On November 12, 2025, the Philadelphia Mint struck the final batch of pennies, closing the book on a coin first introduced in 1793. The decision marked the end of a 232-year production run, making it one of the longest-standing traditions in U.S. currency. Treasury officials confirmed that while pennies will remain legal tender, no new ones will enter circulation, and the supply will gradually shrink as coins wear out or are hoarded.

Why the Penny Had to Go

The penny’s downfall was rooted in economics. By 2025, each penny cost 3.69 cents to produce and distribute, according to the U.S. Mint. Rising prices of copper and zinc, combined with labor and overhead, meant the government was losing millions of dollars annually just to keep pennies in circulation. President Donald Trump directed the Treasury Department to halt production of circulating pennies to reduce “wasteful” spending.

What Happens Next

Though pennies are no longer minted, they remain legal tender. Retailers must still accept them, but many businesses are expected to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel. Already, some stores have reported penny shortages and even offered incentives for customers to bring them in. For digital-first generations, the change is barely noticeable – apps like Venmo and Apple Pay don’t deal in cents anyway.

Cultural Ripples

The penny’s retirement is more than a financial adjustment; it’s a cultural shift. Expressions like “a penny for your thoughts” and traditions like tossing pennies into fountains or saving them in piggy banks are part of American memory. The coin also carried Abraham Lincoln’s image since 1909, giving it symbolic weight as a reminder of thrift and history. Its disappearance underscores how quickly traditions can fade in a digital-first economy.

Winners and Losers

Taxpayers stand to benefit most, as the government will save hundreds of millions annually by ending penny production. Digital payment users will hardly notice the change. Coin collectors, however, are already eyeing the final batch of pennies – two of which were stamped with a special omega mark and will be auctioned rather than circulated. On the other hand, cash-reliant businesses and unbanked individuals may face short-term challenges adjusting to rounding rules.

Should You Save Your Pennies?

Experts caution against hoarding pennies in hopes of future value. With an estimated 300 billion pennies still in circulation, scarcity is unlikely anytime soon. That said, the final 2025 pennies, especially those with special markings, may become valuable collectibles. For most people, though, pennies are best spent, donated, or kept as nostalgic keepsakes.

What It Means for Young Adults

For millennials and Gen Z, the penny’s end is symbolic of a broader shift: cash is fading, and digital transactions dominate. The discontinuation forces us to rethink how we value small change. Few of us bother to pick up a penny off the sidewalk anymore, yet its story reminds us that even the smallest things can carry weight – economically, culturally, and emotionally.

In the recent months, Rabbi Shlomo Anapolle, Director of the International Programs at Machon Lev, accompanied by Rabbi Moshe Tessone, visited Deal, New Jersey, where they met with a group of Syrian students to share insights about Machon Lev College for Men and Machon Tal College for Women and their unique educational opportunities. The rabbis were warmly welcomed by Rabbi Harold Sutton and a group of his learning cohorts in the Deal community.

During their visit, Rabbis Anapolle and Tessone spoke about the value of spending a gap year in Israel and how studying at Machon Lev for Men (and Machon Tal for Women) allows students to continue growing both spiritually and academically. The students expressed enthusiasm about learning in Jerusalem, strengthening their connection to Eretz Yisrael, and preparing for meaningful careers rooted in Torah values.

Integration of Heritage and Academic Achievement

The visit underscored how Machon Lev and Machon Tal and their mission deeply resonates with young Sephardic Jews seeking to integrate their heritage with modern professional achievement and with a strong connection to the Land of Israel and Jerusalem. The campuses are centrally located in Jerusalem.

For Sephardic young men and women seeking a meaningful and transformative educational experience, studying in Israel offers not only academic growth but also spiritual and cultural enrichment. Among the many institutions of higher learning in Israel, the Machon Lev (for men) and Machon Tal (for women) stand out as an ideal choice, especially for students who value a strong balance between Torah learning and cutting-edge professional education. With a proud commitment to religious values and academic excellence, both Machon Lev and Machon Tal offer Sephardic students an environment where their heritage is respected, their potential is nurtured, and their future is bright.

Dual Focus Learning

Founded in 1969, Machon Lev and Machon Tal are part of JCT, the Jerusalem College of Technology, which is known for its integrated approach, combining rigorous Torah study with high-level programs in engineering, business management, health sciences, computer science, and more. Unlike many secular universities and colleges in Israel, JCT is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, offering separate men’s and women’s campuses and schedules that allow students to maintain a full yeshiva-style learning program alongside their degree studies. This dual focus reflects the ideals of Sephardic Jewry – a community that historically has emphasized both religious devotion and active participation in society.

Sephardic Friendly

For Sephardic students, Machon Lev and Machon Tal offer a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The college is home to a diverse student body, including many from Sephardic backgrounds – whether from Israel, France, Latin America, North Africa, or the United States. The staff, rabbanim, and faculty are sensitive to Sephardic minhagim and halakhic rulings, and Sephardic students will find rabbis and peers who share their traditions and outlook. From tefillot according to Sephardic nusah to shiurim that reflect Sephardic halakhic perspectives, students are empowered to grow in their own heritage while engaging with a wider Torah world.

Academically, both Machon Lev and Machon Tal are highly respected in both the Israeli and international job markets. Graduates have gone on to successful careers in hi-tech, finance, management, cybersecurity, biomedical engineering, and other fields that are vital to Israel’s economy and to global innovation. With its close ties to the leading Israeli companies and startups, both Machon Lev and Machon Tal students benefit from internships, mentorship, and job placement opportunities that open doors to meaningful careers – all while maintaining a strong Torah identity.

Extra Bonus – Affordability and the Jerusalem Experience

For Sephardic families considering higher education options, the affordability at Machon Lev and Machon Tal is also an important factor. Tuition is often significantly lower than that of comparable institutions abroad, and scholarships are available for international students.

Moreover, the experience of living and learning in Yerushalayim – the eternal capital of Am Yisrael – is priceless. Walking the streets of Jerusalem, praying at the Kotel, and being part of the vibrant religious life of the city is something no classroom can replicate.

In short, Machon Lev and Machon Tal offer a unique opportunity for Sephardic students to combine Torah, tradition, and professional success. It is a place where you can honor your past, build your future, and take your place as a proud and capable member and leader of Klal Yisrael.

QUESTION: 

Dear Rabbi Ali,

I hope you can give me some advice on how to deal with this situation as it’s been taking a toll on my relationship. I work very hard to provide for my family and make a decent living. Sometimes, things are good and other times money is tight. The past year-and-a-half my business has been slow. We are not in a position to spend as we used to, whether it be winter break or summer vacation. I find that my wife and I are fighting a lot about this. I don’t blame her at all. I just would appreciate any advice on how to deal with this situation.

R’ Ali’s Response: 
I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this in the past, but it’s worthwhile mentioning again. It’s wonderful when I see more and more people reaching out for help instead of suffering for no reason. Many times, all a couple needs are a few pointers and their marriage dramatically changes for the better. Even if a couple isn’t suffering, but rather needs some clarity, it’s still recommended to reach out to someone who deals with shalom bayit.

Before I give you practical advice, I’d like to mention a few points on this topic in for you and the readers to gain the proper Torah perspective. Everyone, men and women must understand and internalize the fact that money comes from Hashem. I’m well aware that this is a marriage column, but as people of the Torah, we need to incorporate the proper Torah ideologies into our lives. Men are obligated to support their wives and do the proper hishtadlut. At the end of the day, we must all believe, acknowledge, and accept the fact that the amount of money we receive has been decreed by Hashem on Rosh Hashanah. 

Practically speaking, women should be understanding of two things. One, your husband cannot make more than the decreed amount, and two, do not be resentful if he is not bringing in the amount that you’d like. Expressing your frustration towards him will make an already stressful situation into a shalom bayit issue. He may feel down on himself or as many people tell me, they feel like a failure. 

I completely understand that the standard of living these days is high and we need a lot of money to get by. However, this is (for the most part) not your husband’s fault. Being an eshet chayil means being there for your husband whether he is making money or not. Respect is not contingent on dollars and cents. We respect our spouse no matter what they “make of themselves.”

On the flip side, many men overwork when their wives would prefer to live a minimalistic lifestyle and have their husband around for her and the family.  Many men say,  “I’m working all these hours for you,” but their wives are saying they don’t need all of the “extra” money.

Of course, everyone’s situation is different and should be discussed with a third party and people should not rely on an article to make any drastic changes in their work ethic or marriage. Getting back to your question, I believe you need to practice gentle communication with your wife. I don’t know the specifics of your situation, but as a general rule, you should let your wife know how much you can and can’t spend. Validate her needs, instead of saying,  “Leave me alone I can’t afford it.” Tell her, “I totally understand you want to go away, I wish we could. Be’ezrat Hashem, things will get better.” 

In conclusion, having high standards hurts many relationships. Work on being happy with what you have. As the Mishnah says, a true rich man is happy with what he has.

A Gemara asks the question, “How does one become rich?” and answers, “Pray to the One who has the riches.” I hope we all understand that is referring to Hashem!

Work together as a team, pray to Hashem, and you should see tons of bracha in your life and your marriage, amen.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas

One Friday morning, Ronnie approached me, with concern etched on his face. “Rabbi,” he said, “I broke my leg playing ball and without these crutches I cannot take even a few paces. But there is no eruv in our neighborhood. Am I allowed to walk with the crutches to beit knesset on Shabbat so that I can attend the youth minyan?”

Not long after, Miriam, a woman in her sixties who had been confined to a wheelchair following a serious illness, asked a similar question. “Rabbi,” she said softly, “without my wheelchair I cannot move at all. Can I wheel myself to synagogue on Shabbat for my grandson’s bar mitzva next month, or can someone push me?”

The Halachic Framework

The Torah forbids hotza’ah – carrying from a private to a public domain on Shabbat. This prohibition includes carrying an object, as well as pushing or dragging it. However, Maran in the Beit Yosef (Orach Chaim 301:15–17) establishes that a prosthetic leg that enables the person to walk is considered an extension of the body and is therefore not regarded as carrying – similar to wearing shoes or eyeglasses. By contrast, an item used only occasionally or out of convenience is classified as a masui – a load or external object – and may not be carried or pushed without an eruv. The Shulchan Aruch adds that one who cannot walk without a cane may also walk with it on Shabbat. The Kaf Hachaim (301:103) explains that if one can manage to walk indoors without a cane, it is classified as a masui and he may not use it outdoors; but if he cannot walk at all without it, even at home, the cane is like his legs and its use is therefore permitted.

Ronnie’s Crutches: When Walking Aids Become Like Part of the Body

Based on the aforementioned Beit Yosef, the Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat, vol. 2, 301:7) rules that an injured or disabled person who cannot walk without a cane or crutches may use them even outside an eruv. In such cases, the crutches are considered as if they were his legs. However, if one can walk without them, even with difficulty, their use is prohibited, as they become a masui. Thus, for Ronnie – who cannot walk at all without his crutches – halacha permits him to go to beit knesset with them, even in a place without an eruv.

Miriam’s Wheelchair: A More Complex Question

The matter is more complex for Miriam. In Yabia Omer (Orach Chaim 9:34), Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, cites authorities who permit a person to be pushed in a wheelchair, likening it to a cane, and others who forbid it, as it is comparable to pushing a baby carriage, which is forbidden without an eruv. He concludes that for the sake of a mitzvah, such as attending synagogue, one may be lenient – but only if the wheelchair is pushed by a non-Jew.

Hacham Benzion Abba Shaul(Ohr LeTzion vol. 2, ch. 23:5) permits a person to wheel themselves in the public domain, but rules that it is forbidden for another Jew to push them, as that action constitutes carrying a load on their behalf, whereas self-propulsion is similar to walking with a cane. Hacham Yitzhak Yosef in Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat, vol. 2, 301:7) concurs but adds that it is preferable that a non-Jew wheel her to synagogue. Importantly, an electric wheelchair remains prohibited, since activating or controlling its motor constitutes a melachah and is forbidden.

Practical Guidance

For Ronnie, the crutches are essential and without them he cannot walk at all, even at home. Therefore, halacha recognizes them as part of his body. He may walk with them to beit knesset, even where no eruv exists. For Miriam, the wheelchair is her sole means of mobility, and she can rely on the poskim that compare it to a cane. She may propel herself on Shabbat to attend her grandson’s bar mitzvah, but ideally, she should ask a non-Jew to assist her. However, an electric wheelchair may not be used.

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

The Mitzvah Man recalls a day when the mitzvah he was searching for was not as he expected. “It was the end of the day, and I had been driving around for hours looking for a mitzvah to do. Finally, I spotted the building of Bnai Raphael, an organization that distributes food to hundreds of people. I parked my car, went inside, and asked who’s in charge. The man I spoke to answered, “I’m in charge.” I asked him, “I’d like to offer my services. Can I help you with anything today?”

“Perfect timing! Today is Thursday and we need someone to take out the garbage.”

I thought to myself, “Today Hashem wants me to take out the garbage, and I am happy to do that. This is not beneath me. Whatever needs doing I will do.”

“You have to take the bags of garbage to the sidewalk, and all the food cartons must be folded, tied up, and put out neatly.”

“Thank you, Hashem! Today, my mitzvah is taking out the garbage for this wonderful organization!”

I got to work. For two hours, I was dealing with garbage and I was smiling. I realized that today Hashem wanted me to take out the garbage for Bnai Raphael. I took out the garbage, tied up the cartons and took them out, and swept the floor, to clean up the onion peels and other food remnants from the boxes.

I was hoping to see someone so I could tell them that today Hashem wanted me to take out the garbage and I was very happy to do this mitzvah! In fact, I am proud to take out the garbage.

Hashem gives us opportunities to do mitzvot. Some are easy and clean. Some, however, are more challenging. Hashem wants us to do these types of hesed with a full heart as well. When you do a mitzvah that takes you out of your way or out of your comfort zone you don’t lose out. In fact, you may even get extra credit.

Ellen Geller Kamaras

“I am a self-starter. I started working at thirteen and put myself through college. My dream was to work in advertising on Madison Avenue. I found my sweet spot in promotional merchandising.” – Elaine

Please meet Elaine Parker, a successful businesswoman, mother, grandmother, and community member. She was born in Neptune, NJ and attended public schools while growing up in Elberon and West Long Branch, NJ. She reconnected with her Sephardic roots when her children studied at Hillel Yeshiva. She is the daughter of Naomi Nahum and Morris Dweck, a”h. The family of four, including Elaine’s older sister Randy, lived in Bradley Beach for a few years.

The sisters were three and eighteen months old respectively when their parents divorced. The girls saw their father on weekends and enjoyed family holidays in Brooklyn for many years.

Elaine’s mother Naomi later married Jay Wohl, an Ashkenazi man who became a wonderful second father, raising Elaine and Randy. Naomi and Jay had a son together, Neil. Elaine’s father, Morris, also remarried and had two children, Chucky and Loren, with his wife, Ellen Katz.

Morris Dweck, a”h, passed away sixteen years ago. After Morris’s passing, both sides of the family stayed very close sharing Shabbat dinners and holidays together.

Elaine’s Backbone – Her Mother

Naomi, Moroccan-born, spent most of her childhood and teenage years in Israel before moving to NY. Naomi’s Aunt Esther, married to Hacham Matloub Abadi, brought Naomi to America to live with them in the late 1950s. Naomi was very close to her Aunt Esther who often came from Brooklyn and spent time with her in New Jersey.

Elaine’s mother was the one who most influenced her to have a career. It was important to Naomi that Elaine learn to stand on her own two feet, to be a good wife and mother, and to achieve her goals. Naomi taught Elaine to have grit, to work hard, and to be a kind person.

A wise and strong woman from a religious family, Naomi lived through the Israeli War of Independence in 1948. Her family lived in Jerusalem at the time, and survived a bomb hitting the family home in Jerusalem.

Naomi later studied with a French couturière (seamstress) and became a talented seamstress herself. Naomi’s grandfather, Nissim Nachum, was a wealthy philanthropist who funded Yeshiva Rohobot HaNahar for Rabbi Shaul Dweck, who taught him Kabbalah. Many prominent Sephardic rabbis, including those from the Kassin, Tawil, and Yedid families, studied at that yeshiva.

Elaine’s School Days

As a child, Elaine was a B student, shy and quiet. In fifth grade, Elaine’s teacher called her mother, concerned that Elaine had only one close friend. Naomi replied that her daughter only needed one good friend. In truth, Elaine had several close friends and she became more extroverted in college and once she launched her career.

Although Elaine attended public school, she and her family were active members of the Jewish community. They prayed at Brothers of Israel, an Ashkenaz shul, and belonged to the JCC.

Elaine played trumpet in her high school marching band and was the yearbook photographer. Both roles helped her to secure admission to Rutgers University, where she majored in communications with a specialization in marketing and advertising.

“As a young girl, I loved advertisements and spent a lot of time studying the ads in magazines. After college, I found my niche in promotional merchandising.”

During the late eighties, most Jersey Shore high school graduates were attending college and pursuing careers. Neither of Elaine’s fathers encouraged her to apply to a four-year college. Determined to show her family that she could “have it all” – a family and a career – Elaine followed her dream.

At 13, Elaine started to earn money. Her jobs included babysitting, working at her father Jay’s penny arcade in Bradley Beach, and selling ceramic tiles on commission while studying at Rutgers University. The money she earned enabled her to put herself through college and helped her to become a confident people person.

Her Core

Elaine describes herself as disciplined, down-to-earth, a go-getter, very loyal to family and friends, playful, and funny. She is also warm and creative. She prides herself on being an out-of-the-box thinker – a talent that contributes to her success in promotional merchandising.

Marriage and Family

Elaine met her bashert, Glenn – a pre-med student – while at college. They had much in common. Both were hard-working self-starters who financed their own education. Glenn went on to study at Rutgers Medical School, and Elaine launched her thirty-seven-year career in promotional merchandising.

Glenn is a colorectal surgeon and is the Program Director for the General Surgery Residency at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, JSUMC. Elaine says, “Glenn mentors so many community kids to become doctors, PA’s, and nurses, helping them get internships and jobs. He stays with them throughout their journey. I am in awe of him.”

The couple has three children: Mitchell, a resident in radiation oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Carly, a digital marketing account executive at the Morning Brew, and Jonathan, an attorney at Paul Hastings. Mitchell and his wife Michelle, a child psychologist at Barkay Yeshiva, have two young children. The Parkers raised their family in Oakhurst, NJ, and their children attended Hillel Yeshiva. Elaine refers to their upbringing as “Ashkefardic.” The family is affiliated with Brothers of Israel and Chabad of the Shore in Long Branch.

“Glenn and I live for our children. We are so proud of them. They are not entitled; they always worked summer jobs, did internships, and studied hard to achieve their degrees and positions.”

Career Path

Elaine’s professional journey has been marked by inventiveness, resilience, and a passion for excellence. She has consistently adapted to changing industry trends and technologies while maintaining long-standing client relationships, including NBC. Her innovative approach empowered her to deliver creative solutions that set her apart in the world of promotional merchandising.

Eight months before marrying Glenn, Elaine began her career in sales and promotional merchandising. Her first professional job was as executive assistant to the president of Bellmore, a promotional products company. When Bellmore was acquired, Elaine was tasked with transferring business data to the new company – after which her role would become obsolete.

Since the president was not staying on, he offered Elaine his remaining clients, including the Marriott Marquis Hotel. She accepted the offer, which fit her need for flexibility, as her future depended on where Glenn would do his residency.

From Modest Beginnings to Big Achievements

Elaine was referred to a partner from Ernst & Young (E&Y). No one wanted to travel to Manhattan for a small order – so Elaine went.

She began with that tiny order of 50 portfolios for E&Y and expanded it into a thriving promotional products business. Elaine developed a line of recruitment merchandise for them, which grew to include half a million dollars’ worth of products shipped worldwide by 1996. Her business generated approximately $3 million in sales each year, between 1996-2000, and she worked with the national recruitment division to maintain consistent branding across 80 offices.

Making her family her #1 priority, Elaine chose to work from home while her children were young. She could feed her babies, go to school events, and return to her home office after bedtime.

When her youngest child began attending school for a longer day, Elaine rented an office nearby that allowed her to get home before the kids. As her business grew, she brought on two assistants.

Elaine is currently the Director of Business Development at PromoShop, specializing in customized branded merchandise and gifts. She has been with the company for ten years, working with her own clients. Elaine brings in clients while PromoShop handles the back office and financing.

This arrangement allows her to maintain a flexible schedule while remaining financially competitive with running her own business. Elaine can focus exclusively on her clients and finding the perfect products for them – which is what she truly loves.

Community

Elaine has contributed her energy, ideas, and passion to the boards of Hillel Yeshiva (for 15 years) and more recently for PROPEL, whose mission is to empower women to earn, thrive, and lead. “There are so many talented and resourceful women in our community,” Elaine said. She has especially enjoyed working on both boards with her close friend, Dr. Gayle Krost, current president of PROPEL, who was also featured in Community.

Elaine’s key to success? “I am diligent, hardworking, and always do right by my clients – and they appreciate that. They say, ‘If Elaine can’t get it done, then nobody can.’” Elaine’s strengths include understanding her clients’ vision for their company and their stakeholders.

To unwind, Elaine enjoys yoga, walking, biking, and hosting Shabbat meals with family.

Advice

A woman can have it all. Life is a juggle, but it can be done. It takes determination, hard work, and a good partnership with your spouse. Glenn and I are always a team.

Connect with Elaine at Eparker@promoshopnyc.com and follow her on Instagram @eparkeratpromoshop.

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.