Separating medical progress from internet promises

Peptides are showing up everywhere right now. You hear about them in medical journals, fitness podcasts, dermatology offices, and increasingly in new peptide clinics opening in cities across the country. Some people describe them as the next major step in medicine. Others see them as hype driven by social media and wellness culture. The truth is more practical and less dramatic.

Peptides are not new. Scientists have studied them for decades, and some peptide medicines have been used safely for a long time.
A peptide is simply a small chain of amino acids. Amino acids are the basic building blocks your body uses to make proteins. When these chains are short, they act like messengers that tell different parts of the body what to do. Your body already uses peptides to control hunger, healing, hormone release, and immune responses.
One well known peptide is insulin, which has been used to treat diabetes for many years. Another example is the group of GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, which help regulate blood sugar and appetite. These drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and prescribed by doctors. They show how peptide science can turn into real medicine when it goes through proper testing.
You are also seeing peptides show up in beauty and dermatology. In medical dermatology, some peptide based treatments are FDA approved and prescribed by doctors, such as injectable treatments that affect muscle activity or support specific skin conditions. In skincare products, peptides are used in creams and serums to support hydration and collagen signaling, but these are regulated as cosmetics, not drugs, and their effects tend to be modest. As with other peptide uses, the difference comes down to clinical testing, regulation, and medical supervision.
Today, a different set of peptides is getting attention online and in wellness clinics. These are often discussed in fitness, anti aging, and recovery communities. You may hear claims like peptide BPC-157 promises faster healing, TB-500 promises muscle recovery, growth hormone related peptides promise fat loss, and retatrutide promises dramatic weight reduction.
Some of these peptides are being studied in laboratories and clinical trials. Retatrutide, for example, is still in research stages for obesity treatment and has not yet received FDA approval. Others, like BPC-157 and TB-500, have very limited human research available. Much of the data comes from animal studies or small experiments. That does not mean the science is fake, but it does mean the evidence is incomplete.
This gap between research and real world claims is where confusion begins. Early research can sound exciting, but it is not the same as proven treatment. Drug development takes years because researchers must study safety, dosing, side effects, and long term outcomes. Many compounds that look promising early on never become approved medications.
The difference between approved peptide medicine and internet peptide culture mostly comes down to regulation and testing. When the FDA approves a drug, it means controlled clinical trials showed the medication works and is reasonably safe when used as directed. It also means the drug is produced under strict manufacturing standards so the dose and purity are consistent.
Many peptides sold online do not go through this process. Some are labeled “for research use only,” meaning they are not approved for human treatment. Products sold this way may vary in strength or purity, which is why medical professionals remain cautious.
Another reason peptides attract attention is that they sound natural. Because peptides already exist in the body, people often assume they must be safe. But anything that changes hormones, metabolism, or immune function can have strong effects. Natural does not always mean harmless.
Health information also spreads faster than scientific confirmation. A new study can appear online one week and become a trending topic the next. Personal stories about rapid weight loss or faster injury recovery can sound convincing, even when they do not represent typical results or controlled research.
That does not mean peptides are fake science. Many researchers believe peptides will play a major role in future medicine. Scientists are studying peptide therapies for wound healing, cancer treatment targeting, metabolic disease, and autoimmune conditions. Some of these treatments may eventually become standard medical care, while others may not work as hoped once larger trials are completed.
For readers trying to make sense of the topic, it helps to separate three categories. First are peptide medicines that are already approved and widely used. Second are peptides currently being studied in clinical trials. Third are peptides promoted online without strong human evidence. These categories often get mixed together in public conversation.
Another practical issue is sourcing. Medications that require a prescription are meant to be dispensed through regulated pharmacies. Injectable or experimental compounds should never be purchased online or used without proper medical oversight. Do not take peptides or similar substances without consulting your doctor and using them only under medical supervision. If you are exploring peptide therapy, look for established medical clinics where licensed physicians evaluate you, order appropriate lab work, and monitor treatment over time. Avoid places that offer quick injections without a full medical review or ongoing supervision.
Peptides are neither miracle cures nor meaningless hype. They are tools scientists are still learning how to use. Some have already changed modern medicine. Others remain ideas in progress, shaped by research rather than promises.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Readers should consult a licensed medical professional before starting any treatment or making any health decisions.

This month’s Community Photo Album highlights Hesed in Action. Our community is filled with so many organizations and volunteers willing to step up and do hesed. From food drives and hospital visits to volunteer efforts and community support initiatives, these moments reflect the quiet strength of caring for one another. The photos capture individuals and groups giving their time, offering help, and showing up where they are needed most, whether spending time with the elderly, supporting special needs children, or organizing help for families. Each image reflects the heart of our community, where acts of kindness are lived, not just spoken about.

Practical wisdom for handling emotions and moods without escalating tension

Sarah Pachter

Learning to navigate the moods of others, especially in families, is one of life’s hardest jobs. And yet, it’s learnable. Below are five key principles for becoming a master of moods, based on Jewish wisdom and real life experience from Rabbi Aryeh Nivin.

1. Don’t Communicate in a Low State
   Timing is everything. Don’t give constructive criticism or try to resolve conflict when one or both parties are in a low emotional state.
   Unfortunately, this is precisely when most people want to talk. When you feel hurt, angry, or constricted, the urge to “get it off your chest” feels urgent and justified. But this instinct is generated by your lower self and masquerades as honesty. Don’t fall into the trap.
2. The 72 Hour Rule
   Rabbi Aryeh Nivin teaches a simple but radical practice. When you’re angry, wait 72 hours before addressing it. “Fifty percent of all negativity would disappear if people did this,” he says.
   Why? Because when you’re in a low state, you are not only reactive, you’re often unaware that you’re reactive. Your perception narrows and instead of creating any positive change, you damage the other party and yourself. That’s why giving your child a consequence to his misbehavior should never be done in the heat of the moment when you’re infuriated.
   Instead, try saying something like this: “I’m upset right now and I don’t think we can talk productively. Let’s talk tomorrow and we’ll figure out how to fix this together.”
   The child sleeps peacefully. The next day, the conversation happens in expanded consciousness, when the opportunity to positively educate your child is more likely to happen.
3. Look for Opportune Moments
   An opportune moment is when you and your spouse or child are both in a positive state of mind. When both parties are calm, relaxed, or even giddy, then deep, meaningful conversation flows more naturally. These moments are rare and when they appear, they should be utilized wisely.
   Rabbi Aryeh Nivin shares an example of an opportune or “magic moment” in his house.
   “One late night, I came home exhausted from work and saw my teenagers sitting on the couch in great moods, laughing. They wanted me to join. I was tired and wanted to go to bed, but I poured a cup of coffee and stayed up to talk.
   “We had phenomenal conversations and developed real connection, depth, and trust.
   “I paid for it the next day because I was tired. But the Return on Investment. Unmatched. That hour was worth weeks of parenting.”
4. Create Magic Moments
   (Don’t Just Wait for Them)
   If you know what puts someone in a positive state, you can engineer connection. Different people enter good moods through different doors:
   • One child connects through food, take him out to eat.
   • Another connects through movement, go for a walk.
   • Another through humor, invite him to make you laugh, or share a joke.
   • Another through nature, go to the beach, the boardwalk, outdoors.
   Rabbi Nivin shares, “One of my sons and I took a walk together every Saturday night for an entire year before he got married. Those were some of the best memories we created together and it was in those moments we had some of the deepest and most constructive conversations.”
   Don’t just wait for magic moments. Actively work to create them and take advantage of them for the opportunity of deep conversation. This applies with everyone, parents, teachers, employers, spouses.
5. Create a Good Mood Inside Your Home
   Homes have energy. You feel the vibe when you walk in. Our sages explain that the walls and beams testify before G-D what is happening behind closed doors. The walls of your home absorb spiritual residue. Love, tension, laughter, restraint, it all leaves an imprint.
   There are homes where you feel calm the moment you enter. Others feel heavy. That’s not accidental or random.
   Be conscious about:
   • Infusing warmth, unity, gratitude
   • Bringing intentional presence into the space
   • Taking actions to produce sweetness in the home environment through cooking and music. A mother’s challah tastes like love because it is love. A father reading to his child is a gift that their child holds in their heart for years.
   When the energy of the home is positive, the difference is palpable, and a happy mood can more easily ensue amongst all family members.
   Moods shape relationships. When you learn to work with them wisely, connection becomes easier and your home becomes warmer.

Emuna Braverman

It is possible not only to enjoy Passover cleaning, but to find it to be the most meaningful aspect of holiday preparation.

Everywhere I turn I hear: “I got the Here-Comes-Pesach blues,” sings Moshe Yess. “Have you started cleaning yet?” “I’m so stressed.” “We’re going away to a hotel this year. I just can’t face the cleaning.”
I’m beginning to feel like an endangered species, because I like Passover. It’s actually my favorite holiday. I enjoy the cleaning. I love throwing things out (if my husband hasn’t worn it in a year, make that a week, watch out!) and getting organized. And I like the cooking. I like the creative challenge inherent in the limited ingredients. I like the constant phone calls between friends, sharing new recipes and old stand-bys.
I like the community of Jewish women scrubbing our homes, grocery shopping, cooking, grocery shopping, making menus, grocery shopping… and just when you think you have everything you need… grocery shopping.
And I like the exhaustion. Not out of some masochism, but because it’s also a link. When I look in the eyes of my friends and other Jewish women in the neighborhood I see the same weary expression. It’s a look that says, “I can’t do one more thing.” And it’s a look that says, “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.” And it’s a look that says, “We’re in this together. We’re a community.”
I’ve had four children who were due to be born Erev Pesach, the day before Pesach (the Almighty’s sense of humor). Finally with number 3, I admitted to some physical stress and fatigue and suggested we try going away for the holiday.
There was an event at a rustic wood-studded location near here. I thought, “This is my chance. Every other year I’m so busy cleaning and cooking (and grocery shopping) that I have little time to apply myself intellectually, but this is my chance to really delve into all the ideas and commentaries in the Haggadah. This year I can do it. This year I’ll be prepared.”

THE LEARNING IS IN THE DOING
And I learned an important lesson. Studying the ideas underlying Passover was not the true preparation. It was the hours of cleaning, the hours in the kitchen and the hours at the grocery store(s). It was the physical effort that led to the emotional and intellectual preparation. I felt less prepared when I didn’t take out my special dishes, when I didn’t clean my children’s bedrooms (after all, it’s been a year!), when I didn’t make my chicken soup and cabbage soup and famous (doesn’t taste like Passover) brownies.
And I felt more alone. That crucial link to other Jewish women was not being forged. I had no war stories or battle wounds to share. I hadn’t planned any creative menus and my Passover cookbooks were neatly packed away.
I had more energy, but I was disappointed. I missed the exhaustion borne of accomplishment. I missed the weariness shared across the globe.
And I missed involving my children in an important and meaningful mitzvah. (I also missed yelling at them about dropping crumbs all over the house!)
So, much as I would like a vacation, as tempting as some events sound, I’ve returned to what I enjoy.
I can’t wait to start cleaning. (I force myself to hold out until after Purim, putting some limits on my compulsivity.) I can’t wait to start planning menus and discovering new treasures. I’m excited to bring out my Passover dishes. (When I read that you should use your most beautiful tableware for this holiday I decided this was a mitzvah I wanted to be very strict about!) I can’t wait to start cooking huge quantities in anticipation of many guests.
And I can’t wait to sit down at the Seder prepared for the event, feeling the pride of being a Jewish woman linked to other Jewish women, and taking pleasure in being part of a nation redeemed by the Almighty from slavery (all jokes about the connection between Pesach cleaning and slavery are prohibited!) A happy and healthy Passover to all.

Like Esther, growing up in Iran I was encouraged to keep my Jewish identity private

Jacqueline Saper

For me, the Purim story has a deep historical connection to my heritage and homeland where the story took place. During the Iranian monarchy in the 1960s and 1970s, the joyous holiday of Purim of my childhood was celebrated at the grand Yousefabad synagogue in Tehran with Persian sweets, such as halvah, the flour-based, rose water infused dessert. Some Persian Jews took the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the city of Hamedan, located 200 miles west of Tehran and believed to be among the oldest Iranian cities, where the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai is located.

Purim is the one holiday where my two distinct worlds of the East and the West intersect. In the late 1940s, my parents met at a school dance when they were students at the University of Birmingham in England.
My British Ashkenazi mother was confused about my Sephardi/Mizrahi Iranian father’s homeland. She had never heard of Iran (Persia was renamed in 1935) and had no idea that Persia still existed. Coincidentally, my mother Stella’s Hebrew name is “Esther” which has the same definition of star or Setareh, which is Queen Esther’s moniker in Persian. After a courtship of almost a year, my father had to return to his homeland and then they continued their romance by international post for two years. My parents were married in Tehran, Iran on January 4, 1951, and remained married for 63 years.
Mordechai advised Esther to hide her Hebrew name Hadassah and thus her Jewish identity. To this, I can relate. My dual Jewish identity as a person living in modern-day Persia while visiting relatives in England depended on which side of the ocean I happened to be. In England, I was encouraged to be proud and to vocalize my ideas about democracy, Israel, and Judaism. In Iran, I was encouraged to keep my Jewish identity private and, especially after the Islamic revolution, be mindful that Israel was the enemy whose destruction was based upon one of the new regime’s principles.
Celebrating Purim in Iran, I was more aware of the fact that its story occurred in the pre-Islamic Zoroastrian era of the Persian Empire, a millennium before the rise of Islam in Persia. Therefore, it is not surprising that non-Islamic Persian and Jewish holidays have been influenced by each other. Purim and Nowruz, the Persian New Year, both occur at the beginning of spring. The scroll of Esther celebrates the courage of a Persian queen and the survival of a people.
Following the Iranian revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979 and the subsequent eight-year Iran-Iraq war that began in 1980, the Persian Jewish community faced increased antisemitism and animosity toward Israel. Unlike their ancestors who relied on fasting and the courage of their heroine Queen Esther, the majority of contemporary Persian Jews lacked a royal advocate and had to leave their ancient homeland for good. Today, by some estimates, the Persian Jewish community is one-tenth of its size 40 years ago.
Nevertheless, in Iran Jews are considered the “People of the Book,” and they are free to practice their religion in private, as are Christians. I left the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1987 and moved to the United States. But during the eight years I lived under the new regime, Purim was celebrated with less fanfare. Persian Jews were mindful about drinking wine during Purim in a country where consuming alcoholic beverages is prohibited and punishable by law and placed more emphasis on the Fast of Esther.
In the fifth century B.C.E, Haman was vizier to the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus, also known as Khashayar Shah to Iranians and Xerxes to the rest of the world. He sought to annihilate the Jewish people. In modern-day times, the Jewish Iranians are once again confronted with a Persian ruler who desires to destroy the state of Israel, the land of the Jewish people. Iran’s current government labels Purim as an anti-Iranian holiday. On December 10, 2010, when tensions between Iran and Israel were particularly high, hundreds of Iranians protested in front of the Tomb of Esther and Mordecai on a small street, fittingly called “Esther Lane.”
Like other displaced Jewish Iranians, I will reminisce about Purim in Iran. Before the Islamic revolution, Iran and Israel had amicable relations and we were proud Iranian citizens who didn’t have to conceal our joy for the holiday or our affiliation to the land of Israel. I will remain hopeful that one day the remaining Jews in Iran will be able to celebrate Purim with full joy once more.

10 Ways to Increase Happiness In the Chaos

Devora Levy

When the month of Adar enters, increase joy. But how?
Practical steps for choosing happiness when life feels overwhelming.

Let’s be honest. You probably don’t wake up glowing. You wake up to alarms, news alerts, and carpools. You wake up to deadlines and WhatsApp messages that already feel like a bit too much before your day has even started. And then Judaism tells you: When Adar enters, increase joy.
How? Jewish thought teaches that joy is a decision, not a mood you wait for. It’s about where you place your attention and how you interpret the chaos around you.
You can’t control the headlines. You can’t control other people. You definitely can’t control every outcome. But you can choose what story you’re living inside. Joy builds resilience. It protects your relationships from the friction stress creates. It gives you energy instead of draining what little you have.
Purim teaches this in such a dramatic way. The Scroll of Esther reads like a total political mess, hidden motives, power plays, and strange coincidences. G-D’s name doesn’t even appear once. And yet, everything turns around.
Haman’s plot to destroy the Jewish people becomes the very thing that elevates them. The gallows he builds for Mordechai becomes his own execution site. The decree meant to authorize genocide transforms into permission for Jewish self-defense and triumph. Esther, who hid her identity out of fear, becomes the hero precisely because of that hidden identity. What looked like the end of the story was actually just the middle, and the reversal was total. Joy is the refusal to believe that the surface story is the final one. So, how do you actually choose it?

Decide That Joy Is Not Optional
If you treat joy like a nice extra, it’s the first thing to go when life gets hard. Try to see joy as part of your emotional responsibility. The Jewish month of Adar shows you not to wait for joy to show up, it tells you to increase it. That implies effort.

Catch One Hidden Good Each Day
Purim is built on things being masked. Start looking for small reversals, the meeting that got canceled right when you needed to breathe, or a tough conversation that finally cleared the air. Train your eyes to notice what might be quietly working in your favor.

Loosen Your Grip
Costumes on Purim remind you that your identity isn’t as rigid as you think. If you’re holding on too tightly to one specific outcome or one version of how things should go, try to soften a little. Joy enters more easily when your need for control relaxes.

Strengthen One Connection
Make that call you’ve been putting off. Text a friend you haven’t spoken to in months just to say you’re thinking of them. Joy expands when you’re in relationship with others; isolation shrinks it.

Move Your Body
Joy is physical. We dance on Purim for a reason. Put on music while you’re cooking, or walk a little faster than usual. Sometimes your body leads and the mood follows.

Interrupt the Negative Narratives
Notice the broken record in your head. “This always happens” or “Nothing works out.” Stop and ask: Is that actually 100% true? The Scroll of Esther teaches that there are hidden layers. Leave room for the story to unfold differently.
Give Generously
Whether it’s money, time, or encouragement. Purim centers on giving because generosity shifts you out of your own head. When you contribute to someone else’s joy, something inside you expands.

Allow Real Emotion
Choosing joy isn’t about suppressing frustration. Adar doesn’t erase reality, it adds dimension to it. Let yourself feel what’s real, and then gently point yourself back toward what’s possible.

Mark the Small Wins
You finished a project, kept your patience, or made it through a rough week. Light a candle or share dessert. Say, “That mattered.” Celebrating the small things builds momentum.

Create One Daily Habit of Gratitude
It doesn’t need to be a long list. Just one acknowledgment, said out loud or written down. Gratitude trains your attention. What you look for, you start to see.
Adar isn’t about pretending life is easy. It’s about remembering that reversals are possible, that hidden good exists, and that joy can be built, even before your circumstances change. You don’t have to transform your whole personality this month. Just increase. A little more warmth. A little more generosity. A little more lightness. Sometimes that small increase is what begins the reversal. q

Freezer-friendly recipes that simplify Passover prep

Passover desserts are often treated as an afterthought, pushed to the end of long prep lists and late nights. Yet dessert is also the easiest place to plan ahead and reduce pressure. When it is already made and waiting, the holiday meals feel steadier and less rushed.

Many classic Passover desserts freeze well when they are built on eggs, oil, nut flours, and potato starch. These ingredients hold moisture and structure even after thawing. With a little foresight, dessert can be finished days or even weeks before the first Seder.
Advance preparation for Passover is allowed when done properly. Food should be prepared with Passover-designated utensils and cookware, using ingredients that are kosher for Passover, and stored carefully to avoid contact with chametz. Because Passover cooking halachot are detailed, it is wise to review them before you begin cooking or consult your rabbi with any questions you may have.
The recipes below are designed for advance preparation and freezing. They are practical, reliable, and easy to portion for guests.

Chocolate Chip Passover Loaf Cake
Dairy or Pareve
Yields: 2 loaves, 20 slices
Serves 16 to 20

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 3/4 cup potato starch
• 1/2 cup finely ground blanched almonds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup Passover chocolate chips, dairy or pareve as needed
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two loaf pans with parchment paper.
2. Beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes.
3. Slowly add oil while mixing.
4. Fold in potato starch, ground almonds, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans.
7. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool completely before slicing, wrapping, or freezing.

Baked Passover Cheesecake
with Almond Crust
Dairy
Yields: 2 nine-inch cakes, 24 slices
Serves 20 to 24

Ingredients

• Filling
• 2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Crust

• 2 cups finely ground blanched almonds
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Combine crust ingredients and press firmly into the bottoms of two parchment-lined
   springform pans.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
5. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla.
6. Pour filling over crusts.
7. Bake in a water bath for 65 to 75 minutes, until centers are just set.
8. Cool completely, then refrigerate before freezing.

Lemon Almond Sponge Cake
Pareve
Yields: 1 ten-inch cake, 12 slices
Serves 10 to 12

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3/4 cup finely ground blanched almonds
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
3. Mix in oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Stir in ground almonds.
5. Whip egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold whites into the batter.
7. Pour into an ungreased tube pan.
8. Bake 45 minutes, until the top springs back when lightly touched.
9. Cool completely before removing from pan and freezing.

Chocolate Walnut Passover Squares
Dairy or Pareve
Yields: 1 nine by thirteen pan, 24 squares
Serves 20 to 30

Ingredients

• 10 ounces dark chocolate, dairy or pareve as needed
• 1 cup oil
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup potato starch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt chocolate and oil together until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. Whisk in sugar.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
5. Fold in potato starch and salt.
6. Stir in walnuts.
7. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
8. Bake 28 to 32 minutes, until set but still soft in the center.
9. Cool completely before cutting, wrapping, or freezing.

Growing Up During the Iranian Revolution

Sarina Roffé

Regine Tessone was born in Tehran, Iran, in January 1970 to a wealthy family. It was a decade of tremendous prosperity for Jews. The decade ended with the Iranian Revolution, which was years in the making, the overthrow of the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, in 1979, and the beginning of an Islamic republic ruled by the Ayatollah Khomeini.

Regine’s maiden name is Omid Olhadj, which means, “I hope to make the hajj (pilgrimage).” Regine’s mother is Sonia Yedid Lawi, who was born in Beirut and is very educated. She speaks many languages fluently. Her brother, Max Yedid Lawi a’h, helped Syrian Jews escape from Syria to Beirut and then to Israel. He later settled in Brooklyn, New York.
Regine’s father was a dentist, Dr. Eshagh Omid a’h. He studied dentistry and international law in various schools in France. Of their four children, Regine is the only girl. Her paternal family’s ancestry hails back to Jerusalem, having been exiled with the Jews to Babylon since the destruction of the Temple in Israel. Her paternal great-grandfather, Agha Mordehai, changed their surname from Gohar Sinai during a period of severe persecution against Jews.
From the age of five, Regine, whose Farsi name is Monavar, meaning Aura, attended the Lycée Razi.
“My father spoke many languages, German, Yiddish, French, English, Farsi, and some Hebrew. He knew many people in government and he got me into that school. We were raised to believe that the Shah loved everyone, all Iranians. He was like a father figure. His photo was on the first page of all our schoolbooks,” said Regine.
The Lycée went from preschool to high school. It was a magnificent school with a large cinema, lake, and numerous pools. It was fun to go there, even in the summer. Regine learned varied arts, including weaving small Persian rugs.
“I met the Shah in my school in 1978. It was quite emotional for me to see him because we were taught he loved us all. They told all the children to stand in line and when the Shah came, we were to bow and not look him in the eye, as it was considered disrespectful. I was curious and I looked up. The Shah looked at the principal, who said she is Jewish, she doesn’t bow. The Shah was a very handsome man.”
At school, Regine learned fluent French and Farsi. She also learned respect. Regine said, “In kindergarten, I didn’t like my French teacher. If she asked me to bring her scissors, I would bring her paper. After doing this a few times, the principal called my father. When he addressed my father, I responded in fluent French, so he knew I understood. To teach me a lesson in life, the principal made me stay in kindergarten another year. The principal explained that no matter how much I like the teacher or not, I must do what is asked of me. From a very young age, I learned discipline and to be respectful of my teachers.”
Jews were considered integral to Iranian society. Jews owned and operated stores in the bazaar, owned factories, had professions such as lawyers, doctors, and accountants, and were members of the Majlis, the Iranian parliament. Most Jews in Tehran were wealthy. The Shah allowed Jewish men and women to attend universities in Iran, where they excelled in their studies.
“My father lived in poverty as a child; he had to share shoes with his brothers. He went from poverty to extreme wealth. His credo was education and diligent, honest work will lead to success.
“We lived in a very large flat with numerous rooms, porches, and verandas. My mother never cooked. We had a chef, a chauffeur, and a maid nanny. Ornate Persian rugs decorated our walls and floors. We attended Yousef Abad Synagogue. The synagogue was located on a street named after Yosef from the Tanach. My mother worked as a secretary in a French company that sold construction machinery to the government of Iran, and that’s how my father received contracts,” she said.
The family spent their summers in Israel with both her maternal and paternal families, as there were direct flights from Tehran.
The revolution was developing for many months. Dr. Omid saw the signs and began preparations for travel to America. Post-revolution, among the items he sent were Regine’s schoolbooks, including the one with the Shah’s photo in it, at risk of his life, as he wanted Regine to retain her Farsi language.
In the summer of 1978, Regine and her brothers vacationed in Israel for three months. Her parents traveled to Europe and at the end of August arrived in Israel to accompany them back to Iran.
In Iran, taxi drivers know the pulse of the city. On the cab ride back from the airport, her father asked the driver what was new in Tehran. The driver said they burned a library, nightclub, and local cinema, and described what was happening with the revolution.
It was then that Dr. Omid knew they had to get out of the country and he began to prepare. He instructed everyone to pack a suitcase and put it under their bed. They didn’t know when they would need to leave, but it could be any day.
From September 1978 to February 1979, safety and quality of life in Iran deteriorated rapidly. The children went to school and there was a bomb threat, so Sonia took them out of school. Having grown up in Beirut, she knew about political dissention. Regine noted that her mother was a quiet, reserved person and she never saw that side of her. “She said, if teachers or anyone call, give me the phone.” She did not allow Regine to converse on the phone with anyone she deemed suspicious.
During this period in Iran, everyone was deemed suspicious, as many Iranians switched sides from being pro-Shah to pro-Khomeini.
Esfahan was the first city in Iran to witness tanks rolling in, as early as spring 1978. Many Jews left at that time to places like Europe, Israel, and America.
Those who had children learning in American universities told them to remain there, as it was clear the country was headed toward a revolution.
Mashhadi Jews were repeatedly persecuted by their Islamic neighbors throughout the years. Often, Jews were framed for crimes they never committed. If a Muslim boy was killed, neighbors would bury him in a Jewish person’s backyard and blame them for it. The Jewish community would have to pay exorbitant fees to release the accused from jail. This time, the persecutions proved more severe, as the Islamic regime empowered extremist neighbors further. Many migrated to Italy, Austria, and America.
“During those few months, we saw graffiti in our Jewish neighborhood that read ‘Death to the Shah,’ ‘Death to the Jews.’ I couldn’t see my friends from shul,” said Regine. “The shul remained closed on most days. My Muslim neighbor threw a rock at my back. I didn’t understand why. Everything was one big no. No school, no after-school activities, no playdates, no parties, no shul. Nightly curfews were placed in Tehran, accompanied by sounds of gunfire and Khomeini’s Islamic sermons played on car loudspeakers throughout the city. There were frequent blackouts and long lines for food at grocery stores.
“People saw my mother with a small child and let her go ahead of them. My mother stocked massive quantities of food, afraid of shortages. One time she sent my brother to get milk. He was gone for four hours and was out past curfew. He was stopped and showed them the milk. They took him for interrogation. Khoda-ro shokr (Baruch Hashem in Farsi), they let him go once he proved his innocence.”
Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, taking 66 hostages. Fourteen were later released, while 52 were held for 444 days. The Shah had come to the United States for medical treatment, and Islamic militants demanded his return to Iran.
In synagogues, “The heads of our Jewish community in Tehran pleaded with utmost urgency to send the women and children out. There were midnight rescue flights to Israel every Saturday night. In late fall 1978, the Israeli shlichim who served in the congregation and schools left Iran,” she said.
“After tremendous delays en route to the airport amid total upheaval in Tehran, our family boarded the last flight out of Iran on Air France, the same flight that brought Ayatollah Khomeini to Iran. We left February 1, 1979. We stayed in Paris for one month. My mother did all the paperwork for us to come to America. Her brother David sponsored us, and we had to show we could support ourselves. We moved in with our maternal grandparents in Brooklyn.
“We left at the peak of the hostage situation. Upon arrival at the airport in New York, there were long lines and we were not allowed to get a drink of water until we passed customs. A guard asked my mother and me to go to a room for a private search. She asked me to undress and my mother scolded her and said absolutely not, that she could check me fully dressed. They were not kind and it left a miserable dent in my memory. It was a bitter pill. My mother had to prove we had money to live on. We were not refugees. We lived off my parents’ money for three years.
“My father left us at the Paris airport as we boarded the plane for New York and went back to Iran for a year. I didn’t understand why until years later, after he passed away. It was a difficult year. My mother and I cried often, as we did not know if my father would survive. He had previously been placed on a government blacklist. I vowed to become observant if my father survived. And I did.
“Years later, my husband and I were invited to Great Neck to lead holiday services, as my husband is both a rabbi and hazan. That Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Z, name withheld, whom we knew for years, invited us for the first night seder of Rosh Hashanah. He revealed that he was a former Mossad agent placed in Tehran in the early 1970s. He told us my father helped many people get out of Iran by giving much needed information to the Mossad so they could expedite the departures of those families first.”
While Sonia and her children settled in New York, they still worried about getting Dr. Omid out of Iran safely. Many people left using the land route to Turkey, as the airport was mostly closed. They needed a note from a school principal, backed by a doctor, stating Regine was sick and needed urgent surgery and that Dr. Omid needed to go to the United States. Many doctors refused to write this falsehood, fearing license revocation. One angelic doctor agreed. The notes were not used, and Dr. Omid was extracted to Turkey, then made his way to Paris. He became sick and was hospitalized. It was Passover when the family flew to Paris to be with him. They were elated to see him, albeit gaunt. He had lost tremendous weight.
In America, the freedom to speak and live as you wish empowered Regine. “In Brooklyn, my mother enrolled us in Magen David Yeshiva,” she said. “Some teachers understood what we went through, but the children didn’t. By Persian standards, they were very immature. I never acclimated to the mindset, the way you look at life. My son said I don’t think like a Westerner. I never take no for an answer. No means perhaps to me. G-D is big and anything is possible.
“In Magen David, they placed me in first grade and every month moved me up. After five months, I was in fourth grade. I learned Hebrew and English fluently. I finished eighth grade, spent two years at Flatbush High School, and then my parents couldn’t afford it anymore. I continued at Lincoln High School. The Jewish principal saw I didn’t belong there and told me I could come to his office anytime. I completed two years in one year and graduated. Subsequently, I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology to study fashion design.”
“The United States has never felt like home to me. It’s like a beautiful hotel that took care of me and pampered us with freedom. I feel tremendous gratitude to G-D and the United States for the blessings I received here. In Iran, no one dared speak badly in public. They could be held for sedition. Here, freedom is empowering. Now, after forty-seven years, the Iranian regime may topple. I await the day this evil regime collapses and a brighter future rises for us all. Israel remains my home in my soul.”
After graduating FIT, Regine married Rabbi Moshe Tessone. They have three sons and a daughter. Years ago, she founded and pioneered a business selling modest swimwear and activewear named Aqua Modesta.
“My husband and I traveled to numerous states over the years as part of his Sephardic outreach work. On one trip, we stopped at a farm in Maryland to purchase vegetables and fruit. As my skin is dark olive, particularly in the summer, the farmer offered me the items for free. He seemed anxious to get rid of me and told me to take everything. I left disappointed without taking anything. It is sad that people look at me, think I’m Spanish, and feel afraid. They can’t differentiate between Spanish, Persian, or people from the Middle East. You’re just the other. The foreigner. It never makes you feel at home.
“When I go to Israel and get into a cab, they immediately play Persian music. I ask how they know I am Persian, and they say, ‘You look Persian.’ I’m always impressed. They just know. And they don’t look at you as the enemy. It’s different. It’s endearing.”
Read more about her inspiring journey and exodus from Iran in Monavar’s Journey: Bridge to Hope, a memoir by Regine M. Tessone.

Empowering Members Through Fitness, Education, and Support

Linda J. Eber, LCSW

“Parkinson’s can be very frightening, and joining [the Center’s classes] has eased the fear. The class improved my mobility, increased my energy, and made me part of a group where we all understood each other. We all feel like a family and the class lifts our spirits. We network and share the knowledge we have gained.”

Seven years ago, a community member asked a staff person, “Can we offer programs at the Center for people like me with Parkinson’s?” That question led us to develop programs that promote awareness about Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms and ways to manage its progression. Funding from the Parkinson’s Foundation and the American Parkinson’s Disease Association enabled the Center to provide resources to individuals and families. Our various free programs address physical and emotional aspects of the condition.
Teaming up with Evolve Physical Therapy, Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) has become one of the cornerstones of the Center’s classes for people with PD. Available in-person and virtually on Zoom, this non-contact boxing program helps reduce the progression of symptoms by incorporating stretching, strength training, core work, and reaction time to enhance mobility and flexibility, as well as improve gait and balance.
“RSB provides good coordination and response training. This class is vitally important to me because it’s the only time of my week that I’m with other people with Parkinson’s. The camaraderie is supportive.”
Recently, the Center began offering several new PD fitness classes. In Drum Exercise, participants use drumsticks and a large exercise ball to beat rhythms to dynamic, upbeat music. Whether seated or standing, this aerobic activity seems almost secondary to participants’ exuberance and enjoyment. Information about body structure and benefits of each movement is also included. “The teacher encourages us and puts everyone in a good mood. That makes my dopamine levels go up. I didn’t have tremors during the class. That’s not forever, but it stopped during the class.”
Seated Yoga, for individuals with PD and family members, aids or friends, teaches movements to help combat stiffness and a reduced range of motion. Having a shared experience encourages physical and emotional support.
“It’s hard to find a class for people with PD. Luckily, I found the classes at the Center. I feel significantly better both mentally and physically after taking the class.”
Write On! Improving Handwriting, is taught by a certified Occupational Therapist. Step-by-step guidance and adaptive tools help increase hand strength and fine motor skills to help mitigate the illegible handwriting often experienced by people with PD.
An evening Support Group for Care Partners is facilitated on Zoom by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for participants to share experiences and obtain resources for managing their own health while managing their loved one’s care.
“Being with others who are coping with this disease is so important. There are so many challenges in caring for my husband. I often forget about taking time for myself. This group reminds me how important that is.”
This spring, the Center will offer Lunch & Learn Educational Seminars: Practical Tips for Managing PD for people with PD and their care partners. Interactive demonstrations will teach techniques to reduce fear of falling, enhance awareness of body mechanics, and promote more independent movement.
Through the Center’s free interactive PD programs, participants gain confidence to “fight back against Parkinson’s.” Recognizing challenges faced by those living with PD, the Center’s services aim to improve their overall quality of life and foster a supportive network. Through these programs, the Center ensures that every member can face Parkinson’s with resilience and hope.
For more information and class schedules, please contact Aimee Mishaan, Director of Community Services, at Aimee@scclive.org, or 718-954-3157.

MDY Kindergarteners Take on the 2026 Winter Games!

Who says you need two weeks to host the Olympics? The MDY Student Activities Department proved that you can travel the world and compete in the Winter Games, all from the comfort of the MDY gym! Our kindergarteners were treated to a high-energy, absolutely adorable “Winter Olympics” that transformed the gym into a global stadium.

Around the World in Minutes
The event kicked off with a colorful “Parade of Nations.” It was heartwarming to see the children’s faces light up as they spotted the flags of countries competing in the 2026 Winter Games. Together, we spoke about how even though people live in different places around the world, we all come together to play fair, try our best, and celebrate one another’s achievements.

New Sports, Big Smiles
For many of our students, the specialized sports played on ice and snow were brand new. But that didn’t stop them from becoming “pro” athletes in record time! The gym was filled with laughter and excitement as they tried their hand at:
Curling: Learning how to “sweep” their way to victory.
Luge: Experiencing the thrill of the track (without the sub-zero temperatures!).
Speed Skating: Gliding across the floor and feeling the “wind” in their hair.
Our kindergarten Winter Olympics was truly a win for everyone. Students not only had a blast, but also connected to current world events, gaining a sense of awareness about the real-life 2026 Games taking place. Most importantly, they discovered that while medals are exciting, teamwork and good sportsmanship are the greatest trophies of all.
A heartfelt thank you to Lizzy Mizrahi, whose creativity knows no bounds. Our little champions walked away with unforgettable memories and a beautiful lesson in how healthy competition can be fun for all. They’re already looking forward to their next gold-medal moment!

Mornings at SBH Connect

Men’s Mornings at SBH Connect

Jamie Ashkenazi

Our Men’s Mornings program has quickly become a favorite gathering for senior men looking to connect, stay active, and enjoy meaningful conversation in a warm environment. Held twice a month, Men’s Mornings offer a full and engaging experience that nourishes both mind and body, plus a good meal and camaraderie along the way.

The morning begins at 10:30 a.m. with Men’s Meetup, led by Martin Salama, our very own Career Division Job Developer. The men take part in thoughtful and wide-ranging discussions on current events, history, and life experiences. The conversation is lively, reflective, and filled with shared perspectives, all enjoyed alongside light snacks and refreshments. “There’s something powerful about watching a room full of men who have lived full lives still show up eager to learn, discuss, move, and connect,” adds Martin. “Men’s Mornings gives our senior men purpose and a place where their voices matter. It’s an honor to lead a group of men who continue to show up with wisdom, strength, and heart.”
At 11:30 a.m., the group heads downstairs for Men’s Fitness with Morris Didia. This one-hour fitness session is designed to keep our men moving, energized, and feeling strong, with exercises that are both accessible and effective. The morning concludes with lunch served at 12:30 p.m., giving everyone a chance to unwind, continue conversations, and enjoy each other’s company.
The men themselves often say it best. According to longtime participant Al Savdie, “If you would like to talk and express yourself amongst friends about any topic you’re passionate about, Men’s Meetup is the place to do it. And right after we have Men’s Fitness where you’ll definitely come out feeling younger, better, and able to leap tall buildings!”
Men’s Mornings are more than just a program. They’re a space where friendships are built, routines are strengthened, and everyone leaves feeling a little more connected than when they arrived.

The NEXT Senior Internship Program at MDYHS

At Magen David Yeshivah High School, education extends far beyond the classroom. As we prepare for this year’s NEXT Senior Internship Program, we are once again focused on creating meaningful, real-world opportunities that shape our students’ futures in powerful ways.

Running this year from April 16 to May 20, the NEXT Program is a defining experience of senior year. It is not simply about observing a workplace. It is about stepping into it. Students gain hands-on professional exposure, develop workplace skills, build confidence, and explore potential career paths under the guidance of accomplished mentors.
Behind the scenes, thoughtful preparation is already underway. Program Director Mrs. Helene Dwek, together with Dr. Daniel Vitow and Mrs. Audrey Abade, meets individually with every senior to discuss goals, interests, strengths, and long-term aspirations.
Students are guided through résumé refinement, interview preparation, and professional communication. From there, interviews are arranged if requested, and each student is mindfully placed in an in-person internship setting where they are positioned to thrive. The focus is never simply on finding a placement. It is on finding the right placement.
What truly sets the NEXT Program apart is what happens after it ends.
A remarkable number of our seniors are invited to stay on and continue working at their internship placements. Employers consistently recognize the maturity, professionalism, and strong work ethic our students bring to the workplace. What begins as a five-week internship often grows into summer employment, ongoing part-time roles, and lasting professional relationships that extend well into college and beyond.
That continuity speaks volumes, not only about the strength of our partnerships, but about the caliber of MDYHS students.
Through NEXT, our seniors don’t just prepare for the future, they step confidently into it. And often, they’re invited to stay. The story of last year’s program lives in these photos, in the faces of our students and the experiences that shaped them, reflecting the energy and growth that define NEXT.

Bonei Yisrael Was Inevitable

Zachary (Isaac) Levi

Most serious movements don’t begin with press releases or ribbon cuttings. They begin quietly, with people who understand that waiting is no longer an option. Bonei Yisrael began in a garage. That detail matters.

During Purim 2023, Saul Ancona and Michael Kraiem were sitting together studying Torah. There was no agenda. No whiteboard. No planning document. Eretz Yisrael surfaced naturally, as it always does when the conversation is serious enough. The question that followed was not emotional, and it was not rhetorical: Where is the community actually going?
What came next was not inspiration without consequence. It was commitment. A shared decision to build, rather than admire. To approach Eretz Yisrael not as a slogan or a trend, but as a mitzvah rooted in the Torah, because mitzvot are not symbolic gestures. They are obligations that move history forward.
They were not debating whether Israel mattered. That question had already been answered. What remained unresolved, and urgent, was something far more demanding: What are we actually building? The answer to that question is Bonei Yisrael.
For decades, Aliyah (immigration to Israel) was spoken about with reverence, but rarely with urgency. Bonei Yisrael reframes the conversation entirely. We exist because the old model no longer works. This is not about inspiration. It is about infrastructure, about turning conviction into a concrete plan.

What is Bonei Yisrael
Bonei Yisrael serves as a liaison to communities in Israel already taking shape for the Syrian Jewish community, places that understand something essential: continuity does not happen by accident. It is designed. But Bonei Yisrael does not stop there. The aim is not to attach ourselves to what already exists. The aim is to build what comes next.
Bonei Yisrael is working to establish a dedicated space in Eretz Yisrael, not a single building, but a comprehensive environment: homes, schools, synagogues, and the infrastructure required to sustain them. Not a retreat. Not an experiment. An extension of what has worked in Brooklyn and Deal, carried forward deliberately and built to last. That distinction matters. Because this is not about relocation. It is about rootedness.
Relocation asks where people can live. Rootedness asks what a community chooses to preserve, and what it is prepared to leave behind.
Rising costs. Public leadership that no longer governs with clarity or confidence. Institutions that have grown comfortable misunderstanding the communities they serve. An environment in which antisemitism is no longer an anomaly, but a statistic.
These are not grievances. They are signals. And communities that know how to read signals do not wait for conditions to improve. They act before hesitation becomes habit. A community that builds its own space is not asking permission to belong. It is declaring permanence. It is stating, quietly and firmly, that it understands where history is moving and intends to arrive there together.

“We’ll do the work. You decide when to step in.”
Under the leadership of Michael Kraiem and Saul Ancona, Bonei Yisrael has moved from idea to momentum with uncommon speed. Around them is a group of individuals who understand that vision only matters when it is translated into action.
Isaac Zaccai is planning Bonei Yisrael’s pilot trip in 2026, setting the foundation for what comes next. Michael H. Mamiye opened his home as Bonei Yisrael’s operational base, hosting meetings and early gatherings. Albert Mizrahi is setting creative direction and cultural tone, shaping how the vision is experienced, not just explained. Jack Srour leads the Matobu Project, advancing large-scale development in Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel) and opening resources to move the initiative forward. Sammy Saka, part of the Matobu Project, who is instrumental in transforming Jewish life and community in Deal, NJ, is bringing his real-world development expertise. Erez is on the ground in Israel, identifying and evaluating viable locations for the community. Zachary (Isaac) Levi handles public relations and communications for the initiative.

Bonot Yisrael (Women’s Division)
Bonot Yisrael, headed by Sophia Shabot, Marsha Zakay, Hannah Elmekias, and Roz Levy, is not an auxiliary effort. It is a parallel leadership track focused on family life, education, culture, and the social fabric that determines whether a community merely exists or actually thrives. These are not symbolic roles. They are functional ones. Together, this group is building a framework for young families, one that allows Aliyah (immigration to Israel) to unfold not as a disruption, but as an upgrade: a vibrant Syrian Jewish community in Eretz Yisrael, designed to improve quality of life while preserving everything that matters.

The First Event
The first Bonei Yisrael event was not flashy. It wasn’t meant to be. Tu BiShvat. New fruit. Shared tables. Conversations about settling in Israel that were sober, practical, and quietly electric. No speeches designed to persuade. No slogans designed to sell. Just people confronting the same truth together. The kind of gathering where people leave changed, not because they were convinced, but because something finally made sense. That is how real movements announce themselves. They don’t shout. They organize.

Why This Matters Now
History does not announce its turning points. It reveals them later. Bonei Yisrael exists because the Jewish future cannot be left to inertia. Because communities that last are the ones that build, deliberately, patiently, and together.
What Bonei Yisrael understands, instinctively, is that communities do not drift into permanence. They decide. They plan. They commit. Every generation is tested not by what it believes, but by what it builds. The question is no longer whether Israel is central to Jewish life. That debate is over. The question is whether we are prepared to align our infrastructure with our convictions. Bonei Yisrael answers that question clearly. Not with slogans. With structure.
This initiative is not asking people to leap blindly. It is offering something far more compelling: a place to stand. And once people have that, movement becomes inevitable. The real question is no longer whether Bonei Yisrael will grow. The real question is whether Brooklyn was ever meant to be the end goal?

Inside DSN Community Center’s Fitness Department

At the heart of DSN Community Center’s vibrant wellness culture is its thriving Fitness Department, led by Fitness Director Sharon Carlstrom. With a year-round commitment to movement, motivation, and professional excellence, DSN’s Group Exercise (Group Ex) has become a cornerstone of daily life for so many, both men and women, young and old, in the community.

DSN’s Group Ex program offers an impressive average of 60 classes per week, drawing over 110 participants daily, as one can see from the parking lot. Whether members are looking to sweat, stretch, strengthen, or simply reset their minds, the schedule delivers something for every fitness level, interest, and goal.
There is a class for everybody. The Group Ex schedule is thoughtfully designed and categorized to ensure balance, variety, and accessibility. Mind/Body Classes focus on flexibility, alignment, and recovery, including yoga, Wall Works, Pilates reformer & mat, foam rolling, guided and one-on-one stretch and barre. Cardio Classes bring the energy and elevate the heart rate with options like Kick A** Cardio, Sweat It Out, 305 Dance, Step, Spin, Boxing, Battle Ropes, and Fitness Center Circuits. Strength & Conditioning Classes help members build power and endurance through circuits, TRX, FeeLEEing It, Burn w/ Bren and Perspirology Toning. This wide-ranging lineup allows members to mix and match styles, prevent burnout, and stay consistently engaged with their fitness journeys.
Earlier this year, the Pilates Reformers were relocated from the DSN Beach Club to Norwood Ave where the former Spin room was renovated to become a complete Reformer Studio, much to the appreciation of DSN’s members who find the space to be exclusive and the perfect vibe to match the reformer classes. The Spin bikes were relocated to a nearby space in Elberon where the space was renovated to create a Spin studio to accommodate 25 participants. Dani Rubin, owner of Pilates Blast, who provides instructors for DSN’s Reformer program, says, “Our instructors love the private, serene, fully equipped studio where every class includes access to all the props and thoughtful amenities.”
What truly sets DSN apart is its unwavering commitment to quality, safety and professional excellence. All Group Ex instructors are required to hold certifications from nationally accredited organizations. A standard DSN takes seriously. Instructor Janie Fallas stated, “I love teaching at DSN because we have grown to be a family. Coming to exercise, seeing my friends, everyone with a smile on, sweating, laughing and having the best time is the best high in the world. The staff are all so accommodating and everyone greets you with respect and a smile. I feel so grateful to be a part of the DSN family.”
To keep members inspired and energized, DSN offers semi-annual Group Ex incentive challenges, a favorite among participants. The first challenge of 2026 ran from December 28 through January 15, pushing members to stay active during a notoriously busy time of year. Participants received challenge cards with three class categories and were tasked with completing five classes per category, for a total of 15 classes in just 19 days. Every member who completed the challenge earned a DSN Fitness sweatshirt, and, of course, bragging rights. A special mention to the challenge winners, Rivka Bahary, Sherri Betesh, Danielle Brown, Suzie Chera, Lisa Cohen, Suzy Cohen, Allegra Cojab, Caroline Cornman, Danielle Gindi, Rena Golden, Elaine Grossman, Sally Grossman, Sarah Klein, Tzippy Maimon, Alison Mamiye, Laura Mizrahi, Jacqueline Shalom, Nicole Shamah, Joyce Shamosh, Gladys Sutton, Yvonne Tobias, and Leah Tobal Varver.
Looking ahead, DSN is excited to launch its Six Weeks to Summer Challenge, kicking off April 12. Challenges are free to all Group Ex members, and details are shared regularly on Instagram at @dsngroupex.
With inspired leadership, certified instructors, and a community that shows up day after day, DSN Community Center’s Fitness Department continues to prove that wellness is about more than exercise, it’s about connection, consistency, and showing up for yourself together. Sarah Kish, when asked for her thoughts on DSN’s Group Ex program, offered, “Classes at DSN are a highlight of my day and of Jersey life. The variety of classes keeps things always interesting, and it is a great social and healthy way to start my day. I also love babysitting and find it incredibly convenient and my kids love their early start at DSN.”
Sharon Carlstrom reflects on how far DSN Fitness has come since opening eleven years ago. “Looking back at where we started, to the thriving programs and diversity of classes that we have today, is incredibly humbling. I am profoundly proud of how far this facility has come, but even more proud of our instructors and members who have evolved our classes to be more than just a workout, but a lifestyle. We’ve grown, we’ve adapted, and we’ve built something truly special together.”