How a Partnership between Teach NYS, Agudath Israel, Senator Sutton, and Governor Hochul Is Helping New York’s Nonpublic School Families

Eddie Esses

New York’s historic expansion of universal school meals is providing free breakfast and lunch to more than 42,000 additional nonpublic school students while saving community families tens of millions of dollars.

Sometimes the most meaningful victories are measured not by headlines, but by the thousands of families whose daily lives become just a little easier. For three years, Teach NYS, founded by the SCF and Sam Sutton, advocated for a universal school meals program for nonpublic school students. Teach NYS continuously engaged with numerous elected officials, effectively rallying key support for the proposal.
Agudath Israel also played an instrumental role in the campaign. Agudah brought scores and scores of Yeshivot to lobby elected officials on behalf of tens of thousands of students and write letters directly to the governor in support of expanded universal free meals for nonpublic school students. A year ago, the vision of Teach NYS, Agudath Israel, and Senator Sutton became a reality.
Now, one year after Governor Hochul signed New York’s universal school meals program into law, the impact is undeniable. More than 42,000 additional nonpublic school students are receiving free breakfast and lunch each school day. The program is helping families save money, eliminating the stigma of “lunch shaming,” and ensuring that every child, regardless of where they attend school, has access to nutritious meals.
For New York’s Jewish community and the broader nonpublic school community, this represents one of the most significant education victories in recent memory.

A Promise Finally Fulfilled
For years, Teach NYS, Senator Sutton, and other advocates pushed for New York to recognize a simple principle. Every child deserves access to healthy meals at school, regardless of family income or whether the child attends a public, charter, or nonpublic school.
Governor Hochul helped make that vision a reality by securing $340 million in the FY2026 State Budget to establish truly universal free school meals across New York. Today, every participating public, charter, and nonpublic school can offer free breakfast and lunch to every student, with New York State covering the remaining cost for students who were not previously eligible for free meals.
The result is exactly what supporters hoped for. More students are participating, children have access to healthier meals, and families are receiving meaningful financial relief.

A Dramatic Increase in Nonpublic
School Participation
The numbers tell the story. In March 2025, 163,080 students in New York State nonpublic schools participated in the program. By March 2026, that number had risen to 205,232, an increase of 42,152 students.
Participation among students in New York State yeshivas and day schools also rose sharply. The number increased from 145,008 students in March 2025 to 178,012 in March 2026, an increase of 33,004 students.
More than 42,000 additional nonpublic school students are now benefiting from the program statewide, demonstrating both the demand for and the success of universal school meals. The increase includes approximately 33,000 children attending yeshivas and Jewish day schools in New York State. Within that figure are approximately 4,000 children attending Sephardic yeshiva schools.

More Than Meals, Real Financial Relief
Universal school meals are also delivering substantial savings to working families. Analysis has estimated that nonpublic school parents are collectively saving approximately $60 million annually through the program.
A family with one child can save an estimated $1,440 each year. A family with two children can save approximately $2,880, while a family with three children can save approximately $4,320 annually.
For families already making significant sacrifices to provide a Jewish or other faith-based education for their children, these savings are meaningful. Every dollar families no longer spend on school meals is a dollar that can instead go toward tuition, housing, childcare, or other household expenses.

Senator Sam Sutton’s Advocacy
with the Governor
Long before taking office, Senator Sam Sutton championed universal school meals as president of the Sephardic Community Federation, SCF, and founder of Teach NYS. He recognized that thousands of middle-income families were falling through the cracks. Many earned too much to qualify for traditional meal assistance but still struggled with the rising cost of living and private school tuition.
SCF also fought to end the harmful practice of lunch shaming, a problem that affected children across every community. Although New York City had been legally authorized since 2017 to provide universal school meals, including kosher and halal options, implementation stalled for years despite persistent advocacy.
After being elected to the State Senate, Senator Sutton continued making funding for nonpublic schools a top priority. He worked closely with Governor Hochul and legislative leaders, including Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, to continue bringing additional funds to our Yeshivot.
Senator Sutton has developed a close and productive partnership with Governor Hochul that has consistently translated into meaningful investments for New York’s Jewish communities. Whether securing increased security funding, expanding educational support, or advancing initiatives that ease the financial burden on families, that working relationship has delivered tangible results.

Another Major Win for Nonpublic
School Families
Governor Hochul and Senator Sutton’s partnership and commitment to New York’s nonpublic school community extend beyond universal meals. Just this past month, the governor committed New York to opting into the new Federal School Choice Tax Credit. The program will allow donors to nonprofit scholarship organizations to receive a $1,700 federal tax credit for eligible contributions.
For New York’s Jewish community, this represents another landmark achievement. Once implemented, the program is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars in scholarship funding that will directly help families offset the cost of nonpublic school tuition. Combined with universal school meals, these initiatives represent one of the most significant reductions in the cost of nonpublic education that New York families have seen in decades.

Building a Stronger Future
Universal school meals demonstrate what is possible when government works collaboratively with community leaders to address real challenges facing working families. Thousands more children are receiving nutritious meals, parents are saving millions of dollars, and schools are seeing greater participation without the burden of determining which students qualify.
Most importantly, every child is treated equally. These are the kinds of practical, bipartisan accomplishments that improve everyday life. They show what can happen when committed advocates, effective legislators, and a governor willing to listen work together to deliver meaningful results for New Yorkers.
Senator Sutton said, “A free breakfast and lunch for every schoolchild in New York State is now a reality and is showing impressive results. NYC and NYS nonpublic school children are saying goodbye to lunch shaming and hello to a nutritious breakfast and lunch, regardless of income.”

RABBI LORD JONATHAN SACKS ZT”L

In 2011, it was reported that Rupert Murdoch had offered to donate a million British pounds to charity on behalf of the murdered teenager Milly Dowler. A few days later, Jews began the special prayers we say before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. One word connected these two events. The word “sorry.” That’s the word Rupert Murdoch used when he met Milly Dowler’s family. And we call our prayers Selichot, meaning saying sorry to G-D, as we prepare to say sorry to those we’ve offended.
But there are two different ways of saying sorry. Last year an American classics professor, David Konstan, published a fascinating book called Before Forgiveness. In it he argued that though reconciliation is as old as humanity, repentance and forgiveness are not.
In the classical world of ancient Greece and Rome, if you wanted to placate someone you had harmed, you had to argue it wasn’t really your fault. Please, sir, it wasn’t me. And if it was me, I didn’t really mean it. And if I did mean it, I couldn’t really help it. That, plus some rituals of self-abasement, might just appease the other person’s anger. That’s saying sorry as a gesture of regret.
Judaism and Christianity, says Konstan, brought something new into the world: the idea of repentance and forgiveness. Forgiveness is not about denying responsibility. It’s about accepting it. Yes, I did it. Yes, it was my fault. And I now see that I was wrong. That’s saying sorry not as a gesture of regret but of remorse. Remorse cuts deeper than regret. And it seeks not just appeasement but forgiveness.
Forgiveness demands real change on the part of two people. The perpetrator needs the courage to acknowledge his or her wrong. And the victim needs the courage to let go of animosity and revenge. It’s the supreme test of human freedom, and it’s one of the greatest gifts Judaism and Christianity brought to the moral imagination of humankind.
Think of what could happen in some of the most intractable conflicts of the world if both sides could acknowledge the pain they’ve caused one another, if they could accept responsibility instead of saying, “It was your fault,” if they could truly face and forgive one another. Improbable, yes. But impossible? No.
To say sorry to those we’ve harmed and to forgive those who’ve harmed us is the most difficult moral challenge in the world. But they alone have the power to heal the wounds of the past and build a better future together.

THERE ARE SO MANY FUN SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND ADULTS. HOWEVER, SOME OF THEM CAN BE DANGEROUS. THAT’S WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW SAFETY RULES. ONE OF THE BEST WAYS YOU CAN KEEP YOUR FAMILY AND OTHERS SAFE IS TO LEARN CPR. WE WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER, SO WE PUT TOGETHER THIS SAFETY GUIDE.

Summer Heat Safety Tips
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate you. Make sure your children are well hydrated, too.
Dress appropriately. Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. If possible, stay from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. Plan activities for the late afternoon.
Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Know the signs of heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, headache, nausea, and confusion. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Swimming Safety Tips
Supervise children at all times. Always designate a responsible adult to keep a close eye on children in and around the water.
Never swim alone. Never let kids swim alone, even if there’s a lifeguard on duty. Always make children swim with a buddy. This is very good advice for adults as well.
Know your limits. Don’t push yourself too hard, and only swim in areas that are safe and appropriate for your skill level.
Follow pool rules. Follow all rules at public pools, beaches and water parks, and be aware of any potential hazards.

Beach Safety
Swim near lifeguard stations. Choose swimming spots with lifeguards close by and ensure your family members swim within a designated area that’s visible to both you and lifeguards.
Learn rip current awareness. Educate yourself and your family about rip currents and how to identify and escape them.
Be cautious of tides. Be mindful of rising rides, as they can change rapidly and pose a risk to swimmers.
Supervise children at all times. Always designate a responsible adult to keep a close eye on any children in or around the water, even when there are lifeguards on duty.
Pool Safety
Install barriers. If you own a pool, secure it with fences or barriers to prevent unsupervised children from accessing the water.
Assign a water watcher. Designate a responsible adult to supervise children in or around the water. This adult should provide their undivided attention to this task to prevent accidents and emergencies.
Use safety equipment. Always keep life-saving equipment like a shepherd’s hook and a life preserver near the pool. Ensure that little ones wear a properly fitted flotation device if they are unable to swim on their own.
Encourage swimming lessons. Fewer accidents happen when everyone knows how to swim. It’s an essential life skill that increases pool and water safety.

Bicycle Safety
Always wear a helmet. Always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets safety standards while riding a bicycle. Helmets save lives and are essential for everyone — children and adults.
Follow traffic rules. Obey traffic laws, signals and signs. Ride with the flow of traffic and use hand signals when stopping and turning.
Use reflective gear. Ensure that you and your family are visible by wearing reflective clothing and adding reflective accessories to bicycles.
Check bike condition. Regularly inspect your bicycle to ensure proper brake function, tire pressure and reflectors.
Stay alert. Encourage family members to stay focused and avoid distractions while riding. Do not let anyone use a phone or wear headphones while riding.

Boat Safety
Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone on your boat always wears a properly fitted and approved life jacket.
Check the weather. Monitor the forecast before embarking on any boating excursion and avoid going out during possible inclement weather conditions.
Maintain a proper speed. Follow speed limits and adjust your speed based on water and weather conditions.
Assign a designated watcher. Assign a responsible adult to keep a close eye on children to prevent accidents.
Educate your family and passengers. Familiarize everyone with basic boating safety rules like always keeping hands and feet inside the boat and avoiding all reckless behavior.
Do not consume alcohol. It is not safe or legal to operate a boat while drinking. Boating while intoxicated can impair your judgement, reaction time, coordination and ability to safely navigate the waters, which increases the risk of accidents, injuries and even death. For both drivers and passengers, alcohol intensifies the effects of sun, wind and motion on the water, leading to diminished decision-making abilities.

Theme Park Safety
Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and being active for many hours. Dress children in bright, easy to recognize clothes so they’ll be easy to spot should they wander off.
Follow height and age restrictions. Adhere to posted height and age restrictions for rides and attractions. These restrictions are in place for safety reasons and should be respected to prevent accidents.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Establish a meeting point. Select a central meeting point in case anyone in your family gets separated. Teach children how to identify park staff or security so they can easily find help if they get lost.
Follow ride instructions. Listen attentively to ride instructions from the park staff and follow them carefully. Observe all safety guidelines including the proper use of restraints and seat belts.
Sun protection. Apply high-SPF sunscreen before entering the park and re-apply every two hours throughout the day. Use hats, sunglasses and seek shade often to protect yourself and your family from the sun.
Grilling Safety
Keep children away from grill. Keep kids occupied while you grill so they won’t accidentally wander over to you and get burned.
Place your grill away from your home. Barbecue grills are often placed just outside the back door or on the back deck against a railing. You should avoid placing your grill in these areas because it can pose a potential fire hazard. Grills that are placed too close to the house or other wood structures can heat up adjacent materials and cause a fire. Be sure to keep your grill at least 10 feet from your home or other structures.
Never leave your grill unattended while in use. You should never walk away from your barbecue while it’s in use. Barbecues use high heat and open flames to cook food, and when left unattended can become a safety and fire hazard. If you must leave the grill, ask another adult to watch the grill for you.
Make sure your grill is located on a flat, level surface. Grills that are placed on slopes or other uneven surfaces can tip over easily and cause a fire.
Always clean your grill after use. Barbecuing regularly causes grease to build-up on the grill plates and collect inside the grease tray. If not cleaned, the build-up can then act as fuel and catch fire while the grill is in use. Clean your grill after each use with a grill brush and empty the grease tray when it begins to fill up.
Don’t leave food out too long. The summer heat and humidity is a breeding ground for bacteria. Never leave food out of refrigeration for over two hours.
Wear appropriate clothing. Long sleeves can catch fire easily when too close to an open flame. When grilling make sure your sleeves are far away from the fire. Use long handled tools.

Tick/Mosquito Protection
Avoid using scented soaps/lotions/products. Certain bugs are attracted to these scents.
Dress your child appropriately. When going into tall grass or areas where you know insects will be dress your child in long pants, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, socks, and closed shoes. A broad-brimmed hat can help to keep insects away from the face. Mosquito netting may be used over baby carriers or strollers in areas where your baby may be exposed to insects.
Use kid-safe insect repellent. Do not use repellents on children younger than two months old. Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved as safe for babies older than 2 months. Choose the lowest effective amount of DEET. For example, 10% DEET is effective for two hours. Apply products in a well-ventilated area to prevent breathing them in.
Do not use products that combine DEET with sunscreen. The DEET may make the sun protection factor (SPF) less effective. These products can overexpose your child to DEET because the sunscreen needs to be reapplied often.
Only apply insect repellents on the outside of your child’s clothing and on exposed skin. Use just enough repellent to cover your child’s clothing and exposed skin. Using more doesn’t make the repellent more effective. Avoid reapplying unless needed. When your children return indoors, wash their skin with soap and water to remove any repellent, and wash their clothing before they wear it again.

fireworks are illegal
In Brooklyn and New Jersey it is illegal to possess fireworks. If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, instead.

driving safety tips
We drive all year round and it may seem silly to put driving safety tips on this list, however, car accidents are the leading cause of injury and death in the summer.

Watch out for distracted drivers. Whether it’s families on vacation or students heading toward the beach, summer roads are filled with drivers who are more distracted than usual. While distracted drivers are already a threat on the roads, summer can bring more distractions than usual, so watch out for drivers who aren’t watching out for you.

Have your brakes, engine and tires checked. Extreme heat takes a toll on vehicles. It can lead to tire blowouts and can affect your vehicle’s braking ability. It causes your engine to overheat more easily and places increased stress on just about every mechanical function your vehicle performs.
Paying extra attention to tire pressure and tread, checking the brakes frequently and making sure that your vehicle’s cooling system has all the proper fluids can help keep vehicles from being sidelined during the summer months.
Keep an eye on the calendar. Some days are more dangerous than others. Weekends and certain holidays are associated with an increase in drinking and driving. So, for drivers who are behind the wheel during that time, it requires more attention to the surrounding hazards.
July 4th is particularly deadly, both in terms of motorcycle fatalities and passenger vehicles. On the weekends, the highest number of fatal crashes happen between 3 and 7 P.M. so be aware of increased risk when you’re behind the wheel — and take extra safety precautions as needed.

Be aware of glare. Driving can be hard on the eyes, period, but during summer months, when the sun is out in full force, there’s also an increased amount of sun glare coming off the road and other vehicles.
This can be particularly dangerous during the early morning and when the sun is setting, so invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses. They’ll help protect your eyes from fatigue and damage, cut down on glare and make it easier to see clearly.

Increase following distance.
Increasing your following distance can help offset the dangers brought by heavier traffic, construction zones and vacationing drivers who are traveling in unfamiliar areas.

Respect the effects of heat. Finally, it’s easy to dismiss just how much the sun can affect us, but it’s important to pay attention to how it affects both drivers and vehicles. Heat exhaustion can make drivers drowsy.
Be smart, be aware and be careful, so your entire family can have a wonderful summer.

Lori Palatnik

The Knicks just ended a 53-year drought with the greatest comeback in NBA history. The secret to how they pulled it off is one of the most powerful ideas in Judaism.

The Knicks actually did it. After 53 years, the New York Knicks are NBA champions. Final score: Knicks 94, Spurs 90, Game 5. The city lost its mind. This was a series that felt like it was written in Hollywood, comeback after comeback, the Knicks refusing to stay down, New York fans going from despair to delirium and back again, sometimes within the same quarter. A roster rebuilt from scratch over six years finally delivered what this city had been waiting for since before most of its fans were born.
But the game everyone will be talking about for years is Game 4. The Knicks were down 29 points at halftime. Most teams would have accepted defeat. Most fans had already written the story in their heads. But Knicks head coach Mike Brown had a different message built around four strong points. And that message wasn’t just about basketball. It’s about life.

1. The Process
   Players reminded each other to “stay with it” because they had overcome big deficits before and were a resilient group. We all have ups and downs. Yet when we’re in the middle of a challenge, we conveniently forget every obstacle we’ve already overcome. Take a moment and look back. Remember the hardships you survived, the heartbreaks you healed from, the challenges that forced you to grow. The strength you need today may already be inside you, forged by yesterday’s struggles.
   The same is true of the Jewish people. We’ve endured exiles, persecutions, expulsions, and unimaginable tragedies. Yet we’ve also experienced extraordinary triumphs, renewal, and rebirth. Jews are a people who know how to get back up. The Hebrew word for resilience is cho-sen (חוסן), meaning resilience, and it’s no coincidence that it sounds exactly like “chosen.” The Jewish people are chosen not for privilege, but for purpose. Chosen to be a light unto the nations, an example of morality and meaning in the world. Becoming that kind of people requires endurance. Through millennia of agonies and ecstasies, the Jewish people have developed spiritual muscle. Whatever challenges we face today, we carry within us the resilience of generations.
2. Controlling Pace
   Brown emphasized reversing the basketball, touching the paint, and making quick decisions on offense. Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a place we think we can’t escape: a bad habit, a destructive relationship, an addiction, a character trait that keeps hurting the people we love.
   Judaism offers a revolutionary idea: no matter how long you’ve been going in the wrong direction, you can begin again. Now. The Torah calls this teshuvah, return, often translated as repentance. Return to yourself, return to the person you know you can be. We all get off track. We all hit dead ends and make mistakes. The question is whether you have the courage to turn around. One good decision can change the trajectory of your life.
3. Defensive Discipline
   The team was told to lock in on assignments, put their chest on the ball, and challenge drives into the paint. Assistant coach Rick Brunson kept the team grounded by telling them to stop complaining about the referees and focus their energy on the court. That’s good basketball advice. It’s also good life advice. People generally fall into two camps: those who live in the past and those who live in the future.
   Regret, blame, resentment, and revenge all live in the past. Worry, fear, and anxiety live in the future. Show me the past. You can’t. It’s gone. Show me the future. You can’t. It hasn’t happened yet. And yet we spend enormous amounts of emotional energy dwelling on one and fearing the other. The only place life actually happens is right here, right now. Live in the present. When we drag yesterday’s pain or tomorrow’s worries into today, we poison the present. We become spectators in our own lives. Stop arguing with the referees. Play the game.
4. Incremental Goals
   Rather than trying to tie the game at once, Brown’s directive was to chip away at the lead and give themselves a fighting chance going into the final period. That’s how every meaningful accomplishment happens. I often tell my children, the thousands of women who travel with Momentum, and myself: you may not be where you want to be, but if you’re pointed in the right direction, you’ll get there.
   Growth isn’t a perfect circle. It’s a spiral. Each year when we once again arrive at Rosh Hashanah, we’re hopefully not in the exact same place. Maybe we’ve moved forward three steps and backward two. But we’re still one step higher. Sometimes that’s all it takes. After all, as the Knicks know, you don’t need to be ahead by 29 points. You only need to be ahead by one.
   Congrats, Knicks. Congrats, New York. And congrats to each and every one of you who gets up every day, still in the game of life, ready to come from behind for the win.

The Messages Kids Carry for Life

Laura Shammah, MS, RDN

Summer is supposed to feel carefree. Ice cream trucks on the corner, late-night pizza after camp, amusement parks, BBQs, slushies at the pool, sticky watermelon hands, and family vacations centered around food and fun. Yet for many children, summer also becomes a season filled with subtle food anxiety.

Without realizing it, parents often become more focused on food and body image during the summer months. There is pressure around “summer bodies,” more exposure to swimsuits, disrupted routines, and constant access to treats. Conversations about food can quickly shift from joyful and relaxed to stressful and loaded.
Children notice everything. They hear the sigh after eating dessert. They hear “I was so bad this weekend.” They hear “Do you really need another ice cream?” They hear parents criticizing their own stomachs before going to the beach. Even when comments are not directed at them, children absorb the message that food is something to fear, control, earn, or feel guilty about.
The truth is, children are not supposed to spend their summers calculating, compensating, or worrying about every treat. Summer memories should not revolve around shame after pizza or anxiety over a popsicle.
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is turning certain summer foods into emotional events. Ice cream becomes “cheating.” Camp snacks become “junk.” Desserts become something children must “deserve.” Ironically, the more emotionally charged a food becomes, the more powerful and obsessive it often feels to a child.
When children believe treats are forbidden or highly restricted, they frequently become preoccupied with them. Some begin sneaking food. Others overeat whenever they get access to those foods outside the home. Some develop guilt around eating altogether. Over time, this can quietly shape a child’s relationship with food, hunger, and body image for years to come.
This does not mean nutrition no longer matters during the summer. Structure, nourishment, and balance are still important. But balance should feel calm, not controlling. Children benefit from seeing meals that include protein, fiber, healthy fats, and satisfying foods throughout the day so they are not arriving at every outing overly hungry and dysregulated. They benefit from predictable meals and snacks even when schedules are looser. They benefit from parents who model flexibility instead of fear.
Most importantly, they benefit from hearing neutral language around food. Instead of: “You already had enough.” Try: “Let’s make sure your body is also getting foods that help you feel energized and strong.” Instead of: “That’s unhealthy.” Try: “Different foods do different things for our bodies, and all foods can fit.” Instead of: “I need to work this off tomorrow.” Try: “That was delicious.”
Children also need parents to remember that appetite naturally changes during the summer. Some kids eat more because they are more active. Others graze more due to heat and changing schedules. Some ask for more frozen foods and lighter meals. This is normal. Bodies are not machines, and healthy eating does not look identical every single day.
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give children is allowing food to remain connected to joy, culture, family, celebration, and trust instead of guilt and fear. Years from now, children will not remember the nutritional breakdown of the ice cream cone they had on a July afternoon. But they will remember how they felt eating it. They will remember whether food felt stressful or safe. Whether their bodies felt criticized or accepted. Whether summer felt like freedom or constant monitoring.
The goal is not raising children who eat perfectly. The goal is raising children who can enjoy food, trust themselves around it, and carry a peaceful relationship with eating long after summer ends.

Rabbi Dr. Yosef Lynn

Helicopter parents hover, while permissive parents disappear. Lighthouse parents stand steady and let their kids navigate, building confident, resilient children.

Your child falls or gets hurt by a friend, and before they cry, they look at you. In that split second, your face tells them everything. If you panic, they fall apart. If you stay calm, they pick themselves up and keep going. That moment contains the entire philosophy of what researchers are now calling “Lighthouse Parenting.”
What Is a Lighthouse Parent?
A lighthouse doesn’t chase the ships or steer them. It simply stands, steady, luminous, unwavering, and lets the sailor navigate. A lighthouse parent does the same. You provide firm values, emotional presence, and clear boundaries, while allowing your children the space to face their own challenges, make their own mistakes, and discover their own resilience.
This stands in sharp contrast to two increasingly common failure modes. The helicopter parent hovers, fixes, and rescues, robbing children of the very struggles that build confidence. The permissive parent steps back entirely, leaving children without the anchor of structure and values. The lighthouse parent does neither. You are present without being controlling, clear without being rigid.
Research on parenting styles consistently shows that this “authoritative” approach, warmth combined with high expectations, produces the happiest, most capable, and most emotionally resilient children.

Judaism’s Paradigm
Judaism offers a similar paradigm with the relationship between Moses and his main disciple Joshua. Moses doesn’t fight Joshua’s battles for him. He sends him into them. “Choose men for us and go out, fight Amalek” (Exodus 17:9), not “watch how I do it,” or “I’ll handle it.” And then Moses stands on the hilltop, arms raised, a steady presence that makes victory possible without determining its outcome. A lighthouse.

Replacing “Fix It” with “I’m Listening”
The most difficult shift for any caring parent is learning to swap the instinct to solve for the discipline to listen. When your child comes home upset about a difficult friend or a failed test, every fiber of your being wants to march in and make it better. That impulse comes from love, but it communicates: you can’t handle this without me.
Instead, pause and ask, “That sounds hard. What did you do?” That sends the message: I trust you, which becomes the foundation of genuine self-confidence.
It takes far more self-discipline to hold back than to jump in. It requires you to manage your own anxiety so that it doesn’t become your child’s anxiety. It requires you to believe, in your bones, that your child has the inner resources to navigate difficulty. Your job is to affirm that belief.
So resist the urge to immediately call the teacher, finish the project, or smooth over every social friction. Be present without being intrusive, available when truly needed, and trusting in the space between.

Earning Confidence
Genuine confidence grows from mastery experiences, from struggling with something hard and getting through it. When you deprive your child of that struggle, you may spare them short-term discomfort but you steal from them the long-term gift of knowing they can handle difficulty.
This is the paradox at the heart of Lighthouse Parenting: sometimes the most loving thing you can do is nothing at all, to stand steady, stay calm, and trust. Your child is watching your face. Let them see your confidence in them.

The Heat defeated Darchei 4-0 to seal another varsity softball title

Coaches Jackie Ashkenazi and Elliot Saka led one of the best teams in Hillel history. Hillel’s Varsity Softball team has enjoyed an incredible run, winning six varsity championships over the past 11 seasons. The 2026 team captured its third consecutive championship, beginning with a JV title in 2024. This season, Hillel finished with a perfect 8-0 record and earned the No. 1 seed after a big road win over YDE.
Hillel advanced to the semifinals with a 7-3 playoff victory over Flatbush. The turning point came on a David Levy triple that gave Hillel the lead for good. In the semifinals, Hillel faced Mesivta Ateres Yaakov (MAY), a team looking to avenge last year’s loss. The Hillel Heat offense came alive, scoring nine runs in the fourth inning on the way to an 11-1 victory. Key hits from Alfred Harary, Jonathan Cohen, and Arthur Tawil propelled the offense, while Abraham Tobias pitched a gem, holding MAY to just one run.
In the championship game, Hillel faced Darchei in a rematch of the 2018 title game. Abraham Tobias was throwing heat on the mound. He carried a no-hitter through four innings and finished with a three-hit shutout. Hillel held a 2-0 lead entering the bottom of the sixth inning when Bruce Epstein singled, followed by a two-run home run from Bobby Salem. Those insurance runs gave MVP Abraham Tobias all the support he needed to secure the 4-0 championship victory.
Defense was a key factor in Hillel’s shutout. Captain David Hakim made a spectacular defensive play with two outs and runners on second and third to end a Darchei rally. Joseph “JMoney” Dweck made countless outstanding plays at third base throughout the game.
Darchei showed tremendous sportsmanship under the leadership of Baruch Noy. They also received outstanding performances from pitcher Shloimy Gordimer and shortstop Avi Berger.
Hillel Heat thanks commissioner Seth Gordon for all his efforts running the league, and the hundreds of fans who came out to support the team.

Practical Recipes for Easy Grilling, Fresh Flavor, And Real Home Cooking

Summer Barbecue is about food that feels relaxed but still has real flavor. The best recipes are the ones that work on a weeknight, on a Sunday afternoon, or when guests are coming and you do not want to be stuck in the kitchen. These dishes keep the cooking practical, the ingredients familiar, and the flavors bright enough for warm weather.

Each recipe uses the grill or barbecue flavors in a way that feels useful for home cooks, not complicated. They are built to be served family style, with simple sides, fresh salads, or whatever is already on the table.

Charred Peach and BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
Meat
Yields: 4 flatbreads
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken cutlets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 4 flatbreads (parve)
• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
Heat the grill or a grill pan over medium high heat. Rub the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Grill the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last minute of cooking, then remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly.
Place the peach slices on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until lightly charred. Warm the flatbreads on the grill for about 1 minute per side. Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over each flatbread. Top with sliced chicken, grilled peaches, and red onion. Return the flatbreads to the grill for 2 to 3 minutes, just until warmed through. Toss the arugula with lemon juice and olive oil, then scatter it over the flatbreads before serving.

BBQ Spiced Fish Tacos with Crunchy Slaw
Parve
Yields: 8 tacos
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds firm white fish fillets, such as cod, halibut, or tilapia
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 small carrot, shredded
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, optional

Instructions
Pat the fish dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture over the fish. Heat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat, then cook the fish for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fish from the heat and break it into large pieces.
In a bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, and salt. Toss until coated. Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet. Fill each tortilla with fish, crunchy slaw, avocado slices, and cilantro if using. Serve right away while the fish is warm and the slaw is crisp.

BBQ Brisket Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Meat
Yields: 4 stuffed sweet
potatoes
Serves: 4
Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 cups cooked shredded brisket
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced scallions
• 1/2 cup pickled red onions, optional

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Scrub the sweet potatoes and pierce each one a few times with a fork. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until tender.
While the potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until softened. Add the shredded brisket, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes, until heated through. Cut each sweet potato open lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Spoon the barbecue brisket mixture into each sweet potato. Top with scallions and pickled red onions if using. Serve warm.

Grilled Portobello Shawarma Bowls
Parve
Yields: 4 bowls
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
Remove the stems from the portobello mushrooms and gently scrape out the dark gills with a spoon. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush the spice mixture over both sides of the mushrooms. Heat the grill or a grill pan over medium high heat, then grill the mushrooms for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until tender and lightly charred. Let the mushrooms rest for 3 minutes, then slice them into strips.
In a bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and lemon juice. In a separate bowl, whisk the tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth. Add another spoonful of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Divide the rice or quinoa among four bowls. Top each bowl with sliced portobello mushrooms, the cucumber tomato mixture, and tahini sauce. q

This month’s Community Photo Album is dedicated entirely to the graduates of our community. From children graduating kindergarten and moving on to elementary school, to students completing elementary school and preparing for high school, to high school graduates heading toward college, a year in Israel, or new opportunities, each milestone deserves to be celebrated with pride.
Graduation marks more than the end of a school year. It reflects growth, effort, learning, and the steady progress each student has made along the way. For some, it is the excitement of taking the next big step. For others, including our special needs students, it is the celebration of another year of success, achievement, and personal growth. We are proud to celebrate all of our graduates and wish them continued success as they move forward.

A World War II Story of Separation, Internment, Survival, and Reunion

Sarina Roffé

Most children don’t have memories of being interned in a Japanese camp as a small child. But that’s exactly what happened to Sally Shweky, née Franco, her parents, and three siblings. The family of six was interned in a Japanese camp for Allied citizens during World War II.

When Sally, whose legal name is Zakia, told me she was interned in a Japanese camp, I was surprised. Shanghai is a dynamic, bustling, and very large port city, the epicenter of economic activity in China. The first Jewish community in Shanghai was established by Sephardic Jews from Syria and Baghdad in the late 19th century.
Shanghai was one of the few places in the world that unconditionally offered refuge for Jews escaping from the Nazis. In 1938, 31 out of 32 countries refused to take in Jewish refugees after Kristallnacht. Shanghai was one of the few places that did not require an entry visa. The city has a rich history of a Jewish community and helped over 30,000 Jews escape the Nazis during World War II.

Moving to Shanghai
Sarah and David Franco were living in Shanghai when World War II broke out and the Japanese took over Shanghai. The couple and their four children, Grace, Harry, Sally, and Abie, were interned by the Japanese during World War II because David was an American citizen, not because he was Jewish, but because he had American citizenship and was from one of the Allied countries.
During World War II, Japan interned over 13,500 Allied civilians in China, with the vast majority of Shanghai’s Allied population forced into detention camps. By early 1943, the Japanese ordered the imprisonment of all Allied citizens into makeshift internment centers across Shanghai and its surrounding regions, referred to by the Japanese as “Civilian Assembly Centres.”

Background
Sarah Franco was a sweet, kind and caring teenager, born in the Ottoman Empire. She lived in Israel and was promised as a child to her cousin David Franco, who was born in Syria around 1906. He moved to New York with his family and became an American citizen in 1930. The Francos lived on 64th Street in Bensonhurst.
A charmer, David traveled from New York to Eretz Israel, the Land of Israel, in 1931 to marry her when she was just 14 years old, and she was beautiful. They lived in Bensonhurst, where Grace, Harry, and Sally were born. Sally was an infant when her family moved to Shanghai during the Depression for economic opportunity, and many Sephardic Jews lived there. Sarah and David’s son Abie was born there.
David Franco built a successful business in Shanghai, where there were many Allied citizens, including many Syrian Jews. They had a lifestyle where they went to the cabaret, played bridge, and socialized often. Sarah Franco cooked Syrian food. The children played outside in magnificent gardens and parks. They attended an English-speaking school.
The family lived in a large apartment and had a servant family that lived with them in separate quarters. The husband supervised and cooked, the wife cleaned, and the teenage daughter helped care for the children. They kept strictly kosher, as they were very religious.
So how did a Jewish family get interned by the Japanese? In 1937, Shanghai came under Japanese military occupation that lasted until the end of World War II in the summer of 1945. Japan went to war with the United States after its attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Citizens of Allied countries, the United States, France, and Great Britain, were considered enemies of Japan and were interned in camps. Because David was an American, he and his entire family were interned in the camp.
“As kids, we didn’t know what was happening,” said Sally. “We were so disciplined and respectful of our parents. We did what they told us without question. I remember one time, the daughter of the family who worked for us tried to throw something over the fence. But it fell into the creek. They would come to see us through the fence at the camp.”
At some point, the International Red Cross intervened and arranged for the four children to be sent to live with David’s brothers in New York. Grace was 11, Harry was nine, Sally was seven, and Abie Franco was four years old. Sarah and David cried when their children left by ship but knew it was for the best. “Every time I think about it, I wonder how my mother endured it. She didn’t know if she would ever see us again,” Sally said.
According to Sally, Harry was an entrepreneur. On the ship to America, he noticed that people put their shoes out at night to be shined with the payment in the shoe. Harry took the shoes, used something to shine the shoes, and took the money to buy and share candy.

Living Apart from Their Parents
After arriving in New York, the children were separated, and each child was sent to live with a different uncle. When the family got together for holidays and they saw all their cousins with their parents, and they saw and hugged one another, they felt the pain of separation, not only from their parents, but from each other. If they didn’t have their parents, it would have been comforting if the siblings could live together.
Upon seeing this, their grandfather, Aharon Franco, took an apartment and took in all four children to care for them himself. The children were finally together. “We didn’t know it was not normal not to have parents with us,” said Sally.
The four children were registered in school. Zakia Franco became Sally, her nickname, when she went to P.S. 205 in Bensonhurst. When the family moved to the Ocean Parkway area, Sally went to Boody JHS. Harry wanted to stay at Seth Low JHS, which was the school for Bensonhurst, so he didn’t report the change of address. Until one day, the teacher was instructing them on how to write a letter and address an envelope. He wrote the Ocean Parkway address and was caught! He had to change schools.

Reuniting with Their Parents
Harry loved to read newspapers. The children spent the summer in Bradley Beach with the Francos. On VJ Day, Victory over Japan Day, August 15, 1945, the day Japan announced its surrender, a photo was printed in the newspapers. The International Red Cross had gone into the camp and taken photos of all New Yorkers. Harry immediately recognized his parents. They were holding the youngest Franco, newly born Moshe, who was born in the camp. That’s how the family knew that Sarah and David were alive and that they had a new brother. The blond-haired, blue-eyed Moshe became Rabbi Moses Franco, and he lives in Long Branch, New Jersey.
“When my parents came to New York, my father had to start from scratch. Our mother taught us to clean house and scrub floors. Each week we had to scrub the basement floor, even though my mother eventually was able to hire household help,” she said.
David Franco returned to Shanghai via Hawaii on November 5, 1946, on Pacific Overseas Airlines. His destination was Szchuan Road, Shanghai. It is assumed he returned to Shanghai to tie up loose ends with his business.
Another son, Sam, was born in 1948, and a few years later, Gloria, the baby of the family, was born. In June of that same year, David traveled to Rio de Janeiro to buy merchandise as he returned from Argentina with five suitcases. His new business were located at 4 West 37th Street in Manhattan.
In 1950, David and Sarah, along with their six children, were living at 2029 East 3rd Street in Brooklyn, according to the U.S. Census for that year. David’s father, Aharon, lived with them, and his brother Abhou, Sarah’s father, was visiting from Israel. David was working in wholesale linen as a proprietor of his own business. Eventually, all six of the Franco children grew up, married, and became leaders in the community.
Sally finished school and married Harry Shweky in 1957. She wrote a column called Dear Sulha in a newsletter. Harry was also writing an article, and they met at a meeting for the publication. The couple has three children, including Rabbi David H. Shweky, who lives in Israel.

Family-Friendly Ways To Explore The City

New York City offers endless ways to enjoy the summer, from parks and museums to zoos, libraries, gardens, walking tours, outdoor movies, and indoor activities for hot or rainy days. With a little planning, families can find plenty of outings that are fun, wholesome, and easy to enjoy.

A good summer day in the city starts with a little preparation. Do your research, check travel time and parking, and look for discount codes, family packages, free admission days, and special hours. It is also worth checking whether a museum, zoo, garden, or attraction offers a membership, multi-location pass, or summer pass that can save money if you plan to visit more than once. Before you go, visit the website to confirm hours, schedules, ticket rules, and registration requirements. When possible, buy or reserve tickets online in advance so you can spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the day.

SEE ANIMALS UP CLOSE
A zoo or aquarium visit is one of the easiest summer outings for families with children of all ages. The Bronx Zoo can fill a full day with animals, exhibits, walking paths, and seasonal programs. Central Park Zoo is smaller and easier to visit in a shorter afternoon, with the Tisch Children’s Zoo for younger children. Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Staten Island Zoo are also good options for a relaxed animal-focused outing. For marine life, the New York Aquarium in Coney Island is the city’s main aquarium and a favorite stop for children who love sea animals.

SPEND THE DAY BY THE WATER
Waterfront outings are one of the best parts of summer in New York. Families can walk, bike, scooter, or relax along Hudson River Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Battery Park City, or the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Governors Island feels like a mini getaway, with ferry rides, open lawns, bike rentals, Slide Hill, hammocks, public art, and harbor views. The Staten Island Ferry is another simple and free outing, with views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.

BE A TOURIST FOR A DAY
Sometimes the best summer outing is to enjoy New York the way visitors do. Take a ferry, rent bikes if your children are old enough, or plan a classic city day around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Families can also walk through Battery Park, visit the SeaGlass Carousel, or explore the Lower Manhattan waterfront. For Liberty Island and Ellis Island, reserve tickets in advance and leave time for security, ferry lines, walking, and breaks. For another classic city experience, consider a weekday Broadway matinee, but check the show’s content, length, and age recommendations before buying tickets.

EXPLORE A GREAT PARK
Some summer days do not need a big plan. Central Park, Prospect Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park, Marine Park, Clove Lakes Park, and the Staten Island Greenbelt all give families space to walk, play, explore, and enjoy fresh air. Look for playgrounds, bike paths, nature trails, open fields, lakes, bird walks, seasonal programs, and select parks with bike rentals, boat rentals, or kayaking. In Manhattan, the Davis Center in Central Park now adds summer swimming, open play, youth programs, and family activities.

TRY A HANDS-ON MUSEUM
Museums are perfect for very hot days, rainy days, or children who like to touch, build, explore, and ask questions. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, New York Hall of Science, Queens Museum, New York Transit Museum, and Staten Island Children’s Museum all offer exhibits and activities that feel more like play than school. Children can climb through old subway cars, study the city through a giant model, experiment with science, make art, and learn through hands-on exhibits.

VISIT A JEWISH MUSEUM
A summer outing can also be meaningful. The Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights gives children a hands-on way to learn about Jewish life, holidays, history, and values. The Museum at Eldridge Street, inside the restored Eldridge Street Synagogue, is a beautiful place to learn about Jewish immigrant history and old New York. The Museum of Jewish Heritage is best suited for older children, teens, and adults. The Jewish Museum on Fifth Avenue presents Jewish art, culture, history, and ideas through exhibitions and public programs.

WALK THROUGH A GARDEN
For a quieter day, visit one of the city’s gardens. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden and New York Botanical Garden offer seasonal blooms, walking paths, children’s programs, and peaceful spaces to enjoy nature. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Staten Island is another strong choice, with gardens, historic buildings, walking paths, museums, and family programs. Little Island and the High Line also give families gardens, city views, public art, and fresh air in a more urban setting.

CATCH A FREE PUBLIC PROGRAM
NYC Parks offers free and low-cost family programs throughout the summer, including nature walks, sports activities, arts programs, outdoor movies, concerts, and children’s events. The Urban Park Rangers lead programs about wildlife, trees, birds, insects, astronomy, local history, and the city’s natural spaces. Bryant Park, Riverside Park, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Governors Island, and other public spaces also offer summer performances and family activities. Check times carefully, since some events take place in the evening.

GO ON A WALKING TOUR
Walking tours can make the city feel new again, especially with older children and teens. Look for daytime tours focused on history, architecture, parks, bridges, Jewish history, or neighborhood stories. Good family options include the Lower East Side, Central Park, Brooklyn Heights, Governors Island, the High Line, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and historic Staten Island. Before booking, check the length, meeting place, cost, walking distance, and content.

USE THE LIBRARY
Libraries are one of the easiest summer resources for families. The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library offer summer reading programs, story times, crafts, science activities, teen programs, and free events. A library visit is especially useful on very hot or rainy days, and many branches offer weekday afternoon programs that fit easily into a family schedule.

SAVE INDOOR FUN FOR HOT OR RAINY DAYS
When the weather does not cooperate, indoor activities can save the day. Families can consider Kids ’N Action in Brooklyn, Shipwrecked indoor miniature golf, Chelsea Piers on Manhattan’s west side, or other active indoor spaces. These are good options when children need to move around but parks are too hot, wet, or crowded. Always check hours, age rules, pricing, and reservations before going.
A good summer in New York does not have to be complicated. Pick outdoor spaces for pleasant days, museums and libraries for hot or rainy afternoons, and public programs when the timing works. With so many options across the five boroughs, families can enjoy the city in a relaxed, wholesome, and memorable way.

It’s Less About the Room and More About the Person Entering It

Jeff Sitt

Most of us pass a mezuzah multiple times a day. We touch it. We kiss it. We move on. For many people, it has become almost automatic. We know it’s important. We know it’s Jewish. We know it’s connected to protection and blessing. Still, we may not always think about why.

Have you ever stopped to ask why the mezuzah is specifically placed on a doorway? Not on the dining room table. Not on the refrigerator. Not on the couch where we spend our evenings. The Torah places it on a threshold. A transition point. A place where one environment ends and another begins. And perhaps that’s exactly the point.
The mezuzah is less about the room you’re entering and more about the person entering it. Think about the average day. You leave your home in the morning. You head into the world of meetings, deadlines, decisions, traffic, responsibilities, and pressure. You’re doing your best to provide for your family. You’re building. You’re solving. You’re carrying a lot. As you walk out the door and touch the mezuzah, perhaps there is a quiet message hidden in that moment. “Hashem, I’m going out into the world. I’ll do my part. I’ll work hard. I’ll do my hishtadlut, personal effort. But I’m leaving behind the people I love. Protect this home. Protect my family. Protect what matters most.”
Then the day begins. Hours later, you come back. Maybe the deal didn’t go as planned. Maybe the client was difficult. Maybe the traffic was terrible. Maybe you’re exhausted. Maybe you’re carrying frustrations no one else can see. Then you reach the doorway again. And the mezuzah asks a different question. Not, “How was your day?” Not, “How much money did you make?” Not, “Did everything go according to plan?” The question is: Who is about to walk through this door?
Is it the stressed version of you? The distracted version? The angry version? The exhausted version? Or is it the husband, father, mother, friend, and servant of Hashem that your family has been waiting for?
Most of us spend a great deal of time thinking about what we’re walking into. The meeting. The conversation. The challenge. The opportunity. The mezuzah reminds us to think about something else. What are we bringing into the room? The mezuzah isn’t there to protect the room… it’s there to transform the person walking through the doorway.
Because every room is affected by the person who enters it. A father brings something into a room. A husband brings something into a room. A mother brings something into a room. A leader brings something into a room. The question isn’t whether you’re bringing something. The question is what you’re bringing.
A calm person changes a room. A grateful person changes a room. An encouraging person changes a room. A reactive person changes a room too. So does a distracted one. The ancient sages teach that one of the highest levels a person can reach is to move beyond constantly asking, “What can I get?” and begin asking, “What can I give?” That’s where the mezuzah mindset begins.
Before entering a room, ask: How may I serve? How may I help? How may I contribute? Then, when you leave the room, ask a second question: How did I serve? How did I show up? What did I leave behind? Did I leave encouragement? Patience? Kindness? Presence? Or did I leave tension, frustration, and negativity?
The mezuzah becomes more than a symbol. It becomes a reset. A pause button. A reminder that every doorway is an opportunity to choose who we want to be. The truth is that most of us don’t need another productivity system. We don’t need another app. We don’t need another life hack. We need reminders. We need moments that interrupt autopilot. We need something that helps us remember what matters before we walk into the next room. That’s exactly what the mezuzah offers. Not once a year. Not once a month. But every single day.
The next time you touch the mezuzah, pause for a moment. Ask yourself: What am I bringing into this room? Because the mezuzah isn’t asking what’s on the other side of the door. It’s asking who is about to walk through it.