What Are Sinuses?

Every so often, you’ve probably heard people complain about a sinus headache or a sinus infection. Have you ever wondered what sinuses are?

Your sinuses are vital to the health and well-being of your body. Sinuses are pockets of air located within the bones of your head and face. They’re sometimes referred to as sinus cavities.

These sinus cavities are lined with soft, moist tissue, called mucus membranes, which help to moisten the air you breathe. They also make mucus, a sticky substance that helps trap dust and bacteria. As you breathe in air through your nose and mouth, the air moves through the sinus passages on the way to the lungs, and the mucus helps humidify and filter the air.

Very small hairs, called cilia,line the mucus membranes. Cilia move back and forth to push any mucus through tiny openings called ostia, which connect to the inside of your nose. Any fluid or mucus that collects in the sinuses will drain through the ostia into your nose and then down the back of your throat, where it will be either swallowed or coughed out. The draining of mucus helps keep your nose moist, and it filters out dust and bacteria. Sinuses also act as an insulator to help warm the air you breathe.

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is when sinuses become infected or irritated. Doctors estimate that over thirty-seven million Americans develop sinusitis every year! These infections usually follow colds or bouts with allergies. When someone has a cold or allergies, his nasal passages become swollen and make more mucus…and so do the sinus tissues. The sinuses need to be able to drain regularly and freely in order to clear mucus and function properly. If the drainage gets blocked, it creates sinus problems that can lead to a sinus infection.

The sinuses extend through the cheekbones, the forehead, behind the nose, and between the eyes.

Sinuses are not fully developed at birth, but you have the following four sinuses by the time you reach your teen years:

* Frontal sinuses, which are in the bone of the forehead, above the bridge of the nose, close to your eyes. There is one frontal sinus on either side of the face (one by each eye).

* Maxillary (MACK-suh-lair-ee) sinuses, which are by your cheekbones. These are the largest of the sinuses. There is one maxillary sinus behind each cheekbone.

* Ethmoid (ETH-moid) sinuses, which are between the eyes, behind the bone at the inside corner of each eye. There are three small pairs of ethmoid sinuses.

* Sphenoid (SFEE-noid) sinuses, which are behind your nose. There are two sphenoid sinuses, and they are located behind the ethmoid sinuses.

True or False??

Sinus infections are contagious.

False. There is no evidence to suggest that sinus infections are contagious. However, you may get a cold from someone else, which can then lead to a sinus infection (if not cared for properly). Washing your hands regularly can help keep germs and colds away.

When Korach, Moshe’s first cousin, launched his brazen revolt against Moshe’s authority, challenging his and his brother’s right to leadership, he brought some “big names” with him.  Like a good politician seeking to earn public support, he made a point of getting some prominent people on board.  These included 250 “princes of the congregation” (“nesi’eh edah” – 16:2), identified by our sages as the leading Torah scholars of that generation.  Korach also brought onto his team Datan and Aviram, two well-known “rabble rousers” who already had a long history – dating back to Egypt – of challenging Moshe.

These people had different stakes in the game.  Korach, the commentators explain, resented the appointment of another of his cousins – Elitzafan –to the position of leader of the Kehat family, a position which Korach felt he deserved.  The 250 rabbis were motivated by genuine spiritual longing, passionately wishing to have the privilege to serve as kohen gadol inside the Mishkan.  And Datan and Aviram, as mentioned, were always looking for opportunities to oppose Moshe.  What these people all had in common was discontent with Moshe’s leadership, and so they banded together to challenge his authority.

On Ben Pelet

In the opening verses of the story of Korach, the Torah also mentions another figure who appears to have played an important role– a member of the tribe of Reuven named On ben Pelet.  We are given no information about him, but if he is mentioned by name, it stands to reason that his participation in the uprising was significant.

This implied significance makes it especially striking that his name never appears again later in the story.On ben Pelet is listed among the main instigators, but we never hear about him again.

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 110a), noting On’s mysterious “disappearance,” fills in the missing details, telling the fascinating story of how this prominent participant in Korach’s uprising was saved from the tragic fate that befell his cohorts.On’s wifewas an exceptionally wise woman, and she saw what On could not see due to his having been blinded by Korach’s charm, and by the excitement of the controversy.  She asked On what he stood to gain by joining Korach’s revolt.  After all, if the uprising succeeded, then Korach would be the leader instead of Moshe.  On would not benefit at all.  There was no advantage to his supporting Korach.

On accepted his wife’s advice, but he said it was too late.  He had already sworn loyalty to Korach’s cause, and the rebels were relying on his participation.  He could not back out at this point.

On’s wife devised a plan.  She gave him lots of wine to drink, and he fell into a deep sleep.  When Korach’s men came to bring On to join in their confrontation against Moshe, she removed her hair covering and stood outside their tent.  Korach’s men would not approach the tent, as she was standing there with her hair exposed, and so they turned around.  On remained asleep during the ill-fated confrontation between Korach’s followers and Moshe, which resulted in the burning of the 250 men who vied for the role of kohen gadol, and in the ground opening and devouring Korach, Datan and Aviram.

Manoah

Let us leave the story of Korach, and fast forward many years, to the period of the shoftim, to a time when Beneh Yisrael suffered bitterly at the hands of the Pelishtim who were terrorizing them.

We read in the Book of Shoftim (13) – in the section read as the haftarah for Parashat Naso – of a man named Manoah who was childless for many years.  One day, an angel appeared to Manoah’s wife and informed her that she would soon bear a child who would lead Beneh Yisrael to victory against the Pelishtim.  As this child would be designated for a special leadership role, the angel explained, he would need to abide by certain restrictions.  His hair must never be cut, and he must never drink wine.

Manoah’s wifewent to her husband and told her about the angel.  Seemingly mistrusting her, Manoach beseeched Gd to send the angel a second time to explain the rules regarding the child that was going to be born.  Sure enough, the angel appeared to Manoah’s wife a second time, and she ran to bring Manoah.  When he arrived, the angel told him that he must follow the guidelines that his wife had been told. 

Later, Manoah’s wife delivered a boy, whom they named Shimshon.  As the angel promised, Shimshon led Beneh Yisrael in the campaign against the Pelishtim.

At this point, I expect the reader to wonder why this story is presented here in this article, in the context of the story of On ben Pelet.  It certainly appears that these two men have absolutely nothing to do with one another.

However, one of the great Italian kabbalists, Rav Menahem Azaryah of Fano (“the Rama Mi’Fano,” 1548-1620), taught that these stories are very closely connected.  In fact, although one took place many years after the other, they actually involve the same people!

The Rama Mi’Fano writes that Manoach and his wife were gilgulim – reincarnations – of On ben Pelet and his wife.  In both stories, the wife takes the leadership role, guiding and instructing her husband.  In the case of On ben Pelet, this is obvious, but in the sort of Manoah, too, his wife was the one who received the instructions from the angel, and, moreover, the verse states that when the angel returned, “vayelech Manoah ahareh ishto – Manoah followed his wife.”  It is clear from the story that Moah was led by his wife, just as On ben Pelet’s wife steered him in the direction he needed to go.

The Rama Mi’Pano adds that Shimshon, Manoah’s son, was to abstain from wine – which is what On ben Pelet’s wife used to save him.  And the name “Manoah” means “rest,” an allusion to On’s deep slumber during his cohorts’ confrontation with Moshe.

The question, then, becomes, what is the meaning and significance of this connection?  What are we to learn from the reincarnation of On ben Pelet and his wife, and their becoming the parents of Shimshon?

The Long Haul

The answer becomes clear in light of a mysterious feature of the story of Manoah.

We find in Tanach several stories of women who were unable to conceive.  We are all familiar with the stories of Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Hannah.  Another example is the “Shunamite woman” who cared for the prophet Elisha.  In all these instances, the couple prayed for children, or had some merit on account of which they were blessed with a child.  The notable exception is Manoah and his wife.  The text gives us no indication of what they did to be blessed with a child after many years of infertility.  We do not hear about them praying or performing any special mitzvah for which they were rewarded.

The Rama Mi’Fano’s theory solves this mystery.  Manoah and his wife were blessed in the merit of On ben Pelet’s wife.  Her wisdom and her initiative saved her husband’s life, and, moreover, helped preserve the honor of Moshe Rabbenu by taking away a prominent participant of the uprising.  The reward came many years later, in the form of Shimshon.  On ben Pelet’s wife saved her husband – and so she was blessed with a child who would end up saving Beneh Yisrael from the Pelishtim.

These might seem like esoteric concepts which bear no direct relevance to us, but I would like to draw our attention to one practical lesson that we all need to learn, and that is the long-term impact of our actions.  The full reward for On’s wife came much later, well after she passed away – teaching us that the fruits of our efforts are not reaped right away, but in the future, and sometimes even in the very distant future.

Spiritual Patience is Needed

Technology has accustomed us to expect immediate results, to access information at the press of a button, to have food ready and prepared the moment we feel hungry, to experience gratification right away when we want something.  We have, I’m afraid, grown impatient, demanding “on-demand” results.

But religious life doesn’t work this way.  Torah commitment is not about immediate results or immediate gratification.  Learning Torah can be difficult and challenging, and often it is only after years of hard work that we experience the indescribable joy and satisfaction that Torah knowledge brings.People who embrace observance as adults, or who decide to raise their level of observance as adults, are likely to struggle at first before enjoying the delights of religious life.  And, we never know when and in what form the rewards for our mitzvot will come.  If we pray, learn Torah and fulfill mitzvot with the expectation of right away seeing our rewards, we will be sorely disappointed, and disillusioned.  We must be in it for the long haul.

Every prayer has value and helps us.  Every good deed we perform yields incalculable rewards.  Every small amount of Torah we learn builds us and brings us closer to Hashem.  More often than not, we will not see the value, rewards and benefits of our prayer, learning and observance, but we believe that at some point – perhaps even long after we leave this world – our efforts will bear fruit.

The Mishnah in Pirkeh Avot (1:3) urges us not to be like servants who serve their master solely for reward, and to instead serve Hashem without expecting reward.  This is not because we cannot expect rewards for our efforts – but because we never know when or how we will be rewarded.

Let us, then, commit to perform mitzvot with joy and vigor – trusting that each and every good deed is more valuable than we can ever imagine.

QUESTION:

Dear Rabbi Ali,

I know that this may seem petty or simple, but it bothers me a lot. My husband has a difficult time waking up for minyan and it seems that no matter what I say to him, we almost always get into an argument. My father and brothers all go to minyan every morning and it really bothers me that he seems to not care at all. What can I do to get him to go to minyan?

R’ Ali’s Response:

This is a very common question that I am asked and I do see this asked on many forums. I’d like to start with a point that I feel everyone must hear, regardless of whether this question pertains to you or not. You mention that this question may seem petty, insinuating that maybe you have no right to ask it or that maybe you should just “move on “ and forget about it. This is a huge mistake. Marital advice, and all types of advice are not solely for serious problems.

To answer your question I’d like to address each point that you’ve mentioned one at a time. You two argue or fight every time you bring up the “minyan issue.” I hate to sound cynical, but why would you bring up something repeatedly if it turns into an argument or a fight every time? Unfortunately, you now have two issues. Your husband is still not waking up for minyan and you two are arguing. This idea applies to all marital issues and to parenting as well. If an attempt to rectify something has failed once or twice, it’s time to stop doing the same thing and expecting different results. Many people will acknowledge what I’m telling them but still they will say, “What else am I supposed to do?” To this I say, we don’t do something that doesn’t work (and possibly causes more problems) because we don’t have a better option. We don’t use failing methods for lack of better methods. That just doesn’t make any sense.

The first thing I would advise you to do is stop telling your husband how much this situation bothers you. I will give you an idea of what you can do, but there is another point that I’d like to address. You mention that your father and brother go to minyan daily, why can’t your husband? This implies that you’d be okay with your husband slacking on minyan if your family were slacking as well. There is a grave danger in comparing people, especially in marriage. Comparing our situation to others’ is one of the most damaging things we can do for our marriage. We have to understand that our situation is different. We all have different dynamics and tests. Please try to avoid this trap.

Lastly, I feel it is of the utmost importance for people to internalize this next point. You are here to help, but you are not responsible for what choices your husband makes. He has the free will to do as he pleases. If he chooses to do something wrong, you are not responsible or at fault. This shouldn’t be taken to extremes to mean that we shouldn’t care and just leave our spouse alone. We should care and try to help our spouse out. But we should never feel as though it’s our duty to get them to succeed or make the right decisions. This is one of the driving forces behind a wife who constantly brings up the minyan issue with her husband – the feeling of responsibility. There are other motives that are less noble, such as not wanting to look bad in front of other people. Whatever it may be, try to be aware of your motives and you possibly won’t need any advice to “get him” to go to minyan.

If you genuinely would like to help and have a real concern for his spiritual growth, there is a very simple way to approach the situation. Wait for the right time and tell your husband that you’d like to discuss something. Let him know how great he is and how much you admire him and appreciate all that he does for you and the family. Then you should mention that you are concerned about his missing minyan and genuinely ask if everything is okay and if there is anything that you can do. If he says no, don’t ever bring it up again. As a follow up, when you do see him go to minyan, you can mention how nice it is to see him go to minyan. Positive reinforcement works with all people better than negativity.

DAVE GORDON

Yeshiva Bnei Shimon Yisrael and Talmud Torah of Kasho, both in Williamsburg, were informed by the New York State Education Department on February 11^th (after allegedly ignoring final warnings issued in December)that the institutions did not meet state mandated curricula requirements. Therefore, they were slated to lose state subsidies for meals, transportation, textbooks, and other services.

The yeshivot were sent letters in both English and Yiddish from the Education Department stating  that in addition to the lost funding, that parents were to enroll their children in other schools by July 1, as reported by Ynet and the New York Post.

“The yeshiva system provides a rigorous education, no less demanding than public schools,” community leaders responded in a statement.

The Education Department’s letter also stated that they reached out several times to the yeshivot and determined that each of the institutions were “no longer deemed a school, which provides compulsory education fulfilling the requirements of Article 65 of the Education Law.”

The following May, four other unnamed yeshivot were also facing the same situation, according to The Jewish Press.

These yeshivot were given a June 30 deadline, by which time they were required to show that they were offering curricula that was “substantially equivalent” to public schools, as required by state regulations adopted three years ago.

This marks the first time the New York State Education Department has taken such extreme action, ordering parents to find alternative educational arrangements for their children for the upcoming academic year.

According to the New York Post, that meant choosing a different religious school that meets legal requirements, homeschooling, or a public school.

Educational Standards

This past February, Ynet News reported that the issue initially arose as a result of a 2022 New York Times investigation, that claimed at least 18 publicly funded yeshivot failed to meet state educational standards.

Despite the controversy, Mayor Eric Adams said in response to the report, “Yeshivas provide a high-quality education that nurtures our children, and other schools should learn from them.”

Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) asked educational expert Moshe Krakowskito weigh in. He responded that these yeshivot were not falling short on the state’s expectations.

Krakowski is a professor at Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration and is the Director of Doctoral Studies at Azrieli. He studies American haredi education and culture.

“There are many Chassidic schools that offer the basics of reading, writing, arithmetic, social studies, and civics through at least the seventh through eighth-grade level,” Krakowski told JNS, adding that they “spend most of their day in incredibly rigorous, high-level religious study – and it’s not like these kids are left truant.”

Politicians Get Involved

In an attempt to placate both sides, two local Jewish politicians have since become involved in the issue–City Councilman Simcha Felder and Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein (District 48).

Their efforts appeared to have initiated an anonymously sponsored Assembly draft bill on March 11^th, determined to revise the standards that religious schools must meet. As of press time, the draft bill has entered in the final stages of budget negotiations. Reportedly, it was tucked into a budget bill to ostensibly bypass the legislative process.

Simcha Felder issued a statement to Community Magazine saying that he was “pleased that the New York State budget includes a seven-year pause on the implementation of the State’s overreaching regulation of our nonpublic schools, including yeshivot.” He added that he remains “hopeful that the State’s willingness to reverse this policy permanently will continue to grow over time.”

Felder represented the 44th district on the New York City Council from 2002 to 2010, represented the 17th district in the New York State Senate from January 2013 to December 2022, and represented the 22nd district from January 2023 to April 2025. He won a special election for New York City Council in the 44th District in March.

Felder said that while he served in Senate, he “consistently made the case that New York’s diverse educational needs are not one-size-fits-all and that results, not timekeeping, are the only way to judge educational quality.” 

He added that Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris paid close attention to the community’s concerns and “recognized the vital role these institutions play in providing quality education for our children.”

Advocacy Group and Four Brooklyn Yeshivot Take a Stand

Following the state’s letter to the yeshivas, the advocacy group Parents for Educational and Religious Liberty in Schools (PEARLS) filed a federal discrimination complaint, alleging that New York’s actions interfere with the autonomy of yeshivot and constitute discriminatory practices. PEARLS is comprised of families of students. educators, religious leaders, and community members mostly from Borough Park, Crown Heights, and Williamsburg. The U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office has not yet announced an investigation into these complaints, and no official statement from the administration has addressed the specific case of yeshiva funding cuts.

In January, the Times of Israel reported that four yeshivot in Brooklyn, Bobover Yeshiva Bnei Zion, Oholei Torah, United Talmudical Academy, and Yeshiva & Mesivta Arugas Habosem,filed a complaint with the US Department of Education alleging “targeted and discriminatory treatment,” by New York State. “Only the federal government can ensure that the yeshivas can pursue their missions free from interference,” the yeshivot stated. The yeshivot believed their Jewish studies curriculum were not accepted by New York authorities, and in doing so violated federal Title VI civil protection, that gave parents the right to choose their child’s education.

Dov Hikind Weighs In

Meanwhile, Dov Hikind, former New York State assemblyman, took a nuanced approach to state expectations and how the yeshivot could handle future similar issues.

He said he “knows all of the players, the yeshivas of Brooklyn, the main leaders” as he was a Brooklyn-based New York State assemblyman from 1983 to 2018.

“I think while things have improved over the years, we still have a way to go,” he said. He believes there is, however, common ground to be found.

“I think everything in the world should be done to work things out in a reasonable way where funds are not withheld, and there are some serious improvements in certain areas, period,” Hikind told Community Magazine.

Hikind attributes the slow pace of change in part to educators growing accustomed to the status quo.

Common ground is “actually the answer” he said. “I don’t think the state is so dug in… I think there needs to be movement on both sides.”

Hikind concedes that there may be a possibility that there are bad actors in the political system that have a chip on their shoulder, and have ideological reasons for opposing the yeshivot.

“Are there are people in the state who have motivations that are not kosher that want to sort of stick it to some of these schools? I wouldn’t be shocked by that, but I would say that overall, I think the goal is that there are rules, and those are good things.”

He has only warm words for the Jewish religious institutions, moreover, that he said are doing well in developing young minds.

“I love all these yeshivas. They’re great… [the students are] getting educated in very many ways,” said Hikind.

Sam Sutton

The 2025 M&S Softball season has arrived – and it’s louder, deeper, and more competitive than ever. With over 50 names on the waiting list, one thing’s crystal clear: if you’ve got a spot this year, you earned it.

This offseason wasn’t just about stretching hammies and oiling gloves. It marked a cultural reset. A new energy. A different intensity. Every captain came locked in, and the draft room felt more like a war room. No picks were wasted. No names taken lightly. And as the rosters took shape, so did the storylines.

Let’s break down the squads that’ll write the next chapter of M&S:

King Salomon Part Deux
Captain: Michael Sabon Salomon
Sabon set the tone for the entire draft by pulling off a pre-draft trade to acquire the #8 overall pick – giving him the coveted 1-and-8 combo. He used his top selection on Zack Ashkenazi, widely considered the best all-around player on the board. At #8, he snagged Yitz Sutton, the top arm in the draft – giving his team a bona fide ace from Day One.

From there, Sabon stacked the deck with playoff experience and big-game DNA. He reunited the veteran duo Teddy Ishak (TI) and Sammy Esses, a pairing with years of chemistry and hardware. He brought back Morris “Mo” Shamah, one of the league’s most dependable bats, and added Eric Cytryn, a respected defensive anchor and proven playoff performer.

Vandelay Industries
Captain: Sammy Seruya
Rookie captain – rising star. That’s the book on Sammy Seruya, the slick shortstop with who hit superstar status. But Seruya wasn’t shy on draft night – he took a big swing on unproven slugger Howie Hoffman, betting on upside and power. And he’ll be riding with rookie pitcher Abraham Benhamu to anchor his defense and set the tone on the mound.

Backed by key pieces like Sauly Esses, Jimmy Malakh, Bernie Pindek, and Yossi Abramson, Vandelay is an intriguing mix of high potential and proven leadership. It’s a team that could click fast – or grow into a monster by playoff time.

Texas Longhorns
Captain: Max Yedid
A familiar face is back in the saddle – Max Yedid, former M&S Cy Young winner and championship pitcher, makes his return to the captain’s chair. He drafted a veteran-heavy roster built to win. Names like Allie Marshall, Butchie Cohen, and Maurice Haber headline a squad that’s been there, done that, and knows how to get it done when it counts. Max is back – and so is the fear factor that comes with playing against his team.

Sephardic Bananas
Captain: Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda
The reigning World Series champ is back and looking to repeat. Last year, Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda captained a magical playoff run, and this year, he ran it back with a nearly identical core. His draft centerpiece? None other than his clutch companion David “Buca” Cohen. With names like Isaac Sasson, Jack Sutton, and Alan Jemal rounding out the roster, the Bananas have chemistry, confidence, and championship DNA.

Kaboom!
Captain: Uri Adler
Let’s just say… Uri changed it up this year – and it might be his best build yet. Gone is the typical Uri mold. In its place is a sleek, powerful new roster led by Sol Fallas, Nadav Auerbach, and Abraham Saka. On paper, Kaboom has speed, power, arms, and attitude. It’s a no-nonsense team that could light up the scoreboard or lock down your offense. If the vibes hold, this group is a serious title threat.

Thundering Hooves
Captain: Gabriel Abadi
Gabe Abadi did what Gabe does – drafted a crew full of high-character, high-talent, high-vibe guys. With Mark Barsano, Carlos Abadi, and Ricky Rothstein in the mix, Thundering Hooves are built for deep playoff runs. Gabe’s squads always play loose, play hard, and play for each other. He’s still searching for that elusive first title – but don’t be surprised if this is the team that finally delivers it.Stayin’ Alive
Captain: Michael Melech Solomon
He’s back. A former fan-favorite captain, Melech Solomon returns with a roster full of loyalty and edge. He went straight to the well early, drafting his longtime guys – Steven Gindi (SJG), Joe Sefaradi (Joe S), and Saul “Soco” Cohen. But what makes this team fascinating is the youth infusion. Melech rolled the dice on wild-card youngsters like Sol Assis, one of the most polarizing players in the league. High ceiling, high volatility – and if they click, Stayin’ Alive might stay alive deep into the postseason.