SARINA ROFFÉ

GOOGLE SAYS THAT LEGACY IS SYNONYMOUS WITH HERITAGE, SOMETHING PASSED ON FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT, SUCH AS ONE’S FAITH, ETHICS AND CORE VALUES. LEGACY MAY BE MONETARY, OR IT MAY COME FROM YOUR CHARACTER, REPUTATION AND SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS. IT HAS A LASTING INFLUENCE AND MEANING THAT WILL OUTLAST US.

Jack Albert Kassin, son of Albert Kassin A”H and grandson of Hakham Jacob Kassin A”H, is carrying on the family legacy, as are his children. His father and grandfather gave their time and commitment to the community, and he and his children are continuing this tradition. In July, the Sephardic Study Center (SSC) Community Legacy Award was presented to Jack A. Kassin, on the heels of opening DSN Beach Club, for his lifetime of volunteer work in the community.

“It is so fitting that my dad is being honored by an organization that cultivates and distributes rabbis throughout the world because he is really a champion of the rabbinate. He believes they are an important leadership structure for our community. His whole life he was involved with the rabbinical council of our community,” said his son Isaac.

“What better organization to honor my dad than this one?” asked his son Albert.

“To just think there will be many more rabbis throughout the world is really befitting because this is what my dad is all about,” said Sally Franco, his daughter.

Upon receiving the award, Jack Kassin, in his own humble way, said, “I share this award with all of you. We are a legacy nation, a legacy people and a legacy religion. The first legacy was set down 5,000 years ago by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Our religion has been preserved for 5,000 years through all the ages.”

Master of Ceremonies Harry Adjmi told Jack, “This mission of helping others will never be complete. That’s what we do. There is so much more we can do and so many people we can help. We will never retire, until HE decides. And I am so proud to be attached to you and be your friend.

“The DSN Beach Club compares to nothing we have ever had before. I think it could be one of the greatest game changers ever. Six hundred to nine hundred singles show up every single week. The events don’t stop. You and your family put yourselves behind it and now you have this to show for it.”

In honoring his father, Jack’s son Albert said, “My father personifies legacy at its core. He carries the name of our Big Gido, Chief Rabbi Hakham Yaakov Kassin A”H, and embodies the great traits that he had as well as those of my grandfather, Albert J. Kassin A”H. Beyond carrying the great qualities of these men, he added his own style and impacted the community, passing on his values to his children and grandchildren.”

Jack A. is the legacy link between his ancestors and his descendants. Albert noted all the links in the legacy chain.Hakham Yaakov Kassin A”H, who came from a long line of rabbis, was filled with love and warmth and was great in his holiness. He protected and cared for all his children and people in the community for six decades.

The next link is Albert J. Kassin A”H, who put family first, worked hard to build his business based on honesty and ethics, and gave tzedaka in private because of his pious nature. Jack A. attributes all he has to his parents, Gladys and Albert, as they loved their children unconditionally and taught them by example.

Jack built his company to support his family and give to charity. He often interrupted important meetings to take calls from his children, because they were the most important part of his life. Jack focused his life on community service, yet never compromised his values and often turned down opportunities to protect Shabbat and holidays. In private, a community member said he called for Jack’s guidance when a community member couldn’t pay his yeshivah tuition balance and the student couldn’t get her diploma to go to college. The next day the balance was paid anonymously, and the student received her diploma.

“All his children feel they are number one in his life and we all feel a strong connection to our legacy,” said Albert. “He inspires us and leads by example.”

“Big Gido and my Gido stood as role models to my father and now my father stands as a role model to me and my siblings and our children,” said Sally. “When I think about my dad’s journey and all the community work that he does, I can’t help but think about my mom.”

“A person’s greatest achievements don’t happen alone. It happens when you have a life partner and that truly is what my mom is for my father. Their mutual respect for each other is the bedrock, an unbelievable foundation for our family,” said Isaac Kassin.

The family matriarch, Joyce Kassin spends all her energy and efforts to make sure the family is well, thriving and united. Full of humility, her connection to emunah is deep. She also carries on the legacy of her father, Saul Ashkenazi A”H, a leader and visionary who developed Deal community, and her mother, Sally Ashkenazi, whose wisdom permeated the home and family.

Jack Mann introduced Rabbi Sam Kassin, Dean of the Sephardic Study Center (SSC), as a man who makes things happen. A descendant of the same line of rabbis as Hakham Yaakov. Rabbi Sam Kassin presented Jack with the Community Legacy Award.

Rabbi Kassin said “I am a person who is a doer. It’s very rare that I can say I am humbled. You humble me,” he told Jack Albert. “That your children love you the way they do and that they see your greatness is amazing. The things you have accomplished, the things you have done, and the stature you hold, I find humbling. I want to be one of your students so I can go further.”

He continued, “I always thought the greatness of our community was through our unity. Everyone is united, in synagogues, on the beach and in business. But when I met you, I found out that the greatest thing we have, even greater than unity, is that we worry. What do we worry about? Our people, our families, our growth and the future of our community. We have dozens of institutions that worry about everything. We had a generation that taught us how to worry about Am Israel and also to be part of the future.

“Jack you are the embodiment of legacy and caring. You care — Lawrence Ave Shul, DSN, the Gladys Kassin Mikveh, you led the charge with the Takana and there is so much more we don’t even know about. The future of our community — the legacy that you and your family have had for four generations is inspiring to all of us.

“The SSC has trained and sent out over 200 rabbis. I want to give our rabbis the idea of how important it is to care about the people they serve. I am grateful for you and your family. The SSC is presenting you with this Community Legacy Award for the generations your family has cared about the community and will continue to carry from generation to generation.”

Jack is committed to the rabbis of the community and has a good deal of respect for them. It is fitting that he is being honored by the SSC, an organization that trains and sends rabbis all over the world and helps Sephardic communities grow.

CHANGING UP OUR TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY MEAL

SARINA ROFFÉ

THE HIGH HOLIDAYS ARE COMING AND THAT MEANS PREPARATION. I’VE BEEN PACKING MY FREEZER WITH THE USUAL SYRIAN RECIPES — SAMBUSAK, KIBBEH, LAHAMAGENE, TWISTED CHEESE, EMPANADAS, ETC.

What traditional holiday meals could we have without those? And don’t forget some type of meshe, mezze salads at lunch, and of course, rice for homid, kefftes and lubya!

When developing my menu, I consider what is locally available in the markets and seek out new and creative ways to prepare dishes. I also like to add new things, often inspired by local in-season fresh ingredients. I don’t forget tradition, inspired by my Sito, Esther Salem, who churned out thousands of mouthwatering appetizers, mahmoul and crisp ka’ack, only to have an empty freezer in hours. Salem Catering provided Syrian foods for the entire community in the mid-20th Century, in the days before there were social halls. People tell me even today that I cook like my grandmother, and I am honored her legacy lives on.

So what am I adding to the menu this year? We start with basil cucumber salad with peanuts. Our main dish is pearl couscous with za’atar chicken with mint and pomegranate, and a side dish of rice pilaf with zucchini, apricot, almonds and chickpeas. What child doesn’t like a pasta dish? So I’ll also serve a penne pepper steak which has a pasta base my grandchildren adore.

After dinner, my mother Renee always put out an assortment of nuts, and a fresh fruit platter. I love to serve Moroccan mint tea and sweet desserts. Since apples are in season, I have included my go to apple cake recipe.

BASIL CUCUMBER SALAD WITH PEANUTS
Ingredients for Dressing

• 4 tablespoons Lime juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey

Ingredients for Salad

• 2 lbs English cucumber, thinly sliced
• Bunch of scallions, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh basil, cilantro and peanuts, chopped
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes to taste

Directions
Combine dressing ingredients and whisk. Place cucumbers, scallions, red onion, basil, cilantro and peanuts in a bowl. Top with dressing and toss until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.

PEARLED COUSCOUS WITH ZAATAR CHICKEN WITH MINT AND POMEGRANATE
Ingredients

• 8 to 12 chicken thighs and legs, skin on
• Salt, pepper and paprika
• 5 tablespoons za’atar
• 1 tablespoons tamarind paste or sauce
• Olive oil
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup golden raisins
• 1½ cups pearl couscous
• 1¾ cups chicken or vegetable stock
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup fresh mint, chopped
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds

Directions
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix together 3 tablespoons olive oil with 3 tablespoons of the za’atar and tamarind. Coat chicken.
In large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil, on medium high heat. In batches, add chicken, skin side down, and cook 8 minutes until crisp. Turn over and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from pan.
In same skillet, add onions, garlic and raisins, using ¼ cup stock to deglaze the pan and scrape all the bits from the bottom. Add pearled couscous and stir until lightly toasted. Add stock and parsley, placing chicken pieces on top. Allow to cook covered, on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
Mix 2 tablespoons za’atar with tablespoons olive oil. Spoon couscous on platter, top with chicken and drizzle the za’atar mixture on top. Sprinkle with mint and pomegranate seeds.

RICE PILAF WITH ZUCCHINI, APRICOT, ALMONDS & CHICKPEAS
Ingredients

• Olive oil
• 1 large vidalia onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• About 6 sprigs of cilantro, diced
• 1 lemon, zest and juiced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (or jalapeno for a little heat)
• 2 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
• 1 14 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Pepper to taste
• 4 – 6 tablespoons shawarma spice
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• 12-15 dried apricots, cut in half
• ¼ cup craisins
• 1 lemon, quartered

Directions
Heat olive oil in 2 qt. pot over medium high heat. Add ¼ of the onion and stir until softened. Stir in 3 cups rice, water, ¾ cup stock and salt. Bring to boil and let simmer for 5 minutes, then cover and lower heat. Let cook until rice is tender and most of the water has been absorbed, about another 10 minutes. Turn off heat.
In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, about one clove worth of the previously minced garlic, lemon zest, green pepper, salt and pepper, cilantro and the juice of one lemon.
In large fry pan, drizzle olive oil, add remaining onion and zucchini. Cook, stirring until lightly brown. Add remaining garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and shawarma seasoning. Add ½ cup water and ¼ cup stock. Stir in chickpeas. Cook another minute or 2 and smell the fragrance.
Fluff rice, add pepper mixture. Fold in onion and zucchini mixture. Spoon rice onto a platter, top with almonds, craisins and apricots. Serve with lemon wedges.

PENNE PEPPER STEAK
Ingredients

• 1 lb. penne, cooked al dente
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 cups beef broth mixed with 2 tsp corn starch
• 3 tablespoons scotch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• ¼ cup oil
• 1½ lbs. pepper steak cut in strips
• 1 onion sliced
• 1 each, green, red and yellow pepper – sliced and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic mashed
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground ginger
• 1 bunch scallions diced – separate white from greens
• Sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions
Boil 4 qts. salted water and cook penne al dente, according to package directions. Drain. In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, broth, scotch, sugar, and sesame oil.
Pat the beef dry. In a heavy skillet or a wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat, and then stir fry the beef in 2 batches until its browned but pink within, and then transfer it to a bowl.
In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil over heat, and stir fry the onion and bell peppers for 2 minutes, then transfer to the bowl with the beef.
Add remainder of oil to skillet, then stir-fry the garlic and ginger over moderately high heat for 30 seconds. Stir the cornstarch mixture, and then add to the skillet. Cook the sauce, stirring, until its thickened. Lower heat to medium. When thickened, add the beef, and then the scallion whites, and salt to taste.
On a large platter, plate the penne and top with pepper steak. Sprinkle with scallion greens, red pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Serve.

APPLE CAKE
Ingredients

• 1½ cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup raisins
• 1½ cups oil
• 2 grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 3 cups apples, peeled and sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 350˚. Using a tube pan, spray with cooking spray. Beat eggs into sugar, one at a time. Add vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together. This helps the cake become light and airy.
Alternating, add oil and dry ingredients to sugar mixture. Add carrots and nuts. Fold in apples. Pour batter in pan. Bake for 45 minutes. Cake is done when toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cake to cool. Glaze if desired.

Over the years, I have shared recipes that have appeared in the New York Times, NY Times Jewish Cookbook as well as Joan Nathan’s Jewish Cooking in America (Beardsley Award). I also wrote the “Food and Drink: Modern Period, Syria” for Brill’s Encyclopedia of Jews in the Islamic World (Brill, Leiden, 2014) edited by Dr. Norman Stillman, University of Oklahoma.

Please think about getting one of my cookbooks: Backyard Kitchen: Mediterranean Salads (NY, Sephardic Heritage Project, 2016), Backyard Kitchen: The Main Course (NY, Sephardic Heritage Project, 2020) — for yourself or as a gift from Amazon.com. They are also available for Kindle. Download the Sarina’s Sephardic Cuisine app from the Apple store and visit my website sarinassephardiccuisine.com. Enjoy!

Community member Sarina Roffé is author of Branching Out from Sepharad (NY, Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017); Backyard Kitchen: Mediterranean Salads (NY, Sephardic Heritage Project, 2016), Backyard Kitchen: The Main Course (NY, Sephardic Heritage Project, 2020), as well as hundreds of articles published in journals, newspapers and magazines. She is a recognized academic expert in Sephardic history and foods and is a regular contributor to IMAGE Magazine.

FIGHTING GET REFUSAL

SARINA ROFFÉ

IN THE REALM OF JEWISH MARRIAGE, THE PLIGHT OF AGUNAH WOMEN, WHO ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN A GET, A JEWISH DIVORCE, HAS LONG BEEN A PRESSING ISSUE. ADDRESSING THIS CHALLENGE HEAD-ON, IS THE LEV ORGANIZATION (LEV MEANING HEART) WITH THE MISSION OF LIBERATING THESE WOMEN FROM THEIR AGUNAH STATUS AND ENABLING THEM TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THEIR LIVES.

In just two years, the organization has successfully obtained 19 kosher gets, with 20 additional active cases and new cases emerging regularly.

Recently, an Agunah Awareness Event was held at the DSN Beach Club in Deal, NJ shedding light on the issue of get refusal, with Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Rabbi Ronnie Kassin, and several courageous women sharing their stories. In addition, Rabbi Daniel Friedman shared what it was like to be a child of an agunah of 26 years.

Steven Ashkenazie, President of The LEV Organization, emphasized that the organization would not be deterred in supporting these women, their children, and their families, despite attempts to silence them through fear tactics.

The sensitivity of the subject matter was evident, as threats were made against rabbis involved in the event, necessitating heightened security measures. “If this is how they act towards our beloved rabbis, you can imagine how they act towards their wives.”

He condemned the bullying and affirmed that the organization’s focus remains on aiding agunah women and preventing anyone from being threatened or abused. The strength of unity against adversity was highlighted, even though one rabbi chose not to speak due to threats against his family.

“The LEV Organization has a mantra and a goal that should be something we all strive for everyday of our lives, that is, turning pain into peace. If we can minimize some of that pain, we will be doing something so great,” said Rabbi Krohn. The rabbi spoke about the difficult Covid years and gave examples of situations in which one determined person made a difference that changed the world. He spoke of how it is each person’s obligation to be involved, not with anger, but with peace and kindness.

One of The LEV Organization founders, Elana Dweck, was the moderator for a panel discussion. The stories shared by the agunot at the event highlighted the devastating impact of get refusal on their lives. Along with Rabbi Friedman, the speakers included two current agunot (seven years each); and one former agunah (three years).

Rikki, who was the first agunah to receive her get through the work of The LEV Organization said “The LEV Organization did not turn me away because I was not from the community. They embraced me and they worked with me and effectively at the end of the day, they got my get!”

She continued, “I remember the first time I called for help. I called this one organization and I called again and again. They said we are sorry; we have no resources to do more. I called the LEV (Organization) before Pesach. They said to me ‘You will make Pesach and take them (my children) on a trip during Chol Hamoed.’ I took them to Great Adventure, and I was on a roller coaster, speaking to them. They said ‘you are not alone; you have an army behind you. We will support you and back you and I believed them. I started to cry in Great Adventure. I realized I was not on my own.”

“We were invited to an agunah event (with other families) and my child said I want to meet those people, so we went and after, my son said, ‘This was best night of my entire life. Until tonight I didn’t believe anyone cared. Look how many people cared about us.’ That’s something powerful.” On the morning Rikki received her get, her daughter cried tears of joy, later sending her mother a note about how proud she was of her for fighting for them.

Mazie Levy has been agunah for seven years. “It feels like a lot more than seven because you suffer for many years before that. We try to make it work but when it doesn’t, you leave. I was on an emotional roller coaster from anger to sadness and back again. Everyone has hopes and dreams and with this you can’t plan for the future. Your health is affected. So many years are lost. Your whole life is on hold. The LEV (Organization) never let us give up. They encourage us to move forward.”

“I didn’t know how to explain the pain,” said Esther Ohayon, who has been an agunah for seven years. “I did not realize the challenges for myself and my children. I am a mother and father to my children. I had to deal with the daily expenses, and it was me and only me they had to rely on.”

The prolonged absence of a get not only prevents them from pursuing new relationships, remarrying, or having children but also perpetuates a lifetime of emotional distress. The LEV Organization aims to transform this pain into peace.

Each agunah case is carefully assessed through an intake process, to see if reconciliation is an option as the organization does not advocate for divorce. Unfortunately, many cases referred to The LEV Organization have already surpassed the point of reconciliation, having exhausted counseling and reconciliation efforts.

Attempts are made to listen and speak with both parties involved to peacefully mediate the issuance of the get, any custodial and assets involved. The organization serves as a safe space for individuals seeking or looking to issue a get, and they actively seek guidance from community rabbis to navigate the complexities of Jewish halacha.

Raising awareness about the issue of get refusal and showing support for agunot is crucial to preventing future cases. If a seruv (a form of contempt of court order) issued by a Bet Din (rabbinical court) in an effort to compel action by an individual is issued against the get refuser it is forbidden for the community to have any dealings with him, it is forbidden to count him as part of a minyan, it is forbidden to answer “Amen” when he recites the Kaddish prayer, he is not to be given any place to sit in a synagogue or bet midrash, it is forbidden to inquire on his welfare, and he is not to be buried in a Jewish grave.

The LEV Organization aspires to bring about systemic change, ensuring that each agunah knows she is not alone and providing them with a voice.

Couples can also take preventive measures by considering prenuptial agreements, such as those offered by the Rabbinical Council of America and the Yashar Initiative, which can help prevent future complications. Couples should speak to their rabbi to learn more and see which option is best for them.

Volunteers can contribute in various capacities, and financial support can significantly assist the agunot who often find themselves without resources to support their families.

“We (LEV) are rescuing people that are drowning in the ocean,” said Rikki. “I am here for so many women who were left behind. After I got my get, my family asked me ‘why are you not moving on? Get a life; do something.’ We are Jewish people, we have a heart, we have empathy, how can we move on when one other person is suffering?”

Steven Ashkenazie concluded by emphasizing the strength and power of unity, urging everyone to join the cause against get refusal.

Elana Dweck closed out the panel discussion with a truly heartwarming appreciation for all who attended and who were watching around the world. “It’s an unbelievable thing to see, a full room in front of me when we kind of all started from WhatsApp groups and texting each other.” As the tears ran down her face, she said “I’m going to be honest, I never knew anything about this world, and it is very sad that nobody really does. So I just want to thank everybody for being here. It’s unbelievable to see because I could have never imagined this.”

By standing together, supporting one another, and spreading awareness, the organization aims to bring freedom and harmony to those trapped in the chains of get refusal.

In the face of adversity, The LEV Organization seeks to make a difference, one get at a time, and pave the way where our children and grandchildren never have to know the plight or meaning of an agunah.

Those who need help or want more information should go to www.thelev.org.

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.

DAVID HOORY CLF, LUTCF

THOSE WHO REMEMBER THE SKY-HIGH INFLATION IN THE 1970S AND 1980S HAVE BEEN HAVING AN UNSETTLING FEELING OF DEJA-VU. INFLATION, WHICH HAD AVERAGED UNDER 2% FROM 2010 TO 2020, SPIKED TO 7% IN 2021. IT WAS 6.5% IN 2022 AND 4.9% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2023.

Will we again have to deal with years of hyper-inflation? Probably not. In the 1980s, the Federal Reserve learned (painfully) that even the most firmly entrenched inflation could be tamed if the Fed aggressively raised its benchmark rate. The Fed has been raising it, but has been trying not to raise it so quickly that it tips us into recession.

And because inflationary expectations can get baked in, it often takes time to bring them down. So those who are currently retired or are close to retirement will need to adjust their plans to make sure they can manage during inflationary periods.

The first step is to go over your bank and credit card statements for the past few months to see where you are spending the bulk of your money. (The top expenses for retirees tend to be housing, healthcare, transportation, and food.) Also list any major expenses you are thinking of taking on (like a new car, a European vacation, or renovating your kitchen). The second step is to start thinking of ways, large and small, to save or to delay spending.

Retirees are often advised to move to a smaller house or apartment. Remember, though, that moving can be expensive, so before you commit to a move make sure you will have lower mortgage payments (or a lower rent), lower taxes, and less maintenance. On the smaller but still significant level, see if you can continue to drive your current car for a few more years. If you cannot, consider buying a secondhand car rather than a new one. If you live in an area with good public transportation, try getting along without a car for a while. Put off that kitchen renovation if you don’t have a reasonable bid from a reputable contractor. Before you commit to a long-distance vacation, compare airfares over an extended time period, and don’t purchase the ticket until you can get an unusually good deal.

Seek out small ways to save. Combine as many errands as possible to save on gas. Carpool with a neighbor if there are gatherings you both attend. Cut back on the number of times you eat out, and do the bulk of your grocery shopping at the store with the lowest prices. Pay particular attention to food you throw away, and see if you can shop more wisely. Wait for sales before you buy clothes. And check out local thrift shops.

Keep a close eye on your income as well as your expenses. Social Security has cost-of-living adjustments, but they don’t always keep up with the inflationary challenges of individual retirees. Private pension plans often make no adjustments at all for inflation. Whether a 401(k) or IRA can keep up with inflation depends on how the money within it is invested. Stocks are far more likely than bonds or cash investments to keep up with inflation and taxes. So, make sure your retirement portfolio is diversified and that a significant amount is invested in stocks (preferably mutual funds or exchange-traded stock funds), assuming that you are comfortable with the fluctuations in these investments.

A diversified portfolio also means making sure you have some guaranteed income—no matter what. If you’re not covered by a pension plan, consider using a percentage of your retirement savings (perhaps 10% or 20%) to purchase an immediate lifetime annuity. That way, no matter what happens to the rest of your retirement portfolio, you will have some income that is guaranteed for life. An inflationary period, paradoxically, can be a good time to purchase an annuity. Interest rates will be up, and you’ll be able to lock in a payout rate that is a bit higher. Note that the annuitization period of an annuity involves payments partly representing a return of your principal, and annuities have limited liquidity.

To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact David Hoory at dhoory@newyorklife.com, or call him at (718)307-3400. This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by David Hoory CLF, LUTCF, Managing Partner New York Life Insurance Company.

ON THE MORNING OF JULY 16TH, MELAMEDET WAS BLESSED TO CELEBRATE A BEAUTIFUL MILESTONE. THE MELAMEDET TEACHERS-IN-TRAINING HAD FINALLY COMPLETED THEIR THREE YEARS OF COURSEWORK AND WERE ABOUT TO MOVE FORWARD ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO BECOME QUALITY JUDAIC STUDIES TEACHERS THROUGH OBSERVATIONS AND MODEL LESSONS IN THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND.

The students were celebrated with a beautiful commencement ceremony with meaningful and impactful speeches and words of wisdom from Rabbi Saul Kassin, Dr. Esther (Leventer) Betesh, Mr. Sammy Saka, Dr. Gayle Krost and the students themselves: Sally (Mizrachi) Choueka, Eileen (Franco) Dweck, Judy (Sitt) Elmann, and Mary (Jajati) Swed.

Friends and family came together to celebrate the momentous occasion and to support the young women who will Be’H be the conduits for the next generation of Jewish education.

Melamedet began four years ago with the goal of bringing more quality community Jewish educators into our community schools and after school programs.

The program aspired to bring women who would be role models inside and outside the classroom and make Torah not just another subject, but a genuine way of life. Looking at the four amazing women celebrated at the commencement ceremony — with Hashem’s help and the incredible support of teachers, board members, family and friends — Melamedet is set to accomplish just that.

As the students were working on steps to become Judaic studies educators, Dr. Esther (Leventer) Betesh, program director, was working on her dissertation in the field of Jewish education. One significant finding that she learned throughout her research journey was that many Judaic studies teachers have the capacity to play one of the greatest roles in the religious observance and spirituality of students- Just think of the sheer amount of time students spend with teachers. The impact that teachers have on our lives is tremendous and boundless — they are always worth investing in.

The Melamedet family all shared so much together and bonded in ways that will be cherished forever, through weddings and baby celebrations to late night conversations and meaningful events. Mary even got engaged thinking she was giving a Melamedet class that night — that’s how much this program has become a part of everyone’s lives.

Thank you to Rabbi Saul Kassin, Rabbi Joseph Dana, Rabbi Ovadia Alouf and Dr. Gayle Krost for their guidance throughout this journey. Thank you to the amazing Melamedet teachers Rabbi David Tawil, Rabbi Joseph Dana, Mrs. Tamar Braun, Rabbi David Massry, Mrs. Benjamin, and Mrs. Lisa Didia A”H whose neshama should have an aliyah. Thank you to Bet Rachel (Larchwood Shul) for graciously hosting.

A huge thank you to Mr. Sammy Saka who believed in Melamedet and is the true representation of what it means to do things leshem shamayim. Sammy always said that even if only one Judaic studies teacher came out of Melamedet, it would be worthwhile for the generations of students they would inspire. Melamedet can proudly say that Mary, Sally, Eileen, and Judy have already inspired countless students and Be”H” many more to come.

REFLECTIONS FROM STUDENTS

Sally (Mizrachi) Choueka:
Surrounded by teachers, family, and peers, the Melamedet graduation was just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Judaic studies. Receiving our diplomas was a first step to passing on what we’ve learned, and what we are yet to learn. I am so grateful for the spaces, encouragement, and finally the launch into Judaic teaching that the program has provided. Sending out a warm thank you to all who made that possible, I am looking forward to teaching with confidence.

Judy (Sitt) Elmann:
Melamedet’s commencement ceremony was truly inspiring and a culmination of my incredible journey with the program. The support and mentorship I received throughout my time at Melamedet have been invaluable, shaping me into a confident and skilled teacher. The experience has not only enriched my knowledge but also fostered a strong sense of community and camaraderie among students. I’m grateful for the transformative learning opportunities, and I believe future students will find Melamedet to be a nurturing and empowering environment that propels them towards success.

Mary (Jajati) Swed:
Being a part of the Melamedet program for the last 4 years has been absolutely incredible. I learned so much, taught even more, and researched the true foundations of what it takes to be a sterling educator. The commencement ceremony was a beautiful celebration of the culmination of this chapter. Special thank you to all who played a part, as I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to teach with a renewed sense of passion and purpose.

Eileen (Franco) Dweck:
I’m so appreciative to Melamedet for the opportunity to pursue teaching Torah. The commencement reminded me of the imperative to teach Torah, enhancing the meaning of my goal and charging me up to achieve it. I’m so excited to see my fellow graduates continue teaching and growing. From them I learned so many different ideas and perspectives that I actively include in my teaching and I’m so thankful that they made me think about teaching in a whole new way.

Eileen (Franco) Dweck:
I’m so appreciative to Melamedet for the opportunity to pursue teaching Torah. The commencement reminded me of the imperative to teach Torah, enhancing the meaning of my goal and charging me up to achieve it. I’m so excited to see my fellow graduates continue teaching and growing. From them I learned so many different ideas and perspectives that I actively include in my teaching and I’m so thankful that they made me think about teaching in a whole new way.

To learn more about Melamedet please visit Melamedet.org and follow us on instagram @melamedet_.

AN EMERGENCY. A LOVED ONE IS IN THE HOSPITAL. THE CHALLENGES ARE ENORMOUS. FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICAL CARE, COPING WITH A NEW REALITY. THE FAMILY NEEDS TO BE THERE. WHERE WILL THEY SLEEP? WHAT ABOUT FOOD? THAT’S WHERE CHESED 24/7 STEPS IN.

Ayour home in the hospital.” That’s Chesed 24/7’s motto — to make sure family and caregivers don’t have to worry about anything except making sure their loved one gets better. As Nathan Hoffman of Chaim Medical put it so well, “When someone is going through a medical challenge part of the struggle is feeling alone. Chested 24/7 eliminates that feeling which allows you to focus on what’s most important, you or your loved one’s health.” So sleeping accommodations are provided.There’s a Chesed 24/7 hospitality room, plus daily and Shabbat/Yom Tov meal deliveries. There’s shofars, a sukkah (we built 25 last year), lulav and etrog, Pesach Seder plates, Shabbat in a Box with electric Shabbat candles, Kiddush, and more. These rooms are visited literally hundreds of thousands of times a year. There are over half a million visits annually.

Starting from humble beginnings at Good Samaritan Hospital in Rockland County, moving on to NYP-Columbia in upper Manhattan, Chesed 24/7 now operates 25 hospitality rooms throughout the Metro area and beyond. These rooms never close. They’re open 24 hours a day, every single day of the year. And each hospitality room was and is a milestone event. It takes a lot for a hospital to be willing to give up space. But with perseverance and dedication, all of the major hospitals in Manhattan now have a resource that has proven to be a lifesaver for so many.

Of course each room represents a financial investment as the hospital needs funding to convert the room into a patient oasis. The Syrian community has been instrumental in the growth of this important community service, partnering with Chesed 24/7 to dedicate three hospitality rooms so far. In 2015, Debbi Gindi dedicated the Chesed 24/7 hospitality room at Weill-Cornell in memory of her beloved husband Jack M. Gindi A”H. In 2016, the Pauline and Maurice R. Cohen Hospitality Suite was dedicated by Esther and Neil Saada, Sarah and Albert Maleh, Debbi Gindi, and Rachelle and Mark Harari.

Also in 2016, at the inaugural annual Chesed 24/7 Breakfast event hosted by Ken and Lillian Cayre, the community dedicated the Chesed 24/7 Hospitality Center at Columbia Children’s Hospital as the Circle of Friends. Major Donors included Harry and Alice Adjmi, Ben and Debra Ashkenazy, Josh and Rochel Leah Augenbaum, Jack and Joyce Kassin, Joe and Trina Cayre, Ken and Lillian Cayre, Abraham and Renee Fruchthandler, Eli and Michal Gindi, I. Chera and Sons, Zvi and Jodi Ben Haim, Jack and Miriam Basch, Eliyahu and Rina Cohen, Ralph and Vivian Sitt, Steven and Rina Vegh, Eddie and Ceryse Mizrachi, Jerry and Janet Harary, The Edmund J. Safra Synagogue, Brooklyn Rabbi Eli Mansour, Isaac and Sharon Hazan, and Saul and Brenda Hazan.

Then, most recently the Chesed 24/7 Hospitality Room at Mount Sinai Hospital, was due for an upgrade. Jeff and Rachel Sutton graciously dedicated the entrance to the room, in memory of their brother-in-law Jack Gindi A”H. Despite the Covid pandemic intervening and delaying the project, it was completed just a few months ago. It has a modern, clean new look with more improvements on the way.

Chesed 24/7 and the Syrian community have tirelessly worked together to constantly add and upgrade services. In this past year alone three new rooms were opened. More are on the way. As Rosh Hashana approaches, we pray for Hashem to grant a happy and healthy New Year for all, in the great merit of our care and support for hospital patients and their families.

SANDRA LAZAR

WITH ROSH HASHANAH FAST APPROACHING, WE START TO THINK OF PERSONAL AND BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS THAT WILL IMPROVE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE AND FINANCES.

Now is a great time to ponder and reflect, both on our personal and business resolutions.The bookkeeping resolution for improving the financial awareness and profitability of your business is an excellent goal for the upcoming new year. These 7 bookkeeping resolutions will serve as year-round best practices.

GET YOUR BUSINESS ORGANIZED
Keep complete records of bills, receipts, and invoices to maintain accurate income and expenses for the year to come.

For businesses with significant cash inflows and outflows, accounting software can be very beneficial. Software such as QuickBooks can automatically log and categorize transactions to enable better financial organization. These programs integrate with banks and include invoicing and payment options that can be configured to your individual business needs.

CREATE A FUNCTIONAL CHART OF ACCOUNTS
A clear chart of accounts is crucial for financial reporting. Compile a list of all income, expenses, assets and liability accounts that are used in your business’ financial transactions. Determine which items you’d like to measure when reviewing your business’ performance. Having the chart of accounts set up properly is the basis of all your financial reports.

CLEAN UP ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES
Another great bookkeeping resolution is to review and stay on top of your business account receivables. Reviewing outstanding receivables will help you determine what can reasonably be collected and what may need to be written off. Having such information at the click of a button will help in the decision of whether you should be extending or denying credit on future transactions.

TRACK INVENTORY
Having an accurate record of your inventory should be an ongoing effort to optimize business operations. Tracking inventory has the following benefits:

• Determine which products sell best.
• Being able to analyze seasonal patterns and trends to enable better decision-making.
• Mitigate loss from fraud (you can’t know what’s missing if you don’t know what you have)
• Eliminate old or obsolete inventory

PERFORM REGULAR BANK RECONCILIATIONS
Ideally, bank reconciliations should be performed monthly or at least every quarter. A busy holiday season and staffing limitations can thwart even the best financial intentions. If scheduled bank reconciliations have been missed, now is the best time to catch up, perform a much-needed reconciliation of cash and credit account balances, and once completed, you can maintain healthy and accurate financial records going forward.

During the reconciliation process, look for errors and account for cash in-transit. Clean up any identified issues immediately to avoid further issues later with reporting.

CONDUCT AN INTERNAL FINANCIAL REVIEW
With accurate financial bookkeeping in place, you can easily review financial reports such as the business’ income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows. The reporting will give you the critical information you need to understand where to better focus and how to increase the business’ profit margin.

DEDUCT EXPENSES CORRECTLY
Before filing taxes, it is important to ensure that all expenses incurred in the process of running your business get deducted appropriately.

Keep track of items like cell phone usage, automobile expenses and home office allocations to determine what percentage was for business verses personal purposes.

Exceeding allowable deductions, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can increase the risk of a tax audit. It is recommended that you consult a professional financial expert on what deductions are permitted.

Wishing all the IMAGE readers, a Shanah Tovah, a happy and healthy personal and business new year to come.

Sandra Lazar graduated Brooklyn college in 1995. She has served as a CFO in a variety of businesses for the past 25 years.

A DECADE OF EXCELENCE ON THE DIAMOND

IN A WORLD FILLED WITH TECHNOLOGICAL DISTRACTIONS AND FAST-PACED LIFESTYLES, THE EDWARD M. DWECK SUMMER BASEBALL LEAGUE STANDS AS A TESTAMENT TO THE ENDURING APPEAL OF OUR COMMUNITY’S DESIRE TO PLAY TOGETHER AND STAY TOGETHER.

Since its inception 10 years ago, this remarkable league, headed by Sports Directors Jon Entel, has been bringing excitement to young players from kindergarten through ninth grade every Sunday, celebrating baseball, sportsmanship and camaraderie. As it embarks on its tenth year, the league continues to flourish, welcoming 540 players across 54 teams.

A dedicated group of parent coaches and DSN staff have tirelessly worked to elevate the league’s standards year after year. Entel acknowledges the rarity of an endeavor that consistently improves with time. “It is rare in any industry or profession for a product to continue to get better year after year, and that’s what we have with the DSN Baseball League.” In a world where attention to detail often makes the difference, the league stands as a shining example of how dedication, passion and commitment can create the greatest summer experience.

The League’s mission extends beyond mere competition; it’s about fostering growth both as athletes and individuals. Each week, 14 different fields become competitive battlegrounds where young athletes learn not only the intricacies of the game, but also the values of sportsmanship. It’s not just about swinging bats and throwing pitches; it’s about building character and forming lasting friendships.

The culmination of this summer-long journey is the highly anticipated World Series, which was held on August 20th. Teams vied for the championship title and the energy and enthusiasm on the field were palpable. As the curtain fell on another successful baseball season, the memories and friendships forged within the league endure. It’s not just about the scores earned; it is about the laughter and growth that happened on and off the field.

DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt reminisces, “Jeffrey Ashear reached out to me in 2013 asking if DSN could put together a small league in the summer. I told him if he could recruit 40 players, consider it done. Within 24 hours he had all the players! Now, we have over 540 players from all parts of our community — different schools, different shuls — yet 1 baseball league. Bringing families together in a happy and exciting environment is what we do best. Thank you to Jon and our entire passionate staff for everything they do for DSN. Nobody does it better!”

TOURNAMENT UNITES THE COMMUNITY

MARVIN AZRAK

AS THE SUN ROSE SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 23RD, 20 TEAMS CONSISTING OF THE COMMUNITY’S 100 BEST BASKETBALL PLAYERS, PLUS ATHLETES IN A MULTITUDE OF OTHER SPORTS, WOKE UP WITH DREAMS OF REACHING THE TOP OF THE SUMMIT. THEY WERE READY TO TAKE PART IN THE MOST COMPETITIVE DAY OF THE YEAR, THE LEGENDARY MDY HIGH HEAT AND HOT SHOT TOURNAMENTS, IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH SUTTON A”H.

This yearly event takes place at Jeff and Rachel Sutton’s home, bringing together the best players from the community, regardless of age or background, to battle it out in a multitude of sporting events, for the title of the best team/best player in the community. It requires both mental strength and physical fortitude.

Joe Sutton is the Hot Shot architect who worked hard to create balanced rosters for the tournament. Instead of simply having a dynamic duo take over, he wanted a team of togetherness to win the championship. After 18 years of organizing this annual basketball tournament, Sutton felt satisfied as he looked at how far it had come since its inception in 2005. “I started this tournament in eighth grade, and look what it became,” he said. Sutton is humbled that his childhood court is the venue for this annual coronation. However, he also recognizes that this day is more significant than sports. It’s a day when everyone comes together to honor the greatest dynasty in the world.

“I like to root for dynasties,” Rabbinical Leader of Magen David Yeshivah, Rabbi Eli Mansour, said in his speech honoring the day. “The New York Yankees had a dynasty in the ‘50s. They had a dynasty in the ‘60s. They had a dynasty in the ‘70s and 90’s. The Los Angeles Lakers had a dynasty in the ‘80s and 2000s. The Dallas Cowboys had a dynasty in the 90’s. The Montreal Canadiens constantly won the Stanley Cup in the ‘70s,” the Rabbi said, “But the most successful dynasty in the world isn’t the Yankees, Lakers, or Canadiens.” The greatest dynasty in the world is Magen David Yeshivah.”

Rachel and Jeff Sutton stood nearby, watching the events unfold in their backyard. The success of Magen David Yeshivah has always been a priority for them, and events like this help them raise funds for the institution. The school’s freshman enrollment is at a record high, and their senior internship rate is 100%. The Sutton family has played a crucial role in this success. Yet despite the aftermath of repair to their backyard, the annual gathering at their house has become a cherished tradition involving the entire community.

Every summer sport was represented in fierce competitions. Spikeball, beach volleyball, backgammon, dodgeball, tennis, pickleball, and of course, basketball.

By midday, only 12 teams of five remained. As the sun set, the question remained: who would win Hot Shot?

School, warmed up on Center Court Sunday morning, he couldn’t help but think of the two words his Warrior Coaches, Benny Mann and Joey Dayon, instilled in him: “Dream Big.” This same mantra inspired the two men to launch Dream Basketball Camp in the summer of 2020, starting on a backyard court in Fort Hoops, in New Jersey. The program has significantly expanded, helping to shape the community’s next wave of Yeshiva League and basketball stars. Parents have praised the coaching of Mann and Dayon, saying that their children feel like they get the most out of themselves when training with them. Next to Haber were four fellow high school ballers ready to embark on a momentous journey on center court.

One of those ballers was fellow MDYHS Senior, Captain Mark Sardar, known for his workmanlike play and intense focus. His mental strength allowed him to stay present, taking deep breaths to calm himself down when needed. He’s a leader on and off the court, even creating an Instagram account, “Dream_Dahaks,” to highlight the fun bloopers of Dream Basketball Camp. As the Hot Shot team captain, he understands that leadership goes beyond on-court prowess.

Next to Sardar and Haber were Beni Keyda, Zack Hassoun, and Moses Smeke. Keda and Hassoun are Flatbush Falcons Varsity stars, while Smeke is the newest offseason addition to the Warriors, transferring from Hillel for his senior season. Together they represented the next generation of community players by putting on a show. They weren’t satisfied with just being there. They came to win. Team Sardar went 2-1 in round-robin play, securing a playoff spot.

They defeated Marc Braha and Steven Levian’s teams but needed to beat Gabe Leifer’s team for a first-round bye (for those who are not familiar with sports terms, a bye means a team that is automatically advanced to the next round of a tournament, without having to play an opponent in an early round). Although Isaac Tawil’s game-winner sent them to the wild card round, they were confident. They beat Levian’s team again and faced them in the quarterfinals, which lived up to the hype.

In an intense clash, Sardar and Leifer fought to a tie, leading to overtime. Sardar’s three-pointer and Haber’s free throw helped them win and advance to the final four. They faced a team led by Eitan Gettenberg and Elliot Dweck, who dominated in group play and beat team Dayon in the quarterfinals.

Against Gettenberg, Beni Keda led Team Sardar to victory with impressive defense and accurate long-range shooting. He tied the game late in regulation, earning “MVP” chants, an award he would later share with Zack Hassoun. Team Sardar then rode the wave of momentum. A three-pointer from Moses Smeke gave them a 16 to 15 lead, but a free throw from Dweck sent the game into overtime. That was where Mark Sardar’s free throws sent his team, the “Slippers,” as dubbed by longtime Hotshot commentator Dee Simmons, to the championship. Joe Sutton’s prediction came true: Sardar and Sharifian were the last two teams standing.

Both Sardar and Sharifian were exhausted at this point in the day, making it a survival of the fittest. Sharifian took an early lead with a three-pointer from Buddy Setton, hoping to maintain their perfect tournament record. However, the young guns were a resilient team, and Sharfian had never faced such a challenge. Team Sardar rallied and won the game 21 to 14 on a mid-range jumper by Hassoun, changing the perception of community basketball.

The boys made history by becoming the youngest team to win Hot Shot in community basketball. Fans marveled at their teamwork and dedication. “They’re so young they can win every year,” a fan said. Maybe they can repeat this feat in 2024. However, the boys’ next focus is their senior seasons in Yeshiva League basketball, where Magen David is poised to dominate.

They’ll be anchored by their new “Big 3” of Mark Sardar, Jack Haber, and Moses Smeke. Throw in Joshua Chabbott, the crown jewel of community hoops. Throw in Philip Sherr, who led his team on a deep run in the High Heat tournament. Throw in Jacob and Alfonse Shiloach, among many others. It’s a powerhouse that’ll be a must-watch each time they take the court. With hard work and big dreams, these boys have what it takes to bring Warriors fans a championship. It’s all right there in front of them.

Amid the MDY High Heat and Hot Shot Tournament’s excitement, the day highlighted the unity of a community as one. Beyond competition, it symbolized a space where diversity faded, and a collective passion for sports and togetherness thrived, reminding everyone that this event was more than just a tournament. It was a celebration of harmony and shared purpose.

MDY would like to express their deepest gratitude for the incredible efforts of the High Heat team, including Michael Chattah, Adina Cohen, Eric Setton, Solly Spigel, and Joe Sutton, along with Gladys Ancona and Sheila Rubin.

Marvin Azrack is a community sportswriter.

THIS PAST SUMMER, PROPEL HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HOSTING SOME INCREDIBLY IMPACTFUL EVENTS.

PROPEL kicked off the summer with an up-close conversation with Corie Adjmi, author of The Marriage Box. With women of all ages attending the event, interesting discussions ensued about Corie’s journey to become an author and aspects of her book. A special thanks to Adele and Eli Yedid for generously hosting the event.

PROPEL’s next event this summer was the annual boutique show, PROPEL MARKETPLACE, a 32-vendor supported marketplace of community women entrepreneurs selling jewelry, athletic wear, household products, clothing for children and adults, beauty products and so much more at the beautiful DSN Beach.

The Victoria Aronow PROPEL List is a free, digitized marketplace of women who sell food and other products, provide services or have a profession, including the vendors at the Marketplace. Please sign up and create a profile in order to be included in the digital directory. Get Listed! www.thepropellist.org/register/.

The next event brought us back to DSN Beach for the LET’S TALK DESIGN event under the PROPEL Entrepreneurs division, generously supported by Sharyn and Ezra S. Ashkenazi. A special thank you to Danielle Dabah for opening the program and discussing her career journey as an interior designer, and to our panelists — Jack Ovadia of Ovadia Design Group, Sarit Ovadia of The Finishing Touch, Jeanie Schrem of Kravet Textile Design, and Renee Mizrahi of RM Architecture Design — who each shared their professional journeys. The panel discussion was beautifully moderated by PROPEL’s Board President, Dr. Gayle Krost, and Board Member, Heleyne Mishan Tamir, to a standing room only group of participants. It was an inspiring evening!

Next on the summer calendar was TALK ABOUT IT TUESDAY for parents, educators and mental health practitioners under PROPEL’s Paulette Bailey/UJA Mentorship Program. The lessons explored there were invaluable as Dr. Jeff Lichtman, PROPEL’s collaborative partner at Touro University (Touro University Director of Graduate Jewish Special Education), and Minna Hanon Samra, school psychologist at Yeshivah of Flatbush, shared their views on the well-adjusted child, and the school/home partnership. Dr. Lichtman emphasized the importance of teaching children so they can become whatever they want to be; a child can grow and make a difference in this world. A special thanks to Ami and Ralph Sasson for generously hosting the event.

PROPEL greatly appreciates the support of the community members! It is donations from generous community members that help PROPEL fulfill its mission of providing women in our community the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their families through education, leading to greater financial stability. In the words of the Rambam, teaching a person a trade is the highest level of charity. It is these donations that continue to give, as community women continue to earn for many years to come.

PROPEL
646-494-0822 | info@thepropelnetwork.org | Instagram @PropelNetwork | www.thepropelnetwork.org

2 CRIPPLING RISKS & 3 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW

Most people might think it’s exciting, but you may have some mixed feelings about it. It’s common to be happy and relieved that you now have more money, and to be stressed out or worried about how you’re going to handle it, too.

You’ve got choices that you probably didn’t have before to make positive changes to your finances. If you’re like many Americans, you’ve got debt of some kind. Should you pay off all or a portion of it? If you have kids, should all or a portion be set aside for college?

Or instead, maybe this is the time to buy the larger house you’ve always wanted, launch your own business and stop working for “the man,” or travel the world and take a work break for a little while.

Money that comes in suddenly is often spent, seemingly, just as suddenly. But you don’t want to lose all the money you’ve just come into. Fortunately, you can plan how to work with your windfall without spending it all right away. By avoiding the mistakes that others make and choosing the right options, you have the chance to make dreams come true.

While there is plenty of DIY money management advice available, protecting and preserving sudden wealth is often more complex. The challenge you’re now struggling with is that you don’t know what you don’t know.

One size does not fit all when it comes to managing a windfall! Asking people who don’t have experience with this kind of money management could lead to disaster. In addition to money management, you need to manage expectations, including your own.

CRIPPLING RISK #1
Unexpectedly High Taxes
To paraphrase George Carlin, Uncle Sam loves you, and he needs money! Taxes are often confusing enough, never mind adding a significant amount of money into the mix. You’re probably already aware that you’ll need to pay taxes, but how much should you plan for?

Not only do your taxes depend on what type of windfall you’re benefiting from, they may also depend on when you take the distribution. The tax ramifications of your sudden wealth can be more complex than you might originally have thought.

Think objectively about what the personal results are of taking a lump sum versus a structured payout. If you have a spendthrift in your family, will the lump sum be too tempting to spend? Do you have a financial professional who can guide you on navigating the effects of your decisions?

CRIPPLING RISK #2
Damaging Family Relationships
Sometimes when a family member comes into money, other members of the family start lining up with their hands out, or they resent the newly wealthy person. You may even know someone whose money caused a big rift in their relationships, and you don’t want the same thing to happen to you and your loved ones.

People who suddenly receive significant amounts of money don’t always know where and when the ground will shift under their feet when it comes to family. You may believe that everyone will be happy for you, and later find out that’s not the case. There may be fault lines in your relationships that could crack under the pressure of your newfound wealth if you don’t handle them in the right way.

MUST-KNOW #1
Money Can Be A Double-Edged Sword
A significant amount of money has the power to allow you to live your dreams. It could be the seed money you need to leave your corporate job and ride out on your own. Or you may finally have the money you need to enjoy an interest that you couldn’t indulge in while you worked full-time.

By creating a wise strategy and making smart choices, a future that you’ve always wanted — but never thought you could live — could be within your reach.

On the other hand, you could very well end up worse off than before. So many sudden money lottery winners go bankrupt after receiving their windfall. It’s easy to think the money will last forever, but if you don’t take care of it, it won’t. You’ll need to learn how to manage it. Otherwise, it could slip through your fingers.

MUST-KNOW #2
A Lasting Legacy Can Be Yours…
If The Strategy Is Right
You may prefer to make a positive impact on the world with a portion (or all) of your newfound wealth. Charities, successive generations, educational institutions, and other groups can benefit from significant donations. You may also feel compelled to be a good steward of the money for a variety of reasons, and that’s another way to leave your mark.

Most importantly, you want to use the funds as tax-efficiently as possible. That way there’s more left for your legacy. The right techniques depend on several factors, including how you want to be remembered and whether you’ll want to have access to the money during your lifetime.

MUST-KNOW #3
New-To-You Asset Protection Strategies
Your sudden windfall can potentially help you protect your other assets and your family as well. There are a number of asset protection strategies for the wealthy that you may not have had access to before. They require a certain level of investment that you may now have.

Simply having your assets in your own name may no longer be a good solution. Smart estate planning is critical, and just like investments, cookie-cutter solutions will not work. Estate plans and other asset preservation techniques are very specific to your circumstances and desires.

You Don’t Have To Make These Critical Choices Alone
Suddenly coming into a sizable amount of money has the potential to change your life. Whether the impact is positive or negative is mostly the result of the choices you make. However, there is a way to use this money to help you build a lasting and solid financial foundation for you and your family.

You may be able to fund dreams or goals that you previously thought were too far away to reach. The options you choose in taking the payout and planning your investment strategies determine whether you make your dreams come true. Poor choices can deplete your funds before you even have a chance to enjoy them.

Understanding the risks and effects of all the moves you make with your newfound money is critical. Not only does this money have the potential to change your life, but potentially that of your family and later generations, too. That’s why it’s so important to develop a strategy and understand all the possible outcomes of your plan.

The sooner you shore up your strategy, the better. Some aspects of implementing your choices are time-sensitive, and taking action can help prevent the money from being squandered. Unfortunately, these things aren’t taught in high school or college!

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. 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. Consult with your financial professional before making any investment decision.

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

A LEADER WHO CHANGED THE NARRATIVE

COVER PHOTO: VICTOR BRACA – TOP NOTCH VISUALS

THIS NOVEMBER OUR COMMUNITY HAS AN OPPORTUNITY IT HAS NOT HAD IN A LONG TIME, IF EVER — TO RE-ELECT A REPUBLICAN ELECTED OFFICIAL IN RECORD NUMBERS — TO RE-ELECT INNA VERNIKOV, OUR FEARLESS COUNCILWOMAN, TO THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL.

For a long time, our community has been told by many that it must register, and vote for Democrats — even though the Democratic Party stands against many of our beliefs and values. The Democrats over-tax us, allow criminals to roam free, and our streets to become increasingly dangerous. We are told that Republicans cannot, by their mere existence, help the constituents navigate the overly progressive government institutions, get us the funding we need for our community’s infrastructure, and help the faith-based charities that our community is known for.

Well, Inna Vernikov clearly dispelled the myth and changed that narrative. She has been effectively leading the fight against antisemitism in the city, especially at CUNY (yes, the same CUNY that just hired the antisemitic Marc Lamont Hill). From sponsoring legislation, to helping with court cases, Inna has been a leader — getting her Democrat colleagues to cross the aisle and vote for her legislation.

But that is not all, Inna has also brought record amounts of funding back into our community. Remember, this money is from our taxes. Anyone that lives in New York City knows that the streets have gone back to the days before Mayor Giuliani cleaned them up, literally and figuratively. The streets are filthy — with garbage and litter becoming a real issue. Inna hit this issue head-on, sending $280,000 in extra funding to our local DSNY district to help combat this issue, and slowly, the streets are getting cleaner. More work needs to be done, and Inna is clearly in this for the long haul.

Crime is heading back to the bad old days, when NYC was known as the “Ungovernable City”. There are a few councilmembers that stand tall for their support of our finest, the NYPD. Inna Vernikov is one of them, and she is a leader in this issue, especially when it comes to antisemitic attacks. Inna is at the forefront of making sure the city no longer ignores attacks on our community. Inna also funded three auxiliary vans for all precincts within her council district. We need a fighter like her to continue being our representative, because few have the temerity to fight the anti-citizen machine that is the NYC government like Inna Vernikov.

As for the funding for our faith-based organizations that our community is known for, and that we are proud to spotlight to those outside our community as beacons of what good citizenship looks like, Inna has brought record funding into our community.

Flatbush Hatzolah, Shomrim, Shmira, Amudim, United Task Force, Ohel, Chasdei Lev, HASC, Chai Lifeline, and of course the Sephardic Bikur Holim, are but a few of our communitiy’s organizations that have received funding. Again, funding that is actually our money that Inna, using her abilities to cross over the aisle and bring sensible minds to agreement, was able to bring back into the community.

And let’s not forget, a major component of local officeholders is helping their constituents with regular day-to-day issues. This is something we have been told for a long time no Republican would be able to do for us. As a Republican, Inna has put together a staff in her office that, in their first year, closed over 4,000 constituent service cases, making her office #1 in Brooklyn and #2 in the entire city! That means that by her first “half term” she will have helped thousands — either you or someone you know, with an issue they have with government.

This is all why we must go out, and not only re-elect Inna Vernikov to the NYC council, but we must come out in droves, giving her a win with numbers larger than her historic win in 2021, when she won in a landslide. We must send a message that our community is not for sale, that we will not take the attacks, both in rhetoric and physically, by holding those responsible in government for allowing it to fester, that we will send a true fighter to represent us back to City Hall and let our voices be heard.

So, on Tuesday, November 7th (or early starting October 28th), regardless of whichever party you are registered in, let your voice be heard by voting to re-elect Councilwoman Inna Vernikov.

Paid for by Friends of Inna Vernikov

ENHANCING THE WAY STUDENTS RECEIVE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

RUCHI ITA FELLER’S PASSION FOR WORKING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN WAS IGNITED WHILE VOLUNTEERING AT A SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUNGSTERS WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES. WITNESSING THE IMPACT SHE COULD MAKE, SHE FOUND HER CALLING AND PURSUED A CAREER IN EDUCATION.

As a graduate of Damen College, Ruchi earned a master’s degree in Special Education and post graduate training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Her professional journey began as a school educational specialist, where she saw an overwhelming demand for additional services and the lack of available educational specialists. Motivated by the need for a more comprehensive approach, Ruchi Feller co-founded Yes I Can — a groundbreaking organization offering comprehensive special education assistance.

Today, Ruchi serves as Yes I Can Program Director, while Simcha Feller, co-founder and her husband, directs executive organization development.

Simcha’s own academic challenges helped him understand first-hand what children with learning disabilities experience. Simcha was fortunate because his parents sought an individualized learning plan during and after school to support him.

His childhood friend Yisorel L. faced similar difficulties in school. Yisorel required individualized support to keep up with his classmates and progress to the next grade. However, unlike Simcha, Yisorel’s parents did not pursue the additional help, perhaps not realizing its significance. Sadly, Yisroel became increasingly unable to function effectively in society.

Yes I Can provides educational support to children whose parents are struggling to keep them in mainstream schools. Currently, serving over 145 schools and more than 1,500 students, Yes I Can methodology pairs individualized services with specialized techniques. Using expert external consults, Yes I Can helps restore parents’ faith.

YES I CAN SERVICES INCLUDE
P3/SETSS (Special Education Teacher Support Services): Legally mandated educational aid for children with disabilities. Children are assessed, and appropriate goals with proper treatment plans are set ensuring progress in mainstream environments.

SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Teacher): New York State Certified special education professionals assisting students with academic, emotional, and social skill disabilities. SEIT professionals interface with teachers, meet with students’ parents, and assess students in classrooms to develop individualized strategies for each child.

Paraprofessional Services: Paras offer instructional and behavioral assistance, catering to special education needs or those under a federal 504 plan. Our paras work with students to ensure health and learning needs are met. Health paras are trained to monitor children and to administer medication.

Oral Transliteration Services: Communication support is provided for students with hearing impairments.

Social Groups: Interaction skills are taught under the guidance of skilled facilitators. In these settings, active listening, empathy, and respect are practiced, and reviewed.

Consulting Services: As part of our enrichment program, consultants provide no cost screenings. Our enrichment program connects students with top NYC professionals, ensuring access to high-quality third-party support.

More recently, Yes I Can established Yes I Care, a Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) program.

YES I CAN SERVICES INCLUDE
Caregiver/Family Advocacy and Support Services: Caregivers and families are trained to make informed and empowered choices for children struggling with developmental, medical, mental health, and/or substance abuse issues.

TESTIMONIALS

“I was worried sick that my child would grow up illiterate — since he was struggling so much with his reading. YIC helped teach him to read using the “LIPS” (Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing) program. My child now stays up late to finish the novels he loves reading! Thank you YIC for this incredible impact in our lives.”
Alex F.

“Note taking and essay writing were very difficult for my eighth grade child. YIC intervention taught him to improve his writing, sentence structure, and grammar skills, giving him confidence. Seven years later, my son is now in college getting his degree in special education to help other children!”
Sondra B.

“Sammy was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and was suffering socially. He couldn’t pick up the nuances of social cues or nonverbal skills, and he was a very black and white thinker. His supplemental educational specialist used the social thinking program techniques. They worked! Thank You YIC for caring and helping him succeed.”
Emily W.

Acclaimed nationwide, Yes I Can is steadfast in its mission to uplift students facing learning disabilities. The organization champions comprehensive solutions, promotes collaboration, and regularly upgrades its training modules. With ambitious plans for growth, Yes I Can remains steadfast in its dedication to ensure every child’s academic success.

The combination of Ruchi’s professional training and Simcha’s personal experiences have made Yes I Can one of the nation’s premiere providers of educational support for children with learning disabilities and related issues. For more information, visit the official Yes I Can website: Yesicanservices.com.