Dave Gordon

The 2024 U.S. presidential election will be remembered as one of the most surprising and consequential in the past fifty years. Former President Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris defied many predictions and reshaped the political landscape.

Not since Grover Cleveland won two non-consecutive terms in 1884 and 1892, has a candidate pulled off such a feat. Trump won the electoral college with 312 votes, versus Harris’s 226.

Trump’s victory was “a blow to political lawfare, critical race theory, woke campuses, legacy media, and Hollywood,” Niall Furguson of The Free Press wrote. Broadcaster Konstantin Kisin wrote that voters repudiated inflation, socialism, DEI, woke protesters, and unnecessary regulations.

Why Voters Rejected Harris

It is likely that the war in Israel shifted votes away from Harris. For example, the many Muslim voters in Michigan appeared not to be pleased with Biden’s support for Israel. That said, two Muslim Arab-American mayors from Michigan – Amer Ghalib and Bill Bazzi – both endorsed Trump, who has never been shy about supporting Israel.

Pundits, such as Batya Ungar-Sargon of Newsweek, suspected that Harris’s decision not to choose Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her vice president might have cost Harris Pennsylvania. Shapiro was said to have been shortlisted, and many believed rejected, because his being Jewish might have been a liability with leftist anti-Zionists.

Eve Barlow, a Los Angeles-based music and pop culture journalist, wrote that Harris being a woman was far less important to voters than the global feminist issues, such as the poor treatment of women in Afghanistan and Iran, and the plight of the female hostages of Gaza, which has not given enough attention by the Biden administration.

Fox News had pointed out about a week before the polls opened that the Harris campaign bought contradictory television commercials regarding her Israel policy – one geared towards the Muslims in Detroit, and another geared towards the Jewish voters in Philadelphia. This only added to the perception that she did not have a consistent message.

The 2024 congressional elections saw a narrow Republican victory that allowed the Republicans to maintain control of the House of Representatives. The Senate elections resulted in Republicans successfully reclaiming control of the upper chamber with a majority of 53 seats.

What can we expect for the Jewish community, and Israel, between Jan. 20, 2025 – when Trump swears in – and Jan. 20, 2029, when his term ends? How will his presidency affect us?

Trump and Iran

It would be shocking if Trump did not continue to support Israel over the next four years. In his first term, he visited Israel within his first 100 days in office, helped orchestrate the Abraham Accords, withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran, recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and placed the US embassy there, recognized Golan as Israel’s territory, and stood by Israel in the UN.

Chief Executive of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies Mark Dubowitz said on CNN in the week after the election that Trump will “return to… a campaign of maximum pressure against the Islamic regime. Economic sanctions, going after the resources,” after four years of lax sanctions. We will also see “maximum support for the Iranian people,” the majority of whom are against the regime.

Each year, two million barrels of oil from Iran flow to China, and Dubowitz said that Trump may flood the market with oil as he did in his last term, to decrease the value of Iranian exports. He also said that most of the Iranian nuclear development occurred on Biden’s watch, and that will need to be dealt with.

Israel and Iran

On the military front, there may be another counteroffensive from Israel as happened Oct. 26th, when Israel took out some of Iran’s military infrastructure, according to retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi, a prominent Israeli military figure and security expert.

Avivi told Community Magazine that the “[Iranian] regime now is in a very sensitive moment” that probably leaves them more desperate to build a nuclear bomb… So, the race is on. The only way we have is to attack and destroy them, fast.”

“Trump might seize the moment and help dismantle the ‘Shia Axis,’” referring to the Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Islamic regime in Iran. “And if the U.S. builds a coalition, and is willing to deal with the regime, then they might embolden the Iranian people to fight the regime.”

Avivi believes “most of the Iranians love truth, hate this regime, and will be very glad to see it go.”

Avivi joined the Israel Defense Forces in 1987, and since has held positions as Director of the Office of the Chief of Staff and Deputy Comptroller of the Security Forces. During the 2002 Operation Defensive Shield, Avivi led a battalion of 800 soldiers in Judea and Samaria. By 2005, he held the position of aide-de-camp of the Chief of General Staff of the IDF, Lt. General Moshe Yaalon.

Three years after his retirement in 2017, Avivi, now 55, founded the Israeli Defense and Security Forum (IDSF). This non-partisan organization consists of 32,000 members of Israeli security forces, and aims to educate and advocate for Israel’s national security needs and Middle East policies. The organization has gained significant political and media influence. In 2018, operatives that would eventually join his team participated in capturing Iran’s nuclear archive, consisting of literally tons of information.

Avivi acknowledges that, “Americans do not want the trauma of another Afghanistan, but Iran is different,” he said. He believes that a now-hobbled Iran – with “very old planes” – can be defeated by a U.S.- led coalition.

“It can be a big win without too many repercussions, because Iran is weak. Israel needs to win decisively on all fronts, and not give up, and not stop, and not do ceasefires. We have an historical opportunity to really dismantle the whole Shia Axis,” he said.

“Israel is going to destroy Iran’s nuclear sites, but if we do it alone, it will take much more time [and be] much more complicated. The only way to shorten the war is a decisive win.”

Spearheaded by Trump, eventually there will be big peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, Avivi said, adding that the process was interrupted by Biden’s term, and the Gaza war.

Education

Donald Trump’s re-election is likely to have a significant impact on education policy and funding that will affect the Jewish community, particularly in the areas of school choice, religious education, and higher education.

Trump has been a strong proponent of school choice and voucher programs, which allow public education funds to be used for private and religious schools. His victory, along with Republican gains in Congress, could pave the way for expanded federal support of such initiatives.

For the Jewish community, this could mean increased access to and funding for Jewish day schools through voucher programs, more families being able to afford Jewish education for their children, and growth of Jewish schools as they become more financially viable.

Many Orthodox Jewish groups have advocated for school choice policies and would likely welcome their expansion, although there might be pushback from certain liberal Jewish organizations and others who oppose vouchers due to their view that it violates the separation of church and state.

Fighting Discrimination on Campus

Meanwhile, Trump could have an uphill battle when it comes to higher education. He has pledged to crack down on campus anti-Semitism, potentially by tying federal funding to universities’ handling of anti-Semitism complaints, expanding the use of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, and increasing Department of Education investigations into anti-Semitism allegations.

He pledged to institute what he called The College Accreditation System, a plan to “dismantle the U.S. indoctrination system [college] by seizing funds from schools that refuse to comply” with his accreditation system. He has also pledged to “fire the radical left accreditors that have allowed our colleges to become dominated by Marxist maniacs and lunatics.”

Trump wants to direct the Department of Justice to pursue federal civil rights cases against schools that continue to engage in discrimination. Those that continue to do so, he promised “will not only have their endowments taxed,” but he “will advance a measure to have them fined up to the entire amount of their endowment.” The seized funds will then be used as restitution for victims of these illegal and unjust policies, he said.

Political Appointments

Potential appointments for key positions in a future administration are notable for the appointees’ strong support of Israel.

Mike Waltz

Congressman Mike Waltz has been chosen to be the National Security Advisor. Waltz, a combat decorated Green Beret, still serving as a colonel in the US Army National Guard, has expressed unwavering support for Israel, describing it as the strongest democracy in the Middle East and emphasizing the importance of U.S.- Israel relations, especially considering the recent conflicts with Hamas.

Marco Rubio

Senator Marco Rubio has been tabbed for Secretary of State. Rubio has been vocal in his condemnation of Hamas, calling for its complete elimination and placing full blame on the organization for recent hostilities. In a video circulated online when Rubio was confronted by the anti-war group Code Pink,  he said: “I want to destroy every element of Hamas … these people are vicious animals … Hamas is 100 percent to blame.”

Elise Stefanik

The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations slot is slated for Representative Elise Stefanik, from New York’s 21st congressional district. She gained significant attention in December 2023 for her intense questioning of university presidents during a widely televised U.S. congressional hearing on anti-Semitism. The hearing, held by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, focused on the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses.

The fallout from this hearing was significant. It contributed to the resignations of several college presidents who testified, including those from Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia. It sparked a broader investigation by the House committee into how universities handle anti-Semitism on campus. The committee produced a 325-page report accusing eleven high-profile colleges of failing to protect Jewish students from anti-Semitism. The report suggested that some universities’ actions might violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which could potentially affect their federal funding.

Stefanik has strongly endorsed Israel’s decision to prohibit UNRWA operations in Israel, Judea and Samaria, and Gaza. She has cited concerns about UNRWA staff involvement in terrorist activities, alleged misuse of UNRWA facilities by Hamas, and the organization’s alleged role in promoting anti-Semitism. Stefanik has called for a permanent cessation of U.S. funding to UNRWA.

Stefanik was quoted as saying, “The Biden-Harris Administration has sent over $1 billion to UNRWA since 2021, filling the coffers of this terrorist front. This must end. Just as President Trump did, and I have consistently advocated for, we must permanently cut off funding to UNRWA, which instills anti-Semitic hate in Palestinians, houses weapons for terrorists, and steals the aid they are supposed to be distributing.”

Mike Huckabee

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee was nominated to be the UN ambassador to Israel. Huckabee has been a vocal supporter of Israel throughout his political career.

“Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East, needs our support now more than ever. With rising anti-Semitism and hostilities from Israel’s Arab neighbors, our Israeli brothers and sisters need us. Supporting Israel not only helps its citizens, but helps us in America as well,” he told Fox News in 2018.

“Every time I experience Israel, I feel a sense of serenity, holiness, and kinship that I find nowhere else. This must be what makes me keep coming me back. I have been visiting the Holy Land – the land of miracles in the Bible – for 45 years, with several trips each year,” Huckabee said.

“Like the United States, Israel believes in freedom, democracy, and fighting terrorism in all its forms. Israel is our truest ally in the Middle East, with values more closely aligned to ours than any other Middle Eastern nation.”

On CNN in 2017, Huckabee said, “There are certain words I refuse to use: there is no such thing as [the] West Bank; it’s Judea and Samaria. There’s no such thing as settlements – these are communities. There is no such thing as occupation.”

On a Jewish News Syndicate podcast earlier this year Huckabee said about Palestinians: “There really isn’t such a thing,” and “It’s a term that was co-opted by Yasser Arafat in 1962.”

Steven Witkoff

Trump named Steven Witkoff as his special Middle East envoy. The two are longtime friends. Trump called Witkoff a “highly respected leader in business and philanthropy.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman responded to the choice of Witkoff:: “Another great call. Steve is a brilliant businessman and a lover of Israel who will receive a warm welcome throughout the halls of power within the Middle East.

Aligning with Our Values

Someone who has been “on the ground,” as she describes, working hard for many years to get out the vote, is Chani Jos. The writer and activist said that in September, a poll created by Nishma Research (an organization based in W. Hartford, Connecticut that does sociological and marketing research for the Orthodox Jewish community) revealed that Trump was outpolling Harris among haredi Jews with 93 percent of the likely vote.

Known for her tireless non-partisan efforts to increase voter turnout, Jos shared her insights on the potential impact of the new administration.

Jos, who has dedicated years to encouraging civic participation across New York’s diverse communities, expressed mixed feelings about the election outcome. “While I’ve always focused on getting people to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their political leanings, I can’t help but reflect on what this result means for groups in our community,” she said.

Jos highlighted several key areas where she believes Trump’s policies will align with the values of the Orthodox Jewish community, a demographic that showed strong support for Trump during the campaign.

“Trump’s stance on protecting women’s sports from what he calls ‘forced inclusion of men’ resonates with many traditional voters,” Jos explained. “His commitment to maintaining separate spaces for biological women in athletics is seen as a defense of fairness and religious values by many in the Orthodox community.”

Jos also pointed out Trump’s emphasis on campus free speech and his promise to crack down on disruptive protests at universities. “The president-elect has vowed to punish what he terms ‘illegal campus protests,’ which he argues stifle conservative voices. This position is likely to find favor among those who feel traditional viewpoints are being silenced in academic settings,” she noted.

Jos emphasized Trump’s focus on traditional family structures as another area of alignment with Orthodox Jewish values. “His rhetoric about strengthening the nuclear family and promoting traditional marriage has struck a chord with many conservative religious voters, including those in the Orthodox community,” Jos said.

Reflecting on Trump’s public expressions of faith, Jos recalled the incident in Pennsylvania where Trump was shot at during a campaign rally. “When Trump thanked Gd for saving his life after the assassination attempt, it reinforced his image as a leader who respects and values faith. This resonates deeply with religious communities, including Orthodox Jews who prioritize a strong belief in Gd,” she explained.

Policies Affecting Our Community

Jos believes that Trump’s administration will likely implement policies that align with many Orthodox Jewish priorities. “From his promises to protect religious freedoms to his strong stance on Israel, Trump has positioned himself as an ally to the Orthodox community,” she said. “His approach to social issues and foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, aligns closely with the worldview of many Orthodox Jews.”

However, Jos was quick to point out that support for Trump is not monolithic within the Jewish community. “It’s important to remember that Jewish voters, like any group, are diverse in their political views. While Trump’s policies may align with Orthodox values in many ways, there are still Jewish voters across the spectrum who have different priorities and concerns,” she cautioned.

Jos also expressed concern about the potential for increased division within communities. “As someone who has worked to bring people together through civic engagement, I worry about the deepening polarization in our society. It’s crucial that we find ways to bridge divides and maintain respectful dialogue, even when we disagree,” Jos emphasized.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Jos stressed the importance of continued civic participation beyond election day. “Regardless of who is in office, it’s vital that people stay engaged in the political process. This means not just voting, but also staying informed, communicating with elected officials, and participating in local government,” she urged.

As the nation prepares for another Trump presidency, Jos remains committed to her non-partisan work in voter engagement. “My goal has always been to empower people to make their voices heard through the ballot box. That mission doesn’t change with the election results. If anything, it becomes even more critical as we navigate the challenges and changes ahead,” she concluded.

Linda Sadacka

It is with a heavy heart that we reflect on the recent passing of the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin, HaRav Shlomo Halioua, zt’l, at the age of 65. HaRav Halioua had assumed the position of Rosh Yeshiva only a year and a half ago, following the petira of his father-in-law, HaRav Aharon Shechter, zt’l. Thousands gathered at Yeshiva Chaim Berlin to pay their final respects, including his devoted talmidim, family, and many rabbanim. The community’s outpouring of grief reflects the profound loss of a Torah giant whose life was characterized by his deep dedication to Torah study, his boundless acts of hesed, and his humility, all of which left an indelible mark on all who knew him. 

At the levaya, heartfelt hespedim were delivered by his sons, sons-in-law, and leading rabbanim, including HaRav Malkiel Kotler, HaRav Chaim Kitowitz, HaRav Yitzchok Meir Senderowitz, and HaRav Avigdor Kitowitz. They shared reflections on Rav Halioua’s incredible dedication to the yeshiva, his tzidkut (righteousness), his profound anivut (humility), his diligence in learning, and the endless hesed he performed quietly throughout his life. Among those who spoke were his son, Rabbi Yosef Halioua, who serves as Co-Rosh Yeshiva alongside his son-in-law, Rabbi Tzvi Fink, further highlighting the enduring legacy of Torah and dedication Rav Halioua instilled in his family.

Rav Halioua dedicated his life to the growth of Torah and the well-being of his talmidim. His devotion to Torah learning went beyond the yeshiva’s four walls, as he sought to instill in his talmidim a deep love for Torah, a commitment to integrity, and a life dedicated to service. His influence extended far beyond the students he taught directly, as he made a profound impact on the wider Torah community through his shiurim and personal interactions. Rav Halioua’s approach to Torah was filled with depth, insight, and an unparalleled clarity that brought both intellectual rigor and warmth to every topic he taught. 

A Silent Battle and Unwavering Dedication 

What is truly remarkable about Rav Halioua is that, despite enduring an illness that weakened him physically, he chose to conceal his pain from the public, not wanting to burden others. His commitment to his talmidim and the yeshiva never wavered, even as his health declined. In fact, in his final days, Rav Halioua took part in the yeshiva’s Simchat Beit HaShoeva celebrations, inspiring others with his words of Torah, his joyful dancing, and his radiant smile. 

Just days before his petirah, Rav Halioua was taken to the hospital. Despite his weakened state, his message to the yeshiva was one of joy and encouragement. His last request was for tefillot from his talmidim, but he made it clear that the Simchat Torah celebrations should go on as usual, emphasizing that the Torah’s joy must continue even in difficult times. This selflessness, putting the needs and happiness of others before his own, was characteristic of Rav Halioua throughout his life. 

 A Heart-Wrenching Loss for Klal Yisrael 

Adding to the pain of the loss of Rav Halioua was the passing of his mother, Rebbetzin Mesoda, a”h, just hours after her son. The levaya for both mother and son was held on the same day, leaving the family and community in a state of shock and deep sorrow. Rav Halioua’s son, Rav Yosef Halioua, Co-Rosh Yeshiva, spoke emotionally at the levaya about the incredible bond between his father and grandmother, and how both left this world together, united in their pure service of Hashem. 

Rebbetzin Mesoda, a”h, was the wife of the esteemed Rav Avraham Halioua, zt”l, who had immigrated to the United States from Morocco and became a highly respected rav in Flatbush. Rav Shlomo Halioua continued his father’s legacy of Torah and hesed, leading his father’s shul after his petirah, while also dedicating himself to his own growth in Torah. Rav Halioua’s own lineage as a direct descendant of the Maharam Chalava, a talmid of the Rashba, speaks to the rich Torah heritage that shaped his life. 

Torah Brilliance Paired with Humility

Rav Halioua was known for his brilliance in Torah, both in halacha and machshava. His shiurim were filled with insights that blended the depth of the Brisker derech (method) with the philosophical teachings of Rav Hutner, zt”l, the Maharal, and the Ramchal. Rav Halioua’s deep understanding of Torah was matched by his humility and accessibility. Despite his immense knowledge, he had the unique ability to connect with talmidim on a personal level, teaching not only Torah, but also how to live as a true ben Torah with middot tovot (good character traits) and a life of integrity. 

His shiurim often focused on the teachings of Rav Hutner’s Pachad Yitzchak, but Rav Halioua had an extraordinary ability to make even the most complex and abstract ideas accessible to his students. His mastery of the Ramchal’s writings added further depth to his discourses, and his synthesis of machshava and halacha gave his students a broad, yet practical, understanding of Torah. His approach to Torah machshava introduced his talmidim to deeper layers of meaning, drawing on the teachings of Rav Moshe Dovid Valle, the great talmid of the Ramchal, as well as Rav Hutner’s insights. 

Even in his final days, Rav Halioua continued delivering maamarim and teaching his beloved students, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Torah learning despite the toll his illness had taken. He delivered a maamar during Hol Hamoed Sukkot, and was taken to the hospital shortly afterwards. His condition worsened over the second days of Sukkot. He continued to uplift and inspire others with his words until his very last moments.

A Life of Leadership and Hesed 

Rav Halioua’s influence extended far beyond the walls of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin. His connections to great Torah leaders like Rav Binyomin Paler, zt”l, Rav Shmuel Auerbach, zt”l, and Rav Yonasan David, shlita, who he considered his primary rebbe, further enhanced his stature in the Torah world. His leadership, however, was always marked by a humility that made him approachable and beloved by all. 

Rav Halioua’s life was a shining example of Torah lishma –Torah studied and taught for its own sake, and Torah lived through acts of hesed and tzniut (modesty). His ability to lead a Litvish yeshiva as a Sephardic talmid of such stature spoke volumes about the respect he commanded throughout the Torah world.

A Profound Loss and a Lasting Legacy 

As the community gathered to escort Rav Halioua’s aron down Coney Island Avenue, past the yeshiva he devoted his life to, the somber atmosphere reflected the enormity of the loss felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His son, Rav Yosef Halioua, shlita, now continues the legacy of Torah learning and leadership, following in his father’s footsteps as Rosh Kollel. 

Rav Shlomo Halioua’s legacy will live on through his talmidim, his family, and the countless people he touched with his wisdom, kindness, and humility. His passing is a profound loss for Yeshiva Chaim Berlin and for the entire Torah world, but his memory and teachings will continue to inspire future generations of bnei Torah. 

Stories abound about Rav Halioua’s heartfelt connection to other Jews and his modesty. He did not hold himself above others, although he could have, due to his stature as a world-class Torah scholar. He felt he was one of the amcha, the Jewish people. One of his follows shared the following story. “When we got married during COVID, Rav Shlomo heard that our wedding was set to be held on our back porch and that we couldn’t invite anyone. Rav Shlomo walked over to wish us mazal tov in person for a minute so that we felt we had guests and to show his personal love.”

A Personal Reflection 

When I was given the privilege to write this tribute, I approached it with a deep sense of reverence. Rav Halioua’s legacy resonates not just within the walls of the yeshiva, but also in the hearts of families like mine. His wife, Rebbetzin Halioua, taught all of my daughters, and I have always been in awe of how a woman of such dignity and grace, who truly emanates royalty in her every action, devoted herself to the education of the next generation at Ateret Torah. She carried herself with the same values that Rav Halioua embodied – humility, kindness, and a commitment to nurturing others. Our community, and my family in particular, is profoundly grateful for the lasting impact both Rav and Rebbetzin Halioua have had on our lives. 

May his neshama have the highest aliyah, and may he be a meilitz yasher for all of Klal Yisrael. Yehi zichro baruch – his memory is a blessing for all who knew him and learned from him.

The Secret of Overcoming Darkness and Despair in Our Personal lives

It’s dark outside. As winter sets in, sunset cuts the days short and the nights seem to stretch on forever. If you think about it, it can seem strange that Hanukah, the Festival of Lights, falls out during the darkest, coldest time of the year.

Rising Above the Darkness

Yet, when we take a step back and analyze the message of Hanukah, we see that this is precisely the message of the holiday – that a small bit of oil can provide a great deal of illumination, that we can find the light of hope and faith even in the darkest periods. By contemplating this message, we can walk away from this joyous holiday with a timeless lesson about accessing light in the midst of darkness, and thus be able to triumph over the darkness in our personal lives, and become changed people.

Jewish history bears out this lesson in a remarkable way. For centuries, the Jewish people have risen above the most immobilizing darkness. In the face of destruction, tragedy, and threats of total annihilation, we have continually prevailed despite all odds.  We have always found the small ray of light that drove away the most dreadful darkness.

As we languish in this lengthy galut, our situation often seems foggy, unclear, or even dark. And it can be a struggle to maintain our equilibrium and inner peace.  When we experience “darkness” in our personal lives, when we see those around us floundering, or when we find ourselves constantly bombarded with news about tragedies, it can seem as if we have nowhere to turn. Clarity evades us, as we continue to ask ourselves many difficult questions. Why are these things happening? Where can I turn? What is the right answer?

Finding Clarity and Fortitude

How can we obtain the clarity – the light in the darkness – that our generation is so desperately seeking?

Rebbetzin Tziporah Harris, renowned lecturer and creator of The Clarity Seminar, discusses the importance of fortifying ourselves with bitahon (trust in Gd). She shares that a breakthrough in clarity is possible through persistent effort and a steadfast commitment to reviewing these principles. Trusting that Hashem loves us and does everything for our ultimate benefit gives us the emotional fortitude we need to prevail over life’s challenges.

Every human being is a vessel. And what we choose to fill that vessel with becomes our experience of life. We can choose to fill our minds with positive messages, and we can train ourselves to recognize that all that happens in life is for our training and development. Yes, getting stuck in a traffic jam is a great lesson in patience. We can find growth opportunities in every circumstance.

We can flex our “gratitude muscles” by taking a minute each day to count our blessings, thereby training our minds to focus on the positive, on what we have instead of on what we are lacking. Thank Hashem for the people in your life, for the parts of your body that are healthy and functioning, and for all of your material possessions.

We can fortify ourselves against the pressures of everyday life that threaten to drag us down. All it takes is a few minutes a day of infusing messages of bitahon into one’s consciousness.

An Opening Like the Eye of a Needle

One way to do this is by repeating affirmations. Though this may sound simplistic, affirmations are, in fact, very beneficial, since our words have tremendous power and can profoundly affect who we are.

When we say statements like, “All that happens is for my training and development,” “All that happens is a character development opportunity,” or “Hashem is taking me exactly where I need to go,” they can really begin to sink in. Then when your child spills spaghetti and meatballs all over your white carpet, you will be able to look at the incident through the proper glasses. You will be able to refer back to the phrases that you have been filling your mind with, and they will strengthen you. You may even be able to think, “Aha! I have been asking Hashem to help me become a more patient person. This is a great opportunity to develop patience.” Sure, this takes time, but the more you fill your mind with uplifting thoughts, the more you will be able to deal with minor annoyances with composure, even the ones that seem to come completely out of left field. Everything is an opportunity for growth!

Our sages teach, “Open up for me an opening like the eye of a needle, and I will enlarge it to be an opening through which wagons can enter” (Midrash Rabbah to Shir Hashirim 5:2).  All we need is to initiate one small step, to shine one small light, and then Hashem will carry us to the places we need to go.

As we celebrate the Hanukah miracles, we should also reflect on the seemingly small miracles in our own personal lives that we tend to overlook. We can realize that we have so much to be grateful for, and that when Hashem closes one door, He opens another, and He carries us to places that are greater than we could have ever imagined. We just have to be ready to walk through that door. Hanukah’s messages can give us the strength to make it all the way through.

QUESTION:

Dear Rabbi Ali,

I recently got married and things are going well, Baruch Hashem. I know that there are couples that struggle, and, of course, every couple has their ups and downs. I would appreciate some thoughts on how I can manage the ups and downs and prevent some of the pitfalls that couples fall into. 

R’ Ali’s Response:

For starters, you mention that every couple has their ups and downs. That’s great that you’re aware of the reality that healthy couples go through ups and downs. Many couples go into marriage with unrealistic expectations and become very rattled when an issue arises. The issue usually isn’t problematic, it’s the thought that issues don’t exist that causes problems. This doesn’t mean that we become filled with worry and anxiety. That’s not good either. It means being educated and prepared on a basic level. 

It sounds like you would like to make sure you don’t end up becoming a struggling couple. While I can’t tackle the entire topic on this forum, there are a few points that you should know.

There are two major qualities that everyone should learn how to master. For some they may come naturally, for others it may be very challenging. The first quality is flexibility. 

It’s very important to understand what flexibility means and does not mean. It does not mean giving in to all of your spouse’s needs and wants. People mistakenly think that this is correct and even noble. We all have wants and needs, and when we give in all of the time, we may be destructing our individuality.

The word “mevater” becomes misunderstood and misused way too often. If a wife gives in to all of her husband’s needs and wants, yet slowly builds resentment and frustration, is that considered a good relationship? The answer is no. Doing this is incorrect and unhealthy.

So,  what is this flexibility that I’m talking about? It means understanding that your opinion is not the only one nor is it necessarily the correct one. Having flexibility of the mind means to understand that there are two people in the relationship with their own wants and desires.

When one wants to go on a winter vacation to Miami and the other would rather go on a ski trip, debating how going to a place with hot weather is “the normal winter vacation” shows a lack of flexibility or lack of accepting that your desires do not dictate what’s correct or should be done.

Sentences such as, “I see we differ on this point, what can we do?” or, “ I see that this bothers you, what do you think we can do?” should be used often in your relationship. Of course, we’re not robots, but the idea is to always put the other person into the equation. Acknowledge their existence and that they are different from you and that’s okay. So, for starters you should be working on the art of flexibility. 

The next quality is acceptance. This concept also gets misunderstood so I’d like to clarify what it does and does not mean. Acceptance does not mean you accept intolerable behaviors. It does not mean that you don’t try to get certain needs met when they are important to you and just “accept” how things are.

For example, a husband gets criticized by his wife for the way that he dresses all the time. He should not accept this and should kindly and gently let her know that he likes to dress this way. 

Acceptance means that there will be parts of your spouse that you like and parts that are not so pleasant. Accept that certain things may be unchangeable and certain things can change. It may be hard to identify what’s changeable and what is not. Talking this out with a third party would be ideal if you are unsure.

It does get tricky, but it is very important. Many people talk of their spouse being stubborn and not changing when many times things cannot be changed. As a rule,  I like to say – people don’t change, behaviors do. Ask yourself, is this part of who your spouse is or not? Is this intolerable or is it possibly tolerable? 

There is a lot to talk about, but I’m just giving a few ideas and touching the surface. Be self-aware and ask yourself, “ Am I inflexible?”  “Am I harping on certain issues where possibly I should be willing to accept them?”

Rabbi Harari welcoming Hacham Yitzhak Yosef to Flatbush Yeshiva in 2019.

Ellen Geller Kamaras

With great sadness, I read the October 30^th email from my alma mater, Yeshiva of Flatbush Joel Braverman (YFJB) High School (HS). Rabbi  Raymond Harari (HS ’72), Harav Rahamim ben Shoshanah, had passed away.   

Rabbi Harari, of Syrian descent, served our community with immense dedication and love for over four decades.  He left a tremendous legacy as an educator and a mentor at the Yeshiva of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School (JBHS).

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Harari, a child of Holocaust survivors, his children Michal Harari Geffner, Yael Harari, Rabbi Avi Harari the Rosh Beit Midrash at Yeshiva of Flatbush, Dr. David Harari, Dani Harari, and his grandchildren. He was the beloved brother of Sol Harari, a”h, David Harari, and Renee Maman.

Rabbi Harari’s Trajectory

After graduating from Yeshiva of Flatbush High School, Rabbi Harari obtained his bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and a master’s degree in Jewish studies from YU.  He spent a year learning in yeshiva in Israel before starting his job as a Judaic Studies  teacher at his alma mater.  Rabbi Harari aspired to return to the high school as a faculty member.  He retired from Yeshiva of Flatbush last June when he felt it was not fair to his students when he was forced to miss classes because of his illness.

Rabbi Harari started out as a teacher of Judaic Studies, became Chairman of the Halakha Department, and was later named the first Head of School. The Yeshiva of Flatbush High School posted, “During the time of Rabbi Harari’s leadership, Yeshiva of Flatbush High School experienced significant growth in both enrollment and student satisfaction…”

He was the rabbi of three congregations, Congregation Kol Israel, Congregation Shaare Zion, and Mikdash Eliyahu. 

Even as Rabbi Harari gained more prominence, he continued to leave his door open to staff and students, and he treated everyone as an equal.

A Gifted Educator

Mrs. Miriam Wielgus, a teacher at Yeshiva of Flatbush High School for over 25 years and the current Chair of the Jewish History Department, described Rabbi Harari as a “magician” when it came to teaching.  “He was the most gifted educator and scholar.  He used chalk and the board and didn’t need the bells and whistles of technology.  He was able to break down a complex topic, tell a story, and crack a joke.  You could have an intellectual conversation with him.  He wore many hats but didn’t advertise them.” 

Feeling overwhelmed when she first joined JBHS, Mrs. Wielgus was amazed when Rabbi Harari brought her a folder with his lesson plans.

She related that Rabbi Harari raised the level of observance in both the community and in his congregations.  At JBHS, he also raised the degree of learning for the girls and taught them how to be independent learners. He elevated JBHS to new heights.

“He was instrumental in enhancing the curriculum with a vast range of Torah classes, fostering hesed programs, expanding electives, and cultivating co-curricular initiatives, all aimed at nurturing well-rounded, thoughtful young adults grounded in Jewish values. His student-centered approach exemplified his lifelong dedication to hinuch, inspiring all who were privileged to learn from him,” said Mrs. Wielgus.

Heartfelt Eulogies

The eulogies for Rabbi Harari took place at his beloved yeshiva, which many called his second home. The burial took place in Israel, at the Eretz HaChaim Cemetery, outside of Beit Shemesh.

There was a common thread in the eulogies. All who spoke cited Rabbi Harari’s acumen for teaching, hinuch, his brilliance in Torah, and his humility, gentleness, keen listening skills, and positivity.

Although Rabbi Harari was a master eulogizer, he insisted for years that there would be no eulogies at his levaya. Eventually, he agreed to allow family members to speak.

Rabbi Harari was humble, modest, gentle, kind, patient, passionate, and loving. He was a wonderful listener, and was loved by his students, staff, family, and all he had a connection to. He did not care about material things. He saw the good in individuals and created space for them to feel safe. He was positive, optimistic, and friendly, talking to people at restaurants and wherever he went. For 44 years, he always prepared lessons for each class.  He was a family man and a man of logic, reason, and halacha.

Rabbi Joseph Beyda

Rabbi Joseph Beyda, the current Head of School, captured Rabbi Harari’s essence beautifully.

“Rabbi Harari ran from attention and spotlight and was one of the world’s greatest Torah teachers. He inspired an untold number of people to become Torah teachers. His technical mastery paved the way for his excellence, but it was his personal style and character that made him the best around.  He followed the vision of Rabbi Eliach, a”h, principal emeritus, and the teachings of the great Rambam, believing that silence is golden, and one should be clear and concise.  He was loved by all because of his vision, humility, his great listening skills, and his ability to provide emotional safety, and meet people where they are at. I am a recipient of his vision, and I am where I am because of him. Thank you, Rabbi. I stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Rabbi Beyda thanked the family for sharing Rabbi Harari with the Yeshiva and community and promised that the Yeshiva will strive to live up to the legacy he established for it.

The Harari Children

Rabbi Harari’s children remember him being home for family dinners and going out only afterwards to attend to his responsibilities.  They cherished their simple but wonderful vacations. 

Rabbi Harari used his quiet ways of teaching with his own children.  When they became independent, they spoke with him daily, hungry for his guidance and wisdom.  Their role model and inspiration, they went to him for answers for religious and other questions and later they drove him to chemotherapy treatments, conversing in the car. 

They thanked both their parents for leading by example, modeling an amazing marriage and allowing them to spread their wings and grow in their own ways. 

They spoke about their father’s to-do list. He was forever adding/crossing items off.  He did not go to sleep until he cleared all messages from his cell phone and email inbox.

Dr. David Harari honored his father by highlighting lessons learned from his speeches.  1) You do not have to say a lot to matter a lot.  His father’s shul speeches were limited to five to seven minutes.  He was a man of words but was also a man of action, action over chatter. 2) Do not schmaltz or be too showy.  “My father was a consummate mensch.”  3) Find someone in the room you can connect to, and all will follow.

Rabbi Harari’s son Dani articulated that his father “distilled the beautiful and uplifting aspects of a person’s soul.”  Having lost his own father at a very young age, Rabbi Rahamim took his lessons from Moshe Rabeinu, which gave him a lot of emotional patience and contributed to his mass appeal.  “My father was most at home in Israel, and he didn’t need any maps. We loved being in Israel with him.”

R’ Avi spoke about his father’s Yitro personality.  He was not envious and allowed others to succeed and develop independently.  His father practiced this trait always.  He encouraged Avi to find his own identity as a rabbi rather than just to emulate him.

“He always asked about everything he learned, ‘how can I teach this?’  It was all about his students.  He had the natural ability to make students of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable, engaged, and excited.  It was about limud, helping them find their voice and ask questions.  As a shul rabbi, he was a mesharet bakodesh, an attendant to a holy mission and always serving others’ needs.”

Parting Words

Rabbi Avi thanked his father for being a mesharet bakodesh, an ideal father, teacher, community leader, and his role model.  Rabbi Avi added, “Your legacy will live on. Your humility, patience, wisdom, sensitivity, and dedication will always inspire all of us – your family, students, and the community.”

The Candles of Holiness

“Happy Hanukah!”

This is the familiar greeting that we extend to one another throughout the eight days of Hanukah, when we celebrate the Jews’ miraculous triumph over the Greeks, who ruthlessly governed the Land of Israel and forbade the Jews from practicing their faith.  But not many realize the deeper significance of this greeting.

The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) would make a point during the eight days of Hanukah to greet people in Hebrew, “Hanukah sameah – Happy Hanukah,” and explained that the word “sameah” is an acrostic.  The three letters that comprise this word (sin, mem, het) represent the words “Shabbat,” “milah,” and “hodesh.”  This greeting thus alludes to the three primary decrees issued by the Greek authorities in their attempt to distance the Jews from their religion.  They banned Shabbat observance, berit milah, and the declaration of the new Jewish month (Rosh Hodesh).

Some commentators add that this is the reason why the rabbis who instituted the celebration of Hanukah established specifically an eight-day holiday.  (Already the Bet Yosef (Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulhan Aruch, 1488-1575) raised the famous question of why eight days of celebration were instituted, given that the Hashmonaim discovered enough pure oil for one night of lighting, such that the miracle occurred for only seven days, and not eight. 

Other rabbis wondered why a ninth day of festivity is not added in the Diaspora, where an extra day of Yom Tom is added to Pesach, Shavuot, Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret.)  One answer given is that an eight-day celebration gives expression to all three decrees.  The number 8 is quite obviously associated with berit milah, which is performed on an infant’s eighth day of life, and an eight-day holiday ensures that at least one Shabbat will be included.  And, given that the holiday begins on the 25^th of Kislev, the establishment of an eight-day celebration results in its including Rosh Hodesh (Tevet), such that all three mitzvot which the Greeks outlawed are alluded to on Hanukah.

The question, of course, arises as to why the Greeks targeted specifically these three mitzvot.  What is it about these particular institutions that drew the Greeks’ attention in their effort to do away with Judaism?

The War on Kedushah

The answer, in a word, is kedushah – sanctity.

Shabbat, of course, expresses the notion of sanctity of time.  Performing forbidden work on Shabbat not only transgresses Gd’s command, but constitutes an act of desecration, as Shabbat is a sacred entity.  Berit milah is rooted in the idea of the sanctity of the human being, which requires that we exercise discipline and self-restraint in regard to physical pleasure, and not allow ourselves to freely indulge and wantonly follow our impulses as animals do.  Finally, the declaration of new months is necessary for the establishment of the Yamim Tovim, our holidays, the sacred occasions on the calendar.

In short, the Greeks’ campaign was a war on kedushah, an effort to obliterate the notion of sanctity.

Developing this point more fully, the Greeks accepted and embraced only that which could be seen and observed empirically.  They placed great emphasis on physical beauty, on appearances and on aesthetics.  And, they championed scientific inquiry and discovery.  We, of course, have nothing against physical beauty – and, in fact, aesthetics is even required in the context of mitzvah observance – and we certainly appreciate the value of scientific study and technological advancement.  The difference, though, is that for us, these are all means to a loftier end.  As Torah Jews, we seek to transcend beyond the physical and the material domains, to utilize our physical world for spiritual achievement, in the service of Hashem.  The three mitzvot targeted by the Greeks demonstrate the notion of harnessing nature for sacred purposes, using our time and our physical drives for higher ideals. 

This is something that the Greeks could not ever accept.  They passionately rejected the entire concept of kedushah, of a spiritual plane, of a dimension of life that transcends that which can be experienced with our five senses.   They thus set out to wage war against kedushah, against the very concept of holiness, the ideal of directing our physical beings and our physical reality towards a higher purpose.

Yosef Ha’tzaddik

With this in mind, we can understand the association between Hanukah and the Biblical character of Yosef.

The most obvious evidence of such an association is the Jewish calendar.  Every year, without fail, the annual Torah reading cycle reaches the story of Yosef during the time of Hanukah.  The account of his being cruelly sold by his brothers, and of his experiences as a slave in Egypt, which is told in Parashat Vayeshev, is always read either on Hanukah itself, or on the Shabbat immediately preceding Hanukah.  And the story in Parashat Miketz of Yosef’s rise to the position of Egyptian vizier is almost always read during Hanukah.

But there are also additional, albeit subtler, indications of a link between Yosef and the story of Hanukah.

The Ox’s Horn

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 2:4) tells that the Greek authorities issued an edict to the Jews, commanding, “Write for yourselves on the horn of the ox: We have no share in the Gd of Israel!”  They demanded that the Jews explicitly renounce their loyalty to their faith by engraving a pronouncement to this effect “on the horn of the ox.”  Why was this inscription to be made specifically there?  What significance might there be to the ox’s horn?

One answer I saw is that people in ancient times would remove the horns of their animals and use them as baby bottles, filling them with beverages which the infant would then suck from the bottom end.  The Greeks wanted the Jewish children to be indoctrinated from the earliest age to reject Jewish faith.

Others, however, explain that the ox’s horn represented Yosef, whom Moshe likened to an ox in his blessing to Yosef’s tribes just before his passing (“Bechor shoro hadar lo” – Devarim 33:17).  The Greeks set out to eradicate Torah tradition by targeting the “ox,” the spiritual power of Yosef.

The Megaleh Amukot (Rav Natan Spira, Poland, 1585–1633) finds an allusion to the Greeks’ “war on Yosef” in that nation’s Hebrew name – “Yavan.”  The three letters of this word – yod, vav, and nun – are three of the four letters of Tziyon, the name with which the sacred city of Jerusalem is often referred.  The missing letter is tzaddi, which alludes to Yosef, who is often called “Yosef Ha’tzaddik” (“Yosef the righteous one”).  The Greeks endeavored to take “Yosef” out of Jerusalem.  They aspired to turn Jerusalem into Athens – a bustling, teeming metropolis, a leading center of culture and commerce, but without the piety represented by Yosef.  This is alluded to by the name “Yavan” – indicating that they wanted to take the “tzaddi,” the spirituality represented by Yosef, out of “Tziyon.”

Yosef is known a “Yosef Ha’tzaddik” primarily because of his extraordinary self-restraint, his ability to control his physical desires.  As a 17-year-old boy forcefully brought into a society that championed promiscuity, he was tempted by his master’s wife, who, consistently, every day, tried luring him into an illicit intimate relationship, and he refused.  Yosef embodied the quality of kedushah, the ability we have to restrain our physical drives in the pursuit of a higher spiritual purpose.  And this is precisely what the Greek Empire set out to destroy.  They ordered the formal renunciation of Jewish faith “on the horn of an ox,” to symbolize the rejection of  “Yosef Ha’tzaddik,” of the notion of kedushah that Yosef represented.  This was how they hoped to turn “Tziyon” into “Yavan,” to secularize the Jewish People and draw them away from their faith.

Kindling the Holy Lights

Each night of Hanukah, at the time of the candle lighting, we recite a special prayer in which we proclaim the purpose of the Hanukah lights – to commemorate the Hanukah miracle – and also announce, “Hanerot halalu kodesh hem” – “These candles, they are sacred.”  We then proceed to explain that due to their status of sanctity, they are forbidden for any sort of personal use, and we are allowed only to look at them (“ve’en lanu reshut lehishtamesh bahem ela lir’otam bilvad”).

The Hanukah candles are “kodesh,” reminding us of our mission to live lives characterized by sanctity.  We reflect upon the Hashmonaim’s heroic struggle against the Greek persecution, and gain inspiration from their dedication to the religious ideals which the Greeks fought against.  We remember how the Greeks sought to extinguish the flame of sanctity, and commit ourselves to continue the Hashmonaim’s effort to sustain that flame, for all eternity.

Unlike the Hashmonaim, we live in a society that offers us full religious freedom, allowing us to choose how to live and whether and how to practice religion.  However, while no government officials are forcing us to abandon our timeless principles of kedushah, we find ourselves subject to powerful cultural currents which threaten to sweep us away from those principles.  What the Greek governments’ edicts accomplished during the time of the Hanukah story is being achieved in our time through cultural messaging.  Our society shuns and even ridicules kedushah, championing instead unrestrained indulgence and the unbridled pursuit of pleasure. 

Pursuit of Holiness

The occasion of Hanukah is the time to reinforce our commitment to the “tzaddi,” to the pursuit of holiness.  Of course, we are and always will be physical beings, with physical needs and drives which we are encouraged to satisfy.  However, the Torah  teaches  us to strive for holiness by exercising moderation, to limit our indulgence, to balance our pursuit of physical enjoyment with the pursuit of spiritual excellence.  This is the message that the sacred Hanukah candles are teaching us.

If we observe Hanukah as nothing  more than a time to have parties and indulge in donuts and the other traditional Hanukah foods, then we are completely missing the point of this holiday.  While it is certainly appropriate to celebrate with the special, delectable holiday foods, our observance of Hanukah must be focused primarily on drawing inspiration from the spiritual lights, to resolve to add more kedushah to our lives, and to constantly strive for spiritual excellence.

Esther Chabbott

When Baruch Guzelgul moved to the United States from Israel in 1984, he never imagined he would one day own his own trucking business. He arrived with his wife and young daughter, carrying little more than hopes for a better future. After initially managing a car wash in Harlem, an unexpected opportunity arose that would change his life.

Starting Small

In 1986, Baruch began delivering small packages for Kedem Wine. “I would load my truck with Kedem products and deliver them to yeshivas, wine stores, and shuls year-round,” Baruch recalls. This early venture was just the beginning. Soon, he was presented with an offer from Kedem to purchase a tanker truck to transport bulk liquid wine and grape juice from Marlboro, New York, to Brooklyn. There, the wine would be bottled and distributed to retailers and businesses.

By 1997, Baruch officially founded Monsey One Trucking, initially serving as the in-house trucking company for one of the largest kosher wine producers in the United States. The business quickly gained traction, thanks to the growing demand for delivery services in the wine industry. Baruch expanded his fleet, purchasing two more trucks and hiring additional drivers to help with deliveries. For a time, Monsey One Trucking operated with just Baruch and two other drivers handling the logistics.

However, Baruch’s journey was not without its challenges. After a serious accident left him unable to work for a while, the owners of Kedem Wines, R’ Shraga Faish Herzog and his older brother R’ Shia Herzog, stepped in to offer their support. Baruch is deeply grateful for their kindness. “I will always appreciate the support of the Herzog brothers,” he says. “They’ve been with me from the start, and they especially helped when I was injured.”

Growing Big

In the wake of his recovery, Kedem offered Monsey One Trucking additional import routes, allowing Baruch to expand his business further. As a result, Monsey One Trucking hired more workers, purchased more trucks, and grew its fleet to meet the increasing demand.

Today, Monsey One Trucking operates a fleet of 20 trucks and employs a team of 20 dedicated professionals. Although the company still specializes in wine deliveries, they have expanded into other sectors as well. “We now handle container work, picking up shipments from ports for various companies,” Baruch explains. In addition to Kedem, Monsey One Trucking services clients like Royal Wine Corp. and Bumble Bee, among others.

As of 2024, Monsey One Trucking continues to thrive after 27 years in business. They provide essential services to the import community across the ports of New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland. The company’s focus on exceptional customer service and efficient logistics ensures a seamless experience for all their clients. Each truck is equipped with GPS technology, and the company adheres to all US Customs and Border Protection regulations.

To learn more or to inquire about their rates, visit www.monseyonetrucking.com.