Exploring the Wonders of the Human Anatomy

Have you ever experienced a sudden, sharp headache when eating or drinking something very cold, like ice cream or a Slurpee? This is called brain freeze, and it is a brief but painful headache that generally lasts less than thirty seconds.

You usually experience brain freeze while eating or drinking something very cold, too fast. When something very cold touches the roof of your mouth (the palate), the sudden temperature change of the tissue stimulates nerves to cause the blood vessels in your brain to swell. This is an attempt to direct blood to the cold area in order to warm it up. The swelling of the blood vessels is what causes the pain in the head.

Doctor Talk

The medical term for brain freeze, also known as the “ice cream headache,” is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, which means “nerve pain of the sphenopalatine ganglion(a bundle of nerves located deep in the face).”

Brain Freeze Relief Tips

To relieve the pain of a brain freeze, you need to warm up the roof of your mouth for the blood vessels to constrict. The quickest way to accomplish this is by pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Other easy ways to relieve the pain is by drinking a warm liquid, or by breathing in through the mouth and exhaling through the nose, thereby allowing warm air to pass through the nasal passages.

To prevent having a brain freeze altogether, remember to consume cold foods slowly and to pause between bites or sips to give your palate a break from the cold.

10, 9, 8, 7, …

Brain freeze typically hits about ten seconds after chilling your palate.

FACT or FICTION???

Everyone is equally likely to get brain freeze.

This is false!  Some people are more sensitive due to nerve response or sinus structure.

“By defending ourselves, we’re also defending others. We’re defending our Arab neighbors, our Arab friends in peace, we’re defending Europe, we’re helping defend also the United States, which helps us all the time in our defense. This is an important mission.”

–  Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Dave Gordon

In the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, Israel launched a massive and coordinated military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. The operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” marked the most extensive Israeli assault on Iranian soil since the Iran-Iraq War, targeting not only nuclear facilities but also the upper echelons of Iran’s military and scientific leadership. The codename comes from the Biblical verse that points to s victorious future for a powerful Israel: Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion (Numbers 23:24).

The Israeli cabinet divided the Book of Psalms between them before making the decision to launch an attack on Iran. Hours before the operation, Prime Minister Netanya was photographed at the Kotel, placing a note between the cracks of the Wall.

According to BBC News and a public address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the decision to strike came after intelligence confirmed that Iran had amassed enough enriched uranium to build multiple nuclear bombs and was actively assembling weapon components. Netanyahu, addressing the nation, declared that further delay would have meant an existential threat to Israel.

Israeli Air Force Strikes

At around 3:30am in Iran, the Israeli Air Force unleashed waves of airstrikes across the country. More than 200 fighter jets participated, hitting dozens of strategic sites – nuclear enrichment complexes in Fordow, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Tabriz, Tehran, Qom, and others, according to Col. John Spencer.Ballistic missile bases in Piranshahr and IRGC HQ in Kermanshah were hit. IRGC headquarters in Kermanshah, Iran was reportedly attacked.

Various reports say that Netanyahu and his cabinet played up a public riff to throw Iran off the scent, and make them believe no military actions would occur.

The IAF deployed massive bunker-buster bombs in a direct strike on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility, one of the regime’s most fortified and strategically critical nuclear sites, according to a June 13th story in BBC News.

The Mossad in Action

The strikes were meticulously planned, with months of Mossad-led intelligence gathering culminating in simultaneous commando raids, sabotage operations, and drone attacks launched from within Iran itself, according to BBC News.

In a separate operation, the Mossad operatives embedded sophisticated attack technologies inside civilian vehicles near high-value air defense installations, according to a Free Press report.

At the onset of the Israeli strike, these hidden systems were triggered, destroying Iran’s defensive radar and interception capabilities, clearing the skies for the IAF.

Long before the aerial attack, the Mossad had already established a covert drone launch base within Iran, smuggling in explosives over time. During the main assault, these drones were launched at surface-to-surface missile launchers housed at the Asfaqabad base near Tehran. The attack neutralized a major component of Iran’s offensive missile threat.

Confirmed Casualties

In the Israeli operation, several of Iran’s most senior military and nuclear figures were killed. Confirmed casualties included IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Ali Shamkhani, a key adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a principal negotiator in nuclear talks, was also reportedly killed, as was Khosal Reza Mossvarini, a senior officer in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp intelligence headquarters in Tehran was set on fire.

IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin declared, “At this time, we can say that we have achieved full aerial superiority over Tehran’s skies.” Military experts cited by outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider note that Israel’s suppression of Iranian air defenses allows its warplanes – including older F-15s and F-16s – to drop bombs from within Iranian airspace, and not just rely on long-range missiles.

Iran Retaliates

Iran’s retaliation was swift but less effective than anticipated, revealing limitations in its ability to inflict mass casualties on Israel, largely due to the effectiveness of Israeli missile defenses. Iran launched several waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and northern towns.

The Associated Press reported that some Iranian missiles were intercepted in the sky above the Jordanian capital, Amman.

By  June 16th, at least 24 Israelis were killed and some 600 wounded from Iranian missile attacks, fired at Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, according to Israel Hayom. Reports of buildings collapsing and fatalities in Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, and other cities are confirmed. A Bat Yam apartment building was hit, according to the Times of Israel, where seven were killed and a hundred injured. In the northern Arab city of Tamra a home took a direct hit and four family members were killed, reports Times of Israel. 

Israel’s Reach and America’s Folly

Israel’s unprecedented ability to strike deep into Iranian territory – including the heart of Tehran – has shattered long-held assumptions about Iran’s security and exposed vulnerabilities in its air defenses. The operation’s sophistication, involving covert Mossad operations and drone strikes launched from within Iran, has demonstrated a new level of operational reach and intelligence dominance.

In a recent National Post exclusive interview by this author, the pro-Israel exiled Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the former Shah of Iran, cautioned the world against the continued folly of “the policy of containment, or appeasement” saying that “after 40 years of this, how much more proof do you need that it doesn’t work?” He condemned the Obama-Biden administration for releasing to the Iranian regime billions that only allowed the mullahs to fund more of its terror-spreading extremist proxies.

He added on X on June 14th, “The Islamic Republic and its incompetent and criminal leaders have dragged Iran into war.”

World Leaders Weigh In

Various world powers had differing responses to the Israeli attack.

The German government, represented by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, did not condemn Israel’s bombing of Iran. German officials emphasized Israel’s “right to defend its existence and the safety and security of its citizens,” particularly in light of the perceived nuclear threat from Iran. At the same time, Germany called for restraint and diplomacy from all parties, urging both Israel and Iran to avoid actions that could escalate tensions further.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed “grave concerns” over Iran’s nuclear program and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, but stated, “Now is the time for restraint, calm, and a return to diplomacy. Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate.”

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has called for de-escalation following Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. She warned that “further action risks triggering a broader regional conflict with devastating consequences,” and urged both Israel and Iran to “refrain from actions that further destabilize the region.” Anand reiterated that Canada “always favors negotiated resolutions and encourages the involved parties to engage in dialogue,” emphasizing diplomacy as the path to enduring peace and security in the region.

The Iranian Regime – Axis of Terror

A year ago, the Iranian regime launched over 380 rockets and suicide drones at Israel in a coordinated attempt to murder civilians and ignite an all-out war. Meanwhile, it armed the Houthis, who fired rockets into Israel. The regime controls Hezbollah, and Iran bankrolled and orchestrated the October 7th massacre, the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Israel is standing on the front line against a regime that has exported Jihad, terrorism, and death across the globe, and turned Islam into a weapon of political conquest. But now, Netanyahu stated, “Iranian leaders are packing their bags” amid Israeli airstrikes.

What is unfolding in Iran might lead to the return of pre-revolutionary Iran, to the return of Western values, and the end of colonial Islamic darkness. And if it does, it will have been Israel paving the way, striking deep, standing firm, and saving the world from the continued grip of this evil.

Thousands in Iranians are now flooding the streets, not in fear, but in defiance and celebration of this now-crippled Islamic regime.

Netanyahu and Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement June 14th, addressing President Donald Trump by saying: “You’ve been an extraordinary leader: decisive, courageous, clear vision, clear action. You have done great things for Israel. You’ve been an extraordinary friend to the Jewish state and to me personally.

“And we appreciate what you’re doing now, helping protect Israeli lives against the criminal regime in Iran… By defending ourselves, we’re also defending others. We’re defending our Arab neighbors, our Arab friends in peace, we’re defending Europe, we’re helping defend also the United States, which helps us all the time in our defense. This is an important mission.

“Our enemy is your enemy. And by doing what we’re doing, we’re dealing with something that will threaten all of us sooner or later. Our victory will be your victory.”

An Open Miracle

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel sums up the feelings of many of us. He tweeted on June 13th, “If you didn’t believe in miracles before, you should now. The skill, precision, and dramatically successful results of Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and missile silos, coupled with Israel’s interception of more than 100 attack drones launched against it by Iran before any drone crossed into Israel airspace, tells you pretty clearly that Gd is at work here, and whose side He is on!”

Victor Cohen

The observance of kashrut is a cornerstone of Jewish life, among the most important means by which we set ourselves apart from the rest of the world. We do not eat in the same restaurants as others, we do not buy the same foods as others, and we handle our dishes much differently.

Thankfully, our generation is blessed with numerous highly-competent organizations that we can trust to certify products and establishments as kosher. These include household names such as the Orthodox Union (OU), Star-K, and the Jersey Shore Orthodox Rabbinate (JSOR). These organizations, among others, allow us to purchase food and eat at restaurants confidently, knowing that the food we consume was prepared in compliance with kashrut laws.

Unfortunately, not everyoneunderstands the “ins and outs” of how certification works, and there are those who are not aware its necessity for certain foods or establishments. They may say, “I just eat cheese,” or “I just eat fish,” or “I just get salad.” They may further the question the purpose of certification if “it’s all kosher ingredients.”

The truth is that there is much more to kashrut than just the “kosher ingredients.” People need to realize that even if all the ingredients are 100 percent kosher, the product could still be halachically forbidden for consumption.

To gain a clearer understanding of the issues at hand, and to receive some practical guidelines for kosher consumers, I had the honor of interviewing Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking, Administrator of JSOR. He patiently explainedfor us in general terms how kashrut works, where potential misunderstandings may arise, and what the real issues at play are.

The Meaning of “Certified Kosher”

“Certification” is a broad term. It can apply to foods which must be prepared in a certain manner, to foods that can easily be substituted with a non-kosher alternative, or to the status of the utensils used in production.

Some foods or drinks are always considered kosher. Water, for instance, is always kosher,even water with electrolytes. The same goes for unflavored coffee, plain raw rice, flour, sugar, and fruits which are not prone to infestation. (It should be noted that Israeli fruits and vegetables do require supervision). Some foods change kashrut status depending on the circumstances, such as cooked rice, artichoke hearts which are prone to infestation, and others. There are also foods which always require certification, no matter what the ingredient panel states, because they must be prepared according to certain conditions. Rabbi Arking gave six examples of food categories that require certification despite their kosher ingredients:

1. All cheeses
2. All cooked foods (because of issues with bishul akum– products cooked by a gentile, the use of non-kosher utensils, and potentially problematic ingredients)
3. Wine, brandy, cognac
4. Fish
5. Meat/Poultry
6. Vegetables

Milk vs. Cheese

Many people are unaware of the important distinction between milk and cheese in regard to modern-day kashrut.Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ruled that here in the United States, commercially-produced milk does not require certification, due to the stringent regulatory restrictions of the FDA,whichall but guarantee that the milk we purchase came from a cow, and not a non-kosher species. Outside the USA, every location requires evaluation. Many hold to a higher standard and use onlyhalav Yisrael – which means milk which was produced under supervision, rather than being presumed to be permissible.

Cheese, however, is treated far more stringently, as the sages forbade consuming gevinat akum – cheese produced by a gentile. Thus, pizza or pasta with cheese from a non-certified restaurant is prohibited. Bringing one’s own cheese to a non-kosher restaurant is not a solution, as numerous halachic issues remain, such as the status of the utensils, gentiles preparing the food, added ingredients, and others.

Wine

The production of wine requires proper supervision throughout the entire process, and secure sealings of all barrels while aging. When you go to a liquor store and see a wine bottle bearing kosher certification, that means that a kashrut organization has guaranteed it reaches your hands under kosher conditions, by assuring that the numerous halachot relevant to wine were upheld.  Consumers must be advised that if the label says “not mevushal,” then the wine becomes prohibited if it is handled by a gentile at any point after the seal was open.

Meat

Generally, even those who are less scrupulous in their kashrut observance recognize the need for kosher certification for meat. Most misunderstandings arise when it comes to fish, dairy products, and vegetables, which is why JSOR has made a concerted effort over the last several years to facilitate many kosher dairy restaurants throughout the Deal area, in order to promote kashrut observance.

Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to review the basic principles relevant to the kosher status of meat.

You are in the butchery, and in front of you are two steaks: Steak A and Steak B. Steak A is certified, and Steak B is not. What makes A kosher and not B?

The following guidelines must be adhered to for meat to be kosher:

1. The meat must originate from a kosher species, such as a cow or sheep. Without valid certification, there is no guarantee that the meat was taken from an animal whose meat is permitted by the Torah for consumption.

2. The animal must be slaughtered properly by a trained, certified shohet (“slaughterer”). The animal cannot be stunned through the slaughter period, and a certain kind of knife must be used.
3. After slaughtering, the meat must be salted, certain veins and fats must be removed, and it must be handled properly.

Furthermore, meat in a non-certified restaurant may not be eaten even if it is otherwise kosher, because halachah forbids eating meat that was “concealed from view,” and not properly guarded.  And, the law of bishul akum forbids eating even inherently kosher food if it was cooked by a gentile. Even utensils used by a gentile for cooking become forbidden, such that the food cooked in them by a Jew thereafter may not be eaten.

Thus, when a restaurant is certified kosher, this means that the kashrut agency ascertained that all the ingredients used by the restaurant are kosher, and all the food served in the restaurant is prepared according to halachic requirements.

Fish is…Fishy

Many people mistakenly assume that since fish has far fewer kashrut restrictions than meat, it does not require supervision.  But this is not true.Alarmingly, many studies have found that“fish fraud” across the United States is at well over 30 percent, perhaps higher. It is incredibly easy to replace one fish with another – and this happens in stores, restaurants, and other establishments.

This means that if we buy fish without kosher supervision, we cannot know whether or not it originates from a permissible species. And when ordering fish in a non-certified restaurant, one also encounters the problem of bishul akum. We must emphasize that there are no halachic “loopholes” that can permit eating fish that does not have kosher supervision, and it must therefore be treated just as stringently as meat.

Vegetables

Vegetables are, in many ways, the most clear-cut category, though vegetables which are prone to infestation need to be checked before consumption. The checking is what makesthe produce kosher – and so it must be treated as non-kosher before it is inspected. The vegetables cannot be presumed to be checked, and thus salads in non-kosher restaurants are prohibited. Like with other foods, vegetables require certain procedures to become kosher, and unless these procedures are followed, they may not be eaten.

Needless to say, the laws of kashrut are intricate and complex, and in fact, some rabbis devote many years to the full-time study of these halachot. Additionally,the certification process is nuanced and complicated, with different agencies implementing different policies. Hopefully, though, this article offered the reader an informative and practical overview of how certification works, why it is needed, and how it applies to different food groups. If you have any specific questions about the status of a certain food, or of the validity of a particular agency’s certification, please direct them to your local rabbi.Baruch Hashem,over the past 50 years, our community has made significant strides in the area of kashrut. While some issues occasionally arise, new kosher restaurants continue to open, and people have become more aware of the need for supervision. Much of this is thanks to the work of the rabbinical, executive and operational teams at JSOR, who continue to facilitate the availability of kosher restaurants and products, which will positively impact halachic observance generally throughout our community.

Sam Sutton

Summer in Deal means one thing: M&S Softball is back, and the 2025 season promises to be its most competitive, content-rich, and exciting chapter yet.

Every roster in the league is packed with ultimate die-hards. This isn’t casual softball. This is M&S – a summer-long battle between competitors who live for the moment and play for legacy.

Lights, Camera, Legacy: M&S Media Coverage

What truly elevates M&S Softball is its unmatched media presence.

Every game is livestreamed – and it’s not just about watching; it’s about being immersed. Co-commissioner Max Sutton leads the live play-by-play with a revolving cast of colorful commentators, bringing sharp insight, unpredictable energy, and off-the-cuff chemistry. Max is as unpredictable as it gets – and that’s what makes the broadcasts unforgettable.

After the final out, the production keeps rolling. High-definition highlight packages drop after every game – edited tight, loaded with emotion, and narrated by the unmistakable cadence of co-commissioner Sam I Am. His energetic professionalism, sharp wit, and ability to turn routine plays into unforgettable moments has made his voice as much a part of the M&S experience as the game itself. Whether it’s a walk-off bomb or a clutch defensive stand, Sam brings it to life like only he can. It’s more than a recap – it’s a retelling. A rewatchable. A moment in motion.

All content lives on the league’s growing YouTube channel: youtube.com/@samiampro.

And for real-time reaction and unfiltered banter? That’s where M&S Smack Talk thrives – a league-wide WhatsApp chat where highlights are shared, opinions are formed, and no moment goes unnoticed.

Carpool Chronicles: Built for the Whole Community

As summer heats up and M&S Softball takes center stage, Carpool Chronicles with Hank continues to be the most talked-about show in community sports media.

Hank Dweck is the cog of the show – the one driving the analysis, the controversy, and the conversation. His takes are sharp, his rankings are bold, and his delivery keeps players locked in and fans talking.

From Day 1, Carpool Chronicles was never just about M&S. It was designed to spotlight all major community leagues – from softball to basketball and everything in between – and it has quickly become the go-to source for authentic commentary, accountability, and banter. While Hank delivers the insight, Sam I Am hosts the ride, teeing up topics, pressing buttons, and guiding the show with the pacing and polish that’s made it one of the most-watched pieces of content in the community. Together, they’ve built something bigger than a recap – they’ve created a voice for the players, the fans, and the culture.

Seven Teams. One M&S Cup. All-In.

The M&S Cup isn’t just a trophy – it’s a piece of league history. Every champion since 2008 is etched into its base. And every player in 2025 wants to be next. Meet the captains and their squads:

Sephardic Bananas – Captain: Edmund Beyda

King Salomon: Part Deux– Captain: Michael “Sabon” Salomon

Stayin’ Alive – Captain: Michael “Melech” Solomon

The Thundering Hooves– Captain: Gabe Abadi

The Long Horns– Captain: Max Yedid

Vandelay Industries– Captain: Sammy Seruya

Kaboom!– Captain: Uri Adler

Each team was drafted with purpose – a mix of veterans, breakout stars, and clutch performers – all with one mission: Lift the Cup!

The full 2025 M&S schedule is now available at www.MandSbaseball.com.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas

“Rabbi, I was wondering about something regarding Shabbat,” Sammy began. “I’m generally healthy, but I take vitamins regularly to help me feel strong. I’m unsure if the rules about taking medication on Shabbat apply to vitamins as well. Could you clarify this for me?”

Maachal Breiim for Mild Ailments

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 328:37) establishes that one may consume maachal breiim – regular foods and beverages that healthy individuals consume – even if they provide medicinal benefits. For example, someone with a mild cold, who is generally prohibited from taking medication on Shabbat due to the rabbinic decree of gezerat shehikat samemanim (the prohibition of grinding herbs to prepare medicine), is permitted to drink chicken soup or lemon tea with honey for relief, as these are considered regular foods and drinks consumed by healthy individuals. Gezerat shehikat samemanim does not apply to everyday foods. Based on this principle, Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, permits consuming soda water for heartburn relief on Shabbat (Halichot Olam Vol. 4, p. 205) as soda water is a regular, commonly consumed, beverage.

Maachal She’eino Breiim for Mild Ailments

Conversely, maachal she’eino breiim – foods not typically consumed by healthy individuals – should not be taken for medicinal purposes by someone with a mild ailment, due to the concern of gezerat shehikat samemanim (O.C. 328:37). For instance, homemade herbal remedies using herbs not commonly eaten are prohibited on Shabbat for minor illnesses. However, this restriction does not apply to a choleh she’ein bo sakana (a non-critically ill person), who is permitted to take necessary medication on Shabbat.

Maachal She’eino Breiim for Healthy Individuals

Regarding healthy individuals, the Beit Yosef (ibid) explains that the issue of eating maachal she’eino breiim on Shabbat does not apply to them,and there is noconcern of gezerat shehikat samemanim  as they are not sick. Therefore, a healthy person may consume natural herbal remedies (maachal she’eino breiim) even to strengthen their health. The Magen Avraham (328:43), however, disagrees, permitting such foods only when consumed for hunger or thirst, not solely for health enhancement. Hacham Ovadia Yosef (Chazon Ovadia, Shabbat, Vol. 3, p. 363) explains that those following the Shulchan Aruch may consume maachal she’eino breiim to maintain or improve their health.

Vitamins on Shabbat

In this context, Hacham Ovadia Yosef explicitly permits healthy individuals to take vitamins on Shabbat (ibid), even for the purpose of maintaining good health (Halichot Olam, Vol. 4, p. 207). This is because a healthy person is allowed to consume maachal she’eino breiim.Bottom of Form It’s important to note that those who follow the opinion of the Magen Avraham might not permit taking vitamins on Shabbat, as they are typically not consumed to satisfy hunger. However, Hacham Ben Zion Abba Shaul (Ohr Lezion 2:36:10) suggests a potential leniency even according to the Magen Avraham’s view, arguing that vitamins could be classified as maachal breiim due to their common consumption by healthy individuals.

Conclusion

In response to Sammy’s question, it is permitted for a healthy person to take vitamins on Shabbat. This is because the issue of eating maachal she’eino breiim on Shabbat does not extend to healthy individuals. This aligns with the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, who permits healthy individuals taking vitamins on Shabbat even for health reasons. While some authorities, like the Magen Avraham, might hold a more restrictive view, the prevailing Sephardic approach, following the Shulchan Aruch and the rulings of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, considers it acceptable for  healthy individuals to take vitamins on Shabbat. Furthermore, the suggestion of Hacham Ben Zion Abba Shaul offers a potential basis for leniency even within other halachic perspectives, given the common use of vitamins by healthy people. Therefore, according to the Sephardic tradition, Sammy would be allowed to take his vitamins on Shabbat.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas is a worldwide expert, lecturer and author on Medical Halacha. He heads the Torat Habayit Medical Halacha Institute. His latest book is “Brain Death in Halacha and the Tower of Babel Syndrome.” To contact Rabbi Finchas, email rabbi@torathabayit.com.

Pnina Souid

One day, the Mitzvah Man organization received a unique request. The caller, Mrs. H, explained:

“Baruch Hashem, we are a wealthy family living in a luxurious home. Everything our family could possibly need is at our fingertips. Financially we are on top of the world. However, our 14-year-old son, Joey, just takes it all for granted. He is becoming extremely spoiled and doesn’t seem to be appreciative of what he has. We want to instill inhim a sense of values and a sense of appreciation.

“I have an idea, but it might not work. We know that the Mitzvah Man organization sends volunteers to deliver food packages to the needy and elderly. Might you be able to send a volunteer to pick up my son so that he could help him with the deliveries?”

The Mitzvah Man replied, “It would be our pleasure.”

The Experiment

The following Thursday afternoon, a volunteer named Avi arrived at Mrs. H’s home to pick Joey up. Their first stop was to pick up the boxes to be delivered.

Avi explained, “These food packages are goingto people who are ill, elderly, or in financial trouble. They have no family members to provide for them. Today, we are making six deliveries. Thank you for helping with this act of kindness.”

That day, the temperature hit 95 degrees and it was extremely humid. It was not a day you would find many people happily schlepping heavy boxes.

After Avi and Joey loaded the van, they headed to an apartment building where there were two families receiving food boxes. As Avi got out of the van Joey asked him if he should wait for him.

“No, I want you to feel the mitzvah,” Avi responded.

Joey had never seen such a rundown building. He had never been exposed to abject poverty in his life.

Joey told Avi that he was not going to liftthe boxes. But Avi responded that he needed his help.

“I will take one box and you will take one box.”

Joey looked up at the tenth floor and asked, “Why are the windows open? Don’t they have A/C?”

Avi said, “They can’t afford it. Not everyone can.”

Joey noticed all the flies in the building and hesitated. Avi was right there with him.

“We have no choice. This is poverty and this is how these people live their lives 24/7. Let’s go. These families are waiting for their food delivery. You go to apartment 10L, and I will go to apartment 8B. You go first.”

“How do I open the lobby door?”

“You put the box down, press the button to open the door, pick the box back up, and push the door open. Then, when you get to the apartment, knock on the door and leave the box there. Don’t wait for them to open the door. We don’t want to embarrass the family.”

Joey looked around. He took in the reality of what it must feel like to actually live in such a dilapidated building. His expression was at first questioning, then thoughtful.

By the time Avi and Joey finished all the deliveries they were both covered in sweat. Avi reported back to the Mitzvah Man that their mission was accomplished. He assumed that Joey would not be back.

The Happy Ending

Mrs. H called the Mitzvah Man. “What did you do to my son? He loved it!”

“Excuse me, but what do you mean?” the Mitzvah Man asked.

“He wants to go again!”

Avi picked up Joey the following week. It was just as hot and humid as the previous week. Joey did his share of the deliveries with a smile. He continued to join Avi for another five weeks until school started.

His mother called the Mitzvah Man thrilled. “I think that this hesed has really made a difference. Joey is showing more appreciation for everything. I am incredibly grateful for the hesed that you did for our family.”

Eight years later, Avi sawhis old delivery buddy Joey, now with his own car,which was loaded full of food boxes!

Joey toldAvi, “I have my own car and I decided to dedicate myself to making food deliveries. The people need the food, and I am going to get it to them no matter what.” Train your children early in life to give to others. They deserve your investment in making them ba’alei hesed. Doing hesed is best learned young. Lead by example and b’ezrat Hashem you will see the results.

Excitement is mounting among the thousands of Oraysa students around the globe as they approach the end of their study of Masechet Ta’anit. The students have been working hard for the last three months, learning and reviewing this Masechet, which focuses on the fasts to be observed and prayers to be recited in situations of drought. Masechet Ta’anit also includes numerous aggadic (non-halachic) sections which present vital, fundamental concepts relevant to one’s service of Gd.

With this Masechet nearing completion, the students of Oraysa are now preparing to begin the next Masechet – Moed Katan, which deals mainly with the halachot of Hol Ha’mo’ed (the interim days of Pesach and Sukkot), and the halachot of avelut (mourning). This program affords students a unique opportunity to delve into these topics which are somewhat less familiar than many other sections of the Talmud.

Moed Katan is the second-to-last Masechet in Seder Moed, and the students are already excitedly anticipating their siyum celebrating the completion of this seder, scheduled for the beginning of Kislev, 5786 (end of November of this year). The siyum will be celebrated here in the United States, as well as in Israel and Europe. Thousands of Oraysa participants are expected to attend each event to mark this special milestone and monumental accomplishment.  This celebration of the completion of an entire seder will be the first of its kind since the Oraysa program was founded nearly six years ago, marking the culmination of 12 Masechtot – hundreds of pages of Gemara.

The Oraysa Amud V’Chazara program was developed in collaboration with leading Rosheh Yeshivah and Torah sages to meet the growing demand for a Gemara learning framework that balances consistent progression with meaningful review. This worldwide initiative is designed to unite and empower devoted students through a structured daily learning regimen that incorporates both new material and review of previously studied material. The pace is perfect for mastering the Talmud and retaining the knowledge. The structured yet flexible approach makes the program accessible to the entire spectrum of Torah learners – from kollel students to educators to laymen. Oraysa enables every participant, regardless of his background and schedule, to grow in Torah scholarship and deepen his connection to Torah learning. Numerous different resources are provided to participants on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, both digitally and in print, to help with the study, including world-class shiurim available in video or audio format.

The Oraysa project has, with Gd’s help, seen extraordinary growth with every new Masechet, as new study groups continue to form, and new participants continue to join throughout the world.

Oraysa has become a global movement, connecting approximately 30,000 participantsin 370 groups across 100 cities worldwide.

Join thousands of Oraysa students as they embark on their journey through Masechet Moed Katan. Savor the satisfaction of learning in a goal-oriented way with a built-in system for review and retention, ensuring that every pagestays with you for years to come.

To join the program, for more information, or to help establish a study group in your community, please contact Oraysa at 914.8.ORAYSA or email info@oraysa.org.

ByEddie Esses and Sari Setton

On the evening of May 20, nervous anticipation quickly turned into excited euphoria… that we had finally done it. That WE, as a community, had achieved something monumental. 

In a historic moment for the Sephardic Jewish Community, Sam Sutton was elected to lead the 22nd New York State Senate District with a commanding 67-32% margin – making him the first Sephardic Jew ever elected to the NY State Senate. This was much more than just a victory for Sam; it was a transformative milestone for our community, which has steadily grown in strength, unity, and civic engagement.

This victory was reached, thanks in large part to our community. Special elections in non-presidential years often see minimal voter participation, but the Sephardic Community turned out in force. Building on the momentum of Joey Saban’s groundbreaking campaign for New York State Assembly just one year ago, we once again demonstrated that we are organized, motivated, and ready to be taken seriously by elected officials at every level. Borough Park, Midwood, and Flatbush voters also came out strong for Sam by a wide margin, contributing to a diverse and powerful coalition.

The election night celebration reflected the joy and meaning of this historic achievement. Sam gathered with close friends, campaign team members, and a host of dignitaries and elected officials. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and many NYC Council Members offered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on their past work with Sam and highlighting his long standing reputation as a thoughtful, effective, and principled leader. Ronnie Tawil, Sam’s fellow co-founder of the Sephardic Community Federation, gave a moving tribute, speaking of Sam’s unwavering devotion to the community and his decades of quiet yet impactful leadership. 

In his remarks that evening, Sam made sure to thank everyone who made the victory possible – but he gave special thanks to his wife, Nancy, a community leader in her own right. Sam acknowledged how much of his communal involvement was inspired and shaped by Nancy’s tireless work, and how grateful he is for her support, wisdom, and example.

Sam’s leadership has deep roots. A lifelong community leader, he has spent decades shaping key community institutions. He served over 30 years at SBH, including five as president, helping it grow into a comprehensive social service powerhouse. He co-founded and still chairs Teach NYS, which secured a $330 per-child education tax credit and opened the door for yeshivot to receive Title I services from culturally appropriate third-party providers. As a founding board member of the SAFE Foundation, a trustee at NYU Langone Hospital, and a former CUNY Board of Trustees member, Sam has spent his life using institutional roles to deliver tangible results for our community.

Behind the scenes, the campaign ran on passion, dedication, and a clear vision. Campaign manager Joey Saban, whose own run for office catalyzed a wave of civic engagement in the community last year, worked nonstop for months to line everything up for a potential campaign. Once launched, he ensured every detail of the campaign strategy was executed with heart and precision. That same energy carried through to Election Day, where Sephardic Community voters sent a clear and powerful message: we are no longer on the sidelines—we are shaping the future.

Only one week after the election, Sam took office in a special ceremony on the floor of the State Senate. Alongside his wife Nancy and his entire family, Sam was sworn into office using the Aleppo Codex, showcasing just how monumental a feat was achieved. Sam was recognized later that day during his first legislative session with a round of applause by the entire chamber. 

True to character, Sam wasn’t looking to spend time basking in his victory. He was eager to get to work.  With just two weeks remaining before the end of the legislative session, Sam  introduced four of his own bills and passed three of them (!)  – that’s more than many legislators pass in their full terms. One bill prevents the issuing of sanitation tickets to those who put out their garbage on Friday  as opposed to during Shabbat. Another bill supports funding for treatment for those struggling with infertility. In addition to passing multiple bills at a record pace, Sam also secured significant funding for multiple community organizations. 

For our community, this endeavor was much more than an election – it was a moment of long-overdue recognition. The Sephardic community has shown that it is cohesive, active, and ready to build lasting influence with government. With Sam Sutton in the State Senate, our voice is finally where it belongs: at the table.

Ellen Geller Kamaras

“I was named after my Grandma Grace Sasson who published the first Syrian cookbook in the community.  Through her name, she passed her talents to me. B”H, I’m able to earn parnassah and bring people together through food.”~~ Grace Sitt ~~

Please meet Grace Sitt.  Her name is so appropriate for her as it connotes, kindness, charm, goodness, ease, and elegance – exactly her qualities.

As we follow Grace on her personal and professional journey, you will see that Grace’s spiritual and entrepreneurial voice grew strongly and steadily from her teens until now.

Roots

Grace Sasson Sitt, the daughter of Marcelle and Sammy Sasson, lived in Brooklyn until her family moved to Deal when she was in eighth grade. She is the oldest of five children and has three sisters and a brother.  Sadly, her sister Marjorie, a”h, passed away in her thirties due to complications from an illness. 

Grace’s paternal grandparents and maternal grandmother were from Aleppo, Syria. 

The Sassons could only afford to send one child to yeshiva, so only their son had that privilege.  Grace happily attended Talmud Torah classes at East Midwood JC in the afternoons. She learned to read and write Hebrew and learned about Jewish history, Humash, and hagim.

School studies came easily to Grace except for math and science.  She was shy in school butwith time she became more sociable as she adjusted.

Grace felt her transition from Brooklyn to Deal was fairly smooth. It helped that Marcelle’s friends’ daughters warmly welcomed Grace into their friends’ group. 

High School Years

When Grace was 14 years of age, there was no girls yeshiva high schoolin Deal.To the girls’ good fortune, a local teacher, Mrs. Jacobowitz, taught limudei kodeshto the high school girls twice a week.

During 11^{th and} 12^th grade, Grace felt engaged in the school’s co-op program.  She used her new skills at her job at the Tactical Library at Fort Monmouth.

Grace’s father began to learn with the rabbi of the shul they had joined.  Her father became observant, and Grace followed his lead, out of love and respect.

After graduating high school, Grace began working in a wholesale company in NYC.

Married Life

Grace and her husband Steven have been married for 38 years. The couple has seven children and many grandchildren. Family is a priority for Grace and Steven, and they adore seeing their children and grandchildren.

The couple moved to Deal from Brooklyn around 27 years ago.  They are proud of their community, with its wonderful schools, organizations, and centers, where they appreciate that children can spend time safely.

Steven has been an EMT since the Jersey Shore Hatzalah was established in 2002.  He is now the Executive Director, and their son Sammy recently completed his paramedic course and is one of the coordinators.  Grace has been a dispatcher since Hatzalah began responding to calls in 2003.

Grace’s Essence

Grace describes herself as caring, loyal, fun, and easy-going.She also exudes warmth, ease, and calmness, which fit perfectly with her name.

In the morning Grace asks Hashem to help her make her clients happy. Her parents and grandmothers significantly helped to  shape the woman Grace became.

Marcelle and Sammy taught Grace about independence, responsibility, respect, and ethics.  She learned from them that failing provides a lesson to learn from, and to keep moving forward. 

“Grandma Grace was my role model in the kitchen. We went there for Shabbat meals and holidays.  She had everyone’s favorites and put out a table that could feed the whole block.”

Cooking – A Family Affair

When the Sassons moved to Deal, Grandma Grace stayed with them for the summer. She was always making something delicious.

Grace had no interest in learning to cook or bake as a teenager.  Grandma Grace would beg her to join her.  “I chose my friends or the beach instead.”  Her grandmother had sons and no daughters and so she taught her daughter-in-law Marcelle how to cook, bake, and entertain.

Grace’s Grandma Marjorie worked very hard. She was always put together, smiling. and laughing. She didn’t have a lot, but she lived life to the fullest, dancing, laughing, and smiling.

Grace’s Trajectory

When Grace married, she started to cook as a creative outlet and enjoyed entertaining for Shabbat and holidays. When her children began yeshiva, Grace studied more and grew spiritually. She felt very fulfilled being a mom.

Until seventeen years ago, Grace was a full-time mom. Then,Grace decided to work to supplement her family’s income.  She wanted a job where she could still be home with her youngest, two-year-old Racheli.  She tried babysitting but didnot enjoy it.  Someone suggested she make and sell mazza out of her house. 

“My career chose me.  A book on emunah that I read, said that Hashem gives us talents, not just for ourselves but [our talents] should be shared or used to make a living or to help others.  When it was time to work, I saw Hashem’s hand in following Grandma Grace’s path of cooking.”

Grace also worked in the kitchens of local food businesses where she learned how to cook very large quantities and she learned about food safety. 

Catering by Grace

Someone asked if Grace would help them to cater a party and Catering by Grace was born. 

“I completely self-taught myself everything, from figuring out quantities of food needed for 100 vs. 200 guests, how to display the food, how to charge my clients, how to be cost efficient without compromising quality, how to create menus, and how to store and transport food.  I never went to culinary or business school.  I went online and did the research. I learned everything on the job.  It was a lot of trial and error, but I kept learning and growing every year.  I really enjoy cooking, otherwise the food doesn’t come out well.”

Many of Grace’s firstjobs were cooking for shiva houses. She cooked three meals a day for a week for mourners and extended family.  “I prepared the favorite dishes of the grandparent or wife who had passed away.  It was healing for those sittingshiva.”

The Business Grows

She began as a one-woman show, working out of her home and sometimes getting her husband, her older children, and teenagers who were off for the summer to help.

In Grace’s early catering days, she sometimes worked from 5am to 2am and then slept most of Shabbat.

Her husband and children support Grace’s career and are proud of what she has accomplished.  “I can honestly say that none of my kids would go into catering – LOL.”

As her business expanded, life normalized and Grace was able to afford a commissary, employ staff, and have an assistant help her manage parties.

Grace caters bar/bat mitzvahs, brit milot, engagements, sebets,sheva brachot, birthdays, baby namings, weddings, and pizza ovens.  She has organized parties ranging from intimate dinner parties for 20 people to events with 500 guests.

A New Partnership

Grace recently partnered with Susan and Jack Zayat under the name Hungrymom Catering.

“It was a sign from Hashem.  My commissary where I cooked was closing. The Zayats approached me wanting to enter the catering/meal prep business and they had a commissary.”

Hungrymom is the Zayat’s Instagram/baking business. The partners are in the process of rebranding.

Their menu is diverse and is made up of traditional kosher Syrian specialties, American, Italian, Mexican, Asian, and Israeli cuisine. Grace always specialized in homemade mazza, both dairy and meat.

Everything is homemade, from their doughs for mazza to their marinades and dressings.  The recipes are passed down from grandparents/parents and contain no preservatives or fillers.  “We make everything fresh to order and we treat each client’s event as if it was our own party.”

Quality is a priority for Hungrymom – the best advertising is a happy client.  Most clients come from word of mouth.

Their vision is to continue with catering events and to expand within the kosher meal prep industry.  They want to offer delicious homemade food whether it’s for vacation, or for the home where both parents work and don’t have time to cook, or just to make life easier.

Lessons Learned

“Make your best effort and leave it to Hashem.”  Grace’s secrets to success – keep learning, ask for expert advice, never compromise on quality, respect your clients, treat your employees with gratitude and deference, and be ready for the unexpected in off-premise catering.”

To de-stress, Grace loves the beach where she can watch the ocean.  She wants to make more time for self-care and for traveling.  “There is nothing better than spending time with family.  There is no greater reward than raising a family, seeing your children as adults and parents, seeing them passing on the values you instilled in them to the next generation.  I always wanted a big family. I love the noise and commotion and seeing everyone together.”

What’s Next

“We are creating a new website to facilitate meal prep orders for home, travel, and shipping.  We will have a spot at Khasky’s this summer for fresh meals takeaway, both dairy and meat during the week, and Shabbat food and mazza on Thursdays and Fridays.”

Contact Grace at gsitt@yahoo.com or on  Instagram:  Hungrymomcatering.

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@lifecoachellen.com (www.lifecoachellen.com).