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Mabrouk – June 2023

Births – Baby Boy 

Jonathan & Rachel Fox 

Jo-Jo & Jennifer Sasson 

Abie & Bracha Chera 

Mr. & Mrs. Meyer Safdieh 

Sammy & Shanny Antebi 

Mr. & Mrs. Jake Dweck 

Jesse & Sarine Antebi 

 

Births – Baby Girl 

Zaki & Liat Mustacchi 

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Bahary 

David & Claudine Winitsky 

 

Bar Mitzvahs 

Isaac, son of Robert and Jennifer Escava 

Ezra, son of Rabbi and Mrs. Leon Cohen 

 

Engagements 

Steven Srour to Victoria Cohen 

Marty Antebi to Joyce Gani 

Joey Attar to Rachel Sarwe 

Srulie Fischer to Rachel Antebi 

Reuven Semah to Stella Gindi 

Murray Mizrachi to Helen Mehani 

Weddings 

Reuven Semah to Rivka Esther Maslaton 

Eddie Cohen to Shelly Betesh 

Do I Need to Fast on 17th of Tamuz?

Ikey left his doctor’s office confused and upset and immediately called me. “Rabbi, I have fever and the doctor told me not to fast and I must continue my medication. But I’m feeling strong! Is the doctor being overly cautious or must I listen to his advice?” Sara and Rochelle also called because they were concerned the fast may affect their pregnancy and nursing. 

While it is universally accepted that anybody ill should not fast on the 17th of Tamuz, there is a difference of opinion regarding the status of pregnant and nursing women. This article will focus exclusively on the rulings of our Sephardic Hachamim regarding the fast of the 17th of Tamuz and not the stricter Tisha Be’av and Yom Kippur fasts. 

Fasting Exemptions When Pregnant or Nursing 

Sara was concerned because she is pregnant but otherwise healthy. Similar to men, healthy women should, indeed, fast. However, the Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 554:5) is clear that pregnant women are exempt from fasting even if they feel well. This exemption extends into the postpartum period for the first 30 days after birth, and even if the woman is not nursing (ibid. 554:6). And even after 30 days, if such a woman feels weak, she should also not fast (Kaf haChaim 554:28). This exemption applies equally after a miscarriage (that occurred at least 40 days after conception, Biur Halacha 617:4 quoted in Hazon Ovadya Ta’aniyot p. 288).

Rochelle called because she is nursing and was concerned that the fast would negatively affect her milk production. I explained to her that all nursing women are exempt from fasting on the 17th of Tamuz (S.A. ibid), even if they nurse just once a day (Ohr leTzion 3:25:7). Some poskim extend this leniency for a full two years after birth even if a woman is no longer nursing, although Hacham Ovadia, zt”l, rules that such a woman should begin the fast but may rely on this lenient opinion and break the fast if feeling weak, even if not actually ill (HazonOvadia, ibid p. 62). 

Fasting Exemptions for Physical or Emotional Conditions 

Back to Ikey’s question. The Hachamim did not institute fasting for the ill (even if the illness is not life-threatening). In this context, illness refers to someone with fever, an infection, or feeling extremely weak, and clearly to somebody more severely incapacitated, such as suffering from the flu or a migraine. This includes a person who has recovered from an illness or recuperated from surgery but still feels weak (Or l’Tzion 3:29:5). Someone with minor aches, pains, or discomfort is still obligated to start the fast so long as they can generally function normally, but they should break the fast if symptoms become more serious.  

Similarly, individuals with certain chronic conditions are exempt from fasting – if fasting may compromise their health. People with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems must not fast. Likewise, individuals with eating disorders should not fast as it can exacerbate their condition. This similarly applies to those for whom fasting may aggravate existing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. 

Hacham Ben Zion Abba Shaul, zt”l, rules that any fragile person over the age of 80 should not fast (Ohr le’Tzion 3:29:5) as fasting at this age can often have negative effects on their health. That said, age is not a factor per se, and if at any age a person’s doctor feels that fasting will compromise their health, they should not fast (KafhaChaim 550:6). 

Is Ikey’s concern about taking medication a halachic issue? No – one who takes medications for fever, any acute illness, or daily prescribed medicine, must continue to do so, but should try to swallow them without water. Hacham Ovadia (ibid p.30) permits swallowing pills with a little water only if absolutely necessary.  

In conclusion, only healthy adults over the age of bar/bat Mitzvah need to fast. Pregnant women through thirty days postpartum and all nursing women are exempt from fasting. Anyone ill or whose health would be compromised by fasting should similarly not fast, and they should continue taking medication as usual.  

Importantly, fast days are intended as days of introspection, and even if not fasting, a person should use the day as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement by focusing on spiritual goals and aspirations.

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 for a comprehensive Hebrew source sheet regarding those exempt from fasting, email rabbi@torathabayit.com. 

Top Tips for Potential & Veteran Homeowners

The Ten Commandments of Applying for a Real Estate Loan 

 

When applying for a real estate loan, there are important rules to follow to ensure a smooth loan process. Here, we list the ten commandments when applying for a real estate loan.
 

  1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed, or quit your job. 
  1. Thou shalt not lease/buy a car, truck, or van (or you may be living in it!). 
  1. Thou shalt not use charge/credit cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind. 
  1. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for the closing. 
  1. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application. 
  1. Thou shalt not buy furniture on credit. 
  1. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit file such as opening a new credit card. 
  1. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer. 
  1. Thou shalt not change bank accounts. 
  1. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone. 

 

How to Maintain Your Home When You’re Away 

 

During the summer, many people leave their homes to go either upstate or to New Jersey.  There are some things you should remember before you leave for your next vacation. 

First, tidy up your home.  This means that you must make sure to clean out the refrigerator, take out the trash, and double-check the laundry. 

 

To lower the risk, and even prevent, untoward incidents while you are away, make sure to unplug electronics around the house that don’t need power while you’re gone.  Not only will it save on your energy bill, it will lower the risk of an electrical fire.  Remember also to program your thermostat and to put lights on timers. 

 

It is also be a good idea to ask a neighbor to gather your mail and any fliers or newspapers thrown on to your porch or driveway. 

 

Lastly, it would really be wise to check all the windows and doors.  Make sure that all possible entry points around your home are secure and that you haven’t left any seldom-used doors or windows unlocked or cracked open. 

 

Prevent Termite Infestation 

When thinking about pests, one of the worst types to encounter are termites.  While there are some pests such as ants and stink bugs that are considered nuisance pests, termites are one kind of insect that can do a significant amount of damage to a home or apartment. 

 

These creatures eat their way through wooden structures, which means they can destroy anything from walls to floors to ceilings.  The damage that termites do can be significant. One of the frustrating things about termite infestations is that they can cause a lot of damage before you even notice them and they can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. 

 

Knowing the signs can help identify a current infestation, such as stuck windows or doors, soft or hollow-sounding wood, damage under paint or wallpaper, blistered floors, mud tubes (small holes in wood that termites plug with mud) or termite droppings. However, the best way to deal with termites is to prevent them before they start damaging your home or apartment. While prevention methods aren’t ever completely effective, they can help. Here are some termite prevention tips: 

  • Get rid of excess moisture by fixing leaky faucets and pipes. 
  • Install weather stripping around doors and windows. 
  • Keep decaying wood or firewood away from the exterior of your home. 
  • Considering getting an annual or semi-annual termite inspection. 

FAST FACT  

Around 100,000 homes are impacted by termite damage in the U.S. each year.  Nationally, people collectively spend about $5 billion on termite issues annually. Each homeowner impacted spends around $3,000 repairing termite damage. 

Summer Allergy Safety Tips from The Nut Job Mom

Years ago, community member Paulette Cohen’s daughter was diagnosed with a number of allergies. At the time, there was little awareness about food allergies, and Paulette felt like her daughter’s doctors did the bare minimum. They gave her a diagnosis and sent her home. Paulette felt overwhelmed and alone in coping with this serious challenge. However, she realized that  she could educate herself and be proactive instead of just feeling blindsided. Paulette recognized that she would need to get into high gear to change her lifestyle and the lives of her family members. First, she wanted to help her child. Second, she wanted to be the one who others with allergic children could turn to for advice and understanding.   

Mom Turned Mentor 

After years of study, Paulette has become a well-respected food allergy coach and consultant. She has dedicated herself to helping our community, raising allergy awareness and tolerance, and helping families with allergy management and more. Paulette created a blog to document and share her feelings and to show others how she dealt with different situations. The feedback was amazing. Mothers with allergic kids were so thankful to read Paulette’s blog, to find someone who not only understood them, but wanted to help them along their journey. The positive feedback fueled her to keep going. 

Paulette helps others to learn how to manage a home with food allergies. Instagram is her primary platform to spread awareness and to give tips and advice. She works with clients one-on-one in their homes, to give them a detailed medical plan for their family. This includes recipe ideas, pointers on how to talk to your child to minimize anxiety, and more. 

With summer coming up, we reached out to Paulette for advice for community families with allergic children. We asked how they can best prepare for the social gatherings that come along with warmer weather. Another objective here is to raise awareness for parents who do not have food allergic children, to encourage them to be more accommodating for children who do suffer from sometimes life-threatening allergies. Here are some of Paulette’s allergy safety tips.

Paulette’s Summertime Tips  

If you have a child with food allergies, planning ahead is the key to having a fun and safe summer. Summertime is full of excitement and fun, and we may let ourselves slip into relaxation mode. But vigilance is crucial. I advise all of my clients to prepare themselves before summer starts, so they have less to worry about right before camp begins. For example, make sure you have enough EpiPens, that are not expired. I can’t tell you how many people rush to the pharmacy the day before camp to buy more EpiPens and can’t get them because the pharmacy has run out due to high demand! Do not wait until the last minute because that will only add unnecessary stress if the EpiPens are out of stock.  

Day Camp 

Before camp starts, contact the camp director and nurse. Ask about the protocol in the event of an emergency and get a feel for the camp’s policy on food allergies. This is critical information if your child is old enough to go on trips and overnights. Find out if the food will be prepared at camp or will be catered. When my daughter went on her first overnight trip with camp, she packed things like oatmeal packets, instant soups, pita bread, and allergy-free snacks. She thankfully didn’t need the extra food she brought, but she felt much better knowing it was there, just in case. Planning ahead and packing safe foods helped both of us have peace of mind during this new adventure.  

Many parents tell me that their child is not comfortable going on a camp overnight. I think it’s important to validate your child’s feelings, but also do what you can to show them the precautions you and the camp are taking to keep them safe. If you are a client of mine, you know that “communication is key!” is my number one piece of advice. Through open and healthy communication, you and your child together can decide if they are ready and comfortable enough to go on an overnight trip. There is no right or wrong here, so please don’t stress yourself out if your child is not ready. My daughter was not ready to go on an overnight the first year she could, and I knew pushing her to go would not be good for her mental health. She ended up going the next summer when she felt ready. It is completely normal for children with food allergies to have anxiety when it comes to not sleeping in their own home. Home should be their safe place, so it’s understandable. Be patient.  

Sleepaway Camp 

If you’re considering sending your child to sleepaway camp find out exactly what the daily menu will be, and what ingredients are in each dish. Make sure to ask what snacks are available daily and if there are any special events that will have food from different suppliers. It is not impossible for a child with food allergies to go to sleepaway camp, but it will take extra work on your part to ensure your child’s safety. The most important thing is to see how responsible the camp is and if they have strict allergy protocols. If you are unsure, or feel the camp is not taking your concerns seriously, then that camp might not be the best place to send your child. Thankfully, most camps have gotten amazing at understanding the severity of food allergies. 

Summer Parties 

No one wants to feel as if their child is missing out. I know how hard it is to send young kids with allergies to birthday parties when they can’t have a piece of that beautiful birthday cake. Bake or order special cupcakes that are safe for your child and keep them in the freezer so you can send them with your child when they are invited to a birthday party. That way, they won’t feel like they’re missing out so much. Go through party bags together and teach your child the importance of reading the ingredients list on each candy. Everything can and should be used as a teaching moment. So, lovingly teach your allergic child to never eat from a party bag without first going over together with a parent what is safe. 

When your child is older it is harder for them to see their friends eating whatever they want at parties. Summertime is a popular time for bar and bat mitzvah parties. If it’s not ideal or practical for your child to bring their own food or desserts, I recommend feeding them right beforehand so they aren’t hungry! Have conversations with your kids to encourage them to recognize that just because the food wouldn’t be safe for them doesn’t mean they won’t have a great time. When my allergic daughter would go to bat mitzvah parties, I would focus on talking about the dancing and other activities they had. Encourage your children not to focus on the negative and what they can’t do, but rather on all the fun they can take part in. It is an important life lesson to think positively and it will hopefully help your allergic children be happier and more positive in their attitude and mindset.  

Wishing everyone a safe and awesome summer,  

The Nut Job Mom. 

If you, your family members, or anyone you know suffer from food allergies please check out my Instagram @thenutjobmom for some good education and information on allergies! 

 

Controversy Heats Up Over Potential Coney Island Casino

ELLEN GELLER KAMARAS  

The April issue of Community featured an article about a potential plan for a Coney Island casino. Coney Island has been chosen as one of the three possible sites for downstate gambling casinos in the NYC area. Now developers and gaming companies are bidding for licenses. 

Residents are divided over the possibility of a casino complex, “The Coney,” in our own backyard. 

Here are some key points of the proposal and the timeline related to the application and review process. 

Background 

The Coney details depend on a request for proposals (RFA) issued by the NYS Gaming Commission in January 2023.  Please see https://nycasinos.ny.gov/2023-request-applications for important updates.   

The RFA approval process opened in January and is anticipated to be lengthy.  Real estate developers and casino operators are preparing their official proposals. 

Joe Sitt, a Coney Island native and real estate developer for Thor Equities, is hoping to be awarded one of three downstate casino licenses 

Thor’s consortium consists of three partners, Saratoga Casino Holdings, which operates a racino (combination racetrack and casino) in New York’s Saratoga County, the Chickasaw Nation, a Native American Tribe that owns more than 20 gambling establishments, and Legends Global Planning, the proposed entertainment partner.  Sitt’s goal is to turn Coney Island into a year-round destination instead of a summertime hangout, primarily limited to the boardwalk.  If Thor wins the license, it is expected that $3 billion will be spent to redevelop five acres between Stillwell Avenue, West 12th Street, Surf Avenue, and Wonder Wheel Way. The entertainment complex would include a casino, a roller coaster, an indoor water park, hotels, and museums.   

NYS gambling regulators have said no determinations will be made “until sometime later in 2023 at the earliest.” 

 

Gaming Facility Location Board 

The New York Gaming Commission created and made appointments to a Gaming Facility Location Board, which is tasked to oversee the application process and select three casino sites in the NYC area for licensure. 

The Board’s powers include issuing an RFA, creating criteria for assessing applicants, overseeing investigative hearings regarding the conduct of gaming/gaming operations, setting the license fee price, and promulgating all rules and regulations. 

The Board will start reviewing applications this year.    

After its review, the Board will make recommendations to the Gaming Commission, which has the authority to decide which licenses to award. The Commission has made it clear that it will not overrule the Board’s recommendations unless it finds an issue  with the fitness and character of the applicant. 

The conditions required for the Gaming Commission to approve a casino application include gaining public support from community advisory committees and compliance with state and local zoning laws.  

The process for three brand new licenses is a competitive one.  The law requires that any applicants to this RFA must first be approved by a community advisory committee and they must complete the municipal zoning process before the evaluation of any applications. Therefore, only those projects that have been embraced by the community will ultimately be presented to the Board for consideration.  

Does Local Opposition Matter? 

YES!   The application process has been structured in a way that allows strong community opposition to defeat a casino bid even before state regulators can even review the application. 

For each application, a local Community Advisory Committee will be formed to hold public hearings and to issue formal findings regarding how much community support the proposed casino has. 

For NYC sites, the local committees consists of six members, chosen by the governor, the mayor, the local state senator, the local state assembly member, the borough president, and the local city council member (with each official choosing one member). 

At least two-thirds of the committee members must approve the project before state regulators even begin evaluating the application. 

First Renderings Unveiled 

On March 3, Thor’s consortium released plans for The Coney.   

The Business Improvement District has promoted The Coney as a solution for revitalizing the boardwalk and the surrounding neighborhood with continual jobs and entertainment, drawing visitors to Coney Island year round, and easing its winter financial slump. 

The renderings portray a showy tower off the boardwalk with a casino hotel of approximately 25 stories.  One reporter described the hotel as a “colorfully ribbed, swoopy exterior boxed in by Luna Park, the Cyclone, and the Wonderful Wheel.”   

The Coney’s PR boasts the project will provide economic opportunity, revitalization, and resiliency. 

Mr. Sitt acknowledged that obtaining a Coney Island casino license might be something of a long shot, given the crowded field. 

Community Opinion Divided 

Nearby residents are split on whether The Coney is a jackpot or a bust, causing a distinct rift among Coney Island locals.   

 

Community leaders and activists weighed in with pros and cons regarding The Coney on Monday night, March 6th.  Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso arranged for two meetings for locals to present their views. 

 

The United Front Against Displacement, a national tenant organization, hosted a rally outside the community meeting at the local YMCA, protesting the project and holding signs and clashing on Coney Island’s streets before a planned meeting with Reynoso. 

 

Is Reynoso still on board with the proposal?  He expressed his early support in November 2022 but committed to staying open-minded and keeping the Coney Island residents’ interests first.   

 

“I don’t know how I feel yet,” said Reynoso. “I want to be honest. Ultimately, what I want is for Coney Island to be taken care of. That’s what I care about more than anything. And whatever decision the state wants to make here, I want the community involved. That’s what I’m doing here.” 

 

Protests resumed against The Coney on Wednesday, April 19.  Almost 200 residents came to Gargiulo’s Restaurant to weigh in on the proposed casino. They collided over the impact the project could have on their community.   

 

The Coney’s proponents argue that the project will certainly be a boon to the community, providing increased employment, visitors, and money.  Those who oppose the plan see minimal economic benefits, point to the disappointing outcomes in Atlantic City, and are wary of increased crime and traffic and limited security resources.   

 

At the April 19th open forum, residents addressed members of the casino development team directly.  

 

 

 

Community Board 13 

 

The chairperson of Community Board 13, which represents Coney Island, is Lucy Diaz.  Diaz worked on planning the event and explained that residents were allowed to share their views, pro or con, ahead of the event. 

 

Diaz told the Brooklyn Paper, “The goal and the vision was to hear the residents speak on why they did or did not want the casino.”  

 

Most of the feedback at the April 19th meeting was negative. 

 

The local papers reported that each downstate NY casino proposal has been met with an abundance of backlash from community members.  The Coney proposal, however, has received 3,363 signatures as of May 2, 2023, from community members who support the project. 

But how these signatures were obtained?  Robert Cornegy, a former NYC council member is a consultant for The Coney and has knocked on more than 16,300 doors to have face-to-face conversations with residents about the casino proposal and to get physical signatures.  

The Coney consortium is taking a more grassroots approach to community outreach rather than just hosting meetings.  Cornegy knocked on the doors of three groups of people – homeowners, residents living in NYC Housing Authority buildings and apartments, and business owners.  

Community Opposition 

 

On April 26th, Community Board 13 members voted online on an official resolution that opposes the Coney Island casino.  The resolution passed by an overwhelming vote of 23-8, rejecting the casino proposal.    

The Community Board’s resolution is non-binding, has no legal weight, and cannot singlehandedly stop the casino project.  However, the Board includes many local politicians who will have a legal say on the project in the future and the Board’s vote does not look promising for the project.  

Councilman Ari Kagan, one of these local politicians, backed the Board’s majority vote.  “I completely agree with the overwhelming opposition from the community in Coney Island. The overwhelming majority of people I talk to are against the casino.” 

Kagan cited that The Coney will bring more traffic, crime, and mental health problems. 

Diaz said, “We don’t want what Atlantic City has. We’re already drowning in traffic half the year. Now you want to bring more traffic in?! We don’t want it.” 

The casino consortium continues to push The Coney’s positive selling points.  It believes the Board’s resolution is premature and points to the 3,363 signatures supporting The Coney project. 

  

The consortium’s position is, “Any judgements about this project – which is going to have enormous benefits – before the full details and community benefits agreement are finalized is premature and shortsighted.” 

 

Include Sidebar: What Can You Do? 

 

Contact the officials below to find out who is representing you at the Community Advisory Committee meetings.   

Remember that the Community Advisory Committee is responsible for holding public hearings and issuing a formal finding of how much community support The Coney has. 

Approval of the project by at least 2/3 of the committee members is required before state regulators begin evaluating the application. 

Please send your feedback, questions, and concerns regarding The Coney to: 

  1. NY State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton – 718-727-9406.  
  1. Assemblyman Michael Novakhov (District 45)718-743-4078. 
  1. Local City Council Member Ari Kagan (District 47) – 718-307-7151. 
  1. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso – 718-802–3700. 
  1. Mayor Eric Adams – Phone: 311. 
  1. Governor Kathy Hochul – 518-474-8390.  

The Lighter Side – June 2023

Back in the USSR

In the former Soviet Union, a Jew was awakened in the middle of the night by a loud knock on the door.

“Who’s there?” he asked.

“The mailman,” came the reply. The man opened the door and found a uniformed KGB agent standing there.

“Are you Goldstein?” the agent asked.

“Yes,” the man replied.

“And did you apply to leave our beloved country to go to Israel?”

“That’s right,” the man answered.

The agent then asked him if he had enough food to eat and whether his children received a good education, to which Goldstein answered yes and yes.

“If you already have everything you need here, why do you want to leave our beloved country?” the agent demanded.

Goldstein replied, “I guess I just don’t like to live in a place where the mailman shows up at 3 o’clock in the morning.”

Jack V. Grazi

Professional Advice

A doctor and a lawyer are talking in the park. Their conversation is constantly interrupted by people describing their ailments to the doctor and asking for free medical advice.

After an hour of this, the frustrated doctor asks the lawyer, “What do you do to stop people from asking you for legal advice when you’re out of the office?”

“I give them advice,” replies the lawyer, “and then I send them a bill.”

The doctor is shocked, but decides to give it a try.

The next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepares the bills. When he goes to place them in his mailbox, he finds a bill from the lawyer from the park!

Marvin T.

Hard of Hearing

A “holy man” was in town and people were lining up to get his blessings. Finally, it was Roger’s turn.

“What would you like me to pray for?” the holy man asked.

“I need you to please pray for my hearing,” Roger humbly replied.

With an understanding nod, the holy man put one hand on Roger’s ear and the other hand on top of his head, and recited some prayers. When he was done, he removed his hands and asked loudly, “How’s your hearing now?”

“I don’t know,” Roger replied. “It’s not until next Wednesday, in the Kings County Courthouse!”

 

Sammy A.

Traffic Stop

A college professor runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by a small town sheriff. Being a big shot professor from New York, the professor assumes he’s smarter than the sheriff.

The sheriff comes to the car window and asks for the professor’s license and registration.

The professor asks, “What for?”

The sheriff responds, “You didn’t come to a complete stop at the stop sign.” The professor replies, “I slowed down, and no one was coming.”

“You still didn’t come to a complete stop,” explains the sheriff.

The professor says, “If you can show me the legal difference between ‘slow down’ and ‘stop,’ I’ll give you my license and registration and you can give me two tickets. If not, you let me go and don’t give me a ticket.”

The sheriff replies, “That sounds fair. Please exit your vehicle.”

The professor steps out and the sheriff takes out his nightstick and starts beating the professor with it.

The sheriff says, “Now, do you want me to stop or just slow down?”

Alice C.

Believe It or Not – Calls to 911

Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What’s the nature of your emergency?

Caller: My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart.

Dispatcher: Is this her first child?

Caller: No! This is her husband!

 

Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What is your emergency?

Caller: I heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the brown house on the corner.

Dispatcher: Do you have an address?

Caller: No, I have on a blouse and a skirt, why?

Jeremy Ross

Newspaper Delivery

A paperboy said to a customer one day, “Mr. Jones, I wish I had 30 customers like you.”

“Gee, that’s so nice to hear,” said Mr. Jones. “But, I’m a little surprised, considering I never tip and usually pay late.”

The paperboy replied, “I know, but I’d still like 30 customers like you. The problem is I have 150 customers like you!”

Gladys S.

Doctor Visit

Patient: Doctor, I get heartburn every time I eat a birthday cake.

Doctor: Next time, take off the candles!

Carol E.

Riddles – June 2023

Riddle: Pet Peeve

Submitted by:  Sally T.

A pet shop owner had a parrot with a sign on its cage that said, “Parrot repeats everything it hears.” Davey bought the parrot and for two weeks he spoke to it and it didn’t say a word. He returned the parrot but the shopkeeper said he never lied about the parrot. How can this be?

 

Previous Month’s Riddle: What Am I?

Turn me on my side and I am everything. Cut me in half and I am nothing. What am I?

Solution: The number 8.  On its side, it looks like an infinity sign. Cut in half, it looks like two zeros.

Solved By: Daniel Ovadia, Big Mike, Madeline Gabbai, Basya Zee, Ronnie Betesh, The Blum Family, The Swed Family, Morris Kabani, and Eli Nuseiri.

 

Junior Riddle: Strange Subtraction

Submitted by:  Irwin F.

How can you take 2 from 5 and be left with 4?

 

 

Previous Month’s Junior Riddle: Word Trivia

What is unusual about the following words: revive, banana, grammar, voodoo, assess, potato, dresser, uneven?

 

Solution: If you take the first letter of each word and place it at the end, it’ll spell the same word backwards.

 

Solved By: Big Mike, Madeline Gabbai, Raymond Dabbah, The Blum Family, Mayer Chemtob, Barbara Chehebar, The Big Cheese, and The Shmulster.

Once Upon a Thyme – Chimichurri Steak Salad

This steak salad is a great dinner for a warm summer night. Don’t feel like turning on your oven? Minute steak cooks even better on the barbecue. The intoxicating aroma and rich chlorophyll hue of the chimichurri pulls the dish together in more ways than one. First, it is used as a base for the salad dressing, and then as a steak topping. I highly suggest making double the chimichurri and storing it in the freezer to use all summer long!  

 

Ingredients  

2 lb minute steak split 

Salt  

Black pepper  

1 tbsp lemon zest  

2 cups various green herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro 

½ cup olive oil  

6 garlic cloves  

½ cup mayonnaise 

½ cup lemon juice  

1 bag Romaine lettuce 

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved 

½ red onion, sliced thin  

1 bunch scallion, chopped  

2 Persian cucumbers, sliced  

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  2. Place the minute steak in an 8×13 tin or baking dish. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Seal with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. If cooking on the barbecue, cook 5-10 minutes each side.
  3. Make the chimichurri by placing the lemon zest, green herbs, olive oil, garlic, and 1 tbsp salt in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. 
  4. Remove half the chimichurri and reserve for later. Add mayo and lemon juice to the remaining. Add salt to taste. This will be the lettuce dressing. 
  5. To assemble, place romaine lettuce in a large bowl or platter. Add the tomatoes, red onion, scallions, and cucumbers. Toss with the basil mayo dressing. 
  6. Remove the steak and let it rest for five minutes. Slice into thin strips and place on top of dressed salad. Generously brush reserved chimichurri over the steak. Serve immediately.

The Danger of Envy

When my wife and I were first married, we lived in a small rented apartment.  I was learning in Kollel in Lakewood, and our income was minimal.  We were happy to have a small apartment in which to live. 

 

One day, in July, the landlord called, and said, “Hi!  I have good news and bad news.   The good news is that I sold the apartment. The bad news is that you need to leave by Labor Day.” 

 

For us, of course, none of this was good news…  

 

I argued that we had signed a contract which guaranteed longer notice.  The landlord responded by daring me to take him to court. 

 

Having no other choice, my wife and I put some money together, overextending ourselves, to buy a home.  It was a very stressful two months, but by the end of the summer, we had closed. 

 

The day before Labor Day weekend, the landlord called me back. 

 

“Guess what?  The deal fell through.  You can stay.” 

 

I told him that it was too late, as we had already signed on a new home… 

 

Nobody Gets in Gd’s Way 

 

This story provides a classic example of the Gemara’s timeless teaching in Masechet Yoma (38): “They will call you by your name; they will have you reside in your place; they will give you what is yours.  Nobody infringes upon that which is assigned to his fellow, and no kingship infringes upon that of another, even a hairsbreadth. 

 

The Gemara assures us that we will always have the precise assets, positions, and honor that we are supposed to have.  Gd decides which titles by which we will be called, where we will live, and what we will have.  And these decisions always materialize.  Nothing will ever get in Gd’s way.   

 

In His infinite wisdom, Gd decided that my wife and I should live in that home.  So He arranged that somebody would almost purchase our apartment, forcing us to scramble and put ourselves under a great deal of pressure to buy that home.  The deal that almost happened but then fell through was only the mechanism.  The true cause was Gd’s decision. 

 

Another humorous personal example is the time when I attended a wedding, and, during the huppah, after the people were called for the recitation of the first six blessings, a certain rabbi was called to recite the seventh, but he was not present.  The person making the announcements then invited a different rabbi, but it turned out that this rabbi, too, had not attended.  A third rabbi was called, but he had stepped out.  Somebody informed the person making the announcements that Rabbi Mansour was present, and so he called my name and invited me to recite the blessing. 

 

I had been sitting next to a prominent Israeli rabbi, who turned to me and whispered in my ear the Gemara’s words: “They will call you by your name; they will have you reside in your place; they will give you what is yours.”  I do not need the honor of reciting a berachah under the huppah, but Hashem, for whatever reason, decided that I should be given this honor on that particular occasion.  And so He saw to it that the other rabbis would be absent at that moment. 

 

Nobody and nothing gets in Gd’s way.  When He decides that we should have something, or lose something, then it will happen, no matter what we or anybody else does. 

 

Korah’s Foolish Mistake 

 

This month, we read the tragic – but so very instructive – story of Korah, a cousin of Moshe and Aharon, who mounted an audacious revolt against them.  He cynically accused them of seizing their positions and imposing their authority over the nation out of a lust for power.  With his rhetorical skill, Korah succeeded in winning the support of much of the nation, and brazenly challenged Moshe and Aharon.  This uprising had catastrophic consequences, as Korah and the other leaders of the revolt were devoured by the ground, and 250 of his followers were consumed by fire. 

 

The Rabbis explain that Korah was driven to launch this ill-fated rebellion by the appointment of his younger cousin, Elitzafan, as leader of the Kehat family of Leviyim.  Korah felt entitled to this coveted post, and his younger cousin’s appointment irked him.  He decided to challenge Moshe Rabbenu – the greatest prophet who ever lived, and the humblest of all men, who led Beneh Yisrael out of bondage, brought them the Torah, and interceded on their behalf on numerous occasions, including after they worshipped the golden calf.  Korah made this foolish mistake – which ended up costing him his life – because he failed the learn the lesson taught by the Gemara.  “Bimkomcha yoshivucha – They will have you reside in your place.”  He did not recognize that everyone holds the precise position that Gd assigned for him, and there is thus no reason to envy or try to usurp anyone else’s post.  If Korah had understood that “they will give you what is yours,” that Hashem gives us all the precise amount of wealth, power, and prestige that is right for us, and that “no kingship infringes upon that of another, even a hairsbreadth,” nobody can take that which does not belong to him, he would not have made this mistake, and his life would have been spared. 

 

There is, however, one puzzling element of Korah’s uprising – the timing.  Already the Ramban raised the question of why Korah did not launch his revolt immediately after Elitzafan’s appointment.  Why did he wait until now, after the sin of the spies, to challenge Moshe’s authority? 

 

The Ramban explains that Korah waited until Moshe’s popularity waned.  After the Torah was given, and after Moshe pleaded to Gd to forgive the sin of the golden calf, and Beneh Yisrael built the Mishkan, the people felt great respect and esteem for Moshe.  However, once Beneh Yisrael left Mount Sinai, they complained about the conditions of travel, and then the spies returned with a frightening report about the Land of Israel.  The people were punished for listening to the spies, and they felt disappointed with Moshe.  Korah now saw his chance for mounting a revolt. 

 

Others, however, explained differently.  In the Land of Israel, Gd’s providence is manifest more overtly than outside the land.  There it can be seen far more clearly that “they will call you by your name; they will have you reside in your place; they will give you what is yours,” that Gd assigns everyone precisely what he is supposed to have.  In fact, the land was divided among the people based on a lottery, which was controlled by Gd.  The people saw and heard very clearly Gd allotting each person his piece of land.  In Eretz Yisrael, it is unmistakable that we all receive what we are supposed to receive, and there is thus no reason to envy others or to try to take their share. 

 

After the sin of the spies, Gd decreed that Beneh Yisrael would wander in the desert for another 39 years before entering the land.  Until the sin of the spies, the plan was for the nation to cross into Eretz Yisrael immediately.  Now, they were told that they would be traveling in the wilderness for decades.  And so it was only now that Korah launched his revolt.  Beforehand, the nation anticipated their imminent entry into the land, and this connection to Eretz Yisrael gave them a heightened awareness of Hashgahah (Providence), that everything is given to them by Gd.  Therefore, Korah did not feel envious of his cousin.  But now that the connection to the land was severed, Korah lost sight of this fundamental precept, of the fact that Gd gives each person the position and the level of prominence which is right for him.  He therefore felt jealous, and mounted his ill-fated campaign to unseat Moshe and Aharon. 

 

Stop Ruining Your Life! 

 

A famous Mishnah in Pirkeh Avot (4:21) lists jealousy as one of the three flaws that threaten to “remove a person from the world” (the other two are lust and the desire for honor).  Jealousy can consume a person to the point where, like Korah, he ends up ruining his life for the sake of competing with other people and trying to have what they have. 

 

The safeguard against this destructive tendency is emunah, the belief that Hashem gives each person precisely what he or she is meant to have.  We can save ourselves so much anguish, so much anxiety, and so much grief by internalizing this concept.  Once we understand that each person is different, that what one person has is not necessarily right for somebody else, that Hashem gives every individual his unique blessings and places him in his unique situation, we can avoid jealousy and the self-destructive need to be like other people. 

 

So many people ruin their lives because instead of accepting the life Hashem chose for them, they struggle in futility to live like their friends, neighbors, relatives, or folks they see on social media.  Instead of cultivating their uniqueness, they waste their time, and sacrifice their happiness, trying to be somebody who they are not meant to be.   

 

This is the lesson we must learn from the tragic story of Korah.  “Bimkomcha yoshivucha.”  Hashem gives us whatever money and whatever prestige we were meant to have.  We don’t need anymore.  Of course, we are entitled to try to improve our lives, to earn more and to climb the corporate ladder.  But there is no sense in envying or resenting those who rise higher than we do, because Hashem gives us all precisely what we’re supposed to have. 

 

Let’s stop allowing jealousy to ruin our lives, to take away our joy.  Let us instead trust in Hashem, and feel satisfied with the life that Hashem has given us. 

Passover Saved!

Pnina Souid

Feivel was becoming frantic. He was handicapped, lived all alone, and was anxiously waiting for his package of provisions to arrive from a hesed organization on erev Pesach. The hour was getting late. 

That afternoon, the Mitzvah Man was focused on the upcoming holiday when at 4pm his hotline rang. Despite the late hour, on the busiest day of the year, the Mitzvah Man answered the call. 

On the other end of the line was a rabbi who runs a hesed organization. He was distraught.  

“There seems to have been a glitch in the delivery system of the organization that provides the Passover packages for the needy,” the rabbi started. “Their client, Feivel, did not receive the order made for him. He lives in the Mill Basin area, which I know is not around the corner from you, but you are my last resort. 

“He has absolutely no food, no seder meals, no meals at all! All Feivel has is matzah. I tried ten different organizations with no success and now it is only two hours before the holiday. I tried a hesed chat, and several people on the chat suggested that I call the Mitzvah Man hotline.” 

The Mitzvah Man took a breath and asked just what Feivel needed for the holiday. 

The Rabbi replied, “Feivel needs all the items of the seder plate, grape juice, chicken, and gefilte fish. He really is not picky, but he has nothing. And I must tell you something else. Feivel is a religious man, but he is beginning to lose his faith. Especially, after this incident, Feivel is questioning how this could happen. How could Hashem let him down?” 

The Mitzvah Man promised to get back to the rabbi. After hanging up, before putting out the word to his volunteers, he put in a prayer. He asked Hashem to please send help for Feivel. He pleaded Feivel’s case, citing how worried and horrible Feivel felt. The Mitzvah Man beseeched Hashem to act with His eternal kindness, to remember one of His most vulnerable children, and provide a shaliach to bring his Pesach provisions. 

The Mitzvah Man put out a call to his team of volunteers. He knew that they had their own families to care for and their own last-minute errands to run. Even so, he asked them to find a way to also fit into the waning hours before hag this special errand for Feivel, citing that Feivel was unable to get the food package himself, and on top of that he was in a real state of distress and was feeling quite alone. 

By 6pm, Feivel had everything he needed to celebrate this holiday of redemption. In addition, his faith was revived. He was amazed, and so very thankful. He felt that Hashem cared for him after all. And what a kiddush Hashem these selfless volunteers performed! 

PASSOVER WAS SAVED!