Recapturing the Classic Sephardic Spirit
I was raised in a home where terms like âOrthodox, Conservative, Reform, Haredi, Secular, Zionistâ or the like were not a part of our vocabulary. Jews were Jews. In our home, we observed and respected our traditions, including Shabbatot, holidays and synagogue life. Perhaps we were viewed as ânot religious enoughâ by some in the community, but we were unapologetic about who we were. We did not see our Jewish practices as having to conform to somebody elseâs opinion, nor did we change our way of life because a rabbi wrote an article deciding to impose new strictures on the community.
Book Selections
The Impact of Drugs On Our Community
Contrary to popular misconception, the Jewish community has struggled with addiction just as much as every other community. As Chairman of the Assemblyâs Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee, I have heard too many tragic stories. One community teen is addicted to painkillers he first found in his parentâs medicine cabinet, another young man habitually âshul hopsâ to take advantage of the whiskey at his communityâs kiddushim.
Delegation from the Sephardic Community Joins OU Advocacy-Teach NYS In Albany To Advocate for Yeshivah Funding
Noting the short time frame until the April 1st deadline to pass the New York State budget, Lt. Governor Robert Duffy and several other legislators urged the OU Advocacy-Teach NYS delegations that came to Albany recently to âkeep up the pressureâ on elected officials and remind them to support the initiatives that help Jewish education with consistent and persistent lobbying until the budget is passed.
Passover Around the World
Aftermath, The Movie
IMDBâs (Internet Movie Data Base) plot summary for the film Aftermath is just one sentence: A Polish man who returns home after the death of his father unearths a secret about the now-deceased Jewish residents of his village. From that brief description, one would never guess that the movie is a tense, must-see, gripping thriller based on true events.
Heroic Russian Refusnik Visits Hillel Yeshiva
The Importance of Impulse Control
In todayâs world desires are met almost immediately. We all enjoy having instant answers from the Internet, skipping commercials, and next-day shipping, but we should know that in this climate of speedy satisfaction, itâs much harder to strengthen that part of the brain that controls oneâs impulses. The reason it is important to have well developed impulse control is because there are links between this ability and success, as well as the reverse: studies show a connection between poor impulse control and addiction. Without giving up the convenience of a more efficient lifestyle, there are ways to develop oneâs impulse control.
Judaismâs Bill of Obligation in Marriage
Judaism is a system for living that is built on obligations as opposed to rights. This is especially true with respect to the Jewish approach to marriage. Obligations foster responsibility and giving. Rights foster a sense of entitlement which can lead to irresponsibility. In Judaism, one is not entitled to anything. Everything good we have is a gift.
Yeshivah of Flatbush Book Clubs
Books in hand, students walked briskly, with their parents not far behind, to begin fun, yet intense, discussions at the 3rd and 4th Grade Parent/Child Book Clubs. These evenings, geared towards fostering and encouraging a childâs love of reading, were brought to fruition by PKRE (Parents and Kids Reading for Enjoyment).
When it Comes to Makeup Less is More
When we see a beautiful girl, many of us say âsheâs so pretty; she doesnât need makeup.â I disagree. The most beautiful woman in the world can still be enhanced with a little blush and mascara. When you think about it, even the models that are on the covers of the most famous beauty magazines not only have a full face of makeup, but their pictures are always touched up and air brushed. We have an obsession with looking natural and natural is good, however there are tricks to use, so you can look like the girl next door, while still wearing cosmetics.
A Letter To My Body
I love and respect you, but I donât want my life to revolve around you. Youâve been with me for as long as I can remember. When I was little I remember how much I loved to swing with you towards the sky and run with you across the baseball field at school. You carried me down ski slopes and to the depths of the lake in the summer. You miraculously held my children and brought them into the world. You have quietly borne the pain of my pre-dawn spinning classes and insane runs through snow.