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Once Upon a Thyme – Pasta Limone

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January 2023

Pasta Limone is especially popular in southern Italy and Sicily which are known for their lemon trees. You may already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. All you need is pasta, lemons, parmesan, heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Using super fresh ingredients like hand-grated parmesan, fresh squeezed lemons, and cracked pepper from a mill grinder is what makes this dish worthy of an Italian restaurant. Buon appetito!

Ingredients:

6 cloves garlic

6 tbs butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated parmesan

2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

3 tbsp lemon zest ( about 2

large lemons)

Salt and pepper to taste

One box spaghetti

1 cup reserved pasta water

In a large pot, heat water over high heat. Generously salt the water.
While the pasta is cooking, carefully scoop out 1 cup of pasta water and set it aside to add to the sauce later.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and garlic and sauté for one minute.
Add heavy cream and stir. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Add in parmesan cheese and stir well.
Stir in ½ cup of pasta water into the sauce. Let thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
Mix the cooked pasta with the lemon cream sauce. Garnish with any remaining lemon zest, grated parmesan, and black pepper.

One on One with Adina Mezrahi

Community Magazine

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January 2023

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“My parents’ focus in life was helping others around them. Their actions, what they modeled to their children, seeped into all of us.” ~~ Adina ~~

What a zechut it was to interview Adina Mezrahi, the youngest child of Rabbi Shlomo Lankry, zt”l. Rabbi Lankry was the rabbi of Chesed L’ Avraham, the rav of the Moroccan Jewish community of Flatbush, the owner of Sisu bookstore, and the leader of the Chevra Kadisha for the Sephardic community for fifty years. Rabbi Lankry and his eishet chayel Zahava, ad meah viesri, lived their daily lives in a manner that greatly shaped their children’s character.

Rabbi David Ozeri wisely said, “Sisu was a front for the Rabbi to do hesed, to save people’s lives, to be mekarev people.”

Rabbi Shlomo and Zahava Lankry were born and married in Morocco. Both taught in yeshiva and preschool. As a young man, Rabbi Lankry embarked on his calling to teach Torah and practice hesed towards his Jewish brothers and sisters.

The couple emigrated to the U.S. when hostility towards Moroccan Jews intensified after Israel’s victory in the Six Day War.

Adina attended Bet Yaakov Ateret Torah for elementary school and high school. This Brooklyn school, which is close to her father’s store and shul, is part of the Ateret Torah Synagogue community. The school follows Sephardic nussach and minhagim but has a yeshivish hashkafa and derech halimmud. Its founding rosh yeshiva, Rav Harari-Raful, shlit”a, was praised for synthesizing the school’s two facets beautifully.

Adina was very studious and was rather quiet. She loved going to overnight summer camp as a child. She fondly recalled that her mother worked as a cook in Camp Agudah, an Ashkenaz camp, and part of the boy’s division of Agudath Israel. Adina attended its sister camp, Bnos, which was down the road. She had the best of both worlds, melding Sephardic and Ashkenaz traditions.

“My childhood friends are like family. I grew up going to sleepaway camp. I have great friends and great memories from Bnos.”

And Then Came Marriage . . .

Adina met her naseeb, Eliyahu (“Eli”) Mezrahi, of Syrian descent, after graduating high school. They spent the first seven years of their marriage in New Jersey. Eli studied in the Deal Kollel and Lakewood Yeshiva. When Adina married Eli, she saw how similar the Moroccan and Syrian customs were. Eli now works with his father in Seuda, a Syrian catering business, known as “the place to sample kosher Syrian Jewish fare in Brooklyn.”

Back to School

After her third child was born, Adina decided to return to school. It is no surprise that Adina chose a helping profession after growing up in a house where her parents demonstrated a consistent commitment to doing hesed. “Helping people and finding peace and happiness in what you are doing is what I am passionate about. It’s also the key to success. My parents ingrained this in all of us. My sister is the clinical director at Amudim, one brother is a rabbi, and another brother has a pizza restaurant in New Jersey where he quietly helps many teenagers at risk.”

From both her parents, Adina learned that “whatever you do in your life, you can help people and elevate your situation to be a spiritual one.”

Adina recalls her father always comforting those who were grieving. He encouraged people to find a meaningful purpose in their loss and to help others.

Adina saw that her mom, who cooked both in schools and camp, did much more than just cook. Former students told her, “Your mother helped us in ways you cannot imagine.” The same is true of her father. His daughter Emily said, “So many people approached me and began, ‘You don’t know what your father did for me.’”

As a spiritual person, Adina lights a candle every Friday night for her father, keeping him close to her heart.

Adina chose a path that would not compromise her family’s care. Her family members would always come first. “I didn’t want to miss my children’s important events and other milestones.”

At the age of twenty-six, Adina enrolled in Touro College. It took her four years to get her b.s. in biology and another two years to earn her bachelor’s in nursing. Adina also studied two-and-a-half years at Pace University towards her Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s degree. She is currently working on her nursing doctorate to gain leadership and management skills.

A Balancing Act

Adina arranged her classes around her children’s schedules, returning to school in the evenings for weekly science labs.

Adina’s husband fully supported Adina’s nursing aspirations. Her mother was also a tremendous help. Zahava Lankry babysat for the little ones and helped fill in when needed. “My mother was my right hand when I was getting my nursing education.”

Adina’s children have wonderful memories of going on the toy elephant rides on Kings Highway with their grandmother. Adina’s parents lived above her father’s shul, and her dad cherished hearing the babies wake up and then joining them to play. “I am blessed to have a supportive family who saw my potential, guided me, and taught me the importance of giving back,” Adina said.

She did her hospital training at Maimonides Medical Center and Coney Island Hospital. The experience was intense, but she focused on taking one step at a time.

“Hashem provided me with the strength to get through it,” Adina recalls. She also had mentors and friends during each stage of her education, who supported her throughout her journey

Adina expressed immense gratitude to both Dr. Jack Sadacka and Dr. Melinda Mann, who were willing to give her clinical experience and training during her family nurse practitioner degree. Dr. Sam Bekhar hired her as a new graduate and taught her a tremendous amount when she worked in his practice.

“They took the time to train me and to educate me. I learned a lot about caring for the pediatric population and how to talk to the parents.”

Adina’s training with Dr. Mann, an obstetrician-gynecologist, is what led to her developing a keen appreciation and passion for women’s health.

Her first position as a registered nurse was at First Response Ambulance. She then moved to HASC (Hebrew Academy for Special Children) and is gratified with the care she has provided for the past five years. Although Adina has advanced degrees, she retains her role as an RN because of her commitment to helping the developmentally disabled.

At HASC, Adina manages the medical care of adults in group homes. Her patients have developmental disabilities and range from low-functioning individuals who require assistance with daily living activities to high-functioning adults who can hold down jobs. The ages of the approximately 30 patients she cares for vary from young adults to senior citizens in their eighties. During the height of the pandemic, Adina’s responsibilities became more challenging, as she attended to her patients’ care remotely on FaceTime. BH all of her patients did well despite the challenges.

In June, Adina took a part-time position at Parcare Community Health Network, a women’s health practice. She works alongside her mentor, Dr. Mann. Adina is passionate about women’s healthcare, and finds the job extremely rewarding. “I deal with all kinds of issues facing women. Women go through different challenges. I educate and help women of all ages. I help them to address their health issues and to relieve their anxieties. It’s a blessing, to educate them and calm their fears.”

How Does Adina Do It All?

Adina and Eli have six children. Their oldest, a boy, is studying at Mikdash Melech Yeshiva in Israel and their youngest is a baby girl. They are grateful to live in a unique community whose members care about and help each other.

Adina’s children are very proud that she is a nurse practitioner. They appreciate it when Adina checks their ears and throats, and they don’t have to go to the pediatrician’s office so often!

Adina’s her formula for juggling work and family is proper organization and balance. “Like anything in life, you need to juggle and prioritize. I try to be organized and make lots of lists. I plan my time off around the kids’ vacation schedules. It’s the hardest when the children are little, but it does get easier. My older ones help in many ways.”

Adina recommends staying focused on what’s right for you and your family and to avoid comparing yourself to others. Getting support from like-minded people in a similar situation is essential.

Hobbies and Outlets

Adina says it is key to have an outlet, and hers is swimming. She tries to swim as often as she can. Adina loves to read and enjoys nature and spending time at Marine Park.

Advice for Future Nurses

“If your goal is to help people, you’ll be successful. Find good mentors, friends, and support groups. It can make or break you.”

Please connect with Adina at amezrahi01@gmail.com

Ellen Geller Kamaras, CPA/MBA, is an International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach.  Her coaching specialties include life, career, and dating coaching.  Ellen is active in her community and is currently the Vice-President of Congregation Bnai Avraham in Brooklyn Heights. She can be contacted at ellen@lifecoachellen.com (www.lifecoachellen.com).

Monthly Update from Assemblywoman Kim Eulner and Assemblywoman Marilyn Piperno

Community Magazine

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January 2023

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Monthly Update from Assemblywoman Kim Eulner and Assemblywoman Marilyn Piperno

With anti-Semitism spreading across the country, threats to New Jersey synagogues have become increasingly common. In 2021 alone, the Anti-Defamation League recorded 370 anti-Semitic incidents in the State of New Jersey compared to 2,717 accounts of anti-Semitism across the country, representing a 34 percent increase from the prior year.

Fortunately, the Federal Bureau of Investigation uncovered the most recent November threats. One was intercepted online after being shared via social media, and included inflammatory language about relations between Jews and Muslims. We thank the FBI for taking these threats seriously and for the timely notification of synagogues across the state to take proper security precautions and to exercise caution to protect their communities and facilities.

Violence or threats against any individual or community should not be tolerated. Everyone should feel safe in their houses of worship, and we will ensure that your right is protected to the fullest extent possible under the law. In the meantime, it is imperative that if you see something, you need to say something. If you wish to report an instance of anti-Semitism, please visit the Anti-Defamation League website. However, in an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. We encourage everyone to speak up against such hatred and stand up for the Jewish community.

Community Members Join Together to Fight Crime

Community Magazine

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January 2023

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Community Members Join Together to Fight Crime

– Avi Kumar

This past year’s headlines cited a sharp rise in New York City’s crime rate and mental health crisis in the city. Our citizens feel a growing fear that our safety is in jeopardy. But, officials and common folk alike are banding together to address these issues.

Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol

Bob Moskovitz, the Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol’s Executive Coordinator, told Community Magazine, “I joined this organization in 1991. The police cannot be everywhere all the time and the community needed a better response.”

“But at the end of the day, if we don’t have the cooperation and blessings of the NYPD and your local precinct then you cannot go anywhere with a ‘volunteer patrol’ – we must be on the same page.” Explaining how the Syrian community’s initial concerns with the escalating crime wave began, he explained, “Things got really bad around the time Bill De Blasio became mayor. When that happened, the Sephardic community reached out to me and asked if they could become part of the Flatbush Shomrim community.

“We are volunteers, so if we go for a half day of Grand Jury duty, that equals a half a day that we are not paid. We do not carry weapons and are not vigilantes. We do not go beating people up. Our eyes and ears are our best weapons.”

“In my 30 years, we have never had a non-Jewish member in our ranks, only because no non-Jewish person has applied. But say, if someone is breaking into a car – the vehicle does not have a kippa on top of it, so the non-Jews call us, too. And many non-Jews are very supportive and appreciative of what we are doing.”

David Assis, President of the non-profit Community Security Alliance (CSA) and Flatbush Shomrim member said, “We even pay for our own gas. We just want to help. We are not substituting for the police. The people we help could be your or someone else’s family member.”

Don’t Be a “Soft-Target”

Those involved in security urge citizens not to take things for granted, citing the latest laws have made it harder to punish criminals.

Joe Dwek, Syrian Community liaison to NYPD, said, “Make sure your car doors and windows are locked and nothing valuable is inside the car. Sometimes when people report something was stolen, we see the footage and notice that the perpetrator was checking every car on the block to see if it’s locked or unlocked. And if it is unlocked, they will go for it.”

Dwek explained, “When Rudy Giuliani was inaugurated as mayor in the 1990s, he cracked down on fare beaters and squeegees (people who harassed people to wash their car windshields for money). When they put away the minor criminals, the major crimes went down.”

Dwek described the downturn of events after almost three decades since then. “After the George Floyd incident, police officers cannot touch someone between their shoulders and hips. So, you cannot take someone down without touching them, even if they are pulling a gun. I cannot think of any martial art known where this is possible. It is worse than ‘having their hands tied’.”

Moskovitz advised, “Don’t be a soft target – make it difficult for them. Many people leave their cars for a few minutes to grab a water from the store and they leave the door open. And sometimes they even leave a spare key and the engine running, and someone can drive away with it. We see what is really happening. Many of the crimes are ‘crimes of opportunity.’ Some of the things people leave in cars is just not normal! Don’t leave anything in plain view. This is New York, not Kansas. If I told you what I’ve heard people leaving out, it is not normal – wallets, credit cards, iPads, jewelry! Do not even leave a garbage bag in plain view because criminals might think there is something of value inside and break in. Bail reform created a perfect storm!”

Mr. Moskovitz said, “Now, over 30 of our 80 Shomrim members are from the Syrian community and 60 percent of the phone calls we receive are also from Syrian community members. I would appreciate it if they would also match that with funding.”

Assis said, “Along with house and car break-ins, we also have endless package theft. And this is not a fun environment to be in, especially when it is like this! It was right around the time of the pandemic when things got so out of control and all these laws changed. It is unfortunately in your ‘backyard.’”

Assis suggests that things became “out of control” and “people can do whatever they want” since the pandemic era. “People will commit more crime when there are no repercussions.”

Rising Anti-Semitism

Everyone is clearly concerned about anti-Semitism. Moskovitz recalls an incident where suspects were believed to be targeting synagogues in the early hours. Shomrim deployed volunteers during Shabbat because the anticipated crime was ”life threatening.” Thank Gd the perpetrators were apprehended before they arrived.

Assis said, “Every day is a different day for us volunteers, but unfortunately, we have to worry about active shooters these days. If you see anything that does not look right, make a phone call to us or the NYPD. Don’t brush it off – that one phone call could save lives.”

Assis also sternly warned against posting “fake news” that could “put the community into panic.” He said, “Recently, we had a terror threat and people posted that the person was caught in front of our synagogue, but it was not right. As we went to warn people that there was an armed and dangerous man on Shabbat, when people were not on electronics, someone had posted that the person was captured in front of a synagogue in Ocean Parkway. Sometimes they simply want to get followers and sound ‘juicy’ but that does not help!”

Inna Vernikov, member of New York City Council’s 48th District said, “Right now, the Syrian Community is split into three districts, mine, Kalman Yeger’s, and Ari Gegen’s. Next year when the maps are redrawn, I will have more Syrians in my district. They are very aware of my efforts to fight against anti-Semitism. I worked very hard to combat this in CUNY (City University New York) where many Syrians attend.  I work with the police, the Hate Crimes Unit and the Brooklyn DA’s office to fight this.” Last year there was a case where two boys were assaulted by Palestinians because one of the boys was wearing an IDF hoodie. The perpetrator who punched the boy wearing the hoodie got more bail than he would have if we didn’t fight it. Right now, things are not moving in the right direction at all, but I am staying here. I am not moving to Florida. I still have hope for the city.”

Conclusion

As petty crime and anti-Semitism in New York both are on the rise the general public must be more vigilant. Citizens need to stay aware of their surrounding and not be complacent.

Dwek said, “Members are free to contact me to meet the police assigned to their block and be able to communicate with them directly. In these times, it is very important to have relationships such as these.”

An Exam Like No Other

Community Magazine

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January 2023

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– Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

Seven leading Torah sages spent hours engaging the avreichim geonim, the outstanding young prodigies of the Shas Yiden network, at the special 100 Siyumei Hashasim event held last month in Beit Shemesh, Israel. This year’s exams involved not simply questions and answers, but lengthy debate and discourse, to the sheer delight of both the young scholars and venerated sages, as well as the large number of American and UK visitors who marveled at the display of brilliance that they witnessed.

The annual exams on the entire Shas, and the Siyum Hashassim gatherings of the Shas Yiden network of kollels, have become a beloved tradition, a yearly celebration of extraordinary Torah scholarship. Each year, the video recordings of the event – which are available at www.shasyiden.com – are eagerly anticipated by yeshiva students and Torah scholars around the world. Until this last year, the avreichim geonim (young prodigies) would cram into the home of the late Nasi (Chairman) of Shas Yiden, Maran HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, who would administer a comprehensive exam, an experience which he said gave him immense pleasure.

This year’s event, which was held in Beit Shemesh last month, featured an incredible “lineup” of sages, a veritable “Who’s Who” of Torah learning, who tested the mettle of the avreichim geonim. They included Rav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Rav Itamar Garbuz, Rav Yaakov Ades, Rav Elimelech Biederman, Rav Shmuel Yaakov Landau, and Rav Eliyahu Stefansky. Several other luminaries graced the dais, as well, such as Rav Mordechai Stern, rabbi of Heichal Dovid in Lawrence, NY.

This tradition was initiated by the Pozna Rov, Rav Avrohom Eisen, shlit”a, who founded the Shas Yiden network 14 years ago. The public farher (exam) is intended to honor the young scholars of Shas Yiden, and to allow the generous sponsors of this unique program the opportunity to see the fruits of their support, the emergence of towering scholars with a comprehensive knowledge of every word of the Talmud, Rashi, and Tosafot. The Torah sages who test the young prodigies have expressed the joy and delight they experience by engaging with these brilliant young scholars, and how much they look forward to this remarkable event each and every year.

A Gift Beyond Compare

One of the students in Shas Yiden is a grandson of Rav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Yisrael and a senior member of the Council of Torah Sages. Despite his advanced age and failing health, Rav Ezrachi made the difficult trip to Beit Shemesh and climbed the stairs to the dais on the stage. Once he began engaging with the avreichim geonim, discussing and debating some of the most difficult, intricate passages of the Talmud, all signs of fatigue and frailty vanished. The Rosh Yeshiva’s face radiated with excitement and joy at the incredible knowledge that was put on display. His enthusiasm intensified as he posed questions on subjects related to kodashim (the Bet Hamikdash and sacrifices), and the avreichim geonim responded instantly, clearly and masterfully, showing their thorough knowledge of these complex, esoteric subjects.

“Hopefully, my portion should be with yours,” Rav Ezrachi said, with a great deal of palpable emotion.

He added, “I am sure that in Heaven there must be a tumultuous response to these moments — with 100 avreichim geonim who know all the words of Shas. In truth, one should be jealous of you for this great feeling, as you are able to study and contemplate Shas the whole year through, and it lives with you… The fact that there is a group of incredible talmidei hachamim [Torah scholars] like you puts the entire people of Israel on a different level. It obliges us all to express our great appreciation to the Pozna Rov who came up with this idea of establishing such an institution, and he has truly given the Jewish people of Israel a gift that is beyond compare.”

Raising the Grandeur of Israel

Rav Itamar Garbuz, Rosh Yeshiva of Orchos Torah, visibly relished the lively interaction with the avreichim geonim. He tested them through the length and breadth of Shas, and expressed his amazement at their incredible knowledge.

Rav Garbuz’s questions focused on broader Talmudic concepts and principles. For example, he asked the scholars to name all disputes between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon in Masechet Shabbat. The avreichim geonim not only listed all the disputes, but added numerous applications of these disputes, instances where Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon’s opinions yield different conclusions. They also referenced comments of Tosafot throughout Masechet Shabbat, and then discussed implications of these debates relevant to Masechet Eruvin. The answers to Rav Garbuz’s difficult questions flowed forth at an extraordinary pace, dazzling everyone in attendance.

After an extensive session with the avreichim geonim, Rav Garbuz exclaimed that it was a great honor and privilege for him to have this opportunity to engage in Torah study with such brilliant scholars. “In you, the Jewish people are to be blessed,” he said. “It is impossible to estimate or to describe the greatness of the zechut [privilege] of those who support this holy project that raises the grandeur of Israel and the holy Torah in such a remarkable fashion.”

Rav Elimelech (“Meilech”) Biederman, affectionately known as the “great mashpia” (“influencer”), exclaimed, “You see seated before you 100 avreichim geonim who know the entire Shas. Literally, 100 holy Torah arks before our eyes. How immense is the zechut of the donors and supporters! Through support for this cause, your merit and destiny will be enhanced for goodness and for success in all respects, both material and spiritual!”

Rav Shmuel Yaakov Landau, dayan (judge) and rav of the Belzer Yad Cohen bet midrash in Beit Shemesh, is the father-in-law of one of the avreichim geonim. He debated several Talmudic topics at length with the avreichim geonim, including the law which precludes the possibility of transferring or selling something which is not yet in existence (“davar shelo ba la’olam”), such as futures. He also dealt with the question of whether a person may appoint a messenger to perform a mission regarding something that does not yet exist, and other related issues.

“Add a Few Zeros!”

The discussions between the renowned scholar and Kabbalist Rav Yaakov Ades shlit”a, and the avreichim geonim was nothing short of spellbinding. Rav Ades began by offering warm words of encouragement to the young prodigies, and then launched into fierce debate regarding several topics scattered throughout Shas. He demonstrated extraordinary proficiency, as though the entire Talmud was open right in front of his eyes. As he discussed and debated with the avreichim geonim, his face shone with the joy and exhilaration of Torah. The discourse was intense, to the delight of the avreichim geonim and of everyone present.

Afterward, Rav Ades turned to the donors in attendance, who were visibly moved and enthralled by the spectacle that they had just witnessed, and said, “I have a good idea for you. If any of you were thinking of making a donation to Shas Yiden – you should double the intended donation! And if you can, add a few zeros! You should know that the zechus of supporting such a great and holy project is indeed significant, and it’s not a simple matter. Such support obligates the avreichim geonim, as well. You have to pray for the donors and supporters, that they should be blessed with all that is good through the power of the Torah and of your prayers!”

A Celebration of Torah

The dazzling exams were followed by a heartfelt and inspirational arvit service, led by Rav Ades. This was followed by the Siyum Shassim, celebrating the completion of the study of the entire Shas by each one of the avreichim geonim over the course of the past year.

Each of the kollel wives was personally presented with a cash-filled envelope in appreciation of their unstinting support for their husbands’ dedication to the exceedingly demanding study regimen of Shas Yiden. A sumptuous dinner followed, giving honor to the Torah and to those who generously support Torah, with musical accompaniment by Aharon Samet. It was a truly unforgettable event for everyone in attendance.

Videos of the lively and inspiring Shas Yiden exams and siyumim are available at www.shasyiden.com.

For more information about the Shas Yiden network of kollels, or to donate, please call 718-702-1528, or mail: 1274 49th Street #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219.

London: UK Registered Charity # 1191225 – Call 020-8066-1566 or Mail: 2 Timberwharf Road, London N16 6DB, England.

Reaction by Rav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi, shlit”a

On the Shabbat after the exams and siyumim, Rav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi could not contain his excitement over what he had witnessed at Shas Yiden. A guest at one of Rav Ezrachi’s Shabbat meals reported that the Rosh Yeshiva regaled them about the exam in which he had participated, describing the brilliance that flowed from the 100 avreichim geonim and pulsated throughout the hall. “I have never been so moved and excited at a public gathering,” Rav Ezrachi proclaimed. “How fortunate am I that I was privileged to witness this remarkable event!”

Reaction of a Shas Yiden Student

Shortly after the siyumim, one of the avreichim geonim commented. “I am just 27, and I tell you the truth – I never dreamed that I would get to this point in my learning. To know the entire Shas? For me, this was something achieved in previous generations!

“But here at Shas Yiden, I have managed to achieve the unbelievable thanks to this network, the unique method of learning that includes reviewing many, many times, amid unceasing progress through the texts. I am excited today as never before, even my wedding day …”

Overheard at the Siyumim

The fathers of two of the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim were sitting together at the Siyumim dinner, discussing their feelings of joy at this event in which their sons played an important part.

“If all the gedolim here were not present, I would jump up and dance with reckless abandon,” one of them said. “I have to hold myself back.”

The other responded, “Even when I married off my children, I did not experience such incredible joy. This is just unbelievable! My son completed Shas and was tested on it thoroughly. My son knows Shas! It was worth being born and toiling all these years just to get to this most memorable occasion. I have been privileged to marry off all my children, and I must confess that I have never experienced such simcha as I do now.”

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Harav Hagaon Eli Stefansky PLUS Shas Yiden = WOW

Teaching 18,000 Jews Every Day!

Harav Hagaon Eliyahu Stefansky, Nasi of the Mercaz Daf Hayomi, conducts the most popular and populous shiur in the world, delivering an English Daf Yomi shiur to 18,000 listeners every day, Sunday to Friday. His unique style, which features broad scholarship and colloquial English peppered with witty and colorful interjections and appropriate personal greetings that are at once charming and meaningful, has earned him an enthusiastic international following.

Appropriately, Rav Stefansky was given the honor of serving as one of the farherers (testers) at the exam administered to the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim (young prodigies). He posed his questions in fluent Hebrew, and with a warm smile, to the delight of the young luminaries who responded with immense joy and electric enthusiasm.

The morning following the farher (exam), Rav Stefansky prefaced his daily shiur by reflecting on the experience:

“A very special thing happened to me yesterday. There are chaburot [study groups] known as Shas Yiden – a hundred kollel guys, about five or six kollelim in Israel, in a network called ‘Shas Yiden.’ These avreichim geonim finish Shas every year, and they know Shas cold… If you go online (www.shasyiden.com), you can see Rav Chaim Kanievsky farhering them… and other gedoleh Torah [Torah sages] farhering them.

“Well, last night, [94-year-old] Rav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, the oldest of the Rosh Yeshivos, and some other Rosh Yeshivos, farhered them…and they asked me, also, to farher them, and so I did. It was an amazing and special experience…”

Rav Stefansky asked the avreichim geonim about numerous different topics discussed in the Gemara, and then pulled out his “bag of tricks,” as he describes:

“I started out calm and easy, and then I suddenly pulled out my illustrations that were especially created for the occasion. They then had to decipher them and their riddles, as to which subjects in Shas were being depicted, the context, the outcome and the halacha. This, too, developed into an extended and lively session. It was quite exceptional.

“It was a great zechut [privilege] for me to test them. Truth is, I was not surprised at their knowledge, because one of them is my chavrusa [study partner], and in our kollel we have another avreich who learns there in the afternoon – a Belzer chasid – so I am familiar with them.

“…It was just amazing. Their knowledge…

“Afterwards, I was talking with them, and I asked, ‘Is there anyone here with a normal, average brain? Someone who is not an illui [prodigy] and with a head of a gaon [genius]? Many of them raised their hands. So, I asked them for ideas or suggestions for chazarah [reviewing] and memorizing, and that opened up an interesting discussion on the subject.

“Among my questions I asked these:

Where in the entire Shas are there seven consecutive words that begin with the Hebrew letter chaf? A: Nedarim 10b

Where in Shas are there 44 consecutive words that end with the Hebrew letter nun?

A: Shabbat 104

“In our sugyah [topic in the Talmud], we just learned about Bar Padda, and I noticed a note in the Artscroll [edition of the Talmud] that says that he was the nephew of Bar Kappara (Meilah 4). So, I casually asked who Bar Padda’s uncle was. Instantly, all of them – and they each had a microphone – called out together, ‘Bar Kappara, Bar Kappara! Meilah, daf dalet, Meilah, daf dalet!’ It was crazy, just crazy.

“Where does the Masoret Hashas note a sugyah that is found on five consecutive folios of Shas?

A: Gittin 20 – 24 – dealing with witnesses effecting a get.

“An incredible, amazing experience … Every year they chazer [review] Shas, every year…”

Dear Jido – January 2023

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January 2023

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Dear Jido,

We’ve gotten into a situation where my preschooler associates Shabbat entirely with eating treats. While her diet is generally pretty healthy, Shabbat is a different story, and between dessert at dinner, kiddush after services, dessert again at lunch, and treats at afternoon playdates, it’s gotten out of hand. How can we scale back without taking away any of the joy? 

Signed, 

Sweet but Sour

Dear Mrs. Sweetness,

That’s a toughie. As a Jido, when the grandchildren come over, that’s what we DO.

Okay, let me try to go back about 40 years.

This is what I would suggest: Rather than making it into a fight that you can’t have this or you can’t have that, turn it into a positive. 

On Friday evenings, lay out on the table five or six of her favorite treats, portion-sized to your approval. Ask your daughter to pick three of them – one for Friday night, one for after lunch, and one for the afternoon “Shabbat Party.” Let HER choose. Empower her to be in charge of which treats she gets after looking at them and after you’ve already approved how much of each. (Try to be a little generous at the beginning, and week after week, cut back on the portions if appropriate.)  

Of course, after she picks the three that SHE wants, she can have some of the jelly beans all three times or a piece of the cookie twice. Also, of course, if she “cheats,” she loses the balance of what she’s chosen. 

Giving a child choices helps them to learn responsibility. It teaches them to make decisions within the limits that you’ve set. Believe it or not, children thrive when they have boundaries set for them. It helps them take charge of their lives.

Otherwise, she would probably just choose to come over to my house! 

Shabbat Shalom,

Jido

Mabrouk – December 2022

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December 2022

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MABROUK

Births – Baby Boy

Rabbi Ariel & Rivka Zafrani

Ari & Teri Sofair-Fisch

Andy & Abbey Mizrahi

Bar Mitzvahs

Morris, son of David & Susan Dana

Elie, son of Mr. & Mrs. Joe Kadi

Engagements

Aaron Marcus to Florence Hassoun

Ezra Ohnouna to Barbara Kassin

David Shacalo to Terry Jemal

Raymond Tawil to Sharon Chehebar

Shlomo Abady to Simcha Srour

Jack Levy to Marelne Gindi

Freddy Srour to Rina Kabariti

Weddings

Abraham Hanan to Sara Sharaby

The Case – Invested Interest

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December 2022

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Alan, president of an established ladies’ wear corporation, needed a loan to operate his business. He approached his brother-in-law Sam for a $750,000 loan, and although Sam was at first reluctant, he eventually transferred the entire sum. The two agreed on a six percent annual interest rate, which was to be paid in monthly installments over a five-year period. Alan lived up to the terms of the agreement and paid back the entire principal, including nearly $120,000 in interest. Taking the loan proved to be a wise decision, as Alan’s business was once again stable, and the future seemed very promising. Not too long after he finished paying off the loan in full, Alan attended a Torah class in which the topic of the prohibition of collecting interest was discussed. The rabbi teaching the class noted that in many instances a borrower retains the right to recover the interest he paid via a Jewish court of law. Since interest payments are illegal according to Torah law, a lender is required to return collected interest. Alan approached Sam seeking to recover the $120,000 in interest he paid. However, Sam rejected the claim. Sam explained to Alan that he had forfeited earnings from his previous investment, totaling at least the annual percentage he charged Alan, and brought to his attention that he had graciously lent him a very large sum with no guarantee. In Bet Din, Sam expressed that he was insulted by his brother-in-law’s behavior. Nevertheless, he was willing to comply with Torah law.

How should the Bet Din rule? Is Alan entitled to recover the $120,000 he paid in interest or not and why?

Torah Law

According to the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch, payment of a loan in excess of the amount borrowed constitutes the Torah prohibition of interest. This prohibition is extended on both the borrower and lender, and is applicable whether the lender requested the interest payment or the borrower offered to pay it. The prohibition is applicable regardless if the interest is a per annum payment or a one-time payment. Various laws with regard to this prohibition are pertinent to our everyday lives, making it our responsibility to set aside time to study this topic. The information covered in this article is limited as it deals primarily with the case at hand.

There is, however, a distinction between the prohibition according to Biblical law and Rabbinical law. According to Biblical law the restriction is only in instances in which the terms of an interest payment were stipulated at the time of the loan. If, however, the borrower delivers a gift to the lender upon return of the loan, the prohibition is of Rabbinical nature. This distinction has halachic ramifications. While interest paid in violation of Biblical law is subject to collection by the borrower claiming its return, interest paid in violation of Rabbinical law is not retrievable.

Nevertheless, our Sages designed an operating agreement based on Talmudic law that enables a lender to receive a return on money he advances to a borrower. This agreement is known as a “heter iska” contract. The basic principle of this agreement is that the borrower and lender agree to be partners in a business venture, whereby the lender invests money and the borrower uses his entrepreneurial skills to manage the venture. The investing partner can thereby earn profit attributable to his portion of the joint business venture. In short, the arrangement has the characteristics of both a loan and an investment, as half the money forwarded by the lender is designated as an investment and the other half is maintained as a loan. While redefining half the loan as an investment allows the opportunity for profit, it also exposes the lender to the risk of loss. In attempt to secure the entire principal for the investing partner, provisions are included in the contract, which minimizes his exposure. The parties further agree that in the event the borrower pays a specified annual rate, the lender will waive any claims to additional profit generated by his half of the investment. In addition, a nominal payment is made to the borrower to offset his managing of the business venture so that his labor is not viewed as a gift, which would constitute a violation of interest laws.

Leading halachic authorities rule in leniency allowing one to collect interest on a loan he extended to a corporation. The rationale behind this ruling is that since a corporate owner is not personally liable in the event of bankruptcy, the prohibition of interest is not applicable. Since a borrower is defined by Torah law as someone who has personal liability to repay a debt, in the instance of a corporation, no fitting borrower exists. Although the company’s assets serve as security for its creditors, nevertheless, no individual exists as a suitable borrower. Arguably, another logical reason to waive the prohibition is that a corporation with no personal guarantor for the principal in case of loss makes the loan more resemble an investment in a business venture, thereby enabling the lender to subsequently earn a profit. In instances in which the corporate owner is personally liable, the Biblical prohibition of interest is applicable. Likewise, although the aforementioned authorities permit a lender to collect interest from a corporation, nevertheless, a corporation is strictly forbidden from collecting interest on a loan extended to an individual. In this latter case the borrower bears personal liability and all interest laws are applicable.

Although the above leniency with regard to corporations is challenged by various halachic authorities, nearly all agree that collecting interest on such a loan is a rabbinical violation and is not subject to retrieval once paid to the lender.

Nowadays, it is customary to prepare a heter iska even for loans to corporations.

Endnotes: Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah Bet #63, Halichot Olam Hilchot Ribit, Minhat Yitzhak 4:16, 17, Har Tzvi Yoreh Deah 126, heter iska form revised from “The Laws of Ribbis,” R.Y. Reissman.

Verdict: The Point of No Return

Our Bet Din ruled in favor of Sam, exempting him from returning the interest payments he collected. As mentioned in Torah law, numerous halachic authorities permit collecting interest from a corporation, providing the corporate owner has no personal liability to repay the loan. Upon inquiry, it was apparent that Alan never agreed to any terms of personal liability. Furthermore, the halachic opinions that differ and prohibit lending with interest to a corporation, indeed agree that the prohibition is reduced to a Rabbinical violation. As a general rule, interest collected in violation of Rabbinical law is not subject to return after it is paid to the lender. Hence, even according to the more stringent view, Sam is exempt from returning the earnings he collected. Nevertheless, our Bet Din suggested that for future business loans they use a heter iska.

INCLUDE DISCLAIMER

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YOU BE THE JUDGE

A Tunisian Connection

Zelig and Mendel, two prominent members of a well-known Hassidic sect, served as primary distributors of tallitot for their community. As per the specifications established by their Grand Rebbe, only tallitot manufactured in Tunisia were to be sold by the two distributors. This requirement was implemented in order to avoid the prohibition of sha’atnez. Since Tunisia did not grow flax, it was the ideal country for purchasing sha’atnez-free wool tallitot. Rahamin, a Tunisian Sephardic Jew, was their exclusive importer who purchased the tallitot from Arab factories in Tunis, and sold the merchandise to Zelig and Mendel, the retail distributors. After twelve years of successful cooperation, a major crisis arose. Rumors spread through the market that their tallitot were not one hundred percent wool. These rumors prompted Zelig and Mendel to do laboratory testing of their stock. The report determined that although the tallitot did not contain any linen, they nevertheless had an approximate forty percent polyester content.

In Bet Din, Zelig and Mendel claimed nearly $600,000 in damages for their defective stock. They insisted that they were entitled to return the goods and have their money refunded. They explained that they could not sell the defective tallitot to their clients, since they did not meet the religious standards practiced in their circles. In addition, due to the extra-large size and heavy weight of each tallit, they could not be sold elsewhere and were virtually worthless. Rahamim defended his position claiming that although the purchase order was for a hundred percent wool garments, he stipulated at the time of sale that he was not responsible for the quality control of the merchandise. Contrary to standard practice in wholesale transactions, both parties agreed that the inspection of goods for quality control rested with the retailers. Rahamim expressed that he did not at any point come into contact with the merchandise, as it was picked up by the buyers directly from the port. He was therefore unwilling to take back six months of stock that should have been inspected by the retailers upon initial delivery. Rahamim pointed out that their failure to do so in a timely manner caused him to pay the Arabs in Tunis in full. As such, the merchandise is no longer returnable to its original source. Zelig and Mendel persisted that they were sold defective merchandise as per the purchase order signed by Rahamim.

Once Upon a Thyme – Apple Cider Doughnuts

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December 2022

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Once Upon a Thyme – Apple Cider Doughnuts

Homemade apple cider doughnuts are cakey, moist, and taste like they’re straight from the
bakery. The key to the robust flavors is the blend of spices and the reduced apple cider which is
boiled to a concentrate beforehand. I used a doughnut machine to bake these treats, but using
a doughnut tin works as well. Enjoy with a mug of warm apple cider and some cinnamon sticks.

2 cups fresh apple cider
2 cups flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cardamom
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup almond or soy milk
⅓ cup canola oil
2 tablespoons margarine, melted
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
Baking spray

Pour apple cider into a pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook
until the cider is reduced to ½ cup.
Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg to a
large bowl. Mix until combined and set aside.
Whisk both sugars and oil. Add milk, vanilla extract, and egg. Add the apple cider
reduction and the dry ingredients. Whisk together until combined, do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared doughnut pans, filling them about ¾ of the way up.
Spray doughnut tins or doughnut machine and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes (or
according to doughnut machine instructions). Let cool for 10 minutes before removing.
Brush doughnuts lightly with melted margarine. Mix 1 cup white sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon together for topping and toss in doughnuts to coat.

Hanukah Toy List – Eight Hot-Selling Toys Selling for Under $50!

Community Magazine

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December 2022

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Hanukah Toy List – Eight Hot-Selling Toys Selling for Under $50!

DoodleJamz JellyPics

Little doodlers will love this easy to use creative toy, and parents will love the lack of cleanup! This reusable sensory art drawing pad is squishy and fun to touch, and it incorporates all the excitement of finger painting without any of the cleanup. It’s great for travel and sturdy enough to resist breaking. 

Little Tikes Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch

This cute, splashproof Little Tikes smartwatch with a built-in interactive robot tracks steps, takes photos with its two built-in cameras, and even plays games.

Stitch ‘N Style Fashion Studio

This starter sewing kit is perfect for budding stylists, and since it doesn’t require any needle threading, you don’t have to worry about pricking your fingers. The automatic sewing sensors should help make it as easy as possible to create original designs for six accessories without any user error. Simply use water to apply cool prints to almost any type of fabric. 

Fisher-Price DJ Bouncin’ Beats Interactive Musical Learning Toy

Get ready to dance! This pick is ideal for toddlers and babies from nine to 36 months. The spring bottom allows the toy to bounce while the three smart stages teach the alphabet, colors, counting, and opposites. Plus, kids can enjoy over 75 songs, sounds, phrases, color combinations, and more!

LeapFrog Clean Sweep Learning Caddy

It’s never too early to start learning how to care for your space! Boys and girls can look forward to a singing cleaning tools caddy, a bucket that spins and makes swishing sounds when kids press the foot pedal, a pretend soap pump that plays squirting sounds, a mop, dustpan, and more. There are count-along recordings, and additional features. In no time, they’ll be eager to clean up!

VTech KidiZoom PrintCam

Chosen as one of the top toys of the season, this fun first camera enables kids to click, preview, and print photos right away. It comes with enough paper for 80 images (extra printing paper sold separately), and kids can add stickers, filters, and borders to any image. They can also turn their photos into drawings to color.

LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Underwater Robot 31090 Building Kit

The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Underwater Robot Building Kit allows your child to build an underwater robot, a toy submarine with a manipulator arm, or an underwater crane treasure hunt center. Once the robot is built, it stands over 5″ high!

Force1 Scoot Cosmo LED Drone

Kids can fly their very own UFO spaceship toy with this new addition to the Scoot drone family: the Scoot Cosmo. Just toss to launch it and then fly with bare hands while enjoying the ultra-bright LED lights and kaleidoscope projections on the ceiling.