Hi everyone, I’d like to reintroduce myself. My name is Frieda Schweky. I’m a community photographer and each month I write a column in this magazine about topics that are trending in our community. This month I’ll focus on some of the incredible achievements that our community has done for the war effort.   Before we get into that, I saw an awesome video by Ida Levy of @Kitchenaccomplished about  creative ways Israelis were helping each other. I’d like to share some of these things to try to inspire us to give more of ourselves.  

In Israel, veterinarians are locating and treating displaced domestic pets. Doulas are helping pregnant mothers give birth while their husbands are absent, having answered the called to reserve duty. Yeshiva boys are tying tzitzit for soldiers. Men and boys have gone door-to-door taking down sukkot for women whose husbands and sons went to serve. Whole communities are attending funerals and shivah houses to give support to bereaved families. Young girls are babysitting for mothers who either need to work or need a break, as schools have been closed around the country. This is our people, this is what we do, and our community is no different. Many from our community who served in the IDF as lone soldiers in the past have already hopped on planes to Israel to serve.  

Now, let’s look at what is being done from afar, including in our community. Classes, fundraising, Tehillim events and group chats, the purchase and packing of goods needed for both the army and civilians, and lots more.  

Margalit Romano, Community Artist 

I created the initial line of Judaica jewelry in June 2021, when rockets were being shot into Israel and there was a rise in anti-Semitism. People were taking off their easily identifiable Jewish jewelry because they were afraid. The line was made  to get customers excited about wearing a customized Jewish star.  As a granddaughter of a holocaust survivor, I take special care with my Jewish identity.   

This past summer, I spent a lot of time with the IDF soldiers who came to our community to work at a local camp, All Sport. One of the soldiers, Ben Milman, helps head an organization called Momentum that helps IDF soldiers kickstart their civilian lives after the army. They assist former soldiers psychologically (dealing with  mental health issues), and practically (such as teaching them how to write resumes and understand Israeli  banking, etc.). This program is now mandatory for all soldiers. With the help of my new soldier friend Ben, I created a line of necklaces with Hebrew phrases and blessings significant to soldiers. Now I am selling both lines again, as well as more designs that I added to raise money for Sephardic Heritage Museum (that have been supporting Israel and the IDF with what they need for the war) and Momentum. All the proceeds go directly to organizations helping Israel. Hashem gave me this opportunity with the tools and the gift to be able to do it, I’m not looking to profit from it. Hashem gave us all something we can give to the relief and unity of our people and it’s our duty to use those gifts to give back. Baruch Hashem, I was able to raise $5,000 in just a few days by selling my laser cut jewelry.  

Lynda Levy (age 18) 

Right as the war began, I, with the help of my mother, started making and distributing blue and white ribbons to friends, family, and people from my mom’s popular Instagram page. We asked for an optional donation. We raised about $4,000, which was sent to United Hatzalah of Israel. Members of Chabad at Monmouth University (I’m VP and marketing coordinator) organized a program where we gave ribbons out to students. We also got the Monmouth University College Republicans and the Monmouth University College Democrats to collaborate with us. Both groups were eager and willing to help us in any way that they could. We raised about $625 from the college students and got lots of our blue and white ribbons distributed throughout campus! It’s been crazy seeing the things that’ve been happening on college campuses throughout the country, but I’m glad I was able to make a difference on mine! 

Jacob Assouline and Benny Abady 

These recent Hillel Yeshiva graduates heard that although Israeli soldiers had been sent many first-aid supplies, they also needed high-quality medical equipment to treat serious medical injuries. They partnered with WeShoot and worked tirelessly calling different companies and put together the needed trauma kits for soldiers. They were able to raise over $10,000 to buy the supplies, packages, and send them out after only a few days of fundraising. We could not be prouder of the next generation of community leaders! 

@big_sy_organization 

Michael Harary, Frieda Cohen, Ronnie Kassin, and David Mizrahi – Enough Is Enough 

Enough Is Enough was founded three years ago to combat anti-Semitism, specifically through young people. We deal with high school and college students and young professionals, to educate, unite, and empower them. Our organization is also run by young adults, so all the ideas are fun, interactive, and cool. We teach young adults to be both proactive and reactive through education. Knowing a lot about history helps to combat anti-Semitism. We also help people to be comfortable with their Jewish identities and be proud of who they are and to be proud to say they stand with Israel. We do social media outreach, events, and fight campus battles (online and in person). We help students respond to social media messages and texts so they can give the most educated and impactful responses. We sent out an email campaign link for students to have an accessible email to send to all their universities to make sure they’re condemning the attacks on Israel by Hamas, being very specific about it, voicing that the Jewish people are scared on campus. And we are constantly working on other  initiatives.  

Shelley Habob – Challah for Chayalim 

I joined a group of women in the Mill Basin community who got together and made a WhatsApp chat. We split up saying the perakim of Tehillim and finishing books together to help with the spiritual war. Also, I joined Challah for Chayalim., which gets women who are already baking challah to use that mitzvah to support Israel. When you sign up you can add a name of a soldier you want everyone to pray for and then you get an email with the names of ten different soldiers to pray for when you’re doing the special mitzvah of taking challah, hafrashat challah. It’s easy and it’s the spiritual weapon we were given to fight this war together. 

I consider myself extremely privileged to live in a community that gives of themselves to help other Jews. It was incredibly inspiring to hear all the creative ways people have come up with to help. I myself have helped pack boxes of baby items for displaced civilians, joined in on a few days of dressing more modestly in honor of Israel, and listened to and attended classes. Normally, I try to keep my mitzvot to myself. However, I learned that the Lubavitcher Rebbe said we should publicize our mitzvot to inspire others. I went to a Rosh Chodesh class with Rabbi Norman Cohen. He basically said that  after the holidays (and especially this year) we’re all so inspired to do more mitzvot, dress more modestly, learn more Torah, etc. but after a while the flame goes out and we’re no longer inspired to do more. If, however, we keep up this momentum (even after the war), of raising money for those in need, of praying for one another, giving tzedakah, and this behavior becomes our new normal.   

Sending positive vibes, love, and prayers to my whole nation. May the hostages return and the bereaved families be consoled. 

One who suffers from LFT, low frustration tolerance, has difficulty tolerating unpleasant feelings or stressful situations. The term LFT was coined by psychologist Dr. Albert Ellis.  

Learning to Tolerate Discomfort and Waiting 

Of course, we all want to avoid stressful or uncomfortable situations. In fact, psychologist and author Dr. Sarah Edelman theorizes that trying to avoid discomfort is the primary cause of procrastination, as we may push off filling a cavity, ending a toxic relationship, improving an unhealthy lifestyle, or moving on from a dissatisfying job.  

But, as Robert Frost said, the best way out is always through. This means that in order to get to the other side, we must endure the dentist’s drill, the wrath of the individual from whom we are separating, a diet with fewer carbs and more fiber, or being left jobless until we land a more fulfilling position.  

Different types of people, of various ages, may exhibit LFT at different times. For people who suffer from attention deficit disorder, waiting for one’s turn patiently can be quite challenging. With training and modification of their current mindset, though, they can learn to tolerate waiting in line or turn-taking in conversation or when playing a game. They can also learn to tolerate boredom, to realize that it’s okay to be bored.  

The Gift of the Present 

With just a bit more insight and reframing, adults and children alike have the capacity to alter their current experience from feeling bored to feeling “present.” Boredom is brought on by a lack of stimulation. Being present with ourselves, being mindful of our thoughts and feelings, is anything but boring. Our curiosity about who we are, without external stimulation, can lead to exploring thoughts about growth and about the inner workings of our minds, which can help us appreciate our infinite potential.   

According to Dr. Ellis, LFT is one of the main aspects of emotional unhealthiness, because we tend to seek instant gratification in order to avoid discomfort.  

It is human nature to avoid pain and seek pleasure without delay. Animals, who have little emotional capacity and are not rational beings, live only in the moment and act instinctually. However, Gd created human beings with the ability to see the future consequences of our actions.   

Include Sidebar: TAKEAWAY  

Although we may prefer to spend our entire day lounging on the couch with an iced coffee and a novel, we are able to overcome the present dilemma (whether to get up or to stay put) by realizing that we can sacrifice fleeting pleasure for lasting satisfaction.  

Even if you are not in the mood to go to work or to be productive at home, as you begin your day keep this idea in mind – that if we ditch the fleeting pleasure (the novel and iced coffee) we can achieve lasting satisfaction. 

Managing Partner David Hoory shares how he turned his entrepreneurial dreams into a career helping others achieve financial security 

At 12, igniting my entrepreneurial spark with a small trading card booth unknowingly shaped my future, fueled my passion for business, and led me to become a life insurance agent. It’s been 19 years since I made that decision to pursue a career in financial services, and it’s led to a whirlwind journey of growth, challenges, and triumphs. Today, as Managing Partner of the New York Life Brooklyn General Office, I stand as a testament to the power of daring to bet on myself and New York Life. The Brooklyn General Office is made up of an award-winning team and proud to have some of the highest producing agents per capita across the company.  

But success isn’t just measured by these achievements—it’s about the impact we make on the lives of others. One of the most rewarding aspects of my position is seeing the impact a New York Life career can have on someone and their family. The career offers opportunities for both professional and personal growth. I get a great sense of fulfillment from my involvement with Sephardic Bikur Holim (SBH), assisting with the food pantry and offering career coaching.   

Working at the Brooklyn General Office gives you the opportunity to serve our local Jewish communities in Monsey, Williamsburg, and Flatbush. This spirit of unity and community extends beyond the work we do. In our office, we have a lot of mentor and mentee relationships, which helps us build unwavering support, collaboration, and shared motivation among the team.   

I also take pride in the inclusive and accommodating nature of this vibrant workplace. We provide kosher meals at meetings, and there are nearby prayer services for our Jewish agents. Here, you don’t have to compromise your values or sacrifice what’s dear to you. While we proudly boast a large Jewish population in our office, it’s a melting pot of individuals from all walks of life. The rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is what strengthens our team.  

What’s most important to us is that we give you the opportunity to pursue your passions and chart your own path to success. You can choose to be an agent, reveling in the autonomy to create your own schedule after completing all required trainings, while unlocking a world of significant income potential. Or you can progress into a managerial position, recruit and develop your own team of agents after you have met specified sales production, licensing and other internal requirements. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless.  

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or interested in making a positive impact in your community, I’m here to tell you that you can build your own practice, make a difference, and achieve personal and professional success.  

Through the comprehensive training and development programs, ongoing support from the company, and your unwavering commitment, you can cultivate a rewarding career centered around protecting what matters most to individuals and families in our community. If you would like to learn more about what a career as a financial professional (agent) can offer you, then let’s talk. 

David Hoory, CLF®, LUTCF® 

Managing Partner, New York Life Insurance Company 

dhoory@newyorklife.com 

718-307-3400 

New York Life is an Equal Opportunity Employer
SMRU 5816907 Exp. 07.31.2025

David and Rachel Edry were saved by a police force that included their two sons 

On Saturday, October 7th, Simchat Torah in Israel, five armed Hamas gunmen invaded David and Rachel Edry’s home in the southern town of Ofakim, as part of the large-scale surprise attacks. 

David Edry told Israel’s Channel 12 News that the gunmen forced the couple upstairs and threatened to kill them. The couple were held captive at gunpoint and under threat of an unpinned grenade. 

“I said to my husband, if we will die, we will die together,” Rachel Edry said.  

Buying Time 

Rachel said she tried to buy some time in the hope that her two sons, both police officers, would help Israel’s YAMAM counterterrorism force rescue them. 

“I hosted them as best I could. I joked around with them. I saw they were mad, and I asked them if they were hungry,” she said. “I made them coffee and gave them cookies. They started singing [Israeli singer] Lior Narkis songs to me. I distracted them. I did it all to stay alive.  I knew my sons were helping the YAMAM and that they would come rescue me.” 

Fifteen Hours In – A Miracle 

Israeli special forces killed the Hamas militants and freed David and Rachel Edry after they had been held for 15 hours. 

“At 2:30am, a grenade landed next to us, and I jumped on top of my wife,” David said. “Bullets flew over our heads. I have no idea how we survived.” 

Neighbors flocked to the house following the ordeal, finding two Israeli police officers in control of the situation. All five terrorists had been killed. 

The Edrys escaped mostly unharmed, with Rachel suffering only a minor wound from a special rescue dog who accidentally scratched her. 

“It was a miracle, and it’s uplifting because it shows Gd is watching over us and that with His help we have the wits and humanity to best our enemies’ bestial brutality even when our backs are against the wall,” said Daniel Mualem, the 33-year-old neighbor of the Edrys. 

“Instead of killing us, the terrorists ran to various locations and hid until they were shot at,” Rachel said. “I want to thank the police. They are our heroes.” 

One of the members of the rescue team responded to Rachel’s gratitude by saying, “No Rachel, we’re not the heroes… You’re the hero!” 

$36 down – $369 to go!  

$250 down – $119 to go! 

$101 down – $18 to go! 

$18 down - OPPORTUNITY CLOSED! 

$6,200 in a little over 45 minutes…  

AMAZING!! 

If you thought this sounds like an excerpt from an exciting auction of some sort, you’d be absolutely correct. 

But, instead of artwork or jewelry, the grand prize is far more precious – the golden opportunity to help a struggling community member in need and to earn a priceless mitzvah.  

In fact, once a week each case, carefully vetted and approved by Rabbi David Ozeri, is called exactly that – SY Opportunities. 

SY Opportunities is lovingly dedicated in memory of Ralph Tawil, a”h, a man who was selflessly dedicated to the community, whose sterling middot made him a true role model for all that were privileged to know him.  

The members describe the group best: 

“It’s a simple yet innovative ‘strength in numbers’ idea. Anonymously being able, at a click of a button, to donate any amount no matter how small or large, or even none at all, and watch the exciting countdown to success IN REAL TIME, to witness and be a part of this race to hesed is a truly exhilarating experience!” - Sharon C. 

“I don’t even know how I stumbled on it! Someone randomly added me to the chat. But I couldn’t believe what I was watching once I started…and even giving a little each time makes you feel like such a part of it. And it’s so nice how the little contributions are valued just as much as the larger ones.” – Kelly M. 

“I can’t believe this beautiful chat…I have tears in my eyes.” – Linda D. 

“I have been so astounded so far by this group and I think the method you’re using of acknowledging every contribution and counting down the funds needed is so effective. It’s so incredible and amazing to watch the number shrink, usually in no time at all!” – Abie S. 

“Being a participant of this unique chat is truly invigorating. At first, you genuinely sympathize with the community member in need, you then see the outpouring support from the rest of the participants and realize you have an actual chance to help, no matter how much you give…it’s the most incredible feeling! I feel so blessed to be part of our wonderful community!” – Daniel S.       

Don’t Miss YOUR Golden Opportunity 

To be a part of this fast-growing movement, grab your own golden opportunity and text, “I’m in” to 2123981002 or scan the QR code and join this incredible group!