Victor Cohen

Shabbat observance, as we know, requires abiding by numerous restrictions, many of which are well-known to all those accustomed to observing Shabbat. For example, we are keenly aware of the prohibitions against cooking, kindling a fire, using electronic devices, and even handling certain things which are classified as muktzeh. But one of the Shabbat prohibitions that might not be very familiar to observant Jews in today’s day and age is the prohibition against carrying objects into or through the public domain. Many Jews today live in communities with an erub – a symbolic enclosure that, ostensibly, allows for carrying within the area surrounded by the erub. The community in Deal, NJ is one such community, which benefits from an erub.

Unfortunately, however, many people mistakenly assume that this erub grants unrestricted permission to carry on Shabbat. The truth is that the erub relies on leniencies to permit carrying for health and safety purposes, and does not provide a blanket permission to carry.

To understand how the Deal erub works and which kind of carrying it permits, I had the privilege of interviewing Rabbi Nissim Basala, one of the creators of the Deal erub, who continues to maintain and oversee it even today.

The History of the Deal Erub

The process to build the Deal erub began in 1998. Thanks to the efforts of Rabbi Isaac Dwek, Mr. Jack Adjmi, Solly Dweck, and a number of other individuals, the erub was launched in the summer of 1999. It was expanded several times throughout the years, and now surrounds an area of over 24 square miles, extending into sections of Long Branch, Brighton Avenue, and some parts of West Allenhurst. The erub has been down only on very rare occasions, such as after Hurricane Sandy, which took the erub down for around a year.

Rav Moshe Heineman from Baltimore, one of America’s preeminent halachic scholars, was brought to authorize the erub, and he spent three days walking the entire length of the erub to assure its validity. The erub was inspected also by Rav Avraham Moshe Katzenelbogen, the rabbi who oversees the Jerusalem erub. Rabbi Basala says that he consults with Rav Moshe Heineman’s younger brother, Rav Shmuel Heineman – who runs the Star-K Hechsher in the New York/New Jersey area – with regard to erub-related matters.

The Four Shabbat Domains

Just as maps show different kinds of areas – residential, commercial, public, etc. – halachah similarly recognizes four different domains with respect to the prohibition of carrying on Shabbat:

1. Reshut hayahid – private property, referring to homes and other enclosed properties.
2. Reshut harabim – a public thoroughfare.
3. Karmelit – a public area that does not meet the qualifications of a reshut harabim, because of its size or the relatively little traffic passing through it (see below).
4. Makom patur – a small area such as a fire hydrant or a small ditch in the ground.

Inside a reshut hayahid, of course, carrying is permissible. However, Torah law forbids bringing something from a reshut hayahid into a reshut harabim, or vice-versa – from a reshut harabim into a reshut hayahid. Torah law also forbids carrying within a reshut harabim. Carrying from a reshut hayahid into a karmelit, or from a karmelit into a reshut hayahid, is forbidden miderabbanan – by force of rabbinic enactment. It is similarly forbidden miderabbanan to carry within a karmelit,

An erub is effective in halachically converting a karmelit into a reshut hayahid; the enclosure around the karmelit allows us to regard the enclosed area as a private domain, thereby sidestepping the rabbinic prohibitions against carrying within a karmelit, carrying from a karmelit into a reshut hayahid, and carrying from a reshut hayahid to a karmelit. Once the karmelit has been “downgraded” to a reshut hayahid through erub, all these become permissible.

Significantly, an erub has no effect on a reshut harabim. If an area is halachically defined as a public thoroughfare, then the construction of an erub does not allow carrying on Shabbat within this area, or to or from this area.

Hence, in order to determine whether an erub can be effective in a given area, we must determine whether halachah treats this area as a karmelit or as a reshut harabim.

The Differing Opinions, and Why They Matter

The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 345:7) brings two opinions regarding the definition of a reshut harabim. According to the first opinion, any area that is 25 feet wide or larger qualifies as a reshut harabim. The second opinion, by contrast, maintains that a public area does not qualify as a reshut harabim unless 600,000 people or more pass through it in a day. The question of whether streets in Deal are to be regarded as a reshut harabim or a karmelit – and, by extension, the question of whether an erub is effective in permitting carrying in Deal – hinges on this debate. According to the first view, a large public area qualifies as a reshut harabim, and thus suburban neighborhoods such as Deal, despite their relatively quiet streets and little traffic, must be treated as a reshut harabim, where an erub is ineffective. The second view, however, would allow constructing an erub in places such as Deal that does not see heavy volume passing through them.

In other words: according to the first opinion, bringing a small object outside one’s home in Deal on Shabbat would constitute a Torah violation, just like cooking on Shabbat, despite the erub. According to the second view, this is entirely permissible.

Who is the Erub For?

In light of these differing opinions, Rabbi Basala explained that the Deal erub was erected not to grant a blanket license to carry on Shabbat, but rather for the benefit of those who have a particular need to carry, that justifies relying on the lenient position.

“It was intended for someone, who, let’s say, needs to carry medicine in their pocket,” Rabbi Basala said, “or who need some sort of walker.” By contrast, he clarified, the erub “wasn’t meant to cover people playing basketball.”

Secondly, as Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, writes in a responsum on the subject, “You should build the erub to save people who don’t know they are violating Shabbat.” Many people are unfamiliar with this prohibition, and so an erub should be erected so they are protected from Shabbat desecration, at least according to the lenient view quoted by the Shulhan Aruch.

Thus, the erub was created for people who need it, and to protect people who are unaware of this prohibition. It is not set up for casual carrying.

In fact, Rabbi Basala said that he himself does not use the erub, even though he leads an entire team dedicated to ensuring it is up each week.

The rabbi emphasized the responsibility we all have to familiarize ourselves with the halachot of Shabbat. He noted the well-known comment of the Hafetz Haim (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933), in his Mishnah Berurah, that learning the laws of Shabbat is an indispensable prerequisite to the proper observance of Shabbat. This is relevant also to the prohibition of carrying. One cannot willfully decide to not know about this issue so he can rely on the erub without any restrictions.

Rabbi Basala concluded by emphasizing two other points relevant to the use of the Deal erub.

First, he wishes to remind everybody that the erub does not allow handling muktzeh items, such as an umbrella. Relying on the erub allows carrying permissible objects, not items classified as muktzeh. It is imperative to educate oneself about the topic of muktzeh to know which objects may not be handled under which circumstances.

Secondly, the fact that “Deal has an erub” does not mean that the entire town is encircled by the erub. Those who rely on the erub may do so only after ascertaining that the area where they will carry is indeed included in the erub. Maps are available for this purpose.

All are encouraged to check the status of the Deal erub, and to sign up for the mailing list, at http://www.njerub.org/, where the information is updated weekly. Updates are also available by phone at 732-660-1001.

Victor Cohen

“…votes from our community can make a significant difference in shaping the future of Jewish funding allocations.”

Victor Cohen

In an era where Jewish identity is being challenged on multiple fronts, one organization stands at the forefront of the battle to protect our heritage, values, and future. Shas Olami is not just another initiative – it is a movement, a mission, and a call to action. If we fail to act, the sanctity of our traditions and the integrity of our Torah institutions hang in the balance. But if we unite, we have the power to preserve the rich legacy of Sephardic Jewry for generations to come.

You may have recently heard about Shas Olami through group chats, text messages, or from a rabbi, friend, or family member. But what exactly is this organization, and why is it so important?

A Voice on the Global Stage

Shas Olami is a global Sephardic Orthodox movement established in 2010 at the behest of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and strengthen Sephardic culture worldwide by instilling pride in our heritage, imparting authentic Torah values, and reinforcing the bond with Eretz Yisrael. Today, the movement is guided by Hacham Ovadia’s son, Hacham Yitzhak Yosef, shlit”a.

Shas Olami pursues two primary objectives:

1. Preventing financial allocations to Reform-led causes that challenge traditional Jewish values.
2. Increasing financial support for Sephardic initiatives worldwide and within our community institutions.

As the organization states:

By increasing our Orthodox representation, we can influence decisions that protect the sanctity of our Jewish homeland, adhere to Torah values, and benefit our communities.

Shas Olami provides Sephardic Jewry with a voice on the global stage. This is crucial now more than ever, given the attacks on our homeland and the rise of anti-Semitism worldwide. It is essential that we consolidate our influence and direct it toward protecting our interests and promoting Sephardic values in Eretz Yisrael.

To gain deeper insight into the organization’s mission and impact, I had the opportunity to interview Yehuda Nakkach, a leader within Shas Olami. We discussed the movement’s role, whom it represents, what it has accomplished, and why voting has never been more important.

Shas Olami was formed in 2010 under the guidance of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, as a delegation within the World Zionist Organization (WZO) – an international body representing Jews worldwide. The WZO distributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to Jewish organizations, and the distribution of these funds is determined by elections held every five years.

Today, under the leadership of Hacham Ovadia’s son, Hacham Yitzhak Yosef, Shas Olami has established strong connections within our community. It is supported by numerous community rabbis and remains dedicated to ensuring the continued growth and success of Sephardic Jewry.

The Current State of the WZO and the Need for Change

The WZO plays a crucial role in allocating resources to Jewish organizations worldwide. Unfortunately, past elections have resulted in a disproportionate share of funding being directed toward Reform-affiliated causes, including protests that create unrest in Israel and organizations such as Women of the Wall, which undermine Jewish unity and traditional religious values.

As the Sephardic Orthodox representative within the WZO, Shas Olami works to redirect these funds toward Torah-centered causes that align with Sephardic and Orthodox Jewish values. However, the Reform movement remains a formidable political force.

In the most recent WZO election in 2020, Reform-affiliated organizations secured 39 seats with 31,000 votes. The next highest delegation trailed by 10,000 votes. Meanwhile, Shas Olami secured only two seats with just over 2,000 votes, ranking eighth overall.

Since the WZO operates on a fixed budget, funds directed toward Reform causes come at the expense of Orthodox and Sephardic initiatives. Reform delegations hold numerous key leadership positions within the WZO’s various departments, allowing them to steer funding toward causes that often contradict traditional Jewish values.

If Shas Olami strengthens its representation, it can collaborate with other religious voting blocs to counter this imbalance and redirect funds toward initiatives that support Torah observance and Sephardic heritage.

A Global Movement with a Lasting Impact

Despite its limited representation, Shas Olami is already making an impact. A stronger Shas Olami benefits not just our local community but also Sephardic Jews worldwide, including Bukharian, Persian, and other Sephardic groups across the United States and beyond.

Shas Olami operates in multiple countries, including France, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Belgium, Mexico, and Chile, serving as a platform for Sephardic communities to voice their perspectives and shape the future of Jewish education and communal life on a global scale.

In a significant milestone, Shas Olami recently gained access to a WZO department for the first time. In 2020, its representatives were appointed to the Department for Fundraising and Strengthening Community Relations. In the capacity of this position, they have organized numerous events, including Selihot gatherings and holiday-related activities. This past Purim, for example, they facilitated the distribution of Megillot. Even with its current limited power, Shas Olami is actively working to promote Sephardic interests both locally and globally.

As Yehuda Nakkach explained, Shas Olami is committed to preventing funds from being allocated to Reform-affiliated organizations that undermine Jewish tradition, and to redirecting those funds towardstrengthening of Torah values, supporting Sephardic education, and protecting the sanctity of the Land of Israel.

A Call to Action

 The key to making this happen is simple: VOTE.

By voting for Shas Olami, we increase its representation within the WZO. A single delegation may have limited influence on its own, but when combined with other religious voting blocs, Shas Olami can help shift control of key WZO departments. Typically, Shas Olami partners with other religiously aligned groups, such as the Likud delegation and Eretz HaKodesh, to strengthen its impact.

As Mr. Nakkach highlighted, votes from “contentious” regions – such as the United States – carry increased strategic weight. This means that votes from our community can make a significant difference in shaping the future of Jewish funding allocations.

Voting requires minimal effort but yields significant long-term benefits for the Sephardic community. You can encourage others – family, friends, and colleagues – to vote, as well.

Our community has an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. If we rally behind Shas Olami and increase its voting share, we can not only curtail the influence of Reform movements but also advance Torah and Sephardic-centered causes with unprecedented strength.

To learn more about Shas Olami’s mission, long-term objectives, and commitment to strengthening Sephardic Jewry, visit shasolami.org.Vote today at azm.org/elections/  Slate # 1 and play your part in preserving Sephardic Jewry worldwide!

Is Yawning Contagious?

Absolutely! It’s one of the body’s most contagious, uncontrollable actions.

In fact, yawning is so contagious that seeing a picture of someone yawning can make you yawn. Not only that, but even reading or writing about yawning can make you yawn! (Are you yawning yet?)

Scientists continue to research the “contagious yawn” phenomenon, but they have yet to discover what exactly causes people to yawn simply because they see another person yawning.

One theory is that yawning may be an unspoken form of communication, and “contagious yawning” is related to empathy (the ability to recognize, understand, and share the feelings of others). People with higher levels of empathy yawn more often when someone else yawns, compared to people with lower levels of empathy or those with emotional disorders.

A recent study discovered that yawns are most contagious among close friends and family members. Apparently, the closer you are to someone genetically or emotionally, the more likely it is that you’ll “catch” his/her yawn. Research has also shown that children under the age of five, as well as older adults, are less likely to yawn in response to somebody else yawning.

What Exactly Is a Yawn?

Everybody yawns on a daily basis, from infants to great-grandparents and everyone in between. But, have you ever wondered what exactly is a yawn?

A yawn is a big intake of air. The mouth and jaw open wide. Through the mouth and nose, there’s a deep inhale, followed by a slow exhale. Sometimes, people close their eyes when they yawn; often they stretch their arms or legs, too. Although we yawn more often when we’re tired or bored, scientists have ruled out sleepiness or lack of oxygen (which would cause sleepiness) as causes for yawning. Then why, exactly, do people and animals yawn?Scientists still do not know for sure, but they do have a few theories.

Animals Yawn Too!

Did you know that dogs, cats, and other animals yawn, too? In fact, nearly all vertebrates, from fish to reptiles to primates, yawn. What’s even more amazing is that research has proven that yawning is contagious among some animals as well. Examples include dogs, chimpanzees, and bonobos. Experiments have shown that dogs will even yawn after a person yawns!

It’s an uncomfortable conversation for many, yet it might just be the single most important conversation people will ever have in their lives: estate and legacy planning. Emanuel Haas and Ari Zaltz of the law firm Haas & Zaltz, LLP are there to help their clients navigate the highly complex and sensitive issues that arise when making decisions that range from long-term care to inheritance distribution.

One of the biggest concerns Haas and Zaltz work to address with their clients is the prospect of needing long-term care as they get older. In fact, they caution that not making appropriate provisions for long-term care is one of the biggest and costliest mistakes families can make, even though it is one that can be easily avoided.

Haas explained that very often an individual receives a diagnosis or experiences a trauma or other type of debilitating incident that creates the need for long-term care. If a plan is not in place, issues can crop up that make navigating this significant life change much more challenging for everyone. But when a plan for long-term care is already in place, it’s much easier for all involved to react with confidence.

“If you ask a random person who they think covers care as they get older, many people will tell you it’s their health insurance. Other people will tell you Medicare. Unfortunately, neither of those answers are true,” explained Zaltz.

“Sometimes a parent needs money and care immediately. If it’s not done properly and you don’t avail yourself of an elder law attorney, you can really get wiped out. A nursing home today is just an unbelievable amount of money,” he cautioned.

Haas and Zaltz advise clients to plan early, as young as 55, and when everyone is still well. “We try to do traditional estate planning but with an added level to make sure that our clients’ assets are protected for themselves, first and foremost, and subsequently for the next generation,” Zaltz said.

Otherwise, chaos can and will surely ensue. Not only will adult children be faced with how to provide long-term care for a parent, but also with the difficult prospect of how to pay for it. If a parent’s care is not being covered by Medicaid, the cost is nothing short of astronomical.

Many people don’t realize that a person only qualifies for Medicaid once his or her wealth has been depleted. Medicare is only available to those 65 and older (and with certain disabilities) and offers very limited benefits for long-term care.

Haas explained that when a person opts to become dependent on Medicaid for long-term care, a lien will be placed on his or her property and possibly any other assets.

“At least in New York, Medicaid cannot force a sale of a home because even if somebody is in a nursing home and will never come back, there is always an ‘intent to return home’ for that individual,” Haas said. Upon that person’s passing, however, Medicaid will recover what it spent on the decedent’s care, typically by selling the property.

Haas and Zaltz explain that in fact, Medicaid can go after any asset someone owns, but by setting up a trust, the home and any other assets placed in the trust will be protected. “Very often the home is the most valuable asset, and in some sense, creating a trust is a really straightforward way of addressing that problem,” Haas said.

Haas and Zaltz advise their clients that if they have assets in their name, which could be as simple as a home, they should place them in certain kinds of asset-protection trusts. That way, if a parent should require care as they get older, they will still immediately qualify for Medicaid and be entitled to government benefits. Upon their passing, the government won’t be able to claw back those assets which the parents may have intended to leave to their children.

A trust allows a person to say they no longer own the home and instead, the home is “owned” by a trust. Although a “trustee” is a nominal owner, it doesn’tactually belong to them, nor are they necessarily the beneficiary of the trust. In a trust, it can be stipulated that the parents maintain the right to live in the home until their passing. If the trust sells the home, possibly because the parents living in the home wish to downsize, the parents can still maintain the right to reside in any residential property owned by the trust.

It is extremely important to note, however, that the person(s) creating the trust must wait a period of 60 months from the time of the transfer in order to become eligible to receive Medicaid.

“The reality is that the seniors who transferred their home to a trust won’t even notice a difference,” Haas said. “They’ll live in a home just the way they always lived. They can move. They can sell the property and buy a different property and have the same right to live there, and nobody will know the difference. The only difference is that the asset will be protected.” To learn more about what you can do to protect your assets for yourself and your children visit www.haaszaltz.com or email them at info@haaszaltz.com. To make an appointment call 718-412-5288.