Ellen Geller Kamaras

On March 24^th, students from Yeshivah Flatbush High School met with U.S. elected officials and their senior staff members to advocate for Israel. Most of these young leaders belong to the Yeshivah’s Students Supporting Israel club, SSI.

Yeshivah of Flatbush (YOF) has created meaningful initiatives and has implemented them to educate and train its students, our future community leaders, in Israel advocacy and combatting anti-Semitism.

Background

SSI, a leadership-based club, works in partnership with the William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute and meets weekly. In 2022, YOF received a donation of $6 million from William S. Levine, who graduated from the YOF Elementary School in 1946. It was the largest donation ever given to the Yeshivah since its founding in 1927. The donation established the Levine Institute for Shoah Legacy (the Shoah Institute), an all-encompassing umbrella initiative for YOF Middle School and Joel Braverman High School students.

Rabbi Jeffrey Rothman, YOF Executive Director explained, “The Institute will prepare students for the moral responsibility to bear witness to the tragedies of the Holocaust and will help preserve an honest history of survivors’ voices for generations to come.”  Witness Theater is one of the Institute’s signature programs that pairs high school students with Holocaust survivors to dramatize the survivors’ stories, transforming memories into live performances.  The Middle School participates in the Names, Not Numbers program, as well.

After the horrific events of October 7^th and in response to rising anti-Semitic and anti-Israel incidents, YOF launched a Combating Anti-Semitism and Israel Advocacy initiative for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Designed for high school students, the initiative combined an enhanced, age-appropriate curriculum on the history of anti-Semitism and its contemporary forms, Israel’s modern history and the Arab Israeli conflict, and practical advocacy skills. A key experiential component included training field trips, college campus visits, and lobbying/advocacy missions, including travel to NYC City Hall, Albany, and Washington, D.C.

My brother, Marty Geller, also a YOFHS alum, helped to establish the program and contributed funds from the Geller Family Foundation to finance the year-long advocacy program for 2024 and 2025, which culminated in Washington, D.C. for the students’ two-day lobbying trips. Marty is an American businessman, philanthropist, and Israel activist. 

In its second year, the Geller gift enabled YOF to bring student Israel advocacy training to life through a mission to Washington, D.C in March 2026, and also provided key programming throughout the year.  The March trip was an enormous success with 44 participants (up from last year’s 25 participants) from YOF who went to Washington, D.C. with Marty and Flatbush Yeshivah faculty members.

The March Mission

Rabbi David Hertzberg, the Director of the Shoah Institute and former YOF middle school principal, accompanied the delegation, along with other YOF faculty and Marty, who was a key player in preparing the students.    

Marty met with the SSI students throughout the year, and in January 2026 he attended a dinner at the Yeshivah, kicking off the advocacy training process.  He shared insights on advocacy, philanthropy, and lessons from business.

The group left New York on Sunday, March 22 and stopped in Baltimore for lunch and team building activities.  Advocacy training followed at the DC hotel in the evening, enabling students to become comfortable with their talking points, which included anti-Semitism, the war with Iran, and the general U.S.-Israel alliance.

Marty participated with on-the-ground preparation related to lobbying skills at the AIPAC offices on Monday morning and he joined the students for a sightseeing tour, which included the Supreme Court.

Training and Execution

Training emphasized (1) identifying major current issues in Israel, (2) understanding how Congress works and the role of lobbying, (3) learning lobbying techniques, and (4) preparing talking points in groups for meetings with elected officials or their staff. Rabbi Hertzberg clarified that the group participated in Capitol Hill meetings as advocates for their cause and as themselves.

In the afternoon, the students conducted Capitol Hill advocacy meetings in small teams in congressional offices.

Each cohort of students was accompanied by either a faculty member or a senior SSI student with prior advocacy experience.  Each group met with their own senator, congressperson, or staff person in the NY/NJ area to advocate for support of Israel and the U.S.–Israel alliance. They also raised concerns about rising anti-Semitism and the broader security challenges posed by Iran.

Marty and Rabbi Hertzberg joined these groups, too.  Advocacy efforts included visits to the offices of Senators Chuck Schumer, Kristen Gillibrand, Cory Booker and others, though the students primarily met with senior staffers given the congressional schedule.

Debriefing 

Rabbi Hertzberg asked: did we move the needle forward?

The debriefing that followed the visits and the feedback received definitely indicated that the advocacy mission was productive and successful.  It is critical our elected offices continue to hear from constituents of all ages, especially our future leaders.  Perhaps equally as important, students felt engaged and empowered that they could present their talking points to officials who are in a position to effect change.

The students utilized what they learned throughout the year and in Washington, and were able to explain why an alliance with Israel benefits the United States. They followed up by asking officials to support specific legislation.  It was a wonderful opportunity for them to build on their communication, advocacy, and leadership skills, especially for future advocacy missions.  Saying thank you to our government representatives for supporting Israel was a key takeaway, too!

The students appreciated the professional treatment they received from Marty and the AIPAC staff. Many expressed interest in future trips and experiences. 

As part of their training, Marty and the professionals encouraged the students to share their own experiences on Capitol Hill to make their advocacy more personal.  One student shared what happened when his family’s young Israeli guest asked when a motorized gadget went off (that opens a window shade) if they had to run to a shelter. This demonstrated so clearly how the missiles and sirens impact Israeli daily life.  

Rabbi Hertzberg expects more students to join in future advocacy trips.  Marty emphasized that the biggest pay-off from these missions is the number of students who become inspired to stand with Israel and get involved in many ways.  Teenagers learn to do their part, whether by sending emails and making calls to government officials, getting involved on university campuses when they start college, and encouraging their families and friends to support Israel financially.

The students expressed their gratitude to Marty and the Geller Family Foundation for sponsoring this meaningful program and trip.

For more information on the Shoah Institute’s Israel Advocacy programs and missions, please email Rabbi Hertzberg at DHertzberg@flatbush.org.

In Their Own Words

Below are reflections from four of students who participated in the trip, sharing what the experience meant to them.

Judah: “Going on the Yeshivah Flatbush Washington trip was a privilege. And knowing that I had the opportunity to do something that so few people my age get to do was truly special.”

Eli: “It was meaningful to be heard and taken seriously in the halls of power even though I’m only a teenager.”

Zach: “During our lobbying trip, our cohort had the opportunity to speak with the people who make change in the country. It made me realize that by implementing our rights, we can make a difference. It dawned on me that this country is truly a country for the people by the people.”

Sam: “I was able to present how maintaining strong support for Israel is not only vital for regional stability, but is also beneficial to the United States. I emphasized that continued American aid to Israel strengthens economic ties, supports innovation and security cooperation, and ultimately contributes to both nations’ long-term prosperity. Showing support for those officials who are helping Israel is important to keep it going. I feel I made an impact even though I am only 14.”          

Ellen Geller Kamaras

“I look at my special education agency as a shlichut, to help our community children grow and succeed and build the right foundation for an amazing future.  I didn’t shine as a student and now I have the skills to ensure that our students flourish.”  ~ Jaime Chams ~

Please meet Jaime, neé Stavrach, Chams, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.  She describes herself as a very hard-working, goal-oriented, and a spiritual person.

Jaime is the founder of Always a Step Ahead, an agency that helps community children access special education services that they are entitled to from the NYC Department of Education (DOE). Jaime’s organization assists hundreds of students receive the services they need to thrive including SETSS (Special Education Teacher Support Services), speech, occupational and physical therapy, and counseling.

Jaime’s parents, Anat and Joseph Stavrach, raised their family in Brooklyn where the imbued their children with a love of Torah and mitzvot. They especially were committed to hesed and community service, and ran Aishel Shabbat, an organization that they helped create. (Aishel Shabbat currently provides nutritious, quality Shabbat meals for nearly 250 families).

Jaime is the second of four children, two boys and two girls. Jaime grew up in a home that always focused on being there and giving to others, as well as caring about those in need.

Jaime is warm and very easy to chat with.  She has been a super friendly person since childhood and connects easily with people. 

After graduating Ateret Torah High School, Jaime’s next step academically was enrolling in Training and Testing International (TTI) for a bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education. TTI partners with nationally and regionally accredited universities bringing higher education to the frum community in a controlled, Torah-based environment.

Always a Step Ahead

Created in 2010, Jaime’s goal was to grow in the field of special education services and ensure all our students stay Always a Step Ahead.

Jaime was working for another agency at the time, and realized that our community needed someone who could offer more care and concern specifically geared to our community. She wanted her agency to be more individualized rather than factory style. She approached many different community schools, and saw there was a great need. Baruch Hashem, many doors opened for her.

In addition to helping children obtain eligible services from the DOE, Jaime and her staff hire and pay providers and manage the funding while awaiting reimbursement and additional funding.  They take care of everything involved in the service procurement and administration from beginning to end.

Parent involvement in the process, especially in court appeal cases, is crucial. Jaime emphasizes that parents must feel passionate that their child is entitled to the services so that they become a meaningful partner in the funding process. Jaime used to have her team take care of everything with minimal parent involvement, but over the years she realized that more parent input is needed and so the agency created a team to focus on this.

Passions

Jaime is on fire about helping and advocating for kids to be placed into the right schools. 

There are children who are sent out of school or are not accepted or are excluded by other kids or are bullied silently.

On a personal level, Jaime is proud that she can support her family while her husband learns in kollel – “That is huge for me.” She works from home, and stresses that she would not have it any other way. Her job keeps her very busy, but she manages to pull dinner together or do homework with the kids in between emails and meetings. Family is very important to Jaime, and she puts great emphasis on spending time with her loved ones.

The best reward for Jaime is hearing from parents that the support her agency gives enables their children to succeed.  “It is so worthwhile when a parent calls and thanks me for being a partner in their child’s success.”

Mentors and Role Models

Jaime frequently asks her rabbis and mentors questions about work and how to proceed. She also reaches out for chinuch guidance and how to balance work and home life. 

Her secret to success?  “Prayers and lots of advice and berachot from rabbis who guide me every step of the way.”

Balance

Jamie has gotten better at achieving work-life balance.  While building her agency and ensuring its core is the personal connection, she established close relationships with the parents her agency serves.  Most parents treat her as a best friend and associate the services they receive directly with her and not just with the agency. 

For the first twelve years of her business, Jaime refused to get assistance aside from her husband pitching in on lunch breaks or at night, or someone occasionally working on the billing.  Jaime realized that doing everything herself was taking a toll on her and on her family and that she needed help.  The agency now has a team of secretaries working remotely and a communications team that works closely to inform parents of the process as it proceeds. 

She is now a big advocate of asking for help!

Community and Hesed

Jaime adores her community, “Its members feel so strongly about giving back and investing in it. We are so solid. There is no community quite like us anywhere!”

Working with students across the community has taught Jaime a lot about acceptance and being non-judgmental. 

She learned about the importance of hesed at a young age from her parents.  “I grew up with tons of hesed in the home. My parents taught us to always give, and my biggest prayer and blessing to all is to always remain on the giving end, because there is nothing as special as being able to give.”

Jaime enjoys reading and going to shiurim when she can.

Closing Tips

Pray and ask for spiritual advice. Finding the right mentor or rabbi who you trust and guide you can help you gain clarity. Try to find someone from the community in your related business or profession who can serve as a mentor to you.

“Many agencies or private providers call me for assistance when needed, and I love to help when I can. I also call them when I need advice.  If you realize that parnassa is from Hashem, you will be happy to help others grow and [you] will only succeed.”

You can reach Jaime at p3center@yahoo.com.Ellen Geller Kamaras, CPA/MBA, is an International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach.  Her coaching specialties include life, career, and dating coaching.   Ellen can be contacted at ellen.kamaras@gmail.com (www.lifecoachellen.com).

By Simha Health

In the modern world, a teenager’s smartphone is a portable printing press for their permanent record. For today’s teens, the digital world feels temporary, like a conversation in a hallway. However, every click, comment, and private message creates a digital anchor. This is a record that is easy to set but can keep a person stuck in the past for years.

Parents do not need to be tech experts to protect their children. By focusing on three critical areas, you can give your teen the mindset they need to navigate the digital age with integrity.

Digital Permanence and the Billboard Test

Teens often view their online posts as temporary thoughts that can be crumpled up and thrown away. They believe that hitting delete or using disappearing message features solves the problem. We must help them understand that the internet is actually an anchor. Even if a post is deleted, it lives on in server backups, data logs, and screenshots.

In ten years, when your teen is applying for their dream job, recruiters will use software to scan every old account and edgy joke ever linked to your child’s name. To help them process this, teach your teen a mental filter called the Billboard Test. Before they hit send, ask them to imagine that message or photo printed on a 20 foot billboard in the center of town. If they wouldn’t be proud to have their grandparents, their coach, and their future boss see it there, it has no business being on their phone. This turns a distant consequence into a concrete and immediate visual.

The Myth of the Mask and the Front Door Rule

Many teens fall into the trap of Keyboard Courage. They believe that using a fake username or hiding their caller ID makes them invisible. This sense of anonymity often leads to trolling or sending messages they would never say to someone’s face. The reality is that no one is truly anonymous online. Every digital action leaves breadcrumbs. Every call and message sends data packets that include location and device information.

What a teen sees as a thirty second joke can be traced by authorities in seconds. If a prank makes someone feel unsafe, it can quickly escalate into a legal report for harassment tied directly to your family’s phone bill. A powerful way to ground this is the Front Door Rule. Instruct them to never type anything to someone that they would not be willing to walk up to their front door and say to their face while their parents are watching. No Caller ID is just a thin mask. The network always knows who is speaking.

The Psychology of the New Group Chat

Social life for today’s teens revolves almost entirely around group chats. While these are great for connection, they are frequently used for passive bullying through exclusion. A common scenario involves a group of friends starting a new chat specifically to leave one person out. This is often done so they can talk about that person or plan events without them. Research shows that being excluded in this way triggers the same part of the human brain as physical pain.

Teens often go along with this because they are afraid of being the next person left out. You can empower your teen to change this dynamic by mastering the Admin Leadership Move. Encourage them to be the person with the confidence to say, “Hey, why isn’t this person in here? Let’s add them.” Being an includer is a high status leadership move. It changes the vibe of the group from a gossip circle back into a friendship and protects your teen from being part of a record that could look like bullying later on.

Cultivating a Digital Legacy By focusing on these areas, you are coaching your teen to think about their character in a world where every action is recorded. Helping them realize that their future at twenty five is too important to risk on a single click is the best protection you can provide.

Rabbinical Message

The Chafetz Chaim tells us that modern technology is here to teach us lessons in emunah. This concept of realizing nothing gets lost in cyberspace can be applied to our deeds in general. Nothing we say or do is lost, as the Mishnah says: “Kol Ma’asecha Basefer Nichtavin” (All your deeds are written in a book). Just as a digital footprint records every keystroke, our spiritual footprint records every action, reminding us that our words and choices have lasting weight.

By Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking and Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi

Many have the custom to eat dairy on Shavuot. If one wants to make dairy bread, one should be cognizant of the halachot involved. The Gemara (Pesahim 30b) teaches that one is not allowed to make bread that was kneaded with milk. This prohibition was instituted by the Rabbis out of concern that one will forget or will not realize the bread is dairy and will eat it together with meat. Baking dairy bread is only permitted in certain instances.

What are the conditions to allow one to bake dairy bread?

One may bake dairy bread if one of the following conditions is met:

1) Only a small amount is baked.

2) The bread is baked in a shape that is recognized as specifically dairy or meat. If there is an identifying – not just a different – shape, that will remind people that it is meat or dairy one may bake even a large amount.

What is considered “a small amount”?

According to some opinions, it’s the amount that will be eaten in the coming meal. Some are more lenient and allow an amount that will be eaten within the next day. When baking such a small amount for the family there is no concern that it will be accidentally eaten with the other type.

What shape should I bake the bread in?

A shape only helps if those eating the bread would recognize the bread is dairy because of the shape. If the same shape is used for both dairy and pareve bread it will not help, as one may inadvertently assume that the bread  is pareve. Another option would be to sprinkle cheese on top of the dough, as this way it would be easily recognizable as dairy and it wouldn’t be eaten with meat accidentally.

What if I already baked a large amount without a distinctive shape?

If one forgot, or even if one was unaware of the halacha, and baked a large amount of dairy bread, all of the bread is forbidden to eat, even by itself, and must be discarded. Once the dairy bread is baked, it does not help to give it out to family and friends, even if each person is receiving a small amount and it will be eaten right away.

What about crackers and pastries?

Although one of the above conditions is necessary for both bread and crackers alike, those conditions are not required for sweet pastries or cakes. One is allowed to bake a large number of sweet dairy pastries or cakes even without an identifying shape. Since sweet pastries are not eaten together with meat we are not concerned that a mistake will happen. Although one who ate meat has to wait six hours before eating anything dairy, we do not go so far as to prohibit making something that might be eaten during that time, and only prohibit what might be eaten together with meat.

What about items that are filled, like sambousak?

In regards to sambousak or bourekas, there are varying customs. Some are careful to make them in an identifying shape. For example, cheese bourekas are triangles, while the meat ones are made into a square. The meat ones also have some of the meat showing to differentiate between meat and pareve bourekas. For sambousak, the meat and cheese ones are made in two different shapes to identify which one is which. Others are of the opinion that the prohibition only applies to bread that was kneaded with milk, as one who is eating it has no way to know that it is not regular bread. However, something filled does not need an identifying shape, as it is clearly noticeable that there is filling and one will find out what is inside before eating. Experience has shown that it is prudent to make bourekas or sambousak noticeably different, as people have mistakenly used the dairy ones for a meat meal or baked dairy and meat ones simultaneously.

What if a small amount of pareve bread came in contact with dairy?

If only a small amount of pareve bread came in contact with dairy, it is permissible to eat, however, one must be careful not to eat it with meat. In fact, the halacha goes further and requires that any bread eaten with a dairy meal may not be eaten at a meat meal, or vice versa, out of concern that the bread may have come in contact with meat or dairy. This halacha applies to any food that was on the table and potentially came in contact with dairy or meat. They should not be served at the opposite meal.

What about the bread that was in the middle of the table and didn’t get touched at all?

Generally, what was used for serving in the middle of the table may be used in both a meat and dairy meal, as it wouldn’t come in contact with the other food on the table. One should be mindful if there are children at the table, as it may be problematic to re-serve the food since it is more likely that the food would have come in contact  with their hands, which may have had food residue on them.

Custom to Eat Dairy It is interesting to note that while there are many reasons given for the custom to eat dairy on Shavuot. The Rema (Shulhan Aruch 594:3) explains the custom based on the previous halacha. It appears the custom in his time was to start the meal with dairy and then in the middle clear off all the dairy and switch to a meat meal. The Rema explains that based on the above halacha, they would need to bring new bread to the table. The requirement to have two separate breads would then serve as a remembrance of the Sh’tei Ha’lehem – the two-bread offering brought in the Bet Hamikdash on Shavuot.          

Gilad Shmueli

The days leading up to the holiday of Shavuot are days of special preparation, spiritual elevation, and purification. The spiritual energy that descended into the world at the time of the giving of the Torah returns every year on the same date. It is therefore vital to prepare ourselves, so that we become fitting vessels for receiving the holy Torah.

In the book Chemdat Yamim (Shavuot, Chapter 1), it is written about these special pre-Shavuot days: “During these days, one should not allow their mind to drift from the scene at Mount Sinai. One should imagine how the people of Israel stood in purity and separation as they faced the mountain – standing before Gd in awe, fear, and trembling – because Hashem descended upon it with tens of thousands of angels.”

“Remembering this can awaken reverence in the heart, prompting one to sanctify themselves even in that which is permitted, to act as though they themselves are standing at that very event. One should not veer left or right into worldly distractions, and should make Torah study a fixed priority and other matters temporary from Rosh Chodesh Sivan until the sixth of the month, even if they don’t usually live this way. Then they will merit Divine assistance to cast off the impurities of the “serpent” and receive added holiness, just as our holy ancestors did at this time. Fortunate is the person who acts in holiness and purity during these six days – such a person will receive an added spiritual light, deepening their awe of the Almighty.”

Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe once hung a note in his yeshiva, sharing a spiritual segulah (practice for merit) that he had received from his teacher, Rabbi Shmuel Charkover. It said that the three days before Shavuot – the Three Days of Separation (Shloshet Yemei Hagbalah) – are days of tremendous spiritual potential.

Rabbi Wolbe wrote: “I received from my teacher and mentor, Rabbi Shmuel Charkover that the three days before Shavuot are auspicious days. One who learns Torah during them with great diligence, without wasting even a moment, will merit success in Torah learning for the entire year. He told me this is written in the holy books.”

A  Day of Spiritual Judgement

On Shavuot – the day the Torah was given – we receive the spiritual light of that momentous event at Mount Sinai. Each person has the opportunity to receive their personal portion of Torah.

The Sfat Emet writes: “On Shavuot, each person is judged according to the connection they maintained with Torah throughout the year…On this day, the Jewish people receive a renewed portion of Torah for the coming year, and that renewal depends entirely on each individual’s preparation.”

Shavuot is a sort of “day of judgment” for our spiritual lives. Each person receives their own Divine light and unique portion in the Torah based on how they’ve prepared. The custom to stay up all night learning Torah on Shavuot serves as a declaration of our desire to receive our share and to merit a deeper bond with the Torah.

A Day for Prayer and Request

Shavuot is also the Yahrtzeit (day of birth and passing) of David Hamelech, which is why it is customary to read and study Tehillim on this day. Since this is a day of spiritual judgment, it’s also an opportune time to pray for spiritual matters, both for yourself and for others.

Take advantage of this day to pray for: personal spiritual growth, complete repentance, closeness to Hashem, becoming a better and more refined Jew, doing Gd’s will with joy, and success in Torah,  mitzvot, and good deeds. Above all, pray for the Final Redemption, and that we all merit the rebuilding of our glorious Temple in Jerusalem, speedily in our days. Amen.

QUESTION: 

Dear Rabbi Ali,

I have been putting in a lot of work in my marriage and things are getting better. I spent years in therapy and have done so much work on myself. The problem is that my husband refuses to address his past traumas, which I believe are hurting him and, in turn, our relationship. Is there anything I can do about this situation?

R’ Ali’s Response: 

It’s great that you have been putting in a lot of work and effort into bettering your marriage. You should continue to have the strength to work on your marriage. I do not mean to belittle any of the work that you have done, but I rarely come across a couple where both spouses aren’t working on their relationship.

The reason why I mention this is that people get burnt out from working so hard and not seeing their spouse work hard as well. Most of the time this is not true. In your case, it is most likely that your husband is working on the relationship. The reason why you may feel he isn’t may be for one or two reasons. He is working on what he feels is necessary to better the relationship, and second, he isn’t working on what you feel is necessary to better the relationship.  

Now, although he may not be working on what you feel needs work, you should know that he is not neglecting the relationship. Most likely, if I spoke to your husband, he would say that he’s trying really hard to make things work and it’s just not happening. When I tell this to people they are shocked and sort of relieved. This information won’t make the situation better. However, it does give some peace of mind knowing that he cares and wants things to get better. 

Unfortunately, I have encountered (very few) people who say, “My situation is a lost cause,” or “I’m too old for that stuff (working to improve my relationship).”  This is sad and a big mistake. I truly believe there is a way to improve almost every relationship.

Getting back to your question. This is something very common and it is important for people to understand this point. You mention that your husband has traumas and refuses to seek help. Was this assessed by a professional or was it self-diagnosed? This is an important question.

Most people tell me that “they know” he/ she needs therapy. Maybe you’re right. But I believe it is wrong to self-diagnose someone and then coerce them into going for therapy. Besides the fact that therapy rarely, if ever, helps someone who isn’t willing to go, I believe it is the professional’s job to decide who has trauma and who doesn’t. 

I know this sounds a bit harsh, but it is the source of much tension in marriage. One person is trying to get their spouse to seek professional help based on their own evaluation. 

Now, there are cases where a person is dysfunctional and clearly suffers from a real diagnosis such as OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. These are serious disorders and need the guidance of a professional and should be dealt with.

However, your situation sounds fairly common and your husband’s situation is a far cry from a full-blown mental health disorder.  In closing, I would say to continue to work on your relationship, as it seems to be working. Don’t press your husband to seek help (unless otherwise advised by a professional). Acknowledge every little bit of improvement on his end and give positive reinforcement. And, of course, pray to Hashem for assistance from Above.