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Mashiah Revealed

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July 2020

I’m usually not such a fan of “Coming of Mashiah” articles, as I’m a bit skeptical of predictions about the End of Days. But I did enjoy last month’s column (“Mashiah Revealed”) – perhaps because I’m feeling a little desperate right now. I’m actually looking forward to reading Part Two of the series, “Period Immediately Preceding Mashiah.” Hopefully, it will reveal when he will be arriving – we need him NOW!

Jake L.

It seems like the COVID-19 pandemic is taking us just one step closer to the coming of Mashiah. The Talmud states that the son of David (Mashiah) will not come … until slander proliferates (Sanhedrin 97a). Seems like this is happening pretty much on a daily basis. The number of family members and friends who are at odds with one another because of differing political and/or moral views is quite frightening. I was taught that the messianic era will come about in either one or two ways. Either by our own will, by doing the mitzvot and following the rules of Torah, or it will come after much suffering, pain, and death. It will come either way. It is up to us!

Elliot W.

Healthy Empathy

I always enjoy reading the Positive Parenting column by Tammy Sassoon. Last month’s topic about healthy empathy is an important subject, especially during these unsettling times. We sometimes expect of our children to find a better way of reacting when they really just do not know how. My parents taught me that the best way to work on emotional regulation with your child is by demonstrating it yourself. Try your best to respond to stressful situations the same way you would like to see them respond. When you find your child coloring on the wall, how do you respond? When your hot coffee spills all over you when your children are watching, how do you respond? Our children learn to respond to life based on how we respond to life. This takes a lot of practice, but awareness is half the battle.

Mozelle K.

Congratulations Graduates

Congratulations to all the 2020 graduates! It was especially nice to see the graduates of YDE in last month’s publication. I would like to send my best wishes to all the YDE graduates, especially Bobby Ades, David Ades, Eli Boujo, and Valedictorian David Savdie. May they all be a source of pride and inspiration to their families, friends, and fellow community members. Also, mabruk to Rachel Levy and her entire graduating class from Bet Yaakov Orot Sarah Elementary. I’m so proud of all of you!

Raquel B.

Mind Over Matter

I believe in the age-old thought of mind over matter, and that a strong-willed mind can win over the latter.

A cold, headache, or insomnia, I say, are nothing that couldn’t be easily driven away. Think about it, forget it, and go about your way. And you’ll soon see that you’ll feel up and okay.

This is a wonderful world, I say. And I plan to stay around for many a day. If my plans conflict with what’s written in The Book, whoever I tell just gives me strange looks.

Babying these things just leads to grief. And bed will barely bring you relief. Of course, this is all not an easy task. And, it of others, I cannot ask.

Grazi

Correction

In last issue’s tribute to Rabbi Chaim Dahan, a’”h , (“Infectious Joy”), the article should have stated that the world was zoche to have him for 54 years, and not that he taught for 54 years. We apologize for the error.

Mayor Sam Cohen Welcomes the Community to Deal

Community Magazine

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July 2020

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Mayor Sam Cohen Welcomes the Community to Deal

Dear Friends,

I am excited to welcome our residents and community members back to Deal for another exciting, albeit a very unique summer.

Our highest concern at the Borough of Deal is your health and safety, and it holds special significance this summer amid the pandemic. While many of you have already been in Deal for weeks or months, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to coronavirus prevention.

It is precisely because our community is social by nature that we remain at a higher risk of infection from this epidemic than others. We urge you not to let up and continue to practice social distancing and wear masks as needed. We must all do our part to prevent the spread of this virus.

While we remain laser-focused on health and safety, we also continue with our pledge to maintaining the incomparable beauty and extraordinary services of the Borough of Deal as well. Our goal is for our residents and community to safely enjoy the beauty and the exceptional services of the Borough of Deal this summer and all year long.

Enhancing the natural beauty of the town of Deal, we have planted nearly 1,000 trees these past three years and have consistently resurfaced roads ahead of normal. This year we have completed or are in the process of repaving parts or all of Phillips Avenue, Monmouth Drive, Neptune Avenue Richmond Avenue Sydney Avenue, Roseld Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue, Drummond Avenue and Railroad Avenue.

While our attention is rightfully on the pandemic, we must not relax the town’s security and protection. Seeking ways to proactively improve your safety, we have installed automatic license plate readers throughout the Borough to support our police department. This will give us better visibility on traffic throughout the borough. Additionally, there continues to be some reports of car thefts in the area, so we urge all residents to exercise extra vigilance with their vehicles and homes. When parking your vehicles, we want to remind everyone to remove valuables and to lock your car doors.

As always, we kindly remind cyclists to always wear a helmet and ride on the right side of the road, and please ensure that all bicycles are equipped with proper reflectors.

Should you have any concerns whatsoever, please visit us at: http://www.dealborough.com/ and fill out a “Report a Concern” form. If you require any immediate assistance, police, fire, or first aid for an emergency, please dial 911.

During these most unprecedented times, I am especially grateful to those on the front lines, the dedicated and selfless Borough of Deal team.

Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones. With a new perspective, I would like to extend our warmest wishes for a wonderful summer where you will cherish the beauty of our town and community more than ever.

Sincerely,

Samuel Cohen

Mayor of Deal

Dear Jido – July 2020

Community Magazine

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July 2020

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Dear Jido,

Two of my very close friends got into a fight with each other. They both want to remain friends with me, but not with the one another. It’s starting to place way too much pressure on me. I’m at a loss of how to handle this situation. I do not want to lose either of them as friends – but if this continues I’m concerned that I will lose both of them. It would be impossible for me to choose one over the other. I need HELP – and quick.

Signed,

Friend of the Un-friends

Dear Friend,

My compliments to you as you are clearly of the disciples of Aharon Hacohen who was “ohev shalom v’rodef shalom”- he loved peace and ran after peace. And we know he had a famous method of bringing peace between former friends. He would go to each one and tell them that the other one really wanted to reconcile, even though neither one ever told him that was their intention.

You obviously know the circumstances that caused this feud between your friends. And you could probably find an opening to tell each one exactly as Aharon did. Question is – are you allowed to lie? If it’s not true, is it permitted to tell a white lie in the name of peace?

There is an interesting debate about this in the gemara. When you’re dancing at a wedding, do you praise the bride to the groom as she is, or do you say that she is beautiful and a “catch”? Beit Shammai asks – “What if she is lame and blind?” Beit Hillel answers, “When someone makes a purchase, do we praise it or criticize it?” Was Beit Hillel condoning lying?

The answer is, she IS beautiful, at least in the eyes of the groom, you just didn’t look hard enough.

Do your friends REALLY want to make up? The answer is a resounding YES! No matter what the cause, people who have been friends for so long don’t want the discomfort of not being at peace with each other. They just may not be willing to admit it. And you understand that they would both apologize; they just don’t want to be first.

Find the opening. Tell each one the other wants peace. You will be successful.

In the merit of this great mitzvah of bringing shalom to members of our community, Hashem should bless you with a long, healthy life until 123. Like Aharon.

With deepest admiration,

Jido

Genizah 101: Why You Should Think Twice Before Discarding Your Child’s School Papers

Community Magazine

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July 2020

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Genizah 101: Why You Should Think Twice Before Discarding Your Child’s School Papers

Rabbi Joey Mizrahi

HOME SCHOOL. Did we ever think we would play the role of parent and teacher at the same time? Yet, we were thrown unexpectedly into that double role and our homes were suddenly transformed into classrooms for all different ages. As we look at the jumble of what is left over from at-home learning, we see a collection of schoolwork, sefarim, and Hebrew worksheets that have to be organized and sorted in preparation for the summer. Many of these items contain pesukim and divrei Torah, which may deem these items to be too holy to just throw away. Have you ever wondered why?

From our daily prayers to the many berachot we recite, we constantly use our holy books to guide us. These holy books are used by all ages, from a child’s schoolwork to a man’s learning books and a woman’s siddur and Tehillim. We use them on all occasions and during all of the holidays. For what reason? To give us a guide on how to live our lives the proper way. Holy books that guide us include Humash, Navi, Mishnah, Gemara, the commentaries, and books by halachic authorities. Think. When we have questions, the first thing we do is to pick up a phone and reach out to a rabbi. Where does the rabbi get an answer from? From our holy Torah and the many books written on that specific topic. Many people do not realize how important these sefarim are and what they represent.

When Sefarim Are No Longer Fit for Use

Consider what happens when sefarim wear out and can’t be used anymore. What happens when a new version is printed, and no one is using the old one? What is done with these books? The Rambam writes in his commentary on Pirkei Avot (Chapter 4, Mishna 6), that one who respects the Torah properly will in return be respected by others. This rule does not only apply to the Torah itself but to all the books of Torah learning that are written as well. Respecting a book means treating it the way you would treat a sefer Torah. How do we treat holy books properly once they are no longer in use? By burying them properly.

We see here how our children’s Hebrew schoolwork is not just made up of random papers and notebooks that can be thrown away, but the schoolwork papers themselves may contain holiness. Like a sefer Torah, they too must receive the proper respect.

Besides schoolwork, there are other items you should keep in mind before discarding – such as tefillin, mezuzot and their cases, and tzitzit.

Halachot of Genizah for Everyday Life

Many times, we assume that items used for a mitzvah need genizah when, in fact, they do not. An example would be a kippah. A kippah has no intrinsic holiness, and may be thrown away after it is worn out.

There are many halachot that come with the mitzvah of genizah and it is important to be familiar with them because situations often occur in our lives where these halachot are relevant. The Gemara (Rosh Hashana 18b) relates that after the Hashmonaim defeated the Greek army and instituted the holiday of Hanukah, the Hashmonaim also decreed that all documents must have Hashem’s name written on them. When the rabbis heard about this, they were upset. They said that when one pays off his loans, for example, the document with Hashem’s name will end up being thrown into the garbage. The rabbis therefore abolished the rule to include Hashem’s name on all documents and decreed that no document should have Hashem’s name on it. When they heard how everyone who was already accustomed to writing Hashem’s name on documents stopped doing so, the rabbis made that day into a holiday, celebrating the fact that they saved Hashem’s name from being desecrated.

Through keeping this vital mitzvah may we merit seeing the coming of Mashiah very soon!

R’ Joey Mizrahi picks up genizah items from homes and can be contacted at (347)-598-3215.

Below are some questions you should contemplate when sorting through your kids’ school papers and books:

Do they include the name of Hashem?
Do they include pesukim?
Do they include divrei Torah?
Do they include an article on the weekly parashah?
Are they Rashi sheets or translation sheets?
Do they include pizmonim?
Are they siddurim, humashim, or nevi’im?

If so, a competent halachic authority should be contacted to evaluate whether they should be put aside for genizah.

The Case – It’s Not All Fun and Games

Community Magazine

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July 2020

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Amy operates a successful playgroup for toddlers in her home. All parents who send their children to the playgroup sign a contract that stipulates that they are required to pay for her services on the first of the month for the duration of the school year. As a result of COVID-19, Amy was forced to close her playgroup sometime in March. With ongoing expenses, which included paying teachers and their assistants, Amy reached out to the parent body seeking payment for the month of April. Much to her dismay, nearly all of the parents ignored her request. Amy reached out to our Bet Din for instruction and guidance on the matter.

Are the parents of the playgroup required to pay for services they did not receive? Is Amy entitled to enforce her contract and collect payment from the parents? How should the Bet Din rule and why?

An Important Notification

Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, many financial disputes have emerged and are presently being settled by qualified rabbinical courts around the globe. It is important for parties in dispute to submit their respective claims to competent halachic authorities. The laws governing a pandemic are detailed and complex, and only an experienced Bet Din with a broad knowledge of monetary law can rule accurately. The following article highlights only some of the research done for this case, as part of the information is too intricate to record and is beyond the scope of this article. Since no two cases are the same, it is not recommended to apply this ruling even to a similar case, as often minor details can substantially sway the outcome of a decision. Nevertheless, it is valuable for us to study the laws of the Torah and acquire a basic understanding of monetary laws that apply to a pandemic.

Torah Law

According to the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch an employee is not entitled to his wages in the event he does not labor. Even in instances in which the cause for his sudden unemployment is because of circumstance beyond his control, nevertheless, he not entitled to compensation. This ruling is applicable when both the employer and employee were unable to foresee or anticipate the occurrence that ultimately cancelled their arrangement. If, however, the employer was aware of a potential mishap and did not inform his employee as such, he is required to compensate his employee for his lost time of employment.

The above ruling is applicable for nearly all cases of accidental mishap. If, however, employment is cancelled because of a statewide disaster, numerous halachic authorities debate whether an employee’s wages must be paid. On the one hand, some authorities propose that regardless of whether the mishap is local or statewide an employee that does not labor is not entitled to wages.

However, other authorities differ, explaining that a statewide disaster is viewed as the misfortune of the employer and he must sustain the loss of the disaster. The underlying reasoning behind this latter opinion is that employers are similar to landlords in that they are in positions of dominance and authority, so they are responsible for the financial effects of a statewide disaster. Just as a landlord is required to forgo his claim for rent when a tenant cannot occupy the premises due to a statewide disaster, an employer is responsible to provide wages for his workers although they cannot labor.

Leading halachic authorities testify that since an employee’s wages during a statewide disaster are a matter of halachic contention, it is customary of a Bet Din to instruct an employer to compensate his worker with half of his or her regular wages. This approach in resolving the ultra-sensitive matter of an employee’s livelihood and an employer’s ability to maintain financial stability during turbulent times, is usually very practical and successful. In instances in which government funding is readily available to an employee to offset his loss of wages, the above information is not applicable.

During the global pandemic of COVID-19, playgroups worldwide were required by law to remain closed for months on end. Parents had employed the services of these playgroups, which included the employment of directors and teachers to provide services for their children. The above-mentioned settlement is clearly the suggested approach to resolve the matter, and our Bet Din therefore impressed on the parent body to pay half the wages of the playgroup. Nevertheless, depending on the specific case at hand, this ruling can be subject to change. If a parent has a claim, or the need to express their position, they are to contact a Bet Din to further discuss any issues.

The above ruling is not applicable to classrooms that conducted zoom lessons for their student body, but rather for instances in which no service was provided.e

VEREDICT: A Brighter Future

Our Bet Din partially validated Amy’s position and instructed parents to pay half the wages due. As aforementioned, case precedence dating back hundreds of years attest that during a pandemic or statewide disaster one is required to pay for half of the services he contracted. This ruling is applicable to instances in which no services were rendered because of government restriction. If, however, the age group of the children allowed for lessons on zoom, appropriate compensation is to be configured for such services. In the event government aid is readily available for such services, the above ruling is not applicable.

The above settlement is proven to enable continuous success going forward and provides hope for a brighter future. Notwithstanding, it is subject to change. If a parent or director have a specific claim, or a need to express their position, they are by all means entitled to contact our Bet Din to voice their petition.

YOU BE THE JUDGE

Scrambling for Camping

Jack operates a large summer camp that services his community annually. After collecting deposits from many applicants for the summer of 2020, he needed to cancel the camp’s opening because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it was perhaps legal for him to open as scheduled, nevertheless, the restrictions imposed by the state with regard to the number of campers allowed and various other regulations made it nearly impossible for him to operate at a profit. Furthermore, Jack was concerned for the safety of his campers, and opening the camp would seemingly jeopardize the wellbeing of all involved. Upon cancellation, the parents requested their deposit money in return. Many applicants were disappointed with Jack’s decision not to open and were scrambling to find other options for their children’s summer vacation and needed the funds to apply elsewhere. Jack turned to our Bet Din for guidance and instruction.

Is Jack required to return the deposits?

How should the Bet Din rule and why?

Solea Sleep Laser Snoring Treatment

Community Magazine

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July 2020

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Solea Sleep is an exciting new treatment option for people who snore. The procedure

provides rapid relief by tightening the soft palate (the soft tissue in the back of the roof of your mouth) and reducing the vibrations that cause snoring. No tissue is removed during the treatment, and unlike other laser treatments for snoring that require multiple trips to the dentist, the Solea Sleep procedure takes only five minutes to complete. Treating snoring has never been easier.

Collagen is the protein in the body that is the basic building block of many tissues. Laser

energy can be used to tighten tissue, and has been used for a number of years for medical procedures such as cosmetic surgery. When laser energy is directed on to the face, for example, wrinkles are smoothed out and facial muscles tighten. When this laser procedure is performed on the soft palate and throat, it causes the muscles to become firmer and less likely to collapse, which keeps the airway open and reduces tissue vibration.

While not a stand-alone treatment for sleep apnea, Solea Sleep can be used to help patients who already use CPAP or oral devices and still continue to snore. Patients who have been treated with Solea Sleep report little or no discomfort after the procedure, and they see a reduction in the volume and frequency of their snoring within days. According to Dr. Anthony Bolamperti, DDS, a leading Solea Sleep provider, “I consider Solea Sleep to be a quantum leap forward, allowing me to accomplish in a single five-minute treatment what used to require three or four thirty-minute treatments. My patients are experiencing immediate snoring relief and better quality of sleep for both themselves and their spouses.”

If someone you know is still snoring despite taking the initial steps of CPAP or an oral device, this may be the breakthrough they have been waiting for.

UCEF Distributes $437,000 to Help Families Pay Tuition Bills

Community Magazine

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July 2020

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UCEF Distributes $437,000 to Help Families Pay Tuition Bills

On March 13th our community yeshivot closed their doors and the world came to a halt right before our eyes. COVID-19 swiftly shut down life as we knew it. UCEF, the United Children Education Foundation, continued their hard work to generate as much funding as possible to help parents in our community pay their tuition bills. UCEF pairs vendors with community businesses and if all goes well – those vendors pay a royalty to UCEF.

This past month, UCEF was able to distribute $437,000 to help pay tuition bills for close to 1,800 children (500 more than last year) attending our fourteen community schools. Over the last four years, UCEF has distributed over $1.8 million to help parents pay their tuition bills.

In addition to assisting vendors, UCEF now operates a full-service insurance agency that can help businesses or individuals with health, life, disability, property, and casualty insurance.

Executive director of UCEF, Sammy Esses, commented, “We have to do whatever we can to chip away at the tuition bills. UCEF gives every individual a chance to help. We also would like to thank all our vendors, wholesalers, retailers, and individuals that have worked together over these last few years. We are helping businesses grow while generating charity – it’s an amazing feeling.”

If you have any comments or questions please send an email to Sammy Esses at sammy@ucef.com

Small Businesses Need Your Support

“Small businesses are essential to our economy and to every thriving neighborhood. Shop owners are your friends, neighbors, and relatives. For months, they have been choking and now they are at the breaking point. By shopping local, we can all do our part to sustain and protect them. Look for the bright red sign,” urged Senator Simcha Felder, “and when you need to shop, remember to shop local.”

Count mom and pop shops among those lost to coronavirus. The sad reality is that many small local businesses that shuttered their doors in compliance with shelter-in-place orders will never reopen. With challenges mounting, the battle to survive has taken on new urgency. Senator Felder is fighting to save small local businesses and is rallying for grassroots support. The campaign urges people to shop local with posters displayed in storefronts across the district, alerting local customers that they are open for business.

“Local small businesses are really struggling now. I know it firsthand. Now is the time, before buying anything, to make an effort to shop local and ensure local businesses will be there for you in the future,” said Yossi Itzkowitz, CEO of Toys 4 You.

“The administration found a way for big box stores to operate safely, but as New York City enters Phase One today, small businesses are still shackled. No browsing?? Shoppers have been browsing in Target throughout the pandemic! We must allow small businesses to operate safely, legally, and effectively, now,” said Senator Felder.

To request a poster contact Senator Felder’s office at 718-253-2015 or email Felder@nysenate.gov.

Cuomo Allows In-Service Special Education Services

Last month, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order allowing in-person special education services for the upcoming summer months.

During the current restrictions enacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, essential therapies and programs for special-needs children were abruptly cut-off, leaving them without vital services needed for their growth. Education Departments throughout the city and New York State can begin to administer the necessary services to eligible children.

“I have spoken to many parents who have witnessed their child’s regression over the past months,” said Mrs. Leah Steinberg, Director of Project LEARN of Agudas Yisrael of America. “Hopefully, this Executive Order will stop the regression and will allow our children’s health to finally progress.” Agudath Israel’s Project LEARN has been advocating on behalf of the special-needs community.

The Lighter Side – June 2020

Community Magazine

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June 2020

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Too Hot to Handle

A guy goes to the doctor with two burnt ears. When the doctor asked what happened, he said, “The phone rang while I was ironing my shirt, and I accidentally picked up the iron!”

“That explains one ear, but what about the other?” asked the doctor.

“They called back.”

Isaac D.

Helpful Husband Hints

When the power mower was broken and wouldn’t run, Lauren kept hinting to her husband that he ought to get it fixed, but somehow the message never sank in. Finally, she thought of a clever way to make her point.

When her husband arrived home that day, he found her seated out in the yard in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors.

He watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. He was gone only a few moments, and when he came back outside, he handed Lauren a toothbrush.

“When you finish cutting the grass,” he said, “you might as well sweep the sidewalk, too.”

Eitan

Advantage of Age

Cindy was excited about visiting Granny Molly to celebrate her 104th birthday. After singing “Happy Birthday” and enjoying a piece of cake together, they got to talking.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like to have lived for such a long time,” Cindy reflected. “What’s the best thing about being 104?”

Without hesitation, Granny replied, “No peer pressure.”

S. C. A

Grumbling Garbage Man

Bob the garbage man was assigned a new route in a quiet neighborhood. On his first day doing the new route, he came across a house that had left two garbage cans at the curb, a green one stacked inside a black one. He looked inside and saw that there was no garbage there. Thinking nothing of it, he went on to collect the garbage from the next house.

The next day, Bob noticed that the two garbage cans, stacked one inside the other, were at the curb again. He looked inside, only to find that once again, there was no garbage in the cans. Feeling a bit annoyed, Bob continued on with his day. But the next day and then every day that week, the same thing happened, and each day Bob would get more and more annoyed.

Finally, Bob decided he had enough and decided to complain to the owner about the empty cans being left at the curb. He walked up the steps to the front door and knocked. When the lady of the house answered, Bob got ready to scold her for wasting his time. “My name is Bob, and I’m your garbage man and” – but before he could continue, the woman cut him off mid-sentence and said, “Oh you’re my garbage man? Well, you’re not doing a very good job. I’ve been trying to throw out my old green garbage can for over a week now, but you just kept leaving it there.”

Lori M.

The Last Runner

Last year, I entered the New York City marathon. But soon after the race started I found myself running in last place.

It was embarrassing. But then to top it all off, the guy who was in front of me, second to last, was making fun of me. He said, “Hey buddy, how does it feel to be last?”

“You really want to know?” I replied.

Then I dropped out of the race.

David B.

A Slice of Humor

While working at a pizza parlor, I observed a man ordering a small pizza pie, to go. He appeared to be alone. I asked him if he would like his “personal pie” cut into four slices or six. He thought about it for some time then said, “Just cut it into four slices. I don’t think I’m hungry enough to eat six.”

E.G.

Sense of Direction

While looking at a house, Benjamin asked the real estate agent which direction was north, because he didn’t want the sun waking him up every morning.

“Does the sun rise in the north?” the agent asked.

Trying to stop himself from laughing, Benjamin explained that the sun rises in the east and has been doing so for quite some time.

To which the agent shook her head and said, “Oh, I don’t keep up with all that stuff…”

Eddie G.

Healthy Empathy

Community Magazine

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June 2020

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Tammy Sassoon

How can parents balance empathy with setting limits? In our quest to give our children what they need we often get confused about how to combine being kind and empathetic with setting limits. First let’s take a look at what healthy empathy looks like, and then let’s discuss how to balance both.

Empathy that Empowers Your Children

Often times very well meaning parents unfortunately bring their children down even more while they are trying to empathize. For example, a child comes home after a long day of school and tells a parent that he hates his teacher who is so mean to him. Mom remembers something she read in a book about the importance of showing your children that you feel with them, so she does the following: She looks at her son with a deeply distressed and insecure face, and says, “That’s so hard! You really hate your teacher.” Unfortunately, this doesn’t send a message to the child that he is perfectly capable of handling this challenge. Healthy empathy would look as follows: Look at your child with a warm confident smile, and say, “Looks like things weren’t fun in that class today.” That warm confident smile empowers the child to experience that while you are trying to feel their pain, you also know very well that he has all the tools he needs inside him to get through ANY challenge in life.

Furthermore, make sure that when you are empathizing you are doing it WITHOUT an expectation from your child to calm down. When children feel that we are empathizing in order to get that result, they feel the vibes of us trying to control a difficult situation, and they become more upset. Let them feel that you are not scared of their feelings and are simply trying to be there with them in their corner. (If you are wondering if you need to actually do something regarding the teacher situation, wait till your son is sleeping to make that decision.)

Setting Limits with Love

Being kind and empathetic is NOT a contradiction to setting limits. Actually, not setting limits is very unkind. I tell my kids from a very young age that I’ll be setting many limits throughout their lives BECAUSE I love them.

When a child is having very strong feelings, the only time we ever need to set a limit is if they are disturbing/hurting themselves or others. The following story happened in a school building a few weeks ago. I was in an office, and I heard a blood curdling scream from across the hall. All the teachers stopped teaching to pop their heads out of their classrooms to check what happened. I ran to the source of the scream, and there stood a sweet little 3rd grade boy, who was crying hysterically because a boy in his class threw up and he was revolted by the smell. I looked at him, and with a warm confident smile said, “Sweetie, in this school the teachers are very kind people, and they would never tell you that you shouldn’t feel your feelings. [Innate Health is part of their curriculum.] Right now you are feeling extreme disgust at the smell. At the same time, you may not disturb an entire building, while you are having strong feelings.” He quickly lowered his voice, and continued to feel without bothering anyone around him. He was welcome to ask a teacher for help or support, but he was not welcome to cross over a limit.

Children need limits! They need to see that we know with 100 percent confidence that they are perfectly capable of following rules. As long as we are kind, we have nothing to fear!

Kids Cooking with Chef Shiri – Chocolate Apple Pops

Community Magazine

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June 2020

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Kids Cooking with Chef Shiri – Chocolate Apple Pops

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

Adult Supervision Required.

Utensils Needed:

Baking sheet

Wax paper

Wooden skewers

Plates

Microwave-safe glass bowl

Spoon

Ingredients:

Sprinkles and/or toppings of choice

1½ cups dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips

2 teaspoons coconut oil

4 whole apples

There are over 7,500 different types of apples grown in the world! Some are red, some are yellow, and some are green.

Let’s Get Started!

Adult supervision required

Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Set aside. Pour sprinkles and/or other toppings of choice onto a plate and set aside (use a separate plate for each type of topping).
Place the chocolate chips in the microwave-safe glass bowl, add coconut oil, and microwave on high for 30 seconds.
Remove bowl from microwave. Stir the mixture, then microwave again for 20 seconds. Remove bowl from microwave. Stir again. If the chips are not fully melted, microwave again for 10 seconds. Repeat until chocolate is completely melted.
Cut the apples into slices. Insert wooden skewers into each slice.
Holding it by the skewer, dip an apple slice into the melted chocolate. Swirl until the bottom half of the slice is covered with chocolate. Turn the apple from side to side to cover as much of the apple as you want.
Holding the dipped apple over the plate of sprinkles or other topping, spoon sprinkles onto the chocolate. Place the dipped apples onto the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before eating.

Makes 6 Servings!

Fun Food Fact

The smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which causes us to relax.

CHOCOLATE APPLE POPS

Chef Shiri Says…

The best way to prevent sliced apples from turning brown is to dribble a little lemon juice over the slices. The acid in the lemon juice slows the enzymes that cause the fruit to brown.

Kids Cooking with Chef Shiri is presented by The Jewish World of Wonders

Prayer Pointers From

Buzz the Brachos Bee

We should eat immediately after reciting a berachah,– without waiting to take the first bite. That is why we should always make sure that the food is ready to eat before the berachah is said.