Blogs | Community Magazine

The Power of One Step

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March 2026

HABAYIT: Providing Hesed Apartments and Comfort for Families Coming to New York for Critical Medical Treatment

Sometimes, everything changes with one step – not a grand gesture or a carefully planned move, but one small decision made in a moment of need.

No one plans for the moment when life takes an unexpected turn.

A diagnosis, a treatment plan, or an urgent medical need can send someone – or someone they love – across cities and countries to New York for critical treatment or surgery. Routine gives way to uncertainty, and families find themselves navigating unfamiliar ground.

And then, as the reality begins to settle in, a pressing question appears: Where will we stay?

Habayit was born out of that question. Not from a master plan, funding, or an organization already in place – but from one small, brave decision.

The First Step

A small group of real estate agents found themselves receiving the same call again and again. Families arrived in New York during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, exhausted and overwhelmed, far from home and desperate to find a place to stay. Short-term housing was nearly impossible to secure, and hotels were both unaffordable and impractical.

So they took one step.

They opened one hesed apartment for people who needed to come to New York for medical treatment – a furnished, dignified place where individuals and families could stay while focusing on healing.

There were no big expectations. The group of real estate agents believed they might be able to sustain one apartment – one family at a time. But the moment the need was shared, something extraordinary happened.

Other Steps

The community showed up.

Beds arrived. Sheets were dropped off. Pots and pans, furniture, toys, mezuzot, and sefarim followed. Volunteers stepped forward quietly and generously, transforming an empty space into a true home.

And then, one step led to another.

Our sages teach, “Open for Me an opening the size of a needle’s eye, and I will open for you an opening like the entrance of a great hall.”

When a person takes even the smallest step toward kindness, Heaven expands that step far beyond what we could accomplish alone. Habayit began with one small opening – and Hashem opened the doors.

Four Years In

Today, just four years later, Habayit has grown from that single apartment into 17 fully furnished hesed apartments, powered by hundreds of devoted volunteers and helping hundreds of families from around the world.

Families have come to New York from Israel, Panama, Mexico, London, Canada, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, and from many states across the United States – all in search of life-saving medical treatments. They arrived frightened and uncertain and found themselves held, supported, and cared for at the very moment they needed it most.

Sometimes, the impact of that care reaches even further. Over the years, Habayit has had the profound merit of welcoming four “Habayit babies” – children born to couples who came to New York for fertility treatments and were able to stay because they had a place to call home.

A Legacy of Kindness

At its core, Habayit is about dignity, sensitivity, and quiet hesed. The organization was founded in memory of the Baal Shem of Michelstadt, whose life was defined by compassion, generosity, and kindness towards all. That legacy lives on through every apartment prepared, every family welcomed, and every step taken on behalf of someone in need.

But Habayit’s story is not only about growth. It is about moments – moments when one seemingly small action quietly changed the course of a life.

Last year, Community Magazine published an article about Habayit. In one paragraph, it mentioned a painful reality – families who needed to come to New York for life-saving medical treatment, but there were not enough apartments to accommodate them.

Another Quiet Response

Among the readers was a man who took that paragraph to heart.

After reading the article, he reached out to Habayit. He explained that he had a fully set-up apartment. He didn’t need it at the time. If Habayit was ever full, he wanted them to have his number – just in case someone else might need a place to stay.

Nothing dramatic happened that day. There was no fanfare – just a reader who saw a need and chose to take one step.

A couple of months later, Habayit received another call – this time from a man who had come to New York from Israel for stage-four cancer treatment. Nearly seventy years old and alone, he had spent hours calling Jewish organizations, unable to find a place to stay. By Friday morning, he believed he would be sleeping on the street.

When he reached Habayit, there were no apartments available. All were full. But, because one man had read that article months earlier and acted, there was another option. He was given that phone number.

What happened next is best told in his own words.

A Letter Written to Habayit

The following letter was written by Yosef (name changed for privacy):

My name is Yosef. I came to New York from Israel to be treated for stage-four cancer.

I am almost seventy years old and could not afford to stay in a hotel while receiving treatment. One Friday morning, I spent three hours calling Jewish organizations, asking for help finding a place to stay. I was unsuccessful and did not know where to turn. Sleeping on the street felt like my only option.

I have no relatives in New York. Each call led me somewhere else, and it became clear I had nowhere to go.

When I spoke with someone from Habayit, I was given the phone number of a family who might be able to help. By then, I had very little hope left. Still, I called.

A man answered. After hearing my situation, he immediately told me that he and his wife were inviting me into their home.

I took the subway and arrived at their house. I was shown a private room and told I could stay as long as I needed. That was the first time I cried since being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

I am not a religious person, and I do not remember crying since childhood. Being welcomed by a Jewish family who had never met me before was overwhelming.

That Friday night, I sat at their Shabbat table. Only hours earlier, I believed I would be sleeping on the street. The warmth, kindness, and generosity I experienced is something I will never forget.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom,

Yosef

A Series of Small Steps

That life was changed through a series of small steps.

Community Magazine shared the story. One reader carried it in his heart and responded. And through those quiet choices, a man who feared sleeping on the street found warmth, dignity, and a place at a Shabbat table.

But his story is only one glimpse into the quiet ways small acts of hesed reshape lives. There was another moment – different in setting, but identical in spirit.

At a summer Habayit event, Rabbi Shlomo Farhi spoke about the quiet work being done behind the scenes – the phone calls, the apartments, the families arriving in need. By the time he finished speaking, there were tears throughout the room.

Before leaving, he added one more sentence. He explained that there was an urgent need for an apartment near Sloan Kettering. Families were coming for treatment, and there was simply nowhere for them to stay.

A few days later, the phone rang.

Someone who had heard about the urgent need reached out. The message had stayed with her. She explained that she had a furnished apartment right near Sloan Kettering and that Habayit was welcome to use it.

Within days, a family moved in. In the middle of fear and uncertainty, they had a place to stay. Since then, it has served as a safe haven for dozens of families whose loved ones were undergoing life-saving treatments.

Rabbi Farhi’s words did not end when the event was over. They traveled beyond the room, reaching a woman who chose to act. One small step – offering an apartment – became comfort, stability, and dignity for families in their most vulnerable moments.

A High Schooler Steps Up

Another time, the step seemed even smaller.

A high-school intern came to help at Habayit for the day. There were no urgent calls or emergencies. Instead of leaving early, he chose to organize the warehouse, which had become so crowded that it was difficult to move through. By the time he finished, everything was accessible and in its place.

That night, the phone rang.

A 36-year-old man from Panama had received devastating news from his doctors: if he did not get to New York immediately, he would not survive. He was flown in on an emergency medical evacuation flight and rushed straight to the hospital upon arrival. His family needed a place to stay – immediately.

Habayit had no available apartments. Brooklyn was full. Manhattan was full. Every other organization was full. There was only one option: an apartment that had not yet been set up.

Because the warehouse had been organized earlier that day, the team could immediately reach what they needed. Volunteers came running. Furniture was moved. Food was brought. Essentials were gathered.

By early evening, the apartment was no longer empty. The fridge was stocked. The beds were made. The space felt like a home.

While the man was in the hospital, his family arrived exhausted and terrified – and they had somewhere safe to walk into.

That life was saved because one small step had been taken earlier.

The Quiet Miracle

This is the quiet miracle of Habayit.

An organization built not on buildings, but on people. Volunteers who answer calls at all hours. Donors who give quietly. Families who open their doors. Teenagers who stay late to help.

The need continues to grow. Families are still calling. More lives can be helped.

If you would like to be part of this work – whether through donating, volunteering, or getting involved – Habayit would love to hear from you. And if you or someone you know has an empty or underused apartment in Brooklyn or Manhattan that could be used for hesed, that one step could change a life.

For all inquiries, please contact the Habayit office: 580-HABAYIT (580-422-2948). Because the story of Habayit doesn’t end here. It continues every time someone chooses to take one step.

This Month’s Topic: Should Children Know About Family Financial Struggles?

Community Magazine

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March 2026

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This Month’s Topic: Should Children Know About Family Financial Struggles?

Michele Shrem

This month we are discussing whether families should discuss finances with their children. Should the kids know about financial struggles that are going on in the household? When I was growing up, money was always a hushed subject. But, these days should our children still be in the dark? Should families be open about their finances? Should children be told about family financial struggles? Let’s see what our community members have to say.

Sarah

When I was growing up we never knew anything about finances or any struggles. Everything was discussed behind closed doors. And, it was the same with other topics such as religion and politics. There was a sealed lid on family finances that was not opened until much later on, maybe when I was a teenager. I did learn how to handle a bank account through my mom. She took me to the bank to open an account when I started to babysit. I was lucky that she showed me how to save from a young age. Now, instead of saving for a special toy, I can save for a nice vacation!

Anonymous

As a Certified Financial Planner, I feel that shielding children from money discussions is a form of educational neglect. You can’t expect a young adult to have a credit card or to sign a lease if they have never even looked at a utility bill. They will have no conception of money and how to use it properly. I think it is a good idea to discuss finances early and often. You can start with the concept of earning, saving, spending, and giving, even at a young age. If a six year old does a household chore, you can give them a quarter to put into a piggy bank. Then, when it starts to add up, you can take them to a store to spend a little of it. You can also have a home tzedakah box to show them how to give, and even bring them to the organization to deliver the box. I also believe that children should know about struggles going on in a household. There is no need to make them feel nervous, but they can become more resilient. If you can’t go on a vacation one year, you can tell them why. You can suggest a weekend trip instead, and let them know that in the future, they will hopefully go on a larger vacation. When children are in the dark, they can imagine worse-case scenarios. If they know, they may even be able to help by assisting in the home, or not asking for high-priced gadgets.

Jojo

I am very cautious about treating children like adults. I In the current world, that is probably a very old-fashioned thing to say. I feel that discussions should be age-appropriate. I would not want my child to feel anxious. A home should be a very safe and supportive place for them. I advise against sharing serious financial struggles like a job loss for instance, unless they are at least in their teens. I don’t think that children younger than that can understand that problems are solvable, and that the problem may not be permanent. Financial instability can feel like a threat to a child’s safety.

Kelly

When I was growing up, money was very tight, and I knew that my parents struggled through the years. Because they kept me in the loop, I do pretty well for myself now, and I credit my parents for teaching me these skills. Now, I passed that down to my kids so they know the costs of things. I want them to be prepared and understand the value of a dollar. To me, total transparency is the way to go. If the water gets shut off, they should know why, because it builds hunger and a drive to never be in that position themselves.

Mrs. E

I don’t think that children should ever know about family financial hardships. I want my children to play and learn, while my husband and I share the burden. I would never even think of it as a topic for the dinner table. If my kids think that I’m scared, that will be the end of their childhood. My husband and I will hold onto the stress. As adults, I feel that we can handle stress better. There is plenty of time for them to stress about things later on in life.

Diane

As a teacher of middle school students, I find that many of them have not had any discussions about finances at home. Kids actually do need help to understand why they have different things than their peers. There is a middle ground approach. You don’t need to tell them if you are broke, but you can tell them that certain things will take priority for a little while. This way, they can understand some of what is going on and understand the concept of a budget, without feeling inferior to their classmates and friends.

Mike

I like to have family meetings once in a while in order to talk about several things with my kids, including chores, issues they are having inside and outside of my home, and, of course, finances. I want my kids to see where the money goes. I try to be honest with them. For instance, if we overspent on groceries, and they can’t go to the movies. Then they can see the math for themselves. They mystery of why I said “no” is then understood with logic.

Lisa

I knew growing up that my parents struggled. I could feel the tension in the air. My parents did not talk about it, and my imagination made it ten times worse. I think families should be in a situation together. As a kid left to guessing, I can tell you that it made me anxious and scared. Years later I found out that it was not as bad as I had thought. If I had known, all those years of worrying could have been avoided for me.

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Ultimately, the line between helpful and harmful financial transparency is drawn at stability. Money discussions are helpful when they serve as a lesson for future independence. They become harmful when they serve to vent parental stress or become a source of childhood fear. By treating money as a neutral tool rather than a secret shame, families can equip the next generation with something money can’t buy: the wisdom to manage it well.

Michele

Building Dreams Together – How to Survive Your Life After Loss

Community Magazine

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March 2026

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Building Dreams Together – How to Survive Your Life After Loss

Jack Gindi

If you’ve been following my work, you know that last year I lost my eldest son, Shaun.

Nothing prepares a parent for that sentence. Nothing prepares you for waking up in a world that looks the same but feels entirely different.

A little more than a year has passed. I’ve learned that time doesn’t heal grief. It teaches you how to carry it. Some days feel steady. Others still knock the wind out of me. What has surprised me most over this past year is how many parents are walking this same road. In the United States alone, an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 families lose a child or young adult every year.

We are living through a quiet and deeply troubling moment in this country. After decades of steady progress, child and youth mortality rates have reversed course. In the last five years, deaths among children and young adults have risen drastically – driven by fentanyl, mental-health crises, gun violence, and despair. One public-health researcher called the shift “a red flashing light.” Behind every number is a family standing in the aftermath, trying to breathe through the unthinkable.

I know that place.

What I want to share here isn’t advice. It’s simply what helped me survive the first year after Shaun passed, moment by moment, breath by breath.

Earlier that day, before I knew Shaun had passed (November 20, 2024), I recorded a short video and posted it online.

“Don’t build a home in hardship. Don’t make mourning your address. Don’t let yesterday steal your tomorrow.”

At the time, I had no idea those words would become a lifeline, first for me, and later for others. After Shaun’s passing, I couldn’t imagine ever standing in front of a camera again. I wasn’t trying to get back to “normal.” That life no longer existed. My work, my health, and my sense of purpose all had to change.

Grief doesn’t just break your heart. It disorients you. It pulls you out of your body, out of your relationships, and out of any sense of direction. In the first months after Shaun’s passing, I gained weight, slept poorly, and felt the edges of myself blur. I wasn’t broken. I was overwhelmed.

What helped me wasn’t trying to fix my grief. It was giving myself something steady to return to.

L.I.F.E

I leaned on the same L.I.F.E. Mapping process I had originally built for families. It helped keep me going when everything felt unstable. I used it to notice when my body was taking the hit of grief and needed care, to stay connected to what I was feeling instead of shutting down, and to make sure I didn’t disappear from my family and friends.

Doing this didn’t make the loss easier. It helped me to keep living while carrying the loss.

Some days, “mapping my life” meant nothing more than getting outside and walking. Other days it meant sitting quietly and letting the tears come. Sometimes it meant reaching out instead of pulling away. And sometimes it meant remembering that even in grief, life still asks for presence, not perfection.

What I’ve learned this year is that grief doesn’t want to be rushed, but it’s not a place to live. Mourning is necessary. Pain needs processing. But if we don’t gently orient ourselves, if we don’t check in with our bodies, our inner world, our relationships, and our sense of meaning, grief can quietly become isolating.

For anyone walking a road of grief now, please hear this. You are not weak for feeling lost. You are human. And you don’t need a grand plan to survive. Sometimes a simple reminder, a daily check-in, or a steady structure is enough to get you through the next hour.

I don’t have your answers. I only have my story. But I believe this deeply. Our greatest heartbreak can also become a doorway to new meaning. Love doesn’t leave us when our loved ones pass on. It changes form. It asks us to carry it differently.

Shaun still walks with me – in my life, my work, my choices, and the families I support. His life ended in shock and pain, but it continues with purpose.

If you’re reading this as a person who has lost someone you love, or fears losing one, know this: You are not alone, and you don’t have to figure life out all at once. Stay connected. Stay honest. Take care of your body. Lean on others. And don’t let grief be the place where you live. Onwards, one breath, one day at a time.

From the Files of the Bet Din

Community Magazine

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March 2026

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The Case

How Embarrassing!!

Audrey sent her daughter to a local elementary school. Unhappy with her daughter’s progress throughout the school year, she wrote a brief text to many of the members of the Board of Directors of the school complaining that her daughter’s sudden regression is the result of her terribly under-qualified teacher. After detailing the teacher’s shortcomings, she added a genuine request not to disclose her complaint or identity to the teacher. Audrey wrote that her reasoning for the confidentiality was because the teacher was clearly an unstable individual who is likely to avenge the complaint in a fierce and uncontrolled manner. Shortly thereafter, one of the board members, a friend of the teacher, showed the teacher Audrey’s nasty text message. The teacher was appalled by the audacity of the text and was mortified that many of her employers and other staff members might believe it. The teacher turned to our Bet Din and complained that the text was only written because Audrey’s son and her [the teacher’s] niece were going through a bitter divorce. The text message was not only false, but it was also deeply embarrassing. The teacher explained that she is in so much distress that she can barely show her face in school. Although she believes that because of her good reputation as a teacher the text will not cause her to lose her job, nevertheless, she is seeking financial compensation for the anguish of embarrassment and defamation of character. The teacher added that only via payment authorized by a Bet Din can her name and status be rightfully restored. Audrey defended that her complaint is truthful and is unrelated to her son’s divorce, and thus, she is unwilling to compensate the teacher.

Should the Bet Din rule in favor of Audrey or the teacher and why?

Torah Law

According to the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch by letter of the law one who humiliates another with words alone is not liable to provide monetary compensation to the victim. Nevertheless, a Bet Din will consider the mental anguish suffered by the victim and impose a mitigated payment on the offender. Early halachic authorities emphasized that verbally humiliating another with slander or the like is a severe crime and can result in penalty measures against the offender beyond mere monetary compensation. People of a community are to value the status of their membership by maintaining respect and good will for one another.

Leading halachic authorities debate whether mitigated payment is required in instances in which one knowingly caused humiliation to another with a constructive intent. A primary example of such, is one who breaks an engagement to be married. Some authorities view the breaking of an engagement as a form of embarrassment that requires monetary compensation. Although the decision not to marry is clearly constructive, nevertheless, one is consciously humiliating the other when cancelling an engagement. Many halachic authorities differ with this ruling and exempt payment for this type of humiliation. According to this view, an offender is liable to provide compensation only when he deliberately embarrasses a victim. If, however, the intent is not to humiliate, but rather is of a constructive nature, no liability is incurred.

Generally, Sephardic congregations world-wide do not impose payment for humiliation caused by a broken engagement. This ruling is strictly regarding the humiliation and mental anguish sustained, other costs or financial loss is subject to adjudication.

Interestingly, one halachic authority rules that if an offender sinfully exposed factual information that led to the humiliation of another, no monetary liability is incurred. However, even according to this opinion, the offender is required to provide evidence that his humiliating statement is indeed true. In the absence of clear evidence, he is responsible for damages. Some quantify this above exemption making it applicable only in instances in which it is productive to expose the derogatory information. However, most halachic authorities impose liability for publicizing derogatory, humiliating information about another, even if proven true.

In instances in which the information is crucial to privately reveal to another in order to protect his welfare, a competent halachic authority should be consulted.

A Bet Din will analyze whether the intent of an offender was solely constructive based on whether he or she acted excessively. Excessive behavior is sometimes a sign of an ulterior motive.

A Bet Din will seek to promote peace by arranging a settlement between the disputing litigants.

VERDICT: Unwarranted Behavior

Our Bet Din ruled in favor of the teacher and chastised Audrey for her excessive unwarranted behavior. Standard procedure of a parent unsatisfied with their child’s progress is to first confront the teacher. If the matter is not rectified, the parent is to proceed to the teacher’s supervisor. If a solution is still not found, there is always the option of switching to an alternate class. Contacting board members with a complaint about a teacher is rash and arouses suspicion of an ulterior motive. After questioning some of the board members that received Audrey’s text it was apparent that they also found Audrey’s complaint suspicious. They added that they never followed up on the complaint, as it seemed odd that they were contacted instead of the principal. In short, the impression our Bet Din received was that Audrey embarrassed herself and did little or no damage to the teacher with the peculiar content of her text. Other than the one board member who wrongfully showed the teacher the text, none of them even recalled the name of the teacher mentioned in the text. The teacher’s character was not defamed, and her job was not jeopardized. Nevertheless, we instructed Audrey to write a formal apology to each of the members of the Board of Directors for her unusual behavior and imposed on her the responsibility to appease the teacher with a token gift.

YOU BE THE JUDGE

Right of First Refusal?

Charles put his private home on the market for sale. Hymie, his next-door neighbor, was interested in the property and offered to match any price Charles received from the outside. By word of mouth, Charles found Ralph, a customer who was willing to pay 2.7 million dollars up-front for the property and go to closing within two weeks. Charles contacted Hymie and notified him of Ralph’s offer. Hymie agreed to match the purchase price. However, he requested a mortgage contingency contract with a thirty-day window to obtain a loan from the bank. Hymie reassured Charles that he was in good standing with the bank and was probably eligible to receive a loan, but Charles rejected Hymie’s offer in favor of Ralph’s immediate cash payment. Charles signed with Ralph and accepted a deposit for the sale.

Hymie was disheartened by the refusal of his long-time friend and neighbor, and he reached out to other community members to intervene on his behalf. As a result, Charles had a change of heart and verbally agreed to sell his property to Hymie with a mortgage contingency. Charles contacted Ralph and notified him of the latest developments and unilaterally sent him back his deposit.

At first, Ralph refused to hear any of the details of the story and was prepared to enforce his contract. Hymie got involved then, contacting Ralph and claiming that as a next-door neighbor he had a right of first refusal of the property. He further insisted that by Torah law Ralph was required to walk away from the deal. At this point, Ralph did not want the argument to escalate and suggested the matter be resolved in Bet Din. The three signed on for the customary binding of arbitration and presented their cases to our Bet Din.

Who is entitled to purchase the property, Hymie or Ralph? How should the Bet Din rule and why?

Esti’s Turns 50: A Golden Anniversary of Style and Substance

Community Magazine

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March 2026

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Esti’s Turns 50: A Golden Anniversary of Style and Substance

When it comes to the fashion world – especially in New York City – there are certain names that immediately come to mind. One of them is Esti’s. Open for decades, this iconic boutique has served a wide and discerning clientele, offering everything from refined everyday pieces to exquisite wedding gowns. Every item reflects uncompromising quality, crafted from the finest materials available.

Esti’s Takes Off

Esti’s was founded by Esti Burton at a pivotal moment in her life. As her family was growing, her husband made the courageous decision to leave his career as a physicist to pursue full-time Torah learning. Fully supporting his choice – and ready to step away from a demanding, travel-heavy career in publishing to focus on family – Esti opened her first store.

Though modest in size, only 900 square feet, that initial boutique successfully provided for her family and laid the foundation for what would become a lasting presence in New York fashion. Her modest store on Elm Avenue helped establish Esti as a pillar of New York fashion, and she now has a 10,000 square foot store on Coney Island Avenue.

What Sets Esti’s Apart

Over the years, Esti’s has become renowned for its curated selection of top designer brands from around the world. What sets the store apart is not only the caliber of designers it carries, but the thoughtful way fashion is adapted to each client’s needs. From T-shirts to wedding gowns, nearly every piece can be transformed – whether from sleeveless to fully modest or customized in other meaningful ways. Esti is also known for her remarkable attention to detail, even keeping track of who purchases what, to ensure clients within the same community never end up wearing the same outfit. Customers come to Esti’s seeking something unique – and they leave feeling confident, beautiful, and truly seen.

When asked about her favorite designers, Esti shared:

“I love designers who value exclusivity, such as Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Jason Wu, Naeem Khan, Pamella Roland, Elie Saab, Georges Hobeika, and Zuhair Murad. I’m also always excited by young, emerging designers – some of whom I discovered on my last trip to Paris.”

Enter Anna Augusta

Following the store’s expansion and relocation to a new space, Esti met Anna Augusta – a moment that marked the beginning of a long and meaningful professional relationship. About twelve years ago, Anna and her business partner walked into the boutique seeking new opportunities. Esti recalls:

“Normally, when people come in looking for a job, I ask an employee to take their résumé. But something about them intrigued me, so I spoke with them directly.”

Anna shared that she had been an established fashion designer in her home country. Recognizing her talent, Esti gave her an opportunity. Reflecting on their collaboration, Esti said:

“She truly knows her craft. Working with Anna has given me so many opportunities to learn from her critical eye – she notices a fitting issue before the wearer ever does. She listens carefully to each client’s preferences and executes them flawlessly. Watching her work is like watching a master at her art. Her skills are rare, and I believe she has the potential to become an internationally recognized designer.”

Anna, in turn, describes Esti as a defining force in her professional journey:

“Esti Burton introduced me to the world of New York fashion. When I moved from overseas, I came with experience as a designer, but the rhythm and expectations of the New York fashion scene were entirely new to me. Esti became a mentor in the truest sense – quietly sharing her vision of high-end fashion rooted in craftsmanship, integrity, and meaningful relationships. Her guidance helped shape my brand’s international growth. Today, our designs are carried by high-end boutiques, including Esti’s, with an expanding global clientele. After years of working together, I feel deeply connected to Esti’s legacy – one defined by humility, excellence, and deep respect for the art of fashion.”

Teamwork That Adds the Special Touch

Their relationship goes far beyond a typical professional collaboration. When a client purchasing one of Anna’s designs requires special alterations or wishes to build upon a gown, Anna often comes directly to Esti’s to work with the client in person. As those close to the brand note, Esti’s influence extends far beyond business – it is deeply personal and profoundly lasting.

This year, Esti’s proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. After five decades, it stands as a true pillar of New York fashion – one that has helped generations of women feel confident, elegant, and unforgettable during life’s most important moments.

The Lighter Side – February 2026

Community Magazine

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February 2026

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A Long Shot

It was the first day of basketball practice at Wingate High School in Brooklyn. Coach Johnson handed a ball to each player. “Fellas,” he said, “I want you to practice shooting from the spots you might expect to be in during the game.”

Little Sammy immediately sat down on the bench and began arcing the ball toward the basket.

Carl W.

A Helping Hand

Old Moishe Applebaum arrived at the post office with a post card in his hand. He approached the employee at the desk and said, “I’m sorry to bother you but could you address this post card for me? My arthritis is acting up today and I can’t even hold a pen.”

“Certainly sir,” said the younger postal employee. “I’d be glad to.”

He wrote out the address and also agreed to write a short message and sign the card for old Moishe. Finally, the postal employee asked, “Now, is there anything else I can do for you?”

Old Moishe thought about it for a moment and said, “Yes, at the end could you just add, ‘PS: Please excuse the sloppy hand-writing.’”

Jimmy F.

Lesson in Forgiveness

Mrs. Friedman, A Hebrew school teacher at Beth Israel Congregation had just concluded her lesson in preparation of Yom Kippur and wanted to make sure she had made her point. She asked her class, “Can anyone tell me what you must do before you can obtain forgiveness for transgressing one of the commandments?”

There was a short pause and then, from the back of the room, a small girl spoke up and said, “Transgress one of the commandments.”

Frieda P.

A Clean Sweep

One afternoon a little Chaim was playing outdoors. He used his mother’s broom as a horse and had a wonderful time until it was getting dark.

He left the broom on the back porch. His mother was cleaning up the kitchen when she realized that her broom was missing. She asked little Chaim about the broom and he told her where it was.

She then asked him to please go get it. Little Chaim informed his mom that he was afraid of the dark and didn’t want to go out to get the broom.

His mother smiled and said, “Don’t worry Chaim. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Hashem is everywhere and he will protect you.”

Little Chaim opened the back door a little and said, “Hashem, if you’re out there, please hand me the broom.”

Marlene G.

Career Change

Abe had been a salesman in the garment district all his life, but was getting tired of the constant battles with customers. So he decided to give up his job and become a policeman.
Several months later, a friend asked Abe how he liked his new role.

“Well,” Abe replied, “the pay is terrible, the hours are too long, and I’ve gained ten pounds because of all of these donuts, but the one thing I love is that the customer is always wrong!”

Allie M.

A Killer Service

One Friday afternoon, the rabbi noticed little David staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the synagogue. It was covered with names and small flags were mounted on either side. The seven year old had been staring at the plaque for some time and finally asked the rabbi, “Rabbi, what is this?”

“Well David, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”

Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little David’s voice was barely audible when he asked, “Which one – the Friday night, or the Shabbat morning service?”

Lisa A.

Pain in the Hand

Mrs. Cohen has been suffering from arthritis. On the advice of her daughter-in-law, she goes to see Dr. Rubinstein, a specialist.

After a long visit, Dr. Rubinstein prescribes some medication and sends Mrs. Cohen on her way.

After a few weeks, Dr. Rubinstein calls Mrs. Cohen saying, “Mrs. Cohen, your check came back.”

Mrs. Cohen answers, “So did my arthritis!”

Victor C.

An Accident of Note

One day, Chaim Yankel was trying to pull out of a parking place but to his horror, he hit the bumper of the car parked in front of him. To make matters worse, the incident was witnessed by a handful of people waiting for a bus.

So Chaim Yankel got out of his car, inspected the damage carefully, took out a pen and a piece of paper and wrote a note, which he then left under the wiper blade of the other car.

This is what the note said. “Hello, I have just hit your car and there are some people here watching me. They think I am writing this note to leave you my name, phone number, and car registration number. But I am not.”

Richie H.

A Good Clean Lesson

Rabbi Epstein received a call from a wealthy businessman who was interested in exploring Judaism, but had many questions. He asked if Rabbi Epstein could pay him a visit at the office, which the good rabbi obliged.

The next day, Rabbi Epstein pulled up to an enormous manufacturing facility that produced soaps and other household cleaners. The company president, Aaron Miller, was there to greet him.

“Thank you for coming Rabbi,” Mr. Miller said. “Let’s go for a walk, shall we?”

After some small talk Mr. Miller said, “Rabbi, please help me answer this question that I’ve been thinking about: what good is religion, really? Look at all the trouble and misery in the world! Even after thousands of years of religions teaching about goodness and truth and love and peace, there’s still war and deceit and so many terrible things. If Judaism is true, why should this be?”

Rabbi Epstein just stroked his beard in thought.

They continued walking until he noticed a child playing in the gutter. Rabbi Epstein said, “Look at that child. You say that soap makes people clean, but see the dirt on that youngster. Of what good is soap? With all the soap in the world, over all these years, the child is still filthy. I wonder how effective soap is, after all!”

Mr. Miller, president of a soap company, protested, “But Rabbi, soap can’t do any good unless it is used!”

“Exactly,” replied the rabbi. “Exactly.”

Menachem S.

Riddles – February 2026

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February 2026

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RIDDLE: Peachy Keen

Submitted by: Debbie H.

If there are seven boys, and seven peaches in a basket, how do you give each boy a peach, but keep a peach in the basket?

Last Month’s Riddle: Two Doors, One Truth

You stand before two guards and two doors.
One door leads to freedom, the other to doom.
One guard always tells the truth, the other always lies.
You don’t know which is which.
You may ask one question to one guard to figure out the door to freedom.
What should you ask?

Solution: Ask either guard, “Which door would the other guard say leads to doom?” Then choose the opposite door.

Solved by: Shaul Beida, Murray T., Big Mike, Family Blum, Daniel Husney, Haim Soleimani, Marty Esses, The Shmulster, and Rose W.

JUNIOR RIDDLE: Mental Math

Submitted by: Ezra B.

In your head, take 1,000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1,000. Now add 30. Add another 1,000. Now add 20. Now add another 1,000. Now add 10. What is the total?

Last Month’s Junior Riddle: What Am I?

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

Solution: Footsteps!

Solved by: Meir Saieda, Family Blum, H. Soleimani, Rose W., Shaul Beida, Murray T., The Big Cheese, The Faham Family, Carol Tawil, David Gindi, and Marty Esses.

Turning a House into a Home

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February 2026

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Linda Dayan

To say that designing a home is not an easy process would be to state the obvious. In the beginning every room feels like a hurdle to cross, and every corner requires deep thought. After designating what room serves which purpose it is important to think of design. What feelings are you aiming for the house to give off? Would you like it to feel more modern or traditional? More clean or warm? Would you like for the entire home to share a color scheme or would you prefer that each room has its own character? Are you looking more at deep blues or faint yellows? It’s fun to map out but easy to be overwhelmed by everything. And this is without mentioning the hardware! Gold, silver, or copper? Marble or metal? Every choice is carefully thought out. Every choice impacts the future of your home. This is especially true when considering a newly built foundation, and deciding what fixtures would not just look best, but would work best for the home. A lot goes into transforming an empty structure into a livable home, and Home and Stone has been aiding all who need this since 1984.

Expertise Coupled with Honesty

Home and Stone provides luxury products for one’s bathroom, kitchen, and hardware needs. The store also offers a wide array of cabinet and tile options. Almost everything the store provides is available to be seen and felt at their showroom in Brooklyn. When collaborating with Home and Stone a visit to the show room is a must. It is one thing to view a product in a catalogue and another to touch it. However, what is special about the Home and Stone showroom is the expertise of the team. The store has been open since 1984, and in those years the team has been carefully curated to include staff with the insight and experience to discern what product best fits a client’s needs and vision. Highly trusted brands may not always put out highly reliable items, and it is Home and Stones’ specialty to recognize which products these may be.

Along with expertise, the showroom offers honesty. It is made clear that you are not purchasing a fixture from a seller but are working with an expert to find exactly what it is that you need. If a part was lost on an old piece, someone will be there to help find what works best as a replacement. And if something new is needed someone will be available to help decide what is right for your home. The team at the showroom is dedicated to finding pieces that are both beautiful and reliable. We believe that aesthetics should not be sacrificed for durability, and durability should not be sacrificed for aesthetics and so Home and Stone will only recommend products that accommodate both your artistic vision and practical functionality.

First Class Experience

The Home and Stone team members are experts in their field; experts focused on providing the best service possible to all. The store’s promise is simple: “From concept to completion, we’re dedicated to providing a seamless, first-class experience.” This experience begins the second you walk into the room but does not end once you walk out. The store prides itself on being with clients from start to finish of the journey. Whether it is buying a hardware set or a singular door knob, Home and Stone will be with you all the way. But what does this mean? How can a luxury experience extend outside of the purchase and installation? It’s simple, it means being with the customer all through the delivery process. For example, if someone was building a new home for the summer they would need to order a lot of items, and with big orders comes the fear that not everything will make it. In a new home every detail counts.

It is not easy to live in a home that has everything but the kitchen sink. Tiles, tubs, handles, mirrors, hinges, and knobs are equally as important to the home as beds, couches, carpets, and curtains. One thing slipping through the cracks is not always easy to remedy, and oftentimes it is a struggle to track and acquire that item. But not through Home and Stone. Home and Stone has been working with advanced digital tracking systems when many others were still relying on paper. The shipping system is airtight. When something leaves the warehouse it is logged when it has left and where it is enroute to. Every detail of the shipping process is documented. Once an item leaves the warehouse to be shipped it is easily accounted for up until the moment it reaches your doorstep. Should a client want to track a package the entire way it would be very easy, as its location is constantly available. This is because Home and Stone believes in a seamless experience from start to finish. The diligent shipping process is done with utmost care and speaks of the company’s dedication to its clients and its word.

Accommodating Glitches

In the case of building a home, often things do not go perfectly according to schedule. Completion of a house can sometimes be put on hold by weather, or injuries, or a whole list of other things you would never imagine until it happens. For example, if a house was meant to be ready by May and completion had to be pushed off to July due to delays, and your delivery was scheduled for May, what then? Home and Stone offers a solution. Any package may be held for as long is needed. If it’s two, three, four months it makes no difference. Until the house is ready for installation nothing will be delivered. Clients have no need to stress that their fixtures will be left on a doorstep with no door. There is also the absence of financial stress. We hold orders at no extra cost to our clients. Part of the luxury experience promised is the knowledge that once the items are purchased Home and Stone will do everything possible to get you your items on time and intact, whether that delivery is at the time or later than expected. To add extra fees would contradict the promise of a first-class experience. For us, it is important for the client to feel taken care of. We would hate to add to the many stresses of creating and finishing a new home.

Making A House A Home

Home and Stone is well versed in what it takes to make a house a home. It is a long and challenging process but the team understands it is also a journey of joy and wonder. Many who walk in are either creating a home for the first time or have been anticipating renovations for a while. The experience is exciting. At Home and Stone, there is experience threaded into every recommendation made, there is care woven in the way those on the floor understand the person’s vision, and there is diligence in the meticulous process in which everything is finally completed. The service provided by the Home and Stone team is one that tells clients that their excitement is shared. That this is not just a job, but is an experience shared by both client and expert. The team understands that for many, walking through the doors of the showroom is a crucial step in a monumental part of their lives, so the team strives to match the importance of the moment with excellence.

Promises, Power, and Policy: Evaluating Trump’s Second Term

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February 2026

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Promises, Power, and Policy: Evaluating Trump’s Second Term

Since President Trump’s January 2025 inauguration to a second term, the president’s policies have been met with both applause and criticism. His intention is to recalibrate American power abroad and security at home, in ways that many argue are directly relevant to Jewish safety, U.S.-Israel ties, and the fight against anti-Semitic violence and terror.

American Jews are not the only ones watching this second Trump term with a wary eye and a running tally. In Israel, the conversations regarding Trump’s actions are strikingly similar.

Tal Rabina Weighs In

“Trump is the one who brought the hostages [home] alive, and for that he has a place of honor in Israeli history,” noted Tal Rabina, who has a reputation as one of Israel’s most reliable media professionals. Rabina is the Strategic Director for the American Middle East Press Association and is the Strategic Director and head of the Israel office of EJA, the European Jewish Association.

“In Israel, of course, they cherish his [Trump’s] determined fight against pro-Palestinian incitement on campuses, but beyond that, and only after that, do they wonder who he really is, what his motivations are, and especially what he will demand from Bibi in exchange for his personal support. Why does he embrace (Turkey’s) Erdogan so much, and to what extent will his business interests in Qatar – the instigator of institutionalized incitement against Israel in the world – demand prices from Israel that will be difficult for us to pay? I assume that, as in any other place in the world, when it comes to Trump, there are many more questions than answers.”

Focus on Results

Those questions about motives and high price tags for Trump’s programs sit alongside a debate over the president’s performance. Putting aside questions about Trump’s character and his intentions some choose to focus on whether the president has made good on his promises.

“If twenty years in the business sector have taught me anything, it’s that what separates the winners and the losers is execution,” Hillel Fuld told Community. Fuld is a former New Yorker, in Israel many years. He is a strategic business consultant and is an online political advocate. “Trump’s first year brought with it an unprecedented number of accomplishments and, unlike previous presidents, Trump doesn’t just talk, he puts his money where his mouth is and executes.”

Agricultural Trade with Israel

In December 2025, Trump signed a proclamation titled “To Implement the United States-Israel Agreement on Trade in Agricultural Products and for Other Purposes,” implementing a bilateral arrangement to expand agricultural trade with Israel. The move deepens sectorspecific economic integration, giving Israeli producers preferential access to the vast U.S. market while offering American consumers and kosher food chains more Israeli products on American shelves.

For Jews and for Israel, this kind of trade policy is not just about chickpeas; it is a statement that the U.S.-Israel relationship is incorporated into everyday commercial ties.

Combatting Terror Groups

In November 2025, Trump issued an action designating certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). The order directs U.S. authorities to treat specified Brotherhood entities as part of the global terror infrastructure, tightening sanctions, travel restrictions, and financial controls against them.

For Jews who have watched Brotherhoodlinked movements traffic in anti-Semitic rhetoric and incitement against Israel, this step signals that ideological hostility crossing into operational support for violence will face real costs.

TikTok

In September 2025, the White House unveiled a policy framed as “Saving TikTok While Protecting National Security,” an attempt to keep the wildly popular platform operating in the United States while imposing new safeguards on data, ownership, and algorithmic control. The action pairs pressure on foreign owners and data flows with a message to young Americans that Washington is not seeking a blanket ban but rather seeks to promote a secure, Americancontrolled version of the app.

TikTok is known for virulent anti-Semitic content, tropes, and rhetoric. For Jewish users, particularly teens and campus activists who rely on TikTok for advocacy around anti-Semitism and Israel, the new policy raises a dual set of stakes. On the one hand, tightening foreign influence over the platform could reduce hostile information operations and disinformation campaigns that have fueled harassment and conspiracy theories about Jews. On the other hand, any restructuring of content moderation and recommendation systems will shape how Jewish stories, from October 7 to synagogue life, are surfaced or buried in the digital square.

Focus on Threats on U.S. Soil and UN Organizations

By June 2025, Trump followed his January immigration security moves with a proclamation titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” issued June 3, 2025. Building on an earlier executive order, this action narrows visa eligibility and travel for categories of foreign nationals deemed highrisk, instructing agencies to reassess visa programs, screening, and derogatory information sharing.

Jewish organizations have long walked a fine line on such policies: keenly aware that many jihadist plotters and extremist preachers arrive via legal travel channels, but also mindful of the Jewish experience as refugees and migrants. For some, these orders represent overdue rigor in keeping out those who preach anti-Semitic hatred or glorify attacks on Jews. For others, they require tight oversight to ensure that lifesaving asylum and family reunification are not collateral damage.

In February 2025, Trump signed an action titled, “Withdrawing the United States from and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations and Reviewing United States Support to All International Organizations.” The measure directs the administration to pull out of and defund the UNHRC (UN Human Rights Council), UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) and UNWRA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Middle East). These organizations have been recognized as structurally biased against the United States and its allies, including Israel. After decades of onesided resolutions against Israel at the UN Human Rights Council and other bodies, this measure is longawaited.

White House Faith Office

In February 2025, the president announced appointments to a renewed White House Faith Office, designed to systematize engagement with religious communities, including Jewish organizations. The appointments signal an intent to consult faith leaders on issues from anti-Semitism policy to school safety and international religious freedom, embedding religious perspectives inside the policymaking process.

Jewish groups often struggle to have their concerns about hate crimes, campus harassment, or threats to synagogues translated into federal action. So, for many the renewed Faith Office was welcome, and those in favor believe that the new office can be a crucial conduit. It also sends a broader cultural signal that Judaism is recognized within the American tapestry not only as an ethnic or national identity, but as a religious voice that deserves a seat at the table when Washington debates morality, security, and freedom.

Houthis Labeled as Terrorists

On January 22, 2025, Trump issued Executive Order 14175, “Designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization,” initiating a process that led the State Department to redesignate the Houthis as an FTO and sanction key leaders. The order cites Houthi attacks that threaten American personnel and international shipping, as well as the group’s ties to Iran and their targeting of civilians.

Houthi missiles and drones have been fired toward Israel, and the group explicitly calls for death to Jews. By restoring terror designations Trump framed the move as aligning U.S. law with the reality of a group whose ideology and actions directly menace Israel and Jewish lives.

Restricting Entry to the US

Two related documents in January 2025 – an executive order “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” dated January 20, 2025, and the subsequent June 3rd entryrestriction proclamation define an overarching security doctrine at the border. The January order instructs agencies to reassess grounds of inadmissibility, toughen refugee and visa vetting, reviews deficient countries, and led to travel bans on nationals from a number of specific countries including Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen.

For many Jews, whose synagogues and community centers have increasingly become targets, the focus on keeping out foreign extremists is welcome.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law July 4^th, 2025, contains an enormous defense and national security package, including roughly $150 billion in new defense spending including billions for shipbuilding, munitions, a proposed Golden Dome missile defense system, nuclear deterrence, IndoPacific operations, and military innovation in drones and artificial intelligence. For the Jewish community many were concerned by the bill’s massive cuts to Medicare ($1 trillion), projected to remove health coverage from 78 million Americans, and make millions more uninsured. But the bill also includes defense expenditures that can prove important for us including missile defense research, the deterrence of Iran and its proxies, and keeping vital sea lanes open whose closure might otherwise threaten Israeli security.

At the border, the law injects roughly $170 billion into security: wall construction, detention capacity, technology, and a dramatic expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, aimed at deporting up to one million people each year and making ICE the single most heavily funded law enforcement agency. For voters who prioritize strong borders as a defense against terrorists and transnational terrorist networks, these are welcome commitments. Others find the measures draconian.

Israel-Iran War

The brief Iran-Israel war of June 2025 began when Israel launched a large, coordinated air operation against key Iranian nuclear and missile facilities that posed an imminent existential threat. Iran responded with more than 500 ballistic missiles and approximately 1,000 attack drones directed at Israeli cities, energy infrastructure, and military bases. Tehran’s strikes also threatened U.S. assets and wider regional stability, raising fears in Washington, Gulf capitals, and European governments of a wider regional war.

The United States intervened directly, using stealth bombers and cruise missiles to hit deeply buried Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow, and around Isfahan. U.S. forces also helped intercept incoming Iranian missiles and drones, effectively backstopping Israel’s defenses and signaling that Washington would not allow Iran to reset the strategic balance in its favor through missile terror or nuclear brinkmanship. The combined IsraeliU.S. strikes badly damaged parts of Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure and triggered retaliatory fire on a U.S. base in Qatar before a U.S.brokered ceasefire halted the war after twelve days.

Defense and Security

For Jews, one of the most striking elements is the embrace of advanced missile defense concepts like a Golden Dome, echoing Israel’s Iron Dome and signaling that lessons from Israel’s layered defense are feeding back into U.S. doctrine. The strategy’s emphasis on deterring Iran, hardening alliances, and rejecting “fruitless ‘nationbuilding’ wars” reflects a worldview in which American power is meant to be sharp, targeted, and overwhelming – an approach that many proIsrael advocates see as essential to containing regimes and militias openly dedicated to Israel’s destruction.

Taken together, these actions and doctrines describe a presidency that has invested heavily in a particular version of security: tougher borders, louder deterrence, deeper skepticism of hostile international bodies, and more explicit alignment with Israel’s security concerns. For American Jews, the stakes are immediate – from terror designations that constrain groups firing missiles at Israel, to UN funding cuts that challenge institutions long accused of antiIsrael bias, to trade deals and faithoffice appointments that pull Jewish life and Israeli partnership closer into the American mainstream.

Harley Lippman

Long Island-raised Harley Lippman is the founder and CEO of Genesis 10, a consulting firm. He serves on the boards of many businesses, educational, and cultural organizations and is an Executive Committee Member of AIPAC. Lippman believes that President Trump has brought a blanket of security and assistance to Israel.

“I would give President Trump very high marks in the first-year presidency,” Lippman said, citing tangible real results, including the hostage deal and brokering a ceasefire with Hamas, and secondly, Iran. “Not only did the United States give Israel the green light to attack Iran,” Lippman said, “but more importantly, America jumped in with Israel, to bomb the nuclear reactors. That’s extremely important.” Lippman also noted Iranians were able to stage a new revolution of late partly because they were emboldened by the U.S. and Israel’s actions.

Look to the Future

“What to watch out for?” Lippman asked. “Trump has to stay in the game. He has to make sure he continues to execute and to guarantee that his initiatives are ultimately successful. He needs to stay focused and disciplined… But Trump is feared. Trump is respected,” Lippman said.

Since his swearingin last January, Trump’s secondterm record reflects an effort to craft policies that include defending Israel’s security, confronting anti-Semitism, confronting terror, and building a military and border posture intended to keep Jews – and Americans – safer at home and abroad. Whatever one’s politics, the Jewish community will need to study, understand, and be aware of how these policies affect them, because the president’s policies will influence Jewish security, sovereignty, and moral debates in the years to come.

Voices of Vision – February 2026

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February 2026

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Ellen Geller Kamaras

“What lights me up? As a nurse, helping people especially in their hardest moments. Personally, staying grounded and supporting friends and family, raising a family that can add to our amazing community, and supporting my husband, a rabbi, in his awesome work. It’s a kiddush Hashem, being a successful hard-working Jewish mom in a mostly non-Jewish environment.”  – Renee

Please meet Renee Tawil, nurse, wife, mother, and a dedicated community member. Renee is also the sister-in-law of Rachel Tawil Abraham who was featured in this column in July 2021.

Roots

Born to Rozie Shamah and David Steinberg, Renee grew up in Brooklyn as the third of four children. The siblings are still very close.

The Steinberg family followed Sephardic traditions as Rozie is Syrian-Sephardic and David is one half-Ashkenaz but grew up in the Syrian community.

A very social and creative child, Renee studied at Magen David Yeshiva from elementary through high school. She became a serious student in 11^th grade when she set her sights on becoming a nurse.

Although she wasn’t interested in academics in her early years, Renee loved being in the spotlight and overseeing science and dance projects. As a sixth grader, she won the National Young Inventors Competition. Renee would get tired carrying luggage on family vacations and she created a suitcase with a chair that folds back.

As teenagers, Renee and her friends ran dance classes and plays for younger children. This experience, organizing children’s programming for pay, demonstrated Renee’s early business acumen.

Intro to Medicine

During eleventh grade, Renee loved training for her EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification. “I was always interested in medicine and thought: how can I turn the EMT into a career?” Renee researched nursing and decided that being a nurse would fulfill her interest in medicine and would satisfy her desire to help the community and positively impact society.

“I also love being different and creating my own path and nursing was a great way to do this.” And, this career path would make her parents proud. Once Renee chose nursing, she buckled down with her studies. She was very driven, focused, and determined to achieve her goal.

Staying close to home, Renee enrolled in the Kingsborough College nursing program and received her Associate Degree in Applied Science and her Registered Nurse (RN) license. She obtained her bachelor’s degree online from Chamberlain College and her master’s in nursing from the University of Phoenix.

Then Came Marriage

Renee met her naseeb at an MDY Shabbaton. David Tawil, three years older, was an alumni, and Renee was a senior advisor at the event. David was also friends with Renee’s brother.

On their first date, David told Renee that he remembered that she had won the Young Inventors Competition. He was at the contest as his younger brother was Renee’s age. “David was enamored by the idea of my becoming a nurse and called me ‘Renee RN.’”

The two were married the following year after Renee completed her freshman year of college. Their first child was born during her second year at Kingsborough during winter break. David, her parents, and in-laws were very supportive of Renee’s nursing career. This gave her hizuk, keeping her motivated.

Inspired by Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l. David became a rabbi. He serves as the Head Rabbi of Bet Rachel Synagogue (Larchwood Avenue Shul) and teaches Humash, Navi, and Gemara at Hillel Yeshiva High School.

The Tawils live in West Long Branch and have six children, ranging from two to fourteen.

Renee’s Essence

Renee is both a take-charge and hard-working person. She is positive, organized, passionate, and is a team player. Personality-wise Renee is outgoing, friendly, creative, bright, and super energetic. In her current role as Cath Lab nurse manager, her leadership and team building skills shine through.

Role Models

Renee credits her parents for modeling good middot and helping her grow into the woman she is today.

“My father is hard working, driven, always helping others, thoughtful, and has strong emunah. My mother is hospitable, caring, loving, and warm, always helping others, and she is dedicated to tradition.”

Linda Kacher was Renee’s first boss in nursing. Linda, a working mom at NYU Brooklyn Endoscopy, provided Renee with nursing and life lessons, amazing guidance, and inspiration. Linda encouraged Renee to go for her master’s degree and to invest in herself. Linda believed that Renee had a bright professional future ahead of her. 

Career Trajectory

Renee’s nursing career was launched at NYU Langone Brooklyn Endoscopy and Ambulatory Surgery Center. She spent seven years there, learned a tremendous amount, and loved her job. Renee’s work-life balance was just right at NYU. “I thought I would be there forever.”

Renee’s life changed dramatically when the Tawil family moved from Brooklyn to NJ eight years ago. David took a founding rabbi position at Bet Rachel Synagogue. The shul was initially open on weekends only and then a year later it had daily minyamin. A new building was erected, and last March a mikvah was built.

Both Renee and David took a leap of faith when they moved to Deal. David jumped in as Head Rabbi of a new shul in a new town and state and Renee now served as a nurse in a medical center where most of the staff knew nothing about Yiddishkeit and Shabbat.

Renee emphasized how her faith guided her career decisions, including a move to a new hospital where she had to educate her colleagues about her religious observance and work-life balance.

Renee started out doing endoscopy work at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, JSUMC, and within four years had earned the trust of the hospital administration.

Despite having a limited cardiac background, Renee took on the interim leadership of a cath (catheterization) lab after a previous nurse manager’s departure. Notwithstanding initial doubts about balancing this new role with her responsibilities as a mother of five, Renee trusted her boss and embraced the challenge. Over the past four years, she led the construction and opening of a state-of-the-art $45 million cardiac unit with 11 procedure rooms, which has since seen a 40 percent increase in volume and become a leading heart care facility in NJ.

Renee oversees a team of 150 staff members including nurses, technologists, and nurse practitioners. She appreciates the flexibility of her managerial position, but at the same time she has constant responsibilities and occasionally emergencies require her attention even when she is not physically at work.

“Eric Coyle, my current manager, urged me to take on this new role even though I would never have predicted I would be here today.” 

Thorns and Roses

Renee’s roses are watching the amazing talent of her staff, literally saving lives every day, creating a good name for Jews, and debunking some stigmas. “Making a difference one patient at a time.”

Her challenges include work life balance, juggling Shabbat and holidays, and ensuring that everyone on her staff feels seen and heard.

Accomplishments

Personally, Renee is so proud of her amazing children, running an organized home, teaching kallah classes, hosting bnot sherut for Hillel Yeshiva, and modeling good middot for her kids. Renee and David have two teenage girls living with them.

On a professional level, Renee values her nursing certification and her position as Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse Manager at JSUMC.

Rebbetzin and Community Leader

Renee is passionately dedicated to her community, especially Hillel Yeshiva and Bet Rachel. As a rebbetzin, she thrives on teaching kallah classes from both a halachic and medical viewpoint.

Her key to success? She is super organized and believes in the “Let Them” philosophy of Mel Robbins. The “Let Them Theory” is a guide on how to stop letting other people’s opinions, drama, and judgment impact your life.

Renee believes in talking to the people [connected to certain issues], not about the people, taking a positive spin on everything, keeping everything in perspective, and maintaining religion/Hashem at the center of everything. 

Parenting and Balance

“We are a great team! Our parenting style is to lead by example and foster independence.”

Renee and David parent as a team and support each other. Renee can usually break away from work for her children’s special school events. Renee is grateful for her husband, her leadership team at work, and her parents’ and in-laws’ support.

Her work-life balance tools include cooking on Sundays for Monday through Thursday’s meals, taking Thursdays off for Shabbat preparation, using a written planner, asking for help when needed, and being nice to herself.

“I couldn’t be luckier, even with leaving at 6am and late nights, David and the children always cheer me on.”

To unwind, Renee takes a day off, has date night with her husband on Thursdays, schedules “me time,” does meditation, reads, and spends time with friends.

Connect with Renee at ReneeTawil@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.  Ellen can be contacted at ellen@lifecoachellen.com.