event celebrating the beginning of their Gemara career. For generations, Gemara was passed down in exactly this fashion, from grandfathers to fathers to young boys eager to soak up the traditional ways of their ancestors. Entering the world of Gemara has been considered a gateway to deeper Torah study, sharpening the mind and building the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our students stepped proudly into that tradition.

The evening opened with inspiring words from esteemed MDY rabbis who spoke passionately about the beauty, challenge, and reward found within the pages of Gemara. They shared personal stories of their own learning journeys and encouraged the boys to approach this new endeavor with curiosity, perseverance, and joy. Their messages resonated deeply, highlighting how this moment is not only an academic milestone but a spiritual one as well.

One of the most meaningful parts of the event was the opportunity for the boys to sit and learn with their fathers and grandfathers. The room filled with the sounds of voices learning together, three generations united over the same timeless text. Watching parents and grandparents guiding the boys through their first steps of Gemara study created an atmosphere of warmth, pride, and connection. It was a vivid reminder that Torah learning is not only personal but part of a cherished family and community tradition.

As the boys embark on this new chapter, the excitement and enthusiasm felt throughout the event serve as a powerful beginning. Learning Gemara will challenge them to think critically, to question, to analyze, and to grow intellectually and spiritually. The Hatchalat Gemara (beginning of Gemara study) event set the tone beautifully, motivating them to embrace the journey ahead. We are confident that this milestone will be the launching point for a strong, long-lasting foundation. With the guidance of inspiring teachers, the support of family, and the dedication of the Magen David students themselves, the future of their Torah learning is bright. May this be the first of many steps toward deep understanding, strong commitment, and a lifelong love of learning.

Atidaynu recently opened a new Table Décor and Dress Gemach inside the school building, created and operated by both students and staff. What started as a small idea quickly became one of the most visited and appreciated rooms in the entire school.

The gemach houses a wide range of neatly organized event décor, including full table settings for groups of 40 or more, depending on the items selected. It also offers a variety of dresses in multiple colors and styles for anyone in the community who needs something for a simcha or special occasion.

Students played a major role in bringing the gemach to life. They helped collect, prepare, and tovel every item, often making several trips to complete the process. Together with their teachers, they arranged the room, learned how to style sample tables, coordinated décor themes, and set up the space in a way that looks polished and inviting. Teachers oversee the room, guide the students, and help manage the day-to-day operations.

The project has become an active learning experience where students practice organization, teamwork, customer service, design skills, budgeting, and the responsibility involved in maintaining a community service. Rentals are handled by the students with teacher supervision, and the profits are divided among the student team, giving them a sense of ownership and purpose.

The gemach is open to the entire community, and people regularly come in to borrow décor or dresses for events. Students proudly assist visitors and show the items they helped prepare and care for. Their involvement, combined with the teachers’ guidance, has turned this space into a welcoming and functional resource.

Atidaynu’s gemach reflects the school’s commitment to practical learning, skill-building, and community service. It is a collaborative effort between staff and students, and it continues to grow through everyone’s dedication and hard work.

For more information, visit atidaynuourfuture.com or reach out to us at admissions@atidaynuourfuture.com.

At Magen David Yeshivah High School, innovation and opportunity go hand in hand. Our curriculum continues to evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing world, preparing students not only to understand the marketplace but to lead it. Through a wide range of academic and business-focused ELECTIVES and Clubs, MDYHS students gain early exposure to leadership, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, all while developing the critical thinking and creativity needed to thrive in the modern economy.

Academic excellence is a cornerstone of the MDYHS experience. Our extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings provide motivated students with the opportunity to pursue college-level study in high school, strengthening their readiness for higher education and beyond. These courses include AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Drawing, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP European History, AP Macroeconomics, AP Precalculus, AP Psychology, AP Seminar, AP Statistics, AP U.S. Government and Politics, and AP U.S. History, along with Pre-AP World History and Geography. Together, they reflect our commitment to academic rigor and intellectual growth across all disciplines. At MDYHS, we believe every student should have the chance to challenge themselves. All students are welcome and encouraged to take AP courses that align with their interests and goals.

Building on this strong academic foundation, MDYHS is proud to introduce the next step in our evolution, the Magen David Business Institute (MDBI). Launching next year, this four-year program will accompany students throughout high school, offering a comprehensive, immersive education in business innovation and leadership.

Courses such as Artificial Intelligence and Hedge Fund Strategies / Financial Statement Analysis, already part of our advanced offerings, will be incorporated into the Institute to create an even more cohesive and future-focused business curriculum.

In Artificial Intelligence, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts, techniques, and real-world applications of modern AI technologies. They explore machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and robotics, gaining hands-on experience with programming and data analysis. Beyond technical skill, the course emphasizes ethical considerations, from bias and privacy to the broader social impact of automation. By the end, students understand not only how AI systems work, but also how they are transforming industries and reshaping the future of work.

In Hedge Fund Strategies / Financial Statement Analysis, students step into the world of high finance, learning to analyze public company financials to evaluate performance and valuation. They build financial models using key metrics such as revenue, EBITDA, free cash flow, margins, and leverage, while exploring hedge fund trading strategies including Merger Arbitrage, Distressed Credit Investing, and Convertible Bond Arbitrage. With Bloomberg Terminal access and professional-level training, students gain firsthand experience using the same tools as Wall Street analysts and investors.

From the 9th-grade Speaker Series and Seminars, where students meet inspiring entrepreneurs and alumni, to upper-level courses like Business Law, Accounting, Bloomberg Terminal Analysis, and Women in Finance, each year builds upon the last. Students explore how business shapes the world, and their role in shaping its future. These courses represent more than electives. They are foundational experiences that bring theory to life and connect classroom learning to real-world application.

The Magen David Business Institute represents the next chapter in our mission, one that integrates business innovation, technology, and ethics into a unified program of study. It ensures that our students graduate not only business-minded but future-ready, equipped with the skills, integrity, and vision to lead in any field.

At Magen David Yeshivah High School, innovation is rooted in tradition. As our students explore new frontiers in business, technology, and ethics, they do so through the lens of Torah values, learning that true leadership comes not only from intellect and ambition, but from integrity, humility, and a sense of responsibility to others. At MDYHS, we are not just teaching business, we are building the future of it.

The DSN Girls Soccer League wrapped up another unforgettable season this November, marking one of its strongest years. With over 150 girls participating from first through eighth grade, the league brought together families, friends, and an entire community.

What makes the DSN Soccer League so special isn’t just the sport, it’s the people. Every team is led by volunteer parent-coaches, both moms and dads, who pour their time, energy, and heart into giving the girls the best experience possible. Their dedication shaped the league this year, creating an environment that was not only structured and skillful but joyful and positive.

“There’s nothing like coming to the field and seeing everyone there,” one parent shared, and this season delivered that feeling week after week. With beautiful weather throughout the fall and even New York families making the weekly trip to join the league, DSN’s reputation for excellence, warmth, and high-caliber play continues to grow.

At its core, the league is about confidence, helping young girls feel empowered to step onto the field, take chances, and support one another. They learn how to play as a team, how to balance competitiveness with camaraderie, and how to develop the fundamentals, passing, defending, spacing, and strategy. As the girls get older, their play becomes increasingly controlled and tactical, and this year’s older divisions showed remarkable skill and maturity.

The goalies, in particular, stood out, fearless, focused, and fully owning one of the toughest positions on the field. Across divisions, the games were exciting and intense. The oldest group had tight matchups all season, with no game decided by more than two goals. They responded each week to high-pressure situations with grit and mental toughness.

First grade soccer coach, Joe Silvera, reflected on the season with pride. “This season was our best yet. It was incredible to see so many parents and grandparents on the sidelines, and they were treated to overtime thrillers, shootouts, last-minute goals, and standout performances.” DSN’s Girls Sports Coordinator, Danielle Shemueli, and her team created a fun, disciplined environment that kept the girls engaged and smiling all season. Silvera continued, “Coaching is the highlight of my fall, and it’s a gift for our family to start every Sunday on such a positive note.”

Danielle echoed those sentiments, sharing just how meaningful the experience is for her and her staff. “Running the girls DSN leagues is honestly the most rewarding job in the world. I get to watch these girls grow from first through eighth grade, watching their love of the game get stronger, their confidence build, and their personalities really come alive on the field. I love seeing the parents get passionate, the volunteer coaches fully invested, and the community filling the fields on a crisp Sunday morning in late October. The noise, the cheering, the little moments on the sidelines, it’s the most wholesome and satisfying atmosphere. We live for those moments: the friendships, the laughs, the tough plays, the falling down and getting right back up again.”

That spirit was on full display during the fifth through seventh grade championship game, a triple-overtime shootout that had the entire field holding its breath. “The girls fought for every second of that game, and you could feel how badly they wanted it,” Danielle said. “When it was over, every single girl walked away knowing she played her absolute best.” DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt summarized, “Our girls soccer league continues to be a place where girls grow not just as athletes, but as confident young women, and where the community comes together in the most meaningful way. I am extremely proud of our staff, coaches, parents, and certainly our players for a hugely successful season. May Hashem continue to bless DSN!”

Rabbi Meyer Laniado

On September 7th, 2025, at 6:00 am, I received a call from my father telling me that my grandfather had passed. While I knew this moment would come one day, and had even thought of writing a funeral speech for him over the years, I was at a loss for words.

What could I say that would encapsulate my grandfather’s life, who he was, how he lived, how he impacted me and others?

On my way to the funeral, while crossing the George Washington Bridge, I remembered that, while in high school, I had interviewed my grandfather for a paper on his life. With only ten minutes to spare before the funeral, I stopped by my parents’ house. I went to my old room and, in my frantic search, found the filing cabinet with my old papers, including a drawer labeled ‘Writings.’ In that drawer, there it was! ‘The Life of Irwin Leventer.’ At the very end of that essay, to my surprise, was a section entitled: “Advice for Future Generations.” There, in my hands, were my grandfather’s words, to me, and to my family, from more than twenty years ago:

“Stay close to good, learned, and religious people, who stay with Torah. You will be influenced by them and learn how to be a good person. Money is not the most important thing in the world. Don’t let money corrupt your soul.” (Irwin Leventer, March 2002).

These words don’t capture the totality of his life, but they do capture a part of what mattered most to him, and what he wanted to pass to the generations that would come after him. I shared this with those who came to honor my grandfather, and I keep coming back to these words.

We often think of inheritance in terms of physical possessions, but more enduring than heirlooms is an ethical inheritance. What I have recorded in that paper is my grandfather’s ethical will; not his estate, but his real legacy: what he lived for, and the guidance he left his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sometimes, when a person passes, suddenly or not, we are left wondering: What would they have said if they had one more chance? What would their parting message be?

But what if we didn’t wait? What if we took the time to ask those whom we love what their message is? In turn, what if we asked ourselves the same question, to crystallize and pass on what really matters to us?

Imagine your children, one day, opening a drawer with your writings. What would you want them to discover? What is the idea, the value, the teaching you most want to carry forward? That’s what an ethical will, a sava’a, is. It is a genre that originates with the Jewish people, with G-d saying about Abraham: Lema`an asher yesavve et banav ve’et beto aharav, veshameru derekh Hashem la`asot sedaqa umishpa` — “So that he [Abraham] will instruct his children and his household after him to keep the way of G-d, by doing righteousness and justice” (Bereshit 18:19; Hebrew Ethical Wills by Israel Abrahams).

We are familiar with this type of literature from Pirqe Abot. Literally “The Chapters of Our Fathers”, a book filled with, one-line aphorisms of our greatest sages: the solitary idea and message they each thought was the most important to preserve for the next generation. We also have models of longer, more elaborate ethical wills. The most well-known are those of Yehudah Ibn Tibbon and The Ramban (12th–13th Centuries).

The Ramban, after winning the debate against Pablo Christiani in Spain, had to flee for his life. While in Israel, far from his son, he wrote a letter to guide his son through life. He emphasized the importance of humility, distancing oneself from anger, and speaking calmly as core traits for his son to cultivate for a successful life. This letter is still read regularly, included in siddurim, and published as a stand-alone book by major Jewish publishers.

Another example that I find so powerful is from Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai, one of the greatest rabbis of the Mishna. At great personal risk, he secured Judaism’s survival after the Second Temple was destroyed by his request to the Romans to save the city of Yavneh and its scholars.

On his deathbed, with his students requesting a final blessing, Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai left them one piercing line: “May the fear of Heaven be upon you like the fear of flesh and blood.” His students protested: Ad kan? Is that it? And he answered: Halevai. If only we could live at that level (Babylonian Talmud, Berakhot 28b).

These messages were said by our greatest scholars during their lifetimes, some directly to their children, and others to their students. This is how we should think of ethical wills. Not as documents to be read after we pass, but even while we are living, to make clear to our loved ones what is most important to us. This will also serve us well ourselves, to remind us the way we think is most important to live, maybe even to frame on our wall or place on our desk as our guiding message: as a living ethical will.

Two challenges often arise when discussing the writing of these documents: feeling our message isn’t unique, and finding just a few values that truly define us.

Firstly, to address the matter of uniqueness. The impact of a living ethical will is not that it is a hiddush, a new insight that was never said before. It is that it is your message. It powerfully encapsulates how you genuinely live, what is most important to you, describing what guides your life, and your message to your loved ones about how they should live theirs. That is why it is so impactful on those closest to you, your family, and your students.

Secondly, to address the challenge of choosing a few main points. Even regarding Avraham, our forefather, whom we describe as ish hesed, our model for hakhnasat orhim, how we invite in and host guests in our home. He is also described by G-d as a man of sedaqa u-mishpat, righteousness and justice. Both of those are true, and speak to aspects of who Avraham was, yet our prayers highlight one trait, that of his hesed. We also all live by multiple values that animate our lives, but when we distill them to one or two, we bring to the forefront, in clear articulation, part of the core of who we are.

The process demands honesty, and is not about trying to sound noble and virtuous. It is about clarifying what truly matters to us, what we strive for in our choices, and how we want to be remembered, through verbalizing it succinctly and sharing it with others, either orally or in writing.

This idea began to take shape for me when I invited a group of rabbis and mentors to share the single verse from Tanakh that most captures how they try to live and what they hope to pass on. I shared their responses over the High Holidays with my congregation, and the reaction was overwhelming. Many people told me how much the verses resonated with them, and how they were inspired to search for a verse or a teaching of their own. Not everyone is comfortable or familiar with Tanakh, and choosing a single verse that crystallizes your message may not come easily, but you may find yourself drawn to a line or teaching that feels true to you, one that captures the through-line of your life and the conviction that guides it.

For me, this question, “What’s my verse?”, my message, began in a very real moment, when I read my grandfather’s words, his living ethical will, and later, when, as a family, we searched for a verse that could capture the essence of his life. In that moment, I realized he had left us a gift, and with that gift came a responsibility: to begin writing my own. To ask myself: What is my message? What will I leave for my children, grandchildren, students, and congregation?

So the question for us is: What is your one message? Your key value? Your lesson for future generations? What are the words that will be your life, your legacy, your ethical will, your gift to the generations who come after you?

Rabbi Meyer Laniado is an associate rabbi at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun and leads its Sephardic community on New York City’s Upper East Side. He teaches at Ramaz and is a growing voice in the broader conversation on Sephardic history, ideas, and culture, having shared perspectives at UJA, the Maimonides Fund, and the Bronfman Fellowship.

Ari Baum, CFP®

For many, turning 65 feels like a line in the sand, a milestone that carries both celebration and responsibility. You may still be working, planning your next adventure, or easing into retirement, but this birthday brings new choices that can shape your financial health and lifestyle for decades to come. From enrolling in Medicare to refining your investment and estate plans, the key is to approach this transition thoughtfully, not reactively.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, decisions, and fine print that come with this age. But with a clear plan, turning 65 becomes less about deadlines and more about opportunities to protect your income, simplify your finances, and design the next stage of your life with confidence.

Get Ahead on Medicare and
Health Coverage

Medicare is one of the first major items to address when you hit 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your birthday month and ends three months after. Missing this window can mean lifelong penalties, so it pays to plan early.

Start by choosing between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C), which bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage under one plan. If you need prescription coverage, Part D can be added separately or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it.

For those still employed, compare your employer’s health plan with Medicare. Sometimes it makes sense to delay Part B to avoid paying duplicate premiums. Also, consider a Medigap supplemental policy to cover expenses that Medicare doesn’t, such as copayments or overseas emergencies.

Make a Thoughtful Social Security Decision

While many people assume 65 is the time to start drawing Social Security, your full retirement age may actually be 66 or 67, depending on your birth year. Claiming early means a permanent reduction in benefits, while waiting until age 70 can boost your monthly payment by roughly 8% per year.

Couples can coordinate their claiming strategies to maximize household income, especially when one partner has a higher earnings record. And if you’re still working, delaying benefits can also reduce the tax impact of your Social Security income later on.

Fine-Tune Your Retirement Income Strategy

This is the perfect time to look holistically at your 401(k), IRA, and pension balances. Consolidating accounts can simplify management and make it easier to coordinate withdrawals.

Even though Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) don’t begin until age 73, planning ahead can help avoid large taxable distributions later. A smart withdrawal strategy balances tax-deferred, taxable, and tax-free accounts to manage both cash flow and taxes efficiently.

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), stop making contributions once you enroll in Medicare, but remember those funds can still be used tax-free for qualified medical expenses.

Revisit Insurance and Protection Plans

Insurance needs evolve as your lifestyle and financial goals shift. For many, long-term care insurance becomes more relevant at this stage, helping protect your assets from the high cost of extended care. If you already have a policy, review the benefits and inflation riders to ensure coverage keeps pace with rising costs.

Evaluate your life insurance as well. Some retirees may choose to reduce coverage if their children are grown and debts are paid off, while others may keep policies for estate or charitable purposes.

Refresh Your Estate and Legal Documents

Aging doesn’t just change your financial life, it reshapes your legacy planning too. Take time to update your will, trusts, and beneficiary designations to reflect current wishes. Outdated documents can create complications later, even if your intentions are clear.

You’ll also want to review your power of attorney and health care proxy so someone you trust can act on your behalf if needed. Keep these documents, along with insurance information, account lists, and passwords, organized and accessible to a loved one or advisor.

Redefine Lifestyle and Personal Goals

Turning 65 isn’t just a financial checkpoint, it’s an invitation to design how you want to live the next phase of your life. Start by reviewing your retirement budget to include healthcare, travel, hobbies, and giving back.

Many people consider downsizing or relocating to match their retirement lifestyle, whether that means moving closer to family, trading city life for quieter surroundings, or joining a vibrant 55-plus community. Equally important is prioritizing your well-being. Staying physically active, socially connected, and mentally engaged keeps both body and mind strong.

A New Beginning at 65

Rather than viewing this birthday as a countdown, think of it as a reset button, a chance to align your finances, health, and purpose for the years ahead. With preparation and perspective, turning 65 can feel less like an ending and more like the start of something meaningful. It’s the freedom to live life on your own terms, supported by a plan that’s as resilient as you are. q

The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult with a financial professional regarding your specific situation.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the Founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. He brings his in-depth experience to Conceive. Believe. Achieve. for his clients. Securities and Advisory services offered through Prospera Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Brokerage and Advisory accounts carried by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC.

Linda Argalgi Sadacka

Let’s be honest, this past election hit hard. Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win left many New Yorkers, especially within our community, feeling frustrated, disillusioned, and wondering how this could happen in the greatest city in the world. But before we sink into despair, let’s look a little closer. Beneath the headlines lies something extraordinary, a community that finally woke up, organized, and showed up.

For years, I’ve been rallying our community to move from talk to action and creating spaces, conversations, and networks that now count tens of thousands of engaged voices. The results we’re seeing today didn’t happen overnight. The numbers don’t lie, registration drives broke records, volunteers worked around the clock, and people who never thought their vote mattered stood in line for hours. That’s not defeat. That’s groundwork.

A New Chapter

Enter the announcement, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, one of President Trump’s strongest allies, is stepping into the race for governor. It couldn’t come at a better time. Her candidacy breathes new life into a weary electorate. If we channel our energy, learn from the last race, and mobilize again, New York could be back in steady hands sooner than anyone thinks.

Momentum is everything in politics, and right now we have it. The infrastructure is there, from registration networks and community organizers to motivated first-time voters, and this moment is our chance to build on it. Because if Mamdani’s victory taught us anything, it’s that complacency is not an option.

Proof That It’s Possible

Need proof that New York can flip? Look at 2022. Congressman Lee Zeldin came within roughly six points of unseating Governor Kathy Hochul, the closest gubernatorial race in decades. That margin wasn’t luck, it was organization. It was communities like ours stepping up, registering voters, educating neighbors, and realizing that sitting out elections has consequences. That gap is what dedicated civic engagement can close. It’s doable if we start now.

The Foundation Was Laid

Efforts by community members like Linda Ebani and Rebecca Harary, among others, helped lay the groundwork for what comes next. Real leadership means recognizing those who work beside you, even when the path wasn’t always smooth. Together, this community proved what’s possible when determination overrides division.

Where We Go From Here

The next phase can’t wait until the next race. Over the coming months, we need to institutionalize what worked, voter databases, volunteer coordination, synagogue and school outreach, and social-media targeting that speaks the language of everyday New Yorkers. It’s not glamorous work. It’s infrastructure. Campaigns that win are built long before ballots are printed. If we treat civic engagement as a year-round mission instead of a seasonal reaction, we’ll never again be caught flat-footed. That’s how real movements, not just campaigns, are built. Yes, challenges may lie ahead under this new mayor. But challenges make for strong builders. And right now, we’re building something that lasts, a civic awakening rooted in pride, participation, and purpose. Because if this election proved anything, it’s that the people of New York haven’t given up. They’re just getting started. In politics as in life, those who keep their composure after the storm end up designing the skyline.