Michele  Shrem

The phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” is deeply embedded in our culture, bringing images of neighbors vying for the latest car, the most beautiful home, or the most lavish vacation. It describes the social and economic phenomenon of constantly comparing oneself to others and striving to match or exceed their material possessions, lifestyle, and perceived achievements. This relentless pursuit of external validation carries significant psychological, financial, and emotional costs, often leading to a treadmill of dissatisfaction rather than genuine fulfillment.

Here are insights from eight community members who have wrestled with the relentless pursuit of external validation. Their personal stories shed light on the psychological traps, financial burdens, and emotional tolls of this endless comparison, while also offering glimpses into how they’ve begun to break free and define success on their own terms.

Sarah L.

“For years, I felt this unspoken pressure to match my peers. When I saw friends buying designer bags or taking exotic trips, I’d instinctively wonder if I was falling behind. It was a constant internal battle, making me question if my own achievements and possessions were truly ‘enough.’ That feeling of inadequacy was exhausting, [I was] always chasing something just out of reach.”

David M.

“The desire for social acceptance was a huge driver for me. My kids’ friends had the latest gaming consoles, and their parents drove newer cars. I worried about my family feeling left out. It put immense pressure on our budget, pushing us to spend on things we didn’t necessarily need, just to feel like we belonged to a certain social tier. The fear of being ‘less than’ was a powerful motivator, even if it meant stretching our finances thin.”

Laura C.

“I got caught in the debt trap big time. Every time a friend posted about a home renovation or a luxury purchase, I felt this urge to keep up. My credit card balances swelled, and I took out loans for things that rapidly depreciated. It [the money I spent] wasn’t for essentials; it was for fleeting moments of perceived status. Looking back, the interest payments alone were a huge burden, trapping me in a cycle where I was just servicing past desires instead of building real wealth.”

Mark D.

“Chasing the Joneses meant constantly delaying my own financial goals. Retirement savings, an emergency fund – they all took a backseat to the immediate gratification of a new gadget or a ‘must-have’ experience. I even took on extra freelance work, not because I enjoyed it, but purely to fund this lifestyle. The burnout was real, and I realized I was sacrificing my future and my well-being for an illusion of prosperity.”

Grace R.

“The emotional toll was immense. I was constantly stressed, always feeling this pervasive unease about maintaining an image. The fleeting joy of a new purchase would quickly fade, replaced by the desire for the next item on the list. It was a constant merry-go-round, and I never felt content. I wasn’t appreciating what I had; I was always focused on what was lacking, leading to a sense of emptiness.”

Joy A.

“I realized I was losing my authenticity. My choices, from career paths to hobbies, were subtly influenced by what I thought others would deem ‘successful’ or ‘desirable.’ It created a disconnect between who I truly was and the person I was trying to project. This led to feelings of resentment and a loss of personal direction. It also strained relationships, as conversations often revolved around material things rather than [focusing on] genuine connection.”

Gail S.

“Social media amplified everything. Every vacation photo, every new home, every lavish meal felt like a direct comparison. It’s a highlight reel, not reality, but my brain couldn’t always tell the difference. My fear of missing out (FOMO) was very unhealthy.”

Yvette C.

“Breaking free was a conscious decision. I started practicing mindfulness and gratitude, intentionally appreciating what I already possessed instead of focusing on what I lacked. Financial literacy became crucial – understanding my income, my expenses, and my goals, not someone else’s. I set boundaries with social media and embraced conscious consumption. [This decision reflected my values that the good life] is about valuing experiences over things, and recognizing that true happiness isn’t found in accumulation. It’s about living my own story.”

Measuring Lives, Not Lifestyles: Closing Thoughts on a Shared Struggle

The stories shared by our community members underscore a universal truth: the pursuit of “keeping up with the Joneses” is a powerful societal force that can derail our financial stability, erode our emotional well-being, and diminish our capacity for authentic living. By recognizing the trap, consciously shifting focus inward, and embracing strategies like gratitude, financial literacy, and setting boundaries with social media, it is possible to reclaim your values and redefine success on your own terms. The most fulfilling life is not one spent chasing someone else’s perceived perfection, but is one dedicated to living authentically and pursuing what truly resonates with yourself. Choose contentment over competition and purpose over pretense. Live your own remarkable story, unburdened by the expectations of others.

This financial strain has a ripple effect on other crucial aspects of financial health. Delayed financial goals become the norm. Saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, paying off student loans, or saving for a child’s education all take a backseat to immediate gratification. The future is sacrificed for the present illusion. When unexpected expenses arise, the lack of an emergency fund forces individuals further into debt, increasing their financial problems.

The pressure to keep up can lead to poor financial decisions driven by emotions rather than logic. Investments might be made in trendy but risky ventures, or individuals might take on second jobs purely to fund their lifestyle, leading to burnout and a reduced quality of life. The constant need for more can also make individuals vulnerable to predatory lending or unwise financial schemes. Ultimately, the financial toll of “keeping up with the Joneses” is a heavy one, often leading to chronic stress, missed opportunities, and a perpetually precarious financial state.

Financial literacy and conscious spending are crucial. Understand your income, expenses, and financial goals. Create a budget that aligns with your priorities, not someone else’s. Differentiate between needs and wants, and critically evaluate purchases. Ask yourself: “Am I buying this because I genuinely need/want it, or because I feel pressured by others?” Consider the long-term impact of your spending decisions on your financial freedom and future goals.

Defining personal values and goals is perhaps the most important step. What truly matters to you? Is it experiences, relationships, personal growth, community contribution, or financial independence? When you have a clear understanding of your core values, decisions about how you spend your time and money become much easier. You can then align your actions with what genuinely brings you fulfillment, rather than chasing fleeting external validation.

Setting boundaries with social media is essential in the digital age. Unfollow accounts that trigger feelings of inadequacy or envy. Limit your time on platforms that promote excessive comparison. Remember that what you see online is often a curated highlight reel, not real life. Focus on using social media for genuine connection and inspiration, rather than as a benchmark for your own worth.

Finally, consider embracing minimalism or conscious consumption. This doesn’t mean living with nothing, but rather intentionally choosing to own fewer, more meaningful possessions. It’s about valuing experiences over things, and recognizing that true happiness isn’t found in accumulation. By reducing clutter and focusing on what truly serves you, you create space for what truly matters, freeing yourself from the endless pursuit of external validation. Breaking free from the Joneses is a journey towards greater authenticity, financial peace, and genuine contentment.

The phenomenon of “keeping up with the Joneses” is a powerful societal force, driven by deep-seated psychological tendencies and amplified by the pervasive nature of modern media. It lures us into a relentless cycle of comparison and consumption, promising happiness but often delivering only stress, debt, and dissatisfaction. The pursuit of external validation, whether through material possessions or fancy lifestyles, can derail financial stability, erode emotional well-being, and diminish our capacity for real living.

However, recognizing this trap is the first and most crucial step towards liberation. By consciously shifting our focus inward, we can begin to redefine success on our own terms. Embracing practices like gratitude, prioritizing financial literacy, and aligning our actions with our core values allows us to build a life that is rich in meaning, rather than merely rich in possessions. Setting healthy boundaries with social media and cultivating genuine connections further strengthens our resolve against external pressures.

Ultimately, the most fulfilling life is not one spent chasing someone else’s perceived perfection, but, rather, it is one dedicated to living and pursuing what truly resonates with our own unique self. Breaking free from the Joneses isn’t about having less; it’s about having more of what truly matters. It’s about choosing contentment over competition, purpose over pretense, and living your own remarkable story, unburdened by the expectations of others. Michele

From a Mother’s Tears to a Nationwide Lifeline – How One Family’s Dream Became Everyone’s Organization

After Mr. Moshe Meirov was nearly killed during the Israel-Lebanon war in the early 1980s, he and his wife Shoshana looked for a fresh start, and decided to move to Queens, New York.  Raised as traditional Jews in the former USSR, all the Meirovs wanted was that their boys should grow up with a connection to Judaism. 

Not realizing the difference between the various denominations in Judaism, the Meirov kids were nearly enrolled in a Conservative day school. But Mrs. Meirov was bothered by one thing: why didn’t any of the rabbis of the school have a beard? 

And so she eventually arranged an interview in Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael in Forest Hills. The Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yehoshua Geldtzhaler, son-in-law of the renowned Mussar giant Rav Eliyahu Dessler, worried the boys would struggle; early grades were taught in Yiddish, and the family had little background in practicing Judaism. As he was about to tell her that her boys would not be accepted, Mrs. Meirov’s eyes filled with tears.

He saw her pain, looked at her again, and changed the family – and the Jewish People – with four words: “Your boys are accepted.”

The boys flourished in Ohr Yisrael. Two of the five Meirov sons – Rabbi Ilan and Rabbi Yaniv – would emerge as outstanding marbitzei Torah (disseminators of Torah) whose work now touches hundreds of thousands of Jews across the globe.

The Spark in Queens

As a 19-year-old student in Yeshiva Ohr HaChaim in Kew Gardens Hills, Ilan initiated a weekly Hebrew sheet on the parashah. He wrote the material, a “speed-typist” friend typed, and copies were distributed in Israeli restaurants across Queens. After marrying Aliza Antebi from the Brooklyn community, Ilan took a break from the weekly publication in order to focus on his full-time learning in kollel.

His kid brother, Yaniv, couldn’t stand the silence. At 14, he launched an English parashah sheet, modeled after his brother’s, and even (mis)labeled with his brother’s name. The title of the sheet was adorably misspelled – “Poteach Et Yadeach” (instead of “Pote’ach Et Yadecha”). The mistake sparked a laugh – and a partnership.

Fast forward to 2006. Yaniv, still a teenager, began organizing lectures by Rabbi Eli Mansour, Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, and other renowned speakers. Venues rotated between shuls, and the crowds swelled from several dozen to over 700. Queens began to feel like one kehillah (congregation). By year’s end they chose a name: Chazaq – “strong,” spelled with a Q for Queens.

The next chapters came fast. They translated content into numerous languages. They pressed CDs. As time went by, they expanded into divisions for men, women, teens, children, and – critically – public school students. 

The Guide at the Center

If the parashah sheet was the spark, Rabbi Ilan Meirov became the pilot light that never goes out. He is the organization’s spiritual compass – answering questions at all hours, and offering hizuk (inspiration) with a patient, steady voice. He has authored several books (including Peri Ilan on the Ben Ish Hai), which have been warmly received by our generations leading Torah sages. 

Upon completing his first sefer several years ago, Rabbi Ilan flew to Israel. Hacham Yitzchak Yosef spent hours reviewing the manuscript together with him, wrote a lengthy haskamah (letter of approbation), and sent him to his father, Maran Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l. Hacham Ovadia tapped the manuscript and asked the question that now underpins everything Chazaq does:“Especially in America, you need to put aside your personal accomplishments. What are you doing for the non-observant community in America?”Only after hearing about Chazaq’s work did Hacham Ovadia continue looking over the sefer and give a warm blessing. The message became the method: the Jewish People first, personal achievements last. 

From Lectures to a Lifeline Across the U.S.

Chazaq grew from inspiration to intervention. And today, the heart of the organization’s work is comprised of three public school divisions: “Shaping Lives” for children, “Jwave” for teens, and the “Public School to Yeshiva” (PSTY) division, helping parents find the right yeshiva for their child(ren). Under the operational leadership of a group of dedicated professionals, and with field lions who literally walk into public schools to meet children wherever they are, the Chazaq team has touched the lives of over 9,000 public school students and transitioned over 2,000 into yeshivot over the past few years. In fact, they are no longer just a Queens organization. They are now touching Jews of all backgrounds across 12 states. 

The Nights that Changed Everything

At the historic dinner inauguration for the Rishon Lesion Hacham David Yosef in December 2024, the Rishon Lesion himself publicly called upon Rabbi David Ozeri and Mr. Harry Adjmi to personally get involved in Chazaq and help further its mission, declaring that this work is literally saving lives. He urged other communities to get involved, as well. And they answered his call with several events organized to benefit Chazaq’s life-changing work. 

The first event was held in Brooklyn, at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. David Ozeri. Rabbi Ozeri spoke passionately about the importance of supporting and getting involved in the organization, describing it as a powerful force shaping the future of the Jewish people. “When you partner with Chazaq, you’re not just giving – you’re building generations,” he said.

Lawrence, New York, came next. A major evening was planned featuring a special lecture by Israeli Chief Rabbi David Yosef, but Israel’s war against Iran erupted days before the event, grounding flights, and so the Chief Rabbi’s visit was canceled.

Many people in this situation would have postponed the event, but Mr. Ralph Hertzka made the moment: “Still do it. This is a matter of life and death.” They did. It was a tremendous success – as the mission proved stronger than circumstance.

Later came Deal, New Jersey – a different night and a different miracle. Mr. Joe Antebi graciously shouldered the responsibility of hosting the event together with his brother Elliot and their wonderful parents, Albert and Shelly. The event was masterfully emceed by Mr. Harry Adjmi, who declared, “This is my new life mission.” Mr. Jimmy (James) Khezri, approached months earlier about Chazaq’s work, pledged full backing and quietly handled behind-the-scenes logistics that no one ever sees.

The event drew a large crowd from Lakewood, New Jersey, uniting under R’ Yitzi Oelbaum. He was joined by Reb Yaakov Taub, Mr. Shimmy Jacobowitz, as well as Reb Baruch Jeremias who was tremendously motivated by Mr. James Khezri. These four figures took it upon themselves to serve as ambassadors for Chazaq going forward.

Many Chassidic leaders and communities joined, as well, giving everyone the feeling that Kelal Yisrael had come together under one roof.

Distinguished guests included the HaRav Reuven Feinstein, shelit”a, Rosh Yeshiva of Staten Island; Rabbi David Ozeri, and numerous other rabbis. The event was graced also by the presence of Mr. James Khezrie, Mr. Charlie Seroya, Mr. & Mrs. Ikey Chera, Mr. David Solomon, and many others whose faces said as much as their names.

From across America came supporters who have since become ambassadors: Mike Farah (now Chazaq’s California ambassador), Rafael Ilishayev (co-founder/CEO of Gopuff, a national pillar for the mission), and Kobi Karp (world-renowned architect who has committed to be a major part of Chazaq’s Florida expansion).

In addition to the above, evenings honoring Chazaq’s mission were graciously hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wolfson with Mr. Don Germazian (CEO of American Dream Mall) speaking about the importance of being involved in outreach. Another event was held in Jamaica Estates, hosted by Mr. and Mr. Rachamim Aulov who pledged to make an impact with the future of Jewish public school students in America. 

Each Child is a Generation 

A Hasidic boy whose mother left observance slips into public school, his Shabbat observance fades, and non-kosher becomes normal for him. Chazaq finds him, and offers him programs with kosher food, mentors, and a listening ear. They don’t count the hours; they count his steps back to religious observance.

An orphaned child, stuck in public school, a mother too overwhelmed to ask for help. Chazaq finds them, brings the child into their afterschool programs, and then sits with a yeshiva until “no” becomes “let’s find a way.” It took over a year to make it happen, but today he is proudly thriving in a yeshiva setting.

An Israeli teen, assaulted because he is Jewish. Chazaq hears about his plight. He joins a Shabbaton and is inspired. Although he didn’t transfer to yeshiva, he became a daily participant in Chazaq’s afterschool programs and then became a youth leader for teens, pulling in scores of friends to join, as well. Today, they are all keeping kosher and observing Shabbat. 

These aren’t “numbers.” They are neshamot (souls) who needed a spark that would ignite not only them, but also future generations of proud Jewish families. 

The Board and a New Frontier

Behind every program and every initiative stand the board members of Chazaq – men and women who have been there through thick and thin. Their loyalty is not seasonal; it is constant. They have weathered challenges, celebrated milestones, and carried the mission with unwavering dedication. With their guidance and support, Chazaq has become not just a community program but a national movement, one that never wavers even when the road is uphill.

Beyond its public school initiative, Chazaq has created hundreds of programs every year, inspiring hundreds of thousands. Just one example: over 45,000  streams joined online for their worldwide Tisha B’Av event. From shiurim to conferences, from in-person gatherings to global broadcasts, Chazaq has become a platform of inspiration for Jews everywhere.

Most recently, Chazaq has stepped boldly into a new frontier: shidduchim and marriage initiatives. Through events, mentoring, and soon to come an AI-driven matchmaking program, they are helping Jewish singles find their zivugim in a world where connections can be daunting. Already, many singles have turned into couples on  the foundation Chazaq provided, ensuring not just saved individuals, but new Jewish homes for the future.

Why Now Matters Most 

The day that never ends. “9–5 and then 5–9,” the Meirov family jokes. For Rabbi Yaniv and his wife, Leora, Chazaq is oxygen; even their kids “speak Chazaq.” 

Ask Rabbi Yaniv about his message and he stresses that it comes down to unity and responsibility. America offers freedom; the challenge is guiding children to use it well. Doctors, lawyers, jewelers, barbers, rabbis –  everyone can help by offering time, advocacy, introductions, or support. Refer a neighbor. Invite a teen. Open a door. 

Today, Chazaq engages with public school children from over 100 schools across the country. For the children who fully transition, the success rate is remarkable. But there are tens of thousands still on the edge. 

The Meirov brothers carry a simple message: If Kelal Yisrael doesn’t unite, another child may be lost to drugs or assimilation. Every child is a generation. 

As Ralph Hertzka said about the night in Lawrence that almost didn’t happen: “This is a matter of life and death.” And he is, of course, correct – spiritual lives are truly at stake.

What began in the Queens community now embraces communities across the U.S.; what started as a one-man show is now a large organization with over 70 staff members and hundreds of volunteers. But Chazaq isn’t “their” organization. It’s yours – ours – the place where a mother’s tears in a school office became a generation’s second chance.

There are thousands of alumni whom Chazaq has guided from A to Z – finding them by walking directly into public schools across America, (now affiliated with over 180 public schools) in New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, and beyond. And yes, even Canada. 

In classrooms from coast to coast, Jewish children sat unnoticed, their neshamot quietly slipping away into a future without Torah, without Shabbat, without identity. No one else even knew they were there. But Chazaq knew. And they went in.

What they faced was not applause. It was walls. Staff have been cursed at, dismissed, ignored, and told they have no place in the schools. They’ve been spoken to like intruders, treated like they don’t belong. They have knocked on the doors of parents who looked at them with suspicion, slammed the door, or said, ‘Not my child. We’re fine without you.’ Every rejection slices deep. Every insult leaves a scar. But they go back the next day anyway. Because one child is worth it. One neshamah is worth a lifetime of bruises.

And when a parent does finally open the door, the work is only the beginning. Convincing a family to let go of comfort, to embrace Shabbat, to send a child into a yeshiva when they themselves have never tasted Torah, is a battle of its own. Many of these families are blessed, successful, living the American dream – but not the Jewish one. It takes enormous patience, courage, and love.

Offering Eternity

The staff of Chazaq have had to become the greatest salesmen alive – not selling a product, but selling eternity. They sit in kitchens, in living rooms, on broken couches, or on fine leather sofas, sometimes for hours, sometimes for years, explaining, pleading, showing parents what their children could become. They paint the picture of a Shabbat table, of a Jewish home, of a family connected forever.

And for almost every parent, one day it happens. One day they break. They cry. They whisper through tears: ‘Thank you. Thank you for not giving up on my child.’

But until that day comes, the fight is gut-wrenching. Staff drive across states, fly across time zones, enter schools where they are not wanted, chase after children who don’t yet know who they are. It is grueling. It is exhausting. It is thankless. But they do it anyway. Because they know that every child saved is not just a child – it is a generation.

And today, because of that sacrifice, thousands of children who were once invisible are now living proudly as Jews. They light Shabbat candles with their mothers. They sing zemirot at full tables. They wear their kippotin public, unafraid. They kiss their mezuzot before bed. They are learning in yeshivot, marrying within Kelal Yisrael, and raising Jewish children of their own. Families that once stood on the cliff of assimilation are now anchored in Torah forever.

This is happening not in one city, not in one state, but all across the United States. From public schools in Queens to the streets of Los Angeles, from Miami suburbs to small towns in the Midwest –  Chazaq is there. They are fighting for our children everywhere, often silently, often without thanks, often against the odds. And yet they refuse to stop.

Every parent who reads this knows the fear. The fear of a child drifting away, the fear of losing that spark, the fear of a future without Jewish continuity. Chazaq lives with that fear every day. They walk into it. They battle it. They cry over it. And they turn it into miracles.

This is Chazaq’s legacy: no Jewish child left behind, no neshamah abandoned, no parent’s tears ignored. From a mother’s sobs in a yeshiva office in Queens decades ago, to thousands of mothers and fathers today who watch their children thriving in Torah, Chazaq has proven the deepest truth: saving one child means saving generations.This article was prepared by the organizers of the Deal, New Jersey event,in tribute to and in honor of Chazaq’s sacred mission – saving neshamot, saving generations.

Jenna Ashkenazie

Every November, Americans prepare to turn their clocks back one hour, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) and the return to Standard Time. This shift effectively moves an hour of daylight from the evening to the morning, helping to brighten the darker winter mornings. In March, the clocks “spring forward” again, and Daylight Saving Time resumes, extending daylight into the evening hours.

Daylight Saving Time was first implemented during World War I as a strategy to conserve energy. It was repealed after the war, reinstated during World War II, and finally standardized nationwide with the passage of the Uniform Time Act in 1966, which set consistent start and end dates.

Who Observes – and Who Doesn’t

Not all countries – and not even all U.S. states – follow DST. Hawaii, due to its equatorial location, and most of Arizona, due to its desert climate, observe Standard Time year-round. The Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona is an exception and does follow DST.

Most of Asia, South America, and Africa also do not observe Daylight Saving Time. These regions are located closer to the equator, where the amount of daylight remains relatively consistent year-round, making clock changes largely unnecessary.

A National Debate: Should DST Be Permanent?

In recent years, the relevance of Daylight Saving Time has come under scrutiny. Some argue it’s an outdated practice that disrupts sleep and daily rhythms. Others advocate for making DST permanent to take advantage of longer evening daylight.

Among the most vocal proponents of permanent DST is U.S. Secretary of State and former Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Along with Washington Senator Patty Murray, he introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill aiming to eliminate the biannual clock change and maintain Daylight Saving Time year-round.

Rubio stated, “Americans are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than a benefit to them.”

Health Experts Push Back

Despite public support for permanent DST, many sleep and health experts urge caution. They argue that permanent Standard Time – not DST – is more beneficial to human health.

Dr. Alaina Tiani, a clinical health psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorder Center, emphasizes the biological importance of morning light.

“Sticking to Standard Time is undeniably better for our health. We would have more light in the mornings, and having more of that light exposure at those earlier times is essentially better for our body’s rhythms.”

Morning light helps regulate the circadian rhythm, our internal biological clock that influences critical functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels.

Sleep, Learning, and Behavior

Children, in particular, may benefit from permanent Standard Time. According to Dr. Karin Johnson, studies have shown that students living in areas that follow Standard Time perform better on standardized tests like the SAT.

She notes that earlier sunrises, while sometimes seen as a nuisance, could be beneficial:

“You’re more likely to be able to sleep through those early sunrise hours. They also come with earlier sunsets, which could make falling asleep at night easier – especially for your kids.”

Earlier daylight may also encourage healthy routines such as morning exercise and reduce reliance on artificial light in the mornings.

Lack of sleep due to circadian misalignment has been linked to a range of serious issues, including mental health disorders, risky behavior, poor academic performance, and even lower employment salaries. Dr. Johnson adds,

“We know that a lot of the drivers for people becoming criminals increase in the sleep-deprived population.”

Arguments in Favor of Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Despite medical concerns, many politicians and members of the public support staying on DST year-round, citing both social and economic benefits.

According to The Columbus Dispatch, permanent DST could reduce household energy usage by minimizing the need for lighting and appliance use in the evening—a claim supported by a U.S. Department of Energy study.

Safety may also improve. The Brookings Institution found that crime rates drop when daylight is extended into the evening hours:

“Offenders know they’re more likely to be recognized and get caught if they’re fully visible.”

Steve P. Calandrillo of the University of Washington further explains that:

“Crime rates are lower by 30 percent in the morning-to-afternoon hours, even when those morning hours occur before sunrise, when it’s still dark.”

Potential Downsides to Permanent DST

Still, the shift to permanent DST is not without its risks. Northwestern Medicine reports that DST has been linked to an increased risk of various health problems, from cognitive and mental health issues to heart disease and digestive disorders.

Neurologist Dr. Beth Ann Malow warns:

“The misalignment of our natural circadian rhythms can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.”

Lack of sleep and circadian disruption also contribute to lower productivity in workplaces and schools. Dr. Ilene M. Rosen of the University of Pennsylvania notes:

“Employers are recognizing the costs of poor sleep in their employees,” adding that there’s “a strong U-shaped relationship between absenteeism and presenteeism (when employees come to work while physically or mentally not well, which leads to decreased productivity) and hours of sleep.”

In educational settings, students – especially those at earlystarting schools like yeshivot – may find it harder to focus and stay safe when leaving home in the dark.

Lessons from Around the World

Other countries have experimented with permanent DST – with mixed results. In 2011, Russia adopted permanent DST but reversed the decision in 2014 after widespread public dissatisfaction and health complaints.

According to TimeandDate.com, medical studies found a spike in morning road accidents, particularly in northern regions. The backlash was so strong that the government passed a law to reinstate permanent Standard Time instead.

Russia’s experience serves as a cautionary tale: even well-intentioned changes can produce unintended consequences.

What’s Next for the U.S.?

With public opinion split and expert opinions largely favoring Standard Time, the future of clock changes in the U.S. remains uncertain. Bills like the Sunshine Protection Act have garnered support in Congress, but no federal law has yet been passed to make DST permanent.

While it’s tempting to embrace more evening light year-round, the trade-offs to health, safety, and productivity need to be carefully considered. As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: any decision should be made with the full picture in view—not just what feels convenient.

In the end, only time will tell…

Rabbi David Sutton & Dr. David Katzenstein, LCSW-R

The Alter of Kelm notes that in our heads, we have certain ways of looking at things, certain preconceived notions that are rooted in our minds. And even if we receive a sudden epiphany in the opposite direction, a short time later we naturally revert to our previous state.

Yosef and the Brothers

The Alter of Kelm uses the example of the shevatim to prove his point. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayigash 5) tells us that when Yosef revealed himself to his brothers and said, “I am Yosef” (Beresheet 45:3), the shevatim were so scared that their souls left them (they basically had heart attacks), and Hashem performed a miracle and their souls were returned to them.

We would think that afterward all would be good and well.

But that’s not what happened.

The Midrash continues with the story. In order to convince them that he was truly their brother, Yosef showed the shevatim his brit milah. Yet instead of being thrilled that he was now king, the Midrash tells us that Yosef’s brothers wanted to kill him. A malach came and spread them out, separating them by sending them to the four corners of the palace, in order to protect Yosef.

Why did the shevatim want to kill Yosef at this time?

Because, explains the Alter, years ago, they had concluded that Yosef was chayav mitah, deserving the death penalty, and even after twenty-two years, nothing changed in their minds. Although they initially had a sudden shockwave when he introduced himself, they naturally reverted to their original belief, their preconceived notion that he was guilty. The Alter calls this hashrashah harishonah, the first implantation.

If the shivtei Kah operated that way, how much more difficult is it for us to uproot old ideas from our psyche and plant new ones in their place!

UprootingOur Preconceived Notions

In Yosef Ometz (Perek HaBitachon), Rav Yosef Yuzpa Hahn-Noirlingenof Frankfurt echoes this idea. People may think that we don’t see the same miracles today as we did many years ago. In truth, Rav Yosef Yuzpa opines, this is a mistake. There’s no difference today. In fact, he advises, if the yetzer hara tells us that today we don’t see miracles, we must not listen to him. True, we may not see open miracles, they may be hidden, but there are miracles nonetheless.

We must make sure not to revert back to our preconceived notions, to the way we always believed, that all is in the natural realm.

This is not just about bitachon. This is true anytime we want to change anything. Why is it so hard for people to keep their new commitments, whether it’s Jewish people keeping their Rosh Hashanah kabbalot or people dropping their New Year’s resolutions in the secular world? Yes, everyone signs up for the gym in January, but stops going in February. Or we commit to being the best (fill in the blank: spouse/ child/ parent/ sibling/ friend) on Sunday morning, but by the end of the week, the resolution is out the window. What happened?

Our preconceived notions hardwire us one way, and to change them takes a lot of effort. We must constantly and consistently work on ourselves to incorporate our commitments into our very being, until they are part of us. Otherwise, we will continue doing the same things, making the same commitments, year after year, without any lasting change.

This applies not only to mindsets – as in the case of Yosef and the brothers, or in today’s day and age, of looking at the world through the lens of random events rather than through the lens of Gd’s supervision – but also to habits. People are chronically late, people are argumentative, people have an aggressive streak. All of these tendencies occur because those pathways in our brain have been enforced and reinforced so many times that they become automatic.

Changing Ourselves

But we can change…

Rav Yerucham Levovitz compares this to somebody who’s writing with a light pencil (i.e., lighter than the number 2 pencils we used to write with in school). He goes back and forth with the pencil, again and again and again, until that vague imprint eventually becomes darker and darker, even though initially, it was too light to read.

When we’re trying to change, going down that new pathway, we’re not going to see such a strong imprint on the paper. But as we keep on going over that imprint, it becomes deeper and deeper, and darker and darker. If we stick to the task, eventually we’ll create new pathways, and we will actually be able to change the way we think and the way we act.

Sam J. Sutton

We’ve reached the home stretch of the 2025 M&S Softball season, and every pitch, every swing, and every bounce of the ball is feels heavier. The scoreboard isn’t just telling you the score, it’s telling you your season’s fate.

It’s a 12-game campaign, and the math is brutally simple: finish in the top five and you’re in, with seeds four and five battling in a one-game Wild Card showdown for the right to join the big boys. Finish sixth or seventh, and you’re packing up the bats until next summer.

Up top, there’s an extra twist. The first, second, and third seeds get the same bye into the semifinals, but the number one seed gets to choose their opponent, a decision that can swing an entire postseason. The Wild Card winner often rides their momentum straight to a championship. In M&S lore, that one-game scrap is less of a formality and more of a launchpad.

Kaboom! (6-2)
What a Week 6 for Uri Adler’s squad. Kaboom walked into their showdown with the Texas Longhorns tied in the loss column, and walked out with a clean sweep and the best record in the league. Their mix of power hitting, steady defense, and timely pitching has them looking like the team to beat. When you’ve got the talent Kaboom has, plus the confidence of knowing you’ve already taken down the other top contender, it’s a dangerous combination.

Texas Longhorns (7-3)
The Longhorns aren’t panicking. They got stung by Kaboom, but they’ve been one of the most consistent teams all season. Max Yedid’s club has an explosive lineup – 75 runs scored is tops in the league – and they know how to win in bunches. The key for them is bouncing back, reclaiming their swagger, and ensuring they’re peaking when the playoffs hit.

King Salomon Part Deux (5-3)
Michael “Sabon” Salomon’s crew has been riding a roller coaster, but the recent stretch has been on the upswing. Their offense can erupt at any time, and the defense has started to gel. They’ve got the tools to make noise in October, and they know it. With their veteran leadership, this is the kind of team that can quietly put together a run.

Stayin’ Alive (4-4)
After a brutal start, Stayin’ Alive clawed their way back to .500. They’ve found their rhythm, and they’re exactly the kind of fourth or fifth seed no one wants to see in a one-game Wild Card. They have that “dangerous if you let them hang around” vibe, and their resilience matches their name.

Vandelay Industries (5-7)
Sammy Seruya’s squad has officially wrapped up their regular season slate and now enters the most stressful part of the year: scoreboard watching. They’re hoping their five wins are enough to hold off the chasers, but without games left to play, they’re at the mercy of the standings. If they sneak in, they could be a Wild Card landmine – the kind of opponent that’s been battle-tested with nothing to lose.

Sephardic Bananas (1-5)
Don’t let the record fool you – this is a team with opportunity. They’ve played fewer games than anyone, meaning they’ve got a heavy schedule ahead and a chance to climb fast. It’s going to take a strong push, but with talent on the roster and plenty of games left, the Bananas can still write a sweet ending to their season.

Thundering Hooves (2-6)
It’s been a frustrating run for the Hooves. On paper, they’ve got the roster to compete with anyone. On the field, they keep leaving runners on base, which cost them in the win column. If they can start cashing in their scoring chances, they could be a dangerous spoiler down the stretch.

The Road Ahead
Every team knows what’s at stake now. For the top three, it’s about securing seeding and avoiding the Wild Card minefield. For the middle of the pack, it’s about fighting for that 4-5 spot and surviving the do-or-die opener. Buckle up! The playoff push is here, the drama is high, and the next few weeks will decide who gets a shot at immortality – and whose season ends with a quiet walk back to the parking lot at M&S Park.

The holiday of Rosh Hashanah is unique in several respects.  One of its unique properties is a feature which we here in the Diaspora may not notice – namely, the length of this Yom Tov.

Here in the United States, we are accustomed to two-day holidays: the first and last days of Pesach, Shavuot, and Shemini Atzeret/Simhat Torah.  These are all two-day observances – but only here, outside the Land of Israel.  Our brothers and sisters in Israel celebrate only one day of Yom Tov at the beginning of Pesach, at the end of Pesach, on Shavuot, on the first day of Sukkot, and after Sukkot (Simhat Torah).  The reason for this discrepancy between Israel and Diaspora communities relates to the method of determining the calendar in ancient times.  Space does not allow for a full explanation, but suffice it to say that Diaspora Jews, who lived far from Israel, often did not find out before the holiday which day had been declared Rosh Hodesh (the first of the month) – as Jewish months could span either 29 or 30 days.  They were therefore compelled to observe two days of Yom Tov to cover both possibilities.  To this day, Diaspora Jewry commemorates this ancient practice by observing two days of Yom Tov.

Rosh Hashanah is unique in that even Jews in Israel observe this holiday for two days.  Technically, this is due to the simple fact that the date of Rosh Hashanah is, of course, the first of the month (Tishreh), such that even the Jews in Israel could not find out which day was declared the first of the month and should thus be celebrated as Rosh Hashanah.

However, the great sages throughout the generations uncovered for us the deeper significance of the two days of Rosh Hashanah, and why this special occasion of judgment, introspection and repentance requires two days.  We present a particularly profound approach advanced by the Rebbe of Bobov, in Imreh Kodesh.

Double Blowing

The Rebbe introduced his answer by addressing a well-known yet mysterious Talmudic passage relevant to the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah.

Torah law requires sounding a single series of shofar blasts on Rosh Hashanah.  However, as we know, we sound several series of shofar blasts – primarily, the set of blasts after the Torah reading, before Musaf,and then another series of blasts during the Musaf service.  Why, the Gemara asks, do we add a second set of blasts?  If the Torah obligates just a single series of shofar blowing, why do we blow two sets?

The Gemara (Rosh Hashanah 16a-b) famously – yet enigmatically – answers, “Kedeh le’arbev et ha’Satan” – “In order to confound the Satan.”

Somehow, the additional set of shofar blasts has the effect of “discombobulating” the Satan, compromising his ability to prosecute against us before the Heavenly Tribunal as we stand trial.

How does this work?  What is it about the second set of shofar blasts that disempowers the Satan?

To explain the Gemara’s remark, the Rebbe sends us to a different – no less famous – passage in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b): “A person should always involve himself in Torah and mitzvot even not for its sake, for through [his involvement] not for its sake, he’ll arrive at [involvement] for its sake.”

The Gemara here urges us to learn Torah and perform mitzvot even if our motives are less than sincere.  Even when we do not feel truly driven and inspired, there is nevertheless great value in fulfilling mitzvot for ulterior motives – because just getting started puts us on the right path, which will eventually lead us to sincere, authentic service of Gd.

The message itself is quite clear – and of course critically important – but there is one word in this passage that strikes us strange.  It urges us “le’olam” – to always – involve ourselves in Torah and mitzvot even for ulterior motives.  Why this emphasis on “always”?  Are we “always” going to perform mitzvot for the wrong reasons?  Isn’t the whole point that we will eventually grow and become sincere?  Why should we “always” be involved in Torah and mitzvot even shelo lishmah (not for Torah’s sake)?

Rav Saadia Gaon & the Innkeeper

It is told that Rav Saadia Gaon (10^th century) once came to an inn and asked for a room, but the innkeeper informed him that there was no vacancy.  Later, the innkeeper discovered that this man who had asked for lodging was none other than the greatest rabbi of the generation.  The innkeeper immediately ran outside to Rav Saadia and profusely apologized.  He brought him inside and found him accommodations.  He then apologized again, and then again, and again.

Rav Saadia asked the innkeeper why he kept apologizing.  He apologized once, and this sufficed.

The innkeeper explained that upon realizing that he mistreated the great sage, a man of such distinction and piety, he felt overwhelming pangs of regret.

Rav Saadia would later teach a lesson from this story.  If we truly understood the greatness of Hashem, we would be overcome by remorse for our wrongdoing.  The more we grasp Gd’s kindness and compassion, and all He does for us, the more pained we are by our religious failings.

In other words, repentance leads to more repentance.  When a person begins doing teshuvah (repentance), he recognizes with even greater clarity what it means to defy Gd, and so he is driven to repent with even greater fervor.

The Rebbe of Bobov explained that sin creates a barrier of sorts between a person and his Creator.  And when the person begins to repent, that barrier comes down – and he can now perceive Gd’s greatness more keenly.  At that point, he experiences even greater shame for his misdeeds.  Thus, once a person repents, he then realizes that he must repent again, because he now more fully understands what it means to betray the Almighty.

We might say that the initial repentance is the “icebreaker,” the first step, whereby the person recognizes the need to improve.  At that point, the real teshuvah begins.

On this basis, the Rebbe explained why the Gemara instructs us to “always” involve ourselves in Torah and mitzvot even insincerely.  Sincerity is not “all or nothing”; there are different levels of authentic service of Hashem.  If we are always growing, we will realize that yesterday’s “lishmah” was really “shelo lishmah.”  If we thought last year that we were sincere in our commitment, we realize now that our sincerity then was deficient.  And, hopefully, next year we will look back upon our present selves and see our current deficiencies.  Once we grow, we feel uneasy about who we used to be. 

A Commitment to Lifelong Change

It is this commitment to continued growth that silences the Satan and pulls the rug out from underneath him.

The Hebrew word shofar is derived from the root sh.p.r., which means “enhance.”  Indeed, in modern Hebrew, shipur means “improvement,” and “leshaper” means “to improve.”  The purpose – or a purpose – of the shofar is to inspire growth.  The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah3:4) famously explains that the shofar blowing represents an “alarm” that “wakes” us from our spiritual “slumber,” calling upon us to repent.

If so, then the additional set of shofar blasts alludes to the repentance that follows the repentance.  It shows that once we’ve begun repenting – we realize that we’ve only gotten started, that we have so much more to do.  It shows that ourteshuvah isn’t just a momentary experience, but a commitment to lifelong change and growth.

This commitment immediately takes the Satan out of the picture.  Nothing the Satan can say will be effective in casting us in a negative light once we’ve shown our commitment to continuous growth.  Nothing about our past matters at all if we are genuinely committed to striving to improve.  At that point, the Satan quits.  He has nothing more to say.  If we show that we are in it for the long haul, that each step forward will propel us to the next step, we’ve won.  We’ve guaranteed a favorable judgment.

The Rebbe explained on this basis the reason for the two days of Rosh Hashanah.  The first day is for fixing, the second day is for soaring.  The first day is for us to realize that we need to change, and the second day is for us to realize even more how much we need to change, and to commit to a lifetime of religious growth.

Heads & Tails

Many have the custom on the night of Rosh Hashanah to eat the head of a fish (or a sheep), and to recite the prayer, “…sheniheyeh lerosh velo lezanav” – that we shall be the “head” and not the “tail.”

The implicit assumption of this prayer is that there is nothing in between the “head” and the “tail.”  If we are not pushing ourselves and striving to advance, to reach the top, to achieve greatness, then we will almost inevitably fall to the depths.  Just like there is physical gravity which keeps us on the ground, there is spiritual gravity which pulls us down.  Thus, just as an airplane needs a powerful engine to resist gravity and fly through the air, we need a powerful internal “engine” to propel us upwards, as otherwise we will fall to the ground.

Developing this analogy further – a plane does not fly directly upwards, but rather on a diagonal, gradually but steadily elevating.  Our growth, too, must be gradual.  If we try to grow too fast, our “engine” – our drive, our motivation, our desire to grow – will overheat and break down.  Rapid, drastic change is unsustainable.  Our commitment must be to grow slowly, a little at a time, moving step-by-step toward the “rosh,” toward greatness, consistently pushing upward.

If we make this commitment this Rosh Hashanah, we can rest assured that the Satan will not even bother to show up.  We can feel confident that once we make the decision to never fall into spiritual apathy, to always try, to always make an effort, to make one small change after another, Gd will look favorably upon us and our sincere desire to improve, and we will be worthy of a happy and blessed year for ourselves and for the entire Jewish Nation, amen.

To Our Beloved Community,

We, the undersigned rabbinic leaders of the Syrian Jewish community, write to you with a message of responsibility, urgency, and obligation. At this critical juncture in our city’s history, we declare without hesitation: every eligible member of our community must vote.

This is not about politics. It is about our sacred duty, to our families, to our schools, to our yeshivot, to our synagogues, and to our way of life. Voting is not merely a right. It is a halachic and moral responsibility. It is a declaration that we care, that we are engaged, and that we will not stand idly by while the future of our people is at stake.

The decisions being made in the coming elections, for mayor and other critical offices, will shape the future of our yeshivot, synagogues, schools, neighborhoods, and religious freedoms. We cannot afford silence. We cannot afford apathy. We dare not be passive when our way of life is on the line.

We are living in a time when the values that have allowed our community to flourish are under growing threat. The upcoming elections will have real and lasting impact on the safety of our neighborhoods, the strength of our institutions, and the ability of our children to grow up proudly and freely as Jews. To sit this out is to abdicate our communal responsibility.

This is not optional. It is a mitzvah. It is a communal obligation, like tefillah, like tzedakah, like educating our children. When we stay home and do not vote, we weaken the very foundations of the blessings we have built over generations.

Over forty years ago, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein zt”l expressed this obligation with clarity:

“The rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights have allowed us the freedom to practice our religion without interference… Therefore, it is incumbent upon each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which guards the freedoms we enjoy. The most fundamental responsibility incumbent on each individual is to register and to vote.”

We are blessed to live in a country that has allowed Torah to thrive. But that blessing must not be taken for granted. It must be protected with commitment, with unity, and with action.

We therefore implore and expect every member of our community to do the following:

Community of NY and NJ regarding voter registration

Register to vote. Show up to vote. Ensure your children, your siblings, and your friends vote. Speak about it.

Take it seriously. Treat it as a mitzvah, because it is. Our strength has always come from our dedication to Torah, to family, and to each other. With pride in our past and responsibility for our future, let us stand together, firm in our values and united in action.

May Hashem bless our community with continued protection, unity, and strength.

Rabbi Rahamim Aboud	Rabbi Eliyahu Elbaz	Rabbi Ely Matalon
Rabbi Yehoshua Alfieh	Rabbi Shlomo Farhi	Rabbi Yitzhak Farhi
Rabbi Ovadia Alouf	Rabbi Joseph Faur	Rabbi Edmond Nahum
Rabbi Moshe Arking	Rabbi Moses Haber	Rabbi David Ozeri
Rabbi David Ashear	Rabbi Joey Haber	Rabbi Ezra Cohen Saban
Rabbi Yehuda Azancot	Rabbi Hillel Haber	Rabbi Reuven Semah
Rabbi Aviad Barhen	Rabbi Raymond Haber	Rabbi Albert Setton
Rabbi Ronald Barry	Rabbi Ike Hanon	Rabbi Yoshiyahu Shammah
Rabbi Yaakov Ben Haim	Rabbi Avi Harari	Rabbi Leibel Shapiro
Rabbi Haim Benoliel	Rabbi Rahamim Harari	Rabbi Sion Setton
Rabbi Raymond Beyda	Rabbi Abraham Hayoun	Rabbi David Shelby
Rabbi Joey Beyda	Rabbi Ricky Hidary	Rabbi Joey Soffer
Rabbi Yosef Carlebach	Chief Rabbi Shaul J. Kassin	Rabbi Joey Sourur
Rabbi Shmuel Choueka	Rabbi Moshe Lagnado	Rabbi David Sutton
Rabbi David Cohen	Rabbi Uri Lati	Rabbi Harold Sutton
Rabbi Eli Cohen	Rabbi Moshe Malko	Rabbi David Tawil
Rabbi Yohai Cohen	Rabbi Eli Mansour	Rabbi Ikey Tawil
Rabbi Joseph Dana	Rabbi David Maslaton	Rabbi Meyer Tobias
Rabbi Shlomo Diamond	Rabbi Max Maslaton
Rabbi Moshe Douek	Rabbi Shaul Maslaton