Jack Gindi

When builders begin a project, they don’t just start laying bricks. They consult a blueprint. Without it, even the most skilled hands can waste materials, lose time, and end up with something unstable.

Families are no different.

Over the past year, we’ve explored in this column the core principles of building resilient lives. Let’s review: 1. The CODE – being Real, Raw, and Relevant to achieve Results. 2 – The Four Pillars of Body, Being, Balance, and Business. 3 – The daily deposits that strengthen relationships. 4. – The rituals that make ordinary moments sacred.

Now, as we approach the close of 2025, it’s time to bring those lessons together in one practice: Life Mapping.

What Is Life Mapping?

Life Mapping is the process of putting your intentions, values, and dreams on paper so you can see where you are and where you’re going. Just as a contractor would never build without plans, we shouldn’t drift through our days hoping the future will “work itself out.”

The map is guided by four questions; each tied to the Four Pillars. In Body, ask how you want to feel physically and what habits will give you strength and energy. In Being, reflect on which beliefs or practices will keep you grounded when life gets loud. In Balance, consider how you want to show up for the people you love most and what consistent acts of appreciation you can commit to. In Business, look at what you want to learn, create, or manage better with your time and resources.

The answers don’t have to be perfect. They just have to be honest.

The Power of a Shared Vision

When my wife and I started as young parents in Brooklyn, we didn’t have a grand plan. We were improvising, trying to keep the lights on and food on the table. Looking back, while we often spoke about dreams, I can see how much easier it would have been if we had sat down and mapped out a shared vision – not just financial goals or logistics, but determining the kind of values we wanted to live by and the life we hoped to build together.

A Life Map doesn’t eliminate challenges. But it does something remarkable: it creates alignment. Families stop pulling in different directions and begin rowing the boat together.

From Vision to Action

A map is only influential if it’s used. That’s why the most important step is implementation. Once you’ve outlined your vision, choose one small step and begin right away. Big goals can feel overwhelming, but small, repeated actions create momentum. Commit to reviewing your map after thirty days. See what worked, adjust what didn’t, and choose the next step. Repeat the cycle again the following month.

This rhythm turns a Life Map from a piece of paper into a living practice. Instead of waiting for the “perfect time” to start, you create steady movement toward the life you want.

A Map for the Storms Ahead

Life will bring storms – we all know that. I’ve lost fortunes in business. I’ve lost loved ones far too soon. No map can prevent those heartbreaks. But a map can give direction when the fog rolls in. It can remind you of your values when emotions run high. And it can give your children an anchor when the world feels uncertain.

Your Challenge

As 2025 winds down, I invite you to create your first Family Life Map. Write it out, speak it aloud, and then take one small action each day for the next thirty days. At the end of that time, review your progress, adjust your focus, and begin again. Repeat this process throughout the coming year and watch the transformation unfold.

I believe that with imagination, clear thoughts, intentional words, and consistent daily actions aligned with your dreams, just about anything becomes possible.

Every master builder starts with a single stone. Let this be your stone. From here, you can construct a future that reflects your deepest values, your highest hopes, and your truest selves.

Because families, like buildings, are stronger when they’re built with intention.

Consider this: What would shift in your home if, instead of reacting to life, you designed it?

Let’s build dreams together – one map, one family, one future at a time.

Pnina Souid

Kindness Brings Miraculous New Life

The phone rang at the Mitzvah Man hotline. The voice on the other end was that of an elderly woman. Although she spoke softly, her voice had the tone of one with a quiet resilience.

“My name is Mrs. Levine,” the caller said, sounding rather tired. “I’m a 96-year-old Holocaust survivor. My old, worn-out easy chair finally collapsed. It was my only comfortable piece of furniture, which I’ve had for fifty years. It was nothing special, but I spent my days there. I have no family left and no friends nearby. Just that chair kept me comfortable. Is it possible for you to help me find a replacement please? Even a used one would be a tremendous help.”

The Mitzvah Man’s heart was touched by Mrs. Levine’s simple request. “We usually focus on basic necessities,” he responded. “And furniture is often not so easy to acquire., But I truly understand your need for comfort. I’m going to send a text to our network of volunteers right now to see if we can come up with something for you.”

He immediately sent a brief, urgent message detailing Mrs. Levine’s situation and her need for a comfortable chair. Moments later, a response pinged back from Susan, one of the Mitzvah Man Organization’s dedicated volunteers.

“Please, let me take this mitzvah,” Susan wrote. “I need to do this immediately. I need the zechut (merit).”

When the Mitzvah Man messaged her to ask about the urgency of her situation, she explained, “My daughter is in the hospital right now, in labor for over ten long hours. She suffered two tragic miscarriages before this pregnancy. I’m praying so hard for a healthy birth and a healthy child. I want to send this precious survivor an extra special gift as a zechut for my daughter and her baby. I don’t want to buy her a second hand chair. I want to order her a brand-new, specialized automatic recliner chair, one that helps her to stand up and sit down. This will give her the comfort and dignity she deserves. Please give me her details right away so I can place the order.”

The Mitzvah Man quickly texted back: “Her name is Mrs. Levine, and she lives at 1712 Avenue N.”

Susan called him back, her voice shaking with emotion and astonishment.

“Mrs. Levine? 1712 Avenue N?!” Susan exclaimed. “That’s impossible! That’s my childhood home! I sold that house thirty years ago, and I sold it to a Mrs. Levine who I remember was a Holocaust survivor. I can’t believe this connection!”

The knowledge of this remarkable coincidence only deepened Susan’s resolve, convincing her that this divine alignment was a sign. She went online instantly and placed the order for the expensive, specialized chair to be delivered the very next morning.

Susan called the Mitzvah Man back a short while later. Her voice was now filled with overwhelming, tearful joy. “As soon as I pressed ‘send’ on the delivery order, the doctor came out of the delivery room and told me, ‘Congratulations! Your daughter just gave birth to a healthy baby girl!’”

The next morning, Mrs. Levine received her beautiful new lift chair. The comfort and independence it provided brought light and relief back into her life. She told Susan, “I’m happier than I’ve been in years.”

The Mitzvah Man wants to remind everyone: We can never know which specific mitzvah will be the one that breaks a spiritual barrier, creates a divine connection, or tips the scale of a blessing we desperately need. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity or the biggest charity. Just go out there and do a mitzvah. Surely, Hashem is going to reward your efforts in the most profound and unexpected ways.

Sam Sutton

Under the lights at M&S Park, with the stands packed and anticipation thick in the air, a new chapter of league history was written. The 2025 M&S World Series had all the makings of a classic, powerhouse rosters, superstar performances, heartbreak, and redemption. And when the final out was recorded when Captain Uri Adler dove to his knees and fired across the diamond for the clinching play the celebration began.

Champions: Kaboom.

For Uri Adler, it was the storybook ending to his first season as captain a debut campaign that began with high hopes and ended in pure glory. For Abe Saka, it was the long-awaited validation of years of excellence and grit. For ten of the twelve players on this roster, it was a first-ever taste of M&S immortality. And for the league, it was a reminder of why M&S Softball remains the gold standard – passion, competition, and community under one banner.

The Journey to the Crown

Kaboom’s road to the championship wasn’t easy. The postseason bracket was a gauntlet, and every step tested their chemistry, resilience, and belief.

In the Semifinals, Kaboom squared off against Vandelay Industries, a veteran team loaded with bats and experience. But Kaboom had something special – a unified energy that couldn’t be shaken. On the mound, Abe Saka was masterful. Pitching with the poise of a seasoned ace and the fire of a man on a mission, he controlled the tempo, silenced the bats, and carried his squad into the World Series. His performance was so commanding it earned him Player of the Week honors and set the tone for what was to come.

That semifinal series featured one of the most memorable defensive plays in M&S postseason history. In Game One, Sol Fallas, playing short center field, ranged deep up the middle and laid out for a full-extension catch that saved the game and, perhaps, the season. It was the kind of play that would replay in fans’ minds for years. From that moment, the message was clear: Kaboom was on a mission.

A Showdown for the Ages

Waiting in the Finals was the juggernaut King Salomon: Part Deux, led by legendary captain Michael “Sabon” Salomon, a team chasing dynasty status and hungry for another ring. The matchup was everything fans hoped for: two powerhouse teams, two brilliant captains, and lineups filled with stars.

Over the course of three unforgettable games, both teams traded blows. King Salomon struck early and often, with JoJo “Box Office” Levy continuing his meteoric rise as one of the league’s elite hitters. Levy, who crushed another ball over the fence in Game Two, put himself in a new category of player this postseason as a young star whose ceiling keeps climbing, and whose name now belongs among the league’s best.

But Kaboom, true to their name, always answered. Each rally from King Salomon was met with equal fire. Big hits, timely defense, and the unshakeable calm of Captain Uri Adler kept the team focused. By Game Three, the tension was unbearable – until Kaboom broke it open with a relentless offensive surge. The score may have widened late, but make no mistake: this was a battle of inches, decided by heart.

When it ended with Adler’s diving play and the eruption of cheers under the lights the team mobbed the field. Gloves hit the dirt, and years of frustration turned into joy.

Kaboom had done it. They were champions.

The MVP: Abe Saka

At the center of it all was Abe Saka, the bulldog on the mound who refused to bend. His command, endurance, and unrelenting focus made him the heartbeat of Kaboom’s title run. Every inning he threw carried weight; every pitch was a declaration.

Saka’s performance across the playoffs – and especially in the World Series – cemented his place in M&S lore. For years he had flirted with greatness. This time, he conquered it. Fittingly, he was named World Series MVP, a title that felt like destiny fulfilled.

The Captain: Uri Adler

Adler’s leadership was the glue that bound Kaboom together. Known across the league for his professionalism and calm demeanor, he captained his team the same way he played: composed, steady, and relentlessly respectful. He never let his team get too high or too low. He managed personalities, lineups, and moments with quiet confidence – the mark of a true leader.

In his first season wearing the “C,” Adler delivered the ultimate prize. Few captains in league history have ever steered a team to the mountaintop so quickly. His championship pedigree is now sealed in M&S history.

Respect to the Runners-Up

No championship is complete without acknowledging the greatness of the opponent and King Salomon: Part Deux was every bit the worthy adversary. Led by Michael “Sabon” Salomon, the team was a powerhouse from Opening Day. With players like Mo Shamah, TI, and JoJo Levy, to name a few, King Salomon pushed Kaboom to the brink.

Levy’s growth this season was particularly noteworthy – another ball over the fence, another step into stardom. Though they fell short, King Salomon’s mix of veterans and young stars this team was oh-so-close to winning it all.

Legacy of a Champion

What made Kaboom’s title run special wasn’t just their talent, it was their chemistry. They laughed, battled, and believed together. They responded to every setback with focus, every challenge with faith.

For ten first-time champions, the M&S Cup now symbolizes more than just a trophy. It represents late-night Glatt Bite runs, shared trust, and a team that refused to let go of the rope. And for veterans like Finkel and Chrem, it’s another golden moment to add to their legacy.

As the lights dimmed at M&S Park and the crowd lingered to soak in the celebration, one thing was clear: this was more than a championship. It was a statement.

Kaboom arrived. They battled. They believed. And they conquered.

From first pitch to final out, the 2025 M&S World Series will be remembered as one of the greatest in league history and Kaboom’s name will forever be etched on the M&S Cup.

Congratulations to Captain Uri Adler, World Series MVP Abe Saka, and the entire Kaboom roster your names are now written in M&S history!

The Champions: Player by Player

Abe Saka (P, World Series MVP) – The bulldog on the mound. Unwavering, unrelenting, and unstoppable. Saka willed Kaboom to victory with his mix of grit, poise, and power. The title that had eluded him for years is finally his and he earned every ounce of it.

A.Y. Slanger (C) – The starting pitcher’s dream. Slanger’s defensive instincts and lightning-fast releases kept runners honest all season. Behind the plate, he set the tone, controlled the rhythm, and gave Saka the trust every ace needs.

Barry Finkel (1B) – One of only two returning champions on the roster, Finkel once again proved he’s a winning player. His glove was reliable, his bat clutch, and his leadership invaluable. Another ring for a true veteran presence.

Neil “Real Feel” Shweky (2B) – The name says it all. Shweky’s smooth hands and field awareness made him a defensive standout at second base. Add in his timely hitting and you get one of the league’s most underrated stars.

Mordy Chrem (SS) – The defensive wizard. Chrem captured championships in back-to-back seasons, this time anchoring Kaboom’s infield with elite range and veteran composure. His bat packs pop, but his glove is poetry.

Uri Adler (3B, Captain) – The captain who brought it all together. Adler’s steady hand and even-keeled demeanor defined Kaboom’s culture. His leadership off the field was as vital as his steady play at third base.

Sol Fallas (SCF) – The bopper in the lineup with a highlight-reel glove. His legendary catch in the semifinals will go down as one of the greatest defensive plays in M&S postseason history. A true two-way force.

Morris “Mo” Levy (LF) – One of the breakout stars of 2025. Levy’s bat came alive this season, complementing his already-stellar defense in left field. A rising star who proved he can shine brightest on the biggest stage.

Nadav “Nutty” Auerbach (CF) Electric. Auerbach is one of the best center fielders and hitters in the league. His range, instincts, and consistency at the plate make him a cornerstone player and Kaboom’s all-around superstar.

Shimmy Cohen (RF) – The veteran finally gets his crown. After years of near misses, Cohen captured his first championship alongside longtime teammate Saka in a career-defining moment. His bat, his glove, and his leadership all came through when it mattered most.

Isaac “Icy Hot” Cohen (IF) – Reliable and clutch. Isaac delivered steady production and a veteran presence. Every contender needs a player who’s always ready that was Icy Hot.

David Minzer (IF) – The power bat Kaboom needed. Minzer stepped up in key spots throughout the postseason, delivering muscle in the lineup and big-moment energy when it mattered most.

Utensils Needed:

Shallow bowl

Skewers

Whisk

Skillet

Fork or tongs

Pizza cutter

Measuring cups and spoons

Spatula

Ingredients:

2 eggs

½ cup nondairy milk

1 tablespoon honey

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

5 slices of challah or bread (cut into ¾-inch to 1-inch-thick slices)

1 cup strawberries, halved

1 tablespoon unsalted margarine

2 tablespoons strawberry jam

Syrup

Let’s Get Started!

1. In a shallow bowl, use the whisk to combine the eggs, nondairy milk, cinnamon, honey, and salt.
2. Melt the margarine in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture until both sides are coated.
4. Place the bread into the hot skillet. Cook for 3 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through.
5. Use the fork or tongs to take the French toast out of the skillet. Put it on a plate. Use the pizza cutter to cut it into bite-size pieces.
6. Make small “sandwiches” with the French toast pieces and the jam, and thread them onto skewers, alternating with strawberry halves.
7. Serve with syrup.

Serves 4!
Strawberries are NOT only red. There are yellow, blue, white, black, and purple strawberries too!

BREAKFAST ON A STICK!

Chef Shiri Says…

Ounce for ounce, strawberries are slightly higher in vitamin C – and have fewer calories – than oranges!

What’s In A Name?

In France, French toast is called pain perdu, which means “lost bread.” Why lost bread? Originally, people made French toast from stale bread in order to use bread that would otherwise have been lost – thrown away.