It Might Be Time for a Check-Up.

David Chabbott

Your life insurance policy may be growing, but is it growing in a way that actually benefits you? It’s time to take a closer look and make sure your policy is working as hard for you as it should.

Life insurance is one of those financial products that often gets a pass in the minds of many consumers. After all, you pay the premium every month and, ideally, you never have to think about it again. But if you’re not reviewing your in-force life insurance policies regularly, you could be missing out on opportunities to maximize your policy’s potential.
When you initially signed up for that life insurance policy, you probably didn’t envision needing to look at it again until something tragic happens. But here’s the thing: life insurance isn’t a one-and-done kind of product. Especially for those with permanent life insurance, which can build cash value over time, it’s crucial to periodically review how your policy is performing.
Most people know about the death benefit, the payout your beneficiaries receive when you pass. But what they often overlook is the cash value component, which is unique to permanent life insurance policies like whole life and universal life. Over time, the cash value can grow and be accessed through loans or withdrawals, offering you an additional financial resource that can help in emergencies, or even as a retirement supplement.
But here’s where the problem lies: too often, brokers don’t structure a policy in a way that maximizes its potential for the client. They might focus on making sure the death benefit is high enough to cover initial needs, but in doing so, they might overlook how the cash value can be optimized for long-term growth. Even worse, some brokers will intentionally structure a policy to increase their own commission, rather than crafting something that actually benefits the client. It’s a sad truth in this industry—one that’s easy to overlook until you realize your policy isn’t growing as expected.
What happens when your policy doesn’t perform as planned? Many policyholders feel stuck. After all, a life insurance policy can feel like a lifelong commitment, and no one wants to think about making changes when it’s something as important as life insurance. But just because your policy hasn’t performed as expected doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. There are typically options available to help adjust the policy to suit your current needs—often without additional costs. For example, in some cases, you can use the accumulated cash value to increase the death benefit, providing better coverage for your family over the long term. This adjustment can be made at little to no added cost, leveraging your policy’s own growth to better meet your needs.
At Power Forward Group, we take a different approach to life insurance. We don’t structure policies based on what generates the highest commission for us. We build policies that are tailored to your individual needs, focusing on what’s best for you. Our goal is to make sure that your policy is working for you—not just providing a death benefit, but also growing in cash value and offering flexibility over time.
We understand that reviewing life insurance can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Power Forward Group, we offer free audits of your current policies. We’ll help you assess how your policy is performing, what options are available, and how to make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your coverage continues to grow with you, your family, and your financial goals. It’s never too late to start thinking about what’s best for your future—and your family’s future.
So, before you settle into another year without checking in on your life insurance, take a moment to consider: Is your policy structured to meet your needs, both now and in the long run? If you’re unsure, or you suspect your policy isn’t performing the way you thought it would, consider reaching out to us for a consultation. Protecting your family starts with making sure your life insurance works as hard as you do. Let’s build a plan together to secure their future, so you can rest easy knowing you’re taking care of them in the best way possible. q

Registered representative of, and securities and investment advisory services offered through Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC (HTK), Registered Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/SIPC, 800-873-7637, www.htk.com. Power Forward Group is unaffiliated with HTK. HTK does not offer tax or legal advice. Always consult a qualified adviser regarding your individual circumstances. 7747113RG_Mar27

David Chabbott is a community member and financial advisor at Power Forward Group. He graduated Brooklyn College in 2001, and has spent the last 20+ years operating his small family business. David and his wife Aimee love getting involved in their children’s yeshivah, watching their 4 sons play basketball, and playing Barbie with their daughter.

What was once a tired and deteriorating building is now a shining jewel in the heart of Deal, New Jersey. The Shore Area Mikveh has been completely transformed—rebuilt with grace, beauty, and holiness, and elevated into a tranquil, spa-like sanctuary for Jewish women.

The driving force behind the transformation was Eddie Mizrahi, whose leadership, vision, and passion brought this monumental project to life. As president, he stepped up to fundraise, rally community support, and manage the renovation with unshakeable dedication. With spiritual leadership from Rabbi Shmuel Choueka and the esteemed rabbis Rabbi Shlomo Diamond, Rabbi Moshe Malka, Rabbi Saul J. Kassin, and Rabbi Edmond Nahum, and through the devoted work of Debra Shiloach, Richie Benedict of Ray Builders, and the entire team, the mikveh was not just renovated—it was transformed into a sanctuary of beauty and holiness.

A Vision Comes to Life
What started as a desperate need quickly turned into a divine opportunity. After years of disrepair—peeling tiles, broken compressors, and failing systems—the mikveh was no longer sustainable. Rabbi Choueka gave the green light for a total overhaul, and from that moment on, things moved quickly.
Debra Shiloach, an experienced designer, immediately volunteered to take on the interior concept. Inspired by a wallpaper pattern she found, she crafted a space that now evokes peace, elegance, and spiritual beauty. Drawing on her previous work with mikvaot and her experience with top designers, Debra created a setting that would honor the mitzvah and elevate every woman’s experience.
Elyse Kairey, the mikveh’s manager of 25 years, was deeply moved by the transformation. “I never thought I’d see the day this mikveh reflected the true beauty of the mitzvah,” she said. Today, the space includes 15 preparation rooms, a stunning bridal suite, and four pools—all painted in soft creams and whites. The now iconic Matriarch Wall, inspired by Eddie Mizrahi and dedicated by Jack A. Kassin in memory of Mrs. Mazal Kassin, the wife of Chief Rabbi Jacob Kassin, pays tribute to the spiritual women who built the foundation of the community.

Building Under Pressure
Maurice Zekaria, vice president of the committee, stepped in to oversee construction. Known for his work on many community projects, Maurice faced intense challenges: the building had no plans, the timeline was tight, and the mikveh needed to reopen in time for Deal’s busy summer season. “We had to gut the entire interior. There was no way around it,” he explained.
To complete the job in under six months, the team worked nonstop. Tradesmen—each one a religious Jew with deep respect for the mitzvah—worked shoulder-to-shoulder in tight spaces to meet the deadline. “It was my toughest project,” Maurice said, “but we had the right team and Hashem guiding us every step.”
All of it was made possible by community generosity. “We had no money in the bank when we started,” Maurice recalled. “We had to raise funds on the spot, borrow, and pay contractors before we even had a fundraising event.”

Rallying the Community
Eddie Mizrahi, known for his creativity and commitment to the community, led the fundraising campaign with energy and heart. He collaborated with graphic designer Stacey Gindi to develop a professional brochure that told the mikveh’s story and inspired donations. Rabbi Choueka, along with many leading community rabbis lent their voices in support, reminding the community of the mikveh’s vital role.
Last Memorial Day weekend Eddie organized an elegant gala at the home of Ely and Rena Cohen, working alongside event planner Norma Cohen, Stacey Gindi, Debra Shiloach, Ellen Sutton, and a team of volunteers. They honored the mikveh’s original founders—Sonny Laniado, Ike Hidary, and Manny Haber—and showcased an inspiring video Eddie created with Joe Mansour. “With Hashem’s help,” Eddie shared, “we raised what we needed.”
While construction continued, Elyse and her team coordinated with smaller local mikvaot to ensure women still had access. “We never stopped answering phones. We juggled and made it work,” she said.

What’s Next
The mikveh reopened in June 2024—on schedule and against all odds. Comment cards now flood in with heartfelt thanks from women across the community who feel the care, warmth, and serenity in every detail.
But for Eddie, the work isn’t over. He’s aiming to raise another million dollars: half for final touches, half for future upkeep. He’s also producing an all-women’s video to promote mikveh awareness and plans a Breakfast & Celebration this May in honor of community matriarch, Cookie Chera. It will be held in May at the home of Lisa and Lee Cohen, who along with the Setton family have generously sponsored the name of the campus.
For more information or to sponsor a part of this special building, contact Eddie Mizrahi at (347) 260-0745.

Strategies for Leadership, Succession, and Growth

Ari Baum, CFP®

EVERY BUSINESS BEGINS WITH A SPARK—AN IDEA, A DREAM, A NEED TO CREATE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL. BUT NOT EVERY BUSINESS BECOMES A LEGACY. A LEGACY IS SOMETHING THAT LASTS, SOMETHING THAT MATTERS BEYOND YOUR OWN SUCCESS. IT’S A BUSINESS THAT CAN THRIVE LONG AFTER YOU STEP ASIDE.

So how do you build something that stands the test of time? It takes more than good ideas and hard work. It takes clear leadership, smart planning, and a long-term vision for growth.
Before we talk about the next steps and future goals, it’s important to take a moment and think about what legacy means to you. Is it keeping your business in the family? Is it making a lasting impact in your industry or community? Once you define what success looks like years from now, you can begin to build toward it—with purpose and direction.

Lead with Vision and Values
The heart of every legacy business is strong leadership. But real leadership isn’t just about making decisions or hitting revenue goals. It’s about setting a clear vision and helping others believe in it too.
Leaders who build legacies are consistent. They show up with integrity, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for the business’s culture. They also know when to listen. Employees and customers alike want to feel seen, heard, and respected. When you lead with empathy and confidence, your team is more likely to stay, grow, and help the business thrive.
One key to leading with purpose is defining your business’s core values. These values should guide every part of the company—from hiring decisions to marketing campaigns to how you handle mistakes. Over time, these values become part of your brand identity and create a sense of trust and stability.

Build Smart Systems That Scale
A business that can’t run without you isn’t truly built to last. That’s why creating strong systems is a major part of building a legacy. From your sales process to how you onboard new employees, you want your business to function smoothly—even if you’re not there.
Document your key workflows. Automate what you can. Train your team regularly and give them the tools they need to succeed. When systems are in place, your business becomes more efficient and less vulnerable to change.
Think of systems like a solid foundation—they may not be flashy, but they’re what hold the whole structure up.

Grow with Intention
Many business owners think growth just means more money or more customers. But real growth is about expanding in ways that support your long-term goals.
That might mean growing your team slowly but thoughtfully. Or it could mean focusing on better service instead of bigger numbers. Legacy businesses are built with care, not chaos.
Always ask yourself: Will this growth help or hurt the heart of my business? Not all opportunities are the right fit. Smart growth is sustainable growth. It protects what you’ve built while allowing for meaningful expansion.

Prepare the Next Generation
One of the hardest parts of building a business legacy is planning for what happens when you’re ready to step away. Succession planning can feel uncomfortable—but it’s one of the most important steps you’ll ever take.
Start early. Whether you plan to pass the business to a family member, a trusted employee, or an outside buyer, the process takes time. You’ll need to train your successor, introduce them to key relationships, and slowly give them more responsibility.
A good succession plan also includes legal and financial elements. Talk to your lawyer and accountant about how ownership will transfer, and how taxes or liabilities will be handled. The smoother the transition, the more confidence your clients and team will have moving forward.

Protect What You’ve Built
As your business grows, so does your responsibility to protect it. That means putting safeguards in place—like insurance, cybersecurity, and updated legal documents.
But it also means protecting the spirit of your business. What do you want people to remember? What should never change, even as your business evolves? Writing down your company’s story, mission, and values helps preserve your original vision for future generations.
You may also consider setting up an advisory board or mentorship program, so future leaders have a support system in place to help them navigate big decisions.
A true business legacy isn’t built overnight—it’s built over years of thoughtful, consistent action. It’s about leading with vision, planning for the future, and growing in ways that reflect what matters most. When you invest in people, build strong systems, and think beyond yourself, your business can make a lasting impact for decades to come. 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.

Poised to Make History for Sephardic Community

Joey C Saban & Sari J Setton

In a historic move, Sam Sutton, one of the Sephardic community’s respected leaders and long-time advocate, has officially launched his campaign for New York State Senate in the 22nd District, seeking to fill the seat vacated by Senator Simcha Felder. The special election will take place on Tuesday, May 20th, and could mark a monumental moment: the first time a member of the Sephardic Community would serve in the New York State Senate.

Sutton’s candidacy is more than a political run—it is a powerful statement about representation, community empowerment, and a long-overdue voice for a growing and vibrant constituency. As Sutton put it in his announcement, “Given our community’s growth and needs, we deserve a representative who is deeply rooted in our community and understands its dynamics.”

A Proven Civic and Communal Leader
A lifelong Brooklyn resident, Sam Sutton’s decades of leadership and advocacy stretch across civic, educational, and humanitarian spheres. He served over 30 years on the board of Sephardic Bikur Holim (SBH), including five years as President, helping grow the organization into a multidivisional social service center.
Sam also co-founded and is the President of the Sephardic Community Federation (SCF), the political and public policy arm of the Sephardic Jewish community, and has played a central role in securing government resources and legislative support for key community needs.
His resume also includes supporting his wife Nancy when she founded the New York Cancer Center. He also was a founding board member of the SAFE Foundation. Sam also was privileged to serve as a Trustee at NYU Langone Hospital.
An Advocate for Education and Jewish Continuity
Education has long been at the heart of Sutton’s public work. Sam was chairman of the education committee at the Sephardic High School and shortly after chaired their fundraising committee as well. A graduate of Yeshiva of Flatbush (67’) and Yeshiva University (71’), he was nominated as a Trustee to CUNY Board of Trustees by Governor Pataki and served from 2006 to 2012. During his tenure Sam helped hire the Presidents of Brooklyn and City College. He is also the co-founder and current chairman of Teach NYS, an organization committed to securing government support for non-public schools.
In 1973, Sutton, along with four other young men, founded the Sephardic Torah Learning Center, which was eventually brought over to Shaare Zion by former President David Cohen.
Sam along with a few other community leaders, including Harry Adjmi, relaunched Ozar Hatorah NY in 2017, helping transfer over 3,200 children in France from public schools into yeshivot — a bold, international effort in Jewish continuity and education.

A Humanitarian with Global Impact
While his civic accomplishments are impressive, Sam and Nancy are equally admired for their quiet, personal acts of compassion. Sam and Nancy were likely the first Sephardic family to become foster parents, after going through a 3-month training program. They opened their home to 14 foster children, including one with special needs who lived with them for 18 months and became like a sixth child.
In 2005, in partnership with American Jewish World Service, Sam led a humanitarian mission to Senegal to launch a development project focused on clean water access and sustainable agriculture. Earlier in his life, in 1973, Sutton took part in a mission facilitated by the Nativ Division of the Mossad to the Soviet Union, countering false propaganda against Israel as well as facilitating individual efforts to escape the USSR.

A Moderate Voice at a Critical Time
If elected, Sutton would bring a much-needed moderate voice to the State Senate—someone capable of bridging divides and working pragmatically on behalf of all constituents. In a political climate often defined by polarization, Sutton’s balanced, solutions-oriented approach would bring stability, clarity, and credibility to Albany.
Sutton’s top legislative priorities reflect both local concerns and core Jewish values.
Among other community priorities, he is committed to:
Fighting antisemitism with zero tolerance, protecting Jewish students and institutions across New York.
Unwavering support for Israel, ensuring state partnerships and moral backing for the Jewish state.
Delivering increased funding to critical institutions like SBH, The Sephardic Community Center, SAFE, and the community’s Yeshivahs, ensuring they continue to thrive and serve all generations.
Funding (not defunding) the Police and fighting against the current Bail Reform

A Community Milestone
For the Sephardic community in particular, Sam Sutton’s campaign represents more than a candidacy—it’s a chance to make history. After decades of growth, contribution, and community-building, the opportunity to elect one of our own to such a high level of state government sends a clear message: our voice matters.
“I believe it’s time for me to contribute directly from within government,” Sutton said. “We’ve come so far as a community—this is our moment to take the next step.”
As May 20th approaches, the momentum behind Sutton’s campaign is growing, fueled by grassroots support and the recognition that this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure representation that truly reflects the community’s values, heritage, and future aspirations.

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks ZT”L

There are times when you know you are living through history: that what you are witnessing will be remembered for centuries. That is what I, and surely every Jew, felt on the day when the word went round the world: Har haBayit beyadenu, “The Temple Mount is in our hands.” That day, 28 Iyar, the Chief Rabbi of the Israel Defense Forces, Rabbi Shlomo Goren, carried a Sefer Torah to the Kotel, blew the shofar, and recited Psalms.

Yitzhak Rabin, Chief of Staff at the time, described the scene: “We stood among a tangle of battle-weary men who were unable to believe their eyes or restrain their emotions. Their eyes were moist with tears, their speech incoherent. The overwhelming desire was to cling to the Wall, to hold on to that great moment as long as possible.”
When the Israelis reached the Jewish Quarter, they discovered that it had been reduced to rubble. Synagogues had been destroyed and holy places desecrated. Moshe Dayan made an immediate public announcement that Israel would act differently: “To our Christian and Muslim fellow citizens, we solemnly promise full religious freedom and rights. We did not come to Jerusalem for the sake of other peoples’ holy places and not to interfere with the adherents of other faiths, but in order to safeguard its entirety.” Israel has kept that promised since.
No people has ever loved a city as, for 3,000 years, Jews have loved Jerusalem. The Book of Psalms calls it “beautiful in its heights, joy of all the earth, city of the great King.” The word ‘Jerusalem’ appears almost 700 times in Tanach. There are few laments that speak to us with such undiminished force as the words Jews said, twenty-six centuries ago, when Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians: “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.”
Wherever Jews prayed, they prayed towards Jerusalem. At every wedding they broke a glass in its memory. At the two great climaxes of the Jewish year, on Pesach and at the end of Yom Kippur, they sang, L’shanah haba’ah biYerushalayim.
It is said that once Napoleon was passing a synagogue and heard sounds of lamentation. “Why are the Jews crying”, he asked. “They are mourning the loss of Jerusalem”, one of his officers replied. “How long ago was that?” he asked. “More than seventeen centuries ago,” the officer replied.
“A people that can mourn the loss of Jerusalem for so long, will one day have it restored to them”, Napoleon said. And so it was.
It is worth remembering that on the first day of the war, 5 June 1967, Israel sent three messages to King Hussein of Jordan – one through the United Nations representative, another via the American ambassador and a third directly. Israel would not attack Jordan if Jordan did not enter the war. Israel would “honor the armistice agreement with Jordan in its entirety.” The West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Old City, would remain under Jordanian control. There was no reply. Instead, Jordan attacked. Had King Hussein not hardened his heart, Jerusalem would still be in Arab hands. It is one of the great ironies of history.
I remember the first time I looked down on the Old City and the Temple Mount. I was standing on Mount Scopus, the original and now rebuilt site of the Hebrew University. I recalled the moment described in the Talmud when Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues stood on the same spot, looking down at the ruins of the Temple. The Rabbis wept. Rabbi Akiva smiled.
“How can you smile?”, they asked. “The place that was once the most sacred spot on earth is now laid waste and a fox is walking across the Holy of Holies where once only the High Priest was allowed to enter, and only on the holiest of days.”
“I smile”, Rabbi Akiva replied, “because the prophets prophesied that Jerusalem would be laid waste, and they prophesied that it would be rebuilt. Now that the one prophesy has been fulfilled, can we doubt that the other will be likewise?”
That was when I realized the power of faith. Jews never lost faith that one day they would return. And they did. It was faith that brought the Jewish people back to Israel and rebuilt the ruins of Jerusalem.
So, as we remember those events, let us thank G-d for the freedom to stand once again in David’s city, joining our prayers to those of our ancestors in the place the Divine Presence never left and to which the Jewish people has now returned.

A Pillar of Sephardic Torah

The Sephardic world is mourning the loss of Rabbi Meir Mazuz zt”l who passed away at the age of 80. Revered for his unwavering devotion to Torah (Jewish learning), his steadfast preservation of tradition, and his profound humility, Rab Mazuz was far more than a scholar—he was a spiritual anchor for generations.

Born in Tunis in 1945, Rabbi Mazuz was raised in a home steeped in Torah and leadership. His father, the distinguished Rabbi Mazliah Mazuz zt”l, was a towering figure in Tunisian Jewish life. The path to leadership, however, was shaped by heartbreak. In 1971, the elder Rabbi Mazuz was assassinated in a hate-fueled attack. That same year, the family immigrated to Israel, carrying their Torah legacy with them. Together, the Mazuz brothers established Yeshivat Kisse Rachamim in Bnei Brak, reviving their father’s vision and planting seeds that would flourish into one of the most vibrant Sephardic Torah institutions in the country.
Under Rabbi Meir Mazuz’s leadership, Kisse Rachamim became more than a yeshiva—it grew into a network of Torah life. Schools, kollelim, and educational centers were founded across Israel. The system now serves over 1,500 students, each touched by the warmth, rigor, and authenticity that defined the rabbi’s approach.
Rabbi Mazuz was particularly devoted to preserving the unique customs and Torah style of Tunisian Jewry. He championed their method of iyun (deep, analytical study of Talmud) and insisted on precise Sephardic pronunciation in tefillah and Torah reading. He emphasized the beauty and importance of mastering Tanach, piyyut (liturgical poetry), and Hebrew grammar, weaving together tradition and scholarship with rare elegance. His teachings reflected not only intellectual brilliance but also a deep spiritual sensitivity that inspired awe and devotion.
In halachic (Jewish legal) matters, Rabbi Mazuz followed a path of balance and clarity. While respecting the rulings of great sages like Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt”l and Rabbi Shalom Mashash zt”l, he often charted his own middle course—grounded in sources, yet sensitive to the customs and needs of the Sephardic community. As the head of the Mishpat Tzedek rabbinical court, he guided many with thoughtful and compassionate rulings, always rooted in Torah truth.
While he participated in public affairs and offered guidance on political matters, his true calling and greatest passion remained Torah education and spiritual leadership. Even as his voice resonated in the national conversation, his focus never wavered from the sacred mission of transmitting Torah and strengthening the Sephardic tradition. In 2014, he became the spiritual leader of the Yachad – Ha’am Itanu party, and he later offered support to Shas, Otzma Yehudit and Likud candidates. Throughout, he remained devoted to preserving the values of Sephardic Judaism and defending its voice within Israeli society.
The Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Maran HaRab David Yosef Shlit”a, delivered an emotional eulogy at the funeral of HaRab Meir Mazuz zt”l. In tears, he stated, “Rab Mazuz commanded us not to eulogize him, but he didn’t command us not to cry for him… and so we will cry. How can we not cry?”
Tributes poured in from across the religious and political spectrum. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him “one of the greatest Torah scholars of our generation” and “a pillar of Jewish law and Sephardic tradition.” Rabbi Eli Yishai described him as a “pillar of fire” and “a faithful shepherd” who taught Torah to tens of thousands. Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar reflected on his humility and courage, while Interior Minister Moshe Arbel spoke of the honor of studying Torah in his home and the lasting impression of his noble presence.
The following paragraphs were written by Rabbi Joseph Dweck, Senior Rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community of the United Kingdom. He offered a powerful tribute that resonated deeply with those who knew Rabbi Mazuz or were shaped by his teachings:
“How great a loss! Those who are gone—and the likes of them are no longer found. We say this often when someone passes, for every soul is unique. But there are rare individuals whose entire world, outlook and life are so singular, so deeply impact the fabric of Torah and tradition, that with their passing, an entire way of being disappears with them.
Today Kelal Yisrael lost a giant—HaGa’on HaRav Meir Mazouz ztz”l Rosh Yeshiva of Kiseh Rahamim.
He was a bastion of Sepharadi Torah—embodying the nobility of the Hakhamim of Tunisia, whose Torah he carried with pride, clarity, and unwavering strength. He never bent to the winds of influence around him. He remained firm in the way of his father Rav Masliyah Mazouz zt”l and the entire holy world of Torah in which he was raised.
Rav Mazouz was legendary for his insistence on accuracy in speaking Leshon HaKodesh and for the need to be meticulous in language in all its facets—pronunciation, grammar, and structure. And from his care in these things, his Torah gained its power and splendour. His Torah knowledge was immense—not only in breadth, but in the surgical precision with which he learned and taught. With a single word in Mishnah, Talmud, a phrase in Rashi or Onkelos, a nuance in Rambam and Rishonim—he would uncover layers of meaning that few would notice.
He boldly and fearlessly defended the sacred customs of Sepharadi Jewry. I often quote what he said about our responsibility to pass down Torah and our traditions: ‘Those who have children and do not pass on the Torah and customs of their ancestors are thieves! One day their children or grandchildren will come to ask for them, and they will no longer be there. It belongs to them—it is their inheritance!’
He also referenced thinkers and ideas from outside the Beit Midrash incorporating them into his shiurim to illuminate truth wherever it could be found—despite criticism from some. To him, it was all an endeavour to know HaKadosh Barukh Hu. I remember reading the introduction to Arim Nissi (his Talmudic commentary) on Masekhet Gittin. There he wrote pages upon pages detailing the greatness of Rambam and Rashi—not through stories or folklore, but by uncovering the brilliance and depth of their Torah with powerful and elegant examples that only he could present.
Today, the Jewish people have lost a towering luminary. The Torah world has suffered a devastating blow. We have taken yet another step away from a world of Torah that was—impeccable in its toil and study, driven by its dedication to truth and connection with HKBH, and fearless in its integrity. Rav Mazouz lived and breathed it, and we are at a terrible loss without him. May his merit stand for his people and bring us to peace and salvation.”
Rabbi Meir Mazuz zt”l leaves behind children, grandchildren, and thousands of students whose lives he shaped. His teachings, his writings, and the institutions he built will continue to illuminate paths of Torah and emunah (faith) for generations. His legacy stands as a testament to the power of holding fast to one’s roots while elevating the future.
May his memory be a blessing, and may his teachings continue to inspire the Jewish people with strength, pride, and purpose.

In the final days of negotiations over New York State’s $254 billion budget, lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul are weighing a contentious proposal that would significantly roll back state oversight of private religious schools. The measure—backed by leaders of the Hasidic Jewish community and their political representatives—has alarmed education experts and child‐advocacy groups who warn it could leave thousands of students without access to even a basic secular curriculum in English, math, and science.

Proposal Details and Legislative Context

Under current law, private schools—including religious institutions—must demonstrate “substantial equivalency” to public schools by teaching core academic subjects. The budget‐negotiation proposal under discussion would:

• Lower the threshold schools must meet to prove compliance with secular‐education requirements.
• Delay or eliminate penalties for schools found out of compliance, even if they accept taxpayer dollars through vouchers or state aid.
• Potentially remove routine inspections by the State Education Department (SED), placing enforcement into a reactive, complaint‐based model.

Although the changes would ostensibly apply to all private schools in New York, their most immediate beneficiaries would be Hasidic yeshivas, which often conduct instruction primarily in Yiddish and Hebrew and have been cited in recent years for failing to teach adequate English literacy and math skills.

Opposition from Education Authorities

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa condemned the proposal as a “travesty” for the children it affects. In an interview, Rosa warned that diluting the “substantial equivalency” standard would compromise students’ futures by denying them foundational skills necessary for higher education and the workforce.

“We would be truly compromising the future of these young people,” Rosa said. “As the architect of education in this system, how could I possibly support that decision?”

Rosa noted that while religious instruction is a vital part of cultural identity, it must be balanced with a secular education that equips all students to participate fully in American society.

Political Calculations and Community Pressure

The push to ease oversight has been driven by years of lobbying from Hasidic community leaders, who argue that the state’s requirements infringe on religious freedom and parental rights. Hasidic yeshiva advocates point to their right to manage their own schools under the U.S. Constitution’s Free Exercise Clause.

Legislative leaders and Hochul’s office have so far declined to release detailed language of the proposal, but insiders confirm that it remains a central bargaining chip in the budget talks. Governor Hochul, who on Monday announced a broad budget agreement, acknowledged that private‐school oversight is among the “many particulars still being hashed out.”

“We want to respect religious autonomy while ensuring every child gets a fair chance,” Hochul said. “We’re working to find the right balance.”

Concerns Over Educational Equity

Child‐advocacy groups fear that weakening oversight will exacerbate educational inequities already evident in certain religious‐school sectors. A 2023 state audit found that in some Hasidic schools, fewer than half of students in tested grades scored proficient in English language arts or mathematics.

Advocates for Children of New York issued a statement calling the proposal “a step backward” that would leave vulnerable students behind and undermine decades of progress in raising statewide academic standards.

What’s Next

With the state budget deadline fast approaching, the fate of the oversight rollback remains uncertain. If included in the final budget, the changes could take effect as soon as July 1. The SED and the State Board of Regents will then face the challenge of implementing revised regulations and ensuring that all New York students—not just those in religious schools—receive the education they need to succeed.

Meanwhile, civic groups are preparing legal challenges, arguing that the modifications violate the state Constitution’s guarantee of a “sound, basic education” for every child. The coming weeks promise intense debate in Albany—and potentially in the courts—over how New York balances religious liberty with its responsibility to all students.