HOW IT ALL GOT STARTED

Pnina Souid

Once, while learning Parashat Vayera a number of years ago, the Mitzvah Man was inspired by Hashem’s visit to Avraham when he was recuperating from his brit milah. The Mitzvah Man concluded that if Gd thought that bikur holim  is such an important mitzvah that He does it himself, then it must be a very important mitzvah for us to do, as well.

He thought of the best way to do this  hesed and decided to visit hospital or nursing home patients.

He collected a list of several hospital patients, and headed to the hospital where they were admitted. In the lobby he bought get-well cards and wrote a personal get-well message for each patient he visited. He included his name and phone number, adding: Please call me when you get out of the hospital. Maybe I can do an errand for you?

The patients were so touched and so excited to receive a caring visit. The card was the cherry on top, as it created a personal connection..

After visiting patients, the Mitzvah Man would return to the lobby to say Tehillim for everyone on his list.

But he thought:  how can I maximize this mitzvah? Like any salesman, he wanted better results.

In addition to hospital visits, he became a volunteer for Sephardic Bikur Holim.

SBH provided him with  a list of hospitals and homes to visit. Each patient received his personal card and on Thursday and Friday visits he brought Shabbat flowers.

When he started receiving calls, he knew he was doing something right.

SBH saw the Mitzvah Man’s commitment and success and sent him to visit prison inmates.  Next, he was assigned to visit severely mentally ill patients in locked wards of psychiatric hospitals. Many had no family. The Mitzvah Man brought cookies and coffee, cards and flowers. Most visits lasted about twenty minutes.

The Mitzvah tuned into whoever he visited, determining if he should make the visit shorter, or stay longer.  He looked for cues for how he could engage those he visited in conversation. If a game show was on TV, he would start a conversation about the show. If he noticed  a book on the table, be it a religious or a secular book, he would start a conversation about what they were reading. Talking about something they were already interested in was a tool he used to create a connection.

The Mitzvah Man started visiting 10 people a week, then 20. At the end of two years, he had visited 500 people!

The visits became a central part of his life.. He felt “addicted” to them! If  he didn’t visit, he missed doing so, and did not feel good.

People he had visited called him to do errands and pay visits. His base was Brooklyn. He did not venture to Manhattan to make visits until SBH gave him a list of four people to visit at NYU. Since each of the four patients were in different buildings, he took the day off to allow him time to go from one building to the other.

As fortune would have it, the first patient had been released the night before. He felt disappointed, but went to see the next patient. After waiting for 30 minutes, he began to get irritable but quickly reminded himself: don’t get irritable, you came to do a mitzvah. Then he found out she had been released, too.

He changed his attitude. Wouldn’t it be great if all the patients he came to see were able to go home! He thought: the attitude is up to you and the outcome is up to Hashem! I am doing holy work. The third patient was released, and he prayed for the fourth patient to be released, too. Yes! That patient had been released also. The Mitzvah Man left with a huge smile on his face, knowing he was working for Hashem.

After being crowded out of  the elevator to the lobby, he calmly waited for the next one. When he arrived at the lobby a woman from the community recognized him and asked why he was there. He responded that he visits patients. She excitedly asked if he could visit her husband who was having major surgery in ten minutes. Of course, the Mitzvah Man visited him, gave his wife his card, and reassured them. “See how Hashem works! He saw my desire to visit and fulfilled it,” he said.

The Mitzvah man concludes, “I learned that when we do a mitzvah – do it with all your heart. This is how I came to give the cards with my phone number, bring flowers if the visitation was close to Shabbat, and say Tehillim for everyone that I visited.”

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas

Telling the Truth to End-of-Life Patients

Rochelle’s dilemma kept her awake at night. Her mother, Miriam, has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Rochelle was unsure how to disclose the news to her mother. On one hand, Miriam had a right to know the truth about her condition, as patient autonomy is an essential ethical value. On the other hand, Rochelle wanted to protect her mother. She feared the news might harm her mother and Rochelle didn’t want her mother to lose hope or spirit. “Rabbi,” she asked me, “what should I do?”

Delivering Traumatic News

Delivering traumatic news requires care, especially for those who are ill. Hacham Ovadia, zt”l,  (Hazon Ovadia, Avelut, Vol. 1, p. 76) offers a nuanced perspective on Rochelle’s dilemma. The Shulchan Aruch states that a dying person should recite Vidui (a special confession before death, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 338:1, based on Shabbat 32a). However, Hacham Ovadia cites the Shach, noting that this applies only to a patient who is imminently dying. Prior to that stage, disclosing critical information may cause the patient harm, and therefore Vidui should be postponed until they are nearing death.

Hacham Ovadia explains that even if a patient asks their physician, “Will I make it through this illness?” the physician should respond, “Hopefully, with Hashem’s help, you will recover,” regardless of their personal belief. This approach is intended to shield the patient from harm and to help them to maintain their hope.

Hacham Ovadia’s rationale is supported by an exchange between Elisha Hanavi and Hazael, the messenger of King Ben Haddad, who was critically ill. Hazael inquired whether King Ben Haddad would live or die, and Elisha instructed him to tell the king that he would live, despite knowing he would not. The rationale was that disclosing the truth could have lethal consequences for the king (Melachim 2:8-10). The verse states that Ben Haddad would “not live,” “not” is spelled lamed alef. But the word “not” can also be read lamed vav – “to him: “Tell [to] him (Ben Haddad) he will live.” Similarly, Rashi notes that Sarah Imenu died after hearing the news of the Akedah, believing her son Yitzhak had perished (Rashi, Beresheet 23:3). This highlights the need for caution when conveying traumatic news.

Trust in Hashem and Do Not Give Up Hope

Hacham Ovadia also emphasizes that medical misdiagnoses are not uncommon, and treatment can still be effective, particularly early in an illness when the prognosis remains unclear. He stresses that patients should always place their faith in Hashem, never lose hope, and continue to pray “even if a sword is placed on their throat” (Berachot 10a) – meaning they should maintain faith even in dire circumstances, as Hashem can annul any decree.

Practically, it may be impossible or counterproductive to conceal the truth entirely. For example, cancer patients must provide consent for treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. However, this information should be communicated compassionately, focusing on the positive aspects of treatment in order to prevent distress and maintain hope. If a physician struggles to communicate appropriately with a patient, they should relay the information to family members who can convey it sensitively. Conversations that could distress the patient should also be avoided in their presence.

Compassion Is Key

Returning to Rochelle’s dilemma, while truth-telling is a fundamental aspect of Judaism, it is not always the highest priority. Sometimes, it may be appropriate to soften the truth or to emphasize positive aspects to protect an ill person from harm. Ultimately, these decisions should be made based on the illness, prognosis, and treatment plan. Discussions on how to proceed should include family members, the patient’s physicians, and the rabbi, to ensure the well-being of their loved one.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas is a recognized expert, lecturer, and author on Medical Halacha. He is the head of the Torat Habayit Medical Halacha Institute. His latest book is “Brain Death in Halacha and the Tower of Babel Syndrome.” To contact Rabbi Finchas, please email rabbi@torathabayit.com.

Hanukah Gifts That Wow

As Hanukah approaches, the excitement of finding the perfect gifts for family members and friends begins. If you’re looking to impress with something new and exciting, look no further than this year’s hottest gadgets and gizmos. Whether it’s for the tech-savvy or the tech-curious, our selection of innovative gifts will  make this Hanukah a little extra special.

Netvue Birdfy Feeder

Consider the world’s most techy bird feeder. The Netvue Birdfy Feeder has an integrated camera to capture 1080p photos and videos of visiting avian friends. Its wide, 135-degree viewing angle will allow viewers to see the full bird, and it has color night vision to capture critters after dark.

Bambu Lab A1 Mini

Tech-savvy creators, creatives, and engineering types can have a ball with a 3D printer. Our top pick for a relatively affordable home version is the Bambu Lab A1 Mini. It has a build capacity of 18cm square, which is large enough for both hobbyists and people who design and sell prints.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2

Instant cameras and photos never go out of style, and Fujifilm’s latest instant photo printer makes it easy to print any photo on your camera roll. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 prints consistently beautiful images that are a little smaller than a credit card. The device itself is about the size of a portable hard drive and comes in white, pink, or black.

Angels Horn H019

If your giftee has plenty of records – consider the Angels Horn H019. This all-in-one turntable eliminates the complexities of organizing the separate pieces of a turntable, so it’s simple to set up.  It has a beautiful build and impressive sound for an all-in-one system.

Aura Carver

The Aura Carver digital photo frame is the best choice for easy uploading, fantastic photo quality, and security for the uploaded photos. Plus, it allows many people to add photos to the frame. So it’s a great gift for those who have large households or extended family and friends they would like to share photos with.

Clixco Super Rainbow

The magnetic, flexible shapes can be turned into any 2D and 3D shape a child can imagine, whether they want to build a dog, a hat, or a plane. The kit also fosters open-ended play and helps kids develop creative confidence and innovation skills.

Golfguru Golf Practice Net

This golf training kit comes with a tri-turf golf hitting mat, 10 golf balls, seven golf tees, two golf rubber tees, and a hitting net that features one large target and three chipping target pockets, so you can practice all types of shots and swings from the comfort of your home.

Botanica Flameless Lighter

Sleeker and safer than matches, the Botanica Flameless Lighter is just right for lighting stoves, candles, and of course – menorahs!  Each beautifully hued lighter comes with a USB cord for recharging and a safety switch to prevent accidents.

Leon Sakkal

     Hanukah is a celebration of many different things: victory of the few over the many, triumph of the holy over the profane, the wearisome fight against assimilation, and of course, the miracle of the pach shemen, the jug of oil. But what Hanukah ultimately represents is hope, something we need now more than ever. 

    Although we live in an era with increasing hostility to our religious values, this is not the first time in our history that the world has looked so bleak. In fact, when studying the history of the Jewish people during the period of Hanukah, we can find striking similarities between that time period and the present. 

    Contrary to what some believe, the objective of the Yevanim (Greeks) was not to exterminate us. Rather, the Yevanim were determined to eliminate our spirituality; and  to degrade us and our Torah.  They wanted to turn us into mundane beings, who focus only on the physical. 

    How is that similar to what’s happening today? 

What We Are Fighting Against Now

    While there may not be a mighty empire that seeks our spiritual downfall today’s enemy is far more enigmatic and perhaps even more powerful than the mighty Greeks. What we must fight now is our obsession with modern day culture, with its emphasis on materialism, and that which is transient. 

    Take a look at popular culture. We live in a world that is dictated to by social media, where many are addicted to their smart phones and electronic devices.  We are bombarded on all sides to integrate into the liberal popular culture. We have come to embrace the ideas, ideals, and values of today’s fast-paced Western lifestyle.  However, this all serves to distance us from our Creator, His Torah, and a life of spirituality. Modern Western culture should be seen as the new Yevanim, and its proponents are showing no mercy in their ruthless war to convert us to their way of thinking. 

    Are we conscious of this ongoing war that our nation faces every day? Do we know that we are in a war zone that claims the lives of thousands of Jews across the globe daily? Perhaps it’s time for a reality check. 

       The rising rate of intermarriage shows dramatically that Jewish values and beliefs are in danger.  This being the case, we must take a look at our own lives.  We must examine honestly how we are doing regarding Jewish values and beliefs.  We need to ask ourselves if we need to increase our commitment to prayer and to Torah study. 

When we realize the lost battles within our nation, as Jews assimilate in many ways, including going so far as to marry non-Jews, and the lost battles against spirituality in our own lives, we can feel a deep sense of despair and hopelessness. Our emunah is weaker than it was in the time of Hanukah, our will has been diminished, our defenses depleted, and apathy is rampant. The winter season’s gray skies and gloomy weather do not help motivate us to pick ourselves up and “recharge.” 

Hanukah – a Time to Remember and to Reconnect

    But Hanukah offers us the opportunity to remember and to reflect. We remember how Hashem miraculously saved us from the Yevanim, and we reflect on our own lives, and how Hashem continues to help us today.  We kindle the holiday lights to lift us out of our despair, to reignite our hope, and to remind us just Who’s running the show. 

    Like the relief we feel upon seeing the dawn after a long, dark and lonely night, Hanukah shines its light on the darkness of our souls and on the plight of our people. 

    “We are the future; come join us,” Greek civilization beckoned – and many Jews did. But a small band of Jews led by the Maccabim rose up in protest. 

    Their battle seemed hopeless. How could a ragtag Jewish army possibly prevail against the mighty Greeks? How could an “old-fashioned” religion compete against modernity and humanism? And yet with Hashem’s help we persevered and won. 

       We need to be as valiant in battle as we once were. Hanukah is a time to remember that we are not alone in our fight. Current events show that our people and homeland are in danger.  Just look at the atrocious Iran Nuclear Deal, the horrendous stabbing of Jews as they walk the streets of Israel, and anti-Semitism so rampant in our own backyard.  Yet, we remember that Gd is there throughout the dark times. We know that just as He looked after us at the time of Hanukah so long ago, He will continue to look after us now. 

Rabbi David Sutton & Dr. David Katzenstein, LCSW-R

Life in the Dungeon 

Once we are able to admit, I have a side of me that may be capable of stealing, or doing some other bad deed, that makes the theoretical deed a separate entity from us. Although it may be bad, it is not us anymore, because we are no longer identifying ourselves with negative traits.  

Yet, as with all forms of self-improvement, this is easier said than done. 

There are many things that prevent people from increasing awareness regarding their own thoughts. Many of these things are related to particular mental health struggles.  

For example: 

Negative Self-Talk: People who engage in negative self-talk may fear their own thoughts because they believe their thoughts are a reflection of their own worth or abilities. 

Anxiety: People who suffer from anxiety may fear their own thoughts because those thoughts can trigger feelings of panic or distress. 

Trauma: People who have experienced trauma may fear their own thoughts because the thoughts can bring back unpleasant memories and emotions. 

Social Stigma: People may fear their own thoughts if they believe their thoughts are socially unacceptable or abnormal. 

Lack of Control: People may fear their own thoughts because they feel like they have no control over what or how they think. 

It is important to understand that having negative or intrusive thoughts is normal. Learning coping strategies to help manage and overcome the fear of our own thoughts takes both strength and vulnerability. When we manage and overcome the fear of our own thoughts, we are better able to see our actions as separate from our true selves. 

What is our true self? It is our ani, our self-awareness, which is above the committing of a bad deed. Although it may be depressing at first to recognize our negative characteristics, at the same time, it can be liberating.  

Rav Wolbe tells a story to illustrate his point. 

In the early 1800s, a German youth named Kaspar Hauser claimed to have grown up in the total isolation of a darkened cell.  

Allegedly, when he was finally released, Kaspar said that the entire time that he had lived in the dungeon, he’d thought life was the dungeon. By the time he realized there is a whole universe out there, he was already out of the dungeon.  

The same holds true when we get to know ourselves. As long as we are in the “dungeon,” living as our lower selves with all our bad middot, that is all we know. Once we start realizing, Hey, I was in the dungeon, we are already out of the dungeon, and now our job begins:  

It’s time to fix ourselves. 

TAKEAWAY 

If someone speaks disparagingly to you or you hear that someone gossiped about you, before going on the defensive, think for a moment if there is a smidgen of truth to their words.  

Once you acknowledge your faults, once you acknowledge that you were in the dungeon, you are already on the way to fixing those faults. 

Linda Sadacka

The recent election has demonstrated the Brooklyn Sephardic Jewish community’s commitment to voting for our values. We have shown our growing influence and our ability to shape the political landscape, both locally and nationally. This was not just another election. This election saw a powerful message delivered from a united community determined to secure a future that reflects its core values – safety, stability, and strength. The Sephardic Jewish community has spoken, and it has spoken with conviction.

In neighborhoods like Midwood, Gravesend, and Bensonhurst, voter turnout reached record highs. Voter turnout was not a matter of simply supporting individual candidates. Voters took a collective stand on issues that matter deeply to our community. Together, we showed that our priorities – public safety, economic opportunity, and the preservation of our values – are essential and deserve representation. 

Working Together

Throughout this election cycle, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside local candidates and community members who share our vision and commitment to these issues. Supporting leaders who understand and advocate for our needs has been both inspiring and rewarding. Local races, such as the New York State Assembly race in the 45th District, saw a 50 percent increase in voter turnout – a testament to the community’s engagement and determination to make our voices heard. This achievement was powered by the dedication of countless individuals who rallied friends, family, and neighbors to participate. 

Beyond Brooklyn, I witnessed the national significance of this movement firsthand at Trump campaign headquarters on election night. The energy in Palm Beach was palpable as top political figures, Trump surrogates, and strategists worked tirelessly to advance a vision centered on security, resilience, and unyielding support for Israel. Trump’s message has resonated deeply with our community, with New York delivering a historic 45 percent of the Jewish vote to the Republican candidate.

Changes Already Seen

Following Trump’s recent win, there has been a notable decrease in migrant attempts to cross the U.S.- Mexico border, as reports indicate fewer people are making the journey. This trend has been noted over the past several years and the recent greater decrease in migration is thought to reflect a response to the anticipated enforcement of stricter immigration policies under Trump’s administration, which prioritizes securing the borders and implementing balanced immigration strategies. Meanwhile, on the local level, unconfirmed reports suggest that hundreds of migrants in New York City shelters are choosing to be bussed to Canada, further underscoring the need for practical immigration policies that address both national security and community resources.

Trump’s impact is also being felt abroad. His election has sent a clear signal to hostile actors in the Middle East. Nations like Qatar and groups like the Houthis are reevaluating their strategies, aware that America now has a leader committed to standing firmly with its allies. For our community, this renewed commitment to Israel and Middle Eastern stability brings reassurance that the U.S. will counter forces that seek to destabilize the region. 

Looking Forward

Looking forward, it’s essential that we sustain this momentum. This election has shown that when we unite, our voices are not only heard but are respected. By supporting leaders who genuinely understand our concerns, we are building a legacy of empowerment for generations to come. This is not just about winning seats. It is about ensuring that our values and priorities are recognized at every level of government.

To everyone who voted, organized, and rallied – thank you. You have demonstrated the strength, unity, and resilience of our community. With Trump’s administration poised to focus on securing borders, protecting American interests, and reinforcing alliances, we can look forward with confidence. Together, we are building a future where our voices matter, our values are represented, and our influence continues to grow. This is a new era for the Sephardic Jewish community in Brooklyn – a future where our unity and commitment to action will drive lasting change.

The Deal Football League’s Final Push

After a season marked by transformation under new commissioner Sam J. Sutton, the DFL is at an all-time high, both in terms of excitement and organization. Sutton, with nearly 20 years of experience running community leagues, has brought fresh ideas and energy to the DFL. Thanks to his guidance and the league’s dedicated sponsors, the DFL has become a highlight of the fall season for fans and players alike.

Top of the Pack

At the top of the league sit two teams who have dominated this season, securing the coveted top two seeds and first-round playoff byes. The Smooth Mobile Oil Cowboys, led by captain Allen Mustacchi, boast a flawless 6-0 record. Known for steamrolling the competition, the Cowboys have displayed an unmatched level of consistency and teamwork. Their success has earned them the top seed and the advantage of rest as they await their next opponent in the semifinals.

Following closely behind are the Egleston Air Eagles, captained by Michael Panetz. With a strong 5-1 record, the Eagles have proven to be one of the league’s elite teams, securing the second seed and a first-round bye as well. Their only loss came at the hand of the Cowboys, and they’ll be entering the postseason with momentum and a well-balanced roster.

Locked In, But Still Battling

The next tier of teams includes Wigs by Gila’s Texans and Gems by Ruby’s 49ers, both at 4-2. These two teams have already clinched playoff spots, but their final game will determine important seeding. With the third and fourth seeds still up for grabs, expect both teams to come out strong in the last regular season game, aiming to build confidence and establish dominance heading into the playoffs.

Both teams have shown grit and skill throughout the season, and their Week 7 performances could set the tone for their postseason runs. The difference in seeding could be crucial, as higher seeds get more favorable matchups in the first round of the playoffs.

The Fight for Survival

While the top and bottom of the league standings are locked, the final playoff spot is still very much in play. The Empire Auto Protect Ravens, captained by Zach Kassin, sit at 2-4, as do the Fonz Fired Dolphins. Both teams have a shot at clinching the sixth and final playoff spot with a win in Week 7. For these two teams, it’s simple: win, and they’re in.

Adding further intrigue is the G&G Realtors Colts, sponsored by Milo Sutton and captained by Ralph Hanan. With a 1-5 record, the Colts face long odds but still have a mathematical chance to sneak into the playoffs. To keep their postseason hopes alive, they need not only a victory in the final game but also some help from around the league to create a potential three-way tie for the sixth spot. If this scenario unfolds, it could trigger a wild-card tiebreaker to determine the last team to advance – a thrilling possibility for fans following the playoff race.

Looking Ahead

With the playoff picture nearly set and only one spot left up for grabs, fans are eagerly anticipating the final week of regular-season action. Who will secure that last playoff berth? How will the Texans and 49ers shape the seeding? And which of the top seeds will carry their regular-season dominance into the playoffs?

The DFL playoffs promise to bring intense competition, unforgettable plays, and high-stakes drama as teams vie for the league’s ultimate prize. Stay tuned for next month’s issue, where we’ll dive into the 2024 postseason matchups, key players to watch, and predictions for which team might rise to claim the DFL championship.

Join the Action

For those who want to stay updated on the latest DFL happenings, be sure to follow the DFL YouTube channel and Instagram page for highlights, interviews, and weekly recaps. As the DFL heads into its most exciting stage yet, fans can expect unforgettable moments that will fuel the community’s passion for this beloved league.