KELLY JEMAL MASSRY

ON MARCH 2ND 2022, MEMBERS OF THE MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH FAMILY FILLED THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AUDITORIUM TO HEAR FROM THE TWO RENOWNED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE SOON GOING TO PLAY VITAL ROLES IN ITS FUTURE: RABBI ELI J. MANSOUR AND DR. DANIEL J. VITOW.

Rabbi Eli J. Mansour, an internationally revered speaker, and the presiding rabbi of several prominent congregations, will be taking on the role of Rabbinical Leader of Magen David Yeshivah. Dr. Daniel J. Vitow, former principal of both HAFTR and North Shore Hebrew Academy High School, will become the new Head of School for MDY High School. Parents of current sixth through twelfth grade students were invited to witness the two of them formally accept these positions, before delivering remarks that expounded on their educational goals and beliefs.

The evening began with a beautiful performance by the Magen David Yeshivah Boys Choir, who were led by Rabbi Mustacchi in affecting renditions of Hatikvah and The Star-Spangled Banner. Rabbi Ezra Cohen-Saban then took the podium to express the heartfelt hope that the appointment of these two leaders will strengthen the very foundation of the Yeshivah. To bring his point home, he used a pasuk (verse) in Tehillim which perfectly epitomizes this wish, a pasuk that states in reference to the city of Jerusalem: “For Hashem has made the bars of your gates strong, and He has blessed your children within you.” With the advent of Rabbi Mansour and Dr. Vitow, Rabbi Cohen-Saban truly feels that the same will be true for Magen David Yeshivah—that strength and blessing will permeate the institution, all for the benefit of our children.

“These two giants of education sitting to my right are the bedihim, the bars, that will solidify the gates of Magen David and ultimately bring tremendous beracha and success to the children in our midst,” he said. Counting himself as a partner in this endeavor, Rabbi Cohen-Saban promised that the three of them would work hard to uphold the standards of the Yeshivah, and keep it the community school, just as Magen David’s founders intended it to be, so many years ago.

For Rabbi Mansour, the acceptance of his new role is both monumental and sentimental. He is a distinguished alumnus of Magen David Yeshivah, having earned the Salutatorian award upon graduating from the elementary school in 1982. Though it may seem a trite thing to mention so many decades later, for Rabbi Mansour, that award symbolizes all of the reasons he holds the school so dear. As the great-nephew of founder Isaac Shalom A’’H, he grew up with the legacy of the Yeshivah in his bones. As the years passed, his uncles Joe Esses, Leo Esses, Moe Maleh, Ellis Safdeye and Eli D. Cohen of blessed memory went on to become some of the founding fathers of the Yeshivah, imbuing Rabbi Mansour with the importance of community service and religious heritage.

“I’m a man that loves history,” Rabbi Mansour said, “and I’m a man that follows precedents.” In that vein, Rabbi Mansour promised to follow the examples set for him by his illustrious relatives. “The task of a yeshivah is to truly train its students to stand up,” Rabbi Mansour said, reading from the speech he made as an eighth-grader, 40 years ago. “To give them strength and background, dignity and a sense of independence. When a yeshivah provides a student with a background in Jewish history, a love of Torah, an appreciation of the contributions that Jews and Judaism have made to the world, and a superior secular education, he is given the opportunity to stand on his own two feet.”

Rabbi Mansour is grateful to have been granted all of those things upon becoming an MDY graduate. Equipped with strength of character and a proud commitment to his Jewish identity, Rabbi Mansour went on to become a Talmudic scholar who contributes greatly to the breadth and depth of our community’s learning. Now, in the esteemed role of Rabbinical Leader of Magen David Yeshivah, he will do the same for thousands of children who make up the next generation. Rabbi Mansour understands that his job is to arm these students with tools they can use to face the world, and a firm foundation upon which to build their lives.

“Those were the values of Magen David 40 years ago, those are the values of Magen David today, and those will be the values of Magen David tomorrow as well!” he said emphatically. “It is these values of Sephardic pride, love of Torah, love of community, and love of our rich history, that I intend to bring to our great Yeshivah. As long as G-d gives me the strength and the ability, I will see to it that our Yeshivah continues in these founding ways and principles.”

The serendipity of finding the very speech he gave 40 years ago, thanking Magen David for all it had instilled in him, just as he was about to take on the vow of carrying those values forward, seemed to energize the Rabbi as he addressed the audience. Rabbi Mansour is nothing if not authentic. As Rabbi Cohen-Saban so eloquently stated, he teaches from the heart so that his words will enter the heart. Using his former speech as a bedrock gave Rabbi Mansour’s new mission a solemnity and purity of purpose that instilled great faith in all those in attendance. The crowd left assured that the Rabbi is not only aware of the awesome responsibility that he is now taking on, but that he will execute it with a great sense of gratitude and honor.

“My intention is to work for our children and our families,” Rabbi Mansour promised. “This is my top priority. I have no other allegiance but to the will of the parents of the mainstream of our community.” Rabbi Mansour fully appreciates the mainstream lifestyle because he came from it.

“I lived it, I was raised in it, I understand it and I’m a rabbi of two synagogues that serve the mainstream of our community,” he declared. “Those are my people—the people that I love, that I connect to and that resonate with me.”

Rabbi Mansour concluded his remarks by giving his respect to Dr. Vitow in expressing the belief that the two of them will work well together, having already found that their personalities and leadership styles are quite similar. And with that, Rabbi Cohen-Saban returned to the stage to introduce Dr. Vitow, reading a poem written by one of his former students to enumerate his admirable qualities—foremost among them, his personal touch. As Magen David Yeshivah High School’s incoming freshmen have already begun to see, Dr. Vitow greatly values the practice of meeting with each individual student. He is of the belief that every child’s schedule should be unique, to suit his or her scholastic abilities and personal interests. Each student’s academic performance matters deeply to him, but he also encourages creative thinking, the pursuit of culture and the act of fundraising. Because he so highly values his students, they come to value themselves. That is the kind of principal that Magen David High School will soon be lucky enough to have at its helm.

Dr. Vitow showed himself to be a man of warmth and humor, as he entertained the audience with an opening story about a gift of goldfish gone awry. The story was important, he stressed, because of what it represented: just how much his former students appreciated being heard and respected by him and his administration. “That’s what it’s all about,” Dr. Vitow proclaimed, “engaging with kids, talking to them, understanding that no two kids are the same and that there’s no cookie-cutter mold.”

In his duties as principal, Dr. Vitow seeks out talent and praises character. To him, report card grades are secondary to a good reputation and a future that shows great promise. “None of us are perfect,” Dr. Vitow said of all those who join with him in the art of education, “but we are committed to building. We will take this institution to the next step. There’s always room to grow. I will come here and continue to build on the shoulders of the giants that I knew very well,” he said, specifying Rabbi Greenes, Rabbi Kahana, Rabbi Russ and Mr. Fisher.

The Rabbi has great respect for our Sephardic mores and traditions and is deeply familiar with them, having worked with Rabbi Moshe Shamah in Sephardic High School for many years. “I’m back in the Syrian community that I love,” Dr. Vitow declared. “I’m so happy to be here! I really believe I can do a lot with this particular school, and with this particular partner,” he said, referring back to Rabbi Mansour.

Dr. Vitow pledged to create robust interdisciplinary programs that showcase a synthesis between Torah and Western society and a unification of Judaic and General Studies faculty. What will emerge, he hopes, is a well-rounded child of good character who can take advantage of any opportunity he wishes to pursue—whether that be enrollment in the very best college, or a year in Israel spent learning. All of these efforts will be in service of the most important factors in the equation: our children.

“Be’ezrat Hashem we look forward to building a great future together,” said Rabbi Cohen-Saban as he took the podium one last time. Indeed, that appears to be just what is unfolding as Rabbi Mansour and Dr. Vitow unite forces to uphold the principles and longevity of MDY.

6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

MARY ANNE COHEN LCSW, BCD

LINDA, A 16 YEAR-OLD TEEN, WAITS UNTIL HER FAMILY IS ASLEEP AND THEN SNEAKS DOWNSTAIRS AND STANDS IN FRONT OF THE OPEN REFRIGERATOR GORGING ON LEFTOVER CHOCOLATE CAKE. DAVE, A 45 YEAR-OLD MARRIED MAN, STOCKS UP ON FAST FOOD AND CANDY WHICH HE CONSUMES ON HIS DRIVE HOME FROM WORK, THROWING OUT THE FOOD WRAPPERS BEFORE HE GETS TO BROOKLYN.

Paula, a 38 year-old mother of three, goes to her exercise class and then comes home tearing into her kitchen cupboard while standing over her sink overeating. Sometimes Paula makes herself throw up. What each of these people have in common is binge eating disorder (BED), the most common eating disorder.

Although the media often plays up celebrities with more “exotic” anorexia and bulimia, overeating is a much more frequent eating struggle effecting three times the number of people with anorexia and bulimia. According to the Binge Eating Disorder Association, an estimated 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 30% to 40% of those seeking weight loss treatments can be diagnosed with binge eating disorder. The disorder can impact all people regardless of education or income—including adults, children, and adolescents.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Binge eating disorder (also called compulsive eating) refers to recurring episodes of overeating that are not related to hunger and cause people to feel guilty and ashamed afterwards.
2. Although people with BED may be overweight, not all are. Some binge eaters may be normal weight and some overweight people do not binge.
3. Binge eating is not a choice and cannot be controlled by willpower. It is a psychological response to stress and a biological response to hormones and heredity and other chemical levels in the body.
4. BED often occurs in people with depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorders. Some binge eaters may also have alcohol, drug, or shopping addictions.
5. Restrictive dieting is considered the “gateway” behavior to developing a binge eating disorder. People who go on restrictive diets can be “good” for a while but often the diet backfires causing them to rush back and gorge on the foods they deprived themselves of.
6. BED is also called emotional eating or stress eating. People are helped by identifying their triggers: boredom, anger, loneliness, feeling overwhelmed, resentment, and grief.

The truth is that bingeing is an attempt to make ourselves feel better. And of course there’s nothing wrong with the goal of self-soothing—it’s a healthy intention. But, ultimately, overeating when we are hungry from the heart but not from the stomach is hurtful to our bodies and our spirits.

If you are a binge eater and want to get “ownership” of your eating, reach out to MEND (Mindful Eating New Direction). MEND is a new community initiative to help people like you. You are not alone!

WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO
• Custom tailor an individual approach for
your unique needs.
• Help you get control of your eating back.
• Develop and maintain healthy eating patterns.
• Regain body confidence.
• Unlock what may be keeping you
from healthy eating.

Schedule an initial assessment with MEND, and we’ll help you determine if you can benefit from treatment. To start a confidential conversation about your eating, please contact us. Contact is absolutely confidential.

Please feel free to call (718) 336-MEND. MEND is a division of The SAFE Foundation.

Mary Anne Cohen, LCSW, BCD has been Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders since 1982. She is also author of French Toast for Breakfast: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating and Lasagna for Lunch: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating. She has hosted her own radio show on eating disorders, appears frequently on national television, and is the professional book reviewer for EDReferral.com, the largest international resource for eating disorders.

LAURA SHAMMAH MS, RDN

IT IS A SAYING THAT PEOPLE THROW AROUND LIGHTLY, BUT BREAKFAST MAY VERY WELL BE THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY. A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY THEY SKIP BREAKFAST, BECAUSE THEY DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO EAT IN THE MORNING, BUT EATING A HEALTHY BREAKFAST DOESN’T HAVE TO BE TIME CONSUMING AND IT CAN HELP YOU STAY FULL FOR HOURS AND BOOST YOUR CONCENTRATION.

WHY BREAKFAST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY

Skipping Breakfast Impedes Weight Loss
Some people skip breakfast to avoid eating too many calories with the intent to lose weight. However:

• People who eat breakfast each morning are less likely to eat more calories throughout the day. Not eating in the morning will keep you hungry and craving unhealthy foods. This can lead you to grab sugary and fatty snacks throughout the day.

• If you wait until lunch for your first meal of the day, that means that you are essentially fasting and depriving your body of food for at least 15 hours. This causes your metabolism to slow down, making it harder to lose weight.

• Eating a filling breakfast will keep you satiated and stop you from grabbing whatever is within your reach to fill you up—this includes sugar filled energy bars and convenient snack packs.

Eating Breakfast Boosts Concentration
Teachers always recommend a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast to their students before they take a big test. We should all eat like we’re going to take a test everyday. Eating breakfast helps you concentrate and keeps you focused.

The calories you eat at breakfast help fuel your brain. They also boost short-term memory. No matter what you have to accomplish, eating breakfast will keep you on track all day long.

Whether you are trying to lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should be eating a breakfast high in fiber, protein and calcium, with limited sugar, every day.

If you’re one of the people who says you don’t eat breakfast because you don’t have enough time in the morning, that’s not a good excuse, because breakfast does not have to be time consuming—it only takes a couple of minutes to top a Greek yogurt with nuts and fruit. It’s a healthy breakfast which will keep your energy up for hours.

Laura Shammah MS, RDN has a masters degree in health and nutrition and is a registered dietitian.
She has been operating her own private practice in both New York and NJ for over 20 years. She is happily married and has four children.

NATALIE SENIOR GREENBERG

IMAGINE BEING FABULOUSLY RICH AND LIVING IN NEW YORK AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 20TH CENTURY. WOULD YOU BUILD A MANSION ON FIFTH AVENUE? WOULD YOU FILL IT WITH WONDERFUL ART AND OBJECTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD?

In 1913, millionaire industrialist Henry Clay Frick commissioned his Fifth Avenue mansion, and began collecting Western Art from Europe. He then turned it into a boutique museum in 1935. The Frick Collection is now considered one of the gems of New York’s museums. It is a place where one can encounter masterpieces from the Renaissance to the early 20th century and can easily been seen in a couple of hours.

A visit to the Frick Mansion brings the viewer back to the gilded age, when the elite of New York lived in mansions on upper Fifth Avenue. The art collection at the Frick is not arranged chronologically but in the way that many people would place artwork in their own homes—by where they wanted to view them and where they looked best. One can almost imagine Henry Clay Frick wandering through his home and looking at his treasures. The Frick Mansion is where all the art and decorative objects have been shown since Frick’s death in 1919.

The original Frick Mansion is now closed for some much needed renovation and refurbishing, but that gives us a very unique and interesting opportunity to see all of Henry Clay Frick’s collection in a new and surprising way. The Frick Collection is now located temporarily at the Frick Madison, in a building that was designed by modernist architect Marcel Breuer. The building is a modern architectural masterpiece designed as a minimalist work. It is spare and shows off its materials and structural elements. This minimalism provides a unique backdrop for the Renaissance paintings and other art objects that were collected by Frick.

The paintings viewed in their new setting have never looked better. I have visited the original Frick Mansion many times, but the artwork surprised and delighted me in new ways at this new locale. Here are a few of my favorite artworks and in my opinion “must sees.”

The collection begins on the second floor of the Frick Madison with the 14th century sculpture Angel by French artist Jean Barbet. This is one of the very few surviving sculptures of this time, as during the French Revolution bronze sculptures were melted down to be used as weapons. Angel stands upright, covered in flowing drapery. It is speculated that this angel was made for a chapel in Paris that held the treasures of the French kings. The placement and lighting of this sculpture literally took my breath away when I saw it in its new location.

Continuing on the second floor, look for room 6, which holds all three of the Frick’s paintings by the 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Vermeer painted only about 60 paintings in his lifetime and of those only about 36 have survived. The Frick Madison gives us a rare and wonderful opportunity to view three together. Vermeer painted what are called “genre paintings,” or views of everyday life in Holland. Look how Vermeer treats the light coming into the room and how he uses objects that would have been a part of many a middle class Dutch households. But look at the expressions on his subject’s faces and see if you can tell a story about what is happening.

On the third floor, in room 13 is a painting by Venetian Renaissance master Giovanni Bellini. This is considered “the prize” of the Frick Collection. St. Francis in the Desert was painted in the late 1400s and is an oil painting on panel. The Venetian painters perfected the art of oil painting, which uses layering to build up colors and makes the painting seem lit from within. Bellini depicts a valley in the Venetian countryside with a small hilltop town in the background and Francis standing by his rustic dwelling. There are several animals in the composition emphasizing the natural world and nature. I found the placement of this gorgeous painting, by itself, in this particular room of the museum to be quite fascinating. The curators have placed it on the wall with the light coming in from the window on the left, mimicking the light source coming in on the left side of the painting. The painting is luminous and commands the room entirely.

On the fourth floor, is one of the most iconic of Frick’s Collections, the Fragonard Room. JP Morgan originally owned the paintings in this room and when he died they were displayed at the Metropolitan Museum in New York and then sold to Frick. They took up an entire room at the Frick Mansion, but here on Madison Avenue, they are displayed quite differently. Here, they are bathed with light, as originally intended.

Jean-Honore Fragonard painted these canvases for Madame du Barry, Louis XV’s last mistress. The theme of these paintings is love, and the paintings were hung in the music room of her chateau outside Paris. The fancy ornamentation, pastel color palette and curvilinear shapes characterize the style of the time, French Rococo. Rococo art works often depict themes of love, classical myths, youth and playfulness, so this was a very fitting style for the mistress of a king.

Also on the fourth floor (in room 26), are some Impressionist paintings, which are always crowd-pleasers. These include paintings by Degas, Manet, Renoir and Monet.

This is but a small taste of what the Frick Madison has to offer. You should wander through and find your own favorites. The museum is small enough to not be overwhelming, but the collection is comprehensive enough so you will never be bored! The museum is located at 945 Madison Avenue and is open Thursdays through Sundays. Museum tickets must be purchased online in advance. Enjoy your visit to the Frick Madison!

Natalie Senior Greenberg is a Brooklyn College Art History professor, and the founder, curator and owner of an online art gallery.

FAMOUS FOR STORIES OF MIRACLES

MOUSA SAAD

HACHAM ELIYAHU GREW UP AMONG GEDOLIM (GIANTS OF TORAH) AT THE TIME WHEN THE STUDY OF KABALLAH FLOURISHED IN DAMASCUS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF HIS GRANDFATHER HACHAM NISSIM INDIBO. HE NEVER LEFT HACHAM NISSIM’S SIDE, LEARNING FROM HIS WISDOM AND BEING DRAWN TO KEDUSHA (HOLINESS) AT A VERY YOUNG AGE.

Hacham Eliyahu would become not only a giant in halacha (jewish law) and gemara (talmud), but he also studied Torah hasod (kaballah) heavily, at a very young age. He was known for his greatness and as a young teenager, he became a talmid hacham (Torah scholar) among giants. He would learn and pray daily from midnight till early morning and continue his day as a community rabbi, mohel, shohet, teacher at the talmud torah and was the head of a synagogue.

Hacham Ellie stated that when he started learning, he realized he was changing and he could no longer behave in the manner of a regular person. He not only learned a tremendous amount of Torah, the hidden meanings revealed itself to him, which affected how he behaved, and conducted himself—the Torah embodied him.

Hacham Ellie stated that when he started learning, he realized he was changing and he could no longer behave in the manner of a regular person. He not only learned a tremendous amount of Torah, the hidden meanings revealed itself to him, which affected how he behaved, and conducted himself—the Torah embodied him.

When Hacham Nissim Indibo passed on, Hacham Ellie filled his position in the community over at synagogue Kitab El Dewer (the midrash of el Dewer family), where he would be the rabbi, hazan, baal koreh (read the Sefer Torah), blew the shofar and taught classes.

There is nothing in kedusha the Rabbi was not interested in. He learned shehitaa (kosher ritual slaughter) from Hacham Yishak Assa. He performed countless brit milot for the entire community, not only in Damascus. He would travel to Aleppo on a commercial bus for five hours, leaving his wife and children. When he arrived, he would perform the ceremony, refusing payment for his work. Then he traveled back home the same night, arriving at dawn—all for the sake of mitzvah. In Aleppo, Chief Rabbi Hacham Yom Tob Yedid valued Rabbi Eliyahu greatly and they enjoyed a warm friendship.

The Rabbi also traveled to Kamishle, a 12 hour ride, on the border of Turkey—again to serve the community there—all le shem shamayim (for the sake of Heaven).

I had the zechot (merit) to have him as my mohel and my rebbe, praying in his shul on Shabbat. He would teach all the boys for free.

Many rabbis, cantor and Torah readers watched and learned from him. He inspired them as they watched his love for performing each mitzvah, his kavana (purpose), and how he would be hazan on Shabbat, in the most joyous way. This was felt by the congregation.

Shabbat prayers would start early. The Rabbi would arrive an hour and half before to prepare for the tefilah, before the congregation arrived. I was among just a few boys who realized what an amazing opportunity we had, earning from the Rabbi. We had the zechot (worthiness) to study with the rabbi who would teach us with so much passion, asking nothing in return.

Rabbi Eliyahu became well-known, even among non-Jews, including higher ups in the government who flocked to this house for guidance and blessings. In 1992, when Rabbi Eliyahu wanted to leave Syria, the government refused to let him go, even though other Jews were allowed to leave at that time. The Syrian government knew the Rabbi’s value to the Jews and to the country.

When he came to America, his wife, who was a humble women of kindness, passed away. After that, for years, he would mention her in his prayers.

Always remaining humble; he refused to dress differently than everyone else, despite his greatness. He would ride a bicycle going place to place to serve the community. He loved the simple things in life and didn’t care about anything materialistic.

He was a big baal hesed (a man of loving kindness). He had a list of needy families, and widows, whom he would bring food, funds, and would do anything he could to help them. Wherever he went, he had a smile on his face and his energy could be felt.

He never wanted any honor. He was known for his love of the Jewish people—of all levels—he didn’t care how religious or non-religious a person was. Here, in Brooklyn, he attracted Hasidim, Israelis, Syrians, Ashkenazim, and Moroccans. They all flocked to the Rabbi’s house and the effects were positive.

He was known and loved for his blessings after shul. He would open his tallit and the entire kahal (congregation) would go under it for a blessing. People saw miracles from his blessings—and whatever he said, despite medical doctors, no matter how difficult the situation was—Rabbi Eliyahu prayed and Hashem listened. As it says, “a sadik makes a decree and Hashem makes it happen.”

When people would come to his house crying and thanking him after seeing a miracle, he would strongly raise his voice, point his finger to heaven and say, “The thanks only belongs to the Almighty. It’s Hashem who helped you.”

So many miracles happened because of Rabbi Eliyahu. The year he left Syria, he got up before everyone and said he dreamed of a decree against us and decided that if everyone fasted, they would be allowed to leave Syria. The news made its way to government officials, and he told them “This is what Hashem asked of me. If you want to stop it, go ahead.” Fearing his greatness, they allowed it to happen.

Rabbi Eliyahu made miracles for people who could not have children, and for those who were sick, or in desperate situations. He prayed for them, and Hashem listened. People from near and far would visit him asking for help and would receive life-changing benefits.

The rabbi loved all Jews, saw a spark in each of them and he made them see that spark as well. At his funeral in Brooklyn, where 3,000 people attended, Rabbi Duvi Ben Shoshan explained why while giving a blessing, the Rabbi would put his hand on your head and push it down. He said, “In order to receive the blessing, a person must be humble. So, he would lower their heads to be able to receive the beracha. This was tikunim for that person without the person knowing.”

He never took a day off, never went on vacation, and did not leave the community in the summer. His only interested was learning Torah, which made him happy.

Despite suffering with failing health and losing his wife, the Rabbi never complained. Even when he was in pain, he always said “It’s all for the best.”

He left behind talmide hachamim (Torah scholars) who, like their father, study Torah day and night with barely any sleep, following in his foot steps in abodat hakodesh (holy work).

Our community and am Israel lost a father. It’s not by accident the daf yomi of the day of his passing was the story of how Eliyahu Hanabi went up to heaven and his student Elisha Ben Shafat shouted, “My father, my father, our shepherd.”

Mousa Saad was among the Syrian Jews who were rescued in 1992. After moving to Brooklyn, he attended and graduated from Flatbush Yeshivah. Today he involves himself in many community organizations, but his passion is preserving Syrian Sephardic history and heritage.

BERTHA SABBAGH

IT WAS IN 1975. I WAS 4 OR 5 YEARS OLD WHEN MY FATHER MADE THE IMPULSIVE DECISION TO GET US OUT OF BEIRUT. HE SAID THE GUNFIRE WAS GETTING TOO CLOSE TO HOME AND THE WAR WAS TOO BIG TO IGNORE. MY MOM, MY BROTHER, SISTER AND I, DID WHAT HE SAID, WE ALWAYS DID WHAT HE SAID.

He packed us up in the car and drove us upstate to Bhamdoon. My sister remembers him stopping the car as we left home, walking right up to the soldiers, face-to-face and literally asking them to hold fire so he could get his family through. They did, and we did. Many people know how the story ends. That night a bomb fell on our house, destroying everything in it.

That was the first time that my father saved my life. We stayed in Bhamdoon for weeks, maybe months, I have no idea. During that time, the cast that I had on my arm from a playground accident weeks before, needed to be removed. My dad took a saw, and sawed it off. No doctor, no X-ray, no consultation; just his confidence to do it, and my wholehearted trust in him. He did it. Then, we played a game. He stacked coins on my elbow and asked me to try to catch them with my hand. Primitive physical therapy I assume, but to me it was a game. He’d stack coins and I would try with futility to catch them. We both laughed. My arm healed just fine.

It is literally the only memory I have of ever playing a game with my father. It’s the only memory I have of laughing with him. At that time and ever since, he was always in survival mode. Surviving the war, the challenges to build his life over again, and the obstacles of life as a refugee. His survivor instincts were always on high alert. It was how he was able to save us so many times since, including the time he convinced someone at the airport to make us a passport, on the spot, so we could board a plane to Egypt—just hours before the airport shut down in 1976.

When we finally got to America and for years and years after, my father had no time for love or fun. The game of physical therapy he played to heal my broken arm was a distant memory. He was obsessed with securing our future. The fear of losing everything again consumed him. He didn’t understand work–life balance, and made providing for us his priority—above everything else—sometimes to a fault, to his detriment and to ours. I remember when he started buying merchandise from China for his wholesale business. He did everything the hard way in an effort to save every penny. For example, he sold plastic headbands and calculated that it was cheaper to ship them to America if he bought them flat without packaging. For years, this was a weekly activity—he would boil a pot of water on the stove, and then one by one he would dip the flat plastic headbands into water to make them malleable and then shape them into headbands. The four of us waited in an assembly line. One would pack the headband into a clear poly bag, two would attach the header card with staples and the last would pack it into cartons by the dozen. I could not have been more than 10 years old. Until today, I don’t know if I am really proud to tell that story or really ashamed of it, but it was the reality of my childhood.

Ironically, his obsession with making money was never about buying fancy things. He lived a modest life and had zero interest in expensive cars or fancy homes. He never bought or wanted gifts and never indulged in anything. He was a deep rooted bargain hunter. His drive wasn’t about money ever. It was a vow to secure us financially. This was the fear that motivated him.

After years of hard work in America he was, in fact, able to build and provide for his children and grandchildren. When he and my mom bought their apartment in Florida, he felt he had grasped the American dream. He was so proud of it. It was everything immigrant dreams were made of. Retiring in Florida just like “real Americans” do. At that time we started to see a tiny glimpse of him putting his guard down, maybe for the first time enjoying what he had built but then, only a few years in, my mother, the love of his life died. It’s impossible to talk about my father’s death without speaking about my mother’s. Her death threw my father right back into survival mode. It was the place he was most familiar with and where he went when he was lost. Survival mode was his comfort zone. It was an ugly and stressful place, but that is where he knew how to live.

When he fulfilled his mission of putting my mother’s name on the front of the Magen David Yeshivah building, we thought for sure he’d be satisfied. It was documented proof that he made it in America. Less than 50 years before that, my mom rode her bike to Magen David, because we didn’t have a car, and begged Rabbi Greenstein to give her children a chance in this American school. Even though we didn’t speak English and couldn’t afford to pay tuition, she begged him to trust her and believe they would make him proud. Less than 50 years later, her name was on that building.

Survivor mode made my father stubborn and paranoid and difficult at times. It took wisdom to understand that who he was, was formed by his story and it took patience to not react personally. It took love and sympathy to understand where his fear came from. He needed that from all of us.

If I had another day with my father, I would ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness for the times I didn’t have enough patience and forgiveness for the moments I didn’t have the wisdom. I’m grateful for the people in his life who always had those things for him. He was shown tremendous respect by the neighbors on the block where he lived—neighbors who cooked for him, brought him flowers, and played sheshbesh with him on the porch. He received visits from men and women half his age, who felt a connection to him and tenants who called to ask about him and cried when they heard of his passing. He definitely had his people. I’m thankful to all who were able to see through his hard exterior, and have sympathy and respect for a man with a tremendous story. Rest in Peace Papi.

Bertha Sabbagh is a community member.

A FUN & HEALTHY WAY TO GET AROUND TOWN

ADAM LEVINE IS OWNER AND OPERATOR OF ONE OF THE FIRST COMPLETELY ELECTRIC BICYCLE DEALERSHIPS IN MONMOUTH COUNTY. OVER 6 YEARS AGO, HE VISITED A PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES DEALERSHIP IN COLORADO, FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CONCEPT AND THE BRAND, AND OPENED A STORE OF HIS OWN, ALONG THE JERSEY SHORE IN SPRING LAKE, THREE MONTHS LATER.

Since then, he has seen an electric bicycle wave sweep across the country, with ebikes becoming the fastest growing segment within the bike industry. The health benefits of bike riding are universally known, and electric bikes are simply making these benefits more accessible for everyone. From being an excellent form of exercise, to being an environmentally, traffic-friendly way of commuting, to having something fun to do with friends and family, there is no wonder ebikes have become so popular.

So, what is an electric bike? It’s simply a bicycle with a small motor and a battery (usually lithium ion) which assists the rider while they pedal. In many cases, these bikes also offer a throttle option which allows the rider to not have to pedal at all.

Every customer has a story, and with six years in business, Adam has heard just about every reason why someone would buy an electric bike. “The feel-good stories never get old. You are seeing people who haven’t been able to get on a bike in years due to some physical ailment, get on a Pedego and start riding like they’re a little kid again. People are also buying these bikes to simply level the playing field and keep up with other stronger riders, or maybe they live in a beach community and don’t want to deal with traffic or parking. The bottom line is that these bikes allow you to go beyond your normal limits and make riding more fun!”

Pedego Electric Bikes is currently open for sales, service, and rentals out of their Spring Lake location, and will be opening a second location in Marlboro, NJ this month. “We also do house calls, deliveries and pick-ups for those who are unable to transport their bikes on their own.” As a brand, Pedego has been around for over 15 years with almost 200 dealerships throughout the country and more abroad. Beyond the years of experience that this brand has, along with its industry leading five year warranty, it’s the local support system behind it that makes Pedego most unique. “While people are becoming more knowledgeable on the concept of ebikes, most are still unaware that the service and support required to keep them running smoothly may not be readily available. That is why it is so important that there is a dealership like Pedego, which services and stands behind the product.

We are here for our customers for the initial sale/test rides, tune-ups, service, questions, etc. You become part of the Pedego family when you buy a bike from us. Local support is a big deal.”

Pedego Electric Bicycles Spring Lake
217 Jersey Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
(732) 201-4117 www.PedegoSpringLake.com

Pedego Marlboro
239 Hwy 79 Morganville, NJ 07751
(732) 946-9080 www.pedegomarlboro.com

RABBI EZRA MAX

LIFE CAN AND WILL BE STRESSFUL AT TIMES. EVEN WHEN FACING INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS, THE LESSONS OF PURIM PROVE THAT G-D IS ON YOUR SIDE. THERE ARE HIDDEN MIRACLES, THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE WORLD, AND HOW THE STORY UNFOLDS IS BEING ORCHESTRATED BY THE ALMIGHTY.

One of the reasons people dress up on Purim, in costume and wear masks, is to acknowledge and highlight the significance of seemingly mysterious events taking place in plain sight. What appears to be an inevitable reality may end differently than anticipated; in the Purim story, what seemed to be a disastrous reality was overturned and became a celebration.

The story of Esther is about a powerful king who had an advisor named Haman who wanted to eradicate and annihilate the Jews from the world. A law was passed instructing people everywhere throughout the far-flung Kingdom to kill any Jew they could find, men, women and children. There was seemingly no hope, only disaster. A series of miraculous, heavenly, ordained events lead to Esther becoming the queen. She overturned the decree and eliminated the wicked Haman, who was then hanged. The Jews celebrate this victory by recommitting and rededicating themselves to loving, learning, and living a Torah based lifestyle.

The Purim story we read in the megillah is not only a historical event; it is an ongoing story and a lesson that we relive and learn year after year.

Currently there is disarray in the world order. There are stressors and fractures in societies and countries. The social, economic, spiritual, mental, and emotional challenges have created upheaval in the world and have become the new normal.

Lesson of Purim: When life looks and feels terrible with no obvious path forward, and you’re feeling hopeless, pray and maintain your faith within the struggle. Know that the Almighty has a plan and is looking out for you.

THE 4 MITZVOT OF PURIM DAY:
• Read Megillat Esther.
• Matanot L’evyonim – Give charity to the needy.
• Mishte V’simcha – Have a Purim feast with meat
and wine.
• Send Mishloach Manot − Gifts of food to friends.

The Talmud says, “To be Marbe Reyut,” increase friendship. We send food gifts to our friends to promote peace and harmony. Purim is a super spiritual day that we celebrate in a very human way. We eat, drink, and rejoice together. When people are getting along and appreciate the miracles of existence, the Almighty is happy.

The halacha is “Kol haposhet yad, notnim lo” whomever sticks out their hand in request you provide something for them without question.

The rabbis teach us that this same rule applies in the heavenly spheres. If you “reach out your hand” in a request for Divine assistance, your request, or prayer, will be answered and you will be “given something.”

Another reason for wearing masks on Purim is because people might be embarrassed asking for money or support. Since the Purim rule is that everyone who sticks out their hand is rewarded, everyone who asks you for a donation will be given something. People wear masks and costumes to hide their identity, enabling anyone to ask for assistance without being ashamed or afraid of ruining their reputations.

We take prosperity for granted. We live in a country with safety and security and significant material success. This is beyond nature; it is a miracle to be appreciated. A good practice is sharing your abundance and being a gracious giver to those in need.

Success is a gift and not a guarantee. The obligation is to make histadlut – minimum viable effort, creating a vessel for G-d’s blessing. There are many obstacles, the odds are stacked against you, many people strive and do not succeed. Realize that your successes are a gift and not generated by the strength of your hand.

Every little bit of effort goes a long way: pray, put your hand out, send someone a food gift basket, feast with friends. This will upgrade your relationship with your community and the Almighty.

BUSINESS LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM PURIM:
• Always be giving.
• Pray and ask for what you want.
• Be joyous. Celebrate the process and the wins.
• Remember, relationships and community are superpowers.
• Have a plan and execute but let go and let G-d.
• When things look bad and seem hopeless, remember the Almighty loves you and can be relied upon to provide.

Purim inspires faith and restores our souls from hopelessness. Affirming that joy and prosperity deepens humanity’s connection with the Almighty.
Simchat Purim

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.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS, MIDRESHET ESHEL IS THE ONLY SEPHARDIC POST HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR GIRLS IN ISRAEL. STUDENTS LIVE AND LEARN IN THE HEART OF JERUSALEM JUST A FEW STEPS FROM THE KOTEL. INTENSE LEARNING OF A VARIETY OF JUDAIC STUDIES CLASSES TAUGHT BY TOP EDUCATORS, COUPLED WITH INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION, AFFORD STUDENTS THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ACTUALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL BOTH SPIRITUALLY AND PERSONALLY.

Alumni continue to gain from the experience years later. Some have gone on to careers in Jewish education. Here are what a few of them had to say.

Teera Ades 2019
Hillel Yeshiva High School located in Ocean Township, New Jersey, is where I grew. As my four years there were coming to a close, I thought the ideal and expected situation for me was to go straight to college to get a degree post-high school. A bunch of my friends were going to Eshel for the year, and I decided I wanted to go too. First, I had to convince my parents to let me go to Israel. It wasn’t easy for them to let me go, but they did. And in September, I was about to live in Jerusalem for the next few months.

If I’m being honest, I didn’t know what to expect. Would I like being away from home? Would I make new friends? Would I change in any way as a person? Would this experience be worth it? It turned out, my experience at Eshel was life changing. To start off, the group of friends I met turned into family. These girls all came in with a similar mindset to mine, to learn and work on themselves. Through this, we all became very close and my best friends were made through my experience in Israel. The laughs and memories we shared in the dorms and classrooms will forever be remembered and continued.

The trips and the Shabbatons will never be forgotten. I would have never imagined that I would go on such amazing hikes, see bright pink sunsets, and float in the sparkly waters of Israel’s oceans. We truly got to see the beauty of Israel—in Tzfat, Mitzpe Ramon, and Kochav Hashachar.

Finally, the rabbis and teachers forever changed my life. My spirituality and faith grew tremendously, and they gave me guidance for my life going forward. Now, two years later, I am still in touch with the rabbis and teachers and know they are always there for me to give advice whenever needed. Currently, I am in Hunter College and learning to take my experience and integrate what I learned into my everyday life. Eshel helped me grow my relationships with the people in my life and with Hashem. I learned that happiness and joy come from the simple moments and to cherish every waking minute of this crazy lifetime. My advice to people that are considering going to Eshel is don’t think, just go. You only get to do this once, and when you start college or your job, this experience to learn for the year will not be there anymore. Don’t let this opportunity slip away, go to Eshel!

Judy Sitt 2019
Deciding to go to Midreshet Eshel was the best decision I ever made. Coming from Ilan I always had a strong connection to Judaism and learning, but Eshel brought out a love that I never knew I had. Whether it was learning about the beauty of Shabbat, how Yosef can be compared to Moshe, or learning Lashon Tov with Mrs. Tawil, I found I was getting to know more about myself and what’s important to me.

Currently, I am studying for my Masters in Rutgers University in Math Education, while simultaneously being a part of Melamedet, a wonderful program that trains girls in the community to become Judaic Studies teachers. Having the unbelievable experience in Eshel not only gave me knowledge, but skills that I continue to use both in college, in Melamedet, and in my recent marriage.

Anyone who asks me about the seminary, and if they should go, my immediate reaction is “Yes yes yes!” The experience in Eshel is created in a unique and personal way; one that caters to every single girl individually. The point is not to produce a cookie cutter student. It’s to take each girl’s individual strengths and teach her to thrive and become all that she is meant to be.

Alicia Matsas 2020 – Present
I went to Scheck Hillel High school in Miami, Florida. When I was in my senior year of high school, I decided I wanted to spend a year in Israel to build my Jewish foundation and become more self-aware.

I decided to go to Midreshet Eshel and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. It gave me so much vitality and meaning in my life. There’s so much to say about this phenomenal experience. One thing I want to specifically highlight is Eshel’s incredible staff. I feel so privileged to be learning every day from the most amazing, diverse set of educators who each teach Torah in ways that are so relevant and practical in your everyday life. I leave every class with a new tool to practically implement in my life in order to improve my character. My teachers have helped shape me into the person I am today. They have become my role models and the people I reach out to for advice at any given moment. They have made it so clear that they are always there for us and show us unconditional love, care, and warmth.

A year and a half later, I am still learning and growing at Midreshet Eshel, along with inspiring and teaching the current Shana Aleph students. I am so beyond grateful to Midreshet Eshel for helping me on my path to self-discovery, giving me amazing friends for life, loving support and education from my astounding teachers, a strong Jewish foundation, inspiring Shabbatons, and providing me with all the tools I need to live my best life.

Sophie Shabot 2020
I always had this idea of going to Israel for the year. I didn’t really know what that meant, I just knew that it was a year of learning Torah and connecting to Hashem. I went to Magen David Yeshivah High School. I always had difficulty following and connecting to the Torah classes and was never fully able to appreciate the amazing classes that they offered. There was something about a year in Israel that was just a given for me. When I got to Eshel it was something so unexpected. What I thought would be a year full of boring Tanach classes that I wouldn’t understand, turned out to be an endless world of depth, opportunities, and growth. The rabbis and teachers are beyond incredible and so dedicated to each and every student. They gave us the tools to really move forward and until this day maintain close relationships with us. I was completely blown away by the subjects we were learning and how they were even related to Torah. We had a class dedicated to self-esteem and self-image. We learned so much about our middot, both the good and the bad. We learned the essence of the prayers we say every day and the spiritual meanings of the holidays and Shabbat. Every teacher, every class, every friend that I made, impacted my experience and shaped who I am today. Eshel truly changed my life. I learned so much about myself, how I want to present myself, and what I truly value. It changed the way I view things and helped me develop into a more confident and self-aware individual. I learned to put meaning behind everything I do and to be grateful for everything Hashem hands me. Although this experience was exciting and awakening, many people don’t touch upon the hardships and bumps along the road. For me, this was a journey that was definitely difficult and mentally challenging. Recognizing that Hashem is holding my hand every step of the way guided me to a mindset of tranquility. Nothing ever comes easy but trusting Hashem is part of the process. I think this is such an important year and opportunity to build a person’s character and sense of self. I’m so grateful that I was able to develop a life of passion and meaning.

Sylvia Cohen 2020-21
To put Eshel into words is nearly impossible, words do not do it justice. I came to Eshel last year to experience a year in a Sephardic seminary near the Kotel in Eretz Yisrael, but little did I know this year long experience would turn into a lifelong journey and the start of a new mindset. Besides the fact that something about Eshel is magnetic in bringing girls closer to Hashem, the school itself is connected to every student that attends and has an attraction that brings alum back all the time, including myself. There’s something indescribable in the air of our building in the Old City of Jerusalem that makes it so hard to leave.

Midreshet Eshel gave me the love and passion for Judaism that I so desperately wanted all my life. The Torah learning and personal growth experienced at Eshel is on another spiritual level that is unique to learning in our beautiful classroom overlooking Har Habayit. Attending Midreshet Eshel helped me develop a strong passion for Torah that I never had before, and made me sure that I want to be a Judaic Studies teacher. I am currently studying at Allegra Franco. Investing in Midreshet Eshel will not only reinforce your love for Sephardic tradition, but it will give you connections to Sephardic Jews from all over the world. Relationships between students and teachers last a lifetime, as do the values instilled within us including having a strong Jewish identity, dedication to Torah and mitzvot and an intense love for the land of Israel. Attending Midreshet Eshel will help you discover yourself, your true purpose, and the presence of Hashem in your daily life.

Sarah Frastai 2020
Before Eshel, I attended Yeshivah of Flatbush High School. Most of my life before Eshel included going to school, hanging out with my friends, doing my homework and going to sleep. I never really thought too deeply about my life or the things I did. I decided to go to Eshel mostly from the reviews it got from previous students. Anytime I asked an alum how their experience was, their immediate response was “It’s indescribable. You have to go. It was the best year of my life!”

Despite the little knowledge I received about the school, I was intrigued to see for myself. I wanted to know what Eshel was really about, and I can say with certainty that going was the best decision I’ve ever made. Eshel changed who I am and how I think. The rabbis are always there for you. They help guide you in your midot and they always want to help you to succeed in any way they can. In Eshel, they are not only your teachers, but your role models and mentors in every sense. The classes are growth oriented and they helped change my perspectives on Torah and Judaism. They made me shift my judgments of Torah being a pointless academic course to an enjoyable deep concept. The person I’ve become after Eshel knows her purpose and understands the concept of being a Jew, not only in practice, but in spirit. Because of the deep love and connection I formed with Torah in Eshel, I decided to pursue a degree in Jewish Education. I am currently studying at Melamedet. I want to give to the future leaders of the community what I experienced in Eshel. I would recommend Eshel to anyone who wants to have the most life changing experience. It’s just something you have to see for yourself.

If you would like more information about Midreshet Eshel, email office@midresheteshel.org.

ON FEBRUARY 17TH AT CITY HALL, MAYOR ADAMS SPOKE STRONGLY ABOUT FIGHTING HATE CRIMES AND MAKING EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT A TOP PRIORITY. HE ASKED EDUCATION CHANCELLOR DAVID BANKS TO ATTEND THE MEETING “AS A CALL TO ACTION,” AND SAID HE WANTS TO ADD SCHOOL CURRICULUM WHICH EDUCATES STUDENTS ABOUT RESPECT AND SENSITIVITY TO THE MANY DIVERSE COMMUNITIES OF NYC.

City officials joining Mayor Adams included Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Chief of Staff to the Mayor Frank Carone, Chief Advisor to the Mayor Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Senior Advisor to the Mayor Joel Eisdorfer, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor Menashe Shapiro, Education Chancellor David Banks, NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Edward Caban, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig, NYPD Community Affairs Commanding Officer Inspector Richie Taylor, and Commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit Fred Kreizman.

Also in attendance was City Council Jewish Caucus Chairman Eric Dinowitz along with Council members Kalman Yeger, Inna Vernikov, Ari Kagan, Lincoln Restler, Lynn Schulman and Julie Menin.

Community leaders who participated included Agudath Israel of America Executive Vice President Rabbi Dovid Zwiebel, Met Council CEO David Greenfield, Sephardic Community Leader David Heskiel, Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud Executive Vice President Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Hatzalah CEO Yehiel Kalish, UJA-Federation CEO Eric Goldstein, Williamsburg Community Leader Moshe Indig, UJO Executive Director Rabbi Dovid Niederman, Williamsburg Community Leader Isaac Werzberger, NYPD Hate Crimes Review Panel Chair Honorary Commissioner Devorah Halberstam, Crown Heighs Jewish Community Council Executive Vice President Chanina Sperlin, NY Board of Rabbis Executive Vice President Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition Chairman Josh Mehlman, Boro Park Community Leader Rabbi Bernard Freilich, Misaskim CEO Yanky Meyer, Jewish Community Relations Council CEO Gideon Taylor, Jewish Community Relations Council CEO Emeritus Rabbi Michael Miller, Crown Heights Community Leader Yaacov Behrman and Simon Wiesenthal Center Eastern Director Michael Cohen.

Mayor Adams personally pledged that “no one is going to work harder, no one is going to be more committed, no one is going to be more dedicated in the next few years to turn this city around in the right direction.”

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell stated, “We take these crimes seriously, we value the partnership we have in the community and we hope to enhance that going forward.”

NYPD Inspector Richie Taylor spoke about the hate crime assault which occurred on recently on Avenue L and East 32 Street and the hate crime menacing incident which occurred a few minutes later on Nostrand Avenue and Kings Highway. He spoke about how the mayor was personally involved in directing the investigative response to these incidents and with intelligent detective work the perpetrator was arrested.

“Mayor Adams’ immediate response speaks volumes,” said Inspector Taylor, who said as soon as the hate crimes took place, Mayor Adams “got the ball rolling to start the investigation, and that is something I have never seen a mayor do before.”

“NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell spoke beautifully about the continued positive strong relationship between New York City’s Jewish community and the police department,” Inspector Taylor recounted. “She said that we will always be laser focused and take swift, investigative action to ensure that no one in the city can commit a hate crime and get away with it.”

“It’s refreshing to see the mayor’s office working hand-in-hand with the NYPD to keep New Yorkers safe,” said NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel, who attended the meeting as a representative of New York City’s Sephardic community.

Anyone who has information about criminal activity is urged to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 800-577-TIPS. In addition, if anyone has information or sees suspicious terrorism activity is urged to call the NYPD Terrorism Tip Line at 888-NYC-SAFE.

ESTHER BETESH

I REMEMBER IT WELL. IT WAS ALMOST 10 YEARS AGO ON A BEAUTIFUL AND SUNNY SUMMER DAY. I WALKED OUT OF A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH A FELLOW COMMUNITY MEMBER ABOUT A HALAKHA THAT SHE HAD RECENTLY TAKEN UPON HERSELF.

I had not yet taken the same step that she had. It was an aspect of halakha that many people find quite difficult to take on, and I had never really thought of it as something that I would include in my own religious observance. However, after that small conversation, I began taking steps to learn more about it and incorporate it in my own life. I remember immediately thinking: “If she can do it, so can I!” And that was the catalyst that I needed to help me grow in that specific way. A short exchange with an acquaintance led to a beautiful change in the way I chose to live my life.

Recently I found myself wondering why that small moment was able to make such a big impact, one that dozens of inspiring teachers and mentors had yet to bring on. There were a few reasons that came to mind, but one that stood out to me was the fact that the person who inspired me was someone I was able to identify with, a community member who shared many of my own life experiences and understood where I came from. Knowing that I could relate to the person I was talking to, knowing that she was making life decisions while living in the same community as myself, empowered me to make a change.

The idea that community and relatability matter when it comes to creating lasting impact is one of the foundational reasons for why we began Melamedet, an online learning platform with the goal of developing young community women into high level Judaic Studies educators and bringing them into our community schools. We wanted to recreate that small exchange that I had all those years ago on a grander scale, creating teachers that students could relate to, not only on a religious level, but on a personal one. We wanted specifically to help train community women to become Judaic Studies teachers, so that when their students walked out of their classrooms, they would see Torah not just as another subject in school, but as a way of life.

The courses at Melamedet range from In Depth Analysis and Pedagogy in Halakha and Tanakh, to Positive Psychology and Incorporating Technology in the Classroom, ensuring that we create teachers equipped not only with content and pedagogy, but social emotional skills as well.

Our staff includes top community rabbis and educators, who are there to guide and mentor each step of the way.

Our students are young community women with strong leadership skills, who are looking to become role models and mentors, teaching, guiding, and setting a positive example for the next generation. B”H They have already started giving back to the community through amazing opportunities provided by Melamedet, including after school classes and summer programming in partnership with community schools and shuls.

Our semesters are designed to be flexible and cater to everyone, from full time college students to working mothers, with the ability to take all courses online and receive full scholarship awards.

Currently, we have been blessed with an incredible cohort of students, and are now accepting applications for students who would like to join us for the fall semester of 2022.

You can apply today at Melamedet.org.

HEAR WHAT SOME CURRENT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE AT MELAMEDET

Joining the Melamedet program has opened the door for me to learn how to teach Judaic Studies with the same, if not greater seriousness and depth, as a Master’s program. It has been a privilege to study closely with community rabbis and teachers, who encouraged and supported me even while working as a new mother. I look forward to, G-d willing, having the great privilege and opportunity to become a teacher of Torah. -Sally Choueka

I recently joined Melamedet and have been truly loving it! I enjoy learning how to teach Judaic Studies in ways that I wouldn’t have learned from a conventional college education. I can remain a full time college student while taking Melamedet courses online in a flexible way, with amazing teachers and mentors. I can’t wait to become a teacher of Jewish education and share my passion for Jewish values, as well as my admiration for all the incredible sources we have to learn from. I am grateful I joined this program! -Mary Jajati

The individualized attention for each student guarantees her success. I look forward to continuing and passing forward the knowledge that Melamedet has taught and will continue to teach me. -Judy Elmann

Esther Betesh is currently a third year Doctoral student at Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education and Administration. She runs the website TorahExchange.com and teaches Judaic Studies at several community institutions. She now serves as Director at Melamedet, and feels very blessed to have the opportunity to help bring more community women to serve as role models and excellent teachers of Judaic Studies into our community schools and institutions.

WITH AN INFLUX OF NEW FAMILIES TO THE JERSEY SHORE, DSN PUT TOGETHER A SPECIAL GET-TOGETHER EVENT THAT WAS EXCITING AND FUN FOR ALL 200 GUESTS.

On the evening of Saturday, February 12th, adults came together to celebrate at a special event, “Texas on the Lake.” In honoring DSN’s core value of bringing the community together, this was surely one of the most successful nights of the year. It was resplendent in creativity, style and spirit—and perfect weather crowned the event.

Nobody wanted to miss out. Liat Kassin stated, “After having a baby, and with it being winter, I feel like I haven’t left the house in three months. It took DSN having an event like this to get me out, because I knew I’d want to be there.” Shoshana Nehmad shared a similar sentiment, “I knew it would be a great time. I loved being able to dress up. It exceeded my expectations.”

DSN created a Texas-themed night. With a special events committee planning the evening, the charming home of Cynthia and Michael Stein was selected as the host location. The aesthetics of their beautiful home was an extension of the event’s vision, allowing for a memorable country evening.

Adding to their home’s naturally fitting ambience, DSN brought in leather, Aztec pillows, fur throws, a horse saddle, steer heads and dry flowers from Deal Flower Shop. Cynthia Stein noted, “The evening was flawless. Working with DSN and, especially with Caleigh Silvera, DSN’s Adult Director, was an absolute pleasure!”

The event started after 8 p.m. With a full valet staff for car parking, and a golf cart to bring guests to the main entrance, everyone arrived dressed for the west. Outfits did not disappoint with fringe, Aztec prints, cowboy boots, hats and much more. People were greeted, coats were taken, all were checked in and the fun began. The party boasted over 200 people in attendance. The whole evening was a show-stopper.

The Texas-themed meal was catered by Grace Sitt, with a full waitstaff. Food offerings included roasted corn and black bean salads, Pico de Gallo, guacamole, sliders, tacos, salsas, empanadas, quesadillas, jalapeno poppers, chicken drumettes, burritos, chili and more. Fruit and yummy goods by Yaffa Aharoni, such as smore pops, mini fudge pies, cupcakes, and cookies were extra sweet. Sasha Salamon, a committee member for the event, had a blast. “The food and desserts were delicious. The venue was perfect. My husband and I had so much fun! No stone was left unturned,” she said.

DSN hired an authentic Country 5 piece band for entertainment, and they did not disappoint. Smiles and laughter were in abundance, as songs from the past were heard throughout the house. Guests had the option to stay inside or venture outside where the area consisted of haystacks, cowhides, seating and a fire pit.

Esther Silvera exclaimed, “My husband and I loved it! When and where is the next event? I can’t wait for it!”

DSN’s President Lee Zekaria referred to the evening as “a grand-slam.” He continued, “There is nothing like getting people together for a special night like this in the middle of winter. I’m looking forward to many more, G-d willing!”

ARI BAUM CFP®

OWNING A PROFITABLE BUSINESS IS LIKE BEING A PROFESSIONAL RACE CAR DRIVER. YOU’RE CONTINUALLY TUNING YOUR CAR, STUDYING THE COURSE, AND COMPETING WITH SOME OF THE HIGHEST STAKES POSSIBLE. IF YOU SLOW DOWN, YOU FAIL, SO YOU GET COMFORTABLE MAKING STRATEGIC DECISIONS AT 200+ MPH. AS THE DRIVER, YOU’VE GOT THE SELF-CONFIDENCE TO ACCEPT THE RISKS AND DRIVE YOUR CAR TO THE LIMIT.

BIG MOVES REQUIRE MORE THAN A DRIVER IN THE SEAT.
All pro drivers have a dedicated crew that helps them build winning strategies, keeps their car in optimized condition and communicates with them during every race. To win, the driver relies on the team to call out the turns, monitor the competition, and keep an eagle eye-view of the course. The team leaves the driver free to focus on synthesizing the information and making split-second decisions with life-or-death consequences. Decisions like how to burn ahead of a competitor, or when to swap tires as conditions change, or which line to take around a treacherous curve.

SOUNDS LIKE RUNNING A HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS, RIGHT?
But are you getting the most out of your business? Is it a clunker or a supercar? Are you racing at peak performance or idling in the pit?

The next step requires coordination and strategic decisions that are hard to make when you’re stuck in the pit instead of in the driver’s seat.

Imagine a future where:
• Your financial “pit crew” meets together and your advice is fully integrated, allowing you to focus on your business and personal time.
• You feel in control at the wheel and confident that you’ve got the information you need to make the right calls.
• You have confidence and clarity in your vision for the future and the steps to get there.
• You enjoy life and take advantage of more freedom from day-to-day.

FUEL YOUR NEXT BIG MOVE BY UNDERSTANDING THESE KEY DRIVERS
Being a business owner means your financial landscape is more complex than the average W-2 wage earner. Each piece of your strategy has implications for the rest, and you have to keep the whole picture in mind when making your next big move.

DRIVER #1: YOUR BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS
How much time are you spending “in” the business versus “on” business strategy?
Is your answer:
10%–20% “in”
30%–40% “in”
50%+ “in”

Is your business generating enough profit for you to accomplish your dreams?

What would be the next level for your business? (write it down on a piece of paper.)

If you’re targeting growth, how will you fund it?
Cash
Credit or Debt Financing
Outside Investment
Personal Loan
Other

Do you have a benefits strategy to hire and retain talent in today’s competitive labor market?

Do you have incentives to align your team around your growth?

Do you understand the true market value of your business?

Have you identified all the exits for your business and how to achieve the most value when it’s time to go?

DRIVER #2: CASH “FUEL” STRATEGY
Are you a big spender or frugal with your cash?

Do you have your cash flow forecasted to keep your business healthy for the next 12 months?

Have you identified any “hidden” cash flow in your assets, inventories, receivables, or prepaid expenses?

Have you built a cash “war chest” to take advantage of opportunities and get through any lean times?

Do you have a plan for any seasonal factors in your business, so you can cover payroll and other fixed expenses?

Do you have adequate credit available?

Is your payroll optimized so you get paid before you pay your employees?

Have you negotiated “pay slow” payment terms with your vendors?

Do you have “invoice fast” processes in place?

Does someone in your business own receivables and collections?

DRIVER #3: YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL STRATEGY
Are you taking enough profits from the business to build your personal wealth?

Are you balancing reinvesting in the business and drawing profits for yourself?

Are you taking your income the right way (to help minimize taxes while still showing enough to qualify for financing)?

Are you taking full advantage of your investment opportunities as an owner and employee?

Are you leveraging the advanced investing strategies only available to successful entrepreneurs to diversify your wealth?

Are you keeping your investments in the right kind of accounts (taxable, tax-deferred, tax-free) to help minimize your taxes now and potentially maximize your income later (even if you retire before age 55)?

Are you fully leveraging the 1,000+ pages of tax code written specifically for you (especially the 2017 tax reform rules that are highly beneficial to businesses)?

Do you have enough insurance on yourself (and your spouse) to protect your family?

ARE YOU READY TO CLIMB OUT OF THE PIT AND GET BACK IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT?

As the owner of a successful business, you’ve proven that you have the unique ability to identify opportunities and use your competitive edge potentially to turn them into prosperity. You’ve turned a scrappy idea into a finely tuned profit-making machine.

• But are you getting enough out of your business to achieve your big audacious dreams?

• Are you leveraging your financials and unique strengths to make the most of your next big move?

Making a big move in your business—whether it’s taking on a new market, acquiring a competitor, transitioning out of the day-to-day, or exiting—requires the coordination and strategy of a pro racing team with you in the driver’s seat. You can’t drive the car if you’re stuck in the pit instead of the driver’s seat. As a business owner, your job is to assemble the best “pit crew” and trust them to feed you the data, help you navigate the course, and outsmart the competition. If you want to move faster, be more profitable, and build your personal wealth, everything you want to accomplish in business and life starts with the right strategy and the right team to help you execute.

This content is developed from sources believed to be reliable; 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 decision. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in periods of declining value. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over a quarter of a century of experience in the Financial Services industry. He brings his in-depth experience to Conceive. Believe. Achieve. for his clients.

Brokerage and Advisory accounts carried by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. Securities and Advisory services offered through Prospera Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.