COMMUNITY CYCLISTS TRANSFORM THE LIVES OF ISRAELI AMPUTEES

DAVID FARHI

CYCLING WAS NEVER SOMETHING THAT I HAD A PARTICULAR INTEREST IN. I GREW UP IN DEAL, NJ AND THOUGH MY NEIGHBORS WERE ALL AVID CYCLISTS, IT JUST WASN’T SOMETHING THAT SPOKE TO ME. FOUR YEARS AGO, I GOT A CALL FROM SAM WALDMAN, THE HEAD OF AN ORGANIZATION CALLED THE NEXT STEP (TNS). HE ASKED ME TO COME TO DUBAI TOGETHER WITH MY MUSIC GROUP TO PROVIDE A BEAUTIFUL SHABBAT EXPERIENCE FOR THE RIDERS OF “THE NEXT RIDE.” I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS IN FOR, BUT SAM SEEMED LIKE A NICE GUY SO I SAID I’M IN.

That Shabbat in Dubai was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, not because it was Dubai, but because I had the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the most incredible human beings I’d ever met. We sang for hours and hours together.
The Next Ride (TNR) is a 7 day cycling experience designed to provide a sense of camaraderie between Israeli amputees and US cyclists who make everything that TNS does possible. US cyclists raise much needed funds and ride together with their beneficiaries. What makes it so special is that we get to spend 7 days riding together, learning from, and being inspired by 30+ Israeli amputees.

Even though I was thousands of miles away from home, with people I had just met, I knew so many people from our community that devoted themselves to this incredible organization — Elliot Simhon, Zaki Salame, Joe Mansour, Jack Aini, just to name a few. The TNR experience embodied a sense of home, as hundreds of individuals united in their commitment to profoundly enhance the lives of our Israeli family coping with limb loss.
Years later, I’m still involved in the organization and have quadrupled my efforts. I recently flew down to the TNS partner facility in Orlando to spend time with some of the amputees brought in to get fitted and trained in the use of high end prosthetic devices.

The gym they were training in had college and pro-athletes training alongside just to create an environment of high intensity physical activity. It was remarkable to observe the process of learning to walk again as an adult and to see the incredible emotion felt as amputees took their first steps since they lost their leg/legs.
Sometimes in life you find a cause that you never thought would be something that was relevant. You never think it’s something that would inspire you, it’s not even on your radar. Once you experience it however, it will forever change your life.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such an incredible mission and to put my energy into such a beautiful cause. Working with Stephen Shamosh, Morris Beyda, Ari Baum and Steven Matsas, all dedicated members of our community involved in The Next Step, to help our Israeli brothers and sisters is something I truly cherish.

The SY cycling team on TNR has grown to almost 30 riders strong. We have raised millions of dollars and have been directly responsible for impacting the lives of thousands of people in Israel struggling with limb loss. Prosthetics, services, community, advocacy — we’ve done so much and I’m so proud.
I look forward to a successful ride together this November and encourage you to learn more about the incredible work that The Next Step is doing. It is truly remarkable.

David Farhi, son of Rabbi Isaac Farhi from Deal, has been involved in The Next Step/The Next Ride for the past three years. Through his and the community’s involvement, the organization has succeeded in empowering hundreds of Israeli amputees to lead active and fulfilling lives post limb loss.

AN INTERVIEW WITH RABBI ELAN SEGELMAN, RABBINICAL DIRECTOR OF PUAH USA

MACHON PUAH WAS FOUNDED IN ISRAEL IN THE LATE 1970S BY RAV MENACHEM BURSTEIN, AT THE BEHEST OF RAV MORDECHAI ELIYAHU ZT”L. WITH THE NEW SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS IN FERTILITY, RAV ELIYAHU UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FRUM WORLD WOULD NEED GUIDANCE NAVIGATING THE HALACHIC ASPECTS OF THIS MIRACULOUS NEW TECHNOLOGY.

What’s the difference between PUAH and other fertility organizations?
We are the only organization that services the entire spectrum of the orthodox Jewish community. We help singles, we help with primary and secondary infertility and we help couples who need third party reproduction. PUAH is a “one-stop shop” that provides the gamut of fertility services: financial assistance, medical guidance, halachic guidance, and emotional support.

Why would a couple reach out to PUAH and not go to their doctor first?
Good question! Firstly, they may feel overwhelmed and not even know where to begin. PUAH’s expert counselor can help them navigate the complex journey.
Secondly, PUAH approaches fertility from a more holistic perspective, taking into account both the medical and halachic aspects.
In the medical realm, all doctors have their own specific way of practicing and we encourage getting second opinions if the couple feels they aren’t progressing.
Lastly, doctors may not take the time to explain to a couple why they’re advising a specific treatment. We give our couples the understanding and support they need to appreciate what their doctor wants to accomplish.

Does PUAH provide emotional support and community to these families?
Yes. Our PUAH Cares team is composed of therapists, social workers, kallah teachers — people who understand the couples’ emotional journey and can provide them with a hand to hold and a shoulder to cry on. This service is critical to the couples’ ultimate success.

What does PUAH do to raise community awareness about infertility? How does your upcoming campaign on June 11-12 fit into this picture?
Fertility education and awareness is a big part of our mission. Whether it’s through ads, articles, social media postings, webinars, community events, or classes; we aim to discuss all areas of the fertility struggle in an open manner, to break the stigma.
Our upcoming campaign is a part of this goal. By sharing the campaign website, not only are you raising money to ensure we can continue helping couples have the babies they dream of, but you’re also helping to spread awareness. Donate at www.thewaitoftheworld.org.

AN ILAN STUDENT’S CHIDON HATANACH JOURNEY

The announcement rang out, ”In first place, from Ilan High School, Penina Crystal!” The crowd erupted as Ilan’s very own Penina Crystal was crowned Tanach Queen, taking home first place at this year’s Chidon Hatanach Competition.

The Chidon is an international program that was originally founded by David Ben Gurion in 1958, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. After independently studying, (sleeping, eating and almost breathing Tanach for months on end) boys and girls are tested on various Biblical stories in several different books of Tanach, including Sefer Shemot, Melachim II, Trei Asar and Megillat Esther. Over 80 schools nationwide, including community schools Yeshivah of Flatbush, Ramaz and Yeshivat Frisch among others, offered their students the opportunity to take the three tests that are administered over the course of the year, with the top scorers of these tests continuing on to compete in the Chidon Nationals in New York this April.
Persistent, passionate, and proficient are all adjectives that aptly describe Penina Crystal, sophomore at Ilan and a native of Highland Park, New Jersey. From a young age, she developed a taste for Tanach and later displayed a penchant for Tanach studies. Her family has always displayed a love of Tanach studies and Penina attributes much of this to her grandfather, Dr. Richard C. Steiner. A professor at Yeshiva University, Steiner has written prolifically on topics in Tanach, specifically about how events in Tanach have historical authenticity. Growing up, family get-togethers were always sprinkled with Tanach challenges, where her grandfather would award prizes to the grandchild who solved a Tanach riddle or identified an elusive phrase in Torah. Her parents, too, fostered their family’s fluency in Tanach, and encouraged their children to study the weekly Torah portion with Rashi’s commentary. Many members of her extended family are Tanach scholars, and the younger generation is following suit.

As a freshman and newbie to the Chidon, Penina began her journey by “getting her feet wet,” so to speak. Though she had uncles who had competed in the Chidon as well as a cousin in middle school who had registered for the tournament, she didn’t have much experience as to what to expect on tests, and in general, took a more laid back approach to her studying. She studied prior to each test, covering the necessary material, but did not have a set schedule of studying or an organized way to ensure that her goals would be met. So though she had spent countless hours poring over the texts, she — and her family — were more than pleasantly surprised when she qualified for the Nationals, and ultimately took home the third place award last May.
With her eyes on the prize, this year, Penina upped her game. Seeing her dedication towards her journey and her desire to achieve even greater success, Ilan High School supported her quest and hired Rabbi Ezra Frazer to coach Penina in her Tanach studies. Rabbi Frazer is both a Chidon coach and former competitor who, like Penina, won the US Chidon as a 10th grader and went to Israel for the International Chidon in 11th grade. He eventually went on to coordinate the US Chidon from 2009-2016.
Interestingly enough, when Rabbi Frazer was a student in YU, he studied Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic under Penina’s grandfather, Dr. Steiner. Though he initially planned on concluding his schooling after completing his MA, it was Dr. Steiner who encouraged him to follow his dream and pursue his PhD. When approached by Ilan, Frazer felt that the time was right for him to reciprocate and enable Penina to pursue her dream as well. Beginning last summer, she began to study the syllabus in earnest. Determined and disciplined, she utilized every day, but mostly Shabbat and holidays, to cover the necessary ground to accomplish the goals she had set for herself.
Rabbi Frazer asserted that, “Penina was incredibly motivated, and her consistent hard work was the primary reason that she won. I worked with her on developing a study schedule. We would meet every two weeks for me to check her progress, but she routinely mastered a couple of extra chapters above and beyond what I’d assigned her.” Penina admits that it was much easier this time around as she had more experience with the Chidon format, as well as the importance of studying everything, even the seemingly irrelevant details, as one never knows exactly what obscure Passuk can come up on the test.
After preparing so well, she sat confidently through each test, circling the correct answers with the confidence of someone who knows her stuff. On her first two tests, Penina scored a perfect 30/30. Incredibly enough, when her score was less than perfect on the third and final test, she respectfully suggested that it was the answer key that contained an error, not her response, and she was right! It was no surprise then that Ilan’s faculty advisor received an email from Rabbi Dovi Nadel, coordinator of the American Chidon HaTanach, noting that “Penina had the highest score in the entire country. She was the only perfect score this year!”

And then it is game time, where Penina’s encyclopedic knowledge coupled with a deep-seated love for Torah, would catapult her to stardom. The day was intense, but she remained poised and positive. Buoyed by the encouragement of family and friends supporting her in person and virtually, Penina kept at it and then, we breathed a sigh of relief as her name was called out as one of the seven national finalists in her division. After a nail-biting final test, the dust settled, and the award announcements were made. Bottom up, from seventh place to first, we sat at the edge of our seats, until only one name remained uncalled. “You know what that means,” thundered Rabbi Nadel, “In first place, from Ilan High School, Penina Crystal.” We had our winner! Amidst deafening applause, Penina, smiling from ear to ear, almost floated to the podium to accept her award, her goal accomplished!
More amazing than her results, though, was Penina’s attitude on her journey from tests to trophy. Refined and unassuming, Penina earned the respect of her teachers and peers alike, and she is so grateful for Ilan’s support throughout. Penina’s takeaway is signature Ilan. She says, “Study hard, work hard and play hard, and whether you win or lose, know that everything that you’ve learned will stay with you forever.” And indeed, it is this motto that has pushed our girls this year to be champions across the spectrum of competitions; from Basketball Champions to bringing home awards for Torah Bowl, Rikudiah and an as yet undefeated softball season, our girls work hard to play hard and with Ilan always rooting for them, they continue to make us proud!

THE SEPHARDIC COMMUNITY FEDERATION HAS TAKEN A FIRM STAND AGAINST THE PROPOSED CASINO IN CONEY ISLAND. SPEARHEADING THE “NO CONEY CASINO” INITIATIVE, THE SCF HAS LAUNCHED THE WEBSITE NOCONEYCASINO.COM, URGING ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO JOIN THEIR CAUSE BY SIGNING A PETITION PROTESTING THE APPROVAL OF A CASINO.

UNITING THE COMMUNITY
The Sephardic Community Federation has galvanized the community by launching the “No Coney Casino” initiative. Recognizing the potential dangers posed by the casino, the SCF has taken the lead in organizing and mobilizing residents of Southern Brooklyn to stand together in opposition. Their website, noconeycasino.com, serves as a central platform to spread awareness and for everyone to sign the petition, ensuring that our voices are heard loud and clear.

PRESERVING COMMUNITY VALUES
The Sephardic Community Federation’s initiative highlights its commitment to preserving the values that make Coney Island a cherished landmark. By opposing the casino, the SCF aims to protect the area from the threats that a casino would bring. The SCF understands that a casino would pose a danger to our community’s cherished values, and they are determined to safeguard those values for future generations.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Through the “No Coney Casino” initiative, the Sephardic Community Federation empowers community members to actively participate in shaping the future of Coney Island. By signing the petition, individuals can express their concerns and contribute to a collective effort to prevent the casino’s approval. This initiative serves as a reminder that the power of community engagement can influence the decisions made by elected officials.

AMPLIFYING THE OPPOSITION
The Sephardic Community Federation’s leadership in the “No Coney Casino” initiative amplifies the opposition to the casino proposal. By taking a prominent stance, the SCF encourages other community organizations and individuals to join the cause. Their proactive approach ensures that the concerns regarding addiction risks, economic disruption, and the erosion of community values, are voiced effectively, and in conjunction with other leading organizations.

THE CALL TO ACTION
Led by the Sephardic Community Federation, the “No Coney Casino” initiative has become a pivotal force in the fight against the proposed casino in Coney Island. With the launch of their website, noconeycasino.com, the SCF invites all community members over the age of 18 to unite and sign the petition, sending a powerful message of opposition.
By harnessing the strength of Community engagement, the Sephardic Community Federation is working tirelessly to preserve the community’s values, protect against addiction risks, and ensure a prosperous and vibrant future for all residents of Southern Brooklyn.
The SCF urges all community members over the age of 18 to log on to noconeycasino.com and sign the petition today.

3 URGENT OPPORTUNITIES & 2 UNCOMMON DEFENSE STRATEGIES

ARI BAUM, CFP®

WILL A RECESSION ARRIVE IN 2023 AND HOW BAD WILL IT BE? THE THREAT OF RECESSION HAS BEEN HOVERING OVER THE AMERICAN ECONOMY SINCE 2022, AND IT MAY ARRIVE SOON. IF IT DOES, HOW LONG WILL IT LAST AND HOW BAD WILL IT GET?

Losing money is a big fear during market declines, with good reason. Logically, you know that bear markets and recessions come and go, but you still wonder where you should invest, whether you should sell out of the market, or if cash is safer than staying invested.
So what do you do next?
Fortunately, the market has been through tough times like these, and you can steal the secrets of those who’ve used recessions to grow their investments before you.
This personal recovery playbook is designed for hard-working savers just like you who are looking for a way to help recover from a recession.

OFFENSIVE PLAY #1
Use the bucket, not the thimble.
Bear markets tend to make investors, especially pre-retirees, uncomfortable but remember that now is the time when opportunities are available at a discount! Bear markets don’t last forever — in fact, they average about nine and a half months in duration.
You don’t want to miss out on a sale, so you need to keep your eyes open and act fast.
You have the opportunity to:

• Diversify your portfolio with discounted investments that stabilize during a recession.
• Buy investments you’ve had your eye on that were previously too expensive.
• Position for your current age and stage of life while investments are on sale.
  Instead of focusing on losses, look for underpriced investments that can help you withstand market turmoil without giving up the growth your investments need for the long term. As Warren Buffett says, “Opportunities come infrequently. When it rains gold, put out the bucket, not the thimble.”

OFFENSIVE PLAY #2
Control what you can.
When the next recession will arrive, how long it will last, and how long it will take to recover are all unknowable.
However, that doesn’t mean your money is completely outside your control. You determine:

• How you react to the market.
• What you do right now.
• How much and where you invest.
  … and (barring unforeseen circumstances such as illness) you decide if:
• Waiting a couple of years may allow you to have the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.
• Working part-time or consulting for a few years may shore up your money.
  But you may not need to change anything about your retirement dream, even during a recession if you take strategically timed action while you’re working.

OFFENSIVE PLAY #3
Remain in place during the worst days of chaos.
Selling off all your investments would be a serious mistake, though one that’s easy to make when the market is tumultuous, and your next play may not be obvious to you.
The problem is once you’ve fled to safety, it’s hard to start investing again until the market starts rising, which means you’re buying high. If you want to make the most of the growth potential of the stock market (and stocks are the asset class known to outpace inflation), you need to be invested.
Turn off the financial news if you need to and check your portfolio value less frequently so you’re not tempted to sell your growth assets.

DEFENSIVE PLAY #1
Assess your need for protection.
Depending on when you set up your investment plan, you may be a few years older and close to needing the money that you’ve invested. There are a number of ways that you can be more defensive and protect what you have, while still leaving enough money invested so that you capitalize on the next recovery and bull markets that will materialize in the future.
You might consider:

1. Increasing the amount of bonds and cash you own.
2. Buying an annuity or other type of insurance.
3. Leaving your portfolio alone because you’re properly diversified for your current lifestyle.
   While protection sounds good in theory, you do need to pay for it one way or another — in fees or in lower returns over time. Make sure you take the cost into account when you’re thinking about safeguarding your money.

DEFENSIVE PLAY #1
Don’t reinvent the wheel.
This probably isn’t your first market dip, and it likely won’t be your last. However, there is a wealth of wisdom available from those who have (collectively) invested for many years. They know what works and what doesn’t. Many wealthy investors hire financial professionals with experience in chaotic times to help them make the right decisions for themselves and their families.
TV and social media are full of so-called experts and talking heads. You might have friends who report their portfolio moves to you in real time. Only you truly understand your personal situation. Their advice could be way off the mark and even result in you losing money. Instead, talk to a professional with knowledge and experience who can tailor their advice to fit the needs of you and your family.

Run the Right Plays to Retire When & How You Want.
Maybe you have experience with previous recessions, but you’ve never been through one so close to retirement and this time it feels different.
It’s critical to plan right now, so you’re not caught off guard when the market changes. Otherwise, you might miss out on good opportunities or, worse yet, lock in your losses by selling when prices are low.
It’s critical that you think like a wealthy investor, so you benefit during both bull and bear markets. This can be hard to do, especially when you’re close to retirement, so it’s important that you leverage the knowledge of others.q

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. For illustrative use only.

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 Q&A WITH FOUNDER ELI ROWE

CAPTAIN ELI ROWE, BASC, EMT-P, IS A VERY IMPRESSIVE, LICENSED COMMERCIAL PILOT, HIGHLY-EXPERIENCED PARAMEDIC, AND THE FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF HATZOLAH AIR. HIS ENERGY AND PASSION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICINE AND HESED ARE APPARENT, INFECTIOUS, AND HAVE HELPED HIM BUILD HATZOLAH AIR FROM AN IDEA TO A FULL-FLEDGED AIR RESCUE ORGANIZATION IN JUST A FEW YEARS.

On a daily basis, Eli is busy organizing, staffing, and even flying Hatzolah Air missions. In his spare time, he can be found fundraising tor Hatzolah Air and running his successful health IT company, WOMBA

WHAT IS HATZOLAH AIR?
Hatzolah Air is the aviation team for all Hatzolah organizations and divisions worldwide. The name comes from the Hebrew word rescue. The organization was founded in 1969 in New York and now has off-shoots across North America, Europe, Israel, Australia, and South Africa. In Israel alone, there are more than 20 chapters. Every Hatzolah in the world is independent, has its own corporate structure and board, and is completely responsible for its fundraising and expenses.
In 2019, a small group of us started talking about founding an aviation unit that would fly urgent and emergent air transport missions in the United States and around the world — that became Hatzolah Air.

IS THERE A NEED FOR IT?
If you have a medical emergency when you’re away from home it can be scary. If your condition is such that you can’t fly on a commercial flight or drive home, that’s where we come in. We’ll help get you to appropriate medical care and, if warranted, safely bring you home, either on one of our Hatzolah Air aircraft or we’ll provide medical escorts and medical care on a chartered or commercial flight.

WHAT OTHER TYPES OF MISSIONS DO YOU FLY?
Typically, we help people get to the best possible medical care. Hatzolah Air has flown cancer patients for specialized treatments. Recently, a young lady broke her back when her ATV rolled on top of her. We flew her home. Boruch Hashem, she is walking today!
We also fly people for things like organ transplants, and occasionally we fly niftarim for kevurah, and during COVID, when airlines weren’t flying, we coordinated many flights for community leaders.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO APPROVE & HOW DO YOU DO IT FOR FREE?
When we get a call for help, we ask the person calling to fill out a medical intake form. This helps us determine whether the request fits within the purview of our mission. Then our medical staff will decide if we can help logistically, if we can fly the patient safely, and what kind of medical care they’ll need on board. If we approve the flight, it’s free.
Part of the fundamentals of our mission is to provide the help people need without charge. Every dollar we need, to keep our planes mechanically sound, for fuel, hangar, pilots, maintenance, and training comes from donations. Plus, our crew are volunteers, as are the medical doctors, the paramedics, our CFO, COO, the case managers and dispatchers. We have over 200 volunteers. Only our mechanics and pilots are paid and, even then, we have several pilots, like myself and Ron Levy, one of our board members, who are volunteers. Even our fundraisers are volunteers.
We also do lots of fundraising events. Alan Esses a Flatbush Hatzalah coordinator, arranged a fabulous event for us in Joey Jerome’s office in Manhattan, as well as a successful Friday morning breakfast at Joe Nakash’s stunning house in Deal.
Cathy Ades put together a comedy night in the Deal Theatre, which hundreds of people attended. It was informative, successful and so entertaining!
My dream is to one day identify some philanthropists and foundations to cover the budget so we can focus on lifesaving and remove the constant daily fundraising pressure.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW CAMPAIGN
It’s an idea that’s been brewing for a while. We now have a special section of our website that allows donors to purchase letters in a very tiny Sefer Torah we will have written. Donors can form a team and buy letters or words or even sponsor a parashah or special section in the Torah.
That Sefer Torah will fly with the Hatzolah medics on our planes. More than once we’ve been at a remote airport or destination on a Shabbat morning with a minyan, but no Torah!
If we can get 305,000 donors from every corner of the world to buy a letter for $18, that will go really far to help us financially. We currently have 6 aircraft and, once we finish the first Sefer Torah, we hope to do 5 more over the next 5 years, at which time if all goes as planned, we’ll have many more aircraft and need more Torahs, so it’s a fundraising project with no expiration date.

WHAT TYPE OF PLANES DO YOU HAVE?
Our first aircraft was a generously donated Lear 60, which boasts a range of about 2,000 miles and can fly from LA to NY. Our next two donations were two Citation X aircraft. They’re amongst the fastest in the world. Then, to our surprise, a very generous person donated a Gulfstream G550, which can fly over 14 hours with up to 18 people on board, connecting Miami to Israel directly.
In Israel, we use Sikorsky S-76 C++ twin-engine helicopters that can fly multiple patients, crew, and family members at the same time. Our helicopters fly missions across the country and we are adding more helicopters in the next few months.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS?
I have a lot of trust in the fantastic people in my business and charity life, and my wife and 4 kids are incredibly supportive. The key to running a successful business and/or charity is to surround yourself with amazing people who share the passion and excitement that you have for the organization. At Hatzolah Air, we are blessed with an army of the most brilliant and dedicated volunteers in the world and every day more talent comes knocking on our door asking how they can help. My son is a pilot and he’s in medical school. BH he’s becoming far more capable than I am! Our team is the best in the world!

A CALL FOR ACTION IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

THE SAFE FOUNDATION

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 A”H, 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, it’s 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 — at Shaare Zion with Dr. Jason Zimmerman, Director of Hatzalah, Dr. Akivah Pearlman clinical social worker and many esteemed community rabbis — 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 haven’t 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 individual’s 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.

A SUCCESS FORMULA FOR JEWISH BUSINESS LEADERS

RABBI EZRA MAX

IN THE WORLD OF BUSINESS, SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS OFTEN FIND THEMSELVES ISOLATED AT THE TOP, CARRYING THE WEIGHT OF RESPONSIBILITY ALONE. HOWEVER, THIS FATHER’S 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 Father’s Day, let’s 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 it’s Father’s Day, let’s not forget the corporate women who go through the same things — they are foundational for the success of our lives.

Rabbi Ezra Max, PCC, MHMP, Xchange Guide & Creator of “The Max Method” 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.

MARY ANNE COHEN, LCSW, BCD

“REGARDING MY EATING BEHAVIOR, PERFECTIONISM DIDN’T LEAD TO RESULTS. IT LED TO PEANUT BUTTER. − BRENE BROWN

A past advertisement for the women’s lingerie company Victoria’s Secret was labeled “The Perfect Body.” A group of extremely tall, unbelievably thin, (and probably airbrushed), young women posed with their ribs sticking out. Is there any woman who doesn’t longingly wish, “If only I could look that perfect?”
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 “promotes 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.”
Victoria’s Secret promptly changed their campaign to a more neutral slogan, “A Body for Everybody.” 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 I’m an ideal weight or I’m bad; either I’m a size 4 or I’m fat; either I exercise two hours every day or I’m a failure. This is black or white thinking at it is most destructive.
“When I was anorexic and weighed 80 pounds, I felt one moment of bliss,” Judy (not her real name), a client of mine, described. “But 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 that’s better than what I used to do which was 100% of my life!”
Judy was the oldest girl in a family with four younger brothers. She learned early on that her “job description” 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. “It’s not as much of a tragedy any more if I can’t exercise perfectly,” she added. “I’ve come to accept that I’m human, and that doesn’t make me a weak person.”

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 one’s 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 one’s eating, weight, and body. But how do we achieve self-compassion if we hate our stomach or binged on chocolate chip cookies last night?

1. 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.
2. 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? (“You got a 90 on the test? What happened to the other ten points?”).

3. 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 “ownership” 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 we’ll 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.

LAURA SHAMMAH MS, RDN

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. They’re 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 isn’t 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 urine’s 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 — an acid that occurs naturally in the body — 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
• Don’t take large doses of vitamin C
  (limit to less than 1,000 mg/day).

Studies have shown that drinking ½ 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.

MELANIE KISHK

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 isn’t 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. It’s 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 21’s 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 ‘13, HS ‘17), talked about the game plan, “Our game plan was to do what we have been doing all year, focusing on being the best we could be defensively. I’m 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.”

Joe B. led the team with 16 points, Jacob B. added 14, Jacob L. 5, Joe F. 4 and Ray B. 3.
“We relied on our defense and our poise to hold the lead,” continued Rosow. “We didn’t get rattled when things didn’t go our way. Staying composed and ‘next play’ mentality has been stressed all year.”

When asked about the team’s focus on winning the championship from day one, Rosow concluded, “there 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 — the result will take care of itself.”

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.’s three-point basket at the start of overtime gave Flatbush the lead and they did not relinquish it. “It was definitely our toughest and most challenging game of the season,” said winning coach Gus Kennedy. “All of our guys played with so much heart and resiliency. They refused to lose, especially to a well-coached and talented team like YHT.”

Flatbush lost only one game all season and the Falcons’ fans and supporters surrounded the team in celebration when the buzzer sounded.

“I’m so proud of our team, and the commitment they and their parents made, to earn a championship. For many of them, it’s the first team they’ve ever played on, so now they understand what it takes to be successful,” shared Athletics Director Barry Neuberger.

KARL LAGERFELD & VINCENT VAN GOGH

NATALIE SENIOR GREENBERG

GO AHEAD AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS — THERE ARE TWO SHOWS AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART THAT ARE NOT TO BE MISSED! THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S 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 MET’S COSTUME INSTITUTE UNTIL JULY 16TH, 2023.

And while you’re at the Met, you’ll definitely want to check out a spectacular show featuring paintings by everyone’s 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, “I dislike retrospectives. I don’t want to see all those old dresses.” 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 Lagerfeld’s collections from the 1950s when he began his career with Balmain, through the Fendi and Chanel years.

The show features more than 150 pieces, spanning the designer’s six-decade career (1950 to 2019), and most importantly, the pieces are accompanied with a corresponding sketch. The showcasing of Lagerfeld’s drawings gives us a deeper understanding of his complex creative process. The curator of the show, Andrew Bolton noted that “With Karl, everything he ever designed in his life, he drew first.” Lagerfeld said, “I draw just as I breathe.” The drawings themselves are like a secret language between Lagerfeld and his “premiéres d’atelier”(seamstresses) who brought his creations to completion. This show is an attempt to understand just what he was trying to communicate to the talented people who were constructing the garments.

In addition to tracing the evolution of Lagerfeld’s 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 GOGH’S 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. “The cypresses still preoccupy me. I’d 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.”

We learn much about Van Gogh’s 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 Gogh’s 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 Gogh’s fascination with these “tall and dark” 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 artists’ 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.