KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TAKING THE LEAP

ARI BAUM, CFP®

RETIREMENT IS A MILESTONE THAT MANY LOOK FORWARD TO THROUGHOUT THEIR WORKING LIVES. THE PROMISE OF RELAXATION, TIME TO PURSUE HOBBIES, AND FREEDOM FROM THE DAILY GRIND IS ENTICING. HOWEVER, THE DECISION TO RETIRE IS COMPLEX AND MULTIFACETED.

While you might be financially ready, other factors, such as personal fulfillment, social connections, and mental health, play significant roles. So, you can retire, but should you? Let’s delve into the considerations that can help you make an informed decision.

Financial Readiness
The Bedrock of Retirement
The first step in considering retirement is assessing your financial readiness. This involves evaluating your savings, investments, pensions, and social security benefits to ensure you can maintain your desired lifestyle without a steady paycheck. Key questions to ask include:

Do you have enough savings? Financial experts often recommend having enough savings to replace 70 to 80% of your pre-retirement income. This cushion helps cover living expenses, healthcare, and unexpected costs.

What is your debt situation? Entering retirement with significant debt can be risky. Aim to pay off high-interest debts like credit cards and mortgages to reduce financial strain.

How will you manage healthcare costs? Healthcare is a major expense for retirees. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage and consider long-term care insurance to protect against substantial medical expenses.

Calculating these factors can give you a clear picture of your financial health and readiness for retirement. Consulting with a financial advisor can also provide personalized insights and help you develop a sustainable retirement plan.

Emotional and Mental Preparedness
Retirement is not just a financial decision; it’s a significant life transition that affects your emotional and mental well-being. After decades of work, the sudden shift to a different routine can be jarring. Consider these aspects:

Purpose and Identity: Work often provides a sense of purpose and identity. Ask yourself how you will find meaning in your daily life without the structure and goals provided by a career. Volunteering, part-time work, or engaging in hobbies can help maintain a sense of purpose.

Social Connections: Workplaces are social environments where many people form lasting friendships. Retirement can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation if not addressed proactively. Plan to maintain and build social connections through community groups, clubs, or regular social activities.

Mental Stimulation: Keeping your mind active is crucial for mental health. Pursue activities that challenge your brain, such as learning new skills, reading, or engaging in intellectual discussions.

Reflecting on these aspects can help you prepare mentally and emotionally for retirement, ensuring a smoother transition.

Health Considerations
Your physical health is another critical factor in deciding whether to retire. While work can sometimes be stressful, it also keeps many people physically active and mentally engaged. Consider the following:

Current Health Status: Assess your current health and any ongoing medical issues. Retirement can provide more time to focus on health, but it’s important to ensure you have a plan for managing chronic conditions.

Lifestyle & Activity Level: Retirement offers the opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle, with more time for exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation. However, it’s essential to have a plan to stay active and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

Healthcare Access: Ensure you have access to quality healthcare services, whether through Medicare, private insurance, or other means. Regular check-ups and preventive care become even more important in retirement.

Maintaining good health is vital for enjoying a fulfilling retirement. Prioritizing your well-being can make this phase of life more rewarding.

Personal Goals and Aspirations
Retirement can be an opportunity to pursue personal goals and aspirations that you might have set aside during your working years. Whether it’s traveling, starting a new hobby, or spending more time with family, having clear goals can provide direction and satisfaction. Consider:

Travel Plans: If you have dreams of traveling, retirement can be the perfect time. Plan your trips carefully to ensure they fit within your budget and health considerations.

Hobbies and Interests: Retirement offers a chance to delve into hobbies and interests you’ve been passionate about. This could be anything from gardening to painting to writing.

Family and Relationships: Spending more time with loved ones is often a primary motivation for retirement. Consider how you want to strengthen and nurture these relationships.

Having a vision for your retirement can make the transition more exciting and fulfilling.

Part-Time Work or Consulting
A Middle Ground
For some, transitioning from full-time work to complete retirement is too abrupt. Part-time work or consulting can provide a balanced approach, offering the best of both worlds:

Financial Benefits: Continued income can supplement your retirement savings, providing additional financial security.

Purpose and Engagement: Staying engaged in your field can help maintain a sense of purpose and keep your skills sharp.

Flexibility: Part-time work offers more flexibility than full-time employment, allowing you to enjoy retirement activities while staying professionally active.

Exploring part-time or consulting opportunities can ease the transition and provide ongoing benefits.

Making the Decision
Deciding to retire is deeply personal and depends on a combination of financial readiness, emotional preparedness, health considerations, and personal aspirations. Here are some steps to guide your decision:

Evaluate Your Finances: Conduct a thorough assessment of your financial situation, considering savings, investments, debts, and healthcare costs. Consult a financial advisor if needed.

Reflect on Your Goals: Think about what you want to achieve in retirement. Identify your passions, interests, and how you plan to spend your time.

Consider Your Health: Assess your current health and plan for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Plan for Social Connections: Ensure you have a plan to stay socially engaged and connected with friends and family.

Explore Flexible Work Options: If full retirement feels too sudden, consider part-time work or consulting to ease the transition.

Ultimately, the decision to retire should align with your financial security, personal goals, and overall well-being. By carefully considering these factors, you can make a choice that leads to a fulfilling and rewarding retirement.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing 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. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific tax or legal advice. Consult with your financial professional regarding your specific situation.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over 26 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.

THE SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CENTER BREAKFAST

SOPHIA FRANCO

IMAGINE A 21-YEAR-OLD GIRL, RUSHED INTO AN EMERGENCY C-SECTION, AS SHE GIVES BIRTH TO HER FIRST BABY. AFTER A DIFFICULT BIRTH, THE DOCTORS INSTRUCT THE MOM TO WATCH HER SON CAREFULLY. AT FIRST, SHE’S SURE NOTHING BAD WILL HAPPEN. EVERYTHING ALWAYS WENT SMOOTHLY FOR HER, AND SHE ALWAYS CONSIDERED HERSELF BLESSED. SHE GREW UP IN A HAPPY, SAFE, AND SHELTERED ENVIRONMENT. SHE AND HER HUSBAND WERE CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS. EVERYTHING WOULD BE FINE.

When her son was six months old, the mom knew something wasn’t right. The doctors told her that he wouldn’t be able to talk or have much cognitive ability. She was shocked, incredulous. She screamed and yelled, but it didn’t change anything. It didn’t make any sense.

When they calmed down, the couple made the decision to be extremely proactive, and it was intense. Their son was a happy and fun-loving child, but summers in Jersey were dreadful. There was no camp for him, and though the mom had heard of the Special Children’s Center, she had a stereotypical view of it, and could not picture her son there. She recalls, “The real strength would have been asking for help but I was not ready.”

Her sister, who had volunteered at Special Children’s Center for years, actually begged her to call for help, but the mom just wasn’t having it. “I was actually insulted that she thought he belonged there.”

Years passed, and the family struggled. The child never developed his speech, and wasn’t able to play functionally. “I was suffering silently,” the mom recalls, with tears in her eyes. “I remember watching other parents playing in the sand with their kids, or at the pool, or taking them to mini golf, or a restaurant. It was the little things in life I had started to appreciate. Nothing would ever be taken for granted again. I had that superhero mindset, but I was really exhausted.”

This is the hidden story of so many mothers of special children. Unfortunately, it is common. The moms are sure their child is not like the others. They are convinced he or she will improve with time and support, and they will “figure it out.” They buckle down, and decide that they will be strong, and go it alone, but they don’t have to. Jenine Shwekey and Chaya Bender have made sure of that over the last twenty years. To give mothers like her strength, Ruthie Terzi courageously chose to share her experience with her son Ronnie at the Special Children’s Center breakfast at Lisa and Lee Cohen’s home this past July. The morning was especially beautiful, but as Ruthie spoke, there was silence, and not a dry eye in the house.

“It wasn’t until Covid hit that my world turned upside down. I had three kids. Ronnie’s school had shut down indefinitely. He had started to change, and was becoming unmanageable. We would get that sweet happy boy a lot, but sometimes, we just couldn’t recognize him. He couldn’t tell us what he needed or wanted; he was frustrated, and we were frustrated.”

Ruthie knew she needed help very badly, but could not make the call. “It was Ronnie and me, 24/7. He wasn’t happy or stimulated, and he wasn’t getting the attention he needed. On top of it, another baby was on the way, and I was petrified. Everything I had done for him was falling apart. I needed to get my life under control.”

Sitting with Ronnie on her mom’s porch, in 90-degree heat in August, 2021, Ruthie decided, “There had to be more for this boy.” All these years she was too proud to call Special Children’s Center, but now, she was ready. “I remember Googling the number, and making the call. I spoke to a receptionist, introduced myself, and told them about Ronnie. The next day I went in for an intake.”

At this point in her story, you could actually see Ruthie calming down. You could actually hear her take a long-awaited breath. She was finally home.

Ruthie continued, “I walked into that Lakewood building for that first time, in awe. Wow, I thought. I saw so many different types of kids. Yes, some were in wheelchairs, some had Down syndrome, some were autistic, but so many were just like Ronnie. This place was a dream. The counselors were singing, dancing and laughing, with kids on their shoulders, going from one activity to the next. The kids were so happy. Ronnie would thrive here, I thought.”

Like so many mothers who finally allow themselves to receive the help they desperately need, Ruthie was in shock. She could not believe this place existed. She continued, “A second home for special children; state-of-the-art classrooms, jungle gym, lunchroom, pool, showers; they had everything and anything a boy could dream of. I remember Yentee, the director, explaining, ‘the Center has a program every single day until school starts, including Sundays. If there’s no program, we’ll send you someone, and if you ever need a break on Shabbat, we have a Center House.’ And then she added, ‘We’ll pick him up from Deal tomorrow.’ It was such a relief to not have to explain to someone what I needed, they just knew.”

For seven whole years Ruthie was lost in the dark. “Why did I wait so long to ask for help?” She cried. “I can’t believe I spent all those years burning myself out. I finally felt relief. As the parents of a special child, we don’t have the power to make life fair, but we do have the power to make life joyful. And that’s what the Special Children’s Center does.”

Ruthie explained that Ronnie went to the Center that morning on a bus full of Syrian kids, to a huge round of applause. “He went to pre-camp, and post-camp, like all the other kids, and attends every program offered. G-d bless, he’s a little world traveler now. The Center has taken him away the last three winter vacations, so that I could go away and enjoy my other three kids. He’s been with them on a Royal Caribbean cruise, he went to Disney World and Florida. This year we wanted to go away as a family for Passover. I would only be able to do it if his two counselors would come along. G-d bless them, angels that they are, we had an amazing trip. They are giving my son the best possible life, and that’s my vision for him.”

The Center’s love and attention for each child in their care does not end there. On the day of Ruthie’s son’s brit, she got a call from Jenine. Ruthie continued, “They wanted to take Ronnie to the Center House so that I could have time with the new baby. I was afraid that Ronnie was going to feel abandoned, but also knew he was in the best hands. I vividly remember looking at my husband after Shabbat dinner. I took a deep breath, and said ‘wow.’ The stress that they have taken off me was massive. Ronnie came home Sunday night showered, fed and had all his medicine, but most importantly he was happy. That was the first sleepover of many, many more to come. I had finally let go, and put my trust in someone else.”

The Special Children’s Center is a literal lifeline for these families. At the breakfast, you could feel the love. Yaakov Shwekey sang heartily with the children. Richie Dweck, strong leader that he is, described the true, authentic working farm at the Center and all its benefits, and the incredible renovation of the new Brooklyn location, explaining that all of this, while wonderful, needs constant funding. Harry Adjmi being Harry; roused and inspired the crowd; recognizing the goodness of so many people hard at work, and compelling, as always, each of us to stand tall in our commitments and in our support of a community that leans on each other. We are blessed.

Lee Cohen, host for the morning, explained, “I’ve heard about the SCC so many times, but when I went to visit the Lakewood campus, it was a defining moment. I thought there were 20 kids, maybe 40 kids — I had no idea. When I pulled up, I was shocked. It wasn’t just a small building with a few classrooms. It was a huge, magnificent campus. There were 500 children there! Kids were laughing outside with foam and bubbles, swarming us. ‘Can you sing like Yaakov Shwekey?’ I’d heard about Jenine and Chaya, but I didn’t understand. They are miracle workers! The kids were smiling, laughing, singing, swimming and having so much fun. It was incredible to see, and forever embodied in my mind.”

His wife Lisa added, “We were mesmerized. They got a 200-pound cake for my daughter Caroline’s birthday! My 23-year-old son fell in love with the kids, and can’t wait to have them over again. The Center is magical! Norma Cohen, running ten shows at once, created an enchanted day for us. Harry Adjmi, Elliot Tawil, Richie Dweck, Jenine and Chaya all brought their energy to our home and explained how much it meant for us to host. We were very blessed that they chose us, and blessed that we could do it. We are on a high!”

“Loving is giving, and giving is life.” I wrote these words for the song I Can Be more than ten years ago. Today, as I continue to learn and grow, and watch the community pouring out their love and support, I know that I was on the right track. G-d bless, we are so lucky. This community stands united and unwavering, and the Center wants to give back. Chaya Bender explained, “Last year, 7,000 people came to see Yaakov perform at the summer concert. This year, on August 27th, we are going to do it all over again, and even better! The special kids will be performing alongside Yaakov, and it will be a night of unity and strength for all this community stands for.”

Ruthie doesn’t look back on her life, only moves forward. She continued, “The harsh reality is that the goal of special needs kids is to keep them home as long as possible, because no one can give them more love than their parents. The Center makes that possible. Ronnie is a special child but he is our biggest blessing. He has taught my family to be kind and empathetic and grateful. We don’t complain or worry about the small things. We know what real problems look like. We don’t judge anyone or stare at anyone because we know how it feels when people do it to us. The Special Children’s Center is not an option. It is a necessity.”

Thank you to Norma Cohen and her daughter Lydia for their flawless execution and patience, Harry and Alice Adjmi, and Gayle Krost for their constant love and devotion, and especially to Ruthie Terzi. She is the face of every mother of a special child who has, or has not yet, walked through our doors. Thank you for your honesty, candor and bravery. It wasn’t easy to tell your story, and you did it with grace, elegance and courage. Bravo.

To volunteer or donate please visit ThecenterNJ.org or call (732)367-0099.

Sophia Franco is a community writer. Among essays, songs and biographies she also composed I Can Be, We are a Miracle and I Am Alive for Yaakov Shwekey.

SMART STRATEGIES FOR HEALTHCARE COSTS

ARI BAUM, CFP®

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT RETIREMENT, YOU LIKELY PICTURE SANDY BEACHES, EXTENDED TIME WITH FAMILY, OR FINALLY WRITING THAT NOVEL. HOWEVER, BEYOND THE PEACEFUL HORIZON OF YOUR POST-WORK YEARS, THE DARK CLOUDS OF HEALTHCARE AND LONG-TERM CARE COSTS ARE GATHERING. MAPPING OUT THESE EXPENSES IS CRUCIAL TO ENSURE YOUR RETIREMENT REMAINS ON THE SMOOTHEST TRAJECTORY POSSIBLE.

Healthcare costs in retirement can be as unpredictable as the weather, with prices fluctuating and often spiking without warning. Medicare provides a basic level of protection, but it’s far from foolproof. From premiums to prescriptions, the costs can quickly accumulate, potentially derailing your financial plans.

Prescription drugs, particularly new ones without generic versions, are becoming increasingly expensive. This can lead to a coverage gap commonly known as the “donut hole,” where you’re forced to cover a significant portion of drug costs out of pocket. Planning for these expenses is essential to maintain your financial stability.

Long-Term Care: The Unexpected Stowaway
Long-term care costs are like an unexpected stowaway on your retirement voyage. Here’s a startling fact: about 70% of us will need some form of long-term care after age 65. Whether it’s help at home or full-time care in a facility, these services come with a hefty price tag that climbs each year.

Enlisting a Financial Professional
Your First Mate
Charting retirement waters alone can be daunting. That’s why teaming up with a financial professional isn’t just smart — it’s essential. Here’s why they’re your ideal first mate:

Custom Coordinates: Your financial journey is as unique as your fingerprint. A professional can draw a map that matches your specific health needs and financial landscape.

Medicare Mastery: They know the ins and outs of Medicare and supplemental plans. With their guidance, you can potentially avoid those costly out-of-pocket hits.

Funding The Journey: If you need strategies for financing long-term care, a financial professional will have a treasure chest of options, from insurance policies to investment strategies tailored just for this purpose.

Adjusting the Sails: The seas of retirement are ever-changing. A financial professional keeps a keen eye on the horizon for law changes and policy updates that can impact your path.

Ready Your Retirement Vessel
With a skilled financial professional as your navigator and a detailed plan as your map, you can confidently sail through the complex seas of healthcare and long-term care costs. This strategic preparation ensures you can relish your retirement, free from the turbulence of unforeseen expenses.

Smart Strategies for Healthcare Costs
Here are some specific strategies to help you master these stormy waters:

Understand Your Medicare Options: Medicare comes in multiple parts — Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part D (prescription drug coverage), and Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). Each has different costs, coverage, and rules. Reviewing these options carefully and choosing the right combination can save you a significant amount of money.

Consider Supplemental Insurance: Medigap policies can help cover some of the costs that Medicare doesn’t, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Compare plans to find one that offers the best coverage for your needs.

Plan for Out-of-Pocket Costs: Even with Medicare and supplemental insurance, you’ll have out-of-pocket expenses. Creating a dedicated savings account for healthcare expenses can provide a cushion for unexpected costs.

Take Advantage of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): If you have a high-deductible health plan, an HSA allows you to save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. Funds roll over year to year and can be a valuable resource in retirement.

Explore Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance can help cover the costs of services not typically covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Policies vary widely, so it’s essential to understand what is covered and the limitations of each plan.

Long-Term Care: Proactive Planning
Given the high likelihood of needing long-term care, proactive planning is essential. Here are some steps to consider:

Assess Your Needs Early: Determine the type of care you might need based on your health, family history, and lifestyle. This assessment can help you choose the right insurance coverage and savings plan.

Explore Different Insurance Options: Long-term care insurance can be expensive, but hybrid policies that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits might offer more value and flexibility.

Consider Alternatives: Besides insurance, other options like home equity, annuities, and retirement savings can help cover long-term care costs. A financial professional can help you identify the best mix of resources.

Anchors Aweigh
Retirement should be a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, not worry about unforeseen expenses. By understanding your healthcare and long-term care needs, exploring your options, and enlisting the help of a financial professional, you can set sail with confidence. Reach out to a financial professional today to craft a retirement plan that’s as secure and personalized as your future deserves to be. Your best adventure awaits.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing 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. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific tax or legal advice. Consult with your financial professional regarding your specific situation.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over 26 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.

Bridge Linx began with a vision of filling a much-needed void in the community. The goal was to help the mainstream students get necessary therapy in order to succeed in a manageable and affordable structure, making it possible for all those that need it. At that time, any therapy had to be done outside of school hours and usually at a high cost, making it difficult or impossible for most students to get the help they needed. The beginning was difficult. The schools were wary of pulling their students out during school hours, working with an outside agency in their school, and how it would affect their running and operation. There was a lot of trust to build and structures to figure out in order to accomplish this mission.

Bridge Linx started in 2015 with 13 clients and 3 therapists. Now almost 10 years later Bridge Linx is servicing 175 students with 12 therapists and a total of approximately 270 sessions a week. And these numbers are continuing to grow steadily.

What we have seen and experienced over the years is a close partnership with the community schools built on trust and success. The principals look to Bridge as a partner, meeting the needs of the students that the school is not able or equipped to deal with. Knowing that there are professionals to evaluate, set goals and help the students enables them to thrive and succeed as well as empowers the teachers with skills and methods to implement and enrich the classroom structure. Our therapists offer workshops and guidance to the staff. The growth and improvements in the school’s ability to meet the growing challenges of the students has been unbelievable with the Bridge Linx partnership.

Bridge Linx is a team of trained and certified therapists who provide Speech, Occupational, Physical and Social Behavior therapy to the general mainstream students. We work with many insurances and offer scholarships to enable therapy for every child in need. We look forward to continue in our mission to help every child get the help they need to succeed.

Speech and Language
Strong language skills are required for successful learning. Starting at a young age, children must be able to follow directions, understand what is being said and process what is happening around them. They must be able to express themselves properly and socialize appropriately with their peers. As they get older, understanding complex instructions as well as comprehending and categorizing information properly and being able to take notes are necessary. Speech and language therapy help improve and build many of these important skills.

Occupational Therapy
Proper regulation and core body strength is critical in the daily function of a child. This directly affects how they focus and carry out their tasks. Strong and adequate fine motor strength is important for handwriting skills and endurance. Hand-eye coordination is critical for being able to copy from a board and complete written assignments. Occupational therapy helps improve many of these important skills.

Physical Therapy
Body strength and coordination affect the daily function in our lives, our movement and ability to carry out basic daily tasks. Children need the body control and awareness to maintain proper movement, safety awareness and health. Physical therapy helps build strength and target specific muscle weaknesses in order to help children function better.

Social Behavior
Sometimes children have trouble functioning in school settings for various reasons. Some of the goals and areas worked on to help them include emotional regulation, organizational skills, following directions and routines, social expectations, and problem solving. Social Behavior therapy is provided in the school setting. It is coordinated with the classroom teacher and parents to ensure that the goals are followed up and met. This Social Behavior program has enabled many students to succeed in the mainstream yeshivah environment and not have to attend self-contained or public school programs in order to meet their needs.

Bridge Linx continues to grow and meet the needs of the children in the community. It is a nonprofit therapy center and works with most insurances. Private scholarships are offered as needed so that all children receive the help they need, regardless of financial ability.

If Bridge Linx can be of assistance to you in any way, please reach out to us at 732-493-3670 so we can help you.

A WEEK OF RESILIENCE & RENEWAL

HANNAH ELMEKIES

LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, THE AFTERMATH OF OCTOBER 7TH DEEPLY AFFECTED ME. I YEARNED FOR A WAY TO HELP AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THE SEPHARDIC COMMUNITY CENTER HAD MANY ISRAEL INITIATIVES THAT I, AS THEIR YOUNG ADULT COORDINATOR, WAS CONNECTED TO, BUT IT WASN’T UNTIL I HEARD ABOUT A TRIP THEY WANTED ME TO LEAD THAT MY SPIRITS WERE LIFTED.

It was a week-long trip to NYC for 15 Israelis — all of whom had experienced trauma from the horrific events. After a few short weeks of planning and preparation, they arrived. I stood with my sign at JFK and patiently waited for them to emerge. They were all so happy and grateful to be here. We made our way to the Center building for a welcome dinner where they were greeted by community members with flags, music, and dancing. We shared dinner, followed by inspiring welcoming words by Rabbi Ricky Cohen, and then we made our way to the Empire Hotel.

The car ride to the hotel was quiet; it was just the trip participants and me, in a van, and my broken Hebrew didn’t help. The next morning, we prepared for our jam-packed day. We went to a basketball game at Madison Square Garden where we sat in a private suite, we visited the Empire State Building and had a beautiful dinner followed by a party with our young adults at Mercer Labs. The group slowly started to get more comfortable, always laughing and singing, making the best out of each activity. On Friday, we had a helicopter ride followed by a beautiful afternoon in SoHo.

Shabbat was eye-opening. We had prayers and dinner at Edmond J. Safra Synagogue followed by speeches from the group. This was when they really started to open up, each one carrying the weight of their lost loved ones on their shoulders. Listening to their stories was both heartbreaking and life-changing. They are some of the strongest individuals I’ve ever encountered. Even though they had all been through so much, they were all radiating with positivity. The rest of the week was filled with laughter, singing, and a lot of vulnerability.

“This trip was so powerful. We laughed, and we also cried quite a bit — tears of pain because of the things we went through,” shared Menajem Mendel, a trip participant.

”It was all thanks to the amazing people who were with me on this trip, that I was able to unload what I had in my heart. We’ve supported each other throughout this journey, that’s what’s special about our people, we’ll always help each other without expecting anything in return,” another member of the group added.

“The trip was both fun and meaningful. It was great seeing your community and being part of it,” expressed Yaakov Rabinowitz, another participant.

“The ability to connect with people so quickly and have a shared experience in such a powerful way was very exciting. This was a unique opportunity. It’s important to remember why we came, it was a much-needed week off from the madness,” reflected Yaniv Fried.

“I feel really privileged that I got the chance and the zechut to share my birthday with this awesome group of people. The best thing I got from this trip is definitely a new group of friends,” said Matanya Weiss.

This trip was unique because we brought the Israelis to us. They needed it much more than we thought, and I am honored to have been a part of this beautiful mission. We were able to change the lives of this special group of individuals who went through horrific tragedies and wanted to feel normal again. I will carry the lessons I took away from this week with me forever. I learned to be grateful that I am safe, that I have my family and friends, and that I am Jewish. I only knew them for one week, but they became my family forever.

We’d like to graciously thank all our sponsors and donors who made this trip possible. It wouldn’t have possible without you!

Hannah Elmekies, a graduate of Baruch College with a degree in Marketing Management, found her career trajectory redirected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A transformative trip to Israel post-October 7th ignited her passion for hesed and community service. As Young Adult Coordinator at the Center, Hannah is dedicated to fostering connections and empowerment among our young adult community.

RETHINKING THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Sarina Roffé

GOING FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE IS A MAJOR TRANSITION FOR ANY STUDENT, BUT EVEN MORE CHALLENGING FOR STUDENTS THAT COME FROM TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITIES WITH A VERY STRONG SENSE OF VALUES BASED ON RELIGION AND ETHNIC CULTURE. FOR THE FIRST TIME, THESE 18-YEAR-OLDS ARE EXPOSED TO PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT CULTURES, AND FOR MANY, THE DORM LIFE OF LIVING AWAY FROM HOME IS NOT AN OPTION. MANY HAVE TO BALANCE JOBS WITH WORKING TOWARDS A DEGREE.

Focus Education was started by Michael Tawil and Abraham Sultan in collaboration with Touro University to help community students succeed in college. The program is focused on helping them make the right class and scheduling choices, and meet with advisors who understand their culture and heritage. It also eliminates classes that are not geared toward the students’ chosen career path — it’s more focused.

Sultan said, “Focus presents incoming students with an accelerated route to their bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a protected and secure environment. Designed by the community for the community, the program minimizes the burden of superfluous core courses that are not directly beneficial to the chosen careers of our students and brings these young adults to the end goal faster, and safely.”

During a time when there is a war in Israel and tensions are high on college campuses, Touro University is a safe haven for college-bound students. Parents may be uncomfortable sending their children to live on college campuses where tensions are running high and there is increased antisemitism.

Sultan said the program began last fall with great success and expects to triple in size for the fall 2024 semester. Located in a brand new 30,000 square foot building on Ocean Avenue and Avenue J, Focus can accommodate up to 500 students, and is both convenient and safe. The class schedules are flexible, catering to any student’s schedule. This program is custom tailored to each individual student’s needs, allowing for a more efficient path. This is an incredible opportunity for those looking to further their educations and career prospects, with a concentrated strategy.

“We are thrilled to host Focus students on our campus,” said Dr. Henry Abramson, Dean of the campus. “Our aspiration is to provide high-quality undergraduate courses in preparation for rewarding careers in a variety of professional fields. Our university prides itself on our warm Torah environment where students can focus on their futures free from distraction. We are anticipating great things from our Focus students!”

Jack Gemal was ready to quit after his first year at Brooklyn College. The schedule was not working for him, and he found it hard to manage the enormous campus. The Focus Education program offered him a more personalized approach, smaller classes and a warm environment in a brand-new building.

“The Focus program sounded like a great opportunity for me and it really panned out,” said Jack, a marketing major. “I really learned a lot this past year and our voices were heard when we made suggestions, especially with the scheduling.”

There are courses in marketing, finance, accounting, management, digital multimedia, JAVA programming, cybersecurity and networking, sonography, real estate, para legal, and education. Focus courses can be offered in person any time of day at the new campus, or online for maximum convenience. These subjects were chosen based on community needs and feedback. More tracks are added based on interest. Students take fewer core or required courses and more courses in their area of interest.

The program has fewer liberal arts and required courses and allows for the students to obtain an associate degree in 12 to 24 months in the chosen major based on the pace the student works at. Most students can get a bachelor’s degree in three years. In addition, Touro has excellent intern job placement resources that students can take advantage of. Touro University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Touro University is a worldwide accredited program that has been established for over 50 years. Students of Focus benefit from personnel, alumni, and networking during and after their time in school. Touro is an international school system on top of all academic standards.

There are academic advisors available throughout the experience, and community members who are willing to lend an ear or a hand whenever necessary. The program allows for other commitments, or employment, while still in school. The goal is to do everything to help a conscientious student reach their goal.

“The building is new and in mint condition, located at the corner of Avenue J and Ocean Avenue, so it’s close to home,” said Jack. “We can take classes at other campuses as well as those in this building. I really appreciate the online classes I can do at my own pace.

“It’s been good meeting and networking with other students. I made some new friends and developed better people skills. Students in this program have real goals. Everyone is very nice, warm and welcoming, from the professors to the students and building staff. They take care of you.”

Focus Education is a community-backed program that offers camaraderie and business networking opportunities to its students. The organization wants students to succeed and to use its vast network of community members and Touro alumni to help place all students who work hard and dedicate themselves to their field of choice.

Michael Tawil said, “In twenty years we’ll look at this program and wonder how we ever lived without it.”

To apply, please visit www.FocusEducation.us or call 718-426-5040.

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