THE CARE DIFFERENCE

Every year, CARE brings the spirit of Purim alive with a carnival that is especially designed to cater to families of children with special needs. This year, over 600 children came sporting their adorable Purim costumes, ready for a day filled with fun! From stilt walkers and magicians to bounce houses, face painting, pillowcase decorating, and more — there was something for everyone to enjoy! The event was far more than just a carnival. It was a day that allowed families to experience the pure joy of the holiday despite the hardships of their everyday lives. The feelings of warmth and support from the community allowed them to truly relax and enjoy themselves.

Once again, the CARE Purim Carnival displays the organization’s exceptional ability to organize meaningful and successful events that bring families of children with special needs in our community together.
What is it that draws hundreds of parents to CARE? How is the experience unique? What elevates the CARE organization over others that serve children with special needs?
Founded by parents who deeply understand the challenges of raising a child with special needs, CARE offers not only direct support for children but also comprehensive guidance for the entire family. From the moment they begin their journey, CARE empowers parents, helping them navigate the emotional and practical complexities of raising a special child. CARE advisors are beside them every step of the way, ensuring they never feel alone.
By connecting families to essential services, therapies, schools, and specialists, CARE has become a lifeline within the special needs community. Beyond individual support, CARE fosters a sense of belonging through special events where parents and families can connect, share, and feel understood. With in-house social workers and a dedicated therapy clinic, CARE provides both emotional and practical support under one roof.
CARE blends compassion with advocacy, love with services, and provides hope–because every child deserves a beautiful life. Today, CARE is the heart of the special needs community, the central resource families turn to for comprehensive, ongoing support.

On Wednesday, April 30, DSN held a vibrant celebration of unity, resilience, and pride as over 500 people gathered in the Community Center to honor Yom Ha’atzmaut.

The evening began with a solemn and powerful tribute to the 59 remaining hostages. As the crowd stood in silence, 59 individuals held candles while each hostage’s name was read aloud. It was a poignant moment that captured the heartbreak and gravity of the current moment in Israel. The ceremony was followed by the Israeli national anthem, “Hatikvah,” movingly sung by IDF soldier, Rav Tomer.
Rabbi David Tawil of the Larchwood Synagogue shared heartfelt words of Divrei Torah offering inspiration for the community’s hope and steadfast support for Israel. Committee chairs Honey Dayan and Jacqueline Musry followed with brief remarks, expressing deep gratitude for the community’s involvement and unwavering spirit.
What began with somber reflection soon transitioned into an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and celebration — true to Israeli spirit, where sorrow and joy so often dance together. On a dazzling stage lit with wild lighting effects, headliner Nechemia Katz delivered a breathtaking performance that had the audience on their feet for hours. With a voice described by many as “magnificent” and “unbelievable,” Katz’s energy was infectious. At one point, he brought children on stage to sing alongside him, creating an atmosphere of unity and hope that spanned generations.
“The Deal community is where it’s at!” said Jacqueline Musry. “Each year DSN puts on an explosive celebration, and this year, Nechemia Katz truly brought the house down. His passion was evident from our very first conversation, and after tonight, we were left absolutely speechless.”
Adding to the excitement, the evening featured glowing accessories, festive décor, Israeli flags and glow-in-the-dark strobe sticks. “It was a night my children and I will never forget,” said Honey Dayan. “DSN made our dream a reality!”
Committee member Pauline Assa reflected on the deeper impact of the night: “It was so meaningful–something that will truly leave a lasting imprint on the hundreds of people who were in that room.”
DSN’s annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration continues to grow each year, strengthening the bonds of the community while honoring Israel’s past, present, and future. From solemn candlelight ceremonies to jubilant song and dance, the night was a moving tribute to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of Am Yisrael.
Sammy Sitt, DSN’s Executive Director, summarized. “What a night! DSN has been displaying its fervent support of Israel over the past 18 months with event after event, many of them somber ones reflecting on October 7th. But tonight was different. Tonight, our community came out to celebrate the fact that we have a Jewish state, a place that we will always love and treasure. We are very fortunate to have volunteers and staff who are passionate about Israel in putting this event together. May Hashem continue to bless DSN to provide more celebrations and happy occasions.”

Ari Baum, CFP®

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF YOU HAD FULL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR INVESTMENT PLAN? WOULD YOU INVEST MORE? STAY CALM DURING MARKET DIPS? STOP SECOND-GUESSING EVERY MOVE? These questions get to the heart of something many investors quietly struggle with: uncertainty.
Some aren’t sure if they have the right strategy. Others don’t have a strategy at all. In a world overwhelmed by breaking news, market noise, and well-meaning advice from friends, staying focused has never been more difficult.

The strongest investment plans are not necessarily the most complex, they’re the most purposeful. They’re designed to support your goals, your timeline, and your comfort level with risk. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a plan you’ve had for years, the key is choosing an approach that aligns with your life—not just the markets.

Buy and Hold — For the Patient Investor
If you’re someone who values simplicity and believes in long-term growth, the “buy and hold” strategy might be your sweet spot. This approach involves investing in high-quality assets—like stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds—and holding them through market ups and downs.
The goal is to avoid emotional decisions, ignore short-term noise, and let compounding do the heavy lifting over time. For investors who are in it for the long haul, this strategy offers calm in a sea of market turbulence.
Asset Allocation — For the Balanced Investor
This strategy is about building a mix of investments that reflect your unique balance of risk and reward. By spreading your assets across stocks, bonds, and cash, you create a diversified portfolio that adapts as your life evolves.
Younger investors may tilt toward stocks for growth, while those nearing retirement might shift to bonds for income and stability. Asset allocation is flexible by design, helping smooth out volatility while keeping you aligned with your long-term goals.

Dollar Cost Averaging — For the Consistent Investor
This strategy is all about discipline. With dollar cost averaging, you invest a set amount of money at regular intervals—monthly, for example—regardless of market conditions.
This strategy reduces the risk of bad timing, removes emotion from the process, and takes advantage of market dips by buying more shares when prices are low. Over time, it builds momentum—and confidence—without the pressure of guessing when to jump in.

Growth Investing — For the Ambitious Investor
Growth investing is for those who are comfortable with a little more volatility in exchange for potentially greater returns. This strategy focuses on companies and sectors with strong future potential—like tech, clean energy, or healthcare innovation.
Yes, growth investing may involve sharper ups and downs. But for long-term investors who believe in the future of innovation, the rewards can be worth the ride. The key is staying focused on your end goal and not panicking during the bumps.

Income Investing — For the Cash-Flow-Focused Investor
Sometimes the goal isn’t growth—it’s income.
Income investing prioritizes regular, reliable payouts from sources like dividend-paying stocks, municipal or government bonds, annuities or REITs (real estate investment trusts).
It’s often the go-to strategy for retirees or those wanting financial flexibility without selling off assets. If peace of mind and predictable income are high on your list, this may be the path forward.

Bonus Insight: Tax-Efficient Investing — For the Strategic Investor
No matter which strategy you choose, smart tax planning is essential. Without it, taxes can quietly chip away at your returns.
Strategies like using tax-advantaged accounts (think Roth IRAs or 401k’s), harvesting investment losses, or making well-timed Roth conversions can help you keep more of what you earn. It’s not about avoiding taxes—it’s about managing them intentionally.

From Uncertainty to Clarity
Investing without a plan is like setting off on a road trip without a map, you might eventually get somewhere, but it will likely take longer and cause more stress. A clear strategy helps you stay grounded during uncertainty, filter out distractions, and move forward with purpose.
Whether you’re planning to invest more this year, rebalance your portfolio, or simply feel more in control of your financial future, the first step is aligning your investments with your goals and mindset.
Your investments should support your life—not the other way around. When you invest with purpose, the results go far beyond your portfolio. 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.

Our Fearless Councilwoman

Inna Vernikov, the dynamic councilwoman representing Brooklyn’s 48th District, has emerged as a formidable voice in New York City politics. Representing neighborhoods like Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Gravesend, and parts of Midwood and Sheepshead Bay, the Councilwoman is a Ukrainian-born Jewish immigrant and lawyer who arrived in the United States at age 12.

Vernikov’ s journey from a Soviet-era childhood to a prominent Republican leader reflects her resilience and commitment to her principles and community. Elected in 2021, she flipped a traditionally Democratic seat, becoming the first Republican in this seat in over 100 years. Now, as she campaigns for re-election in the Republican primary on June 24, 2025, with early voting starting on June 14 to 22, Vernikov continues to champion issues like public safety, antisemitism, and quality-of-life matters such as taking a stance against homeless shelters being placed in residential neighborhoods.
Vernikov’s tenure has been marked by her vocal stance against antisemitism, a cause deeply personal to her as a Jewish immigrant. She has fearlessly confronted rising antisemitic incidents in New York City, particularly in educational institutions of higher learning.
At a City Hall hearing, she twice grilled CUNY’s administration over their handling of antisemitic incidents, citing the Lippman Report’s findings of pervasive issues within the system. Her pointed response to CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez, who earns $670,000 annually, underscored her frustration with institutional inaction: “Step up or step down.”

Vernikov has also taken her fight to the national stage, testifying before Congress in 2024 about the impact of the migrant crisis on local communities, highlighting her ability to elevate local concerns to federal discussions. Her activism extends to the streets of her district. When a Taliban flag was spotted in Brighton Beach, Vernikov swiftly mobilized, placing pressure on the homeowners to ensure its removal.
Similarly, at Columbia University, Vernikov documented pro-Palestinian encampments, calling out what she saw as antisemitic rhetoric and hostile environments for Jewish students enabled by the administration and uber liberal professors. Her presence at these events, often alongside colleagues like Councilmembers Louis and Yeger, underscores her hands-on approach to addressing divisive issues. Her meetings with the federal antisemitism task force in Washington, D.C., further highlight her proactive approach to aligning local and national efforts.
Education remains a cornerstone of Vernikov’s platform. At a press conference outside Origins High School, she addressed antisemitism in public schools, advocating for safer environments for Jewish students. Her “Unmask the Hate” legislation, introduced at City Hall, seeks to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable by removing anonymity protections, a direct response to masked protests that she believes shield antisemitic actors.
Vernikov’s work with the NYC Council Jewish Caucus, including meetings with Jewish students at Baruch College, further demonstrates her dedication to fostering dialogue and support for her community, and a willingness to reach across the aisle when it comes to issues like antisemitism.
Beyond her fight against antisemitism, Vernikov has tackled practical quality-of-life issues. She successfully pushed for legislation requiring new trash bins across New York City, addressing sanitation concerns that resonate with her constituents. Her opposition to proposed bike lanes in Midwood, which she argued prioritized ideology over practicality, earned her the title of “most hated” by Streetsblog—a badge she wears proudly, as seen in her social media post: “Proudly DELIVERING.” By halting the bike lane plan, which she claimed preserved parking and pedestrian safety, Vernikov showcased her responsiveness to community needs.
Vernikov’s personal story adds depth to her public service. A former immigration and divorce lawyer with a BA from Baruch College and a Juris Doctorate degree, she brings a legal acumen to her role. Her decision to quit the Women’s Caucus, citing its politicization, reflects her willingness to stand on principle, even at the cost of alliances.
As Vernikov seeks re-election, she faces a challenge from Ari Kagan in the Republican primary. Kagan, a lifelong Democrat and former local Democratic leader, switched parties in 2022, a move Vernikov’s supporters criticize as opportunistic. Critics argue Kagan’s values remain misaligned with the GOP’s, pointing to his history of running as a Democrat without adopting conservative principles, voting along with democrats on issues like immigration and crime, as well as voting no on a budget that substantially increased funding to the NYPD. This contrast, however, is secondary to Vernikov’s record of delivering results.
Vernikov’s campaign is a testament to her unrelenting advocacy. From confronting antisemitism to improving sanitation, public safety, and rallying against homeless shelters being placed in residential neighborhoods, she has proven herself a tireless fighter for the 48th District. Her ability to blend grassroots activism with legislative action makes her a standout figure in a city often dominated by progressive and partisan divides. As voters head to the polls, Vernikov’s record as a principled, results-driven leader will speak for itself, but in a low turn out election, every vote matters.
On June 24th, we must re-elect our fearless leader in city hall, our Councilwoman, Inna Vernikov. Early voting starts on June 14th and ends on June 22nd.

The Safe Foundation’s Annual Fundraiser

Every year, The Safe Foundation holds a single, vital fundraising event—one that fuels the lifeline we extend to individuals and families in crisis. With no other fundraising campaigns throughout the year, this annual event is essential to the continued operation of our clinics, programs, and educational initiatives. As a community-based nonprofit serving Brooklyn, NY, and Deal, NJ, we rely on the generosity of donors who believe in our mission: to support individuals coping with addiction and related challenges through comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally competent care.

Founded in 2003, The Safe Foundation has helped over 10,000 people reclaim their lives. What began as a small initiative to address substance use and gambling addiction in our local community has evolved into a multifaceted organization that treats addiction, nurtures families, educates youth, and promotes holistic wellness. Our impact is felt in schools, synagogues, clinics, and homes—and with your support, we can continue to meet the growing and urgent needs of the community we’re proud to serve.
The foundation of Safe’s work is its client-centered clinical services. Our licensed outpatient clinics in Brooklyn and Deal offer substance use and gambling addiction treatment, providing accessible and personalized care. Our experienced team of credentialed professionals creates tailored treatment plans that respect each client’s history, cultural background, and personal goals.
Addiction doesn’t happen in isolation—and neither does healing. That’s why we offer robust support to the family members of those in treatment, recognizing that recovery is a journey best taken with a strong and informed support system. Through family therapy, psychoeducation, and counseling, we help loved ones navigate their own challenges and contribute meaningfully to the recovery process.
We don’t stop at treating addiction. At Safe, we view prevention and education as core to our mission. That’s where our extended programs come in—each one targeting different stages of life and areas of need, always with the goal of strengthening the community from within.
Our youth-focused initiative, Project Safe, delivers vital prevention education to grades five through 12 for one period per week throughout the whole school year in over 10 schools in Brooklyn and Deal. This program helps students understand the risks associated with substance misuse, vaping, and gambling, equipping them with the tools to make healthy choices and empowering them to take control of their futures before problems begin.
Raising children in today’s world is not easy, and parents often feel unprepared to address the complex emotional and behavioral issues their kids face. Our Safe Parenting program offers educational workshops and events for parents seeking to raise confident, resilient children. By focusing on empowerment, we help parents guide their children through life’s challenges without turning to harmful coping mechanisms like substance use or disordered eating.
Eating disorders and body image struggles are deeply entwined with emotional health, and The Mindful Eating Project offers education, support, and healing for those who struggle in silence. Through community events, workshops, and partnerships with credentialed professionals, the Mindful Eating Project opens up conversations about binge eating, dieting, movement, and body acceptance. It is designed to serve those recovering from an eating disorder or simply seeking a healthier relationship with food, exercise, and self-image.
What makes The Safe Foundation unique is our deep connection to the community we serve. Our staff, board members, and volunteers live and work in the neighborhoods where our clients live. We understand the unique cultural dynamics that shape behavior and influence recovery, and we tailor our services accordingly.
Whether it’s a teenager attending a Project Safe class, a parent learning new tools through Safe Parenting, or a client receiving therapy at our clinic, every person who walks through our doors is treated with dignity and care. We don’t just serve the community—we are the community.

Why Your Support Matters
The Safe Foundation runs year-round programming and serves hundreds of clients at any given time. Every dollar raised directly supports clinical care, school outreach, parenting education, and wellness programs. Your donation enables us to say “yes” when someone calls for help. It ensures we can keep our doors open, our counselors available, and our services accessible to all who need them.
Please join us Friday morning, June 27th, at 9 am at the home of James and Ricci Haddad for our 22nd Annual Breakfast Fundraiser. Every donation brings us one step closer to safeguarding our community’s future. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient community.
To donate, Venmo @safe-foundation or visit www.thesafefoundation.org/donate.
If you or a loved one needs help, call (718) GET-SAFE. All calls are confidential.

The parsha of Yitro records the revolutionary moment when G-d, Creator of Heaven and Earth, entered into a mutually binding agreement with a nation, the Children of Israel, an agreement we call a brit, a covenant.

Now, this is not the first Divine covenant in the Torah. G-d had already made one with Noah, and through him all of humanity, and He made another with Abraham, whose sign was circumcision. But those covenants were not fully reciprocal. G-d did not ask for Noah’s agreement, nor did He wait for Abraham’s assent.
Sinai was a different matter. For the first time, He wanted the covenant to be fully mutual, to be freely accepted. So we find that — both before and after the Revelation at Sinai – G-d commands Moses to make sure the people do actually agree.
The point is fundamental. G-d wants to rule by right, not might. The G-d who brought an enslaved people to liberty seeks the free worship of free human beings. G-d does not act toward His creatures like a tyrant. Avodah Zarah 3a
So at Sinai was born the principle that was, millennia later, described by Thomas Jefferson in the American Declaration of Independence, the idea that governors and governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed.” G-d wanted the consent of the governed. That is why the Sinai Covenant was conditional on the people’s agreement.
Admittedly, the Talmud questions how free the Israelites actually were, and it uses an astonishing image. It says that G-d suspended the mountain above their heads and said, “If you agree, well and good. If you don’t, here will be your burial.” That is another topic for another time. Suffice to say that there is no indication of this in the plain sense of the text itself.
What is interesting is the exact wording in which the Israelites signal their consent. To repeat: they do so three times, first before the Revelation, and then twice afterwards, in the parsha of Mishpatim.
Listen to the three verses. Before the Revelation: All the people answered as one and said, ‘All that G-d has spoken, we will do [na’aseh].’Ex. 19:8
Then afterward: Moses came and told the people all of G-d’s words and all the laws. The people all responded with a single voice, ‘We will do [na’aseh] every word that G-d has spoken.’ Ex. 24:3 He took the Book of the Covenant and read it aloud to the people. They replied, ‘We will do [na’aseh] and we will hear [ve-nishma] all that G-d has declared.’ Ex. 24:7
Note the subtle difference. In two cases the people say: all that G-d says, we will do. In the third, the double verb is used: na’aseh ve-nishma. “We will do and we will hear, (or obey, or hearken, or understand).” The word shema means ‘to understand’, as we see in the story of the Tower of Babel: “Come, let us descend and confuse their speech, so that one person will not understand another’s speech.” Gen. 11:7
Now note that there is another difference between the three verses. In the first two cases there is a clear emphasis on the unity of the people. Both phrases are very striking. The first says: all the people answered as one. The second says, The people all responded with a single voice. In a book that emphasizes how fractious and divisive the people were, such declarations of unanimity are significant and rare. But the third verse, which mentions both doing and listening or understanding, contains no such statement. It simply says: They replied. There is no emphasis on unanimity or consensus.
What we have here is a biblical comment on one of the most striking features of all in Judaism: the difference between deed and creed, between asiyah and shemiyah, between doing and understanding.
Christians have theology. Jews have law. These are two very different approaches to the religious life. Judaism is about a community of action. It is about the way people interact in their dealings with one another. It is about bringing G-d into the shared spaces of our collective life. Just as we know G-d through what He does, so G-d asks us to bring Him into what we do. In the beginning, as Goethe put it, was the deed. That is why Judaism is a religion of law, because law is the architecture of behavior.
When it comes, however, to belief, creed, doctrine, all the things that depend on shemiyah rather than asiyah, understanding rather than action: on this Judaism does not call for unanimity. Not because Judaism lacks beliefs. To the contrary, Judaism is what it is precisely because of our beliefs, most importantly the belief in monotheism, that there is, at least and at most, one G-d. The Torah tells us in Bereishit about creation, in Shemot about redemption, and in parsha Yitro about revelation.
Judaism is a set of beliefs, but it is not a community based on unanimity about the way we understand and interpret those beliefs. It recognizes that intellectually and temperamentally we are different. Judaism has had its rationalists and its mystics, its philosophers and its poets, its naturalists and its supernaturalists: Rabbi Ishmael and Rabbi Akiva, Judah Halevi and Maimonides, the Vilna Gaon and the Baal Shem Tov. We seek unanimity in halachah, not in aggadah. Na’aseh, we act in the same way, but nishma, we understand each in our own way. That is the difference between the way we serve G-d, collectively, and the way we understand G-d, individually.
What is fascinating is that this well-known feature of Judaism is already signaled in the Torah: in the difference between the way it speaks about na’aseh, “as one,” “with a single voice,” and nishma, with no special collective consensus. Our acts, our na’aseh, are public. Our thoughts, our nishma, are private. That is how we come to serve G-d together, yet relate to Him individually, in the uniqueness of our being.

Jonathan Sacks ZT”L was an international religious leader, and philosopher. The author of over 30 books, Rabbi Sacks received multiple awards in recognition of his work. Sadly, he passed away in November 2020.

Slovie Jungreis-Wolff

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we celebrate love that endures over time. Here are four mothers who inspire us, each one in a unique manner. Each of these four mothers inspire us in a different way.

The Colorblind Artist:
The Mother Who Pushed Back
Loren Long is a talented bestselling children’s illustrator, including books authored by celebrities and President Barack Obama. He’s also colorblind. He can’t see the difference between brown and green, blue and purple. Certain hues elude him. Yet, he has created beautiful colorful drawings that have delighted children across the world.
Who gave Loren his grit? At 14, Loren’s mother took him to an optometrist. Loren was told that he’s colorblind. Not a big deal, the doctor said. Unless you want to be an artist. Loren’s life quest was to be an artist.
Loren described the moment that was his impetus to greatness. As he cried in the car on the way home from the doctor, his mother gripped his knee and told him, “Loren, your art is beautiful. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t be an artist.”
What would’ve happened if his mother would not have pushed predictions and impossibilities aside? He would have given up. The world would never have seen the colors that ran vivid in his head.
There are mothers across the world who are told that their child will never do or be something. “Put away your dreams,” they are told. “This son or daughter of yours will live a life of limitations. They’ll never amount to much.” And these mothers stand strong. They’re their child’s greatest cheerleader. Where others see boulders, they see stepping stones.
Greatness is a step away. Perhaps it is a big step, maybe even a leap. But they will not lie down in a bed of limitations. They peel away layers until they discover their child’s hidden potential.

Rachel: The Mother Who Smiles
Despite the Pain
What’s it like to spend nights on a hospital chair, the wood digging into your back, wondering if your child’s vein will hold off from collapsing the tenth day of IV? How do you grasp onto hope, keep faith alive, and put a smile on your face, when your heart is breaking?
My friend Rachel has spent too many nights with her little girl battling illness. Days turn into dusks. Months turn into seasons. And yet I have never met a woman whose smile lights up a room like Rachel. She has never turned bitter. She has brought joy into a dark world.
Vivacious. Loving. Energetic. It seems impossible. But here is a mother’s boundless love taking shape. If I am ok then you, my child, will be ok.
How many mothers could easily fall apart and yet, for their children’s sake, they put one foot in front of the other and keep walking? The flickering spark of courage extinguishes the hopelessness that can easily snuff out their daily joy. With great audacity they smile and stare fear in the eye. They hug. They give. They listen. They are weary but fight the fatigue of illness, desperation, disappointment, and dread. These mothers are the heroines who empower the world.

Lucy Dee: The Mother Who
Left a Living Legacy
Lucy Dee is the mother who died of critical injuries she sustained in a shooting by a Palestinian terrorist who first killed her daughters, Maia and Rena. Lucy’s oldest surviving daughter Keren, 17, told mourners that “to lose a mother is like losing a life”.
Eight years ago Lucy followed her dream. She gave up a bustling life in England and moved to Israel together with her husband and children. Her passion to live in Israel was a driving force in her life. Lucy would say that she could not imagine living anywhere else.
Her home was filled with warmth and love. She was a beloved educator who taught her children the need to make a difference in this world. One of her favorite questions she asked at her Shabbat table was, “What did you do for someone today?”
The words of Lucy’s son, spoken as she was laid to rest, reflect the life legacy that Lucy left behind: “Mommy, you were the strongest person I’ve known, mentally and spiritually. I will never find someone so generous, beautiful and kind. We always felt safe and happy in our home because of you. We will try to be strong and kind like you.” She lived with strength and courage and transmitted her fortitude and compassion for every person to her children.
Mothers living with a looming final goodbye are faced with unsaid promises, dreams of wedding canopies left behind. Each moment that ticks by is another crack in the heart. Some mothers leave tragically. Others are aware that sadly, their days must count as years. But a mother’s legacy lived each day remains. No one can ever take it away. A path has been forged. A mother’s love is forever.

Rebecca the Matriarch: The Mother Who Loved Through Her Disappointment
Rebecca, mother of twins Jacob and Esau, faced a challenge that many mothers encounter. What happens when my child disappoints me? What do I do with my disapproval, my displeasure and distress?
Seeing her two children traveling such diverse paths tore Rebecca’s heart into two. Jacob, her pure son, lived with a gentle spirit. Esau, her son the hunter, was brash and bloodthirsty.
Rachel teaches us that it is possible to love even if you do not like. You may not like your child’s actions. You may feel frustrated and disturbed. You wonder to yourself what will be with this child? How did this happen? I tried so hard!
But as Jacob runs for his life from his brother, Rebecca is called in the Torah “mother of Jacob and Esau”. Bottom line, Rebecca sees herself as the mother of both her boys. She carried them within her womb, gave life to them and yes, she loved them despite the disparities and deficiencies.
Mothers discover eternal love. It is a force unlike any other, fierce and enduring, a love that emits from the depth of the soul and lingers long past the last breath of life.
To mothers all over the world, this is a tribute to you.

Slovie Jungreis Wolff is a noted teacher, author, relationships and parenting lecturer. She is the leader of Hineni Couples and daughter of Rebbetzen Esther Jungreis. Slovie is the author of the parenting handbook, Raising A Child With Soul. She gives weekly classes and has lectured throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Panama, and South Africa.

Beyond Weight Loss

Mary Anne Cohen

The weight loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound (GLP-1s) have created a healthcare revolution. People who have struggled with weight loss now have effective medications to help them. But these drugs offer far more than just weight management as we discover in this interview with Bracha Banayan. Bracha is a family nurse practitioner and CEO of IVDrips.com, specializing in GLP-1 therapy.
Mary Anne: You’ve called these drugs “revolutionary.” Can you explain why?
Bracha: These drugs transform our relationship with food and obesity. They don’t just work in the gut—they rewire the brain, allowing people to pause before food choices and interrupt impulsive eating. For the first time, we have medications that simultaneously help with weight loss, improve health markers, and can reverse diabetes. Previous treatments came with negative side effects, but with these medications, the “side effect” is getting healthier.
M.A.: Is this an injection you take to lose weight and then you’re done?
B: Sustainable weight loss requires using these medications alongside lifestyle changes. Studies show minimal success with lifestyle modifications alone—very few maintain significant weight loss for 5+ years because weight loss involves more than willpower.
These medications jumpstart your journey by adjusting hormone levels, resetting your body’s weight set point, creating aversion to high-sugar foods, increasing satiety, and reducing food noise.
Our DROP Method supports sustainable results through proper Dosing, Real-time feedback, Observing body needs, and Developing the Pause factor (delayed gratification). By adopting healthy habits while on GLP-1s, you’re more likely to maintain weight loss long-term.
MA: People report that the obsessive “food noise” disappears with GLP-1s. What happens?
B: GLP1s increase satiety and silence “food noise”—the constant mental obsession about when, what, and how much to eat that dominates some people’s thoughts. Many with weight struggles experience this noise their entire lives, while others develop it later. Some never experience it, making it easy to judge those preoccupied with eating.
These medications make food less exciting to our brains, effectively shutting off this constant mental chatter. For those who’ve lived with food noise, often not realizing how much mental space it consumed, this effect feels miraculous.
MA: Who is a candidate for this medication? Who shouldn’t take it?
B: Many people beyond those seeking weight loss can benefit—those with inflammation, eating disorders, addictions, or anyone wanting better health and longevity.
I wouldn’t recommend these for pregnant or nursing women, those with medullary thyroid cancer history, or people unwilling to change their lifestyle who just want a quick fix.
People not making lifestyle modifications alongside medication won’t achieve sustainable results. If someone’s only goal is “getting skinny at any cost” rather than improving health, they shouldn’t use these medications.
These drugs weren’t designed just for aesthetic weight loss—they were created to reduce cardiovascular risk and extend lifespan.
MA: What about side effects and long-term use?
B: Most side effects result from improper medication use rather than the medication itself. “Ozempic face,” muscle loss, nausea, and osteoporosis concerns can be minimized through resistance training, following a low-glycemic/high-protein/high-fiber diet, avoiding late-night eating, practicing portion control, and starting medication gradually.
Sugar and insulin spikes while on these medications often trigger nausea, which is why the right diet is crucial.
The need for long-term medication depends on the individual. Some people require longer use due to biological, genetic, and emotional factors. Others who gained weight from situational causes can use it temporarily to reset habits.
Those who’ve struggled with obesity their entire lives may have a harder time discontinuing, but it’s not impossible. As they lose weight, their insulin resistance decreases, making maintenance easier.
The good news is that taking these medications is beneficial for your health. Some can use them as a jumpstart toward healthier habits, while others may need them longer. If you could “cheat” your way to better health, why wouldn’t you?
MA: How do you individualize treatment?
B: Dosing is both art and science. Customized care is essential for success, not just following standard protocols.
The first few months should be treated as a learning period. Going on and off these medications without proper guidance usually results in weight regain.
Everyone’s optimal dose varies. We evaluate effectiveness by monitoring changes in both brain and gut—not just increased satiety, but also changes in habits and thought processes.
When we find that “sweet spot” where brain patterns adjust, behaviors change, and optimal satiety is reached, we maintain that dosage. For patients ready to discontinue, we use our specialized maintenance program with a gradual titration formula.
MA: Where do you see these medications in 5 years?
B: These aren’t just weight loss drugs but longevity drugs. They help you live longer by recalibrating glucose and insulin levels while rewiring your brain’s approach to eating.
When you lose cravings for alcohol, carbs, and sugar, you gain the ability to decline harmful choices. The medications create a delay in instant gratification, reducing dopamine-seeking from addictive behaviors. Instead, you naturally increase physical activity and eliminate junk food—all extending your lifespan.
The key to longevity is managing glucose and insulin levels. While weight loss is visible, what’s happening internally is a slowing of the aging process, potentially adding years to your life.
For more information about GLP-1 medications and the DROP Method, contact Bracha Banayan, NP, at IVDrips.com.

Mary Anne Cohen is Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders and can be reached at EmotionalEating.Org.