FOR THE PAST TWENTY YEARS, THE SAFE FOUNDATION HAS BEEN A BEACON OF HOPE FOR THE MEMBERS OF OUR TRADITIONAL JEWISH COMMUNITY WHO HAVE STRUGGLED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE. THANKS TO THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF OUR FOUNDER AND CEO IKE DWECK AND OUR AMAZING STAFF, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DESTIGMATIZE ADDICTION AND PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO CONFIDENTIALLY RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED.
Over the years, SAFE has proudly helped thousands of community members. We have been able to provide people with the tools they need to overcome their addictions, and have been there for them every step of the way through their recovery journeys. We have been told about the immeasurable impact that SAFE has had on the lives of individuals/families and would not be here today without the constant support from this great community. As SAFE celebrates its 20th anniversary, there is no better time to reflect on our accomplishments and growth. When Ike Dweck founded SAFE in 2003, it was taboo to speak about addiction and those who were struggling would run away from help. There was no office building to visit or staff members to speak to, just Ike and his car making house calls. Due to the tremendous efforts and support of Stanley Chera AâH, who fundraised and helped get SAFE off the ground all those years ago, SAFE became a true foundation. We are very proud to say over the past 20 years, SAFE has opened two office locations, Brooklyn and Jersey, with a growing team of 25 licensed doctors, therapists, teachers and professionals whose roles collectively make this organization what it is today. We have multiple divisions in addition to our outpatient clinic, such as our school curriculum Project SAFE, our parenting program, SAFE Parenting, our alumni program, The DD empowerment project and our newest initiative for eating disorders, the mindful eating project.
We are so proud of how much SAFE has grown since 2003 and it is a true testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to support one another. However, itâs important to acknowledge that the work we are doing is far from over. Now more than ever we need your financial support to continue our mission as the fentanyl epidemic, which has devastated countless lives across the world, has recently hit the Jewish community, with multiple emergency calls due to overdoses. Hatzalah has reported they receive up to two or three drug related calls a day. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine or heroin, and it has been found in various street drugs, including pills, powders, and even rare cases of marijuana. The consequences of this epidemic are dire, and it is time for us to get the facts and take action. It is important to note that drug use can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. Many people who become addicted to drugs never intended to use them in the first place, having been prescribed opioids legally by a doctor. However, it is essential to educate yourself and your family members on the risks of drug use, especially the dangers of fentanyl, as one of the most effective ways to prevent drug-related tragedies is to talk to your family about them. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones. On April 24th, we held a Drug Crisis program â at Shaare Zion with Dr. Jason Zimmerman, Director of Hatzalah, Dr. Akivah Pearlman clinical social worker and many esteemed community rabbis â that was viewed by thousands of community members. We featured a film called Death Upon Arrival, which gives a painful, but very realistic insight into to the fentanyl epidemic. If you havenât seen our Drug Crisis program, take the time to watch it with your family. It will educate and answer many of your questions about this challenging topic. Visit bit.ly/SAFEdrugcrisis to watch the full program now, or visit our website www.theSAFEfoundation.org. If you or someone you love is battling with drug use or other addictions, The SAFE Foundation is here to help. The SAFE Foundation is an OASAS licensed outpatient clinic treating addiction, alcoholism and problem gambling. We offer complete confidentiality and a SAFE space for those who are struggling. Our services are not just for those dealing with addiction, but also for their loved ones, as we understand that addiction affects not only the individual but also families and communities.
We offer free intake assessments to better understand each individualâs needs and how SAFE can help. We also offer referrals to higher levels of care if need be. We are in network with many major insurance companies and offer a sliding scale so everyone is able to afford care. If your loved one is struggling but not ready for help, we invite you to call SAFE so you can receive your own support. With a clinic in Brooklyn and one in Eatontown, New Jersey, The SAFE Foundation is here for you and the whole community. Call 718-GET-SAFE for more information on how we can help you. Every call is strictly confidential. Please join us Friday morning, June 30th, at 9 A.M., for our annual breakfast fundraiser to learn more about the lifesaving work that we do and how you can support this amazing cause.
IN THE WORLD OF BUSINESS, SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS OFTEN FIND THEMSELVES ISOLATED AT THE TOP, CARRYING THE WEIGHT OF RESPONSIBILITY ALONE. HOWEVER, THIS FATHERâS DAY, AS A JEWISH PROFESSIONAL PLEASE REFLECT ON THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRATING FAMILY AND BUSINESS.
By prioritizing meaningful connections and embracing Jewish values, such as prayer, study, and Shabbat, you can be part of a supportive community that nurtures both your professional and familial roles.
EMBRACE YOUR ROLE AS A FATHER FIRST In Jewish culture, the role of fatherhood holds profound significance. Amidst the demands of business, it is crucial for you, as a leader, to prioritize your role as father. By recognizing that being a father comes first, business professionals can lay a stronger foundation for their families and foster lasting bonds with their children, ensuring that they remain present and engaged amidst the demands of their entrepreneurial ventures.
INTEGRATION, NOT SEPARATION The misconception that business and family must be kept separate is prevalent in society. However, Jewish teachings encourage the integration of these two aspects of life. By aligning your business goals with personal values and prioritizing family, you can create a holistic approach to success. This integration allows you to find harmony and fulfillment, recognizing that your professional endeavors are an opportunity to make a kiddush Hashem (glorifying the Almighty), and have a positive impact on the world while nurturing your relationships.
Join a Community of Like-Minded Dads The loneliness that often accompanies success can be mitigated by plugging into a community of like-minded individuals. You can find support and understanding by connecting with fellow entrepreneurs. Networking events, mentorship programs, and peer groups are avenues to build meaningful connections. These relationships foster camaraderie, allowing business leaders to share experiences, exchange ideas, and support one another. Such a robust support system encourages personal growth, enriches professional journeys, and provides a sense of belonging. You are not alone.
REFLECTION, CONNECTION AND RENEWAL THE POWER OF SHABBAT Observing Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, holds immense power for entrepreneurs. This sacred day offers an opportunity to step away from work demands and prioritize G-d, family, learning, and personal well-being. By dedicating quality time to loved ones, engaging in meaningful conversations, and recharging your spirits, you can rejuvenate your roles as father and leader. Shabbat serves as a reminder to reflect on the deeper purpose behind your work and continuously strive for personal improvement, infusing your life with meaning. On this Fatherâs Day, letâs celebrate the power of community and the integration of business and family. By embracing the role of father first, integrating business and family, connecting to supportive networks, and honoring the mitzvah of Shabbat, you will cultivate a balanced and fulfilling life. This is not just a dreamy possibility, because you can make it your reality. Last month I had the opportunity to design and co-create an experience for Jewish business owners who were attending a conference. This experience connected and bonded those leaders into an incredibly supportive community that will change the world, by honoring being a Jewish father first who also has a business to support them. And although itâs Fatherâs Day, letâs not forget the corporate women who go through the same things â they are foundational for the success of our lives.
Rabbi Ezra Max, PCC, MHMP, Xchange Guide & Creator of âThe Max Methodâ assists businesses and professionals deal with stress and achieve success. Rabbi Max has witnessed 20 years of results helping executives, parents and teens overcome struggles, improve communication and thrive. He lives in New York with his wife and five children.
âREGARDING MY EATING BEHAVIOR, PERFECTIONISM DIDNâT LEAD TO RESULTS. IT LED TO PEANUT BUTTER. â BRENE BROWN
A past advertisement for the womenâs lingerie company Victoriaâs Secret was labeled âThe Perfect Body.â A group of extremely tall, unbelievably thin, (and probably airbrushed), young women posed with their ribs sticking out. Is there any woman who doesnât longingly wish, âIf only I could look that perfect?â But wait! Over 5,600 women in a burst of disapproval signed a petition protesting this ad! With creative hashtags, such as #noonebodytypeisperfect, they complained that the advertisement âpromotes low self-esteem among women who are made to feel that their bodies are inadequate and unattractive because they do not fit into this narrow standard of beauty.â Victoriaâs Secret promptly changed their campaign to a more neutral slogan, âA Body for Everybody.â It is heartening that women are fighting back against the impossible demands of perfection that our culture has fed us for so many decades.
WHAT IS PERFECTIONISM? Perfectionism is when you set extremely high standards for yourself and are unhappy with anything less. Perfectionism is not about striving for healthy self-improvement. It is about harsh and rigid self-judgment: either Iâm an ideal weight or Iâm bad; either Iâm a size 4 or Iâm fat; either I exercise two hours every day or Iâm a failure. This is black or white thinking at it is most destructive. âWhen I was anorexic and weighed 80 pounds, I felt one moment of bliss,â Judy (not her real name), a client of mine, described. âBut then I just wanted to eat even less to guarantee my thinness was going to last. Even now, after therapy helped me get more realistic, I still obsess about my eating and size about 50% of every waking moment. I guess thatâs better than what I used to do which was 100% of my life!â Judy was the oldest girl in a family with four younger brothers. She learned early on that her âjob descriptionâ was to be a little mother to her siblings. Her own needs were swept under the carpet as she strived to be the perfectly in control daughter. Her quest to also be perfectly in control of her body led to developing anorexia as a young teen. Judy has made progress in modifying her perfectionism although she still has a way to go. But she feels more hopeful. When she had to stop her strict exercise routine during a two week trip to Europe, she reminded herself that when she got back to New York, she would begin again, and that all was not lost by her taking a break. âItâs not as much of a tragedy any more if I canât exercise perfectly,â she added. âIâve come to accept that Iâm human, and that doesnât make me a weak person.â
PERFECTIONISM, ANXIETY, AND EATING DISORDERS: A PERFECT STORM Why would someone strive to be perfect if it harmed them psychologically and/or physically? The answer is that many people have strong feelings of anxiety, a sense of inner emptiness, an obsessive compulsive personality, a traumatic abuse history, or unresolved grief that leads them to organize their life around perfectionism. Dieting/excessive exercise/emotional eating can provide structure and meaning to oneâs life. This is why an anorexic or bulimic fights so fiercely to hold on to her illness, and why a compulsive overeater is afraid to give up her destructive eating patterns. Who would she be without emotional eating? What would give her life meaning and purpose? These questions need to be worked through in therapy before she feels strong enough to cope with life without the safety crutch of disordered eating and perfectionism.
SELF-COMPASSION Self-compassion is the antidote to chronic dissatisfaction with oneâs eating, weight, and body. But how do we achieve self-compassion if we hate our stomach or binged on chocolate chip cookies last night?
Acknowledge that you have an eating/body image disorder and that healing is a process that takes time. What is important is to continue to work on getting better and making progress on your issues. You may never get it perfect! Work on getting better rather than being perfect.
Be aware of the reasons you have developed perfectionism. Did you get the message from your family that your success was all important and nothing less was acceptable? (âYou got a 90 on the test? What happened to the other ten points?â).
Acceptance is key to achieving more balance and less perfection. We are all human and have our good points and our not so good points. If we can get perspective that life is a journey that is often accompanied by anxiety and imperfection, we realize that everyone is in the same boat. You do not have to be perfect to accept the body you have. The key is to call a truce to waging war with your body and to work on appreciating the wondrous ways it does show up for you every day. Perhaps imperfection is the new perfection!
The Mindful Eating Project is here to help you get âownershipâ of your eating and perfectionism. The Mindful Eating Project can help you:
Custom tailor an individual approach for your unique needs.
Help you get the control for your eating back inside yourself.
Develop and maintain healthy eating patterns.
Regain body confidence.
Unlock what may be keeping you stuck in your eating problems.
Schedule an initial assessment with The Mindful Eating Project, and weâll help you determine if you can benefit from treatment. To start a confidential conversation about your eating, please contact us. Contact is absolutely confidential. Please feel free to call (718)336-MEND. The Mindful Eating Project is a division of The SAFE Foundation.
Mary Anne Cohen, LCSW, BCD is Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders since 1982. She is also author of French Toast for Breakfast: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating and Lasagna for Lunch: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating. Mary Anne has hosted her own radio show on eating disorders, appears frequently on national television, and is the professional book reviewer.
KIDNEY STONES, OR RENAL CALCULI, ARE SOLID MASSES MADE OF CRYSTALS. THEY CAN DEVELOP ANYWHERE ALONG YOUR URINARY TRACT, WHICH CONSISTS OF THE KIDNEYS, URETERS, BLADDER, AND URETHRA.
TYPES OF KIDNEY STONES
Not all kidney stones are made up of the same crystals. The different types of kidney stones include:
CALCIUM Calcium stones are the most common. Theyâre often made of calcium oxalate, though they can consist of calcium phosphate or maleate. Eating fewer oxalate-rich foods can reduce your risk of developing this type of stone. High-oxalate foods include:
Potato chips
Peanuts
Chocolate
Spinach
Moderating intake of these foods may be beneficial for people who form calcium oxalate stones. A common misconception is that cutting the oxalate-rich foods in your diet alone will reduce the likelihood of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones. While in theory this might be true, this approach isnât smart from an overall health perspective. Most kidney stones are formed when oxalate binds to calcium while urine is produced by the kidneys.
Instead, eat and drink calcium and oxalate-rich foods together during a meal. In doing so, oxalate and calcium are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and intestines before the kidneys begin processing, making it less likely that kidney stones will form.
And even though some kidney stones are made of calcium, getting enough calcium in your diet can prevent stones from forming.
URIC ACID This type of kidney stone is the second most common. They can occur in people with gout, diabetes, obesity, and other types of metabolic syndrome. This type of stone develops when urine is too acidic. A diet rich in purines can increase urineâs acidic level. Purine is a colorless substance in animal proteins, such as fish and meats.
STRUVITE This type of stone is found mostly in people with urinary tract infections (UTIs). These stones can be large and cause urinary obstruction. Treating an underlying infection can prevent the development of struvite stones.
CYSTINE About 1 in 7,000 people worldwide get cystine kidney stones. They occur in both men and women who have the genetic disorder cystinuria. With this type of stone, cystine â an acid that occurs naturally in the body â leaks from the kidneys into the urine
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF A KIDNEY STONE Kidney stones can cause severe pain. Symptoms of kidney stones may not occur until the stone begins to move down the ureters. This severe pain is called renal colic. You may have pain on one side of your back or abdomen.
In men, pain may radiate to the groin area. The pain of renal colic comes and goes but can be intense. People with renal colic tend to be restless.
Other symptoms of kidney stones can include blood in the urine (red, pink, or brown urine), vomiting, nausea, discolored or foul-smelling urine, chills, fever, frequent need to urinate, and urinating small amounts of urine.
In the case of a small kidney stone, you may not have any pain or symptoms as the stone passes through your urinary tract.
CAUSES OF KIDNEY STONES Kidney stones are most likely to occur in people between the ages of 20 and 50. A personal history of kidney stones and a family history of kidney stones can increase your risk.
Other risk factors include dehydration, obesity, a diet with high levels of protein, salt, or glucose, a hyperparathyroid condition, gastric bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel diseases that increase calcium absorption, and taking medications such as triamterene diuretics, antiseizure drugs, and calcium-based antacids.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP PREVENT KIDNEY STONES
Do not drink soda
Drink at least 12 glasses of water daily add lemon
Drink citrus juices, such as orange juice
Eat a calcium-rich food at each meal
Limit your intake of animal protein
Eat less salt, added sugar, and products containing high fructose corn syrup
Avoid foods and drinks high in oxalates and phosphates
Avoid eating or drinking anything which dehydrates you, such as alcohol.
Eat hummus
Donât take large doses of vitamin C (limit to less than 1,000 mg/day).
Studies have shown that drinking œ cup of lemon juice concentrate diluted in water each day, or the juice of two lemons, can increase urine citrate and likely reduce kidney stone risk, as can apple cider vinegar. A high-sodium diet can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine.
Even though kidney stones can be painful and difficult to deal with, there are many different treatments, medications and procedures available to help manage symptoms.
The two best things you can do to prevent kidney stones are stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet.
However, steep rent increases can lead to higher operating costs and may out-price great tenants, resulting in vacancies, expensive tenant turnover costs, and even bankruptcy.
Rising rental rates can put financial pressure on both landlords and tenants. Unit rental rates went up 13.5% in 2021. While this growth sounds great for landlords, such quick vertical growth isnât always a good thing. When the cost of business goes up, landlords need to make sure they can pay their own bills by setting appropriate initial and renewal rent rates.
When it comes time for lease renewal, landlords must find the sweet spot of rental rates that makes them money and renters who can afford to pay it. Itâs important to reassess rental rates every year and research changing costs in the area to determine fair market value for the rental. This includes property values and market comps in the specific neighborhood and city, not just overall trends. Landlords must investigate potential renter income to ensure that they can afford the rent. The industry standard is 3X gross income to rent, so landlords should research the average income in their area and ask for proof of income and employment from potential renters.
However, they must also consider operating costs when determining rates. Mortgage payments are the largest expense for landlords. If they are still paying a mortgage on the rental property, they must take it into consideration when calculating the cost of the unit. Property taxes must also be considered when setting new rates, and landlords should plan for other costs such as insurance, utilities, and maintenance.
Setting appropriate rates can prevent vacancies, expensive tenant turnover costs, and legal proceedings. However, finding great tenants in an unpredictable market can be challenging. Landlords must sort through a mountain of rental applications, verify documents, check landlord references, and conduct thorough rental applicant screenings. Setting appropriate rates can prevent financial wreckage. A reputable realtor can always assist in finding you qualified tenants, it can be costly to try it on your own. Finding the right rental rate in an unpredictable market is easier said than done.
Century 21âs Melanie Kishk is a full-time, top performing real estate broker, owner serving Brooklyn, New York and the surrounding communities.
IN THE SPAN OF 24 HOURS, TWO FLATBUSH FALCONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS CLAIMED THE YESHIVA LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP MAKING THIS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL MIDDLE SCHOOL SEASON IN RECENT MEMORY.
For the second straight year, the Yeshivah of Flatbush Boys 7th Grade Basketball team captured the Metropolitan Jewish Day School Basketball Championship, defeating HALB, 42 to 34 at HAFTR (Hebrew Academy of Five Towns and Rockaway).
The Falcons jumped out to an early lead and never trailed, using a balanced attack and relentless defense to take the victory. Fourth year Coach Abie Rosow (ES â13, HS â17), talked about the game plan, âOur game plan was to do what we have been doing all year, focusing on being the best we could be defensively. Iâm proud of our guys for how hard they go in practice and I think that fueled us to get off to a good start tonight.â
Joe B. led the team with 16 points, Jacob B. added 14, Jacob L. 5, Joe F. 4 and Ray B. 3. âWe relied on our defense and our poise to hold the lead,â continued Rosow. âWe didnât get rattled when things didnât go our way. Staying composed and ânext playâ mentality has been stressed all year.â
When asked about the teamâs focus on winning the championship from day one, Rosow concluded, âthere have been points here and there but we rarely spoke about that. What we talk about is the journey and the process and doing things the right way day in and day out â the result will take care of itself.â
The following day, the Boys 6th Grade Basketball team needed some extra minutes, but still defeated Yeshiva Har Torah (YHT), 65 to 60, in overtime, before a packed crowd at North Shore High School.
Morris A. powered the Falcons with a game high of 26 points but did not do it alone. Elliot A.âs three-point basket at the start of overtime gave Flatbush the lead and they did not relinquish it. âIt was definitely our toughest and most challenging game of the season,â said winning coach Gus Kennedy. âAll of our guys played with so much heart and resiliency. They refused to lose, especially to a well-coached and talented team like YHT.â
Flatbush lost only one game all season and the Falconsâ fans and supporters surrounded the team in celebration when the buzzer sounded.
âIâm so proud of our team, and the commitment they and their parents made, to earn a championship. For many of them, itâs the first team theyâve ever played on, so now they understand what it takes to be successful,â shared Athletics Director Barry Neuberger.
GO AHEAD AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS â THERE ARE TWO SHOWS AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART THAT ARE NOT TO BE MISSED! THE THEME OF THIS YEARâS MET GALA WHICH IS TAKING PLACE ON MAY 2ND, IS KARL LAGERFELD: A LINE OF BEAUTY, HONORING THE LATE FASHION DESIGNER. THE AMAZING CORRESPONDING EXHIBIT IS NOW BEING SHOWN AT THE METâS COSTUME INSTITUTE UNTIL JULY 16TH, 2023.
And while youâre at the Met, youâll definitely want to check out a spectacular show featuring paintings by everyoneâs favorite artist, Vincent Van Gogh. This is not an immersive event, but the real thing!
KARL LAGERFELD: A LINE OF BEAUTY Back in 2005, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art presented a Chanel show, Karl Lagerfeld who had been the designer at Chanel since 1983 (and would remain so until his death in 2019), refused to attend. He announced, âI dislike retrospectives. I donât want to see all those old dresses.â The rest of us adore seeing past works by great designers, and this show does not disappoint. It traces the conceptual themes that came up in Lagerfeldâs collections from the 1950s when he began his career with Balmain, through the Fendi and Chanel years.
In addition to tracing the evolution of Lagerfeldâs fashions from sketches to the actual fashion, the show highlights ornamental, structural, floral, geometric and abstract themes within his work.
This show is a must-see for anyone who loves fashion, and for everyone who is interested in the creative process of fashion designers.
VAN GOGHâS CYPRESSES In 1889, while Vincent Van Gogh was staying at an asylum on the outskirts of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, he wrote to his brother Theo about a very personal vision. âThe cypresses still preoccupy me. Iâd like to do something with them like the canvases of the sunflowers, because it astonishes me that no one has yet done them as I see them.â
We learn much about Van Goghâs mindset and the paintings he was creating at the time through the letters and sketches that he sent to his brother. This area of southern France was well-known for majestic swirling trees and this exhibit focuses on paintings where Van Gogh featured the cypress tree.
The exhibit will bring together two important paintings by Van Gogh. Wheat Field with Cypresses, 1889 is one of the jewels of the Van Gogh collection at the Met. It will be shown along side The Starry Night, 1889 one of Van Goghâs most famous paintings, which is on rare loan to the Met from the Museum of Modern Art. This is the first time these two paintings have been shown together since 1901.
Wheat Field with Cypresses is a daytime scene, and The Starry Night is a nighttime scene but there are many similarities between the two paintings, and most prominently are the cypress trees. Both paintings capture the dynamism of the twisted forms of the trees, creating a powerful link between the earth and the heavens and both paintings show the movement of nature and evoke feelings of awesomeness.
There are over 40 works that show Van Goghâs fascination with these âtall and darkâ trees, which sparked his imagination over the course of two years in the South of France. The paintings will be shown alongside drawings and illustrated letters, some of which have rarely been seen by the public before.
Both the Lagerfeld and Van Gogh exhibits give us an extraordinary opportunity to appreciate fashion and art that have been known to us for awhile, but together with the sketches and letters give us new insights in to the artistsâ minds and creative processes.
Natalie Greenberg is a former Brooklyn College Art History professor. She currently volunteers to teach Art History at the SBH Senior Division.
MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HIGH SCHOOL IS ACCREDITED BY THE MIDDLE STATES ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS. MAINTAINING OUR ACCREDITATION REQUIRES US TO COMPLETELY REVIEW AND ASSESS EACH ELEMENT OF OUR PROGRAM, EVERY SEVEN YEARS.
MDYHS is currently undertaking their third self-study. The key to growth and development is reflection, analysis of data and planning for the future. Middle States provides them with the opportunity to reflect on their practice, to celebrate their tremendous successes and to develop plans for improvement that reflect the goals of all their stakeholders.
Some of the highlights of their current self-study include: Renewed commitment to their mission to graduate students who are committed to their rich Sephardic Heritage and who can confidently interact and succeed in the competitive global marketplace. They pay tribute to their ancestors as they pray selichot in the historic Magen David Congregation of Bensonhurst. They strengthen their commitment to their traditions during their weekly siha with Rabbi Mansour. And, they prepare their students for college and career with their NEXT internship program and robust college guidance program.
They continue to expand their elective program allowing students to explore various fields. More importantly, electives allow for student voice and choice which enhances motivation in all areas of their academic programs. Classes are designed to match student interests and to support their future career paths. AP statistics, AP Art, Real Estate, AP Music Theory, Physics, AP Biology, Engineering, Architecture, Fashion Design are among the current options, but the options are ever changing to meet the needs of the students.
MDYHS is now offering clubs and after-school programs led by prominent community professionals. Student engagement in extracurricular activities is at its height. Students are visiting hospitals with top medical professionals, they are learning about the real estate market from licensed agents and they are virtually investing in the stock market to learn about market volatility, risk management and profits. Above all, their self-study insists that they plan for an even greater future. Magen David will continue to soar!
Before the holiday, MDYHS was visited by members of the reaccreditation team of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The visiting team met with students, parents, board members, faculty, and more, assessing the many different categories of accreditation. When their assessment was complete, they presented their findings, and enthusiastically granted the school seven more years of accreditation! They were most impressed with the fact that the entire organization is truly a community in every sense and that was highlighted throughout this entire process! They are so proud!!
Associate Principal, Mrs. Audrey Abade, has spearheaded this project from the first day and has led them through without missing a single detail. They are truly blessed to have her at their helm and pray that Magen David continues to flourish under the incredible leadership that they are blessed with.
THIS IS THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF MY FAMILYâS EXODUS FROM EGYPT, CLEMENT SOFFERâS LIFE STORY. THE FIRST ARTICLE BEGAN WITH CLEM, A TEENAGE BOY, HAPPY, LIVING IN EGYPT WITH LOTS OF FRIENDS. IT ENDED WITH BOMBS FALLING AND CLEM ARRIVING HOME TO FIND OUT HIS FAMILY WAS SAFE. LAST MONTH, WE READ THAT 60,000 JEWS WANTED TO LEAVE EGYPT. THIS MONTH YOUâLL LEARN HOW CLEM HELPED MANY FAMILIES FLEE AND WAS ALMOST HUNG FOR IT.
The Rabbinate was run by the Chief Rabbi of Egypt, Rabbi Haim Nahum Effendi. When he became blind, Rabbi Abraham Choueka, a highly educated rabbi from the Sorbonne, became his substitute when it came to all official matters. It fell on his shoulders to help the Jewish community leave Egypt and to protect and safeguard the poorer members of the Jewish community who did not have the means to escape. I knew Rabbi Choueka, as he had been my Hebrew school teacher.
At the time, all the Jews wanted to leave Egypt and although Rabbi Choueka had a few helpers, his office, which was in the Rabbinate, was very poorly staffed. They were not able to handle the thousands of requests for certificates. Each certificate needed extensive research.
Rabbi Choueka asked my father for my help (I was 15 at the time). He told him I would need to search the archives of the Rabbinate and fill out the required forms, then bring them to him for his signature. Once that was done, the members of our community would be able to take these forms to the Mogamaa, the governmental building, in order to get exit visas to leave the country.
I accepted, and so I would spend each day searching the archives then bringing them to Rabbi Choueka. Several other young men were doing the same task.
I did this research job from the middle of November in 1956 until the end of December, when one day the Rabbi called us into his office. He explained that the poorer Jews in the Jewish ghettos (about 5,000) could not afford to leave and were being tortured, raped and killed. He asked us to volunteer to ask the Jews who lived in the European quarters of Cairo, where Jews were relatively safe, to allow a family from the ghetto to stay with them.
So, I went from being a researcher to making phone calls to wealthy Jews. I explained that they would be saving the lives of the poor people and explained that they would return to their own homes as soon as the country stopped persecuting them. The community responded well, taking the poorer Jews in. Unfortunately, this did not last long. Shortly thereafter the Rabbinate started receiving complaints from the homeowners that they were having too many conflicts with the people they had taken in and demanded that they be returned to their ghettos, or at least get them out of their homes.
Returning them to the ghettos meant their probable demise at the hands of their neighbors. But, in order for them to leave the country, they would need proper transit papers and visas from the country where they would go, plus travel expenses which they did not have. In order to obtain these documents, each person needed to provide to the government accurate records certifying their birth, marriage, or the death of family members who were their caretakers. In addition, they needed to show proof of legal residence in Egypt, and paperwork explaining an acceptable reason for leaving Egypt. Egypt would not approve their papers until they had a visa from an accepting country.
Thus, I had to submit documentation to convince immigration officials in another country that the persons were in imminent danger, and that they had a valid need to immigrate according to the requirements of the accepting country. Once the visa was obtained, it had to be shown to the Egyptian officials with the paperwork describing the reason they were leaving before their travel would be approved. The paperwork had to list a personâs name and contact information from the accepting country who could be contacted by Egyptian authorities to verify they would not be returned to Egypt. This was important because once a person was approved to leave, their passport would be destroyed, and they would no longer be allowed back. Egypt did not want to deal with any returnees if things fell through. So the authorities scrutinized all documentation carefully, not out of concern for the people, but because they did not want any problems to be âtaken upstairs,â a situation that could get the agent fired or worse.
My job was to take on the full responsibility for these families, to prepare them with all documentation for exiting Egypt as soon as possible. (Of course, there were other volunteers doing this as well.) At a meeting with Rabbi Choueka, we were told to visit embassies in Cairo, and explain that there were 5,000 Jews living in ghettos who were in great danger. We were advised to remind embassy staff of the Holocaust, the slaughter of the Jews by Hitler and his cohorts. I had to negotiate with the staff for visas for different families, once visas were issued, I was to help them process their exits.
Once all the proper documentation was completed, reviewed, and checked for accuracy, I would take them to the Mogamaa Exit Department Ministry building and present them to an officer in charge of reviewing and approving all the documents. Some of the Jews were illiterate and signed the forms with a big X. I, or another volunteer, would We always accompany these families to the Mogamaa to them fill in government applications, to serve as witness, and to make sure the families were being approved to exit the country. I was there for so many families that I lost count. I was driven by the desire to help other Jewish human beings.
Whenever an Egyptian officer would give us a hard time before issuing an exit visa, we were told to explain that these where extremely poor people who would be a great burden on Egypt in terms of financial support, hospitalization, education, clothing, and a long list of other needs. Of course, Egypt had never provided such support to anyone of the Jewish faith, but it was a convincing scenario. We said if the wealthy Jews left Egypt they wouldnât support the poor Jews any longer so the government would have to. Many people were issued visas.
Sometimes an officer would give me a hard time arguing with my explanations. Then I would have to offer a bribe, sometimes as much as 5 to 10 pounds to receive a visa. It was always amazing to me how quickly a few pounds would convince an agent to overlook their staunch objections with the paperwork. It was my first lesson in how money greases the gears on which the world turns.
My responsibility to the families didnât end until they were in taxis on their way to Alexandria, where they would board ships to their new country. Once one family was on their way, I was reassigned to another family.
Several months passed with this continuous exit of Jews from the ghettos, while more well-to-do Jews were being evicted from their homes, and their businesses sequestrated. It was a chaotic time, Jewish families were being broken apart, separated by travel, and run out of the country in fear of being arrested. If there was no reason to arrest them, theyâd be accused of spying for Israel. This kept the Egyptians calm and preoccupied. They thought the Jews were the cause of the unrest in the country, while the reality was the officers all the way to the president were robbing the country of its resources, finances, businesses and creating shortages of food due to their lack of knowledge and inefficiency to replace the Jewish and foreign businessman.
One day, after 3,000 Jews had exited Egypt, the Rabbinate received a visit from the Neyabah or government security police. They met with Rabbi Choueka, informing him that sending those 3,000 Jews out of the country was against the best interest of Egypt and he must cease and desist. He added that all volunteers must stop helping the poor Jews depart or face arrest for being traitors. The Rabbi worried about the additional 2,000 Jews that were still in the ghetto and would be left to fend for themselves. He told us not to worry about the Egyptian government, so we went back to helping out at the Rabbinate to research the archives and issue certificates.
Two weeks after that visit, the Rabbi called us into his office again and asked for volunteers to continue this life saving work, but under different circumstances. He informed us that he had contacted the Swiss Red Cross and we would be working out of their office as volunteers for human rights causes. Once there, we would be under their shield and protection as humanitarian workers. He informed us that we should cut all relations with the Rabbinate and we would be issued identification papers as Red Cross volunteers. There, we could continue trying to get the remaining 2,000 Jews out of the ghettos.
The Rabbi thought that Egypt would not dare challenge the Swiss Red Cross, but he left the choice to us. One volunteer dropped out, but the rest of us stayed. Our mornings started at the Red Cross office in Cairo. We continued to do our work but whenever we went into the Mogamaa with another family ready to depart, the investigation was much more serious, our bribes were refused by the officers, but they had no choice but to let the families leave.
This continued until we almost had everyone out of Egypt. There were just 25 families left. Many years later I learned that those 25 Jewish families made it out of Egypt, thanks to the help of Swiss Red Cross employees.
What happened the day it stopped? I was followed into the metro on the way home and was arrested and accused of being a spy for Israel. They claimed that because I had Egyptian nationality, and I was responsible to the Egyptian government, I was acting against the interests of Egypt, despite my explanation that I was a Red Cross employee and a human rights activist.
The interrogation was a horror, too painful to describe. I was at the whim of young officers trying to make a name for themselves. If they found a spy, a promotion was guaranteed and I would be hanging in a public square and my entire family would disappear. They told me that if I signed a document that they put before me, I could go home to my parents. I refused to sign it for fear that my family would be arrested, or worse, and that I would hang in the public square. I spent eight hellish hours being tortured and beaten, but I refused to sign.
At the 8th hour a Red Cross representative arrived with an officer from the Interior Ministry and ordered my release, since my arrest was causing an international calamity.
I was relieved that the beatings had stopped. Instead of being hung, I was given a travel pass which the police stamped: âDangerous for the public security,â and I was sent to Greece. I had five dollars in my pocket and no skills â my future looked bleak.
THE YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH JOEL BRAVERMAN HIGH SCHOOL (JBHS) WELCOMED 70 SOPHOMORE STUDENTS FROM THE ESCOLA BEIT YAACOV OF SĂO PAULO, BRAZIL THE WEEK OF MARCH 13TH. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF PLANNING THAT STARTED BEFORE THE PANDEMIC, THE STUDENTS FINALLY ARRIVED TO A WARM WELCOME FROM JBHS STUDENTS AND STAFF.
The Beit Yaacov School had been researching yeshivot in America that were similar to its own and reached out to JBHS Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda, who graciously invited the school to come and tour the campus and spend time with Flatbush students. The Brazilian students were accompanied by Escola Beit Yaacovâs Head of School Gracia Klein, Rabbi Binyamin Karaguilla, Rabbi Toive Weitman, Jewish Studies Director Chani Begun and several faculty members.
âWhat brings us together is the fact that we are Jews â something so beautiful that we will experience together over the next few days,â said JBHS Assistant Principal Rabbi David Galpert.
On the first day of the studentsâ three-day visit, the Brazilian students and select JBHS students were invited into the Khezrie Auditorium to watch a slide show from each school. JBHS freshman Emily Tarrab shared a speech describing âa day in the lifeâ of a Flatbush student, and Gabriel from the Escola Beit Yaacov described his school. The Brazilian school is a 1,000-student institution, where students speak Portuguese, Hebrew and English. Most of the students possessed a firm mastery of English and were able to speak and mingle with JBHS students and teachers effortlessly.
Following the assembly, students were dispersed into different classes where they participated in icebreaker activities including rounds of speed-dating-like questions, where the students changed seats every few minutes. Afterwards, both Brazilian and Flatbush students helped prepare food for the Sephardic Bikur Holim food pantry during a JBHS Cooking for a Cause event, dedicated in honor of Marlene and Steven R. Shamah. Next, students took part in an inspirational program led by JBHS Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser, and had fun singing and dancing before enjoying a beautiful dinner.
The next morning, a group of JBHS students and staff accompanied their Brazilian guests for a day of hesed in New Jersey, as they spent the afternoon at the Special Childrenâs Center. They got a surprise concert from singer Yaakov Shwekey. The day ended with a New Jersey Devils hockey game where the Brazilian students cheered for the home team alongside JBHS students.
âOur students expanded their borders by making new friends from a country they previously knew little about. We are already looking forward to growing the program for next year,â expressed Rabbi Beyda. Many of the students exchanged contact information so they could stay connected.
On the third day of their visit, the Brazilian students were offered a taste of what learning at JBHS is like. Small groups of the visiting students were placed in classrooms across the school as they were invited to participate in discussions and share their own ideas about many of the lessons. A few JBHS students who speak fluent Portuguese were happy to translate some concepts to their guests. In one of the math classes, both sets of students were pleased to find they all could practice the quadratic formula together. In a Judaic Studies class, students discussed the difference between borrowing without permission and stealing and the nuances involved in deciphering the two.
On their final afternoon, the Brazilian students heard a meaningful shiur from JBHS Rosh Bet Midrash Rabbi Avi Harari about the weekly parashah, and were presented with their own Kol Yaakov siddur. They were happy to learn that there is an everlasting welcome to return to Flatbush on any future New York City trip they might take.
âWhat we gained most from this trip was the value of hachnasat orchim (hospitality for guests). We were treated well far beyond our expectations â and we had high expectations!â shared Ms. Begun.
Thank you to Rabbi Beyda, Rabbi Galpert and Student Experience Coordinator Esther Spigel for arranging the program and to YOF Board member Jack Mann for helping to make the initial connection.
Michelle Olveira is a Communications Specialist at Yeshivah of Flatbush.
THE HOLIDAYS CAN BE A DIFFICULT TIME FOR MANY SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WITH FAMILIES OFTEN TRAVELING OR LIVING FAR AWAY, WHAT SHOULD BE A JOYOUS TIME CAN FEEL LONELY AND ISOLATING.
This year, the SBH CONNECT program, located in the heart of our community at 1963 McDonald Avenue, provided a safe and welcoming place for seniors on Passover. The organization provided hot kosher for Passover lunches and daily programming filled with activities. This not only provided the seniors with a delicious meal, but also an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and socialize with others. SBH CONNECT truly understands the importance of providing a space where seniors can feel loved and cared for.
SBH CONNECT is not just there for the community during the holidays; we provide daily wonderful programming from Monday through Friday, that include art, dance, and physical fitness, all of which create intellectual stimulation. We are fully committed to meeting the mental and emotional needs of seniors in our community.
One of the most important aspects of SBH CONNECT is the sense of community that it provides. For seniors who may otherwise be isolated, we offer a place to make friends, learn a new skill or lean in to a beloved hobby, all while feeling a sense of belonging. The staff and volunteers are warm and welcoming, and they make sure that everyone who comes through the doors feels valued and appreciated!
If you or someone you know is a senior (60+ years old), a caregiver, or may benefit from SBH CONNECTâs programs, intellectual stimulation, socialization, and who just enjoy a good time, then come and see what it is all about! The organization is committed to supporting seniors in our community and providing a space where they can thrive.
Rita Grazi is the Program Manager for the SBH Senior Division.
ENROLLMENT HAS EXCEEDED OVER 200 STUDENTS FOR THE FIRST-TIME EVER. BEGINNING IN OCTOBER AND RUNNING THROUGH MARCH, IT CULMINATED IN A MUCH-ANTICIPATED RECITAL IN FRONT OF 800 PEOPLE.
The DSN Dance Academy has become a beloved community institution, known for healthy activity, inclusivity and most importantly, fun. The program is open to girls at any level, providing a healthy space for skill-building and confidence-boosting. Led by Dance Director Danielle Hanan, the program has grown significantly, with over 200 students enrolled. Danielle explained why she loves her work. âThis program does so much for the girls of our community. It provides instruction and confidence-building. The recital provides a stage for the girls to showcase and spotlight all of the hard work they put in during the year. I cannot be more pleased and proud of this yearâs major success!â
Assistant Dance Director Sari Abraham worked with Danielle to oversee the programâs development. Sari is passionate about the program. âDSN Dance Academy is the most fulfilling and special program that Iâve ever been a part of. I am so lucky I get to âworkâ every day doing something I love so much, surrounded by people who have become like family. Dancing takes you to another world. It elevates expression, creativity, and joy. This yearâs recital was magic. It will be hard to top it, but challenge accepted!â
The program offers a range of dance styles, including hip hop, tap, ballet, contemporary, and jazz funk, providing the opportunity for children to develop their skills in a variety of areas.
The program showcased a competitive dance team as well. It consisted of nine girls who won numerous awards at two competitions this season. They were also invited to nationals and received scholarships to compete. Paulette Ashkenazi and Danielle Hanan worked tirelessly to ensure the teamâs success, and it was evident in their performances.
DSNâs Youth Director Frieda Shamah supported Danielle and Sari every step of the way, especially the day of the recital. âThe dance recital is my favorite day of the year! I love the energy and I love seeing our girls grow. I am so proud of each one of them,â she said with a smile.
The recital itself was a professional affair held at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, with beautiful costumes, elaborate backdrops on the stage, and perfectly curated music. This yearâs theme was âBroadway and Beyond,â with twenty-five dance numbers inspired by the music of Broadway with a twist, adding in some of todayâs favorite songs. The show featured a charming slideshow of the dancers enjoying the program throughout the year. DSN held dress rehearsals to ensure that everything was perfect for the big night. Additionally, there were countless counselors available to support the children and ensure that everything ran smoothly.
Dance mom Grace Chehebar said, âThis was our first season attending the DSN dance recital â what a show! This yearâs theme was so perfect since we felt as though we arrived at Times Square from the minute we walked in! Count Basie was so beautiful and the costumes and performances took everything to the next level. Kudos to everyone at DSN for pulling it off! Canât wait for next season!â
OFTEN, THE PASSION WE HAVE IN OUR LIVES IS AN OUTGROWTH OF A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE, ONE THAT SETS US APART FROM OTHERS. SUCH WAS THE CASE FOR VICTORIA AND MEYER SAFDIEH, FOUNDERS IN 2013 OF C.A.R.E. FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN.
When a family is faced with caring for and ensuring that the special needs child gets the services they need, it can be overwhelming. The parents go through stages of grief, expectations for their child that will not come to fruition, as they are faced with making a multitude of decisions, finding services, doctors and the right school placement. Beyond that, there are day-to-day challenges at home, such as the relationship with siblings, and managing expectations. The stress takes a toll on the entire family.
âWhat makes C.A.R.E. so unique is that it was created as a result of living with a need,â said Meyer. âWhen you have a child with special needs, you understand the struggle others are going through and the challenges they face.â
Few people understand what they are facing on a daily basis. Parents feel alone, because they have no one in their immediate family and friend circle who might understand what they are going through. The same is true of siblings who feel alone because they donât know someone else who has a sibling with learning challenges.
âWe had to figure it out ourselves because there was no one to help us,â said Victoria. âWe felt very alone; it was daunting, but we were convinced that there must be many other community families that shared similar struggles.â
âUnderstanding the struggle and challenge of having children with special needs and the effect it had on our family prompted us to start something,â said Meyer. âThe inspiration, and the beautiful part of the story, is that instead of letting our challenges break our spirits â we used them to fuel something good and to help others.â
C.A.R.E. was founded in 2013. It stands for Community, Advocacy, Resources and Encouragement â four of the many things the organization has come to stand for. There are also extras that no one thinks about that can be too much to handle, like paperwork, government demands for documentation, accessing benefits, figuring out which doctors to use, which school, choosing a therapist â each item has to be dealt with and managed.
He continued, âI believe that unlike what most people think, itâs precisely in the areas that challenge you most in your life that you will find your opportunity to do something special and make a difference.â
âWe didnât want people to have to reinvent the wheel and have to figure out everything themselves. When a family comes to C.A.R.E., we have an intake meeting to understand the entire situation so we can help them with whatever they need,â said Victoria. âAnd with the help of Hashem, C.A.R.E. has grown to be a support network for over 500 families!â
C.A.R.E. has in house social workers for children and parents, identifies appropriate school placement, helps apply for eligible benefits, makes appointments and completes paperwork. C.A.R.E. runs a host of programs for children with special needs as well as programs for siblings and parents, and features an extensive staff at its building on Coney Island Avenue, each with a unique set of skills needed to guide families. C.A.R.E. families have a unique but similar struggle and everyone feels better when they are connected with others who have gone through similar experiences. CARE has become the communityâs center and base for special needs families.
âWe hold their hand and encourage them throughout the process,â Meyer said. âWe encourage parents by reminding them how unique they are and how special they have become as a result of their struggle, and how Hashem chose them for the important mission of raising a special child. While the challenge is real, these children always come along with a âsilver liningâ and with time, the blessings will be apparent.â
Both Victoria and Meyer were raised with the critical family value to do hesed for others. Meyerâs father, Ronnie Safdieh, helped found Yeshiva Keter Torah in New Jersey. Victoriaâs father Jimmy and grandfather, Ralph Hanan, were instrumental in starting community synagogues. Ralph was president of Congregation Har Lebanon and later Shaare Ezra Shul in Long Branch. Their mothers hosted meetings at their home, providing hospitality and warmth to help the organizations grow.
