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Ask Jido – November 2024

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November 2024

Dear Jido,

I have an old friend who seems to consider herself very well-mannered. She writes her thank-you notes on cards and mails them, while I send my thank-you messages via email.

When I tell her she doesn’t need to send a handwritten thank-you, she says, “My mother taught me to always do it that way.” Of course, that makes me feel “less than” for my emailed thanks.

When she comes to visit me, she always brings a hostess gift. It’s very thoughtful, although it’s usually something I can’t use. I appreciate the gesture, though.

She knows that my guest bedroom and bathroom are stocked for the use and comfort of my guests. Yet, when she takes a shower, she only uses the hand towel to dry herself. She uses a bath towel at home.

I assume she feels it is somehow more polite to not soil a bath towel, but to make do with a hand towel. I don’t say anything about it, but it feels like an insult to me. I am trying to provide everything to make a guest feel at home. How should I handle this?

Signed,

Puzzled

Dear Puzzled,

Not to get too Biblical on you, but the Talmud actually speaks about someone who is very “particular” about their ways and habits.

If it was only one idiosyncrasy that she had about not dirtying a bath towel, you might take it personally. But since she seems to have a series of habits that appear to you to be over the top, you can assume that she is what the rabbis in the Talmud call “delicate.”  There, it says that they even make “minor” accommodations for that type of person and allow a deviation from certain laws.

There doesn’t seem to be any intent on her part to slight or embarrass you. I would assume that she is a very special person holding on to long-held habits and is to be admired. Invite her often and enjoy her company.

All the best,

Jido

Living Emunah If Only…

Community Magazine

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November 2024

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Rabbi David Ashear

A sentence appears towards the end of the Shaar HaBitachon section of Chovot HaLevavot, which if we internalize and follow its message, could spare us a great deal of heartache and angst. It states, “The one who trusts [in Hashem] says: I never decided to do something and then wished I had done something else.”

When it comes to mundane matters, everything is under Hashem’s complete control. If a person purchases a car, and the next day he hears of a better deal on a nicer car, he might say to himself, I should never have bought this car. What a mistake! I hate this car. I could’ve done so much better! But one who trusts in Hashem, recognizes that Hashem did not grant him access the previous day to the information he now has about the other car, and so the vehicle he purchased is the one Hashem decided he should have, for his benefit. He is therefore perfectly content and happy with his purchase.

Likewise, if a person bought a house and soon after learned about a larger house in the same neighborhood with more sunlight and a driveway, which was selling for the same price, will not regret his purchase if he lives with genuine bitachon. He will realize that Hashem did not allow him to know about this larger house because, in His infinite wisdom, He knew it was best for this person to live in the house he purchased.

This is even true about marriage. If soon after his wedding a man has second thoughts and begins asking himself why he married this woman, wondering if perhaps he made a mistake, he must recognize that these thoughts are instruments of the yetzer hara, evil inclination, which is trying to ruin his life. When he got engaged and married, he was thinking very clearly and it made perfect sense to him. Hashem guided him to that girl and made sure everything would work out so they would get married. He should not regret it now, after the fact, once he is married.

Of course, in situations where something can still be done to improve a person’s condition, he must make an effort to do so. But once the situation is finalized and nothing can be done to change it, he should feel confident and happy knowing that Hashem guided him to make the decision that ultimately works out to his greatest benefit.

Two years ago, a man by the name of Moe* told me the following story:

Every year, he would spend the summer with his family at a camp in upstate New York where he held a certain position, in exchange for which he received room and board for his family and free camp for his children.

During the winter of that year, Moe was not well and decided to take some time off to relax and recuperate. He phoned the camp’s owner and informed him that he would not be joining them that summer.

Toward the end of the school year, though, he felt much stronger and decided he would be able to assume his regular position. Moreover, his family was very disappointed at the prospect of not spending the summer in camp.

Moe called the camp, but the owner informed him that someone else had already accepted his position for that summer. He endured a great deal of heartache and frustration over the decision he had made. “What was I thinking?” he asked himself repeatedly. “Why did I give this up?”

He needed to internalize the words of the Chovot HaLevavot – One who trusts in Hashem never regrets a decision he made. During the winter, he felt he would be unable to handle the summer job. Hashem knew the future, and He certainly knew that Moe would feel better by the summer. Yet, He did not put the thought in Moe’s mind that he might feel stronger in a couple of months, and that his family would be very disappointed if they did not spend summer in camp. Hashem knew what was best for him, and so he was led to make this decision.

At this point, when there was nothing more he could do, Moe should have acknowledged that Hashem’s will was for his family not to spend the summer in camp, and make the most of this situation.

Hashem is in full control of our lives. He arranges the situations that He knows will be best for us. We need to trust Him and feel perfectly at ease knowing that He is directing us, He knows our thoughts and feelings, He knows the future, and He always puts us exactly where we need to be.

* Name has been changed.

One on One with Sabrina Benun

Community Magazine

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November 2024

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Ellen Geller Kamaras

“My greatest passion is the Food Connection. It’s tiring but immensely rewarding to cook Shabbat meals for the elderly and for people and their families who are in the hospital for surgery or are undergoing treatment. I hold it near and dear to me.” - Sabrina

Please meet Sabrina Benun. She is the Operations Director for M. Hidary & Company, a wholesale clothing company that specializes in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of wearing apparel.  Its focus is on active lifestyle clothing, such as athletic wear, swimwear, and outerwear for the entire family.

A true woman of valor, Sabrina is the co-founder of Food Connection, which prepares hundreds of Shabbat meals weekly.  She and her friend Remy Zeitoune started the Food Connection at the beginning of the pandemic, in March 2020, when the SBH Food Pantry was about to close. Three years later, the Food Connection reached a milestone of over 50,000 meals prepared by its volunteers for the SBH pantry.  This translates to 50,000 times that a family or individual received a homemade meal prepared with love and care by our community members.

Sabrina wears two more hats! She caters Shabbat meals and also owns a dehydrated fruit business called “Whole Fruits.”

Let’s go back to Sabrina’s childhood and follow her trajectory in becoming the talented and resourceful woman she is today.

Beginnings

Born to Mona and Jack Benun, Sabrina grew up on the Jersey Shore and was a student at Hillel Yeshiva for elementary and high school.  Jack is of Syrian descent and was born in the U.S.  Mona was born in Egypt.  Sabrina is the second of four daughters, Rebecca, Sabrina, Vanessa, and Jasmine. The sisters are still very close and were fortunate to have traveled with their maternal grandmother to Egypt to learn about their roots. 

Sabrina’s dad modeled a strong work ethic, and her mother was very creative and opened her home to guests and family. The Benun girls saw many parties in their childhood home and helped their mother shop, decorate tables, and more. Sabrina always enjoyed cooking.  

As a child, Sabrina was very shy, quiet, and serious. She was an honor student.  “Learning came easy to me and my favorite subjects were science and chemistry.”  Sabrina also liked to paint and play softball.

After high school, Sabrina enrolled at Monmouth University. She was an avid student and took a broad range of subjects including public relations and journalism.  She graduated with honors with a major in communications.

What is Sabrina’s essence?  Her family describes Sabrina as caring, giving, outgoing, smart, savvy, and she possesses a heart of gold.  I would add extremely resourceful, energetic, inventive, creative, and driven.  Sabrina’s devotion to community is boundless.

Career and Hesed

After college, while building her career and community, Sabrina evolved from a shy student to an outgoing, strong woman.

Fresh out of Monmouth U., Sabrina moved to Manhattan and started an e-commerce business in 1999, buying trendy closeout items and selling them on eBay.  Sabrina learned about eBay from a classmate in her public speaking class.  He said that eBay is like an “online garage sale.” This analogy fascinated Sabrina and sparked her interest. 

“I liked fashion and I was one of the first sellers on eBay. My specialty was women’s high-end clothing and accessories.  I thrived on keeping up with the next trend, the next hot item.”  Her younger sister, Vanessa, joined Sabrina when she graduated college.

The eBay market started collapsing in 2007 and completely crashed with the 2008 market and financial collapse.  

In 2008, Sabrina secured a full-time position in logistics for a clothing and accessories company and continues to work in this industry.  She began her role as Operations Director at M. Hidary this past May.  “Logistics and Operations come naturally to me – it makes sense to me and I am very organized at work.  I enjoy the people and every day my job presents me with new challenges.”   

The Pandemic

Sabrina worked for a wholesale company whose customer base was supermarkets. She was therefore considered an essential worker and continued to go into the office even after Covid struck.

Food Connection

The Food Connection was born when Sabrina’s friend Remy saw an SBH flyer asking for volunteers to cook Shabbat meals in March 2020, right when Covid hit.  The SBH Food Pantry was shutting down due to a food shortage.  Remy said, “Let’s volunteer.”  They made 60 meals! After posting on social media, volunteers began to cook the meals at their homes, maintaining strict standards of kashrut.  They even freeze some meals for last minute requests.  An SBH chat was created to ensure all requests are met.

Sabrina organizes events where young people participate and cook meals together.  Approximately 300 Shabbat meals were cooked.

Approximately 250 to 400 Shabbat meals are now cooked by 15 to 20 Manhattan volunteers, largely for the elderly and families in need, served by SBH Brooklyn.

Shabbat meals are also prepared and delivered to community members and their families in hospitals and sometimes to where the Morris Franco Community Cancer Center directs them. 

There is a large Sephardic/Syrian community in Manhattan.  Sabrina prays at the Safra Synagogue and loves the community saying,  “Wherever we are, we stay connected.”

Whole Fruits

Eleven years ago Sabrina launched her dehydrated fruit business, Whole Fruits, on Instagram.  She saw a dehydrated fruit platter on Pinterest and asked a friend, “If I sold this, would you buy it?”  The rest is history! Sabrina dehydrates the fruit herself.  Dehydrated fruit is healthier than dried fruit as there is no added sugar. Dehydrated fruits are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  They are made by baking fresh fruit in the oven at a low temperature.  

Sabrina sells platters for the holidays that are available on koshervalet.com, under the strict supervision of Rabbi Navarro. She also accepts orders throughout the year, via text or private message on Instagram. Her platters are available at Ouri’s Market in Manhattan and in Deal Foods in the summer. Follow her on Instagram @whole_fruit.

Balance 

Sabrina continually strives for work-life balance.  Her chief challenge is managing her time.

She works out and enjoys meeting friends for dinner. Sabrina has a personal trainer for boxing, which really releases her stress.  She travels as much as she can. Most recently she joined a safari at the Kruger National Park in South Africa. She recommends visiting countries abroad, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana.

What’s Next

Did I mention that Sabrina also loves cooking and hosting meals?  

“I like to try new recipes and putting my own twist on Sephardic dishes.”

Sabrina caters Shabbat meals for community individuals and families. She has also cooked for working moms.  Opening her own full-time catering business is definitely on her wish list.

Sabrina encourages young people “to put it out there if they find something they like.  I never knew I would make and sell dehydrated fruit platters eleven years ago until I tried it.”

To join Sabrina’s team of volunteers or to speak with her, feel free to connect with her by email Sbenun77@gmail.com, text 732-233-5689, or Instagram@sabrinajb. 

Ellen Geller Kamaras, CPA/MBA, is an International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach. Her coaching specialties include life, career, and dating coaching.  Ellen is active in her community and is currently the acting President of Congregation Bnai Avraham in Brooklyn Heights. She can be contacted at ellen@lifecoachellen.com (www.lifecoachellen.com).

Community Highlights – Senator Felder Fights Back: Are Sanitation Tickets Targeting Shabbat Observers?

Community Magazine

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November 2024

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Community Highlights – Senator Felder Fights Back: Are Sanitation Tickets Targeting Shabbat Observers?

Senator Simcha Felder has issued a formal letter to the New York City Chief of Enforcement at the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) in response to growing concerns from constituents regarding sanitation violation tickets issued to Shabbat-observant residents. Many in the district and throughout New York City have reported receiving fines for placing their trash at the curb before sunset on Fridays, a religious requirement that conflicts with new sanitation rules.

In New York City, residents and businesses can be fined for setting out trash at the wrong time or in the wrong way. Trash has to be set out after 6pm in a bin with a secure lid, or after 8pm, if putting bags directly on the curb. The Jewish Sabbath begins 18 minutes before sunset on Friday, and as we enter the Fall-Winter seasons sunset comes earlier each week. Shabbat observers with Saturday collection will need to set their trash at the curb in advance, which will be earlier than DSNY’s Trash Setout Times.

Senator Felder’s request is clear. He is urging DSNY to cease the enforcement of sanitation violation tickets for trash setout times on Fridays in neighborhoods where trash collection occurs on Saturdays. By doing so, he aims to protect the rights of New Yorkers to practice their faith without fear of punitive measures.

In his letter, Senator Felder emphasized that the enforcement of sanitation rules must respect the religious practices of all New Yorkers. “For many New Yorkers, placing trash out for collection before sunset on Fridays is not a mere convenience, but a vital aspect of their religious observance, and the City knows this. It was made very clear to the administration during the public comment period before the rule change,” said Felder.

“I know this city never met a ticket it didn’t like, but issuing fines under these circumstances demonstrates a real lack of understanding toward Shabbat observant communities. I am urging the DSNY to work collaboratively with community leaders to find a solution that accommodates religious observances while maintaining public sanitation standards.”

Met Council Distributes Nearly $5m in Food During High Holiday Season

Last month, the Met Council provided $4,781,000 of food to 181,000 Jewish families in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Packages included fresh produce, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, flour, soup mix, tuna, cholent mix, chickpeas, tea biscuits, honey, apples, grape juice, challah, chicken, fish, and dairy items.

In addition, the organization distributed over 430,000 eggs.

“In the past year alone, egg prices have surged by to over 250 percent, a stark increase for a staple item compared to last Rosh Hashanah,” said David Greenfield, CEO of Met Council. “Everything is more expensive.”

Greenfield noted that the increase in food prices “means more families are facing food insecurity on a regular basis and are forced to choose between nutritional food or paying for basic living expenses. Our mission is clear: to ensure that families can celebrate this yom tov season with dignity, coming together to enjoy the holidays, and start the new year on a positive note.”

Magen David Yeshivah Congratulates 2025 Commended Students

Magen David Yeshivah High School congratulated seniors Philip Sherr and Marc Sutton for being named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation was presented to Sherr and Sutton by Dr. Daniel Vitow, representing both Magen David Yeshivah High School and the National Merit Scholarship Corporations, which conducts the program. Approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise, placing Marc Sutton and Phil Sherr among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test.

Chef Shiri: Kids – See if you have what it takes to become a Junior Chef!

Community Magazine

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November 2024

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Chef Shiri: Kids – See if you have what it takes to become a Junior Chef!

Adult Supervision Required

Utensils Needed:

Can opener
Strainer
Medium Mixing Bowl
Fork
Measuring cups & spoons
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Oven mitts

Ingredients:

1 can (15.75-ounce) sweet potatoes
1 cup soymilk
¾ cup dark brown sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 ready-to-bake pie crust (9-inch)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Open the can of sweet potatoes and pour into a strainer over the sink to drain out all of the liquid.
Place the sweet potatoes into a medium mixing bowl. Mash them with the back of a fork.
Add the soymilk, brown sugar, flour, eggs, cinnamon, and salt.
With an electric mixer at medium speed, mix all the ingredients until the mixture becomes a smooth batter.
Place the pie crust on a baking sheet. Pour the batter into the pie crust.
Transfer the baking sheet into the hot oven and bake the pie for 10 minutes.
Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 40 minutes.
Use the oven mitts to carefully remove baking sheet with the sweet potato pie from the oven.

Serves 12!

Not a Potato Nor a Yam

Despite their name, sweet potatoes are not related to regular potatoes. A sweet potato is a root, while potatoes are tubers. The sweet potato is also often called a yam. Again, the two are unrelated. True yams are starchy, underground tubers.

Riddles – October 2024

Community Magazine

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October 2024

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RIDDLE: Birthday Budget

Submitted by: Andrea S.

You’re planning to spend your birthday money taking some friends to the zoo. Is it cheaper to take 1 friend to the zoo twice, or 2 friends to the zoo at the same time – or is it the same either way?

Last Month’s Riddle: Neighborly Dilemma

There are four houses in a row. The Wallaces live next to the Clarks but not next to the Randalls. If the Randalls do not live next to the Lodens, who are the Lodens’ immediate neighbors?

Solution: The Wallaces!

Solved By: Claire Shamah, Eli Sabbagh, The Blum Family, Bella A., Meir Saieda, Haim S., Stuart Shamah, and The Shmulster.

Junior Riddle: Shopping Spree

Submitted by: Eli P.

Alan bought a pair of shoes and a tie, which cost a total of $150. The shoes cost $100 more than the tie. How much was each item?

Last Month’s Junior Riddle: The Double Letter Challenge

What English word has three consecutive double letters?

Solution: Bookkeeper

Solved By: Big Mike, H. Soleimani, Family Blum, Bella A., Carl Anteby, and Florence B.

The Lighter Side – October 2024

Community Magazine

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October 2024

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Good Report

Sammy was having trouble in school. That’s why his father was so pleased when Sammy came home and
reported that he got a 100 on his report card.

“That’s fantastic Sammy!” his father exclaimed. “What course did you get it in?”

“Well,” said Sammy, “I got a 20 in math, a 30 in science, and a 50 in spelling!”

Stephen B.

Chelm’s First Medical Student

Chaim Yankel from Chelm passed his exams and is awarded a place in medical school. And because he’s
the first student from his town to do so well, all his family, friends, and neighbors were very proud of him.

Six months into his training, he’s with some other medical students doing the rounds at the Chelm
Hospital with a qualified doctor. Stopping next to the records of one of the patients, the doctor takes out the patient’s X-rays and says to the group, “As you can deduce from these X-rays, this patient limps badly because both his tibias and fibulas are radically arched. So let me ask you, Chaim Yankel, what would you do in a case like this?”

After thinking for a short while, Chaim Yankel replies, “I suppose I’d limp too, doctor.”

Harry G.

Piece of Cake

Hymie was a happy fellow, but unfortunately, he was very overweight. Concerned for his well-being, his co-workers forced him to go on a diet.

For three weeks, Hymie resisted temptation, even changing his route to work to avoid his favorite bakery
– Isaac’s Bakery.

But then, one day, to the horror of his workmates, Hymie turned up at the office clutching a massive chocolate cake.

When his colleagues berated him, Hymie was quick to offer an explanation.

“I accidentally drove by Isaac’s Bakery this morning and there were so many tasty treats in the window. I thought it was basherte, that I was supposed to eat something, so I prayed to Hashem, saying, “If you want me to have one of those delicious chocolate cakes, show me a sign – let there be a parking space directly in front of the bakery. And sure enough, the eighth time around the block, there it was!”

Joey K.

Second Opinion

Something was wrong with Miriam Hymelfarb. She just wasn’t herself lately so her husband Moishe
decided she should go to the doctor. After a long appointment Miriam came out.

“Moishe, the doctor has advised me that I’m stressed and that I should take a one-month vacation to some
place tranquil like the Caribbean or the South of France. Where shall we go?”

Moishe thought about it for a second and said, “To another doctor!”

Sarah T.

Strawberry Fields

Bernstein, retired, is resting peacefully on the porch of his small hotel on the outskirts of Miami, when he sees a cloud of dust up the road. He walks out to see who could be approaching. It is a southern farmer with a wagon.

“Good afternoon,” says Bernstein.

“Afternoon,” says the farmer.

“Where you headed?” asks Bernstein.

“My farm.”

“What do you have in the wagon?”

“Manure.”

“Manure, eh? What do you do with it?”

“I spread it over my strawberry fields.”

“Well,” says Bernstein, “you should really come over here for lunch one day. Mrs. Bernstein serves sour cream with our strawberries!”

Rachel W.

Run for Your Life

Victor decided that it was time to get in shape, so he took up jogging and signed up for the New York City Marathon. Problem was, he wasn’t that strong a runner. As soon as the race started he was almost
immediately in last place.

To make matters worse, the guy who was in front of Victor, second to last, started making fun of him. He said, “Hey buddy, how does it feel to be last?”

Victor replied, “You really want to know?”

Then Victor dropped out of the race.

Molly P.

Pay Up

Morris had a very unpleasant appointment scheduled with an IRS auditor who had come to review his
records. At one point the auditor turned to Morris and exclaimed, “We feel that it is a great privilege to be allowed to live and work in the USA. As a citizen you have an obligation to pay taxes, and we expect you to eagerly pay them with a smile.”

“Wow, thank Gd,” said Morris with a sigh of relief. “I thought you were going to want cash.”

Eddie D.

Two Left Feet

Zadie Stern was coming over to take his grandson Maxie to the park.

“Okay Maxie, we’re going to the park!” said Zadie. “Go get your shoes on!”

Being only four years old, Maxie said, “Okay, but will you tie them for me?”

“Sure,” Zadie replied with a big smile.

Maxie bolted into the next room to put on his shoes, returning with a big smile and the shoes on the wrong feet.

Looking at his shoes, Zadie smiled and said, “Maxie, your shoes are on the wrong feet!”

Maxie looked down, then looked back at Zadie with a very sad face and replied, “These are the only feet I have.”

Cookie M.

Letting Go

A man named Jack was walking along a steep cliff one day, when he accidentally got too close to the edge and fell. On the way down he grabbed a branch, which temporarily stopped his fall. He looked down and to his horror saw that the canyon fell straight down for more than a thousand feet.

He couldn’t hang onto the branch forever, and there was no way for him to climb up the steep wall of the cliff. So Jack began yelling for help, hoping that someone passing by would hear him and lower a rope or something.

“HELP! HELP! Is anyone up there? HELP!”

He yelled for a long time, but no one heard him. He was about to give up when he heard a voice. “Jack, Jack. Can you hear me?”

“Yes, yes! I can hear you. I’m down here!”

“I can see you, Jack. Are you all right?”

“Yes, but who are you, and where are you?”

“I am the Lord, Jack. I’m everywhere.”

“The Lord? You mean, Gd?”

“That’s Me.”

“Gd, please help me! I promise if, you’ll get me down from here, I’ll stop sinning. I’ll be a really good person. I’ll serve You for the rest of my life.”

“Easy on the promises, Jack. Let’s get you off from there; then we can talk.”

“Now, here’s what I want you to do. Listen carefully.”

“I’ll do anything. Just tell me what to do.”

“Okay. Let go of the branch.”

“What?”

“I said, let go of the branch. Just trust Me. Let go.”

There was a long silence.

Finally Jack yelled, “HELP! HELP! IS ANYONE ELSE UP THERE?”

Sharon Z.

Community Highlights – Mastering Masechet Beitzah with Oraysa Amud V’Chazarah

Community Magazine

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October 2024

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Community Highlights – Mastering Masechet Beitzah with Oraysa Amud V’Chazarah

In a few days, Lomdei Oraysa across the globe will be celebrating the completion of Masechet Sukkah with the Oraysa program.

With its many practical sugyot relating to the mitzvot of the yom tov of Sukkot, the completion of Masechet Sukkah is truly a cause for celebration.

Immediately following learning Masechet Sukkah, Oraysa lomdim will begin the next Masechta – Masechet Beitzah.

Beitzah is especially exciting because the timing of this Masechta coincides beautifully with the calendar, as it deals with hilchot yom tov and begins right before Tishrei.

Participants describe the immense satisfaction that they receive from the innovative program that calls for the studying of one new amud a day, five days a week, reviewing the previous day’s amud, with Friday and Shabbat dedicated to reviewing the week’s limud. With this format, each amud of Gemara is learned and mastered.

Oraysa Lomdim say that the program has changed their lives, raising the bar of their learning to new heights, with new chaburot and shiurim forming in more and more locations and cities around the world.

On a local level, Oraysa has helped organize shiurim and chaburot across America, Canada, Israel, and Europe. Lomdei Oraysa know that wherever they find themselves, they are more than likely to find an Oraysa chaburah to join for the day.

The start of Masechet Beitzah is a great time to get on board and benefit from all Oraysa has to offer. If you are looking to acquire a Masechta and gain daily satisfaction in your learning, Oraysa may just be the program you are looking for!

To join Oraysa for Masechet Beitzah, for more information, to set up or join a shiur or chaburot in your neighbourhood, please contact Oraysa at 914.8.ORAYSA or email info@oraysa.org.

Senator Simha Felder Demands, “STOP THE HATE ON CAMPUS!”

In response to the frightening surge in anti-Semitic incidents on college and university campuses across New York State, Senator Simcha Felder sent letters to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Eric Adams demanding the immediate implementation of independent monitors at all institutions receiving city, state, or federal funding.

Senator Felder wrote, “The complete antipathy toward rising anti-Semitic incidents and the abject failure of college administrators to provide safety on their campuses is deeply concerning. By having independent oversight, we can take concrete steps to safeguard Jewish students and, indeed, all students by preventing the dangerous influence of terrorist organizations like Hamas in our educational institutions.”

Senator Felder’s call for independent monitors represents a common-sense approach to protecting students across New York State by ensuring that colleges and universities remain safe, inclusive, and free from discrimination. Monitors provide a crucial layer of oversight and a clear way to implement rules and to enforce laws so that anti-Semitic behaviour is quickly and properly addressed.

Incidents of anti-Jewish harassment and violence have intensified following the Hamas October 7th attack in Israel. A federally designated terrorist organization, Hamas is notorious for its violence, incitement, and recruitment efforts, making it imperative for U.S. institutions to prevent any form of support or protection for its affiliates on American soil.

“Hamas just murdered six hostages including an American citizen, Hersh Polin-Goldberg. For nearly a year after blowing off his arm, they denied him medical treatment, starved, tortured, and finally executed him with bullets to the back of the head. Instead of protecting American students, instead of providing a plan to make sure no more Americans are murdered, we are allowing Hamas supporters to harass, intimidate, and threaten our students, incite violence against our citizens, recruit on our college campuses, and advocate for intifada terrorism on American soil. What on earth is going on?! These are not protected rights – this is illegal, it is dangerous, and it must be stopped immediately,” wrote Senator Felder.

Deal Day 2024 Brings Joy and Support to Chai Lifeline Children

Once again, our community rallied together in a show of unwavering support for the Chai Lifeline Sephardic Division as campers returned for another incredible Deal Day.
This year’s annual Deal Day event was nothing short of spectacular, featuring 450 dedicated volunteers, 122 campers, over 250 joyful guests, and the inspiring arrival of the Tour de Simcha – a group of women cyclists who rode into the event after raising crucial funds for Chai Lifeline. Their commitment and energy were a highlight of the day, symbolizing the powerful impact of community support.
Jack Tabbush, Director of Chai Lifeline’s Sephardic Division, emphasized the unique bond between Chai Lifeline and the community. “We are thrilled to partner with the community once again to bring simcha to children who need it most,” he said. “The Sephardic community has been a steadfast supporter of Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha, and we are excited to continue building on that relationship to support even more children and families in need.”
This year, Deal Day was hosted at the home of Joyce Chehebar. The event kicked off with a variety of activity stations and carnival games spread across the beautiful beach, including everything from wax art to cotton candy, bounce houses, and so much more.
Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline shares, “Deal Day provides an unforgettable experience for these children. The incredible support we receive from the Sephardic community enables us to continue providing critical care for children and families impacted by illness and crisis. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing friendship and partnership.”
Following a fully-catered dairy lunch and a lively concert, the children enjoyed water activities, more crafts, and a hibachi dinner. Before leaving, each child was treated to a major toy giveaway with gifts donated by the generous community, ensuring they took home a piece of the day’s magic.
For more information about the Sephardic Division or to learn how you can support this vital initiative, please visit www.chailifeline.org/sephardic or call 718-475-0002.

JetBlue Apologizes After Israel Is Labelled “Palestinian Territories” In Onboard Maps

On September 9th, JetBlue announced that it will change its onboard maps on all carriers to comply with U.S. guidelines for the Middle East, after facing public outrage over labelling Israel as “Palestinian Territories.”

In a public statement, JetBlue apologized for the mislabelling and assured that no one on the team was involved in drawing or labelling the map. The company explained that the map app was provided by a third-party company and that they were not previously aware of the issue.

JetBlue says it has decided to switch to a new map vendor and has asked the current vendor to adjust the onboard map to align with the U.S. government’s map guidance for the region. The changes will be made as quickly as the technology allows.

This incident is not the first time JetBlue has faced accusations of anti-Israel bias. Last April, a Jewish passenger was removed from a flight after complaining about a flight attendant wearing a “Free Palestine” pin on his uniform. JetBlue apologized at the time and announced a policy change.

SBH Offering Free Mental Health Guidance

Hol Hamoed Travel Tips

Community Magazine

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October 2024

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Rosh Hashanah has flown by, and Sukkot is right around the corner. Shaatra moms across the globe have started thinking about the fact that the kids will be home from school for quite some time during Sukkot break. And this year, hol hamoed falls out on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, which means that there is plenty of time for trips.

It’s possible that in years past, you’ve been overwhelmed by the thought of hol hamoed travel. Memories of cranky kids and long car rides to Hershey Park or Amish Town may stand out in your mind, and you may feel apprehensive to do it all over again. But the truth of the matter is, New York and New Jersey have lots to offer when it comes to family-friendly entertainment. So this time, stay local! Be grateful that you live just a short car-ride away from several happening locations, and know with some in-advance planning and some fun and fresh ideas, hol hamoed 2024 can be memorable for the whole family.

FOR FELLOW BROOKLYNITES…

If you live in Brooklyn, you have your own fair share of local choices when it comes to trips and activities. The Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of nature. The Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights is a bright and colorful space for children to play, explore, and learn, while Kids ‘N Action is a world of excitement for the littlest ones in your bunch.

The New York Aquarium is right on Coney Island and has an amazing assortment of marine life. And if the weather is nice, there is no need to stay cooped up indoors. Head to Prospect or Marine Parks, since both are perfect grassy locations for sports, flying kites, or riding bikes.

IF YOU WANT TO HEAD TO MANHATTAN…

If you’re okay with a short car ride from Brooklyn, you can head out to the city that never sleeps. There are hundreds of attractions for tourists, some of which include The Intrepid, The Museum of Natural History, and the observation deck at the Empire State Building. Chelsea Piers, which is right outside the city, is a jam-packed center of things to do. Once inside, your children can choose to ice-skate, play golf, go bowling, or play arcades.

IF YOU LIVE IN THE GARDEN STATE…

You may have heard the sentiment that there’s not much to do in Jersey. Well, whoever said that forgot about the numerous exciting options that are available, and that you can take advantage of this hol hamoed!

Younger kids might enjoy watching sea life at Jenkinson’s Aquarium or the rides and arcades at FunTime America. For those families with both older and younger kids, Great Adventures is a great compromise. And if your brood gets hungry, there is usually a sukkah and kosher food on premises come Sukkot time, so you can settle them down and serve lunch before they jump onto every ride in sight.

IF YOU GET THE MUNCHIES…

At some point during your travels, your family will get hungry and want to eat, and the men in your family will need a sukkah to do so. Certain kosher restaurants will put up a sukkah outside, but before you go, call ahead of time to be certain. Until you get to have a sit-down meal, serve some “shehakol” snacks to tide everyone over. Or, if your travels haven’t brought you too far from home, you can get to your own sukkah in time for lunch!Wherever you decide to go this hol hamoed, know that it’s all in your mindset. When Mom is happy, everyone is happy! Enjoy every moment of wherever your travels take you, because pretty soon you’ll be back in the kitchen cooking delicious holiday dishes for the second half of Sukkot!

Dear Jido – October 2024

Community Magazine

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October 2024

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Dear Jido,

I recently took a 15-hour flight that began around midnight. I sat by a window, and both seats next to me (the middle seat and the aisle seat) happened to remain unoccupied.

After dinner was served, a somewhat older lady (around 60), who was seated across the aisle in the center section, came and sat in the empty aisle seat in my row. She leaned over to me and humbly asked if she can take my window seat and suggested that I either take her seat in the center section or sit in one of the two empty seats in my row.

She indicated that she has a neck issue, and presumably wanted the window seat so she could rest her head against the wall, as I was planning to do. I told her I would prefer to keep our assigned seats, and I had hardly finished saying this when she nodded vigorously and seemed very embarrassed to have even asked.

However, I began to doubt whether I should have given her my seat. In the morning light, I noted that she was older than I first estimated, maybe 70 or so. I am a healthy male in my 40s. I was torn between guilt and irritation. I paid slightly extra for the window seat because I prefer it, especially if I’ll be sleeping.

But maybe for this older woman, the polite thing would have been to give up my seat. What should I have done?

Signed,

Weary Traveler

Dear Weary,

If you were wearing a kippah and she was wearing a sheitel, then I would say it would have been the polite thing to do. However, since you paid extra for the window seat, you would not have been obligated to give up your money for a stranger.

For example, let’s say you’re leaving shul one evening after arbit and suddenly it started raining. An older gentleman who you have never met says, “Can I borrow your umbrella? I don’t want to walk home in the rain without one.” He’s walking east and you’re walking west. You might never see your umbrella again. Would you give it to him? He stays dry, you get wet. He has an umbrella and you have none. There’s something called doing more than the law requires. If that’s you – then put your jacket over your head and make a run for it.

Now, on the other hand, if you were wearing a kippah and she was obviously NOT Jewish, the right thing to do would have been to say, “You know I paid extra for this seat but if you really need it, I want you to be comfortable. Here.” The kiddush Hashem would have been worth millions!

Nothing to feel guilty about. Travel safe.

Jido