One of the greatest fears people have when creating an Estate Plan is that their family might end up fighting after they’re gone. Unfortunately, disputes over money, property, or perceived fairness are all too common – and they can tear apart relationships that took a lifetime to build. The good news is that with careful planning and honest communication, you can dramatically reduce the risk of conflict and ensure your legacy brings peace, not pain.

Family disagreements often arise when instructions are unclear or when someone feels left out or surprised. A common trigger is vague language in a Will or Trust that leaves too much open to interpretation. Another possible issue is unequal distributions that aren’t explained, or outdated documents that no longer reflect your current wishes or family situation. Sometimes the problem isn’t the plan itself, but the people chosen to carry it out – an executor or trustee who mishandles responsibilities or appears to play favorites can spark costly legal battles that drain the estate and damage family bonds forever.

The first step to avoiding these pitfalls is to work with an experienced Estate Planning attorney who will draft clear, thorough documents. Make sure your Will and Trust spell out exactly how you want your assets divided, who will manage the process, and what authority your fiduciaries have. If you wish to treat your children differently – for example, leaving more to a child with greater needs or less to someone already financially secure – put this in writing and consider explaining it in a separate letter or family meeting. While you are not obligated to justify your decisions, clarity now can prevent hurt feelings and arguments later.

Choosing the right people to manage your estate is just as important as the words on the page. Serving as an executor, trustee, or power of attorney agent is a big responsibility that demands honesty, fairness, and diplomacy. Pick individuals who are organized, level-headed, and able to work well with other family members. If your family dynamics are tense or your estate is particularly large or complex, you may want to name a neutral third party, such as a professional trustee or trust company. An independent fiduciary can make tough decisions impartially and diffuse suspicion that one sibling is acting unfairly.

Another smart strategy is to keep your documents up to date. Major life events – marriage, divorce, birth of grandchildren, or a death in the family – can change your wishes or make your current choices outdated. An outdated plan is a recipe for confusion and conflict. Review your estate documents, beneficiary designations, and asset titles every few years and make updates as needed.

Communication Is Key

Communication is often the best prevention. While not every family needs a formal meeting, having open conversations with your loved ones about your general intentions can help everyone feel informed and respected. This doesn’t mean sharing every financial detail, but explaining who will be in charge, how the process works, and what you hope your legacy will accomplish can go a long way in preventing misunderstandings.

Another key point is to organize your paperwork and keep it accessible. Make sure your executor or trustee knows where to find your Will, Trust, insurance policies, deeds, account information, and contact details for your attorney and financial advisor. A messy or hidden trail of documents is an invitation for mistakes and suspicion, especially at a time when your family is grieving and emotions are high.

For families with unique assets like a family business, vacation home, or heirlooms, special care is needed. A vacation property, for example, can become a source of friction if siblings disagree on maintenance, scheduling, or whether to sell. A Trust can lay out clear rules for how the property will be used, maintained, or sold, so everyone is on the same page.

Sometimes, despite best efforts, disagreements still arise. Including a “no contest” clause in your Will or Trust can deter frivolous challenges by penalizing beneficiaries who contest your wishes without a good reason. Your attorney can explain when and how such clauses work in your state.

In the end, the goal of Estate Planning is more than just transferring assets – it’s about leaving behind clarity, stability, and family harmony. By choosing trustworthy people, communicating your goals, and working with qualified advisors, you can protect not only your wealth but also the relationships that matter most. To learn how to protect yourself and your family visit www.haaszaltz.com or call 718-412-5288. You can also send an email to: [email protected].

Sophia Franco

It’s a fast day, Tisha b’Av. Rabbi David Ozeri approaches Harry Adjmi and says, “I’ve got a problem. I have four rabbis, and I must get them each fifteen thousand dollars for their children’s weddings. They are teachers, the poorest of the poor, and I really want to help.” Harry thinks for a minute and concocts a plan. “Okay,” he says. “We’re going to go to each of the four different minyanim in Deal Synagogue. Rather than the standard Harry Adjmi fundraiser, do you mind if we set an amount, and ask everyone for a maximum of $1,000 dollars each?” Rabbi Ozeri says, “If that’s how you think it’ll work, go ahead.” Harry starts with the first minyan. “I tell them about these rabbis and ask whoever is willing to and can put up $1,000, to please raise their hand. By the time we get to the last minyan, our goals are surpassed, and we’ve done a tremendous hesed. All in a good day’s work.”

“The leader of the generation is like the entire generation.”- Rosh Hashanah 25b

They say that leaders bring the weather, but what does that mean? And what makes a good leader? Haim Chera calls Harry a one man show. “He has a special talent for reading a room instantly and infusing it into one of warmth and generosity.”

In a community larger and more complex than ever before, Harry brings his unstoppable energy everywhere – giving generously, guiding wisely, and inspiring deeply- multiple times a week, not for one organization, but for so many charities that constitute the fiber of our community. This, in addition to being a prominent businessman in both apparel and real estate, and a father and grandfather, makes him among the truly unique. Surely, you’ve seen him, microphone in hand, radiating positivity and success, making people feel safe, valued, and ready to be their best selves, but that’s not all. Behind the scenes Harry’s mediating business, marital, and familial conflicts. Where there is discord, and Harry enters the room, miraculously, the outcome turns out better for everyone.

Why?

Rabbi Joey Haber reflects, “Harry Adjmi is one of the most remarkable men our community has ever known. We deeply respect the leaders of past generations, but many of them were guiding a smaller community, with fewer organizations and fewer people. Today, our community is enormous, and Harry is involved in every aspect, from every angle. What’s truly extraordinary is his sensitivity. He notices small thoughts, subtle concerns, and addresses people with tender care. He can sit with the most vulnerable woman, the most influential rabbi, and the most powerful layman, and give each the same attention. He’s bold, direct, yet humble. He’s loving and clear, and when he’s tough, it’s only in your best interest.” Guided by a fierce moral compass, deep personal pride, and unwavering courage, Harry treats everyone with fairness, forgiveness, and the gift of being truly heard.

Ikey Massry, of Hillel Yeshivah, echoes, “Harry doesn’t just live in this community – he lives for it, giving his time, energy, and heart to make it stronger every day.”

“Who is the strong one? One who strengthens others.”- Pirkei Avot 4:1

Many are under the false notion that Harry magically appeared on the community stage on April 14, 2020, but he’s been involved in community affairs since the 1990s. On that infamous day in the heat of Covid, Harry had just returned home from the hospital when so many of our loved ones had not. A visibly changed man, he was ill, but happy and aware. “I got lucky,” he said to all those gathered around celebrating his return and to countless Instagram watchers who were glued to their screens. “Hashem said to me, ‘Harry, you’re a good worker; continue your work, and double down. Keep helping the community.’ Double down!” Harry repeated, a call to action that was played and replayed, inspiring so many to volunteer, donate, and pray. No one had any idea how far and wide the sentiment would travel.

Rabbi Eli Mansour, close friend and mentor to Harry, calls Alice, Harry’s wife, the silent hero. A community leader and advocate, she is the backbone and foundation for everything that Harry has accomplished thus far. She recalls, “Twenty-six years ago, I was Vice President of Sephardic Community Center, and we were, literally, without money to make payroll. I had an idea to invite the people to our home and appeal to them, directly, and Harry went along with it. We called the event Save the Center and all the girls involved made the food and décor by hand.

“I’d intended to be honest about how much trouble we were in, but back then, no one wanted to show weakness. I had prepared a speech, but at the last minute I panicked. Harry took the microphone. He was caught completely off guard, but he was warm, casual, and spoke from the heart, asking each guest what the Center had done for them. They responded to him, in stereo, as they always do, and it was a huge success. That was the first time, and it was a blockbuster. Harry was a natural.”

From that day, Harry became a spokesman for many different charities. He realized that if you appeal to the people, tell them stories about who and how the charity is helping, they’ll come to your aid. Today, you’ve seen this done at thousands of events, but back then it was a brand-new concept.

“Give thanks for the good, and you will be granted more.” – Berachot 54a

Harry explains, “If you ask any entertainer why they return to the stage again and again, they’ll tell you, it feels good. It feels special when people respond, and even more so when they respond with large donations for a cause you believe in. I try to speak beautifully always, but no two fundraisers are alike. Sometimes the people are in awe, sometimes it doesn’t work. Depends on the home, time of day, and the mood of the crowd. I accept and understand it. What drives me is my own need to help. I give tremendous credit to the host for setting things up for success, to Norma Cohen, my partner in planning every event, and now her daughter Lydia. It’s never a one person show – I’m just the facilitator. I stick to the notion that if you speak to people honestly, from the heart, they’ll want to give. It feels good to be part of something bigger than yourself and I want to share that feeling.”

Alice, who steps up for so many community issues including Chaim Medical, continues, “Our house is a revolving door 24/7. There’s always someone who needs Harry’s expertise, but he also makes time for each child and grandchild, taking them for lunch and dinner, and making sure everyone has what they need.”

Harry has undisputedly garnered the respect of the rabbinate for his good deeds, care, and love of the community. Rabbi David Ozeri is by his side often, and by now the two can finish each other’s sentences. “I have been blessed, in Brooklyn, Deal, and NYC to have every single rabbi in this community on speed dial,” Harry says proudly. “Should I need them, should I want them…should I have to speak to them about something, I have that ability, and that is one of the greatest blessings Hashem has given me.”

Rabbi Eli Mansour continues, “Harry Adjmi is a true public servant. While most people would step back when things get difficult, not Harry. Despite hearing loss, mobility challenges, and major health scares, Harry works at full speed, pushing at 200 percent. He teaches us: don’t look for excuses, look for the way forward. He’s clever, sharp, and well-connected – senators, governors, rabbis – and he uses every connection for the community: for our schools, shuls, and institutions… never for himself. He’s smart and spontaneous, even bullish sometimes, but it’s coming from the right place, so, it works. You never quite know what’s going to come out of his mouth, and that’s his secret weapon. He can size up any situation instantly – that’s the Moroccan blood in him. He’s also my dear friend, and we can sit and talk for hours with a good cigar and a glass of scotch, that he gifted me, of course.”

“Harry gives first and sets the example for all to follow,” Rabbi Edmund Nahum reflects. Rabbi Joey Haber continues, “He’s close with every rabbi in the community, across every hashkafa, and we all feel he’s our best friend. While he’s giving a major donation, he’s also helping a couple in crisis, speaking at two events, guiding another organization, sending a bottle of wine to one rabbi, a case of tomatoes and corn to another – and always finding ways to connect and show he cares.”

Harry was also among the group who suggested giving donors something simple with each invitation. “Give them a babka, a challah. Let them know how valuable they are.” He also

encourages personal letters of thanks for showing up and giving, so everyone feels seen and appreciated.

“Remember the Lrd your Gd, for it is He who gives you the strength to achieve success.” – Devarim 8:18

“I’ve taken the microphone hundreds and hundreds of times,” Harry explains, “We’ve done fundraisers in every style and size with different guest speakers in different venues, and I’m always astounded by our great community.”

Rabbi Joey Haber continues, “Meeting with Harry is a joy; he’s fun, upbeat, and passionate. In Magen David, in Kesher, in Beit Yosef, he always arrives with positivity. He has nuanced emotions and understands even the smallest thoughts and concerns of people. What’s unique about Harry Adjmi is how much ground he covers and how much time it entails. I’m just amazed.”

“Be strong and courageous.” – Yehoshua 1:9

Harry Adjmi is one of eleven children. He didn’t grow up as religious as some of the people he’s associated with, but as he explains, “Everyone has the ability and the right to evolve and to love and embrace the Torah, at their speed, and at their level… Rabbi Nahum always says from the pulpit, ‘Don’t go too fast, so you know how you got there.’ We are all growing. Our rabbinate uplifts and guides us, and people are learning by example. Both women and men’s classes are filled to bursting. Our community is bigger and greater than ever before and participating in more hesed, learning, and charity than ever in its history. I’m so happy I’m participating in that.”

Harry is entirely authentic. He doesn’t rely on notes or memos and has never in his life prepared a speech. “I’m hands-on,” he says. “People think I just show up, but it’s a fallacy. I do my research; I couldn’t do it any other way. I must know the people, the organization, and how the proceeds are being spent. I visit their headquarters and must trust in their honesty. I could never fundraise or throw my full energy behind a cause I didn’t completely believe in.”

“Harry is an absolute genius,” says Alan M. Maleh. “His ideas are original, unique, and when you hear them, you think, ‘Wow, that’s so simple.’ I visit Harry’s office once a month, and in a ten-hour day, nine of those hours are spent doing hesed. He is the most selfless, generous, kindest person I’ve ever met. I’ve watched him resolve fierce business disputes with wisdom and grace, and divorce cases with strength and straightforwardness. There is no one else on this planet who can do what Harry does. We are fortunate to have him.”

Jenine Shwekey, co-founder of the Special Children’s Center has worked with Harry for over twenty years. “He’s a true philanthropist,” she explains, “He helps people, saves lives, and stands with the community in every way. He works alongside rabbis solving problems, helps families in crisis, supports the sick, and guides people through everything from medical challenges to government matters to difficult divorces. The value of what he does is worth far more than any check he could write. You can give millions, but when you save families, it’s more than money could ever buy.”

Richie Dweck, too, has been fundraising with Harry for years, “Harry has a gift – he takes small organizations and helps them grow beyond imagination. From the Special Children Center’s infancy, Harry was there, guiding and boosting us and giving clarity on how to reach the next level. He gives with an open heart – generously, wholeheartedly, and tirelessly. Some give their time but not their money. Some give money but not time. Harry gives both, a thousand times over, to a thousand organizations. And behind it all is Alice – his partner, his backbone. Without her support, none of this would be possible. She works modestly behind the scenes, always supportive, always giving her input. The Special Children’s Center is what it is today because Harry and Alice put in hundreds of hours, endless energy, and their whole hearts into its success.”

Harry is so grateful, “Hashem puts the words in my mouth, and the wisdom to know the community so well after all these years; but I work hard. I have a family and children and grandchildren. I have a business to run. The rabbinate helps me, and I have great people in my workplace that I trust and rely on. At home, Alice is my heart and soul. She’s that type of woman, that type of wife, that sees it, understands it, and allows it. Whether people are coming to my home, or sitting on our porch, whether I’m running out to the fourth or fifth charity meeting of the day… whether I need her help giving advice and wisdom… she is there for me, 100 percent.”

Harry sees past cultural norms and traditional roles and was one of the members of the committee that invited Gladys Haddad to preside over Magen David Yeshivah. He understood what the school needed. Gladys recalls, “He believed in me, and continues to encourage me, and so many others, to keep serving the community. He’s one of six trustees of our board and doesn’t miss a meeting or follow up, as if he has nothing else going on in the world. He thinks outside the box, and makes ideas come to life.” Morris Missry, continues, “Harry Adjmi is a pillar of our community and in working with him on the Board of Magen David Trustees, I am fortunate to have taken part in meetings where Harry’s genius, big heart, and street smarts advise the Board in a manner that adds tremendous value.”

Ikey “Spike” Dweck has worked with Harry on SAFE for more years than we can count. “Harry has devoted his life to lifting others – through tireless fundraising, unwavering community support, and a genuine passion for helping people. His dedication inspires all who know him.”

“All is from Heaven.” – Berachot 33b

“We didn’t know what was happening then,” Harry recalls of April 2020. “Alice thought I came home without my brain. I had my head raised to the shamayim and I was saying, ‘thank you Hashem, thank you,’ because there’s no question that when I went to the hospital, I thought I was not coming home. The one and only Stanley Chera, a”h, my friend and mentor, had passed away that Shabbat, Rabbi Nahum, Baruch Hashem, came home with 104-degree fever, by the skin of his teeth, and my sister Arlene, a”h, did not make it home at all. What I did know is that everything is Hashem. There is nothing He doesn’t have His hand attached to. I’m here for a reason. I believe I know the reason, but I don’t do what I do because of that reason. I’m doing it from a place deep in my heart.”

As bold as Harry is, he doesn’t linger to take credit. He slips out quietly from every fundraiser, his mission complete. For him, this isn’t a grand gesture. It is simply what he does, because for Harry, pursuing goodness isn’t an occasional act – it’s a way of life.

“Be among the disciples of Aharon – loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people, and bringing them close to the Torah.” – Pirkei Avot 1:12

In rooms tense with worry, Harry brings calm; in moments filled with doubt, he brings light. This is his quiet genius: to make goodness feel nearby. Harry seeks peace, mends it, and shares it. He loves people as they are and lifts them toward what they can be. He’s unafraid to take risks, and he’ll be a cushion for those he encourages to take them, too. Harry’s goal is to help people stuck on the side of the road. “If I can get them to their destination the way that SAFE, Bikur Holim, Special Children’s Center, Imagine, Renewal, A Giving Hand, CARE, Sephardic Food Fund, Hatzalah, Hillel, DSN, Shomrim, Chaim Medical, the Beit Din, and so many more organizations are doing, then I am doing my part. From one synagogue called Shaare Zion, and one school called Magen David, so much growth has followed. The community is growing by leaps and bounds, and still, there’s room for more schools, shuls, mikvehs, rabbis, teachers, administrators, and leaders. For that, I call upon all of you. I want you to read this article and know that you can also partake and give back. You have no idea how good it feels to change someone’s life.”

Closing Note from Sophia Franco

To all those who gave me their input and stories, thank you! Harry’s work is truly l’shem shamayim, and it is my honor and pleasure to shine a light on it. Harry and Alice, may all the good you do in this world bring Hashem’s smile upon you and may you and your family be blessed with peace, long life, and happiness always!!!

When it comes to retaining memories, your brain is practically a bottomless storehouse. So why do you sometimes forget things, like what you had for lunch yesterday, or where you placed your keys or homework assignment? This is because your brain was created with two types of memory – short-term memory and long-term memory – and each one is stored in a different place!

For example, if someone gives you a seven-digit telephone number to remember, you store that information in your short-term memory. Most people would forget that kind of thing less than a minute later. Short-term memory is limited in terms of how much information it could store and for how long.

Long-term memory, though, stores information that you remember for a year, ten years, or a lifetime – things like your first day at school, or a special birthday celebration. However, if you practice often enough to remember something that’s in your short-term memory, it could turn into long-term-memory information. That’s why most people remember their nine-digit Social Security number by heart; they’ve written it down or practiced remembering it often enough.

Transferring Memories from Short-Term to Long-Term

The region of the brain that is associated primarily with memory is the hippocampus. The hippocampus is essential for taking information from short-term memory and placing it into long-term memory. Below is a brief summary of how this occurs

1. Short-term memory is located in the front portion of the cerebral cortex of the brain. Information usually remains in this area for only twenty to thirty seconds, if not repeated and rehearsed.

2. If the brain decides to remember something, the information passes from the front portion of the cerebral cortex to the hippocampus, which is located deep inside the brain.

3. From the hippocampus, the memory’s nerve patterns travel to different areas throughout the brain, where they become cemented as long-term memory.

The Gift of Selective Memory

Why do we need memory? Well, without memory, we could not survive. We would not know how to walk or talk or read, or remember where we live. We could not perform any function, for we would not know what we were doing a second before.

But the ability to forget is just as important as the ability to remember! Think about it. Have you ever made a fool of yourself, or been hurt, or upset? Have you ever been insulted, or lost a loved one? Imagine if you would never forget the initial embarrassment, pain, or loss. How would you go on with life? The misery would be there before you, forever.

For this reason, Hashem gives us a gift: far-from-perfect memories. This ensures that the awful things that sometimes happen to us gradually fade, on some level, from our mind.

Brain Power

Exercise stimulates chemical changes in the brain that enhance learning, thinking, and memory skills.

The First Roller Coaster in America

On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in America opened at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. It consisted of three wooden hills connected by curved tracks, with a top speed of six miles per hour – nothing like the thrill machines we see today!

Russian Coasters

The earliest roller coasters were large ice-covered slides made of wood.

LaMarcus Thompson

Born in Ohio, Mr. Thompson is widely known as the father of the roller coaster.

Loop-the-Loop

The Loop-the-Loop coaster opened in 1901 at Coney Island. It eventually closed because more people were willing to watch than ride.

Brooklyn Cyclone

The Cyclone, a wooden coaster that made its debut on Coney Island in 1927, is one of the country’s oldest coasters in operation today.

Inventions are the ingenious gadgets and machines that have made our lives a little more fun, interesting, and useful. Real inventions are the things that we did not think were possible yesterday, and yet, it would be difficult to live without today. From the tiny paperclip to the massive jet engine, every month we will explore the history behind our world’s most famous inventions and learn about the innovators who designed them.

This month we explore the history behind one of the most popular amusement park rides…

The ROLLER COASTER

Roller coasters are one of the most popular amusement park rides. The fascinating history of roller coasters began in Russia in the early 1800s, when a wheeled cart was designed to go down an icy track. This prototype proved quite popular, as people lined up for hours to ride on the rails – something no one had ever seen before! From there, roller coasters took off around the globe.

First American Roller Coaster

In 1884, Ohio native LaMarcus Adna Thompson patented the “Switchback Railway,” the first American roller coaster. It made its debut at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. The coaster was made of wood and featured a single track with sharp turns and three steep hills. It was designed to run down a hill and then use gravity to propel riders back up the other side.

Sam Sutton

The lights at M&S Park shine brightest in the postseason. The 2025 M&S Playoffs delivered everything – slugfests, web gems, heartbreak, and the rise of new stars. From the opening Wild Card to the Semifinals chaos, every pitch mattered. Now the World Series stage is set: Kaboom vs. King Salomon Part Deux.

Wild Card: Vandelay 12 – Stayin’ Alive 7

The postseason opened with fireworks. Vandelay Industries slugged their way past Stayin’ Alive in a 12–7 shootout, powered by Nussi, who was locked in at the plate, and Wamma, who drove in runs and flashed leather all night.

The defining moment came on defense – with Stayin’ Alive threatening, Sammy Seruya and Wamma turned a game-changing double play that crushed momentum. Jimmy Malakh pitched with grit, keeping Vandelay steady against a dangerous lineup.

Stayin’ Alive refused to go quietly. Bresher launched a no-doubt bomb over the fence to jolt his squad, but it wasn’t enough. Vandelay’s defense carried the day and booked a semifinal showdown with #1 seed Kaboom.

Semifinals Night 1: Longhorns (#2) vs King Salomon Pt Deux (#3)

The first semifinal night was classic. The #2 Longhorns and #3 King Salomon Pt Deux clashed in a best-of-two set, and King Salomon swept both games in thrilling fashion.

Game 1 ended 7–6, with the tying runs stranded on base.

Game 2? Pure chaos. Locked in a tie, Eric Cytryn delivered the swing of the series – a rocket into the right-field gap that rolled out for a home run. The clutch blast broke the deadlock, sent the King Salomon dugout into a frenzy, and completely unraveled the Longhorns. Then momentum belonged to King Salomon.

The highlight reel didn’t end there:

· Rookie phenom JoJo “Box Office” Levy launched his third bomb of the season, a no-doubt nuke that shook the Park.

· Nathan Kushner stole runs with an impossible over-the-shoulder grab.

· And Cytryn closed the series with a diving catch in center to secure the sweep.

Final: King Salomon swept the Longhorns in two games and advanced to the World Series.

Semifinals Night 2: Kaboom (#1) vs. Vandelay Industries (Wild Card)

The second semifinal night belonged to #1 seed Kaboom. Facing Wild Card survivor Vandelay Industries, they delivered a sweep of their own.

Game 1 turned into a pitcher’s duel. Abe Saka was dominant on the hill for Kaboom. Jimmy Malakh stunned the Park with his own shutdown stuff for Vandelay. Both offenses struggled to break through – until chaos struck. With the game on the line, Sol Fallas made a jaw-dropping, game-saving diving catch to end it. One of the greatest plays in postseason history.

Game 2 saw Kaboom’s lineup break free. Patient at-bats and timely hits piled up runs, and their defense stayed sharp. Vandelay battled but ran out of steam.

Final: Kaboom swept Vandelay in two games, locking in their World Series date with King Salomon Pt Deux.

The World Series: Kaboom vs. King Salomon Pt Deux

Now, the finale. Two rosters built for this moment.

Kaboom, captained by Uri Adler, looked like the juggernaut all season. They’ll lean on ace Abe Saka, the ripped power-hitting force Sol Fallas, and a lineup that knows how to grind. Veterans Barry Finkel, a former postseason hero with a walk-off World Series winner on his résumé, MoMo Levy, and Nutty Aurbach bring leadership, playoff experience, and plenty of pop.

King Salomon Part Deux, led by Hall of Famer Michael “Sabon” Salomon, comes with equal firepower. They’re anchored by the legendary Mo Shamah, the elite all-around threat Zack “Z” Ashkenazie, and steady arm Yitz Sutton – who once pitched a perfect game in the World Series and is hungry to add another championship to his career. Add in championship-tested leaders like Teddy Ishak and Sammy Esses, and this team has the pedigree and resilience to shock anyone.

Throw in the breakout rookie JoJo Levy, the always-clutch Eric Cytryn, and their hungry supporting cast, and King Salomon comes into the World Series with swagger.

Two Giants. Two Paths. One Cup.

Will it be Kaboom’s year, or will King Salomon’s mix of legends and young guns capture the immortal M&S Cup?

Stay tuned…

“Imagine encampments spilling into residential neighborhoods, protests outside synagogues, mobs outside schools, and police ordered to do nothing. Under a Mamdani administration, it will not be a question of if these things happen. It will be a question of when.”

Linda Sadacka

From Baghdad to Aleppo, from Cairo to Beirut, from Damascus to Tripoli, Jewish communities once flourished. They created schools and synagogues, vibrant markets, and family homes. They poured everything into neighborhoods they believed would last forever. Yet time and again, when hostile leaders rose to power and law enforcement looked the other way, those communities vanished. Families were uprooted, businesses destroyed, lives shattered.

In New York, many believed it could never happen here. They said America was different, safe, permanent. Yet history warns us that it can happen anywhere. Today, with Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed radical and candidate of the Democratic Socialists of America, leading in the mayoral race, those echoes are becoming frighteningly familiar.

Who Is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani is not a mainstream politician. He is a radical whose public record should alarm every New Yorker.

He defended the slogan “Globalize the Intifada,” a phrase embraced by extremists as a call to spread violence against Jews beyond the Middle East. Despite criticism, he attempted to sanitize the phrase, even as respected institutions condemned it as dangerous. He declined to denounce DSA’s anti-Zionist resolutions and instead doubled down, claiming he is accountable only to “the people.” He has also stated, “If you win an election, you go ahead and implement the platform, even if you do not have a majority mandate.” That is a promise to impose an ideology regardless of public consent.

He has said, “Billionaires should not exist,” adopting rhetoric that directly targets Jewish values of enterprise, ownership, and family legacy. He stood alongside Bernie Sanders at rallies against “oligarchy,” calling for rent freezes, free buses, and punitive taxes on the businesses and families that fuel New York’s economy.

Mamdani’s platform includes dismantling capitalism and abolishing landlords, which many see as a direct attack on the Jewish community that has long relied on property ownership to provide stability and continuity for families. He advocates slashing police budgets, empowering radical protest movements, and normalizing reckless policies that weaken law and order. He has spoken about creating a borderless America, a vision that would overwhelm already fragile city resources.

These are not quiet opinions. They are public declarations, proudly and unapologetically defended.

The Danger of a Mayor Mamdani

History already showed us what happens when a mayor refuses to protect his city. Under David Dinkins, New York witnessed the Crown Heights riots. For three painful days, mobs targeted Jews while police were ordered to stand down. The result was violence, destruction, and death.

Now imagine a mayor who is not merely hesitant, but ideologically committed to siding with radicals. Imagine encampments spilling into residential neighborhoods, protests outside synagogues, mobs outside schools, and police ordered to do nothing. Under a Mamdani administration, it will not be a question of if these things happen. It will be a question of when.

When that day comes, the NYPD will have no choice but to obey the mayor’s orders. That is the power of the office. That is why this election matters more than any other in recent memory.

What We Stand to Lose

Our community has invested generations of work into this city. We have built schools, synagogues, and community centers that serve tens of thousands of families. We have supported businesses that drive New York’s economy. We have turned entire neighborhoods into sanctuaries for Jewish life.

All of that is now at risk.

Families are already whispering questions at Shabbat tables and community events. What will we do if he wins? Do we leave? Do we uproot everything? The fear is real, and it is growing. People understand what is at stake: safety, security, and the very survival of our way of life in New York.

It is not just activists raising the alarm. The rabbinic leadership of our community has spoken with one voice, issuing a letter that removes any doubt about the urgency of this moment. In their words:

“Every eligible member of our community must vote. This is not about politics. It is about our sacred duty to our families, to our schools, to our yeshivot, to our synagogues, and to our way of

life. Voting is not merely a right. It is a halachic and moral responsibility. We cannot afford silence. We cannot afford apathy. This is not optional. It is a mitzvah, a communal obligation, like tefillah, like tzedakah, like educating our children.”

When every rabbi of the Syrian-Sephardic community of New York and New Jersey signs a letter like this, it is not rhetoric. It is a clarion call. They are telling us plainly: our future, and the future of our children, will be decided by what we do in this election.

A Shadow of Privilege

For someone who rails against privilege, Mamdani’s background tells another story.

His mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, has enjoyed generous Qatari patronage. Qatar’s ruling family financed her 2012 film The Reluctant Fundamentalist, supported her Maisha Film Labs, and paid for a lavish adaptation of Monsoon Wedding during the World Cup. These were not token cultural gestures. They were major investments from a regime that uses money as political leverage.

Why does this matter? Because Qatar is not a benign patron of the arts. It is the single largest financier of Hamas. It bankrolls extremist clerics, shelters terror leaders, and pours billions into propaganda networks that delegitimize Israel. When Qatar invests, it is never charity. It is strategy.

So while Mamdani preaches about justice and rails against “privilege,” his family has benefited from the largesse of a regime that enables the very terror groups murdering Jews in Israel. That contradiction is not nuance. It is a red flag.

The Awakening

And yet, thank Gd, something extraordinary is happening.

For too long, good people avoided politics. That era is ending. Schools are now telling parents: you cannot register your child unless you are registered to vote. Synagogues and community centers are requiring voter registration for participation. Even singles events are saying: no registration, no entry.

This is nothing short of historic. For the first time, our community understands that survival depends on civic engagement.

But registration is only the beginning. It is not enough to sign a form. We must vote. We must show up on Election Day and make our voices heard. Otherwise, all this newfound effort will mean nothing.

Years of Warnings

As an activist, I have been saying this for years. I have written, spoken, pleaded, and urged action. I said it when people rolled their eyes. I said it when people insisted politics would never touch us.

Now, at last, the community is mobilizing. Volunteers are registering voters outside stores, in schools, and even at social gatherings. Their work is extraordinary and deserves recognition. But it should not have taken fear to push people into action.

The past is behind us. What matters is what we do now.

A Community on the Move

The energy is real. Families are recognizing the stakes. Institutions are demanding accountability. Volunteers are carrying clipboards and voter forms because they know our survival depends on it.

Beginnings matter only if they lead to results. Registration is the first step; turnout is the test. The ballot box is where this awakening must be proven.

Politics does not reward intentions; it rewards action. The radicals know this, which is why they always show up. If we match our convictions with ballots, we will decide the future of this city. If we stay home, others will decide for us, and the outcome will be one we cannot accept.

The choice is clear, the responsibility is ours, and this time no one will be able to say they were not warned.

Pnina Souid

The Mitzvah Man shared the following story with me:

One freezing cold winter day I passed by the Mirrer Yeshiva, and I saw a young man about 24 years old standing on the sidewalk, shivering. He appeared to be looking for someone.

I asked him if he needed a ride. I realized he might be suspicious of a stranger offering a ride so I pointed to my tefillin next to me in the car, so he knew I was a religious Jew. He asked where I was going. I answered, “Where are you going?” We should all keep in mind that when doing a hesed the emphasis should be on what you can do for the other person.

The young man told me that he was going to Nostrand and Avenue Z. “That’s right where I’m headed,” I responded. It wasn’t really where I was going, but I knew if I said that he would be taking me out of my way he would not have accepted the ride.

As he thawed out in the warmth of my car, I told him about the Mitzvah Man Organization. I explained that our volunteers give rides, help people who need appliances and furniture, arrange hospital visits, and many other types of hesed. I gave him my card. I thanked him for giving me the opportunity to do a mitzvah. I added that if he ever needed anything to please give me a call.

Two Years Later

I was driving on East 10 and Avenue R, and I saw a young man on a bicycle. He was shouting. It looked like he was following me. I was a little anxious when I realized that some crazy guy was following me, but as he got closer, I realized that what he was shouting sounded like, “Mitzvah, mitzvah!”

I pulled over and the man asked me, “Aren’t you the Mitzvah Man?” I nodded yes. He said, “I recognized your car. A couple of years ago you gave me a ride home when it was freezing cold. I’m sorry I lost your card. But now I need your help again please. I am getting married in two days. We have an apartment, but it is empty. We have no beds, no table or chairs, and no appliances.”

I said, “Not to worry! Let me call my dispatcher. She keeps a database of everyone who has items to donate.”

He heard my end of the call. “I have a young man here getting married in two days and needs his apartment completely furnished, including both furniture and appliances.” “Tell him not to worry,” the dispatcher answered. “I have everything he needs to furnish the apartment including the appliances.”

I gave the dispatcher the man’s number and address. She assured me that everything would be delivered in time. I gave a sigh of relief, thinking that not only will we be able to relieve his burden but in doing so will also give him a beautiful wedding gift.

Take Home Message

The young man and I were both amazed that “by chance” we met again, just when he needed more help.

The Mitzvah Man has a message to share. When you do a mitzvah from your heart you never know where it may lead, and what other mitzvot may follow. Doing hesed in a way that will help another person is acting in the service of Hashem. We never know how Hashem works but we always want to be His partner.