Last month, Rabbi Eli Mansour and the Edmund J. Safra Synagogue in Flatbush hosted Rabbi Avraham Goldhar of Zichru for an informational session on how members can better utilize the free Gemara memorization method. Zichru helps you retain your learning through pictures, text, and audio files focusing on the main points of any daf. It is utilized by daf yomi learners, Mesivta bachurim, and anyone who wants to better understand and remember Shas. Zichru is available on Zichru.com, as well as an Android and Apple app.
Over fifty people gathered in the shiur room of the synagogue to hear Rabbi Mansour, who himself is a proud Zichru member, speak. The crowd was treated to a deluxe breakfast followed by words of hizuk from Rabbi Mansour. Rabbi Goldhar then answered questions from the audience, offering strategies for success in their learning. Members of the audience got to meet their fellow Zichru lomdim as well. The morning was one that participants will not soon forget.
Night of Excellence
Last month, Magen David Yeshivah High School held its annual Night of Excellence ceremony. MDY celebrated the induction of their top students into the Kavod chapter of the National Honors Society.
The evening began with the exhibition of MoMa, the Museum of Magen Art, coordinated by Mrs. Jennifer Cabasso and Mrs. Jeanette Terzi. After words from Rabbi Eli Mansour, the students heard from Joey Azrak about the Torat Hayim program and Poet Laureate Ezra Grazi recited his original poem.
President of the Kavod chapter for this year, Jacob Hamui, addressed the crowd and Vice President Jacqueline Cohen led the candle lighting ceremony. Alyce Shabtai lit the candle of Torah, Philip Sherr lit the candle of Scholarship, Sarah Mizrachi lit the candle of Character, Rachel Fallas lit the candle of Service, and Marc Mizrahi lit the candle of Leadership. Before the awards were given out, the students heard from Marc Sutton, Student of the Year.
New Beginnings: Introducing Monmouth County’s Newest Commissioner
As the newest member of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, I am excited to introduce myself and welcome you to the Jersey Shore for the 2024 summer season.
Prior to joining the Board of County Commissioners, I served on the Borough Council and as Mayor of Shrewsbury. It is an honor to now have the opportunity to serve the residents of Monmouth County. As mayor, I supported our law enforcement officers and first responders to keep Shrewsbury safe, kept local taxes low, and expanded our partnerships with nearby municipalities and Monmouth County to better serve our community. On the Commissioner Board, I will work with my fellow commissioners to build on these priorities for the benefit of all Monmouth County residents.
Monmouth County is a very special place. From our pristine beaches to our rich historical sites and vast farmlands, Monmouth County has something for everyone. My fellow commissioners and I are focused on maintaining open space, protecting our beaches and treasured coastline, and ensuring Monmouth County remains a great place to live, work, and play.
It is a privilege to serve as your Monmouth County Commissioner, and I hope you will take advantage of some of the exciting events taking place this summer throughout the county. For more information about upcoming events and things to do in Monmouth County, you can visit www.monmouthcountytourism.com.
Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer.
Very truly yours,
Erik Anderson
Monmouth County Commissioner
MDY Warriors Repeat as 7th/8th Grade Yeshiva Softball Champions
The Magen David Yeshiva Warriors led by Coaches Ezra Sultan and Richie Mizrachi became the first team to win back-to-back titles in the Yeshiva Softball League.
It was not an easy feat – as they needed to beat the undefeated YDE team. YDE, led by Coaches Sammy Esses and Max Antar, boasted a 7-0 record during the regular season and was the favorite to win this year’s title.
The MDY Warriors were led by pitching ace Charles Sultan and a stellar defense and offense that consisted of 3rd baseman Hymie J. Gindi, SS Benny R. Mizrachi, SCF Chales Azar, 2B Jack J. Gindi, 1B Michael Esses, LF Daniel Saff, Catcher Mark Antar, CF Albert Ancona, RF Jacob Kassin, DH Solly Gindi, Jack Avital, Izzy Benjamin, Elliot Movazeb, and Benny D. Mizrachi.
YDE was led by a group of All Stars that included Abraham Shammah, Raymond Swed, Eddie Saadia, Eddie Dweck, Jack Shrem, Isaac Sardar, Jack Hoffman, David Antar, Raymin Imani, Abie Gindi, Morris Sutton, and Jacob Esses.
Entering the final inning, the teams were tied at 1-1. Then, in the 7th inning, the MDY Warriors broke the game and the hearts of all the YDE Fans.
Jack J. Gindi led off with a walk, followed by a single by his brother Hymie. Daniel Saff followed with a line drive single to give MDY a 2-1 lead. MDY went on to add two more runs, highlighted by a monster RBI double by Michael Esses.
YDE did not go down without a fight, as they did manage to load the bases in the bottom of the inning – but only came away with one run. Final score: MDY 4 YDE 2.
Congratulations MDY Warriors!
Congestion Pricing in New York City Postponed
Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York announced last month that she was shelving the long-awaited tolling plan known as congestion pricing, just weeks before it was to go into effect.
“After careful consideration I have come to the difficult decision that implementing the planned congestion pricing system risks too many unintended consequences,” Ms. Hochul said, adding, “I have directed the M.T.A. to indefinitely pause the program.”
The move angered environmentalists, transit advocates, and economists, with some accusing the governor of abandoning a plan that was decades in the making due to political reasons in a critical election year.
The decision, Ms. Hochul acknowledged, was not an easy one. But she said it was nonetheless crucial in light of the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic on working families and on New York City’s economy.
The congestion pricing plan, the first of its kind in the nation, was slated to start June 30. Drivers using E-ZPass would have paid as much as $15 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street.
The governor said she feared that instituting a toll to drive into the borough would “create another obstacle to our economic recovery.”
A Siena poll from April found that 72 percent of New York suburbs opposed congestion pricing. Statewide, the number is lower, but still a majority – including 54 percent of Democrats.