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Sefirat Ha’omer FAQs

Rabbi Moshe Arking – Ave. O Synagogue

Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking – Ohr Halacha

The days from Pesah to Shavuot are counted in anticipation and preparation for the goal of yesiat Misrayim ― leaving Egypt and receiving the Torah. Regarding Avraham Avinu it is written, “And Avraham became old, coming in days.” This refers to the greatness of Avraham Avinu, that as he grew older he came into every day with a renewed sense of purpose, as each day was another step to achieve more. Sefirat ha’omer is a time to prepare for Shavuot when we accept the Torah. We can master that greatness, one day at a time. The counting should be accompanied with a plan that one can visualize and have a takeaway of a tangible accomplishment like each day of Avraham Avinu. We should make every day that we count ― count.

Can I recite the beracha and then repeat the proper day after the person next to me?

Like all berachot, before one begins to say the beracha, he should know what specifically he is saying it about, i.e. before reciting ha’ets, he should preferably know exactly which fruit he is reciting the beracha upon and even hold it in his hand. Therefore, one should preferably know the correct day before he starts to make the beracha.

Another important point is that one should realize what number he is counting. It is not merely about saying certain words that fulfills the mitsvah, but rather one must understand the number counted.

I mistakenly counted the wrong number; do I recite a new beracha?

One who counted the wrong day did not fulfill his obligation and is required to count again with a beracha. If the mistake was realized immediately ― within approximately one and a half seconds ― the correct day should be recited without a beracha. After that time, he will need to recite a new beracha and count.

When is the best time to count?

One should count right after nightfall, which is approximately forty minutes after sunset, so that he is counting the entire coming day. If one is concerned that he will forget to count, then already after sunset one may count with a beracha.

One who did not count at night, counts by day without a beracha and then on subsequent nights continues to count again with a beracha. Therefore, we have a custom to mention the count during Shaharit, so that one who forgot to count the previous night will fulfill his obligation then, in the morning.

Can I eat supper before counting?

From a half hour before the time of a mitsvah, such as tefillah, keriat shema, and counting sefirat ha’omer, one may not eat more than a k’beitsah (50 grams) of bread or mezonot. Other foods, including rice, chicken, meat, etc., may be eaten even in larger quantities. However, if one appoints a family member or friend who is not eating to remind him to count after his meal, he would be allowed to eat a full meal of bread or mezonot.

I am not sure if I missed a day, do I continue?

According to some opinions, the forty-nine days of sefirat ha’omer require a continuous counting without missing a day. In deference to this opinion, one who misses a day, although he will lose saying the beracha, is required to continue to count on the following nights without a beracha. However, if one is not sure if he missed a day or not, he may continue his counting with a beracha.

I always end up missing a day! May I start counting with a beracha?

Yes. Before a day is actually missed, one would still count with a beracha even if he knows that he will definitely miss a day. Therefore, if someone has a scheduled surgery or something that will prevent him from counting a complete day of the omer, he should begin to count with a beracha.

Do women and children count the omer?

Young boys should be taught to count once they reach the age of hinuch ― six years old, like every other mitsvah. A minor who missed a night of counting is different from an adult and should continue to count with a beracha. However, women do not count at all, even without a beracha.

I told someone what day it is; may I count with a beracha?

When asked what day it is, it is best to respond, “Yesterday was such-and-such.” In order for one to fulfill his obligation, his counting has to be prefaced by saying, “Today is day….” Therefore, if one did not yet count and responded, “today is day six,” he would lose his beracha. However, if he just answered “six” or “it’s six,” he may still count with a beracha.

Why do we stand?

When we perform certain mitsvot, such as shofar, lulav, pidyon, etc., we stand. The source of standing by mitsvot is actually from omer as the pasuk states “from the beginning of the sickle harvesting ― bakamah ― the standing crop”; the word bakamah also teaches us that we perform the mitsvot while standing.

What if one becomes bar mitsvah in the middle of sefirat ha’omer?

A minor who will become bar mitsvah in the middle of sefira should start counting with a beracha until he turns thirteen. After his bar mitsvah, the question arises whether it is considered that he is starting anew in the middle of the omer; therefore, he may not be able to recite a beracha. For this FAQ, we would refer one to his rabbi.

Minhagim of Sefirat Ha’omer

Imagine today a rabbinical program with twenty-four thousand rabbis going to cities throughout the world. If they had been around even one century ago, the exponential number of religious growth worldwide would be on such a grand scale, the Mashiah could come! This is how we can view the magnitude of this tragic loss of the students of Ribbi Akiva. They passed away over twenty-five hundred years ago ― they could have caused a transformation of our nation beyond epic proportions. In respect to the mourning of this period, we do not marry, have parties with music, or take haircuts, and we observe other limitations on simcha.

When is the earliest time I can take a haircut, listen to music, etc.?

All the customs of the sefira apply until the morning of the thirty-fourth day. Regarding music, however, the custom is to be lenient on Lag la’omer if the music is being played at a hilula for Ribbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

May I buy new clothes during the days of sefira?

One may buy new clothes during sefira. However, for clothes that require a sheheianu, it is preferable to wear them first on Shabbat and recite sheheianu then. Sheheianu on fruits may be recited even during the week.

Why do we study Pirkei Avot during sefira?

As mentioned, these days are counted in preparation and anticipation of receiving the Torah. We therefore learn Pirkei Avot, which motivates one to the observance of Torah and mitsvot, and to the study of the foundation for Torah ― our character traits.

M&S Softball League Is Ready to Rock!

Sam Sutton

2020 was a tough year. It even impacted the Brooklyn softball community. After a successful draft, with lots of hope and excitement in the air, due to Covid-related issues the season never got underway.

2021 is a year of new beginnings. With almost all of the cast of characters back, sprinkled in with 27 rookies, we are slated to have an outstanding season.

Meet the Captains:

David Tawil, Rubble on the Double – After taking some time off as a captain David Tawil announced his return. Last time DT captained a squad he took his Magic Grits all the way to the promised land and he has his eyes set on repeating that this year. After winning the draft lottery, DT selected perennial all-star and winner Steven J. Gindi with his first overall pick, which is usually a ticket to the World Series.

Dan Braun, Mamba Mentality – In his rookie campaign Dan “Mamba” Braun was nothing short of spectacular, taking home CY Young and World Series MVP honors. Given the opportunity as captain this year, all eyes are on Dan this season, as he drafted iron man Joe Sepharadi along with many of his Ashkenaz brethren. This team is full of unknowns, but something tells me Braun has a few tricks up his sleeve.

Mordy Chrem, The Jokers – Although young in years, Mordy is a calming presence at shortstop and in the locker room. The key to any Chrem team is chemistry, which is exactly what Mordy took care of in this draft. Grabbing Elie Koeningsberg with his top spot and rounding out his team to perfection, this team is nothing to “joke” about.

Ike Chazanoff, Lethal Weapon – Still playing at a high level at 50 years old, Chaz enters the season in his 30th year in the league. Looking to bring back the magic of yesteryear, Chaz revived the name Lethal Weapon. This is a team name that lives in softball lore, where he was a part of a dynasty that won seven championships. With is top two selections, Chaz drafted power hitting pitcher Yaakob Seruya and rising star Marc Barsano. This team is full of leadership and firepower.

Elliot Mann, El Chap – First time captain Elliot Mann, who plays a steady centerfield, put a premium on getting his pitcher and he made several trades both before and during the draft to get “his guys.” After trading up and selecting league ace Menachem Diamondstein, Mann took some gambles. Say what you want about Elliot’s draft, which has been a talking point since draft day, Elliot had a game plan and executed it. Mann runs a tight ship and will need to put his leadership skills to the test.

Jack R. Bibi, Super Smash Bros – Neophyte captain Jack Bibi is the prototypical player’s coach, beloved by all! However, Jack will need to get the most out of his players as it was apparent that he was new to the drafting aspect. This team will go as far as veteran Jacky Schwekey takes them and will need stand out performances from several of his middle round picks. I wouldn’t be shocked if this team rallies around each other as they have plenty of bulletin board material to work with.

Yanky Itzkowitz, Ball Busters – Itz was fortuitus in getting the #7 spot in the draft lottery as he was the only first round captain. Having the option to play multiple positions at a high level Itz focused his draft on drafting the best available player with defense versatility. This team will ride on the arm of flame throwing starting pitcher rookie Ray “Pay Day” Sakkal.

When the dust settled, the MSB media’s group of expert panelists broke down each team’s draft, which gave insight and perspective as they sat down with each captain for all the league to see. Be sure to check out the league’s website for complete coverage of rosters, videos, and much more at www.Sysoftball.com.

Sponsors

MSB is elated to have a group of sponsors that make everything possible.

Community Assistance Fund: This unsung charity of the community is solicited on a confidential basis by league member Jacky Schweky and Rabbi David Maslaton.

Bet Yaakov Orot Sarah: A warm and caring school focused on guiding, nurturing, and helping our community’s girls to grow from nursery to college.

Eat N’ Run Café: Run by league member Marc Cohen, Eat N’ Run is a modern counter-serve café with a diverse menu of kosher pizza, bagels & coffee, plus sushi, paninis, and much more.

American Friends of Ariel University: Ariel University is evolving into a major institution of research and higher education and is taking its place among the ranks of Israel’s most honored and respected universities.

PROPEL Salutes Lendy Sardar Hanono

Viviane Darwish

Since its inception, PROPEL has been at the forefront of empowering women to engage in meaningful and well-paying careers, allowing them to balance home and family responsibilities and to contribute to their household income in a meaningful way. As more women became interested in pursuing careers that require higher education – bachelors and master’s degrees – PROPEL seized the opportunity to create a new initiative, PropelED. PropelED is a new component of the services offered by PROPEL, specifically designed to support women pursuing careers that require advanced degrees.

Lendy Sardar Hanono was one of the first PROPEL clients to access PropelED’s services. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Psychology, she decided to follow her heart to teaching in the classroom. Lendy was working as an Associate Teacher in Magen David Yeshivah, and wanted to leverage her passion and skills to pursue her specialized teacher’s certification and to further her career in education. With PropelED’s guidance and support, Lendy will be graduating from Touro College Graduate School of Education in June 2021, earning both her master’s degree in Jewish Special Education and her New York State certification as a Teacher of Children with Disabilities, Grades 1-6. A proud wife and mother of two (Jacob and baby Frieda, who was born during final exams), Lendy has worked diligently to actualize her dream, while continuing to fulfill her home and family responsibilities. Let’s listen in on a conversation with this rising star.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

As a child growing up, I always enjoyed the opportunities that the teacher gave me to present and perform in front of the classroom. I was always first to raise my hand when the teachers asked for assistance for the various classroom tasks. All these little experiences gave me a new perspective on the classroom from the teacher’s side. That sensation felt so comfortable to me and I knew that was where I wanted to be in the future. As I got older, I was inspired by my teachers, looking up to them and their important role in educating me and building a relationship with me. I knew that one day I would want the opportunity to offer the same to my students and encourage them in a way that I was motivated by my teachers.

How did PropelED guide and help you pursue a career in education?

At the recommendation of a family member, I reached out to PROPEL to see what resources were available to me. With the help of Ellen Ades, I was guided towards the new Jewish Education program at Touro. Along with the constant support and guidance from Gitta Neufeld, I was able to focus on the career path that I was going to pursue and then lined up the steps and stages I needed in order to achieve my goals.

What advice would you give women seeking a career in education?

Go for it! Don’t think twice!

It is a way to give back to the community and help raise our future leaders. Knowing that I can partake in that even in the slightest way is gratifying. I think a career in education is important because you are not only teaching students physically, but you are also helping them to hone their social skills. School is a place to develop mentally, spiritually, and physically. Being able to teach students all three of those aspects is very important in guiding them to lead a healthy lifestyle and growing up to become successful people. It’s a doubly rewarding experience, in that you can work and adjust teaching to your own schedule while also advancing your level of experiences both at home and in school.

How do you balance your family and school life?

My family is my greatest support team. They encourage me daily. They make the unimaginable very manageable. Our schedules always seem so full, but with patience and routines all things fall into place. Once the balancing act is figured out, you won’t be able to imagine your life without a career! When it does get hectic, I find that slowing down for a minute and taking note of everything I need to get done helps me. They say, “When you choose a job that you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

______

If you are interested in a career, please reach out to PROPEL and we can help you fulfill your professional goals. Call PROPEL at 646-494-0822 or email info@thepropelnetwork.org. Please follow PROPEL on Instagram @propelnetwork.

A New York Couple’s Royal Welcome to Egypt

Ellen Kamaras

Would you have the courage to travel to Egypt and check out your ancestors’ roots?

Meet Esther and Reuven Guttman, a couple who had the pluck to do just that. The Guttmans booked a five-day vacation to Egypt, on their way to Israel, in July 2019.

What better time to share their exciting story than around the time of Pesach – the holiday celebrating our physical and spiritual liberation from Egypt, a place of bondage and “narrow straights” (as indicated by the Hebrew word for Egypt, “Mitzrayim”).

Reuven, an Ashkenazi Jew with Hassidic roots, is a seasoned traveler who performs his due diligence before choosing a destination. Preferring to visit attractions with a personal tour guide, he makes all his arrangements in advance. Reuven’s wife, Esther, is of Syrian and Turkish descent, and is Reuven’s avid and equal travel partner.

The couple’s primary motivation when selecting their destinations are the country’s history, culture and art. They have journeyed extensively in Europe and the Middle East.

They were enthralled at the thought of seeing Egypt. Esther’s paternal roots are Egyptian, and Reuven still remembers the Yiddish expression from childhood, “Ven de Yidden zenen arois fun Mitzrayim – When the Jews went out of Egypt.”

Were the Guttmans concerned about the political environment in Egypt, post Arab Spring?

Reuven explained that he doesn’t draw attention to himself when he travels. He puts on a hat for eating, drinking and praying as required halachically. Both respect the customs of the venues they visit, especially in countries where women dress modestly.

Esther and Reuven arrived in Cairo on a Sunday and stayed at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel on the Nile. Their tour guide, Ibraham, an Egyptian Muslim, first took them to an impressive mosque and other historic sites.

A Phone Call From the President

On their second day in Egypt, Reuven asked Ibraham if they could visit any of the remaining synagogues.

Ibraham seemed taken aback by Reuven’s request, and explained that the synagogues have been closed for decades. As Reuven and Esther were well aware, most Jews left Egypt after the 1948 War of Independence.

Ibraham walked away, explaining that he needed to make a phone call. When he returned, he said that they would need go to the Consulate to obtain government approval for a visit to a synagogue. Ibraham’s response had unnerved them, but the Guttmans made an effort to stay calm. It made sense that the Egyptian government would take precautions when someone asks to see a synagogue or church. Probing the purpose for the visit would avoid potential terrorist acts.

At the Consulate, a group of representatives first asked to see Reuven’s passport. A uniformed official noted the name “Guttman,” and inquired if he was Jewish. He replied in the affirmative. He was then asked if he was a Zionist.

“What does that have to do with being a Jew?” Reuven retorted.

This proved to be the right answer, because they moved on to his wife. When the security official looked at Esther’s passport, he saw her maiden name was Maimon. He asked a few times, confirming her name was indeed Maimon. The official then queried slowly, with a hint of admiration, “Might you be related to Mousa ben Maimon, the famous philosopher and doctor of our sultan, Saladin?” He referred to the Rambam – “Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon,” or Maimonides – one of the greatest spiritual giants in Jewish history, who was revered not only for his Torah scholarship, but also for his knowledge of philosophy, science, and medicine.

Esther replied proudly, “I am a direct descendant of the Rambam.” Esther’s father is an ancestor of Rabbeinu Avraham ben Maimon, the Rambam’s only son, whose progenies later settled in Turkey. The Maimon family continues to use the name “Avraham” when new members are born. Rabbi Avraham succeeded the Rambam as the Nagid (religious leader) of the Egyptian Jews and became the court physician.

Esther and Reuven became frightened when the group snapped pictures of their passports and exited the room with the passports for 15 minutes. They discovered later that the officials were doing a background check online to confirm Esther’s lineage. The Guttmans had previously traveled to many Muslim countries, traveling incognito, without any political agendas, and hadn’t encountered this line of questioning.

When the group returned, it was with elaborate trays of fruit, nuts, Egyptian delicacies, desserts, coffee, and tea. The security official handed a phone to Esther. He explained that President el-Sisi was honored that she was visiting Egypt, and wanted to welcome her personally.

The President said to Esther, “It’s the first time that a descendant of Maimonides has been in this country since the 13th century. We teach our children in school about him. We are going to honor you – welcome home.”

The Guttmans partook of the fruits and nuts, and thereby avoided insulting their enthusiastic hosts.

From that point on, the Guttmans were treated as royalty and were given carte blanche. They were offered a special tour guide and driver, and to be put up in the best hotel, but they graciously opted to honor their agreement with Ibraham, their own tour guide, and remained in the splendid Four Seasons Hotel. Four bodyguards riding in a jeep and holding machine guns accompanied the Guttmans and Ibraham throughout the rest of the trip.

Visiting the Rambam

The couple requested to see the Pyramids, which was high on their wish list. Reuven couldn’t resist asking if he could be photographed wearing a tallit and standing with the Pyramids behind him. He thought of the words in Exodus, “The Egyptians enslaved the children of Israel with backbreaking labor,” and of how Pharaoh forced our ancestors to build elaborate structures. Reuven was permitted to take the picture quickly and discreetly so other visitors wouldn’t spot him.

The Guttmans were given a private tour of tombs that are closed to the public. The tombs’ walls are lined with gold, and they were shown the coffin and remains of the Pharaoh from the time of the Exodus.

Esther and Reuven visited five synagogues that have remained shut since 1967. They were kept immaculately clean, and all the chairs, siddurim and Humashim were in place as if services were still being held. One of the guards asked Reuven to open a Torah and read it to him.

In one of the synagogues, the Guttmans were introduced to one of the three remaining Jews in Egypt, Ms. Magda Haroun. She was preparing for an upcoming conference on Maimonides and preserving Egyptian Jewish heritage.

They set out to visit the shul of the Rambam, traveling down an unpaved road in a poor and rustic area. This shul, too, was maintained in pristine condition as if a caretaker cleaned it daily. The building was connected to the Rambam’s home, which consisted of one large room and then another adjoining room which housed his medical clinic. Reuven asked Ibraham why the Egyptian government conserves the shul so perfectly, and Ibraham responded, “Your history is our history.”

Ibraham showed them the oldest existing picture of the Rambam, and offered Esther a black velvet box containing a gold medal engraved with the Rambam’s picture. Esther accepted the dazzling gift, and gracefully expressed her profound gratitude.

As the Guttmans and their entourage walked the streets on their way to museums and other sites, people thought Esther was a celebrity, and asked for a blessing or picture with her. A group of teenage girls were even let out of school early to meet Esther and kiss her hand.

She and Reuven were awed by the people’s warmth and enormous respect for the Rambam and his family. The VIP access to historic sites, including Jewish ones, which are closed to the general public, was priceless. When they visited the Jewish cemetery, they were promised that it would be cleaned up.

On Friday, the fifth and final day of their vacation, the Guttmans flew directly to Israel on a private flight prearranged for them by their genial hosts.

Communication and Respect

As the Guttmans shared their story with me, Esther spoke humbly about her connection to the Rambam, and her rabbinical ancestors. She explained that her parents were both born in the States. Her mother, Helen Ashkenazie, was of Syrian descent, and her father, Rabbi Mordechai Maimon, zt”l, was of Turkish origin, and was the founder and rabbi of the Sephardic Congregation of Mapleton. Esther’s paternal grandfather, Yaakov, was born in Turkey (the family arrived in Turkey just over a century ago). Ceil Ashkenazie, z”l, her maternal grandmother, was featured in several Sephardic Heritage Museum films about the Syrian community, showing how they persevered during the depression and WWII.

Rabbi Solomon Maimon, zt”l, Esther’s great-uncle, was the first Sephardic rabbi to be ordained in the U.S. at Yeshiva University. He served as rabbi of Seattle’s Sephardic Bikur Holm Congregation for over 40 years, and as Chief Rabbi of the Seattle Va’ad HaRabanim.

What I found most inspiring is that the Guttmans traveled over a three-year period to every place that the Rambam lived in, retracing his steps in Cordova, Spain; Fez, Morocco; Israel; and Egypt.

Reuven’s perspective on traveling is to maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate the utmost respect to the local population. “It’s all about communication and respect,” he says. “Act like a chameleon, a person who can adapt to any group or situation. Avoid arrogance or entitlement.”

Esther left Cairo with an upbeat view of Egypt. “The people and government were welcoming, generous and respectful, always looking out for us. The experience connected me to my distinguished ancestry and to the history of Klal Yisrael [the Jewish Nation].”

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Ellen Geller Kamaras, CPA/MBA, is an International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach. Her coaching specialties include life, career and dating coaching. Ellen works part-time as an entitlement specialist at Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services. She can be contacted at ellen@lifecoachellen.com (www.lifecoachellen.com).

Once Upon A Thyme – Southwestern Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Does eating a salad sometimes leave you wanting more? Leafy greens are a great side dish or snack, but including a source of protein, fat, and carbohydrates turns it into a balanced meal. Protein choices like beans and grilled chicken keep you satisfied and helps with muscle growth and repair. Fats boost your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins, and are usually found in avocado and savory salad dressings. Complex carbohydrates like whole wheat croutons or quinoa can be added to increase fiber and keep you feeling full. Finally, adding a variety of roasted vegetables adds even more nutrients to complete your salad.

Ingredients:

3 cups Lettuce of choice (spring mix)

2 lbs Cooked southwestern chicken

Julienned carrots

1 ripe avocado

1 can black beans

Juice of half a lime

Drain the can of beans and set aside. Peel and slice avocado and add lime juice.

Southwestern Chicken:

1 tbsp Smoked paprika

1 tbsp cumin

1 tbsp Chile powder

1 tbsp salt

2 tbsp brown sugar

¼ cup olive oil

2 lbs chicken cutlet strips

1 lime

1 tsp black pepper

1. In a Ziploc bag mix the first six ingredients. Add in chicken and shake well coat chicken.

2. Spread chicken evenly on a pan, and squeeze lime on top. Sprinkle with black Pepper and bake on 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes uncovered.

3. Turn the oven on high broil and broil for 5 more minutes. Remove from the pan and let cool.

Julienned Carrots:

1 lb carrots, peeled

2 tbsp brown sugar

3 tbsp oil

1. Slice carrots on a slant, julienne shape. Toss on a pan with oil and brown sugar.

2. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered for 40 minutes and broil for an additional 5 minutes.

Cilantro Lime Dressing:

6 cloves garlic

1 bunch cleaned and stemmed cilantro

1 tbsp salt

2 tbsp honey

Juice of four limes

In a processor, blend garlic and olive oil until minced. Add the rest of the ingredients until blended.

Assemble: Add lettuce to a bowl. Add cooked chicken, julienned carrots, sliced avocado and drained black beans. Add cilantro lime dressing on top and serve immediately.

We Don’t Even Know

Rabbi David Ashear

“Most of the time we don’t even know from what Hashem is saving us.”

We have a mitzvah every single day to remember what Balak and Bilaam tried to do to the Jewish people in the wilderness – “…so that we will know about the righteousness of Hashem” (Michah 6:5). The Jews there were in grave danger. Bilaam knew the precise moment that his curse could take effect. Yet, Hashem protected His People and didn’t allow it to happen. The Jews had no idea what danger they were in. They went about their daily routine, oblivious to what was going on. But they had Hashem protecting them. That is something we must remind ourselves every day.

There are so many dangers out there about which we have no idea. We have to appreciate that we have Someone protecting us from them. Most of the time we don’t even know from what Hashem is saving us. But, baruch Hashem, we can always feel secure knowing that He definitely is protecting us.

A woman in my neighborhood wanted to sell her house. She found a buyer who was willing to let her continue living there for 12 years following the sale.

He arrived with his engineer to inspect the house, and they discovered that the house was on a slight tilt. He agreed to go through with the deal providing that the woman fixes the main beam of the house to make it perfectly level. She priced the cost of the repair and found that it would be $12,000. She agreed to the condition, saying that eventually she would get around to making the repair. But the man said, “No. I need it to be done right away in order to sign the contract.”

Two weeks later, the contractor came to do the job. After a few hours, he called her over and asked if she recently been feeling woozy upon waking up.

“Actually, yes,” she answered, surprised. “I don’t know what’s causing it.”

The contractor showed her a slow gas leak from behind the main beam. He said, “Lucky you called me when you did, because if this had continued, then, Gd-forbid, one day you might not of have woken up at all.”

This was Hashem protecting her from danger she could not have known about. This is an example of “letting us know Hashem’s righteousness.”

I was sitting in my house one afternoon when I heard a loud explosion. I looked out the window and saw, down the block, a ball of fire in the sky. It appeared to be right over another home. Then suddenly, the power went out!

I raced outside and, along with my panicky neighbors, ran to see what had happened. We ran to the end of the block and saw a fire with black smoke shooting upward from a manhole in the middle of the street. Had anyone been injured? This incident took place at a very busy intersection where two lanes of cars usually lined up waiting for the light to change as many pedestrians crossed the street. We saw that, baruch Hashem, there was not a car or a person anywhere near the explosion!

Who knows who missed a traffic signal a few minutes earlier, which actually saved their lives? Who knows who was delayed and didn’t cross the street?

Only Hashem knows all the dangers, but the same Hashem is protecting us. We have to remember this lesson every day and appreciate His protection all the time.

Our Unconditional Love

Rabbi Avraham Saba (1440-1508) was a brilliant rabbi, kabbalist, thinker, and writer in Spain, who endured a great deal of suffering and hardship throughout his life. He was expelled from Spain in 1492 along with the rest of Spanish Jewry, and went to live in Portugal. Just several years later, his two sons were kidnapped and forcefully baptized. He ended up having to flee Portugal, leaving behind his numerous manuscripts of scholarly writings, which he hid under a tree in Lisbon, hoping to one day return. Unfortunately, he never did, and the vast majority of his priceless scholarship has been lost.

Rabbi Saba died aboard a ship bound for Verona, Italy. The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azoulay, 1724-1806), in his work Shem Hagedolim, relates that two days before Rabbi Saba’s passing, a torrential storm struck, and the ship was in grave danger. The sailors pleaded with the rabbi – who had taken ill – to pray for the ship’s safety. Rabbi Saba agreed, on the condition that if he died on the ship, the sailors would see to it that he receives a proper Jewish burial. His prayers were answered, and the ship was saved. The sailors brought his remains to the Jewish community of Verona, who tended to the burial.

If anyone can teach us about maintaining faith and religious devotion during difficult times, it is Rabbi Avraham Saba.

One cherished work which he composed and which we still have today is his Torah commentary, entitled Tzeror Ha’mor. In his discussion of Parashat Tazria, which we read this month, he offers a beautiful insight into one of the more enigmatic laws in the Torah, and encourages us to follow his inspiring example of faith and commitment even when confronting difficult challenges.

The Irrational “Heshek”

The Torah instructs that during the times of the Bet Hamikdash, after a woman delivered a child, she would have to bring two sacrifices, one of which was a hatat – sin-offering. As its name suggests, the hatat sacrifice is brought to atone for a sin which one has committed. The Gemara (Niddah 31b) thus poses the question of why a woman must bring such a sacrifice after delivering a child – something which not only has nothing to do with sin, but is one of the greatest mitzvot. The answer, which the Gemara cites from Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai, is that the excruciating pain of childbirth often leads women to vow never to cohabit with their husbands so that they would never need to endure this suffering again. Several weeks later, after the woman recovers and experiences the euphoria of having a newborn child, she regrets making this vow, and so she brings a sin-offering to atone for having sworn to separate from her husband henceforth.

Rabbi Saba makes a simple but important observation – despite the intense pain of childbirth, women nevertheless later reunite with their husbands and seek to beget more children. Gd implanted within women a natural yearning for intimacy with their husbands which overrides the natural instinct to avoid the agonizing pain of childbirth. This was said by Gd Himself, when He informed Havah after she ate from the forbidden tree, “ve’el ishech teshukatech” – she will have a “teshukah,” yearning, for her husband. And so even after the grueling ordeal of childbirth, the wife eventually seeks to resume her marital life.

Rabbi Saba adds that the word “teshukah” is related to the Hebrew word “heshek,” which is generally understood to mean “strong desire.” However, Rabbi Saba explains that this world actually has a more specific connotation, referring to a desire that transcends logic and reason. It speaks of a powerful drive for a close connection with somebody even when there is no rational explanation for it.

Rabbi Saba cites the example of Shechem, the prince of the city bearing the same name, who abducted and violated Yaakov Avinu’s daughter, Dina. Shechem’s father approached Yaakov and asked if he would agree to allow Dina to marry Shechem, explaining, “Shechem beni hashekah nafsho bevitechem – My son, Shechem, is infatuated with your daughter.” What he was saying, Rabbi Saba writes, is that Shechem had an irrational desire for Dina. There were many beautiful young women in the city who were more desirable than Dina, but nevertheless, Shechem wanted her. This was an irrational desire.

Similarly, Rabbi Saba explains, Gd implanted within women a natural, irrational “teshukah” to continue their relationship with their husbands even after experiencing the ordeal of childbirth, despite realizing that continuing the relationship will likely result in their having to go through that ordeal again.

The Love Amid the Pain

Rabbi Saba proceeds to apply this concept to our relationship with Gd.

The prophet Yeshayahu (26:16) describes how Am Yisrael responds to periods of crisis and hardship: “Batzar pekaducha, tzakun lahash musarecha lamo – In distress they have appealed to You, pouring out prayer as Your chastisement befalls them.” Rabbi Saba cites Rav Yosef Kimhi, a 12th-century Spanish commentator (who later moved to France), as explaining this verse to mean that even as “musarecha” – Gd’s harsh “chastisement” and punishments – afflict us, we do not abandon Him. We turn to Him and pour our hearts out before Him in prayer.

The next verse compares the Jewish Nation to a woman in labor: “Like a pregnant woman nearing both; she falls ill and cries in her labor pains – so were we because of You, O’ Gd.” Although a woman suffers terribly during childbirth, and she knows that this pain was caused by her husband having impregnated her, she nevertheless draws even closer to her husband afterward, and strives to build an even stronger bond with him. Similarly, despite the pain Gd occasionally brings upon us, for reasons we cannot understand, we nevertheless have an instinctive drive implanted within us to continue desiring a close relationship with Him. In fact, the more hardship we endure, the more fervently and intensely we pray and try to strengthen our bond with Him.

Then, the prophet goes even further, likening us to a woman who endures labor and then delivers a stillborn child, Heaven forbid (“…kemo yaladnu ru’ah”). Rav Yosef Kimhi explained that the joy of a healthy, beautiful newborn child helps the mother recover from the trauma of labor and reunite with her husband. Am Yisrael, however, do something even greater – we continue building our relationship with Gd even when He brings upon us pain and suffering that does not appear to yield any positive outcome. We sometimes endure hardship that does not bring us a “child,” any discernibly beneficial result. We don’t see any blessing emerging from the pain, in contrast to a new mother, whose suffering is followed by the unparalleled joy of a new child. Even so, we continue to yearn for a closer relationship with Hashem.

If these words had been written by a rabbi who enjoyed a tranquil, joyous life, we could perhaps be excused for having nagging doubts as to whether this can really be true, whether one can remain

passionately devoted to Gd amid pain and hardship. But these words were written by Rabbi Avraham Saba, whose life was filled with challenges. He suffered so much grief and anguish. We can only assume that the experience he describes here in this passage, the continued desire to cling to Gd even in times of pain and distress, is – at least somewhat – autobiographical. This is something he himself felt, throughout the many ordeals that he suffered.

Learning From Our Own Example

In truth, we ourselves have experienced this feeling firsthand.

When the pandemic struck, and as it lingered well beyond the limited time-frame after which we had hoped it would end, how did the Orthodox Jewish world, and our community in particular, respond?

We faced unprecedented challenges, our lives were thrown into turmoil, and many families suffered illness and even tragic losses. How did we react?

We did not turn our backs to Gd. To the contrary, we rose to the occasion. If we could not assemble for prayers in the synagogues, we prayed on our porches, in our backyards, or privately at home. If we could not get together for Torah classes, we got together to learn over Zoom. If our kids could not attend school, our devoted teachers and school administrators made arrangements for remote learning. If we could not get together with extended family for Shabbat and holiday meals, we had uplifting meals with our immediate families. If businesses were crippled, we generously stepped forward to help families in need.

For reasons we cannot understand, Gd decided to bring this crisis upon us and make Torah life very difficult. But this does not diminish from our desire and our determination to serve Him. To the contrary, it led to the redoubling of our efforts to pray, to learn, to assist those in need, and to perform mitzvot. Our lives were turned upside-down, yet we continued clinging to Hashem – with even greater conviction and greater vigor.

Normally, we are urged to learn from the inspiring examples set by great people. This time, I think we should learn from ourselves, from our own example. We showed what it means to remain devoted to Hashem even in challenging times, to respond to hardship with greater commitment and greater determination. This is a precious lesson that we can learn from ourselves, and take with us into the future.

We of course hope and pray that Gd spare us any further pain and suffering. But we have shown that even in hard times, our faith will never wane, and that our love for Gd is forever unconditional, and strong enough to weather any storm.

One on One with Renee Zarif

“I am a very religious person who believes that it all comes back to Hashem. We develop routines and then life happens and we have to adjust. Life is constantly changing but it’s a lot of fun. I chose physical therapy because I love developing close relationships with people and helping them progress and reach their goals.” ~~ Renee ~~

Renee Zarif, née Spigel, grew up in Brooklyn close to where she lives now. She describes herself as a very spiritual, determined, and passionate person, who commits 100 percent to everything she takes on. Educated at Yeshivah of Flatbush from nursery through high school, Renee proudly acknowledges that her life choices were greatly influenced by Yeshivah of Flatbush, shaping her into the person she is today.

Renee is the oldest of four children and speaks daily to her two brothers and sister.

Her parents, both of Lebanese descent, met in the U.S. and worked hard to build a life here. “We are a very close-knit family and adore our WhatsApp chat. My parents have always supported me in attaining my dreams and goals.”

Renee was a shy and serious child who loved school and stayed in on weekends to study. In high school Renee became more outgoing. She learned to achieve a balance between academics and socializing and graduated with honors.

“I still love school! I finished college with extra credits, was valedictorian of my Doctorate program at Touro, and always take more professional development courses than required.”

Coming of Age

After high school Renee entered Brooklyn College with a pre-med major. She was set on becoming a doctor and immediately enrolled in the prerequisite science classes. During the summer after her sophomore year, Renee volunteered in the Emergency Room at Beth Israel Hospital. Her main assignments were transporting patients from the ER to various floors and bringing specimens to the lab. The experience was disappointing because Renee only got to spend minimal time with the patients. As a social person, she missed the human contact.

Returning to Brooklyn College in the fall for her junior year, Renee befriended a woman in her physics class who told her about a rehabilitation internship opportunity for health-related careers including occupational and physical therapy, pain management, nutrition, and others. Her classmate, Rachel, who was pursuing PT, encouraged Renee to apply for what she described as a very competitive program. B”H, Renee was chosen for a PT placement.

“It was the coolest internship but scary too. I was assigned to the neuro rehabilitation unit at NYU hospital for a month. From 9am to 2pm I shadowed a physical therapist and from 2pm to 4pm the interns from the diverse disciplines got together, participating in breakout groups and classes. Our common goal was to learn how to rehabilitate a patient after surgery. Neuro sounded intimidating – I asked to be moved but was encouraged to try it. The exposure was amazing and I decided to pursue PT. Today I practice neuro PT.”

A Match Is Made

While Renee was busy with her college studies, she met her naseeb, Solomon Zarif, at a simcha. It was hashgacha pratit that Solomon’s best friend was engaged to Renee’s cousin. Seven years older, Solomon was already a businessman, specializing in wholesale men’s and boy’s clothing.

Renee and Solomon got married in September 2009. “I liked that Solomon was very mature. He’s my #1 cheerleader and he and his family are so loving and proud of the work I do.”

Hashem blessed the couple with three girls, aged ten, six, and eighteen months old.

Training

Renee graduated from Brooklyn College after she married Solomon. She was pregnant with their first child when she was accepted to every PT doctoral programs she had applied to. Downstate was her first choice but she opted for Touro College because it offered time off for all the hagim.

“Touro was an excellent decision. I gained freedom to be with my husband and daughter on hagim and received the best education. I started when my oldest was nine months old. My favorite professors influenced my training and views on PT.”

Dr. Robert Schreyer taught Anatomy, Renee’s first class at Touro, as well as the courses on neurological disorders and interventions. It was in those classes that Renee decided to specialize in neuro PT.

“Dr. Schreyer painted the issues and treatments in a way that showed me what PT looked like in practice. People have to live with their disorders but there are ways we can intervene so they live with them in an optimal way.”

Renee was required to do four hands-on affiliations in grad school. She was fortunate to do the fourth one at Dr. Schreyer’s PT clinic. Renee was six months pregnant with her second child when she started this track. For ten weeks, Renee shadowed Dr. Schreyer and was guided by him in the evaluation and treatment of neurological and orthopedic cases.

Her preceding affiliation was in pediatrics, and she noticed overlapping concepts between the two specialties.

What Excited Renee About PT School?

“I was taught how to differentiate between true back pain versus pain that was related to another disease such as kidney disease or a tumor. I learned how to look for symptoms that were presenting from medications that my patients were prescribed. My neurological patients, for example, the ones with Parkinson’s Disease, rely heavily on medications that cause side effects.”

Renee discovered that PT was not just about treating a patient’s pain but was also about evaluating the whole picture.

She developed the confidence to communicate well, which is so essential in treating her clients. “The training got me out of my comfort zone and I love the human connection part of my profession. I am so grateful that, with Hashem’s help, I’ve helped so many people.”

Practicing PT

Six years ago, when Renee began her career at the Aspire Wellness Center her two daughters were four and just four months old. She worked there two days a week, treating adults and children with neurological and orthopedic issues. The other two days, Renee treated young yeshiva students through a school-based agency. She juggled her family responsibilities and two jobs with the help of a babysitter, her devoted mother, and, of course, Solomon.

When Renee graduated from Touro, she wanted to be the best physical therapist and to save the world. However, she began to recognize that she had other precious obligations to her wonderful husband and children, and she worked to create a work-life balance that was fulfilling and manageable.

Renee did a combination of clinical and yeshiva-based PT work for approximately five years and then started seeing patients independently. She currently visits clients in their homes, wearing a mask and working safely. Renee is available for virtual visits and has been leading online Zoom classes for parents, with a focus on exercise, pediatric awareness of red flags, and games to incorporate for children. She has also been doing home exercise programs via Zoom for adults.

“I am so happy and grateful every day that I chose PT as a career. I educate mothers to get PT for their children early on, to avoid problems later. Mothers can often pick up on issues earlier than pediatricians. For example, ‘my nineteen-month-old son is walking on his toes.’ Parents are scared of labels. I encourage them to view intervening early and taking advantage of medical knowledge, as positive steps.”

As Renee and I talked I noted how upbeat, energetic, self-aware, and spiritual she is.

Renee is impassioned about family, Judaism, physical therapy, and exercise. She confessed that she did not exercise during PT school and committed to exercising 100 percent in 2017 when she was focused on losing weight. “I really love exercising in a crazy way. I do cardio, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and barre. It helps me mentally, emotionally, and physically, and most definitely helps me to help my PT clients.”

Renee also makes time for Sephardic Bikur Holim community projects, cooking and baking for families in need, and supporting patients of the Morris I. Franco Community Cancer Center.

Renee encourages aspiring therapists to do as much volunteer work as they can, including shadowing a physical therapist, before applying to PT school.

What’s Next?

Renee is a lifetime learner. She thrives on taking continuing ed classes to sharpen her PT skills. Check out her Instagram page and you will be wowed by Renee’s positive energy and creativity. Renee’s goal is to educate her followers about what PT is and how it can help them. Click on the games for children (gross motor skills) and tips for adults relating to orthopedic and neurological issues.

You can reach Renee by phone – 718-687-3180, email reneezarifdpt@gmail.com, or on Instagram @reneezarif.

Ellen Geller Kamaras, CPA/MBA, is an International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach. Her coaching specialties include life, career, and dating coaching. Ellen works part-time as an entitlement specialist at Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services. She can be contacted at ellen@lifecoachellen.com (www.lifecoachellen.com)

From The Files of The Mitzvah Man – In the Zechut of Two Mitzvot

“…his commitment to observe two mitzvot on a consistent basis gave him a special zechut and Divine protection from a difficult situation.”

Pnina Souid

Shelomo, a Mitzvah Man volunteer, wanted to do a special out of the box hesed for Purim. The Mitzvah Man director put him in contact with a rabbi who regularly visits hospital patients and prisoners. The Mitzvah Man suggested the volunteer ask the rabbi if he would arrange a visit with a Jewish prisoner. It would be a big mitzvah to bring along mishloah manot and sit with the prisoner and give him hizuk (words of encouragement).

The way was cleared for Shelomo to go to the high-security prison and on Purim he went to meet Harold, a Jewish man sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Shelomo arrived at the drab prison building and was directed to Harold, who was delighted to have a visitor. Shelomo and Harold sat together talking. Harold told Shelomo that a rabbi comes every week to give a Torah class and he enjoys the learning immensely.

Harold looked at Shelomo and said, “I must tell you a story. Listen to what happened to me.”

Every week I get a delivery from outside the prison of a carton of cigarettes. I look forward to it. Having these cigarettes alleviates some of the pressure and anxiety that I feel in prison.

One day, one of the meaner, menacing prisoners comes over to me and says, ‘From now on these cigarettes are mine – OR ELSE.’

I was petrified. This man just threatened my life for a weekly carton of cigarettes. The cigarettes that I looked forward to would be no more.

The next time the rabbi came I told him what happened and asked him how I should handle this situation. Very simply, the rabbi told me, ‘Take upon yourself the observance of two mitzvot.’ Okay. Two mitzvot. I said that I would put on tefillin each weekday and that I would recite the beracha ‘Asher Yatzar’ when applicable.

Only one week later I had news. I told the rabbi, ‘You are not going to believe this! The scary prisoner was trying to put himself on fire in his cell and was placed in solitary confinement.’

I thought, great! But what happens when he comes out of his solitary confinement! The rabbi encouraged me to continue keeping the two mitzvot.

One week later, I had even better news. This guy was transferred to another prison!

Shelomo was overwhelmed by this story. It was obvious to him that Harold was not religious, although perhaps he once was.

It seems like Harold was not a tzaddik, as he had been found guilty of a crime that merited a long prison sentence.

However, his commitment to observe two mitzvot on a consistent basis gave him a special zechut and Divine protection from a difficult situation.

Trust the Process

Someone recently posted a beautiful picture of a custom cake she made. She wrote, “The best cakes come out when the client gives me full control. The creative part of me comes out.”

But wait! What does that have to do with real estate?

Shockingly, a lot! It really has a lot to do with many fields. I feel there are many aspects of real estate that are very dry and factual, like paperwork (ugh!). And some people like that type of stuff. I personally have a creative side to me that I like to bring to real estate, using my creativity to think out of the box to resolve issues that will come up. Every deal has issues and will need a creative twist to make it through. The whole process goes much smoother when buyers and sellers let go (obviously only to a certain extent) and trust the agent.

My goal as an agent is to always put the client’s needs and goals first. I give my professional opinion, but the end decision is always the client’s.

A client once reached out to me and said that an agent was pushing them to take a certain home. I felt that the house had certain unresolved issues that would be costly to fix. They were being pushed for no reason. They needed to step back and reevaluate. I gave my professional opinion on the house and its worth. They ended up giving an offer of about $75,000 more than the house was worth, and I am sure that the seller would have taken significantly less. But they had too many people involved: listing agents, buying agents, me, and family members in the field. It ended up not working out.

My advice is to go to one agent and to stick with that agent. Go to any agent you trust. Trust the process. It has worked for thousands of others. It will work for you bezrat Hashem as well in most cases.

Agents Are Human Too

Almost everyone reading this article is a potential buyer, seller, renter, or landlord. Everyone will eventually interact with an agent. Please do not forget, we are people too.

Sometimes I meet a seller, I pitch my part and explain exactly what I do, and I go through my comprehensive checklist, and they are on board. Three days in, the questions start cropping up, the doubt. They want to know why the house is not advertised enough, the square footage is off by three feet, or Zillow is missing a picture. I ALWAYS want open communication with my clients, but do not forget, your agent is human. A nice word goes a long way.

We appreciate the clients who take the time to phrase their issue nicely, “I love the pictures you took of the inside of the house and the backyard; I was wondering if we could swap the outside picture for the other one, I think it shows it better.” This way of addressing the agent with consideration shows that you care about us as fellow human beings.

Once, there was a house we showed 52 times. 52 times we shut all the lights and locked up. One of the 52 times, an agent accidentally left a light on in the second floor. The seller was very upset, and we really understand. We care about their property and try our best to treat everything with respect. But please be mindful, everything can be said kindly and can be worked out.

Sometimes, we bring well over fifty potential clients into a house and the listing does not work out. Hashem may be saying that we are not the right shaliach. However, we gave amazing service and we hustled and worked hard, and at the end of the day, Hashem decides when and to whom the house gets sold. Remember, as disappointed the seller is, the agent is also disappointed and feels letdown that the seller trusted them, and it did not work out.

There are many other aspects that fall under the “human” side of real estate that we may visit at a different time. However, at this time, we hope to have shed a bit of light on the personal side of real estate.