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One on One with Renee Mizrahi

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January 2025

Ellen Geller Kamaras

“Why architecture? I knew I wanted something creative. I took an interior decorating class in 10th grade, but it wasn’t for me. That year, I volunteered to redo the SBH food pantry and designed the plans, a contractor was hired, and I worked and supervised the project. I found out that I wanted to design houses, not decorate them.” – Renee

Please meet Renee Mizrahi, the first architect interviewed for this column.

Renee is a warm, energetic, organized, ambitious, and talented woman, who wears many hats daily. Organization, planning, and flexibility are the keys to her success.

Let’s step back and follow Renee on her journey to becoming a wife, mom, and architect.

Childhood

Renee comes from a close Sephardic family. She is the daughter of Karen and David Cohen and is a graduate of both Magen David Yeshiva Elementary School and High School. Renee has an older sister and brother and a younger brother.

As a young child, Renee was playful, but as she grew up, she leaned more towards the shy side. “I was quiet in school, took my schoolwork seriously (big rule follower here!), and had a great group of friends.” Renee was an honors student in high school. Her next academic step was Pratt Institute, School of Architecture where she earned a five-year accredited degree.

Renee was fortunate to meet her soulmate, Victor Mizrahi, two years her senior, at MDY High School. They were married when Renee was in her third year at Pratt, during the winter break. The couple lives in Brooklyn with their three children, seven, five, and three, who all proudly attend their parents’ alma mater.

Family and Career

To gain experience and knowledge in the architectural field, Renee interned for different architecture or engineering firms during the summers and time off. She looked to determine what kind of firm would be the right fit for her. Renee loved the corporate atmosphere.

However, once she graduated college and thought about starting a family, she understood that she needed a sustainable and long-term position outside the corporate world. Renee desired a role that would afford her the flexibility of being an observant Jew and raising a family.

After graduating Pratt with a Bachelor of Architecture, Renee set the goal to study for her architectural exams, put in the required hours, and become a licensed architect.

To become a licensed architect, one must graduate an accredited architecture school, work under a licensed architect for three years, and pass six exams.

Renee’s first position post-graduation was in an architecture and design firm. Soon after, she became the project manager for the firm’s community-based projects, for example, one-family homes, schools, and shuls. She managed the one-family homes throughout Brooklyn and NJ. Renee stayed at that firm for seven years.

“Being a working mom, I have learned that sometimes the path may be longer and/or different than you anticipated.”

When Covid hit, Renee had a newborn daughter and a toddler son to care for while maintaining her full-time job.

Every minute of her “free time” was occupied with being with her children and catching up on work. Renee had to put a pause on studying for her last three licensing exams. She had started her exams after she had her first child and passed three exams by the time she had her second child.

After giving birth to her third child, Renee took some time off from work to focus on being a mother, and to finish up her exams. “I passed my last exam when my youngest daughter turned one, and shortly after, I started my own architecture and design firm. I began working on projects and continued to work on one-family homes.”

Passions and Accomplishments

Renee has a passion for working with families and designing their dream homes. She enjoys meeting with clients and fine tuning the designs to create spaces specific to each family, in a way they can enjoy and love their home. “When I see the client is happy, it makes it all worth it.”

“I learned that every family is different, has different needs, and being able to efficiently and effectively design spaces for those families is something I will always enjoy. It inspires me that every project brings new challenges, and I am always learning and growing.”

Renee explained that every project has its unique challenges, and some days completely focus on problem solving. “Whether it is a design challenge, a restriction with zoning or the building department, or conflicts that arise throughout construction (or all the above!), it can be stressful. The job is not only about design. Yes, it is a big part, and the creative part, but it is also about communicating with the clients, and with the contractors throughout the entire process so your designs and your ‘design intent’ is carried through. I am always amazed how much more I can grow, how much more I can learn, and how many amazing people I meet during every project.”

Personally, Renee says her proudest moments will always be her family, raising her children, and being there for them. Being a mother is her most honored and joyful achievement.

Professionally, reaching her goal of becoming a registered (licensed) architect and starting her own firm is her most rewarding accomplishment.

Mentors

Renee’s boss at her last architectural firm was a wonderful and uplifting teacher and mentor for seven years. He understood and supported her goals of becoming a licensed architect and starting her own firm.

Both her parents and her husband had a tremendous influence on Renee. As a high school student, when she told her parents she wanted to pursue architecture, they encouraged her, helped her, and even pressed Renee to push through and keep going her when college got tough.

Renee’s husband was her cheerleader and nurturer. Victor came to her college studio while she was building models, brought her dinner, sat with her, and was there for her. He was also on board with Renee opening her own firm. “Whenever it would get hard, I had an incredible support system that was always there for me.”

Renee’s Essence

Renee’s friends describe her as organized, efficient, hardworking, ambitious, and reliable. I would add warm, positive, energetic, flexible, and resilient. She has developed and honed both her technical and people skills in dealing with her one-family home clientele, the contractors, interior decorators, and the building department personnel.

Renee has an immense passion and positive energy for both her family and for her architectural projects. She maintains a high level of professionalism and dedication to client service.

Work-Life Balance

How does she sustain that positivity and vigor with her family and work?

“My work-life balance has shifted throughout the years. With every one of my children, I had a different ‘balance.’ Having my own firm makes it more challenging but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Renee spends one full day a week in NJ, doing on-site visits and meeting with clients, contractors, and other key players. Her three children are all in school now.

When she returns home in the late afternoon, Renee spends quality time with her children. “From 4 to 7pm, I take limited phone calls and spend that time playing with my kids, making and giving them dinner, doing homework, and preparing for bedtime. Once my kids are settled, I will catch up on the emails, texts, and whatever work needs to be coordinated. I do my best every day to be there for my children and husband, being a mother and a wife, while at the same time being there for my clients. My clients know I will respond when I can, and I will always get back to them.”

Renee’s children know that Mommy is an architect and they understand that she works longer when she is in NJ. She has visited their classrooms and done architecture projects that the students have enjoyed.

Her son says he wants to be a builder so he can build the houses Mommy designs.

To unwind, Renee enjoys Pilates and her family time, especially on weekends.

She has been involved with Propel Network and has spoken at their events. Renee views Propel as an amazing resource for women in the community.

Parting Advice

“No matter what field you go into, choose something you are passionate about. Be willing to learn new things and grow. Life happens and may delay certain plans, but it doesn’t mean that you give up. It will happen when it happens.”

Connect with Renee at renee@rmarchitecturegroup.com and follow her on Instagram @rm.architectureanddesign.

Ellen Geller Kamaras, CPA/MBA, is an International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach. Her coaching specialties include life, career, and dating coaching. She can be contacted at ellen@lifecoachellen.com (www.lifecoachellen.com).

An Achieved Life – Remembering Zak Mishaan, A”H

Community Magazine

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January 2025

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An Achieved Life – Remembering Zak Mishaan, A”H

Mozelle Forman

In life, we like to be prepared. We like to know what’s coming next and what we can look forward to. This psychological disposition is primarily driven by a desire for control and a belief that by anticipating events we can reduce our anxiety. Also, it is a natural human tendency to think about potential outcomes. Doing so allows us to plan and make informed decisions based on predicted future scenarios. Essentially, knowing what the future will bring can provide a sense of security and allows us to make a plan of action in an uncertain world. When the unexpected happens, we become agitated and anxious. We can be momentarily thrown off our game while we contemplate our actions based on the changed circumstances. And when an unexpected, untimely death occurs, the shock, anxiety, and grief throw us into a tailspin.

The community at large, and the Mishaan family in particular, experienced this phenomenon when Zak, a”h, was suddenly taken from this world on Hol Hamoed Sukkot, just the day before his beloved holidays of Hoshana Raba and Simhat Torah. The disbelief, the question of “how could this be?” was a haunting echo for his family, as they struggled to make sense of something that made no sense. Visitors to the family endeavored to offer consolation, even while knowing that words were hollow and the grief was deep. Yet, as Rabbi Eli Mansour stated at the arayat, “You don’t have to have answers when you have friends. The greatest consolation for the mourners is to be there for them, and cry with them, and hold their hand.”

Community Rabbis’ Words of Consolation

Rabbi Meir Yedid described the sense of disorientation Zak’s family and friends endured with his sudden passing. “We ask ourselves, eichah, how could it be?” as we do in Megilat Eichah, pondering the loss of the Beit Hamikdash. “How could it be that Zak is gone?” In an effort to offer consolation and understanding to his family and friends, Rabbi David Ozeri shared the story of Hanoch who died at the young age of 365 years old, when his contemporaries were living between 800 and 900 years. “The Torah tells us, ‘Hanoch walked with Elokim, and then he was no longer there, because Elokim had taken him.’ No explanation, no preparation. One day he was just gone. In the same way, Zak was taken from us.” We cannot comprehend the why’s of Hashem’s world and Rabbi Mansour confirms that “Gd is supposed to be beyond our comprehension. If I understand every move that my Gd makes then I have demoted Him to human intellect.”

Rabbi Azencot likens Zak’s short but powerful life to the life of our matriarch Sarah. When the Torah recounts her life, it is written, “The life of Sarah was 100 years and 20 years and 7 years; the years of Sarah’s life.” Rashi famously tells us that the repetition of “the years of Sarah’s life” indicates that, while they were not many in number, they were equally good. Rabbi Azencot explained that, like Sarah, all of Zak’s years were good. “He lived his life with a sense of urgency, running to catch every mitzvah. His life was full of achievement with concern for everyone and kavod for the Torah with majesty and dignity. He is a role model to all of us of how to live an achieved life.” Focusing on the achievements of his life can bring an acceptance that he fulfilled his mission in this world assuaging our need to ask why? Rabbi Mansour shared the advice he personally heard Rabbi Amar give to a grieving mother: “You have enough pain in your loss. Don’t pain yourself more in trying to figure it out.”

A True Friend

The short and meaningful life that Zak lived, was the epitome of verse 1:6 in Pirkei Avot, “Make for yourself a Rabbi, acquire for yourself a friend, and judge every person to the side of merit.” Zak’s friends and family overwhelmingly cited his love and respect for the Rabbis and described his yearning for and connection to them. He sought out their counsel, supported their causes, and was proud to know the rabbis and be known by them. Rabbis David Ozeri, Meyer Yedid, and David Sutton considered Zak to be a friend and they shared a close relationship with him. They applauded his successes and were awed by his commitment and devotion to tefillah and hesed. Rabbi Ozeri cites Zak’s delight at being able to donate generously, proactively writing a ma’aser check before he had even earned the money and celebrating with a l’haim, not to his earnings, but to his zechut for giving the money to charity.

Zak acquired many friends in his lifetime – you might say he sought out friendship from many and those he sought felt better for having known him. Ikey Mandalawy, a more recent friend, expressed the sheer comedy of his friendship with Zak given their 20-year age difference and lack of commonality. What was most impressive to Ikey was Zak’s conscientious adherence to the third element of our Mishna – judge your fellow favorably. Zak had on the spur of a moment joined Ikey and a group of men on a short trip to Israel. Ikey recounts a conversation he had with Zak on that trip. “Zak came to me and said, ‘When I first met you, I sized you up and made up my mind the kind of guy you are. But that’s not who you are. You are different than I thought you would be and I apologize for thinking that.’ I was surprised. I would have never known what he thought of me if he hadn’t said anything. But even thinking wrong about me upset him and he had to acknowledge it.” Zak’s inner conscience and his desire to achieve maximum growth motivated him to acknowledge his mistake and to deliver an apology even when not necessary.

A Man of Intense Dedication

Zak’s dedication to Torah, tefilla, hesed, and emet, and his profound respect for the Rabbis comes as no surprise to those who knew him well. Zak’s fierce dedication and loyalty, his enthusiastic energy, were all part of his DNA. He adored his parents, was passionately devoted to his wife and children, and held his friends dear. Every tefilla, said with deep fervor and intent was in the zechut of his children. Rabbi Ozeri witnessed his deep concentration during tefilla and believes that Zak “built a real relationship with Hashem through his prayers.” His children attest to the fact that he was their greatest fan and greatest support. He poured his love into them with his

heart and with his time. His mother, Sally Mishaan, described Zak’s singular ability to “make each person feel uniquely valued…and made them feel that you truly understood their struggle.”

We are told that anything we experience or witness in our life has significance from which we can learn and grow. What is the legacy that we inherit from Zak’s passing at the prime of his life? We can learn much by listening to the thoughts and emotions his children expressed at his arayat. Sally, described as her father’s princess, expressed her gratitude for all the shared times she had with her father and his excitement and encouragement of all her endeavors. Jackie began with words of thanks, as did both of his brothers. “My Dad used to say you can never say thank you enough, so I thank the community and give hakarat hatov to Hashem for creating this amazing community.” Jackie believes that clinging to Torah was the most valuable choice Zak ever made for his family and advises, “never take your parents for granted.” Zak’s son Sam witnessed his father invest in making a mark on people. “Dad,” he said at the arayat, “you believed in me, gave me strength, uplifted me, and built my inner confidence.” Richie summed up his father’s legacy of persistently working on himself and passing Torah values to his family. “It is our time to live as he lived – seize each moment of every day, fear Hashem in all of our doings, love unconditionally, and be relentless for our families.”

Zak’s World View

Rabbi Meyer Yedid observed that Zak lived his life with an intuitive understanding that the world we live in is not permanent. “When one recognizes that the world is temporary it gives you power, it gives you strength, it makes you value life, and the opportunities that life gives us…we start to love people, start to ask what are we responsible for, and we become givers.” Zak looked for the opportunities that would bring him closer to Hashem, he focused on the love he felt for his family and friends. He understood his responsibilities to his community and his avodah and sought out any occasion to become a giver. The length of our life does not determine the impact that we can make on the world. Zak is proof of this. The prerequisite for living a full and fulfilled life is the desire to show up and make a difference. And Zak made a difference in the lives of so many. In a loving tribute to his brother, Saul Mishaan expressed what he believed Zak would have liked to say to his friends and family. “Life is short; use your time wisely. Keep your friends close, draw strength from one another, enjoy your family, and always be grateful.”

These are words of wisdom that can help us to live our fullest, most connected life. May Hashem send comfort to his family, friends, and the entire community. And in the merit of trying to emulate Zak’s approach to life, may his neshama have an aliyah. Amen.

Community Highlights – The Rochelle Gemal A”H Educational Center

Community Magazine

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January 2025

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Community Highlights – The Rochelle Gemal A”H Educational Center

The Rochelle Gemal A”H Educational Center would like to share a couple of messages that they received from their tutors.

“I’ve been working in collaboration with the RG Education Fund and get to see firsthand what a powerful impact they have for children in need of extra educational support. They make it possible to open windows of opportunity and access. Their motives are inspiring and the difference that is made because of the fund is invaluable.”

“Hi! I just wanted to let you know how the children I’ve been working with are doing. Especially their [a certain family’s] daughter. After break, I started informal assessments to track progress over the past year and she has made great, great strides! We will be continuing to get her through to the end of the program but, BH, to see such improvement with a student with her challenges is truly incredible. Thank you for making this journey possible. The difference this is making for her is invaluable.”

For more information about utilizing the services of the RG Educational Fund, or to sponsor a session for a student, please call Rabbi Norman Cohen 908-917-3901, or Mitchell Gemal 732-829-0794.

To sponsor via Zelle: rgeducationfund@gmail.com
To sponsor via Credit Card: https://secure.cardknox.com/rochellegemaleducationalfund

A Sneak Peek into SOD HAPARASHA

Below is a condensed excerpt from Rabbi Chaim Bibi’s new sefer, SOD HAPARASHA.

VAYEHI – A SPIRITUAL SIGN

The body does not clothe a person’s soul directly. There exists an interface, the Selem, which clothes the soul. Thirty days prior to a person’s passing, certain aspects of one’s Selem depart. As per the verse, “Until the day blows past and the Selalim have fled.” One’s days are solely dependent on the ability to retain his Selem. It is apparent that when a person’s “day,” or his lifetime on earth approaches its end, this is signaled by his Sel leaving him first.

The verse in our Parasha reads, “The days of Yaakov had been gathered together in advance of the death of Israel.” A spiritual sign had been given to Yaakov that his death was at hand. This is the meaning of the verse, “Our days on earth are as a Sel.” Yaakov had been granted the ability to see that his Sel had been removed from him, which served as a clear spiritual sign that his death was imminent.

The biblical account of the spies bears out this concept. The Selem that nourished the physical bodies of the land’s inhabitants had darkened. Yehoshua and Calev knew that the ensuing result would be the imminent death of the inhabitants’ physical bodies! As it says, “Their Selem has departed from them.”

On Hashana Rabba it is both visible and determined if this spiritual sign of life remains attached to one or if his death is approaching. We beseech throughout the morning that our Sel not leave before its time. This is what King David was referring when he wrote, “Man exists by virtue of his Selem.”

Sefer is now available at Amazon.com/Sod HaParasha or at local Judaic stores.

MDY Students Explore the Festive Activities of Hanukah

Last month, the PG students of Magen David Yeshivah began exploring the festive traditions of Hanukah. The students had the opportunity to engage with a dreidel. To make the experience even more exciting, a hands-on art project was incorporated. For the activity, the students dipped a dreidel into either blue or yellow paint and explored how spinning the dreidel could create unique patterns on paper. With hand-over-hand assistance, some students practiced spinning the dreidel independently, while others focused on moving the dreidel across the paper to create vibrant designs. This activity provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen fine motor skills, explore cause-and-effect, and enjoy creative expression. The results were truly beautiful, and the students were thrilled to see how their unique creations turned out. It was a fun and meaningful way to introduce the joy of Hanukah.

Living Emunah – This is Mercy?

Community Magazine

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January 2025

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Rabbi David Ashear

At times, people suffer from what they feel is unbearable pain. They have cried out to Hashem numerous times to prevent the specific situation they feared from occurring. They begged for His mercy, yet not only did the situation occur, but it happened in the word way imaginable.

It could be a man going through a divorce, being separated from his children, and becoming financially strapped. It could be a woman going through a divorce, suffering humiliation beyond belief, and believing she has nothing to look forward to other than struggles and more shame.

It could be a man who is trying hard to keep his business afloat but instead it collapses and thrusts him into deep debt. It could be parents experiencing heartache – disrespect, name-calling, public humiliation – caused by wayward children, consuming their every waking hour.

The list goes on. The sufferers begin to question, “I prayed for Hashem to help me. I learned that He is kind and merciful, but how can you call this mercy? Not only didn’t Hashem help me, but He made it much worse than I could have ever imagined! I begged Him and begged Him – and this is what I get? I’m not a bad person. I try hard to follow the Torah. Is this what I deserve? Please, make some sort of sense out of this.”

The Chovot HaLevavot (Shaar HaBitachon 3) teaches us that we never know the exact reasons things happen to people in This World, but our Rabbis tell us that we are living in the End of Days and all the souls in This World have already lived once before. Every single person here is in a mission to fix whatever needs fixing in order for him to live forever in total bliss in Olam HaBa – the World to come. We don’t know exactly what we have to do to accomplish our missions, but fortunately for us, Hashem does. In His complete and pure mercy, He puts every single person in the exact circumstances he needs to fulfill his purpose here.

Before we even came into the world, we were shown the lives we needed to live to fulfill this purpose. Knowing what was at stake, we practically begged Hashem for it. After we came here, however, we forgot about that. Now we ask, “Hashem, why are You doing this to me?”

Sometimes the situations are embarrassing. Sometimes they are painful, but if we actually knew what we are accomplishing in each circumstance Hashem puts us in, we would be thanking Him for each and every one of them. Perhaps we are pleading to Hashem for a certain result, but Hashem knows that if the results turn out the way we want, we could not accomplish what we are meant to be doing here.

Although it might seems like cruelty, in actuality, even when we get the opposite of what we hoped for, that, too, is mercy. A person could be a tzaddik, doing everything right. Maybe that is why he has the merit to experience what he is experiencing here to be able to take delight in Hashem forever.

Our sojourn in This World is very short: 70, 80, 90 years. The Next World is forever. That is where we are going to enjoy. The only way to do it, however, is to go through This World first.

If we can trust that even during the darkest times it is still our loving Hashem doing what is best for us, we will be greatly elevated. That itself can take the place of other difficult circumstances we were supposed to experience.

Hashem loves us more than we can imagine. Soon He is going to reveal this love to us, but for now, it is our job to trust.

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

Community Magazine

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December 2024

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Adult Supervision Required

Utensils Needed:

Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Sifter
Dish towel
Rolling pin
Round juice glass or 2-inch cookie cutter
Spoon
Tongs
Deep Fryer
Paper Towels

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons sugar
1 (¼-ounce) package dry yeast
¾ cup lukewarm milk
2½ cups flour
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 egg yolks
Strawberry jam, for filling
Powdered Sugar
Oil, for frying
¼ stick (2 tablespoons) butter

DIRECTIONS:

Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar, dry yeast, and the lukewarm milk together in mixing bowl. Let sit to make sure it bubbles.
Sift the flour and mix it with 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, cinnamon, 2 egg yolks, and the yeast mixture (from Step 1).
Knead the dough until it forms a ball. Add butter. Knead some more, until the butter is fully absorbed.
Cover with a towel. Let rise overnight in refrigerator.
Use rolling pin to roll out the dough to a thickness of ⅛ inch.
Cut the dough into 24 rounds with a juice glass (or a 2-inch cookie cutter).
Place ½ teaspoon of strawberry jam onto the center of a round. Cover it with a second round. Repeat with remaining rounds. You will have 12 filled doughnuts. Press the edges together and allow to rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
**Ask an adult to help you with this part of the recipe. ** In the deep fryer, heat 2 inches of oil to about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully slip the doughnuts into the hot oil, about 4 at a time. Fry for a few minutes until brown on one side. Turn to brown on the other side. Use tongs to remove doughnuts from oil. Place on paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
Dust with powdered sugar when cool.

Makes 12 Doughnuts!

Buzz the Brachos Bee

When dough is cooked in liquid, the custom is to say the berachah of mezonot rather than hamotzi. That is why we recite mezonot on doughnuts that are deep fried in oil.

Chef Shiri Says…

Yeast has to be fresh to bake good doughnuts. You can test the yeast by mixing it with water, and a little sugar. Then wait 5 minutes to see if the yeast begins making bubbles. If few or no bubbles show, it is old yeast and should not be used.

Community Highlights

Community Magazine

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December 2024

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Grand Opening of Dome Home Care DME Retail Store: A New Era in Home Healthcare

By Pnina Souid

David Chait and Dov Berkowitz are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Dome Home Care DME Retail Store, a new destination for durable medical equipment (DME) in our community.

Dome Home Care Retail Store is dedicated to providing high-quality medical equipment and supplies to enhance the quality of life for individuals with varying healthcare needs. The product range includes mobility aids, respiratory equipment, enteral feeding (tube feeding, for patients who cannot chew or swallow) aids, and much more. All designed to support patients and caregivers in their journey toward better health.

For over 20 years they serviced the community specifically for respiratory care and care for Ventilator and Trach dependent patients. In addition, they have serviced patients requiring nebulization, oxygen, BiPAP, and CPAP for diagnosing sleep apnea.

They also carry a full line of traditional durable medical equipment including hospital beds, specialty mattresses, wheelchairs, cushions, walkers, rollators, canes, and crutches, as well as bathroom aids and safety.

At Dome Home Care, they understand that navigating the world of medical equipment can be challenging and overwhelming. Their experienced and knowledgeable staff is committed to guiding customers through the selection process to ensure they find the right products that meet their unique needs.

For more information, please contact the Dome Home Care DME retail store at 718-854-5500.

Flatbush Shomrim and NYPD and Arrest Two Suspects for Vehicle Break-Ins, Theft, and Identity Fraud

Thanks to the swift actions of Flatbush Shomrim and officers from the NYPD’s 63rd Precinct, two suspects were apprehended at Avenue R and East 31st Street last month. The arrests followed a spree of vehicle break-ins, scooter thefts, and identity theft, including the grand larceny of a $1,200 wallet.

The incident began when Flatbush Shomrim received a report of two individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions on scooters near Quentin Road and Burnett Street in Marine Park. Witnesses described the suspects going from car to car, breaking into multiple vehicles. Shomrim volunteers responded and managed to track the suspects, eventually spotting them at Avenue P and East 31st Street. The suspects had reportedly stolen a scooter and continued to break into vehicles along the way.

Upon confrontation, one of the suspects attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended with the assistance of both Shomrim and NYPD officers. During the arrest, an NYPD sergeant sustained an injury while taking down one of the suspects. Flatbush Hatzalah provided immediate on-site medical assistance to the injured officer.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects were in possession of stolen items, including a wallet with credit cards, a driver’s license, and other forms of identification taken from one of the vehicles, leading to additional charges for identity theft. The suspects were taken to the 63rd Precinct for processing.

Flatbush Shomrim reminds residents to always lock their vehicles and secure their belongings, including valuable items like bikes and scooters, to deter theft and ensure community safety.

Magen David Yeshivah Offers College Guidance

MDY’s Class of ’25 had a special college visit last month from Yeshiva University. In attendance were Mrs. Elaine Frankel, YU’s esteemed Assistant Director of Admissions, and Dean Noam Wasserman, the distinguished Dean of the Sy Syms School of Business at YU. They lead an informative and interactive session with the seniors. MDY students were introduced to the educational schools at YU, including Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, Sy Syms School of Business, and The Mordecai and Monique Katz Associate Degree Programs. Additionally, students learned about the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, where students are enrolled at YU while learning in Israel.

Living Emunah

Community Magazine

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December 2024

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Rabbi David Ashear

The Perfect Calculations of Hashem

We are supposed to feel that we are not entitled to anything in this world; everything we have is a totally undeserved gift given to us by Hashem.

One may ask, “If a father brings a child into the world, isn’t he obligated to provide the basic necessities for that child; food, clothing, a place to live? Shouldn’t Hashem be obligated to give us, all of His children, our needs as well, needs that include a home, a job, a spouse, and children? Why don’t we deserve to have all of our needs taken care of?”

Rabbi Lugassi explains that there is a very big difference between these two scenarios. When a father brings a child into this world, he wants the child to be as comfortable as possible in this world and therefore he feels obligated to do what he can to ensure that. Hashem, however, created us for a much more profound purpose. This World is just a stepping-stone to the real world, to eternal life.

Man is given a brief, finite length of time here – 70 or 80 years, we hope 120 – to do a task and accomplish what he needs to accomplish. Each person’s task is different. Hashem provides each individual with his or her exact needs to fulfill his or her purpose. For some, it is getting married young. For others, it is getting married at an older age. For some, it is having children. For others, it is not having children.

A person might ask, “Why do I have it so hard? Why do I not have more money? Why do I have so many health problems? Why is Hashem withholding so much good from me?” These would all be valid questions since our purpose was for achievement for This World. Yet, who knows better than Hashem what we really need to be successful and happy for eternity?

Each person’s life is planned out carefully, beginning with which family one is born into and the types of parents one has. Some parents spoil their children, others hold back from their children. People say, “It’s not fair, I have the meanest parents!” It is fair, it was planned like that. That is exactly what your soul needs. A person’s siblings are also Heaven-ordained. The people around him, his friends, his neighbors, are all part of Hashem’s plan for him.

Some people are not happy with the way they look. There are no accidents. Hashem made every feature of every person’s body exactly the way it needs to be. The color of a person’s eyes, one’s complexion, one’s height, the shape of one’s nose, the size of one’s ears – all were calculated.

People who have shalom bayit problems often argue about petty issues: “Why can’t our house be more orderly?” “Why is she spending so much money?” Why can’t he be neater?” Why is he so tight with money?” The root of their problems is not really the petty issues. If one would believe in perfect faith that Hashem arranged one’s marriage and gave one the spouse he needs to fulfill one’s mission in This World, one would overlook more: “S/he is the other half of my soul, and we need each other to accomplish our goal in This World. Obstacles are just tools for growth. We will work it out, we will get through it.”

The more we can trust that Hashem knows what we need better than we do, and that He provides us with the exact lives we need to do our jobs properly, the better our performance will become and the happier our lives will be.

The Lighter Side – December 2024

Community Magazine

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December 2024

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The K-9 Unit

Little Yitzi was walking home from school in Jerusalem when he came across a police officer who had a dog in the back of his van – a K-9 unit.

“Is that a dog back there?” Yitzi asked the police officer.

“It sure is,” the police officer replied. Puzzled, Yitzi looked at the officer and then towards the back of the van.

Finally Yitzi asked, “What did it do?”

Alan B.

It’s All in the Delivery

A guy walks into a resort in the Catskills for the first time – one of those famous Borscht Belt places. Some of the old-time comics are sitting around telling jokes. One of them says, “Seventeen,” and the other old timers all roar with laughter. A little later, another guy says, “Thirty-two,” and again, they all laugh and holler.

Well, the new guy can’t figure out what’s going on, so he asks one of the locals next to him, “What’re these old-timers doing?” The local says, “Well, they’ve been hanging around together so long they all know all the same jokes, so to save extra talking they’ve given all the jokes numbers.”

The new fellow says, “That’s clever! I think I’ll try that.”

So, he stands up and says in a loud voice, “Nineteen!”

There was complete silence.

Everybody just looks at him, but nobody laughs. Embarrassed, he sits down again, and asks the local fellow, “What happened? Why didn’t anyone laugh?” The local says, “Well, son, you just didn’t tell it right.”

Victor G.

Slap Shot

Eighty-five-year-old Selma Feinstein went on a blind date with 90-year-old Morris Sapirman. When Selma returned to her daughter’s house later that night, she seemed upset.

“What happened, Ma?” Selma’s daughter asked.

“I had to slap Morris’s face three times!”

“Oh my goodness! Was he that rude?”

“No,” Selma answered, “I thought he was dead.”

Victoria P.

Say What?

Mr. Goldman was sitting with his granddaughter Rachel on his lap, telling her a story, when his hearing aid started to beep.
Surprised, little Rachel looked up at him and said, “Oh, Zadie, you just got an e-mail!”
Sonny C.

The Main Principal

The principal at Kind David High School, Rabbi Epstein was speaking to his vocal parent body at a meeting that they had requested. Rabbi Epstein assured them that he was always happy to hear from them about any problems they may have. He told them, “You can call me day or night, at this number…”

Suddenly there was a cry from the Assistant Principal. “Hey,” he exclaimed, “that’s MY number!”

Elissa M.

Leftovers

Jacob and John are walking to work one day and Jacob is describing his new gadget that he received as a present. “Where did you get that?” John asked. “I got it last night for Hanukah,” said Jacob.

“What’s Hanukah?” John asked.

“It’s a Jewish holiday where we get presents every night for eight nights while we celebrate the festival of lights.”

“Wow, I wish we got that!” John exclaimed.

The next day at the office, John runs up to Jacob, curious to see what he got. He sees that Jacob is disappointed. “What’s wrong? Where’s your present from last night?” asks John.

Jacob holds up a ball of crumpled wrapping paper and replies, “It was leftovers night!”

Moe L.

Smile!

Four-year-old Mikey came screaming out of the bathroom to tell his father that he dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. So, Mikey’s father fished it out and threw it in the garbage. Mikey stood there thinking for a moment, then ran to his father’s bathroom and came out with his toothbrush.
Mikey held it up and said with a charming little smile, “Abba, we better throw this one out too then, because it fell in the toilet a few days ago.”
Marlene H.

Hanukah Punnies

Q: Which hand is best to light the menorah with?
A: Neither, it’s best to light it with a candle!

Q: Why did the dreidel go to the doctor?
A: It kept getting dizzy spells!

Q: What do you call a speck that falls into the latke pan?
A: An unidentified frying object!

Matchmaker in Miami

As usual, Miami Beach was packed with tourists when all of a sudden the water turned black and murky, and a hideous sea monster came out. It was standing there, drooling, dripping sea weed, looming over everyone and screaming.

All of the people were understandably petrified, screamed, and ran away. Except for one little old Jewish lady. She got closer and closer and closer and closer to the monster, looked up at him over her glasses and exclaimed, “Oy! Have I got a girl for you!”

Frieda D.

Sick as a Dog

Little Moishie’s dog Benji was sick and the boy was afraid that his dad would come back from the vet with bad news.

As his dad stepped through the door with Benji in his carrier, Moishie rushed to find out what the vet had said.

“I’m afraid it’s not good news, son,” said his father. “The vet thinks Benji’s only got another three weeks or so to live.”

Hearing this, Moishie burst into tears.

“But Benji wouldn’t want you to be sad,” said the father, putting a comforting arm around Moishie’s shoulder. “He’d want you to remember all the good times you had together.”

Moishie rubbed his eyes. “Can we give Benji a funeral?”

“Sure we can,” said his father.

“Can I invite all my friends?”

“Of course you can.”

“And, can we have cake and ice cream?”

“Sure, you can have whatever you want.”

“Dad,” said Moishie, “can we kill Benji today?”

Morris A.

Social Engineering

Four Israeli soldiers who all happened to be different types of engineers were riding in their jeep doing a patrol. There was a mechanical engineer, a chemical engineer, an electrical engineer, and a computer engineer.
Suddenly, their jeep broke down.
The mechanical engineer said, “Sounds to me like the pistons have seized. We’ll have to strip down the engine before we can get the car working again.”
The chemical engineer begged to differ. “It sounds to me as if the fuel might be contaminated. I think we should clear out the fuel system.”
“Well, I think it might be a grounding problem,” said the electrical engineer, “or maybe a faulty plug lead.”
Having offered their opinions, the three turned to the computer engineer who was strangely silent on the matter. “What do you think?” they asked.
“Hmmm,” said the computer engineer. “Perhaps, we should all get out of the jeep and get back in again?”
Carl W.

Riddles – December 2024

Community Magazine

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December 2024

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RIDDLE: Unique Number

Submitted by: Trina F.

The number 8,549,176,320 is a unique number. What is so special about it?

Last Month’s Riddle: Wrong Room

Mr. Green is sitting in his hotel room when there is a knock at the door. He opened the door to see an elderly man whom he had never seen before. The elderly man said, “Oh I’m sorry. I have made a mistake. I thought this was my room.” He then went down the corridor and in the elevator. Mr. Green went back into his room and phoned security. What made Mr. Green so suspicious of the elderly man?

Solution: You don’t knock on your own hotel room door!

Solved by: Daniel Chemtob, Eli Bareket, Mary G., Big Mike, Eli Nuseiri, Martin Sutton, The Dwek Family, and The Shmulster.

JUNIOR RIDDLE: Escape Plan

Submitted by: Jordan A.

A man is trapped in a room with only two possible exits. Through the first door is a room with an enormous magnifying glass causing the blazing hot sun to instantly burn anything that enters. Through the second door there is a fire-breathing dragon. How does the man escape?

Last Month’s Junior Riddle: The Missing Sister

There are five sisters. One is reading a book, another is cooking, another is playing chess, and another is doing laundry. What is the fifth sister doing?

Solution: She is playing chess with her sister!

Solved by: Paulette Kameo, Natlie Cohen, Barbara Batya Beyda, Eli Bareket, Fortune Azrak, Family Blum, The Shmulster, and the Big Cheese.

Woman to Woman

Community Magazine

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December 2024

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One on One with

Shelly Shammah Salem

“Why special education? I minored in education and took an assessment that pointed me towards special education. I thrive when I help identify children’s strengths. Some children need time to grown into themselves and foster their strong points.” – Shelly Salem

Please meet Rachelle (Shelly) Shammah Salem, a compassionate, wise, and poised woman, who as a bilingual special education instructor (English and Spanish) and child therapist, and has helped many students to find their unique spark.

Shelly is particularly articulate and it is clear that she has a special enthusiasm for teaching children.

Growing Up

Shelly was born in the Bay Parkway section of Brooklyn, to Vicky and Joseph Matalon. Her father came to the America from Aleppo, Syria, as a teenager and her Sephardic mom emigrated from Haiti at age three. Joseph worked at Prudential, and was one of the first insurance brokers in the Syrian community. He loved reading the Zohar and going to synagogue.

When Shelly was six, her family moved to Ocean Parkway. One of six children, Shelly had two older brothers, Marvin and Lee, an older sister Joanie, and two younger brothers David and Jackie. Unfortunately, her brother Marvin passed away. Shelly remains close with her other siblings.

Shelly was a quiet child, and was very well-liked by her classmates.

An excellent student, she sat in the first seat of the first row of PS 215 on Avenue S. Shelly skipped a year in junior high (Boody) by achieving “SP” and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School at sixteen.

Post High School

Shelly then attended a two-year fashion merchandising and communication program at FIT. Shelly finished the two-year degree when she was eighteen. At the time, FIT did not have a four-year college curriculum.

Shelly majored in English and had a minor in education. After college graduation, she worked as a copywriter for CBS.

Shelly’s parents were her greatest role models. “I got my spiritual side from my dad, and my love of learning from my mom.” Shelly is high-energy, exercises regularly, and loves entertaining and being with people.

Her passions define her and who she is at her core. Her fervor in supporting challenged children became her life purpose and proudest accomplishment, second to raising three fabulous children.

And Then Came Marriage…

Shelly was introduced to her first husband, Albert Shammah, a”h, at a friend’s home. Albert was an Israeli citizen and had been a paratrooper in 1956 during the Suez War. He earned a special citation from Moshe Dayan for his service.

Albert started out selling silk ties for his wealthy extended family in Milan, and before long started working in New York, opened letters of credit with China, and quickly climbed the business ladder. He became a business leader.

The couple moved to Scarsdale when their oldest son was four. Their three children, Jeffrey, Joey, and Alyssa all attended yeshiva day schools.

While her children were in school, Shelly pursued a master’s degree in special education and worked with teenage girls at YU High School.

Life in Scarsdale

“Our life in Westchester was a very busy and [we had a] friend-filled life. We prayed at the Young Israel of Scarsdale and were very happy there.”

Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Albert was reading the Torah one Shabbat morning. He forgot the words midstream and was rushed to the hospital. Albert was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and was given six months to live. With the help of experimental treatments, he lived for another two-and-a-half years.

Albert passed away at 48, when Jeff, Joey, and Alyssa were 16, 13, and 10, respectively. “My one regret is that I didn’t allow my kids to say their goodbyes to their father. I only wanted to protect them from this saddest experience.”

Life as a Single Mom

Work-life balance was challenging for Shelly as a single mother. When Albert passed away, Shelly became an insurance broker, working with her brothers. This job afforded her more flexibility.

Her children were very supportive. Her oldest son, Jeff, gave up his spot at Boston University and enrolled at Baruch College to be closer to his mother and siblings.

After several years as an insurance broker, Shelly returned to her special education position, helping challenged children. She found working with kids much more fulfilling than insurance.

She remained in Scarsdale for six years after Albert passed away. The house felt empty with her sons away at college and business. She considered buying an apartment in the Upper West Side in New York for Alyssa and herself.

“Something about the [the idea of living in a] Manhattan apartment and leaving my daughter home alone when I was out didn’t feel right. I realized I needed to go back to my community. We lived with my brother Lee for a year in Flatbush since his wife had recently passed away. I then rented my own apartment on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn.”

Special Ed Career Takes Off

In Brooklyn, Shelly pursued her special education career working with many community families and others. She also obtained a specialized degree in bi-lingual special education for English and Spanish. She worked with the Spanish-speaking community and went wherever she was needed.

Shelly achieved immense success with many challenged children.

Before reading the official diagnosis for a particular child, Shelly reviewed the family dynamic at the home, which she considered to be a crucial step to allow her to make her assessment.

Employing fun and toys, Shelly worked to acquire a good read on the child and the family. Once she identified the issues, Shelly worked on enhancing the child’s strengths/skills. She built on and accentuated their assets while teaching them age-appropriate skills. Her teaching method employed play and games.

One of Shelly’s success stories was a four-year-old child who exhibited suicidal behaviors, hiding under the kitchen table with a knife. Shelly determined that this boy’s self-esteem was very low due to his precocious younger sister getting all the parents’ attention. Under Shelly’s care, the boy regained his self-esteem, began to feel special, and was accepted into yeshiva. His father started to exhibit great pride in him.

Other proud accomplishments include calming a three-year-old child with classical music and eliminating his deathly fear of subways. After one train trip with Shelly, he overcame his fear and he even wanted to ride the subway again!

Shelly used basketball as a tool to support another child. He learned to read, write, and be a happy youngster.

Shelly asked her son if she could give this child one of his basketball trophies as a reward for his achievements. Her son willingly consented.

A Second Chance for Love

“After 18 years of being alone, I remember asking Hashem if it was time for me to meet someone special. About three weeks later, a mutual friend introduced me to Eli Salem, a chemical engineer. His love of life and lifestyle enhanced me. We moved to Deal, NJ, and are very happy here. In addition to my husband Eli, my children and grandchildren are my most precious possessions.”

“My son Jeffrey is a compassionate, upbeat, hardworking venture capitalist and has two sons. Joey is thoughtful, a johnny-on-the-spot kind of guy, who started a commercial laundry business. Joey and his lovely, wife Vicki, have three children. Alyssa is married and works at Flatbush Yeshiva High School where she is loved and valued. They have four children. My kids are fun, smart, and very active. I am also blessed with Eli’s wonderful family.

“I am so grateful to have Eli as my partner. He grounds me. Eli is such a religious person and loves being at shul. We often discuss the parasha together.”

Community

“I am so fortunate to be part of the Syrian community where rabbis give of themselves all day and night, where friends and family learn to donate, help, and share life’s happiest and saddest moments. We are truly a compassionate and blessed community.”

Shelly’s volunteer work includes supporting challenged children at Hillel Yeshiva, SBH projects, and leading book clubs. She volunteered at Hillel’s early childhood for many years.

To unwind, Shelly spends time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoys painting, reading, playing bridge and canasta, and simply being with friends.

What’s Next

“I most definitely want to spend more time with Eli, enhance his life and mine simply by being together.”

Career Advice

“Follow your favorite hobbies if you have them and stretch them into professional pursuits. Take courses to strengthen your skills.”

Connect with Shelly at rachellesalem1@gmail.com.

Ellen Geller Kamaras, CPA/MBA, is an International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach. Her coaching specialties include life, career, and dating coaching. She can be contacted at ellen@lifecoachellen.com (www.lifecoachellen.com).