Five years ago, S.E.A.D. started as one classroom with two children. Now, it has blossomed into a full-grown institution that has made its mark on the map of Deal. Community schools continue to refer their students, parents keep calling, and each year they open a new class.
S.E.A.D. stands for Special Education Academy of Deal, and it meets a growing need in the community to service children who can’t make it in the mainstream yeshivah. These children would otherwise have no other alternative than public school.
3 STEPS TO YOUR DREAM EXIT WITHOUT COMPROMISING YOUR LIFE’S WORK
ARI BAUM, CFP®
YOU’VE GOT THAT LITTLE VOICE IN THE BACK OF YOUR MIND TELLING YOU IT’S TIME FOR THE NEXT ADVENTURE. YOU’VE PUT IN THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF HOURS OF YOUR BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS INTO SOMETHING INCREDIBLE. YOU’VE CAREFULLY CRAFTED YOUR BUSINESS INTO WHAT YOU WANTED IT TO BE. IT’S BEEN LIKE RAISING A CHILD. YEARS LATER, YOU’RE PROUD OF IT BECAUSE YOU’VE “RAISED” IT RIGHT.
But there’s one big problem. You’re wondering, what’s next? Although you might be experiencing mixed emotions about moving on, breaking free of your work is starting to sound more and more enticing. All the trips you haven’t been able to take, and the family time sacrificed to the business are beginning to weigh on you.
Of course, you’ve got concerns about leaving your life’s work behind. Can you make sure that the values you’ve worked so hard to instill don’t get lost in the transition? What about your employees and your clients? While you want to make sure that they’re taken care of, at the same time, you can’t cut yourself loose with nothing to show for it. You expect your business to fund your future.
Just as you planned meticulously for a variety of situations as you built your business, you need to approach your exit in a methodical way. Although it sounds easy, it seems to be stressful, and even painful, for many business owners. In a recent survey, only about one-third of family-owned businesses had a succession plan in place. Whether you’re selling to family or not, you need a plan of action to ensure that you make the right decisions and have thought through the consequences.
You may have already been thinking about how to make the transition. Or maybe recent events have changed your perspective on how much time you want to spend on your work. Either way, you’re looking for a win-win strategy that balances your need for financial freedom and your company’s need for new growth and stability.
If you’re dreaming about passing your enterprise on to others and enjoying a new life outside your business, read on.
As a successful business owner contemplating your ideal exit, you’re likely asking yourself questions such as:
How much is my business worth?
How do I ensure that my clients and staff will be taken care of?
Am I aware of all the options available to me when it comes to profiting from my business?
What are the consequences, financial and otherwise, of my choices?
Who do I trust to help me plan my exit?
Following are some strategies to consider.
STEP 1: DEFINE YOUR DREAM EXIT
While there are plenty of resources that provide an overview on business succession planning in general, it’s not as easy to find information that applies specifically to you and your needs, as well as your firm’s requirements. When it comes to the ideal exit, there’s no such thing as “one size fits all.”
When you were building your company, you probably didn’t just throw tactics at the market to see what worked! If you had, you wouldn’t have been so successful. Instead, you first determined what it was that you wanted to achieve. Then you put together a blueprint to put all the pieces in place, along with a timeline for each phase.
In the beginning, your main goal may have just been to bring in enough income to stay afloat. As your business began to grow, your blueprint changed. You’re now at the point where it needs to change again. Your first step is to decide what that new goal is.
You probably want your existing customers to be well taken care of, whatever that means to you. In addition, you would probably like to reward the workers who have been by your side during the difficult times and to keep everyone employed.
Of course, you need to make sure that you and your family are financially taken care of. Maybe you’d like to take some profit off the top in order to pay off debt or put kids through college. On the other hand, maybe you’re finished working and want to spend all your time with friends, family, and hobbies you enjoy.
The way you grew your company was specific to your own values and how you wanted your company to thrive. Now, it’s time for the business to recede into the background, but your strategy still must be customized to your own values and vision.
STEP 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT ESCAPE HATCH
Now that you’ve determined your goals, you can plan your strategy. Your plan must accommodate more than “just” the financials. Maybe you have friends or family who have been through a similar transition. However, that doesn’t mean their arrangement will work for you.
You may know someone who passed their business on to their children. If your kids aren’t willing and able to take over your company, that’s not an option for you. Even if you really wish it were.
Fortunately, you have other options. You might have a second-in-command that is poised to take over. Maybe you’re considering selling to your employees or you’re willing to find a third-party buyer instead.
Consider how your exit fits into your personal financial plan. If your future rests on your income until you stop working at a certain age, how will you manage if you stop working now? Is there enough value in the company to support your lifestyle?
Another aspect of your strategy to consider is how much of an exit you’re planning. Will you completely close the door behind you? Or would you prefer to leave the door open, which permits you to take out some equity and potentially reduce your responsibilities?
As you probably expect, different approaches result in different tax consequences. Selling a firm means selling all its assets, not just one business entity. Some company components enjoy capital gains treatment upon sale, while others are taxed as ordinary income. Depending on how the deal is structured, you may enjoy greater tax savings with one strategy over another.
Relationships are a factor that often complicates planning. Are there dynamics within the family that must be considered? Even if you’re the only one involved in the company, your exit could still stir up some emotions.
STEP 3: DETERMINE WHEN TO POP THE HATCH
It takes some time to do the prep work before you break out of your business, even before you start looking for a buyer or engage in serious conversations. On the other hand, you want to be ready to exit on a (financially) high note.
Developing your strategy and timeline now is critical. Having everything in place makes it more likely that you’ll be able to take advantage of a favorable market. If you own a seasonal business, you probably don’t want to search for a buyer in the offseason when profits are low or nonexistent. Bear in mind that the actual sale of the company (not including all of your prepping) often takes almost a year.
Another advantage to solidifying your approach early is to avoid giving your competitors an advantage. Otherwise, they may swoop in and take clients and/or staff while you’re still figuring out your tactics.
Your time frame should match your strategy as well. Want to take off in the next couple of years? Avoid strategies that will take you five years to implement.
ENVISION AND EXECUTE YOUR EXIT
As a successful business owner, you put key elements in place in a timely fashion so you could leverage any opportunities you found along the way. When it comes to your business, this may be your last campaign. Treat it with the same thoughtfulness you brought to growing your company.
The good news is, it’s entirely possible to retire, partially or fully, from your business and leave it in good hands. At the same time, the value from what you built can provide you with the financial freedom you deserve. No dream exit is the result of sheer luck.
Making the right choices could result in the smooth transition you’re looking for. Not only does your ideal exit positively affect your finances, but your firm and your family relationships, too. That’s why it’s so critical to understand all the possible outcomes of your options.
The sooner you develop your strategy, the better. Once you have it in place, you can take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Otherwise, you’re at risk of losing out because you weren’t prepared.
You’ve already made the wise decision to read through this information. The next step is to contact a financial professional to set up a Business Escape Planning Session.
This material is for information purposes only. The content is developed from sources believed to be reliable; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, or completeness. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. Discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
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.
CONGREGATION MAGEN DAVID OF MADISON IS LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF EAST 24TH STREET AND AVENUE P IN BROOKLYN. THE SHUL WAS FOUNDED BY SEVERAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE BEDFORD AVENUE AREA TO FORM A MINYAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CUSTOMS OF ARAM SOBA AND THE RICH HERITAGE OF OUR FOREFATHERS.
The Synagogue actually began in the home of Elliot and Lily Betesh, where they would host a regular minyan every Shabbat for Friday night prayers. That took place for a few years and eventually the minyan became very well attended.
In 2020, as many shuls needed to hold prayers outdoors for a while, the minyan was transformed into a covered outdoor driveway minyan, where prayers took place on Shabbat and even on the High Holidays.
The minyan then gained further traction when a few founding members, notably Elliot Betesh, Isaac Hamui, Joey Shabot, Morris Betesh, Marc Schmool, Elliot Bar David and Adam Shrem as well as many others, found a permanent location.
They selected a location inside the existing shul of Amri Zvi under Rabbi Shinerman and hired a wonderful hazan who prays in the classic maqqamot of the week. There, the chanting of beautiful tunes can be heard every Shabbat morning coming through the open doorway. This is in accordance with the parashah of the week.
At Congregation Magen David everyone contributes in various ways, doing his part—from synagogue administration, to taking care of the breakfasts, to selecting the Torah aliyot schedule. It feels like a shul from the early days of the community, complete with breakfast and candy for the kids.
The Synagogue just had its first Sefer Torah generously dedicated by the Garda family, and looks forward to welcoming all those in Brooklyn to come and enjoy the prayers and simchas as Congregation Magen David of Madison grows with the help of Hashem.
Congregation Magen David of Madison is located at 2402 Avenue P. Please join us. Everyone is welcome. We would love to see you at a Shabbat service soon.
It’s a very nice group of families who interact with camaraderie and joy. The Synagogue looks forward to building for the future of our wonderful community for many years to come, BH.
RESPONDING TO THE INCREASING NEED FOR HIGH QUALITY MENTAL HEALTH CARE, THE SEPHARDIC INITIATIVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS, ALSO KNOWN AS SIMHA, WILL BE OPENING ITS DOORS IN MARCH TO PROVIDE THE SEPHARDIC COMMUNITY WITH A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMMING.
Like any other demographic, our community is not immune to the ongoing mental health crisis which has been significantly exacerbated by COVID. Anxiety, depression, OCD, eating and bipolar disorders, addiction and other issues have been on the rise everywhere, their prevalence far outpacing existing resources. Rabbis, teachers, mentors, kallah teachers and others in the Sephardic community often brought their concerns to Rabbi David Sutton, who understood that these sensitive matters needed to be better addressed by those on the front lines, most of whom had little if any training in the mental health arena.
Hoping to become part of the solution to the alarming trend, Rabbi Sutton began participating in a clinical pastoral education program at Harvard Medical School’s McClean Hospital, training under Dr. David H. Rosmarin, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of Center for Anxiety.
“It was clear that something had to be done to provide those needing help with access to the most professional people in the field,” said Rabbi Sutton.
Collaborating closely with rabbis and community leaders, Rabbi Sutton, Mark Adjmi and Nathan Hoffman co-founded SIMHA, a boutique organization with a goal of providing a full continuum of care and specialized attention to those struggling with problems large and small. SIMHA’s focus on education and awareness will also help identify problems in their early stages and eradicate stigmas that prevent people from seeking much-needed help.
Dr. David Katzenstein will be serving as SIMHA’s chief clinical officer. The former director of clinical care at Premium Health Center, Dr. Katzenstein also served as the clinical supervisor at Maimonides Medical Center’s Child and Adolescent Department of Psychology, and his writings, research and presentations have made him a well-known figure in the global mental health community.
“When people become educated and aware, they need a place to turn when issues arise and SIMHA is here to be the address for anyone dealing with a mental health issue, providing a robust help line, assessments, referrals and full coordination of care,” explained Dr. Katzenstein.
SIMHA will be partnering with Relief Resources, a mental health referral service that has made over 120,000 referrals to date, and will be tapping into its extensive referral system to provide clients with access to more than 8,000 clinicians that best suit their needs. SIMHA will also be working with multiple community organizations including Hatzalah, OHEL, Sephardic Bikur Holim and The Safe Foundation.
SIMHA’s trained clinical coordinators will draw on their years of expertise as licensed mental health professionals to identify patient needs and the best course of treatment for each one. In addition to providing multi-faceted client care and supplementary support to their family members, SIMHA will also be focusing on spreading a greater understanding of mental health issues through a variety of educational initiatives. It has already hosted three different lecture series for community rabbis and teachers featuring experts in the field, with Dr. Akiva Perlman, Dr. Zev Brown and Dov Finkelstein, LCSW addressing the topics of anxiety and OCD, behavioral addictions, and relationship conflict. Also underway are professional development days in all community schools, a mental health curriculum for students and special classes for parents.
Mental health issues are sometimes swept under the rug because people don’t know where to go for services and are afraid of being stigmatized, noted Mr. Adjmi, SIMHA’s president. “Our community has the resources needed to support people facing mental health challenges and to give them the help they need,” said Mr. Adjmi. “The time has come for us to address this issue as a community.”
Adding an extra dimension to SIMHA’s services will be a network of trained certified peer specialists, who have faced their own mental health issues and will be available to speak about their own growth and share experiences.
“Listening without judging is extremely important,” noted board member Isaac Tawil.
“The Wayz Foundation will become SIMHA’s youth division. Working with high school and post-high school students provides a unique opportunity to detect issues when they are smaller and more solvable, while also normalizing the concept of mental health care,” explained the Wayz Foundation founder and SIMHA board member Jobe Cabasso.
Treasurer Nathan Hoffman sees SIMHA as an end-to-end solution that will have a powerful impact in the Sephardic community.
“As Rabbi Sutton and I began speaking about SIMHA, we kept hearing from more and more people who approached us seeking help in regard to mental health issues,” observed Mr. Hoffman. “Just over those few weeks of our discussions, it became pretty evident that the community had a significant void, one that SIMHA is being created to fill.”
MANY WOMEN, MEN, AND TEENS STRUGGLE WITH FOOD AND EATING AND OFTEN FEEL A GREAT DEAL OF BODY DISSATISFACTION. WHILE EVERYONE’S STRUGGLE IS DIFFERENT, EATING DISORDERS ARE VERY WIDESPREAD IN THIS DAY AND AGE.
WHAT ARE EATING DISORDERS?
Eating disorders refer to binge eating, bulimia, or anorexia. Binge eating describes a person who overeats because of emotional stress not physical hunger. Bulimics binge on food but then make themselves get rid of it through vomiting, laxatives, or excess exercise. Anorexics willfully choose to starve themselves. However, many people struggle with eating problems without falling into those categories.
Although the binge eater, bulimic and anorexic each deal with food in different ways—through overeating, purging, or starving—they all share one thing in common: the fear of being fat. This is the common denominator for everyone with an eating disorder.
WHAT CAUSES EATING DISORDERS?
Everybody is different. But the three most common causes of eating disorders are:
Cultural & Social Pressure: There is a saying that you can never be too rich or too thin, and it is this wish to be thin—or thinner—that causes people anxiety with food and weight. The media, advertising, and Hollywood all present an idealized picture that in order to be happy you must be thin. The media breeds within us perpetual dissatisfaction about how we look. That’s how they sell products!
Emotional Stress: When people have not directly faced their upsetting emotions, they often detour them through food. After all, food is legal, available, cheap, and comforting. Anxiety, depression, grief, rejection, loneliness, anger, guilt, sexual issues, or unresolved trauma can all contribute to turning to food or away from it as a way to soothe these strong emotions.
Starting A Diet: Dieting is considered the gateway to all eating disorders! A diet instructs you what you can and cannot eat in the name of weight loss. Diets set up a vicious cycle where first you are “good” by restricting your food and obeying the diet. Then feelings of deprivation invariably set in, then you will break out of the restrictions by bingeing, followed once again by committing to an even stricter diet to get yourself back on track. For people who are emotional eaters, dieting will always backfire.
How can people get better?
For people who have struggled with eating, weight, dieting, and body image, specialized therapy for emotional eating can be the path to healing.
Specialized therapy includes a two prong approach.
The therapist helps people improve their destructive eating behaviors, habits and negative thought patterns that can keep them stuck; this is called behavioral/cognitive therapy.
In addition, the therapist will help clients discuss the emotional issues that have driven them to use food as a stress reliever and help them find solutions to tackle these problems directly; this is psychotherapy.
Integrating behavioral plus emotional work can help people get back on track with food, eating, weight, and body image.
The process of therapy is a journey of self-exploration. It has been called “the talking cure.” With self-compassion, patience and perseverance, you can achieve success and overcome your eating problems.
If you struggle with food and eating, take this 15 question screening tool:
Is your self-esteem based on how much you weigh?
Are you preoccupied with how much you eat and how many calories you consume?
Do you ever avoid social engagements because you worry about not looking good enough?
Do you find yourself frequently dieting only to “fall off the wagon?”
Have you ever made yourself throw up to get rid of food?
Do you push yourself to excess exercise?
Do you restrict your eating but never feel thin enough?
Do you believe your life would be better if only you were thinner?
Do you go on eating binges?
Have you ever used diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics to get rid of calories?
Do you feel guilty after eating?
Do you feel food controls your life?
Do you have any secrets about food and eating that you’d be ashamed if anyone knew?
Do you often feel fat?
Are there things in your life that are making you feel depressed or anxious? And do you turn to or away from food at those times? Answering yes to one or more of these questions may indicate that you have a problem with food and body image.
MEND (Mindful Eating New Directions) is a new community initiative to help people like you. Food, eating, and weight are significant issues in our community, and MEND wants to help. You are not alone! We will work with you to: • Custom tailor an individual approach for your unique needs. • Help you get control for your eating back inside yourself. • Develop and maintain healthy eating patterns. • Regain body confidence. • Unlock what may be keeping you stuck in your eating problems.
Schedule an initial assessment with MEND, and we’ll help you determine if you can benefit from treatment. To start a confidential conversation about your eating, please contact us. Your contact with us is absolutely confidential.
Please feel free to call (718) 336-MEND MEND is a division of The Safe Foundation.
Mary Anne Cohen, LCSW, BCD is Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders since 1982. She is also author of French Toast for Breakfast: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating and Lasagna for Lunch: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating. Mary Anne has hosted her own radio show on eating disorders, appears frequently on national television, and is the professional book reviewer for EDReferral.com, the largest international resource for eating disorders.
SHOPPING FOR AND PREPARING SNACKS FOR SCHOOL CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR ANYONE—EVEN A DIETITIAN. PEOPLE EXPECT MY CHILDREN TO GO TO SCHOOL WITH ONLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, BUT I BELIEVE THAT CAN BE EMOTIONALLY DAMAGING. I TRY TO SEND FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND SOME LESS HEALTHY SNACKS—OTHERWISE KNOWN AS JUNK FOOD. HOWEVER, I AM CAREFUL WITH WHICH JUNK FOODS I BUY. I ALLOW MY KIDS TO BRING INDIVIDUAL SNACKS OF THEIR CHOICE, ALTHOUGH I DO NOT BUY SNACKS WITH MSG.
Each year, each child and each school brings different challenges that I try to do my best to overcome. I try not to pressure my kids because food shouldn’t be a source of worry for any child or family. I aim to be creative, consistent, and calm.
My goals for this year were to try to have all snacks and lunches prepared the night before and to have each child ready on time so they could eat the healthy breakfasts that I prepare—and pray they don’t miss the bus.
I allow my kids to make their own decisions about what foods go into their bodies. I educate them, but I don’t pressure them. I believe the bigger you make the issue of eating healthy foods, the more resistance they may feel—so, I try to play it cool and you should too.
ARE YOU PUTTING TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON YOUR KIDS TO EAT RIGHT? RELAX!
Food shouldn’t be a source of worry for your family. Try to get your kids to eat healthier, but be creative, consistent, and calm. It can take 10 to 15 times before a child will decide to try or like something new. If it doesn’t work the first time, try a different approach, a new way to prepare and disguise the food, and, again, remember the importance of doing this in slow, small steps. Have patience and try to remember that the psychological damage may be worse than the physiological.
BE AWARE OF WHAT’S IN THE SNACKS YOU BUY
As I said, I let my children choose the snacks they take to school. I don’t mind sending chips, however they must not contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats, veggie burgers, chips, canned beans, bullion cubes, dried soup mixes, salad dressings and many other junk foods.
Many people do not tolerate MSG well. It can cause headaches, flushing, sweating, facial pressure or tightness, numbness, tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas, rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations), chest pain, nausea, weakness, and/or liver damage. In addition studies show that MSG may cause weight gain by damaging the appetite regulation center in the area of the brain, causing leptin resistance. It can even cause brain damage in children, because a child’s brain is four times more sensitive than an adult’s.
Unfortunately, foods rarely list MSG as an ingredient. Just as sugar has many aliases, so does MSG. Some of its other names are hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed yeast extract, autolyzed yeast extract, plant protein extract (which sounds very innocent), sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured whey protein, and textured soy protein.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
If you’re giving your kids apples and explaining how good they are for their health, yet they see you eating a Snickers bar as a snack, it’s never going to work. Feeding the entire family healthy meals and snacks is part of being a good parent. Never use the “D word” (diet) in front of children. Strict diets look like punishment to a child. Eating healthy foods should be a way of life. Two good tips: lead by example and eat everything in moderation.
WHAT ARE YOUR KIDS DRINKING?
You know that plants need water to grow—so do your children. Teach them to love water at a very young age and educate them about sugary sodas, iced teas and sports drinks. Let them know that one 20 oz. bottle of Coca-Cola, contains 65 grams of sugar. The American Heart Association suggests that a person consume no more than 24 grams of sugar in a day! Sugar in soda has been known to dissolve tooth enamel and even worse, cause heart disease. Some juices contain a lot of sugar as well. Always read labels and remember, you can’t go wrong with a glass of water. Don’t just live, live healthy!
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.
IF YOU LOVE FASHION, THERE ARE TWO MUSEUM SHOWS THAT ARE ‘MUST SEES’ IN NEW YORK CITY RIGHT NOW. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART’S COSTUME INSTITUTE IS CURRENTLY SHOWING, IN AMERICA: A LEXICON OF FASHION AND THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM IS CURRENTLY SHOWING CHRISTIAN DIOR: DESIGNER OF DREAMS.
The shows differ in that the Metropolitan Museum show includes many diverse American fashion designers, and the Brooklyn Museum show focuses on just one French designer, Christian Dior.
In America: A Lexicon of FashionChristian Dior: Designer of Dreams
In America: A Lexicon of Fashion at the Met is inspired by a “patchwork quilt.” An 1856 quilt from the Met’s own American Wing collection is shown at the entrance of the show and serves as a metaphor for the US and its varied cultural identities. The displays of the fashion mannequins, (each seems to be floating in its own cubicle), are geometrically stacked and lined up just like the geometry of a quilt. And just like the patterns of a quilt, which relate to each other either in color or motif, the fashions are displayed with relationships to one another.
Dozens of fashions from the 1940s to the present are arranged into twelve sections based on the emotional qualities of: nostalgia, belonging, delight, joy, wonder, affinity, confidence, strength, desire, assurance, comfort, and consciousness. The fashions include not only well-known designers, but also new, emerging and diverse designers, showing that American fashion is always moving, changing and growing. It’s fun to walk through the collection and see the beautiful fashions from the past and the new fashions by young, up and coming designers. The fashions are well organized and displayed in an easy to approach manner.
In America: A Lexicon of Fashion will run though September 2022, but a new addition to the show: In America: An Anthology of Fashion will open on May 7, 2022.
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams arrived at the Brooklyn Museum after being shown first in Paris in 2017. It is a very large, glamorous and theatrical show highlighting eight decades of designs by Christian Dior. Fans of Dior will appreciate the details in the exhibition and if you are not familiar with the brand, you will get a wonderful history lesson in fashion.
The extensive exhibition, which features several silhouettes on display for the first time, walks the viewer through Christian Dior’s relationship with New York. It takes you on his journey from his atelier in Paris to the United States. Throughout the exhibition, guests get lost in the wonderful world of Christian Dior through never-before-seen haute couture creations, designs from the House’s successive Artistic Directors like Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, Raf Simmons, and more, and finally, a collection of dresses that have been worn by celebrities from Princess Diana and Grace Kelly to Penelope Cruz and Nicole Kidman.
In America: A Lexicon of FashionChristian Dior: Designer of Dreams
The entire exhibit is visually stunning, taking you through garden inspired displays to heavenly, cloud-like presentations. This show is not to be missed!
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams will be on display until February 20, 2022. Both the Met and Brooklyn Museum shows require advanced timed ticketing.
Natalie Senior Greenberg is a Brooklyn College Art History professor, and the founder, curator and owner of an online art gallery.
NOVEMBER 8TH MARKED A TRULY MONUMENTAL MOMENT AT THE CENTER: THE UNVEILING OF OUR NEW JEWISH COMMUNAL FUND SENSORY GYM. THIS EXTRAORDINARY FACILITY COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT THE GUIDANCE OF THE UJA, WHO SECURED A GRANT FROM THE JCF’S ENDOWMENT, THE JCF SPECIAL GIFTS FUND.
The JCF enabled us to build an extravagant state-of-the-art 1,500 square foot therapy center, equipped with therapy swings, rock-climbing walls, monkey bars, therapy balls, and other sensory equipment. At the Center, we know that sensory gyms are vital in supporting fine motor skills, body awareness, increased social skills, enhanced independence, and so much more. It is a wonderful contribution that so many children in our community will enjoy and benefit from. The sensory gym has already become the talk of the town, and as word continues to spread, we can only imagine the impact this gym will have on our community.
The night of the event was filled with words of excitement from members of the JCF, including their CEO Sue Dickman and UJA’s Executive Vice President Mark Medin. The Center’s very own occupational therapist Evelyn Salama, as well as parent and longtime friend Susan Srour, spoke words of wisdom about how important the new gym is.
We want to thank everybody involved in this noteworthy project, and we invite the community to come to the Center and see our new addition.
THE CENTER OPENED ITS DOORS ON NOVEMBER 15TH, WELCOMING THE COMMUNITY TO CENTERED ON HEALTH. THE EVENT, WHICH HAD SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, BROUGHT PEOPLE TOGETHER TO LEARN, RECONNECT, AND ENJOY THE DAY. CENTERED ON HEALTH BOASTED A ROBUST PROGRAM, ENCOMPASSING A DIVERSE ARRAY OF HEALTH-RELATED PRESENTATIONS.
Our health starts at conception. Genetic screening before marrying and having children is the first responsible decision we can make as parents. Dr. Ditchek of JPatible came in to help us understand more about recessive genes and the importance of genetic testing. As parents, we strive to keep our children safe and healthy. Along that theme, we had an RN at the event who gave presentations on what to do if your child is choking.
Parenting our children is our most important job. Parenting takes planning, education, and strategy. Being proactive parents will allow us to find positive ways to discipline our children, as well as tune in to their needs and advocate for them when they have challenges to meet. We also had a parenting expert, along with an occupational therapist, speech and language pathologist, and physical therapist. All of our therapists spoke to parents of young children about how they can grow as parents by recognizing, understanding, and meeting their children’s needs.
Presentations on both our mental and physical health were given at the event too. We live such full, fast paced lives and give so much of ourselves to our loved ones. We need to learn how to slow down and take care of ourselves as well. Having a life coach come in to discuss how to control the “rush” in our day was eye opening for many. Self care was also addressed by an auriculotherapist, who explained acupressure on the ear and the host of difficulties it can address and alleviate. Since we are always on the move, we don’t always pay attention to our physical well being. Learning about how lower back and knee pain are oftentimes caused by those areas compensating for other areas helped attendees realize that they need to address the less obvious areas in their bodies in regards to exercise and treatment.
As we move from stage to stage throughout life, our health needs shift as well. Everyone was excited to learn about how nutrition and metabolism affect health at different ages and stages of life. As we get older, we want to make sure we are staying strong, that’s why it is so valuable to learn about women’s bone health. We learned about what we can do to build and maintain bone mass, as well as things we can avoid that contribute to poor bone health. Finally, we learned about our mind and memory. Concerns surrounding memory need to be addressed from a wider angle because memory challenges can be a symptom of other medical issues. The full picture will point patients to the best course of treatment. We learned when we should be concerned and address potential issues with a medical provider.
Throughout the day, there were health screenings for participants to utilize. In some cases, screenings can save lives. Preventive medicine can help us understand what our medical needs are. Incorporating screenings into our Centered on Health event was a priority. We were able to include mammogram screenings (with the help of Morris I Franco Cancer Center) as well as hearing screenings (with Audiologist Dr. Jennifer Srour).
Then we moved on to discussing healthy food. Food is often at the center of our homes and families, but we need to be responsible about what we choose to eat. The varied cooking demonstrations approached cooking from different angles. Our cooking demos covered topics that included the medical components of the food we eat, different ways of incorporating new foods into our cooking, how to use what’s in our pantry and fridge for a balanced meal, how to make a smoothie that will help our bodies re-energize after exercising, how to eat well without depriving ourselves, and how to create a healthier version of Shabbat and holiday meals. The variety of subjects, along with the aromas traveling from the stage to the audience, kept everyone interested and hungry.
While the main goal of Centered on Health was to empower people with important information and health related knowledge, unifying the community stands at “the center” of what we wanted to achieve. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Every employee of the Center, as well as every presenter and organization involved, was responsible for the success of our event. We are proud to have collaborated with and owe a debt of gratitude to The Morris I Franco Cancer Center and Medstar, PROPEL Network, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Dr. Stuart Ditchek, Dr. Ezra Dori, Dr. Jennifer Srour, Ray Sofer, Evelyn Salama, Laura Kurtz, Renee Zarif, Heather Deutsch, Nazira Chabbott, Sandy Zohni, Stefanie Zakay, Jacklyn Lahav, Frances Palacci, Judith Betesh, Sarah Hanan, Nina Dahan, Mozelle Goldstein, Roz Ben David, and Allison Esses.
Sarah Chrem, LMSW, is a special events coordinator at the Center.
THE SBH LORRAINE AND LOUIS A”H SHAMIE SENIOR DIVISION WAS HONORED AND HUMBLED TO LAUNCH CONNECT, DAILY PROGRAMMING FOR THE SENIORS OF OUR COMMUNITY. ON DECEMBER 15 SBH WELCOMED OVER 100 SENIORS TO THEIR BROOKLYN HEADQUARTERS WHERE THEY OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THE LONG-AWAITED PROGRAM TO SUPPORT THE PILLARS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
The day began with a delicious hot catered lunch and continued with speeches of welcome and gratitude by staff and volunteers. Entertainment by Steven Chera followed, and a special project involving all of our incredible seniors. Mona Saad was invited to design a mosaic with our seniors that will one day hang in the new senior recreational space in the future SBH building. Everyone loved creating the mosaic.
The day was an emotional and exciting look at what lies ahead for the future of the Senior Division as a hub for senior services in our community. SBH looks forward to daily programming for seniors every Monday to Thursday. From Arabic music to classic film screenings, there will be something for everyone!
HANUKKAH IS A JOYOUS HOLIDAY FOR JEWS AROUND THE WORLD. THIS PAST HANUKKAH, NEW YORK’S HONORABLE JUDGE BRUCE BALTER AND RABBI DR. ELIE ABADIE CELEBRATED IN SPECIAL WAYS. JUDGE BALTER WAS INVITED BY THE PORT AUTHORITY POLICE SHROMIN SOCIETY TO LIGHT THE MENORAH AT WORLD TRADE CENTER GROUND ZERO. “IT WAS MY GREAT HONOR TO ONCE AGAIN HAVE THE ZECHUT TO LIGHT THE MENORAH AT GROUND ZERO. IT WAS SUCH A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE TO REPRESENT AM YISRAEL,” SAID JUDGE BALTER.
A little over a year ago, Rabbi Dr. Abadie left our community to serve as the Senior Rabbi of the Jewish Council of the Emirates, in Dubai. We checked in with him to find out how he spent the holiday. He said, “Hanukkah in the UAE was eight days of miracles. The Jewish community celebrated each night in a different place with pride of being Jewish and living in the UAE.” Here’s a look at Judge Balter’s and Rabbi Abadie’s celebrations as well as celebrations around the world.
Judge Bruce Balter with Jewish members of the ShomrimRabbi Abadie celebrating in DubaiRabbi Abadie celebrating in DubaiLondonRomeThe Western WallSeashell menorah in Miami
HANUKKAH BINGO NIGHT AT DSN IS ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY ACCLAIMED YEARLY EVENTS IN THE JERSEY COMMUNITY. BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS LOOK FORWARD TO THIS NIGHT FILLED WITH DELICIOUS FOOD AND EXHILARATING FAMILY FUN.
On Monday, November 29th, DSN welcomed 600 community members into its building for a Hanukkah celebration. As guests entered, they heard lively Hanukkah songs and marveled at a huge balloon arch displayed at the entrance.
After taking pictures under the balloon arch, everyone made their way to the dinner buffet stations. Nicole’s Kitchen provided the full dinner and dessert. As usual, it was delicious!
DSN member and mother Lillian Manopla stated, “My family looks forward to the DSN Hanukkah party every year. The food was so appetizing, plus the entertainment was wonderful. We are so lucky to have DSN to host this special night!”
Upon entering the gymnasium, guests were asked to guess the number of dreidels packed into a large jar. The person who guessed closest to the correct number of dreidels would receive an Amazon gift card. The winner was young Samuel Sasson! Guests also enjoyed taking pictures in the special photo booth that was set up with Hanukkah-themed props.
This special night personifies community building at its finest, bringing everyone together in a positive way. As everyone settled into their seats, Rabbi Joseph Dana started off the night with a Dvar Torah, speaking to the crowd about the meaning of the Hanukkah holiday. Then, Jack Savdie, a 7th grade Hillel Yeshiva student, recited the blessings on the menorah and lit the candles, followed by the crowd singing Ma’Ozur together. It was beautiful!
Finally, the time came for Bingo! DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt resumed his treasured position as Master of Ceremonies. Several bingo iterations were played such as getting a straight line, an X and the fan-favorite “stand up, sit down.” Sammy doesn’t just call a game of Bingo. He is able to get the crowd screaming in elation as he calls each number. The entire DSN gymnasium roared with excitement, laughter and heart-pounding, energy.
Alison Maymie, a DSN mother, said, “It is simply an amazing night. It is done professionally with the stage, big screen, great prizes and fantastic food! That’s why there is always a huge turnout!”
Frieda Shammah, DSN’s Youth Director, stated, “It is so nice to see our hard work pay off when the kids are thrilled and the parents are smiling. Hanukkah Bingo night is my favorite night of the year. The kids go nuts at the chance to win amazing prizes, including an Xbox, a Nintendo Switch, smart watches, Kindles, Barbie toys, American Girl dolls, wireless headphones, iHomes and scooters to satisfy all age groups. What’s not to love?”
Mother Jacqueline Musry was delighted. “My kids would not leave until the last number of the night was called. It was the best night!” There is a high intensity that remains until the last prize is won. It is an accumulation of happiness, hopefulness, excitement, and fun, all of which make DSN the pillar of the Jersey Shore community.
Sammy Sitt put the night into perspective. “On Hanukkah, we are reminded how the Greeks wanted to tear down the religious and social fabric of the Jewish community. DSN is modern day proof of the Maccabean victory as we unite in our beautiful Community Center with the menorah front and center. Bringing the community together for fun and entertainment is in the DNA of DSN, especially with all the new families who have joined the community. We must provide an opportunity for everyone to meet each other and feel at home. We have the best community in the world, and they deserve the best!”
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT? IT’S ESSENTIAL TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT BECAUSE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE BEGAN WITH AN IDEA. IF YOU DON’T KNOW, THEN YOU ALREADY HAVE WHAT YOU’VE GOT AND DON’T EXPECT MORE.
The start of a new secular year is the perfect time to envision, set goals, plan, and begin to manifest what you want. Are you ready? Let’s dive in. The best way to get what you want is to identify it and stay focused on getting it. Simple? Yes, but not always easy. This is where having a goal helps.
STEP 1: EMBRACE GRATITUDE TO FIND CLARITY Begin by giving yourself a little time and space. Open up a notebook, and list the things you’re grateful for. Think of someone you appreciate and write a thank you note. Reflect on something that went well that you accomplished that you’re proud of. Celebrate the idea that you’re alive and that you’re healthy, and that you have a roof over your head. Enjoy that you can see, feel and hear—that you exist in this world. Revel in all of your relationships, mundane to extraordinary. Acknowledge yourself and acknowledge others, including G-d, for all the good you have in life. Infuse your heart with all of this gratitude and speak out loud, “thank you.”
STEP 2: SET YOUR SMARTER GOALS My clients do a goal setting exercise at least once a year. Some do it quarterly. Using this process, a client generated almost 30% more profit over the following year. Another client, working in real estate, went from being frustrated, unfocused and getting nowhere to doing four deals in less than three months.
Here is the process we walked through. First, review your desired outcomes that were discovered in Step 1. Now, let’s craft them into SMARTER goals.
Success Tips Visible: Print your goals out in color and place them somewhere you will see them often. Then, look at your goals every single day.
Artifact: Choose a physical item as your artifact, to represent your goals. Keep it with you and carry it daily to remind you of your goals and why you want to achieve them.
Prayer: Pray for success. Making a genuine request for success from the Almighty will generate results. Prayer always positively influences my goals. So, let’s pray.
STEP 3: REQUEST ACCOUNTABILITY Prepare a plan of action towards your goals. Establish an accountability partner to support you in maintaining your commitments. This can be a friend or a coach. Find a great coach who will not only help you figure out your goals but will hold you accountable and support you in achieving them. Most importantly, take daily action towards achieving what you want.
Goal Hack Contract with yourself. Write your name, followed by “I will be celebrating the achievement of — on — date.” Sign it. Bonus if you share a copy of this contract with your coach or accountability partner.
Double Bonus The gift of your presence is the greatest present. A SMARTER way to get what you want, be it time or money, is to contribute—in celebration of your SMARTER year!
Rabbi Ezra Max, PCC, MHMP, Xchange Guide & Creator of “The Max Method” assists businesses and professionals deal with stress and achieve success. Rabbi Max has witnessed 20 years of results helping executives, parents and teens overcome struggles, improve communication and thrive. He lives in New York with his wife and five children.
