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Deal, NJ Election Ballots Are Being Mailed Out

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May 2020

Deal, NJ Election Ballots Are Being Mailed Out

A message from Mayor Sam Cohen, Commissioner Morris Ades, and Commissioner David Simhon:

Due to current stay-at-home conditions, the town of Deal will be holding their elections by mail-in ballots ONLY!

It is IMPERATIVE that you get the ballots, follow the instructions, and check-mark Sam Cohen, Morris Ades, and David Simhon as your choices, and then mail the ballot back as per the instructions ASAP. It must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, May 12, 2020!

URGENT: If you will not be getting your mail from Deal for some reason, you MUST go online and print your request for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you, wherever you are, IMMEDIATELY. This can be done by going to https://www.monmouthcountyvotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/vote-mail-ballot-monmouth-english_2018-08.pdf.

We know that this is not what you are used to doing but WE NEED YOUR VOTES, so please do not disregard the ballots you receive in the mail and CALL any one of us at the numbers below if you need help to get an absentee ballot.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

Mayor Sam Cohen

917-952-5522

Commissioner Morris Ades

732-241-3938

Commissioner David Simhon

732-859-7000

COVID-19 Testing Sites

SBH has supplied the following contact information for five local COVID-19 testing sites. As always, please speak with your doctor before getting tested. If you have questions or concerns please contact the Medstar Division at (718) 787-1800 for further assistance. Please note this information changes daily.

Quality First Urgent Care (NY)

Drive through testing site by appointment only – 6010 Bay Parkway – (718) 475-1700.

Par Care (NY)

Testing site by appointment only for essential workers and for urgent matters – 445 Park Avenue – (718) 963-0800.

The NY Department of Health Online Self-Assessment

Use this screening tool to share your symptoms and pre-register for testing: https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov/covid-19-screening/.

NJ Drive-through PNC Bank Arts Center

Drive Through Testing Site – 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ 07733.
Use this screening tool to share your symptoms and pre-register for testing: https://self.covid19.nj.gov/.

High Risk and/or Home-bound Patients Major Crimes Fall 30 Percent in Brooklyn During Pandemic

Call this number to schedule a home visit with testing: Contact Ronnie: (718) 300-0888.

Major Crimes Fall 30 Percent in Brooklyn During Pandemic

Major crimes have fallen nearly 30 percent in the borough as Brooklynites take shelter indoors during the novel coronavirus outbreak.The NYPD’s major crime categories – murder, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny, and car theft – recorded 1,397 criminal infractions during the 28-day period that ended on April 12, marking a sizable decrease from the 1,989 recorded crimes during the same period last year.

Grand larceny was the crime category with the highest drop in reported crimes, having gone from 828 to 407 over the 28-day timeframe – marking a 51 percent decline.

Three categories of major crimes, however, have seen an increase in Brooklyn during the pandemic compared with the same timeframe in 2019 – as the number of murders has gone up from four to six, burglaries have risen from 222 to 256, and car thefts have climbed from 97 to 150.

Congressman Max Rose Returns from Two-Week Deployment

Congressman Max Rose during his two-week deployment in Staten Island.

Southern Brooklyn Congressman Max Rose returned to his office on April 16 after a two week deployment with the National Guard, where he helped erect a new hospital in Staten Island to treat COVID-19 patients.

“It was a privilege to get this essential COVID-19 hospital up and running,” said Rose. “This operation was a testament to what we can accomplish as a city, state, and country when we put aside differences and focus on getting the job done.”

Rose and members of the National Guard’s 69th Infantry Regiment spent two weeks converting a recently built psychiatric facility into a 262-bed emergency hospital. The hospital is focused on treating New Yorkers infected with the novel coronavirus – granting relief to Staten Island’s hospitals, which are operating at over 300 times their normal capacity.

Updated NY State Mandate

New York State shutdown has been extended through, at least, May 15th. As of April 17th, anyone age two and older in New York is required to wear a face-covering in public when they cannot social distance; the order also applies to mass transit and for-hire vehicles.

How We Can Help Shape Our Future

Community Magazine

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May 2020

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Sari Setton

Executive Director

Sephardic Community Federation

While we are doing our best to stay healthy and compliant, there are things we can accomplish from the comfort of our homes to ensure future federal and state funding and representation decisions. The United States Census is not only beneficial, it is an obligation that greatly benefits us.

The Census, taken once every ten years, asks us questions. The answers to those questions help the government know, for example, how many people live in a certain area. This determines funding for the entire next decade. Based on population and other factors, $675 Billion is allocated for infrastructure (roads and bridges), health care (First Responders, Medicare and Medicaid, and hospitals), education (Special Education grants, security), funding against terrorism, and much more. Especially in times of crisis it is important for government to know how many people live within a certain area so that needed resources are allocated properly.

In 2010, the US Census participation rate averaged 76 percent. The Sephardic Community response rate was a mere 58 percent. Since 2010 we are undercounted, underfunded, and underrepresented. We are not receiving the funds we deserve. Just like voter turnout numbers, politicians and others use this as an indicator of a community’s willingness to help themselves, to have a voice, to show they are a force to be listened to. We hurt ourselves, our friends, neighbors, and community when we do not participate. The good news is that we can act in correcting that now.

By now, most of us have been mailed 2020 Census forms. Responding is straightforward and not burdensome. It is less than ten questions, takes less than ten minutes to complete, and ensures ten years of funding. There are a few easy ways to participate. You may fill in and mail the Census form sent to you, you may respond by phone (844) 330-2020, or you may do so online at www.2020Census.gov. Regardless of how you respond, your information is kept confidential and can only be used to produce statistics. The Census Bureau will never ask you for your social security number, money, donations, anything for a political party, or bank or credit card numbers.

The SCF is always working for the Community. We know that you trust us to advocate for you, and to inform you. We urge you to please accept this invitation to use this time to invest in our future.

Between Carpools – The Perfect Make-Ahead Roasted Veggie Salad

Community Magazine

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May 2020

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Between Carpools – The Perfect Make-Ahead Roasted Veggie Salad

The work is already done – just toss and serve this Roasted Veggie Salad!

This salad solves two problems.

One, it solves the “side dish” problem as roasted vegetables usually need to be roasted fresh and served hot. That’s one item on the menu that can’t be rewarmed. In a salad, though, they work really well at room temperature and don’t need to be roasted fresh.

Two, it solves the “salad” problem as most salads need lots of chopping of fresh veggies. As roasted veggies will last a few days in the refrigerator, this salad can be prepped ahead. Of course, the dressing is prepped ahead too. When it’s time to serve, just toss the veggies with Romaine and dressing and you’re good to go.

At a recent BCP meeting, this salad received the addition of feta, and it became a new favorite.

Important Notes:

* You can make this dressing or simply use any store-bought Caesar. This recipe will make a big batch, suitable for a huge salad if you’re having a lot of company, or save it for a few meals.

* The vegetables must be taken out of the fridge earlier in the day so they come to room temperature. I do not like how they taste when they’re cold and straight from the fridge.

Roasted Veggie Salad

1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 yellow squash, diced

1 pepper, diced

1 red onion, sliced

8 ounces mushrooms, halved

1 small eggplant, diced

16 ounces Romaine lettuce

Feta cheese, optional

Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise

¾ cup White Wine (add a bit of sugar if using any white wine which is not sweet)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1 ½ teaspoons oregano

1 teaspoon crushed garlic

½ tablespoon olive oil

½ small onion, cut into chunks

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch coarse black pepper

`1. Preheat oven to 425⁰F. Spread vegetables on greased baking sheets (you will need multiple sheets). Bake for 20 minutes. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to serve (can be made a couple of days in advance).

Prepare the dressing. Blend ingredients together in a food processor.
If you’ve prepared the vegetables ahead of time, remove from the refrigerator earlier in the day so they come to room temperature. When ready to serve, toss veggies, Romaine, feta (if using), and desired quantity of dressing.

The Case – Who Gets the Rent?

Community Magazine

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May 2020

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Amy was recently widowed and was financially struggling to pay her monthly rent. Although her son-in-law was very affluent and provided her with most of her financial needs, Amy chose to sublet bedrooms in her apartment to young ladies studying in a nearby school. The income generated covered nearly half of the monthly rent and Amy actually enjoyed the company of some of her new tenants. Nine months thereafter, Joe the landlord first discovered that Amy had sublet his property. He immediately sent notice to Amy that her sublet arrangement was a material breach of their contract. Joe demanded of Amy to forward to him all the proceeds of the sublet arrangements of the past nine months, in addition to the rent she already paid. Joe explained that Amy had no legal right to sublet his property, making him entitled to all revenue collected in the interim. Amy defended that she was forced to earn the additional income as there was no other way for her to cover the rent. Joe responded that Amy traveled on three costly vacations since her husband’s passing and he does not believe that she lacks access to funds. Joe added that if Amy cannot afford the rent then she is to move out immediately and rent a cheaper apartment. He claimed that the material breach of contract is grounds for eviction and if she cannot “afford” the rent then he will evict her.

Is Joe entitled to the sublet proceeds? Can he evict Amy from his apartment? How should the Bet Din rule and why?

Torah Law

According to the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch a tenant who illegally sublets a property is required to forward to his landlord any additional income earned above the cost of his rent. The underlying reasoning behind this ruling is that since the tenant is restricted from renting out the property to another, the landlord assumes ownership of the new lease upon the tenant’s vacancy of the property. In short, once the original tenant vacated, the property is once again available to the landlord as a source of income. In instances in which by contract a tenant has the right to sublet, he is entitled to all revenue earned. Since the tenant purchased all forms of usage of the property from the landlord, he is entitled to profit on the landlord’s property.

The above ruling is applicable to instances in which a tenant vacates and illegally sublets a property. If, however, the tenant remains on the property and illegally shares the property with another, the law varies with regard to profits he collected above the cost of rent. Since the tenant remained on the property, the property was not physically available to the landlord to generate a source of income. In such an instance, just as the landlord has the right to restrict the tenant from unauthorized occupancies, a tenant occupying the property can restrict the landlord from additional tenancies. Hence, after the tenant collected rent from his guests, the landlord is not necessarily entitled to his tenant’s earnings.

Furthermore, the tenant deprived himself of his spacious living quarters and shared the property with his unauthorized guests. Denying himself access to areas of the property is arguably grounds to entitle him to collect payment to offset the cost of his rent. By sacrificing usage of part of the property, the money collected by the tenant is not viewed as profit, but rather as compensation for his inconvenience.

Although a tenant who shares a property with an unauthorized tenant ultimately causes the landlord a loss because of the additional wear and tear sustained to the premises, nevertheless, this does not entitle the landlord to additional rent proceeds. Most contracts protect a landlord and require a tenant to restore the property and return it to the landlord in the same condition it was received, hence, upon termination of the lease the property value will ultimately be restored by the tenant.

Notwithstanding, a tenant who illegally sublets part or all of a property is in violation of Torah law. Deliberately violating the terms and conditions of an agreement is a severe offense which is grounds for eviction.

Upon submitting a ruling, a Bet Din will not consider the financial status of the litigants, nor their level of Torah observance, or any other factor not directly related to their legal claims.

VEREDICT: No Double Dipping

Our Bet Din ruled in favor of Amy by exempting her from making any additional payments to Joe, her landlord. Notwithstanding, Amy violated the terms of her contract and was subject to eviction. As mentioned in Torah law, since Amy was actively Joe’s tenant, Joe did not have access to the property and is not entitled to more than the rent he agreed upon. Amy, on the other hand, deprived herself of more spacious living quarters and merely collected compensation for her inconvenience. Although Amy acted illegally by inviting unauthorized tenants, in hindsight she did not profit from the venture but rather forfeited convenient living space in order to offset the cost of her rent. As per Amy’s contract, she was required to restore the property to Joe in the same condition she received it, making the additional wear and tear caused by the unauthorized tenants not a present financial consideration.

As per Joe’s request, our Bet Din instructed Amy to immediately terminate all future tenancies if she wishes to continue renting the property.

YOU BE THE JUDGE

Early Financial Impact of COVID-19

Joseph rented David’s luxurious villa for his upcoming trip to Israel for the Passover holiday. The lease was for a total of four weeks, commencing three weeks before the holiday. Joseph prepaid half the rent, a sum of $3,500. When it became apparent to Joseph that the COVID-19 pandemic was spreading, he immediately contacted David to cancel his upcoming trip. David responded, that since flights to Israel were still available and the villa was recently disinfected, Joseph had no right to cancel. Joseph countered that he had no intent on remaining in quarantine for the duration of his vacation and expected of David to refund him the money he prepaid. David was unwilling to provide Joseph with a refund, though he was open to a compromise on the $3,500 balance due. Although it was clearly impossible for our Bet Din to convene as per social distancing regulations of the Ministry of Health, we conducted a video conference via computer for the litigants to voice their respected claims.

Is David entitled to collect the balance due? Can Joseph demand a refund of the sum already paid? How should the Bet Din rule and why?

Baruch Dayan HaEmet Dedicated to the Blessed Memory of Those We Lost March 15 – April 20, 2020

Community Magazine

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May 2020

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Baruch Dayan HaEmet Dedicated to the Blessed Memory of Those We Lost March 15 – April 20, 2020

It is with deep sadness, that we regret to inform the passing of so many dear friends, relatives, and community members this past month. We apologize in advance if we mistakenly left out or misspelled anyone’s name. The Niftarim are listed in alphabetical order (men preceding women).

Morris Mark Benun A”H

Family Members: Wife: Joy Benun / Children: Sarah Harari, Celia Cohen, Michelle Srour,

Siblings: Lila Marcus, Lorraine Gindi, Jack M. Benun, Vivian Hymie Gindi

Isaac Bibi – Isaac ben Esther A”H

Family Members: Wife: Jeanette / Children: Marilyn Chehebar, Esther Dweck, Alice Gemal, Ruby Bibi Siblings: Morris Bibi A”H, Joe Bibi A”H, Eli Bibi A”H, Lillian Grossman A”H, Florence Deutch A”H, Evelyn Tawil A”H, Sara Cayne A”H, Charlotte Zeitoune, Jack Bibi, Rita Polinsky

Stanley Chera – Shlomo ben Shoshana A”H

Family Members: Wife: Cookie Chera / Children: Isaac Chera, Hymie Chera, Richard Chera

Siblings: Helene Mishaan, Louise Sitt, Morris Chera

Abraham Cohen – Abraham Nissim ben Farha A”H
Family Members: Wife: Gigi / Children: Benny, Jack, Vicky

Isadore Cohen – Yizhaq ben Sheffikka A”H
Family Members: Wife: Faye A”H / Sons: Joey and Ezra
Siblings: Sam Cohen A”H, Leon Cohen A”H, Lola Tessoun A”H, Morris Cohen A”H, David Cohen A”H, Albert Cohen A”H, Nat Cohen A”H, Meyer Cohen

Max Cohen – Mordechai Chaim ben Bahiye A”H

Family Members: Wife: Shelly Cohen A”H / Children: Beckie Cohen, Paulette Shaban, Rabbi Norman Cohen, Esther Dayon, Jacqueline Arussy, Saul Cohen, David Cohen

Siblings: Renee Ashkenazi Cohen, Cynthia Shalom, Charlie Cohen, Marcelle Bale Kreiger, Freddie Cohen

Meyer T Cohen A”H

Family Members: Wife: Cynthia Cohen / Children: Joey Cohen, Sheffi Jemal, Alice Shalom, Monique Benun

Siblings: Sam Cohen A”H, Leon Cohen A”H, Lola Tessoun A”H, Isadore Cohen A”H, Morris Cohen A”H, David Cohen A”H, Albert Cohen A”H, Nat Cohen A”H

Rav Chaim Dahan – Chaim Yehezkel Shraga ben Rachel Esther A”H
Family Members: Parents: Rav Yitzhak Yaakov Dahan and Rachel Esther
Wife: Barbara (Rivka) / Children: Sarah Aidi, Zehava Aidi
Siblings: Yossi, Sruli, Aidi, Malki

Isaac Dror – Yitzhak ben Esther Tera A”H

Simon Eddi – Shimon ben Julia A”H
Family Members: Children: Isaac Eddi, Ely Eddi, Raquel Gadeloff
Siblings: Marcos A”H, Ely, Lily, Gladys Abadi A”H, Dr. David and Tunie Cohen

Moshe Faham – Moshe ben Sarah A”H
Family Members: Wife: Miriam / Children: Julius, Nina Safdieh, Mark, Lizette Hidary, Jojo
Siblings: Ezra Faham A”H, Marie Dweck A”H, Avraham Faham Pe’er (Israel), Joe Faham, Gitta Seruya, Lydia Zafrani, Feeurette Sultan

Ibrahim Hamra – Abraham ben Ester A”H

Family Members: Children: Rafoul Hamra, Ezak Hamra, Rimon Hamra, Eli Hamra, Stella Hamra, Abdo Hamra

Raymond Harari – Rachamim ben Mazal A’H

Family Members: Wife: Marie Harari / Children: Freddie Harari, Morris Harari, Monique Betesh, Frieda Saadia, Kenny Harari

Siblings: Jeanie Sutton, Joe Harari, Harry Harari A”H, Frieda Cattar

Albert Husni – Avraham ben Sophie A”H
Family Members: Wife: Muzi / Children: Sofia
Siblings: Dr. Joseph Husney, Nissim Husni, Ralph Husni, Sarine Sakkal

Rabbi Yaakov Israel – Yaakov ben Esther A”H
Family Members: Wife: Rabbanit Smadar Israel

Salem Khdideh – Chaloum ben Adele A”H
Family Members: Parents: Adele & Chaim
Wife: Avishag / Children: Adele, Chaim, Aviah, Noya
Siblings: Ted, Rachel Akiva, David, Simon

Ralph Kraiem – Rafael ben Bahia A’H

Family Members: Wife: Joan / Children: Nathan Kraiem, Victor Kraiem, Brian Kraiem, Belline Manopala, Tammy Shamula

Siblings: Isaac Kraiem, Eli Kraiem, Sol Kraiem, Arlette Pardo, Mary Betesh

Larry Kushner – Lev ben Rachel A”H

Family Members: Wife: Jacqueline Kushner / Children: Fortune Chera, Inez Dweck, Nathan, Jamie Ades, Solomon, Sabrina, Rubie, Vanessa, Brittney, Cynthia, Abraham, Alexandra, Eli

Eddie Levy – Ezra ben Salha A”H
Family Members: Parents: Jabra & Salha Shasho A”H
Siblings: Ralph Levy A”H, Sam Levy A”H, Nat Levy A”H, Al Levy A”H, Morris Levy A”H, Lou Levy, Grace Rifkin A”H

Eddie Lincer – Yitzhak ben A”H
Family Members: Wife: Rachel Lincer / Children: Michael Lincer, Morris Lincer, Michelle Azarbad, Lauren Weiss
Siblings: Mike Lincer, Elana Shoshany

Rabbi Mark Maimon – Mordechai ben Rayna A”H
Family Members: Children: Reyna Katz, Yaakov Maimon, Simcha Shami, Rachelle Maimion, Shemuel Maimon, Aviva Khalifie, Esther Guttman, Sara Chayumi, David Maimon

Habib Alan Marcus A”H

Family Members: Parents: Ezra and Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Marcus AH

Siblings: Judy Levy, Maxine Rosenberg

Joe Mezrahi – Yosef ben Esther A”H

Family Members: Wife: Michelle / Children: Esther Chamoula, Sally Shamah, Isaac Mezrahi, Judy Arusi, Robin Ovadia
Siblings: Nathan (Seuda), Brenda Mezrahi, Rochelle Shasho

Eddie Missry – Ezra ben Victoria A”H

Family Members: Wife: Tunie / Children: Victoria Mamiye, Alex Missry, Sadie Harary, Pauline Assa, Elyse Missry

Siblings: Pauline Dweck, Lilli Gindi, Alfonse Missry, Morris Missry

Jack Nardea – Yaakov ben Esther A”H
Family Members: Wife: Sara Nardea / Children: Henry Nardea, Norma Sutton

Abe Rudy – Abraham ben Simbol A”H
Family Members: Wife: Liela Rudy / Children: Susan Jacobs, Robin Rudy, Ricky Rudy, Lisa Wollek, Nathan Rudy

Bondi Yom Tov Sahalon – Bondi Yom Tov ben Shula Rachel A”H
Family Members: Wife: Fortunee Sahalon / Children: Ness, Haim, Rabbi Isaac
Siblings: Avraham, Ettie

Robert Salame – Reuben ben Ribkah A”H

Family Members: Wife: Pauline Joyce Salame / Children: Ted Salame, Susie Sutton, Rachel Harari, Rebecca Harary, Victoria Aronow, Nancy Tebele, Jennifer Dayan, James Salame

Siblings: Joseph Selame A”H, Edmund Salame A”H, Isaac Salame A”H, Morris Salame

Eli Salem – Eliyahu ben Sara A”H

Family Members: Wife: Shula Salem / Children: Sara Nawlo, Manny Salem, Franny Kadosh

Siblings: Haim Salem, Moshe Salem, Leon Cohen (Israel), Selly Srour (Israel), Albert Salem A”H,

Hasibeh Perach A”H

Sol Sankary – Selim ben Milo A”H
Family Members: Wife: Sarah Sankary / Children: Marilyn Dayan, Vivian Erani, Janet Shalam, Nathan Sankary, Sion Sankary
Siblings: Flo Mahana, Gloria Elias

Samuel “Sonny” Setton – Bension ben Esther A”H
Family Members: Wife: Marcelle Setton / Children: Jeff Setton, Marc Setton, Eric Setton
Siblings: Julia Massry A”H, Vicky Arazi A”H, Adele Hazan A”H, Olga Serrur A”H, Francis Ozeri A”H, Sara Levy A”H, Leo Setton A”H, Ralph Setton A”H, Murray Setton A”H

David Shemtob – David Michael ben Flora Rachel A”H
Family Members: Wife: Esther Shemtob, Father: Max D. Shemtob, Mother: Flora Shemtob
Children: Max, Flora, Miraima, Sarah

Siblings: Rabbi Aaron Shemtob, Sofia Sutton, Joseph Shemtob

Rabbi Rami Soosi – Rachamim Rami ben Shoshana A”H

Vivan Behar – Hasibah bat Rinah A”H

Family Members: Husband: Sam Behar / Children: Mark Behar, Rena Behar,

Siblings: Hayim Setton A”H, Josh Setton, Morris Setton

Florence Azar Cohen – Farha bat Nahmo A”H

Family Members: Husband: Joseph Cohen (Papa Joe) A”H / Children: Jack Cohen, Eddie Cohen, Grace Chemtob, Norma Rezak,

Siblings: Freida Tobias A”H, Mal Azar A”H, Grace Levy A”H, Albert Azar A”H, David Azar Cohen, Jack Azar

Renee Cohen – Renee bat Robida A”H
Family Members: Son: Moshe Cohen

Roberta Cohen – Rachel bat Zakeiah A”H
Family Members: Husband: Jack Noonie Cohen A”H
Children: Gay Shames, Sherri Horowitz, Jamie Doueck , Dawn Dweck

Laura Dweck – Leah bat Mazal A”H

Family Members: Children: Dr. Isaac Dweck, Alice Dayon, Marlene Tebele, Debbie Tawil

Marie Elmann A”H

Family Members: Husband: Victor Elmann A”H / Children: Jack Elmann, Nisso Elmann, Leon Elman A”H, Eli Elmann A”H, Sophie Elmann Porat (Israel)

Olga Fallas (Shamie) – Olga bat Sarah A”H

Family Members: Husband: Jack Fallas A”H / Children: Eli Fallas, Shelia Schwab, Joyce Fallas

Siblings: Molly Shemay, Shamie Fallas A”H, Grace Cayre A”H, Marilyn Shamie, Jeanette Rogozenski, A”H, Morris Shamie A”H, Jackie Shamie A”H, Abraham Shamie A”H, Eddie Shamie, Louis Shamie

Isabelle Franco – Isabel bat Jean A”H

Family Members: Husband: Jack E Franco / Children: Grace Cohen, Lori Franco Parke, Elliot Franco

Sibling: Gloria Brodsky A”H

Rochelle Gemal – Rachel bat Sarah A”H
Family Members: Husband: Mitchell Bob Gemal / Children: Adele Cohen, Sara Bijou, Jill Semah, Robert Gemal, Deborah Massry
Siblings: Teddy Rosenthal, Richie Rosenthal A”H, Carol Missry

Mildred Hakim A”H

Family Members: Husband: Morris / Children: Albert, Eddie, Dan

Siblings: Jean Elbaz, Vicky Dana, Raymond Harari A”H, Joe Harari, Charlie Harari

Rochelle Hasbani A”H

Family Members: Husband: Moise Hasbani A”H / Children: Dr. Nouri Hasbani, Dr. Chaya Hasbani, Jack Hasbani, Dr. David Hasbani, Yvonne Kredi Kohen, Sarah Jaradeh, Azar Hasbani, Victor Hasbani, Raymond Hasbani, Sammy Hasbani

Siblings: Salem Rabiaa A”H, Emily Rabiaa A”H, Joseph Rabiaa A”H

Frieda Odette Kassab A”H

Family Members: Husband: Selim Kassab A”H / Children: Abraham Kassab, Julia Levy (Israel), Sofia Berant (Israel), Norma Salman, Nissim Kassab

Siblings: Marcus, Jack A”H, Edna, Aliza, Toufic, Eli, Moshe, Edward, Edmond, Albert

Esther Gloria Kishk – Esther bat Menucha A”H

Family Members: Husband: Joseph Kishk A”H / Children: Abie Kishk, Michelle Kamar, Jack Kishk

Sibling: Beatrice Stillman A”H

Rose Mishaan – Shoshana Rose bat Esther A”H
Family Members: Husband: Shemtob Albert (“Shanty”) Mishaan A”H
Children: Saul (Chuck) Mishaan, Eileen Sutton, Robert Mishaan, Joyce Kanner, Michael Mishaan
Siblings: Raymond Tobias A”H, Irving Tobias A”H, Eli Tobias A”H, Joseph Tobias A”H, Celia Cain A”H , Leo Tobias, Jack Tobias

Effie Saka – Latifa bat Simha A”H
Family Members: Husband: Isaac C Saka A”H / Children: Charles, Marvin, Ronald A”H
Siblings: Fred A”H, Sarah Heiney A”H, Sol A”H, Hymie A”H, Marlo Eastman A”H, Irving A”H, Joe, Adele Gemal

Victoria Sakkal – Victoria Chaya bat Sarah A”H

Family Members: Husband: Leon Sakkal A”H / Children: Desi Sakkal, Alan Sakkal, Joey Sakkal, Simon Sakkal, David Sakkal

Siblings who are aware: Nanda BenZaken, Rosy Hamway

Iris Sankary – Chaya bat Mikla A”H
Family Members: Children: Randi Shomer, David Sankary, Casey Rothschild, Josh Sankary, Adam Sankary

Ann Shamah – Hannah bat Miriam A”H
Family Members: Husband: Joe Shamah A”H / Children: Valerie Tabush, Cookie Setton, Alan Shamah
Siblings: Moe Hidary A”H, Abe Hidary A”H, Ike Hidary, Ben Hidary A”H, David J. Hidary

Bella Weingort A”H

Family Members: Husband: Jaime Waingort A”H / Children: Marty Waingort, Elisa Waingort

Tenuhamu Min Hashamayim. May the Families be consoled with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, Amen.

Torah Insights Into Bacteria and Infectious Diseases

Community Magazine

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May 2020

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Torah Insights Into Bacteria and Infectious Diseases

Rabbi Zamir Cohen

“This applies regardless of whether the person is healthy or not, for a person may carry bacteria that do not harm him, but can be dangerous to others.”

The subject of medicine and the knowledge of healing were well known in ancient times. The Talmud mentions cures for a long list of maladies, including at least one cure that is more advanced than what medical technology offers today. It describes a type of surgery to remove a brain tumor, in which a drug was given to the patient to put him to sleep and a mixture of herbs was boiled, cooled, and poured on the patient’s head until his skull became soft, allowing it to be cut open and the growth removed. Two millennia before MRIs and CT scans, medical practitioners had a way to determine the exact location of a brain tumor and an incredibly detailed understanding of human anatomy.

Unfortunately, many, if not all, of those remedies were specific to that era, and with passage of time, directions for their use were forgotten, along with much of the medical wisdom alluded to in the Talmud.

In recent centuries, however, we have seen remarkable advances in the field of medicine. Before the microscope revealed to us the hidden world of bacteria, physicians never dreamt that creatures existed that were invisible to the naked eye.

The size of average bacteria is about two microns by half a micron (a micron being a millionth of a meter, or a millionth of 39.37 inches). This means that laid end to end, there are 500,000 bacteria in a meter (or in 39.37 inches), or 2,000,000 lying side by side.

The first step towards discovering the existence of bacteria was taken by the Dutch scientist Antony van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723), using an early form of microscope which he helped develop. This was a simple brass plate fitted with a single polished lens capable of magnifying 200 times. Despite its relatively weak power, it allowed Leeuwenhoek to discern tiny creatures moving within materials taken from between people’s teeth.

But it was only in the second half of the 19^th century that the existence of bacteria and their role as vectors of disease was finally verified. The famous French scientist Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) was the most important 19^th century researcher of microorganisms and their relationship to various diseases. After discovering the existence of bacteria, Pasteur introduced disinfectant methods into hospitals and clinics to rid them of these invisible menaces. Prior to Pasteur’s work, a single dirty scalpel might have been used to perform multiple surgeries, unwittingly transferring bacteria from one patient to another, thus resulting in an extremely high death rate among surgery patients. No one had previously drawn a connection between the bacteria-laden instruments and patient deaths. After Pasteur introduced his disinfectant methods, patient death rates dropped sharply.

Continuing his research, Pasteur found that heat could destroy harmful bacterial present in cow’s milk. As a result of this discovery, millions of infants previously unable to breastfeed were saved from death. The process he developed was subsequently named after him – pasteurization.

It has been less than 160 years since scientists made the following important discoveries:

* The existence of bacteria.

* The fact that bacteria cause and transmit disease through the blood or other bodily secretions of an infected patient.

* The fact that bacteria can be destroyed by heat. (Another recent discovery has shown that high body temperature brought on by infections itself serves to destroy bacteria within the body.)

One of the more recent discoveries in the field of microbiology is the possibility of a person carrying a dangerous strain of bacteria without being sick, and transmitting the bacteria to others who then take ill.

Germs in the Talmud

Remarkable, long before COVID-19, the notion of invisible harmful bacteria is mentioned in ancient Jewish texts. The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 170:16) rules:

“A man shall not drink from a cup then give it to another, because of life threatening dangers.”

This idea is explained in the teachings of the Tanna Rabbi Eliezer (cited by the commentary of the Taz to the Shulhan Aruch):

“For perhaps there is an illness in his body, which might go from his mouth into the cup, making his friend ill.”

Rabbi Eliezer, who lived some 2,000 years ago, already knew that:

* Illness can be attributed to invisible factors, which are present not only within the affected organ, but throughout the sick person’s body, including his bodily secretions.

* These invisible transmitters can pass from person to person indirectly, such as by their sharing the same cup, whereby the second person becomes infected.

* Most importantly, even a healthy person must not share his cup with others, lest “there is an illness in his body.” In other words, even an apparently healthy person may carry a strain of bacteria that is harmless to him, but might cause illness in another.

Further evidence that the sages knew of the existence of microbes and bacteria may be drawn from the following statement of the Talmud (Masechet Avodah Zarah 28a), written some 1,600 years ago:

“Shemuel said: An open wound caused by a piece of iron is to be regarded as life threatening, and one is allowed to violate Shabbat [in order to treat it].”

Shabbat desecration is permitted only for the purpose of treating life-threatening illnesses, and therefore treating a simple wound is generally forbidden on Shabbat if it entails a Shabbat violation. However, when a wound was caused by a piece of iron, it should be treated even with procedures that involve Shabbat desecration, because even a superficial wound of this type can be life-threatening.

Did medical experts of the time find this statement puzzling, seeing that it refers to a relatively minor wound? And why is such a wound considered life-threatening?

Today, we know that rusty iron contains bacteria that can cause a tetanus infection, also known as lockjaw, and that the entry of these bacteria into the body through even a superficial wound can ultimately be lethal. The Torah sages knew this before the advent of modern science. Scientific opinion at the time (and till centuries later) denied any connection between superficial wounds and life-threatening illness. Indeed, before the discovery of bacteria, there was no good reason to imagine that a small wound could cause death. Non-Jewish medical experts would have claimed that the patient died from some previous, internal disease. And undoubtedly, they would not have recommended that a Jew violate Shabbat to treat a patient under such circumstances. Yet, despite the sages’ efforts to preserve the sanctity of Shabbat, they were not ready to accept the current medical opinion in this case. Their knowledge had been passed on from generation to generation, and they knew that a wound caused by iron could be life-threatening. Appropriately, they gave practical instructions to treat such a wound, big or small, as it could cause a massive lethal infection. As we know today, scientists eventually reached the same conclusion through their research.

Medical Insights in the Talmud

We can now see that through their study of the Torah, the Sages knew the following:

A. Tiny, invisible creatures exist in our natural world.
B. These creatures, now called bacteria (from the Greek word for “small staff,” because the first observed bacteria were rod shaped), can cause the transmission of infectious diseases from one person to another.
C. Bacteria are present throughout the sick person’s body and not only in the affected organ. This includes bodily secretions such as saliva.
D. We should therefore be careful not to drink from someone else’s cup, in case he is sick and the bacteria in his saliva prove contagious.
E. This applies regardless of whether the person is healthy or not, for a person may carry bacteria that do not harm him, but can be dangerous to others.
F. Particularly dangerous bacteria can be found in rusty iron. Thus, we may violate the Shabbat prohibitions in order to treat even a superficial wound of this type. Obviously, such permission is granted only in the case of a wound through which tetanus bacteria can enter and cause infection, and not in the case of a light scrape or bruise.
G. Boiling a liquid will help to destroy bacteria it may contain.
H. To prevent bacterial infections during surgery, the maximum level of cleanliness should be maintained.

Rabbi Zamir Cohen is the founder of the Hidabroot organization and has written several books on the topics of Jewish thought and law.

Dear Jido – May 2020

Community Magazine

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May 2020

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Dear Jido,

How do I talk to my five-year-old son about the coronavirus – without scaring him to death? How can I explain to him why he can’t go school, shul, or even to the playground? This is something that I can’t even process. How is a five year old going to comprehend what is going on – without being scarred for his life?

Signed,

Quarantined with a Five Year Old

Dear Q,

Daddy, how come there’s no more school? And how come you don’t go to work anymore? And why can’t my friends come over and play with me?

Those are good questions, Abie. I’ll try to explain. You know how when you come home from the park or from playing outside Mommy always tells you, “Abie, be sure to wash your hands!”? Why do you think she says that?

I don’t know.

Because when you have dirt on your hands they have germs.

What’s a germ?

It’s something really, really small that you can’t see, but it can make you sick.

So that’s why they closed my school?

Almost. You see right now there is a germ out there that no one can see and nobody knows who has it. But the doctors know, a LOT of people have it. So in order that the kids in school and your rebbes and your morahs don’t get sick, they closed the school.

Why don’t they just wash their hands like I do?

Ahh, good. You see, this germ isn’t only on your hands. It stays on your body. And it goes, laddy-dah-di-dah-di-dah. And it waits to jump from one person to another. And if it doesn’t find somebody else to go to, after two weeks it just goes, woops! And it goes away. So that’s what we’re waiting for.

That mean I am going to get sick? And you? And Mommy?

No, like I said, if we didn’t get sick since we’ve been home, we should ALL BE OKAY.

Be’ezrat Hashem.

Jido

The Lighter Side – April 2020

Community Magazine

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April 2020

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Tech Support Soldier

One of Microsoft’s finest technicians was drafted and sent to boot camp. At the rifle range, he was given some instructions, a rifle, and bullets. He fired several shots at the target. The report came from the target area that all attempts had completely missed the target.

The technician looked at his rifle and then at the target. He looked at the rifle again, and then at the target again. He put his hand over the end of the rifle barrel and squeezed the trigger with his other hand, blowing a hole right through his palm. Without hesitation, he then yelled toward the target area, “It’s leaving here just fine, the trouble must be at your end!”

Yitzy D

The Sin of Lying

One Friday night, Rabbi Joseph told his congregation, “Tomorrow, my sermon will be all about the sin of lying. To help you understand it better, I would like you all to read Vayikra chapter 28 before prayers tomorrow morning.”

The next day, at the start of his sermon, Rabbi Joseph asked his congregation, “How many of you have read Vayikra 28?”

Most hands went up.

Rabbi Joseph smiled and said, “Vayikra has only 27 chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying.”

Abe C.

Bagel Purchase

Charlie puts two bagels on the counter and asks, “How much for these bagels?”

“$1.00 for both,” replies the clerk.

Charlie points to just one of them and asks, “How much for this one?”

“65 Sixty-five cents,” replies the clerk.

“Oh, ok. I’ll take the other one then…”

Sylvia S.

Eye Really Care

Working in an ophthalmology practice that specializes in LASIK surgery, Sally’s job was to comfort nervous patients. Once, a patient who came in for surgery was so frightened that she was actually shaking. Nothing that Sally said seemed to calm her. Meanwhile, the doctor finished operating on her left eye and began on the right eye. Sally wanted her to know that the surgery was going well.

“There,” she said, patting her hand reassuringly. “Now you only have one eye left!”

Jack V. Grazi

Shades of Style

While I was shopping in a pharmacy, a couple of teenagers came in. One of the boys had blue and purple spiked hair, and the other had bright green hair and a yellow hat. Suddenly, the boy with the yellow hat picked up a pair of sunglasses and tried them on.

“What do you think?” he asked his friend.

“Take them off,” he howled. “They make you look ridiculous!”

Jack V. Grazi

Wishing Well

Lindsay: Hey, Sue, aren’t you going to toss a penny into the fountain and make a wish?

Sue: No way, I had a bad experience.

Lindsay: A bad experience? What could have possibly happened?

Sue: Last year I tossed a coin and prayed for a fat bank account and a thin body.

Lindsay: So what, it didn’t come true?

Sue: Worse. It came true… but in the reverse order!

Anne N.

Delivering in the Dark

Deep in the back woods of Arkansas, Bubba’s wife went into labor in the middle of the night, and the local doctor was called out to assist in the delivery. Since there was no electricity, the doctor handed the father- to-be a lantern and said, “Here. You hold this high so I can see what I am doing.”

Just a few minutes later, a new baby boy was brought into the world.

“Whoa there,” said the doctor. “Don’t be in such a rush to put that lantern down. I think there’s another one coming.”

Sure enough, within minutes, he had delivered a baby girl.

“Hold that lantern up, don’t set it down… There’s another one!” the doctor exclaimed.

Within a few minutes, he had delivered a third baby.

“No, don’t be in a hurry to put down that lantern, it seems there’s yet another one coming!” cried the doctor.

By now, Bubba was scratching his head in bewilderment. He finally turned to the doctor and asked, “You reckon it might be the light that’s attractin’ ‘em?”

Isaac D.

Mailing the Most Wanted?

Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the post office? What are we supposed to do, write to them? Why don’t they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?

Sheila Y.

Jewish Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream is now available in Israel with various flavors being offered in different parts of the country.

Jerusalem: Wailing Wallnut, Moishemellow, Chazalnut, Simchas T’Oreo

Northern Galilee: Berry Pr’i Hagafen

In the South: Choc-Eilat Chip

All around the country: Mazel Toffee, Mi Ka-mocha, Oy Ge-malt

It should be noted that with any of these flavors, patrons can select either a cup or a Cohen!

Eddie G.

Who’s the Boss?

Marty, a division manager at a large company was known as a soft spoken person who rarely stood up for himself. Though he was often taken advantage of, things got worse in recent weeks. During his regular morning meetings, members of his staff started listening to their iPods, texting, and talking among themselves. The last straw was hearing one of his subordinates say under her breath, “He really thinks he’s the boss.”

So the next morning, Marty put up a big official-looking sign on the door to his office that read: “I Am the Boss and Don’t Ever Forget It!”

Later that day, when he returned from lunch, he saw that someone had stuck a note under his sign. The note read, “Your wife called. She said she wants her sign back ASAP!”

A. Cohen

Diet Pill Power

“I’m prescribing these pills for you,” the doctor said to Peter, who tipped the scale at three hundred pounds.

“Can I take them with water?” Peter asked.

“Oh no,” the doctor said, “I don’t want you to swallow them at all. Just spill them on the floor twice a day and pick them up, one at a time.”

Nancy A.

A Bony Display

An orthopedic surgeon was moving to a new office, with the help of his staff. One of the nurses sat the display skeleton in the front of her car, a bony arm across the back of the seat.

On the drive across town, she stopped at a traffic light, and the stares of the people in the neighboring car compelled her to roll down her window and yell, “I’m delivering him to my doctor’s office.”

The other driver leaned out of his window. “I hate to tell you, lady,” he said, “but I think it’s too late!”

Michael L.

The Plague and the Pendulum

Community Magazine

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April 2020

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Although it is quite common for Jews to be talking about plagues during the month of April, this year practically every person throughout the globe is talking and thinking about this subject as well – that is of course, the plague of COVID-19.

Reactions to the developing coronavirus saga range from one extreme to the other – literally. Some are trying their hardest to downplay, or even shrug off, the serious nature of this spreading pandemic. Citing a host of statistics, they are irresponsibly urging the public to ignore the very real dangers posed by this new disease, officially labeled COVID-19.

At the other end of the pendulum’s swing are the over-reactors. These are the people who, though they do not have any symptoms, have not traveled abroad, nor come in contact with anyone who is suspected of having the illness, are taking extreme and unnecessary precautions. There is currently no reason for these individuals to walk around with masks or to refuse to emerge from their bedrooms.

Both approaches are singularly unhelpful. Failing to undertake the necessary hishtadlut to try to prevent the further spread of this illness constitutes gross negligence. At the same time, overreacting and causing unnecessary panic is also highly counterproductive.

Further complicating this issue is the onslaught of rumors and misleading information being spread on social media and by word of mouth.

In this section, we include various directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and since they are likely to change, we urge readers to continually seek updates from reputable sources of information. As the COVID-19 pandemic shakes the world economy and sends thousands hiding behind masks, reliable information is more urgent than ever.

Torah Lessons to be Learned

Equally important are the lessons that we Torah Jews must learn from this epidemic. These include the reality that in 2020, despite the incredible technological advances in medicine, for all practical purposes, when it comes to battling an epidemic, little has changed since 1348, when the bubonic plague ravished Europe. Neither quarantines nor border controls have thus far managed to stop the spread of the disease, and currently there is no known cure.

The repercussions of the disease have rattled the global economy, and have already had a devastating effect on sectors affiliated with travel, tourism, and entertainment. The most powerful countries in the world scramble to react, and have been rendered helpless and hapless.

Once again, mankind has been reminded of its limitations.

We read in the Gemara that punishment (in the form of disasters) comes into the world because the Jews are not behaving in a Torah-correct way. R. Eleazar ben Abina said: Punishment comes into the world only on Israel’s account, for it is said:

I have eliminated nations, their towers have become desolate; I have destroyed their streets without passerby; their cities have become ruins, without people, so there is no inhabitant. I said,

“Just be in awe of Me, accept chastisement,” so that her Abode would not be terminated despite all that I have ordained upon her.

But [instead] they arose early and corrupted all their deeds (Zephaniah 3:6-7).

From the Chafetz Chaim

Nearly 100 years ago, when devastating earthquakes killed tens of thousands of people in Japan, the Chofetz Chaim undertook a partial fast and urged Klal Yisrael to do teshuvah. Two years later, when a powerful earthquake hit Russia, destroying entire cities and causing many fatalities, the Chofetz Chaim wrote a powerful letter about it.

“The understanding person will realize that Hashem is urging us to do teshuvah and is showing us all that He has the power to do as He pleases, and none of His creations of Above or below can tell Him what to do. …”

This clarion call is relevant today as it was a century ago.

Portions adapted from an editorial in Hamodia Prime News Magazine.

Pesach Prep – Keeping it Simple

Community Magazine

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April 2020

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Ellen Geller Kamaras

What does a simple, yet special Pesach mean to you?

As someone who downsized from a traditional colonial three-bedroom house in Madison, Brooklyn, to a two-bedroom co-op in Brooklyn Heights, simplicity has been my go-to strategy for Pesach, Shabbat, holidays, and in my daily life.

I have learned so much about hosting, hachnassat orchim, and shaatra from the talented and gracious women I interview for the Woman to Woman column.

Shelly Antebi taught me a very special approach to hosting guests. Take thirty minutes to relax and chill before your guests arrive. Her mother said that people would feel uncomfortable and would not enjoy the meal if she looked tired and stressed. How insightful is that?

Let’s take that strategy to the next level – how distraught would your visitors feel if you fell asleep or kept nodding off from exhaustion at a Pesach seder?

Another clever woman, Cindy Antebi, shared that she cooks for Shabbat on Thursday night and buys mazza from the local businesses to make her life easier. A confident woman may feel that she doesn’t have to prove that she can cook everything, provided she can afford to supplement her menu with purchases. By buying some of the dishes, she also contributes to the success of her fellow business owners.

And let’s not forget Nicole Shamah, founder of Nicole’s Kitchen. She created a niche by taking the work out of a home cooked meal and enabling her customers to serve it as their own.

A Lesson Learned

So, why am I emphasizing simplicity?

As a young married woman, I followed my mother’s example in preparing for Pesach. My mom, a”h, didn’t go to sleep the night before erev Pesach and she couldn’t keep her eyes open during the seder. My aha moment came when I heard the guidelines presented at various pre-Pesach shiurim. I realized that I didn’t need to buy the latest Pesach cookbook, prepare gourmet dishes, wash the curtains, or scrub my son’s Lego blocks or my daughter’s make-believe tea set. I decided to focus on my main goal for Pesach: to fulfill the mitzvot of the hag and to celebrate with my family. That means enjoying the Haggadah reading and the various commentaries offered by the those around the table, educating the children about Yetziat Mitzrayim, and being grateful for family, friends, and our physical and spiritual freedom.

Let’s work together to turn our houses over as simply as possible, avoid Pesach Overwhelm and enjoy the holiday!

Keep it Simple and Focused

Give up on being perfect. Set realistic expectations about the hag and please don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, aim for being the best version of yourself.

Be mindful. Avoid operating on autopilot. Don’t get stuck doing exactly what you did the year before. Perhaps you can keep your menu simpler or have more meals out with family and friends. Change can be a good thing! Pesach is a celebration of our liberation from slavery in Egypt. So, let’s not run ourselves ragged for a holiday that is meant to be joyful and emancipating!

Stay focused on your goal. Keeping a positive attitude is key. If you have done this before, you can do it again, and perhaps even better and easier! Apply those lessons learned and implement changes this year.

Keep your eye on productivity. If thinking about Pesach Prep leads to procrastination, work on your time management and making lists. Avoid out-of-control lists and focus on the most important and challenging tasks for the day.

Divide and Conquer

Break your preparation into actionable tasks and manageable chunks of time. Choose a task, e.g. cleaning the refrigerator. Set a timer for the estimated period that you think you need and go for it! SMART goals are those that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely and have a greater probability of getting accomplished.

Perform your tasks in short surges with concentrated focus. Working in short and concentrated surges (with breaks or resting) increases productivity.

Get enough sleep. Don’t burn the candles at both ends. We want to be rested to enjoy the hag with family and friends.

Plan breaks in advance with rewards. Plan a short walk or a smoothie. Working towards that reward incentivizes you to get the job done.

Unplug or shut your phone while you are performing a task. Social media can be an enormous distraction when you want to check off that item as completed.

Pesach Strategies

I surveyed friends, family, and community women and asked them to share their Pesach preparation tips. Here’s what they said:

When do you begin your Pesach preparations?

Many women start their Pesach prep right after Purim, which happens to coincide with when the kosher for Pesach foods start to appear on grocery shelves.

The timeline varies for cleaning versus cooking and baking. Before Purim, I personally go through my pantry closet and dispose of canned goods and boxed food with sell by or use by dates that have expired.

Some women begin to go room by room as early as February, and they tackle one closet/room per week. Shelly Antebi takes everything out of the closets and discards anything that wasn’t used in the past year, and completely scrubs down the closet and room and puts everything back in new organized sections.

Stacey Gindi starts her Pesach cleaning right after Purim. She usually weaves in spring cleaning and organization because she enjoys those tasks and not because she feels pressured to. Stacey tries to stay organized all year so her Pesach cleaning doesn’t need to be so intense.

How do you prepare?

Stacey prepares a two-week schedule, working backwards from erev Pesach to include all the required cleaning/shopping/cooking/work. As a working mother, she finds this schedule helps her to juggle all her responsibilities and to stay organized. She also strives to keep a positive perspective to avoid undue stress.

Before Alyce K. leaves Brooklyn for her Florida six-week winter getaway, she pulls and boxes everything from her pantry cupboards. Some items will be disposed of and others, such as canned and jarred goods, will be placed in a special section. The cabinets, drawers, and refrigerator get a first cleaning and then a final cleaning before Pesach.

The timeline for koshering the kitchen ranges from three to seven days before the hag. The cooking and baking usually follow as soon as the kitchen is kosher for Pesach.

My friend Bonnie turns over her kitchen for Pesach over a week before Pesach and cooks kosher for Pesach meals only for this time period. She keeps the dining room table available for any hametz her family eats, usually cereal or sandwiches. If weather permits, serves hametz on the porch.

What is your Pesach strategy or approach?

Most women concentrate on simplicity and working smarter not harder. This means focusing on what really matters.

My finance background influences me to implement process improvement in my Pesach prep and my life coach training encourages me to be mindful.

Declutter your space, declutter your mind! Pesach is a fabulous time to declutter. Keep an eye out for clutter during PP! You will enjoy the extra space that results from doing this task. It’s my first key step that I launch in February.

Regarding Pesach dishes, gadgets, and cookware, I keep a running log during Pesach of items that I never used during the hag as well as new items that I will need for the following hag. I write notes on a large index card and transfer it to a separate iPhone note pad called Pesach Next Year.

I recommend looking through your Pesach storage closet or bins and giving away the items you never use or haven’t used in years. When you put away your Pesach supplies, label your containers clearly so you can easily spot what you need, and don’t pack up things that you will never use.

Many women clean out cupboards and set them aside for Pesach groceries or even set up portable shelves in the den for Pesach pots and pans and non-perishable foods.

Do you buy all the newest Pesach products and cookbooks or stick to the basics?

Most women keep a log of Pesach menu items from year to year, including the ingredients and quantities needed. They do, however, enjoy trying new recipes either from new cookbooks, finding them online, or from friends.

I like to stick to the basics. It’s only eight days! Avoid impulse shopping and go to the supermarket with a list in hand. Save money and eat matzah in its natural form vs. buying pricey imitation hametz items such as rolls. Isn’t matzah what you think of when someone says Pesach? The savings can be used for a hol hamoed outing.

I would love to hear how you made your Pesach simple, yet special!

Hag Kasher ve’Sameach!

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).