RABBI SHAY TAHAN

THERE WAS A PERSON SEARCHING FOR A NEW PLACE TO LIVE. WHEN HE ARRIVED IN THE NEW TOWN, HE FOUND A LOCAL WISE MAN AND INQUIRED ABOUT THE PEOPLE IN THE PLACE. HE WANTED TO KNOW IF THE PEOPLE THERE WERE FRIENDLY AND NICE. THE LOCAL ASKED HIM ABOUT THE PEOPLE IN HIS OLD PLACE—WHERE HE HAD JUST COME FROM.

He replied that those people were mean, nasty, and rude, which was precisely the reason he was looking to relocate. The wise man told him that the people in this town were just the same.

Disappointed, he was about to leave as another person approached the local wise man asking the same question. The wise man inquired of the place he came from, to which the man replied that the people in his old town were very nice and kind. The wise man replied, “The people here are the same, they are also nice and kind.” As the first person was listening, he was understandably surprised to hear such conflicting answers. The wise man explained to him: the way you feel towards others in one place, is the way you’ll feel towards others in every place. Moreover, the reason for that is this is the way you feel about yourself. The way you see yourself dictates the way you feel about others. If you feel good about yourself, all those surrounding you will appear nice and good; but if you feel negatively about yourself, everyone around you will appear bad and rude.

Our Sages tell us that on Rosh Hashana there are two obligations: one obligation is to prepare for the judgment taking place on that very day, and the second is to reaffirm your bond and relationship with Hashem. Although we are familiar with how to prepare for the judgment—through prayer and blowing the shofar—many of us unfortunately lack understanding of how we are to connect with Hashem.

What type of relationship is required of us?
It is crucial to understand that to build a relationship with anyone (and even more so with the Creator), we first must strengthen our relationship with ourselves. This means that one must learn about himself, get to know himself, see his weaknesses and strengths, and learn to feel good about himself despite his faults. No, it’s not narcissism nor selfishness to love and feel good about oneself. One who doesn’t feel good about himself can’t feel good about others, and one who doesn’t love himself can’t love others. The Pasuk commands us to “love others as you love yourself.” It states clearly that one must love himself. (If one can’t love himself, why would the Pasuk command him to love the other in the same manner as he loves himself?)

Moreover, if one feels negatively about himself, he will inevitably feel the same way towards his surroundings as well. We found this concept many times in the Torah and in the Gemara. For example, when Moshe rebukes the nation before he dies, he reminds them of what they said about Hashem, stating that Hashem hates them (Devarim 1,26). Rashi explains that the truth is that Hashem loves the nation; but since they felt negative towards Hashem, they thus felt that Hashem felt the same way about them. The explanation, once again, is that if one can’t love another, he’ll feel that the other doesn’t love him.

Our Sages said it in a short and powerful way: one who finds a blemish in the other, should look for that blemish in himself. The meaning of this is obvious: although many people around us have blemishes, we only pay attention to those that we have ourselves, because they remind us of our own faults. This feeling is very bothersome to us, and we will thus be very attuned to seeing it in others.

On this Rosh Hashanah, we should take the opportunity to connect with Hashem, by first connecting with ourselves; doing so will also allow us to be better fathers and mothers to our children and better friends to those around us.

Shana Tova.

Rabbi Shay Tahan is the Rosh Kollel of the Kollel Avrechim Shaarei Ezra which is located at the Sit-Benei Yosef Shul on Avenue P. He is also the head of the Bet Horaha Arzei Halevanon.

FOR SEVERAL YEARS NO ONE EVEN KNEW HIS NAME. HE WAS SIMPLY THE MITZVAH MAN, HELPING PEOPLE OUT ANONYMOUSLY. FOR THE PAST DECADE, THE MITZVAH MAN HAS BEEN DOING HESED, ACTS OF LOVING KINDNESS, FOR PEOPLE EVERYWHERE. HOW DID MICHAEL COHEN BEGIN THIS WORK? WHAT WAS THE IMPETUS?

At age 50, Michael Cohen began to take stock of his life. Thankfully, he had a good family, three healthy children, a home, business, and a stable career as a personal trainer. His business, Body By Mike, gave him a few hours each afternoon of free time—since most clients were seen before and after work.

Michael began to spend more time praying and learning. He wanted to do something meaningful, something that would help people. He was fit and healthy and he had a car. So, he began with a simple advertisement: “Mitzvah Man – Available for All Your Needs” with his cell number and a picture of Mighty Mouse.

Calls began to come in. “Can you put tefillin on my father?” “Would you read to a blind person, take a senior citizen to synagogue, deliver food, help move furniture, visit the sick?”

Michael volunteered with Sephardic Bikur Holim two days a week visiting patients in hospitals. He read a Halacha book called Visiting the Sick that gave him guidance on how to visit people. He learned not to stay too long or give them advice. The goal was to make them feel good. He also volunteered for Aishel Shabbat and Bnai Raphael, both food organizations, to increase his level of hesed.

Michael would pick up a get well greeting card before visiting and put his name and contact information in the card, so the people he visited could call him when they left the hospital. This took the mitzvah to a higher level. During the next two years, he visited more than 500 people—even some in jail.

One day he received a request to drive an older woman on errands. Michael cleaned his car, put on soft music and went to pick up the woman. When he arrived, he got out of the car and held the door for the woman and her husband, as if they were getting into a limousine. He made them comfortable and offered them coffee. The idea was to maximize the deed and not rush it. He took his time. “If you rush it, you water down the mitzvah,” he said. The couple was honored that he held the door for them and treated them with such respect.

The word hesed occurs 246 times in the Torah, indicating its level of importance. For Michael, hesed wasn’t just about doing a good deed, it was doing it with all your heart, putting himself in the other person’s shoes and really understanding the situation. “By feeling their pain and being anonymous, you reach a higher level,” he said.

On another mitzvah, a woman needed to go to city to see her 40-year-old son who had cancer. Michael picked her up with a hot bagel to eat and fresh coffee. He waited in the car while she was in the hospital, listening to a Torah tape. The woman was so grateful, she wanted to hug Michael. He took her to visit her son the next day as well.

One time, Mike saw a homeless man in the street with no shoes and socks. It was winter and cold. He took off his own socks and gave them to the man. As it turned out, someone on the street snapped a picture and put it on social media. It turned out that the man had been missing for three weeks and his family was happy that he was okay. He was from a group of 40 or so Jewish homeless people taking shelter in a local synagogue. The Mitzvah Man got them all socks, shoes, coats, pillows and clean blankets.

Word spread like wildfire about the Mitzvah Man! He became so busy that every hour of his noon to 6 P.M. free time was filled. He was helping 20 to 25 people a week. Soon he was overwhelmed.

One day, David ‘Hurdle’ Tawil A”H and his son Elliot called to say, “We love what you are doing. It’s time to make an organization!” They pushed Michael to take the hesed to an even higher level and recruit volunteers who would be an extension of the Mitzvah Man. David and Elliot called their friends and raised startup funds for the organization.

The ads changed—the Mitzvah Man needed volunteers. Hundreds of people answered the ad. He interviewed them, explained the idea and got references. Volunteers kept coming. Each had an idea of what sort of hesed he/she wanted to do. Some wanted to visit a house of mourning, help with a minyan, and cook a meal, others wanted to visit the sick, or put on tefillin.

The organization created a system. They tried to match a donation with a need. When furniture gets donated, they try to find someone who needs it. They have found chair lifts, hospital beds and other items, they even found a washing machine for a woman who needed it desperately.

Today, the Mitzvah Man has more than 3,500 volunteers in Brooklyn, 250 or so in the Deal area and some in the other New York boroughs. They fill 70 to 80 new requests each week, helping about 130 people. In total, there are about 12,000 mitzvot performed a year. The Mitzvah Man also has a database and referral system which helps people find the assistance they need. They don’t only help people, afterwards a staff person follows up on each situation. When calls come in for aid they are returned within 20 minutes on average. “Responding quickly shows those in need that we care,” said Michael.

There are also many ongoing weekly acts of hesed. And like anything else, there are bumps in the road. As an athlete, Michael knows how important it is to motivate people and he’s great at inspiring the volunteers.

Michael hopes that the Mitzvah Man motivates people to do more and raise their level of hesed. To volunteer or request hesed, visit www.themitzvahman.com, a 501-c-3 not-for-profit organization.

A journalist, genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017). Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, an MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.

RABBI EZRA MAX

ON ROSH HASHANAH, EVERYONE IN THE WORLD IS JUDGED. YOU ARE ADVISED TO IMAGINE DOING A BALANCING ACT ON A SCALE WITH EXACTLY EQUAL GOOD AND BAD ON EITHER SIDE. THE BAR IS LEVEL AND A TINY NUDGE WILL TIP YOU TOWARD ONE SIDE. EVERY SINGLE ACTION YOU TAKE HAS THE POWER TO TIP THE SCALE TOWARDS GOOD, WHICH MEANS LIFE, OR THE OTHER WAY, BAD, MEANING DEATH.

Truth: You are an incredible human being with the ability to do amazing things. You have the entire world here to support you. Bishvili Nivara Haolam (the world was created for you). Yes, there are likely stressors, struggles, issues, challenges and even potentially traumatic events in your past. All of it was designed specifically for you to help you create an incredible future.

The Almighty loves you and wants you to have an incredible life. He created all the different situations you faced and the different capacities you have for you to develop something extraordinary. Your past actions inform, but don’t determine your future. Your choices do!

Alan, a young man I spoke with last week, is building a company. He has an innovative idea and aims to build not just a million dollar company, but a billion dollar company. I asked him the same question I would ask you, “what’s your reason and purpose?” We dug into an equation highlighting human motivations. Avoiding pain and seeking pleasure. I shared that the best way to constantly be in that zone is with purpose and passion. Because even when you have a struggle, if you’re doing something you are purposeful or passionate about, then even being in that pain, and moving out of it, is actually a pleasure. You too can use this equation to succeed.

G-d is with you in your challenges and struggles. Your happiness is directly proportional to the challenges and struggles. Take them in stride and come out the other side smiling.

The world is recovering from an epidemic and we’re still suffering the side effects. People got very sick, and some passed away. It was scary and overwhelming. The real epidemic is binge-watching and mindless social scrolling. The travesty is that people stopped using time productively and stopped aiming for their potential. The worst loss is not bringing your innate talents and abilities to the fore. You are here for a powerful and impactful reason. You’re here to make a difference—for yourself, your family, your business, and the world. This is essential work, which cannot get done if you are watching a Netflix season, mindlessly scrolling on Instagram, Facebook, or Youtube. Those platforms have a use. We’re supposed to use them for our benefit. Instead, billions of dollars are being invested in these platforms daily to steal your heart, mind and soul.

Choose, decide now, and declare: “This year, I will take steps forward and develop towards my greatness. I will be the best version of myself this year, next year and the year after. I will take someone, or someones, with me.” It’s lonely at the top and nobody likes to be lonely. Bring along a friend or family member, a partner and commit to supporting each other in developing your best year yet.

Replace the wasted time, online or off, by feeding your mind and nourishing your connections. Read, study, listen to a class, interview, or podcast and gain knowledge. Watch something like a Ted talk that will give you insight and teach you instead of wasting your life with fake news, Hollywood and anxiety.

BONUS: Set a timer, take notes and share your lessons with a trusted partner.

Remember, “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.”

Imagine your life feels like an incredible balance beam, like a see-saw, with equally good and bad on either side. This means that you will see the value and impact of each of your actions for yourself and in the world. This means that everything you do truly matters. There’s no such thing as “passive” that doesn’t make a difference because it all does.

We don’t look back on Rosh Hashanah and cry about past struggles or mistakes. We don’t say I’m sorry for the bad stuff that we did or the things that we didn’t do. Instead, we declare and commit to our futures. This Rosh Hashanah, you have the power, control, and ability to choose a better future—for yourself, your family, and the world. This year, you can upgrade and be a more significant and better person. You can embrace the challenges and struggles of becoming outstanding. Because when you do this, and I wish you do, you will enjoy the most incredible ride of your life.

Blessing for a Shana Tova Umetuka—A Happy, Healthy, Joyous And Sweet New Year.

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.

IN SOME SCHOOLS THE EDUCATION BEGINS AND ENDS IN THE CLASSROOM. OTHER SCHOOLS ADD EXTRACURRICULAR EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. BUT BE’ER HAGOLAH DEMONSTRATED WITH THE ISRAEL MISSION THAT ONCE YOU’RE A STUDENT, YOU ARE IN THE BHI FAMILY FOR LIFE.

That is how Rabbi Tully Bryks, the director of admissions of Ohr Somayach described his impression after hosting the BHI alumni mission to Israel. Heavily subsidized by Olami International and Ohr Somayach, the BHI alumni mission brought together 19 young alumni for two weeks of jam-packed days filled with incredible activities, inspiring and uplifting Torah study, and new relationships that will last a lifetime.

The days began with praying, breakfast and Torah classes from the likes of Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz, Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblatt, Rabbi Dovid Kaplan, Rabbi Guy Matalon, and Rabbi Tully Bryks. These rabbis brought the Torah alive, explained many fundamental concepts and fanned the spark of Torah in the hearts of the young men, a number of whom are considering a year of full time Torah study in yeshiva in Israel.

In the afternoons, the boys had an opportunity to experience the width and breadth of the Holy Land. The first Shabbat was spent in Yerushalayim with the participation of the Dean, Rabbi Mordechai German and Rabbi Michoel Grunhut, a BHI high school rabbi. A special highlight was davening Friday night at the Kotel with thousands of Jews in unison.

Rabbi Mordechai Fishman, the Be’er Hagolah boys’ division principal, reported that one of the highlights was Shabbat in Tzefat. Seeing the kevarim of the tanaim (graves of rabbinical sages) brought the Torah learning alive. The tour of the Old City of Tzefat, gave the boys a sense of our history. The visits to nearby Meron and Amukah brought out the spark of connection with Hashem through the powerful tefilot. Kabalat Shabbat on a porch with the sun setting in the background made the radiance of Shabbat envelope everyone as they got swept up in song. After davening, they walked the streets of Tzefat and sang and danced with random Jews in the street. They ate the seudat Shabbat in an ancient room with an arched ceiling whose echoing of the tones of the zemirot (songs) Shabbat only added to the energy and feelings of Shabbat kodesh. They also saw the Abuhav and Arizals Shul as well as the famous Kivrei Tzadikim and Arizals mikveh.

Rabbi Bryks noted that these trips offer students a chance to connect with their soul. They ask deep questions as they grow in their connection to Hashem and find their place in Judaism. “This group was different from the typical group,” said Rabbi Bryks, “because the Be’er Hagolah students have a background in Judaism and Torah study to some extent, and they came as a cohesive group which allowed us to skip the first few ‘icebreaker’ days we usually have in these missions. You can see their affinity to their rabbis, and the strong mutual bond. They all wanted pictures with their Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi German and they were all so proud for him to see their spiritual growth. Rabbi Fishman was there for them day and night. He served every role from educator to organizer and everything else in between. Judaism encompasses the spiritual, emotional and physical and you were able to see the support and ahavat Yisroel (love for fellew Jews) from all the BHI staff members. It was inspiring for us.”

The boys went ATVing, visited the Institute of Technology, toured the City of David, enjoyed eating out, and went shopping for souvenirs in Geulah.

Most importantly, they charged themselves with spiritual energy and deepened their connection with Hashem and His Holy Torah and Land.

ESTHER BETESH

ON THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 28TH, THE JUDAIC STUDIES TEACHERS-IN-TRAINING AT MELAMEDET HAD AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. UP UNTIL THIS POINT, THEY HAD BEEN WORKING HARD THROUGHOUT THE PREVIOUS YEARS OF THE PROGRAM, TAKING COURSES RANGING FROM “TEACHING NAVI” TO “CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT” TO “TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM.”

They had heard from many leaders and teachers in the field of Jewish Education, observed a variety of classes, and practiced creating and giving their own classes to one another. On this meaningful night of Torah classes for the girls of our community, it was time to take everything that they had learned and give it all back. Thank G-d, we had such a successful event last summer, and this year once again the teachers-in-training were ready with detailed source sheets, positivity, love, and the desire to inspire and be true role models. Students from 5th grade all the way to high school came to the classes with enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement, but what they left with was even more special.

The Melamedet teachers-in-training gave meaningful, interesting, and vibrant Torah classes. They captured hearts and minds, keeping their students engaged, involved, asking questions, and requesting that Melamedet offer more classes in the future. The Melamedet teachers-in-training left that night feeling grateful for the opportunity to give back.

The community girls left with a deeper love of Torah and a beautiful connection to amazing community role models.

Melamedet is blessed to be a part of the next generation of community educators in Jewish Education. We are looking forward to another amazing semester including some incredible new students this fall, Be’H (with G-d’s help)!

Here is what some of our students had to say about the beautiful night of learning:

Judy Elmann: “I thought last year’s class was too good to be true, but this year was just as enjoyable, if not more! As soon as I started teaching, the words just flowed out. The fifth and sixth grade girls who attended my class were thrilled to be there and participate even in the middle of the summer. It was so empowering to give such a successful class. I can’t wait for the next one, B”H!”

Sally Choueka: “Every summer brings new experiences, and I genuinely look forward to teaching the girls who attend our night of learning. After a year of learning new content and new skills, I was excited to give it my all. We learned, we talked, we discovered. I can’t wait for next year; thank you Melamedet for the platform!”

Mary Jajati: “What an honor learning Torah and teaching Torah to the special girls of our community! We’re so thankful for the opportunity; it was a pleasure!”

Eileen Dweck: “The night of learning was so special! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to teach in such a comfortable setting.”

We would like to add a special thank you to Bet Rachel Synagogue for hosting us.

Esther Betesh is the director of Melamedet, a teacher training program in Jewish education. She teaches at multiple community yeshivot and institutions, and is a doctoral candidate for Jewish education and administration at Yeshiva University.

SARINA ROFFÉ

WHEN COVID CAME TO THE WORLD, EVERYTHING CLOSED DOWN FOR TWO YEARS. NOBODY KNEW WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES WOULD BE IN SYNAGOGUES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. FROM HIS HOME, RABBI SAM KASSIN, DEAN OF SHEHEBAR SEPHARDIC CENTER (SSC) IN JERUSALEM, CONTACTED PEOPLE WORLDWIDE WHO WERE INTERESTED IN BECOMING RABBIS AND EDUCATORS AND BUILT A PROGRAM FOR THEM.

He worked with Rabbi Yaakov Benizri to develop an online semicha program that lasted 18 to 24 months. Rabbi Benizri taught classes several times a week over Whatsapp, Youtube and Zoom. As a result, 16 outstanding students received their diplomas and began their work spreading Judaism throughout the world.

The graduation of these new rabbis was held on Monday, August 8th. The students came from India, Germany, Hungary, Singapore, Italy and the United States to receive their rabbinical ordination and celebrate at a gala dinner at Montefiore Hall in Jerusalem, a grand hall in the Old City overlooking the Western Wall.

Among the 200 plus people who attended were several of Israel’s chief rabbis, dignitaries, ministers, Knesset members and other top education leaders.

The new rabbis have been studying diligently during the past few years to earn their Rabbinical Degree so they can serve the Jewish people in their countries. Most of them are businessmen who wanted to get their ordination in order to go into Jewish education in their communities. In addition, seven Ethiopian students graduated as scribes.

At the end of the semicha ceremony, there was an explosion of unstoppable dancing among the attendees. People were very overjoyed about the occasion.

THE GRADUATES WHO TRAVELED TO JERUSALEM

Ricky Cohen, Brooklyn
Zac Gindi, Deal
Micha Yerushalmi, Hungary
Yochanan Canfield, Sarasota, FL
Maurice Zalta, USA
Netanel Yaacobov, Germany
David Hayak, Singapore
Benyamin Pereira, Colombia
Abi Bitton, New York

GRADUATES FROM ISRAEL WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN PLACED IN COMMUNITIES

Akiva Ben Ezra, Durban, South Africa
Aryeh Attias, Albuefiira, Portugal
Simcha Rubinov, Queens, New York
Yosef Deil, Milano, Italy
Jonathan Goldschmidt, Philippines (formerly in Cochin, India)

Since its inception in 1980, the SSC has grown into a world renowned institution with an outstanding reputation for high quality programs. It has become a resource for Sephardic communities worldwide to identify rabbis, dayans, teachers, mohels, shochets and spiritual leadership.

Founded by Rabbi Sam Kassin with the help of Rabbi Eliyahu Shamoula A”H, the SSC yeshiva in the Old City has grown from a small kollel with 10 students into a thriving rabbinical school. It has grown in number, scope, reach and purpose into the present day Shehebar Sephardic Center and global outreach program that has placed over 400 rabbis.

Seen as the global source for Sephardic training, Rabbi Kassin fields calls and emails daily from Diaspora Jewish communities looking for rabbinic leadership to build a kahal, lead holiday services, to teach in a school, or to oversee the kashrut of a restaurant. Rabbi Kassin spends one third of his time traveling to visit communities, meeting the leadership and helping them identify a rabbi who fits their needs. No matter what the need, the SSC fills the void by sending its graduates to the remotest towns or the most highly populated cities, to serve and inspire the people there.

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017). She holds a BA in Journalism, and MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.

ON JULY 15TH, AFTER OVER A YEAR OF PLANNING, REVISING, AND BUILDING, THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATED THE BEAUTIFUL GRAND OPENING OF A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART DENTAL PRACTICE, SAKA DENTAL SPA, LOCATED AT THE CHABAD OF THE SHORE, IN LONG BRANCH, NJ.

On this beautiful Friday morning, major pillars of the community, including Mayor John Pallone, Chief Rabbi Saul Kassin, Rabbi Label Shapiro, Harry Adjmi, Mark Massry, Gayle Krost, and Sammy Saka joined Dr. Saka in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Dr. Sammy Saka is the creator and operator of Saka Dental Spa. His intent was not just to open a dental practice, rather he wanted to create an environment where patients look forward to sitting in the dental chair, rather than fearing it.

Dr. Saka is a Hillel Yeshiva High School graduate. He received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Monmouth University and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Following dental school, he completed his one-year residency at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.

After working for several years in Matawan, Dr. Saka decided it was time to represent his community and open his own practice a mile from his childhood home. With the establishment of Saka Dental Spa, Dr. Saka has created a luxury dental office in the heart of Long Branch with the intention of giving back to the people who have given so much.

Dr. Saka explained, “the community has given so much to me and represents something so close to all of us. To create an office in the heart of it all and to be given the opportunity to serve everyone is my life’s goal and passion.”

Saka Dental Spa is now open and seeing new patients. Make an appointment today. Call 732-800-9178, or visit their website at sakadentalspa.com.

DSN WENT INTERNATIONAL WITH A TEN-DAY HESED MISSION TO ISRAEL FOR YOUNG ADULTS. IT WAS A PHYSICAL, SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME.

DSN partnered with Camp Gesher, a day camp in Israel for the children of the Neve Michael Children’s Village in Pardes Hana. The village hosts at-risk children who have been removed from dysfunctional families due to various types of abuse or neglect. DSN’s young adults traveled across the globe to be camp counselors for the children.

Rabbi Chaim Levy, the founder of Camp Gesher, worked with DSN’s staff and a committee of young adults: Sonia Dweck, David Cohen, Henry Barnathan, Jill Mamiye and Joe Gindi to prepare for this historic trip.

One week before the trip, the young adults attended a barbeque orientation, hosted by Jill Mamiye. Rabbi Levy, who had traveled to Deal from Israel, spoke to them about the significant responsibilities of their upcoming trip, and at the same time assured them that they would have loads of fun. Eric Sigoura, DSN’s Director of Security, explained that he would be traveling with the group to ensure their safety and security.

Upon arrival at camp, each young adult was paired up with two campers. Then the fun started! Camp activities during the week included visiting Yarn Park Tel Aviv, Skytown Climbing, a water hike in Ein Chardalit, Superland Amusement Park in Rishon L’zion and Carnival Day, where all the counselors set up and volunteered at stations including foam blasting, face painting and bouncy slides. A beautiful Shabbat weekend in the heart of Jerusalem was arranged by DSN with catered meals.

Lydia Haddad, one of the young adults, decided to write down her feelings about the trip. Here’s what she wrote. “Growing up, I’ve always done some small acts of hesed. Whether it would be delivering food to people in need, taking a special child for ice cream, helping around my house or matching couples together, I never felt the feeling I did when taking care of my campers on the DSN Camp Gesher trip. Going into the trip, I really had no idea what to expect. Yes, I do have younger siblings, but I was never of age to take care of them. I knew that by accepting to volunteer on the trip, I was going to be taking care of kids and that made me quite nervous. But I also knew that whenever I put my mind, heart, and soul into something, I was always able to accomplished it. Before the trip, we were asked to choose the age group we wanted. I had the choice of taking care of kids from ages seven to nine or ages ten to twelve. I was placed with two beautiful 7 year old, female campers. On the first day, we walked into the camp to meet our campers. We played a little game where the campers had to look for us. They knew what color eyes we had, what hair color, what shoe size, and how tall we were. My campers, being the smart little girls they were, found me in just minutes. Meeting them and watching them run into my arms was a feeling I cannot even describe. After just one day, we exchanged phone numbers and sat together on the bus. I helped them overcome their moments of fear during activities, we taught each other Hebrew and English, I learned about their lives, we laughed together, cried together, ate together, danced together and so much more. When dropping them off at camp at the end of day one, I already couldn’t wait to go back the next day to see them run into my arms again. Being an adolescent, it is very hard to wake up early. But once my alarm went off, I was up and out of bed ready to make a change in my campers’ lives. As days went on, we became closer and closer. We learned more about each other and created amazing memories together. In a blink of an eye, I realized I never wanted to leave them. I went from being nervous about taking care of kids, to wishing that the trip would last forever. Not only did I never want to leave my campers, but I also didn’t want to leave all of the new friends I made, including Rabbi Levy. The reason we all felt so connected was because of the mindset Rabbi Levy taught us from day one. He was open, honest, caring and made us feel like we were home. That being said, since I returned home, I have not missed a day speaking and FaceTiming with my beautiful campers. This trip made me realize the important things in life. Not only did we do hesed, but we all learned about ourselves in ways we’d never thought. If I could go back in time and do it all over again, I would. But of course, that is not an option so—until next year!

After the trip, the bonds between all the young adults continued to grow and flourish. Lydia Haddad hosted a mazza at her house only three days after the trip! The group learned about themselves and grew in unexpected, beautiful ways. Another participant, Lydia Cohen, explained, “This trip was truly a life changing experience. I am grateful to DSN and Gesher for giving us the opportunity to learn, grow and help find the right balance in our lives!”

By the time it was all over, Rabbi Levy was ecstatic with the results. “There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing the young adults of today take ownership of something and make a difference. That’s what happened on this trip. Forty-two young adults became one unit—an army of hesed.”

Sammy Sitt, DSN’s Executive Director, summarized. “It was truly an honor for DSN to arrange this most special trip. We provided our young adults with an exhilarating experience where they not only helped others who are less fortunate, but they learned about the potential of their own capabilities. We are very proud of each of them. With Hashem’s help, we continue to see that there are no boundaries to what DSN can do to make our community the best in the world!”

ARI BAUM CFP®

WE KNOW RECESSIONS ARE INEVITABLE. WHEN THEY HAPPEN, THE SCARY NEWS IS BLASTING ON CABLE 24/7. YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND COLLEAGUES MIGHT PANIC ONCE THEY SEE THEIR PORTFOLIOS DROPPING, AND TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE—IT’S UNLIKELY THAT THE NEXT RECESSION WILL LOOK LIKE THE LAST ONE—SO HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT?

To the savvy (and well-prepared) investor, a recession can be a financial gift. They allow prices to pull back and bubbles to deflate. Smart investors have the chance to buy on sale, taking advantage of bargains when others panic, selling because they weren’t prepared.

The market bottom of the last pre-pandemic recession was March 9, 2009, but no one knew that at the time. For all investors knew, the market had farther to fall. We only know that was the bottom in hindsight.

It’s not likely to be high-flying dot-com stocks or the financial sector that take the economy down next time. What will it be? No one knows for sure, but whatever it is, it’s coming.

The good news in all the uncertainty is something wealthy individuals have long known: there are juicy opportunities hiding in the dips. Easy to say, but what about when the next recession arrives?

The trick is to keep your head level and stay alert. When you have the right tools, it’s possible to seize opportunities to make money and avoid the ugly mistakes that average investors tend to make during hard times.

Escape Lever #1: How exposed are you?
If you’re early in your working career and all of your investments are designated for retirement, you’re able to ride out the inevitable recession with a portfolio that’s entirely invested for growth. You just have to avoid panicking and selling out.

In this case, you’re a couple of decades away from needing the money. Staying invested through a nasty experience like the Great Recession, can potentially lead to a much larger portfolio later when markets recover.

On the other hand, if you’re closer to retirement, you can’t afford for your entire portfolio to drop right when you need to start withdrawing money. That means having some money in other assets like cash and bonds.

Escape Lever #2: Flex your flexibility
When it comes to buying cars, clothes, and even vacations, what are the three magic words all purchasers love to hear? “It’s on sale.” Yet too many investors start pushing the panic button and selling when the stock market goes on sale.

Stock dips (and yes, crashes) are the time to scoop up some potential bargains. To paraphrase Warren Buffett, be greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy.

Just make sure that you’ve still got your cushions against the freefall of the market. Don’t deplete your protection against stock market dips. Keep your hedges intact and your income flowing.

Ugly Mistake #1: Investing with your heart and not your head
Contrary to popular belief, acting like an ostrich and sticking your head in the sand may not be a bad way to deal with a recession! It helps to ignore the financial news because it’s going to be full of gloom and doom in a recession.

Many investors turn paper losses into real ones by making the mistake of panicking and selling at the wrong time—after prices have already started dropping. When recessions arrive, it’s easy to be paralyzed by fear and stop investing completely. This happens even to smart people!

Wealthy investors know that it’s too easy to get caught up in the fear around a recession, and so they hire professionals who have been through recessions to help prevent them from leaping off the ledge. They also diversify their portfolios when necessary, so that they can sleep at night knowing that a stock market drop won’t wipe out the value of their portfolio.

It’s very easy to get greedy when prices are rising and fearful when prices are falling. But smart investors find ways to stay out of the fray so they can focus on building wealth for themselves.

Ugly Mistake #2: Going it alone
When recessions arrive, things can get really ugly very quickly. It’s hard to tell exactly when the recession has arrived, since the economic data takes a while. Market drops don’t always predict a recession, either. Is a one-day market drop just the start of a massive plummet to the bottom—or is it just a blip?

Doing it yourself looks fine when prices are on the upswing, because a rising tide lifts all boats, but when the seas get rough, and your portfolio may be threatening to overturn during the onslaught, experienced deckhands can help keep you afloat.

You may notice that wealthy investors ask for help all the time! They have dedicated financial professionals to help them navigate when the economy gets choppy. They’re not trying to figure everything out by themselves, because they recognize when they don’t know what they may need to know.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. Risk Disclosure: Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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.

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