Time 

The dictionary would tell you, that time is the indefinite continued progress of existence, events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. 

Grandpa Joe knew the true value and essence of time. 

He perfected it. 

He shared his treasure of the past, so we can learn for the future.  

He gave of his love with his presence, so we can give it, too. 

He gifted his time, and how we wish he could have been gifted more. 

His love – no one could do it better. 

Early morning, late at night – the clock didn’t matter. Grandpa was there – for each and every one of us. Time stood still when you were with Grandpa. His depth of knowledge, humor, and wit superseded the need or want to be anywhere else. 

Communication 

He had a gift of communication.  

We waited on his every word; we prized each smile. 

We would treasure his thumbs up and would laugh hysterically from his humor. 

Grandpa communicated in many ways beyond words. He communicated by showing interest in others. 

Grandpa was the patriarch. The ultimate energy in the room. 

The warmth of his hugs, even when he would say he’s freezing, his smile even when things were tough. His timeless love always shining on through. 

He also gave others their time. 

Time to speak, time to share their story, time to grieve, and time to share their memories. 

Everyone has time, but Grandpa gave of his time unconditionally and what looked like would be forever. 

Because forever and love aren’t bound by time. 

They are timeless. 

Time is the single greatest influence on our lives. 

There is no substitute. 

Torah 

Then there is eternity “infinite or unending time,” which is the Torah. 

Grandpa was brilliant. He lived by his words. He lived for his family, he lived by the Torah. 

With time, there is the power of consistency. 

Consistency takes work. It requires tenacity and perseverance. 

Below is the speech Grandpa Joe gave over at the arayat of his mother, Sarah Antebi Sutton, a”h.   

Three weeks ago, we read Parshat Eikev. 

This was about the Shema. 

The Shema speaks about Hashem’s way, and how we should follow His way. 

We should also teach our children Hashem’s way and teach our children’s children Hashem’s way. 

This is how we honor Hashem. 

She taught us her outlook on life. 

All mothers have a mission in life – that’s bringing up their children. 

This was our mother’s mission, too.  

She did it in Hashem’s way – being charitable, doing acts of hesed, being humble, visiting the sick, and helping the poor people.  

My mother taught us and all her children and grandchildren that way. 

Her testimony to that is in through her family’s work. 

Going back to when we were small children, my mother worked day and night shifts in Times Square. And even on Saturday night when Shabbat was over they would pick her up. 

She sacrificed her time so that we could have extra comfort. 

Mom’s courage and bravery were very evident.  

She was a fighter, that never left any stone unturned until she got her job done. 

On one Rosh Hashanah, I remember quite clearly that I didn’t have money for a new pair of shoes. She said, “Don’t worry Joey, there are people out there without any feet.” 

So, let’s all think about where our mothers and grandmothers are. Please spend time with them and bring your children. 

Kiss them and hug them with your children and let your children learn who they really are. 

It’s not an errand, it’s something that you should want to do. 

If I had to somehow do it all again, what would I think I would have to change? 

I would spend more time with my mother.  

The way that her mother taught her children and the way we pass it on to our children. And they will pass it to their grandchildren, which is Hashem’s way. This is the Shema that we learn in Parshat Eikev. 

Mesorah 

This was the mesorah Grandpa truly lived by. 

This was ingrained in him, and he ingrained it in us. 

Words of consistency, words that stand the test of time. 

Grandpa lived by the lesson of the Shema, which he learned from his mother. 

That we should always treasure the time we have with our grandparents. 

Perpetuate their lessons to our children. 

The lessons of love, communication, time, and the eternal importance of the Torah. 

Nowadays, so many things we want can be accessed instantly. We order a package from Amazon and, using our Prime Now account, have it delivered within a few hours. When corresponding with a friend, rather than writing the letter by hand, putting it into an envelope, addressing and stamping said envelope, trekking to the mailbox to mail it, and then waiting for a reply, we type the letter, press “send,” and generally receive a reply within minutes. Even checks are nearly obsolete, replaced by much speedier methods of sending money, such as PayPal, QuickPay, and Zelle. And now that just about everyone owns a phone with a built-in camera or at least a digital camera, when was the last time you heard of someone taking a picture with a camera, waiting until all 24 or 36 pictures of the film have been taken, bringing the film to a photo store, and then waiting another week until the photographs were developed? 

This has extended to mitzvot, as well. We can purchase simanim - from checked pomegranate seeds to tzimmes to cooked fish heads - for Rosh Hashanah, prefab sukkot and vacuum-packed hadassim for Sukkot, prefilled oil cups for Hanukah, and ready-made mishloah manot for Purim. For Pesach, not only can we buy charoset and prechecked chazeret, we can even purchase salt water for karpas. 

The Downside to Easy Living 

Yet there is a downside to all this. 

In a world of instant gratification, the ability to “tolerate” appears to be a lost art. This includes tolerating our negative emotions, tolerating discomfort – mental or physical – or even tolerating one another.  We expect to find solutions easily, and with minimal effort. The advertising industry is intent on convincing us that answers to every imaginable problem are readily available. 

We have been sold on promises of “bliss,” and believe that a stress-free existence is attainable. Even so, our stress levels are higher than ever. We are told negative emotions are “bad,” and that we should not allow ourselves to feel sad, frustrated, or disappointed, even if our experiences are sad, frustrating, or disappointing.   

The Antidote 

The therapeutic concept of “acceptance” may provide some enlightenment to foster a new paradigm with which we can be comfortable. Yes, comfortable with our discomfort.  When we feel stress and anxiety, our natural instinct is to push those feelings away, to fight them. However, the more we fight, the more we feed our anxiety, even intensifying it. Essentially, engaging in the battle to fight our anxiety causes us to be more anxious. Our expectation of living the ubiquitously marketed “stress-free existence” is not only unrealistic and unattainable, but the idea that we can live a utopian life, free of stress, causes us to feel additional stress, merely for the fact that we are stressed in the first place.   

Think about the last time you went outside in a heavy snowstorm. You struggled against the wind and snow, squinting to avoid snowflakes from falling into your eyes, expending mental and physical energy to take the next step. 

Now, let’s say that for a few moments you stopped fighting the elements and just let the snowflakes fall wherever they landed, even in your ears, your eyes, and your mouth. No, it didn’t stop snowing, but you experienced a sense of calm as you allowed reality to set in, even accepting it. 

The circumstances did not change. But your reaction did.  

 TAKEAWAY 

Reflect upon an ongoing challenge in your life, a circumstance over which you have no control. Instead of merely accepting it as a Gd-given nisayon, a Gd-given test, use this challenge as a springboard for growth and as an opportunity to become closer to Hashem. 

We cannot change our circumstances, but we can change our reactions. 

S. Estroff

The back-to-school season is, for all intents and purposes, a period of pure parental mayhem. From tracking down the coolest backpack on the block to searching out the latest trends in school, our to-do lists seem virtually endless.  

Still, for many modern-day parents, the stress of preparing our kids for their return to academia pales in comparison to the pressure we endure once they actually get there. After all, in our achievement-obsessed society, it often feels that our parental efficacy is directly correlated with our children’s standardized test scores. It’s no wonder that the sheer thought of homework, report cards, and parent-teacher conferences has our stomach turning somersaults. 

And if all this academic pressure is tough on us as parents, it’s wreaking absolute havoc on our kids. Research reveals all kinds of worrisome trends showing up en masse in 21st-century schoolchildren – from anxiety and depression to psychosomatic illness to drug and alcohol consumption. So intense is the pressure to perform in school, in fact, that a cover story of Newsweek titled “Fourth Grade Slump” reported a rampant and unprecedented academic malaise – characterized by declining interest in reading and gradual disengagement from school – that’s striking American kids. 

One of the most marvelous aspects of the Jewish tradition is its ability to guide, protect, and strengthen us at times when we need it most. As if our forefathers could see eons into the future – knowing their descendants would one day be faced with back-to-school stress of Biblical proportions – they’ve sent sage advice our way. The following golden nuggets of ancient Jewish wisdom will go a long way toward keeping your family sane, happy, and healthy this back-to-school season – and for many school years to come. 

Study for Its Own Sake 

The Mishna states that Torah should be studied lishmah, for its own sake. In other words, we shouldn’t be learning Torah with ulterior motives, such getting on Gd’s A-list or wowing others with our Biblical mastery. Rather, we should release ourselves to the beauty and majesty of the text, enjoying it in its own right.  

By the same token, we should not present the act of learning to our children as a means to an end (i.e. you study science so you can ace the exam so you can get into a really good college one day). Instead, we must help them recognize and embrace the inherent magic, excitement, and privilege of discovering the world around them. 

There’s a beautiful Jewish custom of drizzling honey on the Hebrew letters the first time a child learns the Aleph-Bet. The purpose of the honey is not to disguise the work that inevitably lies ahead, but to serve as a reminder to savor its sweetness. Similarly, by following up the nightly homework drill with a family nature hike together – or setting aside an hour one evening to cuddle up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn for some family DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time – we can recapture the inherent yumminess of learning without undermining the importance of schoolwork. 

And on the Seventh Day Gd Rested 

Let’s face it. Try as we might to reduce our kids’ academic stress, we can’t do away with it completely. School is, after all, hard work by design. While studying is enlightening and empowering, it can also be demanding and rigorous. And that’s exactly the way it should be. Judaism places great value on work, and diligence, and of course, on study. 

But our religion also believes in downtime. “Six days shall you labor and do all your work” reads the Book of Shemot, “and the seventh day is the Sabbath to the L-rd your Gd [on which] you shall not do any work.”  

Our kids desperately need a time to recharge and refuel. And in Shabbat, they have it.  

Our kids spend their school weeks in constant motion, schlepping from classes to baseball practice to musical lessons to Gemara tutors. They desperately need a time to recharge and refuel. And in Shabbat, they have it. But Shabbat is far more than just a weekly chill session for our kids. In the Sabbath rituals our children find the consistency and predictability they need to thrive despite a frenetically paced life. They find the spirituality and hope that will keep them emotionally healthy in an unpredictable 21st-century world. 

Educate a Child According to His Way 

In modern day America, cramming kids into societally constructed Harvard-bound boxes has become a parental sport. But the reality is that not every child is hardwired to go to Harvard. The wise King Solomon recognizes this truth in the Book of Proverbs when he teaches us that we must “educate a child according to his way.” Notice, he doesn’t say anything about our way, or the school system’s way, or the college entrance board’s way. He says simply the child’s way. 

On one level, these words entail a basic acceptance of our child’s academic realities – coming to terms with the fact that our son may have certain learning challenges that require a unique educational approach, or that our daughter is simply going to be – despite tutoring sessions galore – a perfectly average math student. 

Recognize and nurture your children’s unique sets of gifts and talents.  

But the commandment of educating a child according to his way also requires us to go a step further by recognizing and nurturing our children’s unique sets of gifts and talents – whether or not they’re considered “gifts” and “talents” by modern societal standards. In his Book of Jewish Values, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin shares his take on King Solomon’s timeless teaching:  

As a parent you are obligated to be conscious of your child’s special intellectual and artistic abilities and interests. Yet I’ve met parents who have definite views about precisely what sort of person their child should be, and who do not take into account the child’s personal interests. Such an attitude denies a child’s very individuality.  

One of my favorite tools for illuminating children’s unique gifts is Howard Gardner’s highly acclaimed theory of multiple intelligences (1983, 1999) in which he delineates at least eight distinct types of intelligences of value to society that exist in human beings, eight different realms in which to uncover the sparks of genius in our children. 

Kids who are masters of puzzles and Lego, for example, exhibit what Gardner calls spatial intelligence, while children who love reading and telling stories possess linguistic intelligence. Bug-loving kiddies tend to exhibit naturalistic intelligence, while children who get a kick out of strategy games often have logical-mathematical intelligence. Children with natural leadership skills have interpersonal intelligence, while introspective, spiritual children have intrapersonal intelligence. Kids with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are agile and physically coordinated, while those with musical intelligence have a knack for singing and playing instruments. 

And if you’re especially fortunate along your parenting journey, you’ll get to know a child with menschlich intelligence – a spark of Gd-given sweetness and compassion that far transcends the 99th percentile on the New York State Regents exam. 

So, even if you conclude that your child is not a budding Albert Einstein, relax. You’re in good company. At the end of the day, most of our kids are, well, regular old kids – good at some things, not so good at others. And counting on us to love and support them in all their wonderfully regular-kid glory.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas

Ralph suffers from kidney complications and his wife Sandra is currently pregnant with a high-risk pregnancy. They were each horrified to hear from their respective physicians they must each drink two litres of water every single day, including on Yom Kippur. They have never broken their fast before and asked me if they should fast or at least use IV for hydration instead of actually drinking. 

When Your Medical Advisor Prohibits Fasting 

The Shulhan Aruch (O.C. 818:1) is clear: If a qualified medical practitioner establishes that fasting could potentially endanger a person’s life, he or she must not fast, as it is forbidden to place one’s life in danger. Fasting when medically advised to not do so is considered a grave sin, as the Torah instructs us to “live by them” (Vayikra 18:5) meaning that mitzva observance must not be the cause of a person’s death, including the mitzva to fast on Yom Kippur.  

If a person endangers his life by fasting it is considered an act of self-harm and falls under the prohibition of possible suicide. Hacham Ovadia (Yechaveh Daat 1:61) writes: “If there is concern of possible danger to his life by fasting, one must listen to the doctor and eat on Yom Kippur, because pikuach nefesh overrides the mitzva of fasting on Yom Kippur. If the sick person is stringent and fasts nonetheless, has he not acted in a pious manner; on the contrary, he will be punished for this.” 

According to the Shulhan Aruch (817:1), healthy pregnant women are generally able to fast on Yom Kippur and should do so, making sure to eat and drink sufficiently before the fast. The vast majority of poskim agree there is no blanket rule that exempts pregnant women from fasting; each case should be evaluated individually (Nishmat Avraham 617:1). If a doctor believes that a particular pregnant woman cannot fast due to a medical condition, or has a high- risk pregnancy, or is bleeding, or is experiencing contractions, she must not fast (Ohr Lezion 4:14:1). At the same time, she should find out how much liquid she needs to drink to remain safe and healthy and, if drinking will not suffice, how much she needs to eat.  

Drinking Shiurim – Small Amounts 

Similarly, if a doctor determines that fasting may cause a woman to miscarry, or she has experienced two or more miscarriages while fasting, she should drink shiurim (Hazon Ovadia, Yamim Norayim, p. 295). 

Drinking shiurim means drinking less than the measure of liquid for which a person is liable to receive the punishment of karet for consuming on Yom Kippur – a “melo lugmav”- a cheek-full (not a mouthful). While it is still prohibited, drinking this smaller amount does not carry the same severity of punishment. Therefore, when necessary and appropriate, there are instances where the poskim suggest drinking less than a shiur at a time instead of drinking normally. 

This quantity will vary from person to person. For an average person it is approximately 1.3 oz.; some plastic “lechayim” cups hold precisely this shiur. Alternatively, one can use a baby bottle (or the like) to measure the correct volume.  

To be considered as eating “less than a shiur” one needs to pause for a short period between consuming each volume of liquid. There is a difference of opinion as to the length of the interval necessary between drinking each shiur. Some say that it should be nine minutes; others say six, four, or two minutes. Others hold that “kedey shetiyat revi’it” – the time it takes to drink a revi’it, which is not more than four or five seconds – is enough of an interval (see, Yabia Omer, OC, 2:31). When advised to drink shiurim, a person should drink less than 1.3 oz. at a time, at an interval of at least five seconds is sufficient according to Hacham Ovadia, or up to nine minutes, only if this will not compromise their health. 

To answer Ralph’s and Sandra’s question, when permitted to drink on Yom Kippur, there is also no obligation to opt for artificial nutrition or hydration instead (Hazon Ovadia, p. 298, see, however, notes in Ohr Lezion 4:15:5).  

Some are fearful of eating or drinking on Yom Kippur due to the severity of the fast. However, they should be assured that the same Gd who commanded the healthy to fast, also commanded the seriously ill to eat. In fact, it is a mitzva for them to eat and no atonement is necessary.  

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas is a worldwide expert, lecturer, and writer on Medical Halacha, and is the head of the Torat Habayit Medical Halacha Institute. His latest book is entitled “Brain Death in Halacha and the Tower of Babel Syndrome.” To contact Rabbi Finchas or to receive a booklet on the Laws of Yom Kippur, email rabbi@torathabayit.com. 

Vivian Darwish 

This past summer, PROPEL had the privilege of hosting some incredibly impactful events.  

The Marriage Box 

PROPEL kicked off the summer with an up-close- conversation with Corie Adjmi, author of The Marriage Box. With women of all ages attending the event, interesting discussions ensued about Corie’s journey to become an author and aspects of her book. Special thanks to Adele and Eli Yedid for generously hosting the event. 

Boutique Show 

PROPEL’s next event this summer was the annual boutique show, PROPEL MARKETPLACE, a 32-vendor supported marketplace of community women entrepreneurs selling jewelry, athletic wear, household products, clothing for children and adults, beauty products, and so much more, at the DSN Beach.  

The Victoria Aronow PROPEL List is a free, digitized marketplace of women who sell food or other products, or provide services or have a profession, including the vendors at the Marketplace. Please sign up and create a profile in order to be included in the digital directory. Get Listed! www.thepropellist.org/register/. 

Let’s Talk Design 

The next event brought us back to DSN Beach for the LET’S TALK DESIGN event under the PROPEL Entrepreneurs Division, generously supported by Sharyn and Ezra S. Ashkenazi. A special thank you to Danielle Dabah for opening the program and discussing her career journey as an interior designer, and to our panelists – Jack Ovadia of Ovadia Design Group, Sarit Ovadia of The Finishing Touch, Jeanie Schrem of Kravet Textile Design, and Renee Mizrahi of RM Architecture Design – who each shared their professional journeys. The panel discussion was beautifully moderated by PROPEL’s Board president, Dr. Gayle Krost, and Board member Heleyne Mishan Tamir, to a standing-room-only group of participants. It was an inspiring evening!  

Talk About It Tuesday  

Next on the summer calendar was TALK ABOUT IT TUESDAY for parents, educators, and mental health practitioners under PROPEL’s Paulette Bailey/UJA Mentorship Program. The lessons explored here were invaluable as Dr. Jeff Lichtman, PROPEL’s collaborative partner at Touro University (Touro University Director of Graduate Jewish Special Education), and Minna Hanon Samra, school psychologist at Yeshivah of Flatbush, shared their views on the well-adjusted child, and the school/home partnership. Dr. Lichtman emphasized the importance of teaching children that they can become whatever they want to be, and instilling in them the idea that – a child can grow and make a difference in this world. Special thanks to Ami and Ralph Sasson for generously hosting the event. 

Community Support 

PROPEL greatly appreciates the support of the community members! It is donations from generous community members that help PROPEL fulfill its mission of providing women in our community the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their families through education, which leads to greater financial stability. In the words of the Rambam, teaching a person a trade is the highest level of charity. It is these donations that continue to give, as community women continue to earn for many years to come.  

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PROPEL  

646-494-0822 | info@thepropelnetwork.org | Instagram @PropelNetwork | www.thepropelnetwork.org  

By Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking and Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi  

Regarding the blowing of the shofar on Rosh Hashana, the Rambam writes that it alludes to a critical message: “Awaken from your slumber; those who sleep deeply, rouse yourselves from your stupor. Examine your actions, repent, and remember your Creator. Those who have forgotten the truth… Look into your souls and better your ways and deeds, abandon one’s evil ways and bad thoughts.” 

The halachot surrounding the performance of this cherished mitzvah – shofar – that we will outline, should enable us to have the full effect of reigniting our souls to the highest level of repentance.  

Who is obligated?  

Since hearing the shofar is a time-bound commandment, women are not obligated to hear the shofar. However, because of the significance of this mitzvah and its resounding message, many women have developed the custom to hear the shofar. Since their obligation is not absolute, one who is blowing shofar exclusively for women, should not recite a beracha before blowing.  

How many blasts is one obligated to hear? 

When the Torah discusses the blowing of the shofar, the word teruah is written three times. It definitely resembles some sort of cry; perhaps it is a sound of short groans – what we call shevarim; or a sound of a wailing cry – what we call teruah; or both – shevarim-teruah.  

The Gemara derives from other pesukim that a tekiah (straight blast) must be blown before and after each teruah. This essentially teaches us that we must hear thirty teruah blasts on Rosh Hashana as follows:  

Tekiah – Shevarim–Teruah – Tekiah x 3 

Tekiah – Shevarim – Tekiah x 3 

Tekiah – Teruah – Tekiah x 3 

Total = 30 

Why do we blow more than thirty blasts? 

The Gemara teaches: Why do we blow some tekiot while sitting and then many more while standing? So, it should bring confusion to the Satan as he sees how beloved are the mitzvot to us. Alternatively, it is explained that when the Satan hears the second blowing he does not know if perhaps it is the day of the final redemption when the shofar will be blown. 

When do we blow the shofar?  

This first set of thirty blasts is initially blown with the berachot while seated before the Amidah. We blow this first set of tekiot before the Torah is returned to the Hechal while standing next to the Torah. The reason for this custom is to invoke the merit of receiving the Torah which took place with blasts of the shofar. As it is written (Shemot 19:16): “And behold the sound of the shofar went and strengthened.”  

The rest of the blasts are integrated with the tefillah of Musaf. The second set of thirty is blown during the silent Amidah; ten tekiot at each segment. The third set of thirty is blown during the hazarah of the tefillah, ten with each segment.  

Initially, the shofar was blown during the prayer of Shaharit. However, in the era of the Mishna, gentiles made a decree forbidding the blowing of the shofar. They would carefully observe the Jews for the entire morning of Rosh Hashana until midday, which is the latest time for Shaharit, to ensure that the shofar would not be blown. The rabbis, therefore, moved the shofar blowing to Musaf, which can be prayed even after noon. Ever since then, we have kept the shofar blowing in the Musaf prayer. It is integrated specifically for the three segments of Musaf as the shofar relates to each segment.  

Why is the shofar also blown after Musaf? 

We blow another ten blasts during the kaddish that follows the Amidah to bring us to a total of 100 blasts. This degree of crying represents the ultimate expression of a heartfelt cry as we see from the story of the mother of Sisera. In the era of the Judges, after we entered the Land of Israel, there was a period when we were oppressed by the Canaanim. Sisera, their powerful general, came to attack us with nine hundred chariots. It was assumed that he would return victorious. And his mother, as usual, was waiting, looking out the window to greet his return from war. When he did not return, she rationalized, “Perhaps he is dividing the loot.” However, as time passed, she came to the realization that Sisera must have been killed. The pasuk describes the crying for her son by the root word – yevava – again and again totaling 100 times. This word – yevava – is the translation of the word teruah as Onkelos writes on the aforementioned pasuk in the Torah. 

There is one more teruah gedola added before Alenu to confuse the Satan.  

Why is the shofar covered before it is blown? 

The shofar should be covered until the berachot are finished. Some reasons for this minhag are:  

1. When Abraham was preparing the altar to sacrifice his son Yishak, he kept Yishak covered until the very last moment, because he feared that Yishak would receive a blemish rendering him unfit to be offered. Since the shofar is a remembrance of the Akedah we cover the shofar until the very last moment.  

1. To prevent the Satan from taking control of the shofar.  

Do I sit or stand during the shofar blowing?  

The one blowing the shofar needs to stand, just as we do for all mitzvot, however, the congregation remains seated during the first set of blasts. Some have the custom to stand while the berachot are recited and then immediately sit for the shofar blasts. Most communities, however, sit during the berachot as well.  

What do I think about while the shofar is being blown?  

First and foremost, one must have in mind that he is fulfilling the commandment of the Torah of hearing the shofar. Secondly, one should bear in mind his or her own confession and renewed commitment to listen to the Word of Hashem. 

Am I allowed to speak during Musaf?  

From the beginning of the shofar blasts until after the hundredth blast, one should not speak of matters not related to the mitzvah at hand. One who uses the restroom in between may still recite the blessing of Asher Yasar.  

What if I came late?  

If one missed the berachot he should recite the berachot when he arrives before hearing the shofar. If one already missed some blasts of the shofar, he should listen to where the congregation is up to, keep count, and make up the remaining missing blasts afterwards.  

I am blowing for someone at home, which berachot do I recite?  

If one is blowing for a man or boy over the age of bar-mitzvah, either the one blowing or the one listening recites two berachot. On the first day: 1. Lishmoa kol shofar; and 2. Shehehiyanu. On the second day, just the first beracha is recited. If the person did not hear the shofar on the first day, Shehehiyanu will be recited on the second day. When blowing for women, no berachot are recited. 

When blowing for someone at home, it is preferable for them to stand. 

May the zechut of shofar bring the sounds of the shofar of the Final Redemption.  

 Meaning of the Shofar 

Rav Saadia Gaon writes ten important ideas regarding the meaning of the shofar:  

1. On Rosh Hashana, Hashem completed the creation of the world and reigned as King over it. It is customary for kings to announce their kingship with trumpets and horns. We, therefore, blow the shofar on Rosh Hashana to show that we are accepting the Kingship of Hashem.  
2. Rosh Hashana is the first of the Ten Days of Repentance. We blow the shofar to arouse everyone to do teshuva.  
3. We remember the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, which was accompanied by shofar blasts. Essentially, we are recommitting to all of the mitzvot and accepting upon ourselves as we had originally with na’ase v’nishma – we will perform and we will listen.  
4. To remind us of the words of the Prophets that are compared to a shofar.  
5. To remind us of the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash and the wailing sound of war cries. When we hear the shofar, we will ask Hashem to bring the Bet Hamikdash.  
6. To remember Yishak Avinu who was willing to give his life to be sacrificed. We too will accept upon ourselves to give our lives for the sake of Hashem.  
7. The shofar causes us to be afraid, tremble, and break in front of Hashem.  
8. To remember the great Day of Judgement which will take place with shofar blasts.  
9. To remind us of and inspire us to yearn for the Ingathering of the Exiles, which will take place with shofar blasts.  
10. To remind us of the Resurrection of the Dead, which will take place with shofar blasts. 

A Midseason Overview of the 2023 M&S Summer Softball League 

The summer of 2023 has brought both scorching heat and sizzling action to the M&S Summer Softball League, sponsored by the iconic “Sarah’s Tent,” affectionately known as “The Tent.” With the league reaching its midway point, softball aficionados have been treated to an exhilarating display of skill, determination, and camaraderie. As teams jockey for playoff positions, the stage is set for an intense showdown at the Wild Card matchup, making for an electrifying second half of the season. 

The Leaders of the Pack 

At the forefront of the league’s proceedings is the “One Team One Dream” organization, commanded by the charismatic Steven Gindi. Gindi’s squad has taken the top spot with an impressive 7-1 record, leaving a trail of awe-inspiring performances in its wake. Gindi himself, no stranger to MVP-caliber seasons, continues to showcase his prowess both on and off the field. His leadership has been instrumental in galvanizing his teammates, while his consistent batting has sent shockwaves through the league. 

Adding to the spectacle is the emergence of a young starting pitcher, Yitz “Irwin” Sutton. With a moniker like “Irwin,” Sutton has certainly been taking the league by storm. His ability to command the mound and dictate the rhythm of the game has been nothing short of extraordinary. With Gindi and Sutton as their cornerstones, “One Team One Dream” seems destined for greatness. 

The Ageless Wonder of Gucci 

Nipping at the heels of the leaderboards is the “Gucci” organization, masterfully led by Michael Sabon Salomon. With a 7-3 record, Gucci has enjoyed a fiery start to the season, much of which can be attributed to the ageless wonder, Allie Marshall. A remarkable transition to starting pitcher at this juncture of his career has not only defied expectations but has also propelled Gucci to its impressive position. 

Marshall’s remarkable determination and experience have made him an inspiration for teammates and a source of bewilderment for opponents. His unwavering commitment to reinventing himself demonstrates that age truly is just a number. With Marshall at the helm, the Gucci organization is poised to remain a formidable contender as the season progresses. 

Diamond Busters’ Renaissance 

Securing the third spot is the “Diamond Busters,” under the leadership of Gabe Abadi. With a 5-3 record, this team has all the attributes necessary for success, poised to embark on a deep playoff run. A key element in their resurgence is the veteran Teddy Ishak, whose renaissance season has elevated the team’s performance to new heights. Ishak’s experience and skill have been a guiding light for the Diamond Busters, igniting their journey to prominence. 

A Battle for Playoff Spots 

As the league season advances, the competition at the bottom of the standings intensifies, as four teams vie for the last two coveted playoff positions. The thrilling twist in the league format sees the 4th and 5th seed teams clashing in a Wild Card matchup – a showdown of epic proportions that promises nail-biting action and unexpected heroes. 

Chasing Playoff Dreams 

Occupying the 4th place is the “Title Town” squad, led by Sammy Esses, with a record of 3-5. Despite being hailed as a preseason favorite, the team’s early stumbles have cast a shadow over their aspirations. However, with the second half of the season on the horizon, Esses and his team are determined to regain their footing and mount a comeback. 

In the 5th seed sits the “RELAX” organization, under the leadership of Ray “Berry” Esses, with a 2-4 record. Possessing half of their games in front of them, the team remains upbeat and focused on making a strong second-half push. Last year’s MVP, Albert “Al-Co” Cohen, leads the charge, instilling confidence in his teammates. 

The 6th seed belongs to the “Tomahawk” organization, currently at 4-8. A team that underwent experiments, particularly with former superstar CF Michael “MC” Cohen, has struggled due to a poorly constructed lineup. The off-season will undoubtedly be a period of strategic recalibration for MC. 

In the 7th and final seed is the “Massai Warriors,” captained by Shimi Cohen, with a 2-6 record. Four games remain on their schedule, providing ample opportunity to close out the season strongly and position themselves for a potential playoff berth. 

Embracing the Excitement 

With the 2023 M&S Summer Softball League hurtling toward its climax, spectators and enthusiasts can savor the action through the league’s YouTube channel, where live games are streamed, and professional highlight packages are produced nightly. As the competition heats up and the playoffs approach, the league website (www.MandSbaseball.com) stands as the beacon of up-to-date information for all things M&S.  

The thrilling battles, the unexpected triumphs, and the indomitable spirit of the players promise to make this summer’s softball spectacle one for the books.