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Sailing Relationships with R’ Ali

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April 2025

QUESTION:

Dear Rabbi Ali,

I’m not sure if this is an issue but it does bother me a lot. I find it hard to connect with my wife due to the fact that she is very quiet and doesn’t speak much. She was always quiet and reserved, but it never really bothered me until recently. Baruch Hashem, we don’t fight but I would still appreciate some advice on how I can connect with someone who doesn’t speak much.

R’ Ali’s Response:

I would like to start with something that Rabbi Shimon Gruen mentions often. If something bothers you, then it’s not trivial. Which means that we all have certain things that bother us and certain things that we’re okay with. What one considers unbearable, someone else may not even notice. Some people can’t handle a messy house while others could care less. The point is, if it bothers you, then you should address it. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is a problem, but you’re entitled to ask and search for a solution.

It’s also important for people to know that the person that they married is the same person that they are seeing now, months or years later. You mention that your wife was always quiet. Not to be cynical, but she is who you married. People should know who they’re marrying and accept who they are. Don’t expect someone to change who they are, or even worse, to try to change them. Of course, it goes without saying, unacceptable behavior should be corrected or at least acknowledged.

You mention that you don’t fight. That’s not a small thing in the slightest. It’s the literal definition of shalom bayit,a peaceful home. Unfortunately, there are many people who cannot say the same and pray so hard to be able to say those magic words, “We don’t fight.” Of course, we should always be striving for more and that’s wonderful when people want to better their relationship. It’s important to put things into perspective and realize what is actually going on. Many people equate shalom bayit with, “where I’d like my relationship to be.” Which means, if it’s not where I’d like it to be, my shalom bayit isn’t great. I don’t believe this is true. As I mentioned, shalom bayit means peace in the home. Two people that respect each other, don’t fight, and communicate on a basic level definitely seems peaceful to me.

One more idea before I attempt to answer your question is that you mention this didn’t bother you until recently. I don’t know how long you’re married, but it’s definitely worthwhile to think about why this didn’t bother you when you got married and why “ all of a sudden” this started to bother you. It could be that you have more on your mind and need to talk things out. If that’s the case, you should acknowledge that it’s not your wife’s shy nature and maybe find a friend or family member to speak to more at length. This is just one idea and I could be way off on the reason I am giving you. My point is to give you food for thought and maybe you can identify yourself why all of a sudden this bothers you.

How do you connect with someone when they don’t talk much? Of course, there are people who talk less and are shy by nature, but I have noticed that even shy people can be very talkative. Most people open up and speak a lot when they are in their comfort zone. Some people need to be very relaxed or very comfortable with the person that they are talking to. Others need to be in the right setting. I know many people who open up when they go for a walk or out to eat. There are also many people who have a lot to say but get interrupted often which gives them the cue to just not speak at all.

As I mention often, we should never forget the importance of praying to Hashem and asking Him for assistance, no matter how small we may think our issues are.

Once Upon A Thyme – Rosemary Pot Roast with Roasted Potatoes

Community Magazine

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April 2025

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Adina Yakkov

Rosemary Pot Roast with Roasted Potatoes

There’s something about rosemary that elevates every dish. Its distinct pine-like fragrance and earthy flavors, especially when paired with red wine and garlic, add incredible depth to this roast. Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for any family gathering or Shabbat dinner. Slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, the aromatic infusion of fresh rosemary, garlic, and red wine will quickly make this a family favorite.

Ingredients:

2-3 lb. French roast
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 white onions, sliced
5 tbsp canola oil
1 cup red wine
1 tbsp mustard
½ tsp lemon zest
8 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup brown sugar
4 twigs fresh rosemary or ½ cup dried rosemary
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes
Maldon flaky salt, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Pat the roast dry with paper towels and generously season it with salt and pepper on all sides.
Place the seasoned roast on top of the sautéed onions. Sear the roast for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned.
Pour in the red wine, lemon zest, mustard, garlic, brown sugar, rosemary, and red wine vinegar. Add enough water to the pot so the liquid comes up about an inch to the top of the roast. Cover and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer (low-medium flame) and cook for 3-4 hours. Check occasionally to make sure the liquid hasn’t evaporated. If the liquid level falls below the roast, add 1-2 cups of water at a time to keep it from burning. By the end of the cooking time, the liquid should be about halfway up the roast.
While the roast is cooking, scrub or peel the Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into halves or wedges. Toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on a sheet pan.
Bake the potatoes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, covered. Flip them 1-2 times during cooking to ensure they cook evenly. After 20 minutes, uncover the potatoes and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
During the last 10 minutes of cooking the roast, add the potatoes to the pot, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the roast.

To serve, arrange the roasted potatoes along the outer edges of a wide, rimmed dish. Place the roast in the center. Spoon the flavorful liquid over the roast and potatoes. Top the roast with the cooked onions and garnish with fresh rosemary and Maldon flaky salt (if desired).

Voices of Vision

Community Magazine

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April 2025

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Inspiring conversations with the women shaping our community, one story at a time.

“Fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child I loved walking everywhere, and by high school I got my first gym membership. The gym became my safe space – a place where I could feel strong, confident, and clear my mind.” – Yael Dayon

Ellen Geller Kamaras

Please meet Yael Frasko Dayon, a passionate mother, wife, and fitness trainer who keeps many of our community women in Long Branch, NJ, healthy and strong.

Yael’s parents, Liat and Yosef Frasko, are of Syrian descent. Yael is the second of seven children and is close with her siblings. She attended Yeshiva Ateret Torahfor elementary through high school.

A social and friendly child, Yael loved being active and in motion and won sports competitions during high school. She admits that she found it challenging to sit at a desk for long hours.

“My favorite part of the day was always gym class – I was naturally athletic and loved sports.”

Fulfilling Her Vision

After high school, Yael went straight to a hands-on sales job, not wanting to work at a desk job. After work, she would head to the Sephardic Community Center gym, where she trained friends for fun. “Fitness was something I had always loved, and over time it became more than just a hobby.”

Yael turned her passion into a career. She started with a few clients, training them for free, just to gain experience. Next she enrolled in school to become a certified fitness instructor. After earning her certification, she started training clients professionally and later began teaching classes at DSN Community Center, which inspired her to open her own home studio.

Yael is also a certified boxing trainer, certified nutrition coach, and is AED (Automated External Defibrillator)/CPR certified.

During the summer of 2023, Yael worked with Nutrition by Tanya as an EMSCULPT tech and earned the honor of employee of the month. She helped women gain confidence about their bodies and view themselves as strong, powerful, and beautiful.

And Then Came Marriage

Yael met her naseeb, David Dayon, one year her senior, through mutual family members and they clicked right away. David, also of Syrian descent, grew up in the Deal area. He works in ecommerce, advising and managing companies on Amazon.

Yael moved to New Jersey when she married David ten years ago. Living away from Brooklyn was hard at first, but thanks to Yael’s work and dedication, she has built a fulfilling social life and a supportive community in New Jersey.

The couple has been blessed with four children.

Yael’s Essence

Yael describes herself as friendly, outgoing, hardworking, organized, and continually growing closer to Hashem. She is also warm, positive, and energetic.

Having children was pivotal for Yael. She desired to feel strong and confident in her own body, and that fueled her passion for helping other women feel the same way. Yael wanted every mother to feel proud of her body through its changes and to embrace becoming the strongest and best version of herself. Yael also understood that prioritizing fitness plays a crucial role in supporting the mental health of mothers, giving them a necessary outlet for self-care and personal well-being.

“My proudest accomplishments are getting my certifications, and empowering women in my community while balancing my career and family life.” Having a nutrition certification enables Yael to guide her fitness clients about eating healthily.

Work/Life Balance

Yael’s fitness career allows her perfect work/life balance, giving her the flexibility to work from home, set her own schedule, raise her family, and be involved in the Jewish community.

“Balancing work and home life can be challenging. Mornings are hectic, knowing I have a client coming ten minutes after my kids get on the bus. Some days, I miss out on personal time or the ability to drive my kids when they want, but the trade-off of being my own boss and setting my timetable is worth it.”

Yael starts her day at 5am with her own workout, followed by prayer, breakfast, and getting her kids ready for school. Her first client arrives at 8:40am, and she usually sees clients until the early afternoon and then she is free for her children. Yael works some evenings,as well.

Over the years, she has transitioned from cardio to weight training, realizing that the heavier she lifted, the better her results and the stronger she became. She noticed the same pattern with her clients. The more they focused on strength training, the less pain they experienced daily and the more energetic they felt, as opposed to the exhaustion that often comes with excessive cardio.

Yael is grateful for the huge and beneficial impact her career has had on her family. Her children have grown up seeing their mom prioritize fitness and the value of strength and health. Fitness has become a natural part of their lives. “We don’t focus on being skinny but on being strong and healthy. My family is proud of my career, and I know I’m setting a positive example for my children.”

The pandemic was a major turning point for Yael’s fitness business. With big gyms shutting down, people needed a space to train, and that’s when her home training and classes really took off. It afforded Yael the opportunity to build a strong clientele and expand her reach in ways she hadn’t expected. As an extra boost to her business Yael started to sell juices and healthy desserts. Her clients are primarily women aged twenty and over. Sometimes shealso trains high school students.

Community

Yael is deeply involved in the Syrian community and teaches in DSN. One of the most wonderful aspects of her career is training people she sees every day, building friendships, and strengthening the community. “Fitness isn’t just about working out – it’s about creating connections and supporting each other in our health journeys.”

For Fun

Yael enjoys activities that allow her to unwind while taking care of her body. That includes lifting weights, going for a run, or spending time in the sauna. Self-care time slots for massages or recovery time are also a must for her.

Tips

Yael encourages young people to follow their dreams. “Don’t be afraid to start. Everyone begins somewhere, and success comes from consistency, dedication, and hard work. No one achieves success overnight.”

Although there were many instances where Yael questioned whether her career would work, she pushed forward. Over time, she is proud to have formed a strong clientele and a thriving business. Her challenges helped her grow.

Connect with Yael on Instagram @yael_dayon or by text 703-853-6340. Ellen Geller Kamaras, CPA/MBA, is an International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach. Her coaching specialties include life, career and dating coaching. Ellen can be contacted at ellen@lifecoachellen.com (www.lifecoachellen.com).

Fudgie Squares

Community Magazine

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April 2025

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The Jewish World of Wonders presents…

Creative Cooking with

Chef Shiri

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

Utensils Needed:

Small pan
9×13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Electric mixer
Oven mitts
Wire rack
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Spoon
Knife

Ingredients:

6 eggs
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (pareve)
1-1½ cups margarine (3 sticks)
3 cups sugar
^3/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups matzo cake meal (need to adjust the font size for the fractions) 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Let’s Get Started!

Adult Supervision Required

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides of the pan. Set aside.
Combine chocolate chips and margarine in small pan, and melt over very low heat. Set aside to cool.
Beat eggs well with electric mixer for 5 minutes; add sugar and vanilla extract and mix well.
Add salt and stir chocolate mixture into eggs with whisk.
Stir in matzo cake meal until blended.
Pour into 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until center is cracked.
Wear the oven mitts and take pan out of the oven. Let cool for 15 minutes.
Then lifting the squares from pan by pulling up gently on the edges of the parchment paper. Let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting with the knife.

Makes 20 Fudgie Squares!

Don’t Toss That Egg!

Did you know the date on your egg carton isn’t the “expiration” date? It’s more like a “best by” date, but eggs can still be good for 3 to 4 weeks after that. So, don’t throw them out just yet! You can still use them for a while.

Community Highlights – Flatbush Community Fund Distributes 12 Pallets of Purim Costumes to Hundreds of Families

Community Magazine

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April 2025

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Community Highlights – Flatbush Community Fund Distributes 12 Pallets of Purim Costumes to Hundreds of Families

In the spirit of Purim, the Flatbush Community Fund (FCF) once again stepped up for the community, distributing 12 pallets of beautiful costumes to hundreds of families last month. This annual initiative ensures that every child can experience the joy of the holiday with dignity and excitement.

Hundreds of families across Flatbush visited the distribution site, where volunteers warmly welcomed them and helped them select costumes for their children. The event was a true testament to the mission of FCF – supporting the community with care, respect, and dignity. Parents expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to provide their children with festive costumes, allowing them to embrace the Purim celebration fully.

“I can’t begin to describe what this means for my family,” shared one grateful mother. “My children could pick out beautiful costumes, and I didn’t have to worry about how to afford them. Flatbush Community Fund always makes us feel supported and respected.”

The distribution was made even more special by the presence of dedicated volunteers, including Fred Kreizman, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, and NYPD Captain Richie Taylor, who both rolled up their sleeves to help families find the perfect costumes.

Flatbush Community Fund remains dedicated to serving the community’s needs through innovative and compassionate initiatives. Whether through Purim costumes, food distributions, or financial assistance, FCF continues to be a pillar of support for Flatbush families. For more information about Flatbush Community Fund and how to support its programs, visit fcfund.org.

Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Visits Magen David Yeshiva

Rabbi Eli Mansour and the Magen David Yeshiva High School Faculty and students had the honor of welcoming the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Shlit”a, to their yeshiva last month.

Rabbi Amar blessed the students and gave inspirational hizuk to those in attendance. The Rabbi spoke to the students about the lessons one can learn from Moshe Rabbenu – and stressed the point that even as large as Moshe was, we shouldn’t look at ourselves as small.

One of the teachers commented, “We are in the golden hour of education, and this is the perfect time for our students to develop the fundamentals and middot that they need for the rest of their lives.”

President Trump Delivers on His Threats, Columbia University Pro-Terror Activist Mahmoud Khalil to Be Deported Following Arrest

In a decisive move that marks a new chapter in President Donald Trump’s crackdown on foreign students involved in anti-Israel protests, federal immigration authorities arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist, last month. This arrest follows Trump’s earlier threats to deport foreign agitators and imprison those leading the charge against the U.S.’s stance on Israel.

Khalil, who played a central role in Columbia University’s student encampment protests, was apprehended in his apartment just blocks from the prestigious Manhattan campus. The immigration authorities, acting under a State Department order, revealed their intent to revoke Khalil’s green card, a dramatic escalation in the administration’s war on radical campus activism.

Khalil, who graduated in December, had been a thorn in the side of both the university and U.S. officials for his outspoken anti-Israel stance. As one of the most visible faces of the pro-Palestinian movement on campus, he had often been vocal about his belief that Columbia benefited from “Israeli apartheid” and vowed that student resistance would persist.

His arrest follows Trump’s recent actions to place additional scrutiny on Ivy League universities, particularly Columbia. On Friday, the Trump administration announced a $400 million cut in grants and contracts to the university, blaming the school for failing to contain anti-Semitism amid campus protests. Trump’s firm stance against anti-Israel activists is clear. He has made no secret of his plan to target individuals who disrupt American interests under the guise of protest, and his administration is now delivering on those promises. As part of the crackdown, Khalil, who holds permanent residency, was detained despite his status as a legal resident, further intensifying the stakes for activists like him.

The Lighter Side – March 2025

Community Magazine

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March 2025

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Purim Puns

Q: What was Queen Esther’s royal gown made of?
A: Poly- Ester!

Q: What beracha did the Jews say upon seeing Haman hanging on the gallows?
A: Ha’eitz!

Moshe K.

Knock, Knock

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Vashti!

Vashti who?

Vashti dishes and I’ll give you a hamantaschen!

Norman B.

A Jewish Grandmother’s Voice Mail:

If you want lox and eggs, press 1;

If you want knishes press 2;

If you want chicken soup, press 3;

If you want matzoh balls with the soup, press 4;

If you want to know how am I feeling, you are calling the wrong number since NOBODY ever asks me how I am feeling. Who knows? I could even be dead by now.

Lisa S.

Conversion Tables

With today’s rapid advance in technology, we thought it important to bring to our readers’ attention some new engineering conversions:

Ratio of an igloo’s circumference to its diameter: Eskimo Pi

2000 pounds of Chinese soup: Won ton

1 millionth of a mouthwash: 1 microscope

Time it takes to sail 220 yards at 1 nautical mile per hour: Knot-furlong

Half of a large intestine: 1 semicolon

Shortest distance between two jokes: A straight line.

1,000 aches: 1 kilohurtz

Basic unit of laryngitis: 1 hoarsepower

453.6 graham crackers: 1 pound cake

1 million microphones: 1 megaphone

10 cards: 1 decacards

1 kilogram of falling figs: 1 Fig Newton

1,000 cubic centimeters of wet socks: 1 literhosen

2 monograms: 1 diagram

2,000 mockingbirds: 2 kilomockingbird

Charles P.

Doctor’s Visit

Patient: “Doctor, doctor I think I’m shrinking!”

Doctor: “Well, you’ll just have to be a little patient!”

Alice C.

The Mayor’s Mezuzah

One day the mayor of the adjacent town came to the rabbi’s house for a meeting.

“Rabbi,” began the mayor, “in our town we are plagued by thieves. Scarcely a day passes without a report that a home in my city has been burglarized. On the other hand, I have noticed that thieves do not bother you Jews nearly as much. Why is that?”

“Look at this little box on the side of my doorpost,” the rabbi said pointing to the mezuzah. “When we Jews put a mezuzah on the entrances to our houses, Gd protects both us and our property.”

“Then I shall have everyone in my town install such a box,” the mayor said excitedly.

Looking down, the rabbi said, “I’m afraid that’s not going to be so easy. Mezuzot are only really fit for Jewish homes.”

“In that case,” replied the mayor, “at least give just one to me personally for my own use.”

Not wishing to upset the powerful mayor, the rabbi reluctantly handed over a mezuzah.

The next day, the rabbi was awakened by the sound of someone pounding violently on his door. Dressing himself hastily, he made his way down the stairs.

“Who’s there?” the rabbi asked.

“Open the door! Open the door!” screamed a voice on the other side.

Leaving the door on the latch, the rabbi cracked the door wide enough to see the mayor standing in front of him, his eyes wild with great distraught.

“What happened?” asked the terrified rabbi, “Robbers?”

“No, even worse!” screamed the mayor. “Charity collectors!”

Hilarious Hannah

Desperate for Dismissal

A man chosen for jury duty very much wanted to be dismissed from serving. He tried every excuse he could think of, but none of them worked. On the day of the trial, he decided to give it one more shot.

As the trial was about to begin, he asked if he could approach the bench.

“Your Honor,” he said, “I must be excused from this trial because I am prejudiced against the defendant. I took one look at the man in the blue suit with those beady eyes and that dishonest face and I said, ‘He’s a crook! He’s guilty, guilty, guilty!’ So, Your Honor, I could not possibly stay on this jury.”

The judge replied, “Get back in the jury box. You are just the kind of juror we are looking for – a good judge of character.”

“But Your Honor,” the man protested, “how can you say that?!”

“Because,” the judge said, “that man is the defendant’s lawyer!”

Joey G.

White House History

The first Jewish President of the United States has been inaugurated, and the first Jewish holiday that follows is Purim. So, he calls up his mother to invite her to the White House for Purim.

Their conversation goes something like this:

President: Mom, with Purim being the first holiday after my inauguration, I want to celebrate it with us at the White House.

Mom: Oh, I don’t know. I’ll have to get to the airport and…

President: Mom! I’m the President of the United States! I’ll send a limo for you to take you right to the airport!

Mom: OK, but when I get to the airport, I’ll have to stand on the line to buy a ticket and check my baggage. Oh, it will be so difficult for me.

President: Mom, don’t worry about standing on lines or any of that. I’m the most powerful person in the world. I’m the President. I’ll send Air Force One for you!!

Mom: Well, OK. But when I get to Washington, I’ll have to find a cab and…

President: Momma, please! I’ll have a helicopter waiting for you. It will bring right to the White House lawn!!!

Mom: Well, yeah. But where will I stay? Can I get a hotel room…

President: Momma, we have this whole big White House!!!! There will be plenty of room!!!! Please join us for Purim.

Mom: Ok, I’ll be there.

Two seconds later, she calls her friend:

Mom: Hello, Sadie?!! Guess what? I’m spending Purim at my son’s house!!

Sadie: Oh, the doctor?

Mom: No, the other one.

Maureen T.

Preferred Customers

An Israeli is walking down the street in New York when suddenly, to his horror, he sees a sign hanging in front of a building. The sign reads, “We would rather do business with a thousand Hamas terrorists than with a single Israeli.”

Enraged, the Israeli walks up to the building and prepares to go inside to confront the owners. As he is about to enter the building, he notices a smaller sign which reads, “Bergenstein Funeral Home.”

A. N.

Riddles – March 2025

Community Magazine

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March 2025

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RIDDLE: The Hidden Number

Submitted by: Susan M.

I am a three-digit number. My tens digit is five more than my ones digit. My hundreds digit is eight less than my tens digit. What number am I?

Last Month’s Riddle: What Am I?

I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive when the wind blows. What am I?

Solution: An echo!

Solved by: Eli Nuseiri, Adele E. Sardar, Big Mike, Albert Setton, Carl Dwek, Janet F., Family Esses, and The Shmulster.

JUNIOR RIDDLE: The More You Take

Submitted by: Bobby W.

The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?

Last Month’s Junior Riddle: A Sinking Feeling
You see a boat filled with 100 people. A minute later, you look again and there isn’t a single person on board. If the boat didn’t sink, how is that possible?

Solution: All the people were married!

Solved by: Danielle Mandalawi, Simon Salame, Cynthia Salame, Rachel G., Chanie Groner, Adele E. Sardar, The Big Cheese, Family Esses, Maureen Betesh, and The Shmulster.

Voices of Vision

Community Magazine

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March 2025

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Inspiring conversations with the women shaping our community, one story at a time.

Ellen Geller Kamaras

“Everything I’ve achieved is with Hashem’s help, guidance, and blessings. During the pandemic, with my father’s memory as a source of strength, I channeled my energy into building a business that could bring joy to others.” – Sarah Idy Dahan

Please meet the vibrant and talented Sarah Idy Dahan, literally a fine princess. She is a successful hairstylist and founder of Hummingbird, a baby product/fashion brand that focuses on mothers.

Her middle name, Idy, is for Aidel. The Yiddish meaning is delicate or noble, whereas the Hebrew denotes that Hashem is eternal.

Sarah Idy’s last name Dahan is unique in that it is her parents’ last name and her married name. She married a man with the exact first and last name as her beloved father, Rabbi Chaim Dahan, zt”l.

Sarah Idy strives to live up to her meaningful names, and her parents’ and grandparents’ values and teachings.

Early years

Sarah Idy, the oldest of two girls, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Rivkah Cabasso Dahan and Chaim Yechezkel Shraga Dahan, a”h. Her mother was a Brooklyn-raised Syrian girl and her father, half Moroccan and half Hungarian, grew up in Monsey, NY. Sarah Idy refers to her family as a real “cholent or hameen!”

Chaim Dahan, a rabbi, hazan, and public speaker, studied at Telz Yeshiva in Cleveland for twenty years. He also served as a Rebbe at Shaare Torah in Brooklyn for two decades. Chaim’s father was brought from Morocco to NY by the Ashkenazi Mir Yeshiva. When Chaim’s Rosh Yeshiva in Telz, Rav Mordechai Gifter, zt”l, found out he was Sephardic, he encouraged Chaim to return to his Sephardic roots and heritage.

Sarah Idy’s mother was most recently the principal of YDE Girls Elementary School and is now living in Long Branch, close to her daughters. She is a School Leadership Consultant and is in private practice as a Therapeutic Energy Practitioner.

The Dahan family moved to Brooklyn when Sarah Idy was a year old. She attended Yeshiva Ateret Torah from first grade through high school. While she was a hard-working student, she admits to having loved school mostly for the social aspect. “As a child and adult, I was, and am still, a social butterfly. I always had many friends and loved meeting new people.”

Career Passions

Sarah Idy developed her passion for hairstyling at a young age while watching her paternal grandmother Ruthie Dahan, a significant role model, in action. Ruthie was a hairdresser and makeup artist and worked avidly until the day she died. “My grandmother had a magical way of making people feel beautiful, always wearing the biggest smile, and she became an integral part of everyone’s celebrations, helping them feel like their best selves.”

Determined to enroll in a professional program, Sarah Idy convinced the manager of a hair styling course to admit her at the tender age of ten. She still remembers introducing herself confidently to a room full of 12^th graders and married women.

At ten year of age, Sarah Idy was cutting hair and doing makeup for bar mitzvahs and engagement parties.

After high school, Sarah Idy enrolled in cosmetology school and then a makeup certification program. She did considerable research and her father accompanied her on all her interviews. Her experience at ARROJO Academy – Cosmetology School in trendy SOHO, was exhilarating and enabled her to flourish as a hairstylist.

Her hair business, HairbySarahIdy,allows Sarah Idy to fulfill her passion of making people feel good about themselves and bringing them happiness. “I have the privilege of helping them feel beautiful with the talents Hashem gave me.” Her clients come through word of mouth.

In addition to one-on-one and group hairstyling for semachot, Sarah Idy gives hairstyling classes for teenagers, teaching them to do their own hair. She feels honored to work with brides on their special day and to share their cherished moments with them.

One of her proudest accomplishments was doing hair on photoshoots for prominent clothing brands such as Junee’s and Tottini. It was exciting for her to see her work featured on the company websites and on posters in stores.

Sarah Idy’s Essence

Sarah Idy is warm, vivacious, spiritual, and easy to talk to. She describes herself as happy, creative, determined, passionate, authentic, and energetic. Sarah Idy added that she is detail-oriented, motivated, and a go-getter. “Whatever I put my mind to, I give it my all. I’m proud of my ongoing spiritual growth and my efforts to continuously become a better person, the best example for my family.”

Sarah Idy is grateful for the incredible values and life lessons her parents modeled. “They raised me with immense love and confidence, instilling in me the belief that I could achieve success in whatever I set my mind to and providing the tools to reach my highest goals.”

She feels comfortable both in the Sephardic and Ashkenaz worlds. Sarah Idy grew up in the Ateret Torah community and spent summers in the Ashkenazi Cleveland community.

A Match Is Made

Three young men with the last name “Dahan” were suggested to Sarah Idy as matches. None were related to her father. Her parents consulted a rabbi to confirm it was permissible to meet Chaim Menachem Dahan from Montreal who had the same name as her father’s. The mashgiach from Chaim’s kollel, Rabbi Benzion Kaye, made the shidduch.

When her future husband entered her home for their first date, Chaim recognized her father and said, “I remember we met when you spoke at Rabbi Diamond’s yeshiva three years ago and I remember exactly what you said: ‘the city of happiness is in the state of mind.’” Chaim earned major points with her dad with that recollection.

Sarah Idy and Chaim first lived in Lakewood, NJ, and moved to Long Branch recently. Her sister Zahava and her mother followed. The couple have three young children, a five-year-old son, a three-year-old daughter, and a boy almost two. Sarah Idy’s personal passions are her husband and children.

Hummingbird is Born

Hummingbird was conceived during the pandemic. Sarah Idy wasn’t doing hairstyling since semachot were on hold and there were many social distancing restrictions. However, the most significant impact of the coronavirus was personal. Sarah Idy’s father passed away suddenly from Covid. “Losing him turned my world upside down and left an immense void in my life. He was my best friend and also one of my greatest inspirations.”

“Becoming a first-time mother sparked a desire in me to create something meaningful, which led to the launch of Hummingbird. This new chapter coincided with a difficult time, as I was coping with the loss of my father. Motherhood was the true catalyst for turning my vision into a reality.”

Sarah Idy’s husband also played a pivotal role. It was his dream to start a business, and she credits him with being the driving force behind Hummingbird’s success.

Hummingbird’s mission is to inspire confidence in moms by providing products that blend comfort and elegance while creating a sense of connection and belonging. Every product is made with care, quality and safety, and attention to detail is prioritized.

Why Hummingbird? Hummingbirds go from plant to plant, pollenating, ensuring that natural vegetation and flowers thrive. They do this vital work lovingly and even hum while working. Mommies are very similar in that they bring the next generation to life and nurture the young into thriving adults.

Hummingbird’s functional and stylish products include cozy baby blankets, pacifier clips, buddy blankets, and other thoughtfully designed accessories. The blankets are hand-sewn in the U.S. and the other products are manufactured overseas in factories that align with the Dahans’ values and high ethical and safety standards. “I am truly blessed to be part of mothers’ special moments. Hearing positive feedback is incredibly rewarding and building positive relationships is what makes my business successful. I treasure spotting my blankets and shoes around town.”

Sarah Idy puts herself and her love into her products. She wraps all the gifts herself or with help from her kids and she includes handwritten notes. Sarah Idy listens to feedback, and treats every customer with the same respect and kindness she would expect.

Family and Balance

Being present for her children is Sarah Idy’s top priority. She generally plans her work calendar for HairbySarahIdy and Hummingbird around her children’s schedule. “I make it a point to put down my phone when they’re home from school and need my attention.” Her husband and children are her biggest cheerleaders for her hairstyling business and for Hummingbird.

Community

“I am incredibly blessed to be part of the Syrian community with its rich heritage and strong sense of connection.” Her family has become part of the Long Branch Rabbi Diamond Kollel community, a wonderful source of support and inspiration.

Sarah Idy contributes to the community by being an actively supportive neighbor and friend. “Whether it’s sharing advice, lending a hand, or celebrating milestones, community means showing up for each other and fostering meaningful relationships.”

Sarah Idy enjoys unwinding with a good book and a cup of tea.

What’s Next?

AtHummingbird, Sarah Idy is formulating content and programs to help mommies thrive and feel supported.

Contact Sarah Idy at hello@hummbrand.com, on WhatsApp (718-986-5466), which includes a complete product catalog, or on her website, https://hummbrand.com/.

Community Highlights – Magen David Yeshivah Students Visit the New Anne Frank Exhibit

Community Magazine

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March 2025

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Community Highlights – Magen David Yeshivah Students Visit the New Anne Frank Exhibit

Last month, the MDYHS Names Not Numbers group visited the newly opened Anne Frank exhibit in the Center of Jewish History, with Program Directors Rabbi Elinatan Bitton and Mrs. Bruchie Weinstein. The beautifully curated audio-led tour was an eye opener for all these students, who were preparing to film and interview Holocaust survivors themselves through the NNN program. Their goal is to gain knowledge and to relate what they learned to their own survivors’ experiences and stories.

The exhibition initially established the backstory for the Frank family and introduced general information about the Holocaust. It then allowed those visiting to experience the Frank family’s struggle to keep safe and to protect themselves and others as they finally went into hiding. Visitors followed the Frank family after they were caught, deported, and the terrible aftermath that ensued.

Students were able to see a perfect reproduction of the “annex,” the attic rooms where the Franks, the Van Pels, and Mr. Pfeffer lived in hiding, as well as the bookcase concealing the entrance to the annex, and the steps leading up to it. All this, coupled with original artifacts (board game, clothing) that were brought from Amsterdam, made the students feel as if they were actually there, in the very rooms where Anne lived, loved, dreamed, hung her movie star pictures (they are there on her wall), and wrote what would become her legacy to them and to the world -her diary.

Shomrim Helps Nab Package Thief Driving Stolen Van Loaded with Stolen Goods

A package thief was arrested last month, thanks to the swift response of Flatbush Shomrim. A homeowner in the vicinity of Avenue S and East 8th Street witnessed his package being stolen in real-time via his Ring camera and immediately alerted Shomrim.

Shomrim volunteers quickly mobilized and tracked down the suspect, who was driving a van loaded with stolen packages. The NYPD later discovered that the thief had been tailing Amazon and UPS trucks, snatching deliveries moments after they were dropped off. Upon apprehension at Ocean Avenue and Avenue T, police also found a significant quantity of Fentanyl and crack cocaine in the suspect’s possession.

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle itself had been stolen, and the license plates had been taken from another car. The suspect is now in police custody, facing multiple charges related to theft, drug possession, and vehicle-related offenses.

Flatbush Shomrim urges residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity to prevent such crimes from occurring in the community.

Flatbush Shomrim can be reached at their 24-Hour Hotline – 718 338 9797 or via email: info@flatbushshomrim.org.

Living Emunah – Temperature Control

Community Magazine

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March 2025

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Rabbi David Ashear

Hashem controls every little detail of nature. Nothing just happens; everything is controlled directly by Him.

In Shir La’maalot, we read of the promise given to those who look to Hashem for help (Tehillim 121:6): “The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.” The sun and moon provide great benefits to the world, but are also potentially harmful. The sun is the source of heat, and the moon controls the tides and thus the winds which in turn bring cooling breezes. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause melanoma, dehydration, and sunstroke, but Hashem promises that if we place our trust in Him, we will be spared the harmful effects of sunlight.

The Hebrew word for sun, shemesh, relates to the word shamash, which means “servant.” The sun is just a servant of Hashem, carrying out the will of Hashem. And thus in the future, our Sages teach, the sun will be a source of healing for the righteous and a source of calamity for the wicked. The very same sun will have two opposite effects on people, because the sun is only a servant bound to do what Hashem instructs it to do.

Regarding the cold, Rabbi Pesach Eliyahu Falk cites a remarkable comment made by Rashi concerning the pasuk (Tehillim 147:17) that says. “He casts His ice ‘like kefittim.’” Rashi explains the word kefittim as referring to the material used to stuff blankets. Hashem sends down cold and icy weather, in accordance with the amount of material one has with which to keep himself warm. He ensures that the poor man, who cannot afford to purchase warm garments and blankets, will be less affected by the cold than those with adequate protection. The Chiddushei HaRim makes a similar comment on the pasuk (ibid. 147:16) – “He provides snow like wool.” He explains that Hashem send harsh wintry weather in accordance with the amount of wool a person has, and the proportional to his ability to withstand and tolerate the cold.

Hashem not only controls the temperature in the world, but also controls the effect it has on each and every individual. Each person experiences the hot or cold weather differently. At the same time that Hashem is controlling the universe, He is also adjusting the temperature for billions of people!

This is something to think about the next time we are standing in the hot sun and see people around us suffering and sweating from the heat while we feel comfortable. Or when we are out in the cold and experience little or no discomfort while others are shivering. The extent of Hashem’s control over the world is simply mind boggling. We should thank Him for taking care of us and ensuring that we are able to tolerate the temperature. We also need to know that if we look to Hashem for help, then He will protect us from all harm posed by nature.