Chaim Gold 

(L-R) Harav Messod Ben Shimon, Harav Yaakov Meir Stern, HaRav Moshe Shaul Klein, Harav Sariel Rosenberg, Harav Yitzchok Zilberstein, and Rav Dovid Hofstedter.  

Last month’s special gathering to celebrate the release of a new sefer was a historic occasion for the Jewish community. 

The memorable gathering, hosted by Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein at his home, was a celebration of the release of the first volume of Dirshu’s groundbreaking Shulhan Aruch on the Yoreh Deah. The new sefer will undoubtedly have a transformative impact on the learning of Yoreh Deah. 

World-Class Poskim 

It is extremely rare to find so many of Eretz Yisrael’s most senior poskim under one roof, but a simha of such magnitude warranted such an august gathering.  

Seated with the prominent posek, Rav Zilberstein were a number of  other highly respected poskim from Bnei Brak, including  Rav Moshe Shaul Klein, Rav Sariel Rosenberg, Rav Messoud Ben Shimon, Rav Yaakov Meir Stern, Rav Shevach Tzvi Rosenblatt, and Rav Shmuel Eliezer Stern, as well as Rav Dovid Hofstedter, the nasi of Dirshu. 

Also attending the celebration was a large, distinguished group of great talmidei hachamim who were involved in the writing and editing the new publication. They were able to take the opportunity to get cogent advice and guidance on various matters pertaining to future volumes, which they are working on.  

The Unique Components of Dirshu’s New Shulchan Aruch  

More than a decade ago, Dirshu gifted the Torah world with the Dirshu Mishnah Berurah, a sefer that has become a classic. It was the first comprehensive sefer written alongside the Mishnah Berurah that brings the piskei halacha and additions of the various poskim in the more than 120 years since the Mishnah Berurah was originally published. It has become the go-to sefer for anyone looking up practical halacha on the Orach Chaim order of Shulchan Aruch, especially for areas of halacha involving the changes brought about by technology and day-to-day modern life.  

There is no Mishnah Berurah on Yoreh Deah and, in general, to learn the Shulhan Aruch on the Yoreh Deah order of the Shulhan Aruch requires significant  background.  

Over the years, wonderful new editions of the Shulhan Aruch have been published with bold, large letters and numerous other enhancements, making it easier to learn. What Dirshu, however, has done with the release of the first volume of a planned nine-volume set on Yoreh Deah is truly innovative. 

The beautiful Shulchan Aruch using the popular tzurat hadaf of Machon Yerushalayim’s edition has added two seminal commentaries on the corresponding page. The first commentary, entitled L’asukei Shemateta, explains the source in hazal for each halacha and then brings the sources for the psak from the Rishonim and Achronim, briefly explaining how the Rishonim understood the sugyot and determined their rulings.  

The second, longer, commentary, entitled Alibah D’Hilchata, concisely encapsulates each halacha, adding halachic rulings from the Achronim and later poskim up to the present time on practical halachot, along with modern-day scenarios based on the original psak of the Shulhan Aruch and its meforshim. 

In addition, Dirshu has included a comprehensive mafteiach (index) in the back, making it easy to find any halacha brought in that volume.  

Dirshu chose to begin with the portion of the regular Shulchan Aruch that comprises the third and final volume of Yoreh Deah, simanim 270-361, which covers hilchot sefer Torah, mezuzah, shiluach hakein, chadash, orlah, kilayim, bechorot, bechor beheima, and petter chamor.

Highlighted Speakers 

The event began with brief remarks by Rav Zilberstein. He quoted a Gemara from Gittin, “The world stands upon certain foundations – and who are those foundations? Those who teach halachot to the public!”  

Rav Dovid Hofstedter followed Rav Zilberstein. He began, “This is a very emotional time. This edition of the Shulchan Aruch has been published after much thought and many nisyonos. Rav Hofstedter concluded the event by citing something he had heard from his rebbi, Rav Simcha Wasserman, zt”l. He asked, “What is the secret of the success of the Mishnah Berurah? So many other great, illustrious geonim wrote sefarim and they have almost been forgotten. The Mishnah Berurah and the Chofetz Chaim’s other sefarim only increased in popularity. 

“The answer is that the Chofetz Chaim didn’t write sefarim to give over his own chiddushim. He wrote sefarim that were needed by Klal Yisrael. He was completely altruistic. Such sefarim, written solely for Klal Yisrael, are eternal. 

“It is our fervent hope that this sefer that is so important for Klal Yisrael will serve a great purpose for Klal Yisrael, and will be successful in being mekadesh Shem Shamayim!”

DAVE GORDON 

As the State of Israel celebrates its 75th birthday this month, let us honor the brave heroes who protect and defend the state on a day-to-day basis. They toil with unparalleled dedication to keep Israel’s citizens safe, and in doing so they face considerable challenges.

One such hero is Brigadier General Bentzi Gruber, who has served for nearly five decades in the IDF. He considers his service to be a “holy mission.”  It was just over forty-five years ago that Gruber first fought in the IDF, in Operation Litani in Lebanon, in March 1978. Today, Gruber is not only Brigadier General, but he is also the Vice Commander (reserves) of Division 252, an armored division of 20,000 soldiers. 

Gruber is also an entrepreneur, and has established Internet startups, been a real-estate developer, and serves on the boards of a variety of technology companies. Especially close to his heart is his IDF service. Let’s hear about this in his own words. 

Commenting on his army service he states, “After age 40, you can say ‘that’s it.’ But I decided to keep going.”.

“My mother and father survived the Holocaust. I’m named after my grandfather. He was sent to Auschwitz, and two hours later went to the gas chambers. If my grandfather even dreamed that his grandson would be a soldier in the Jewish army [and that dream came true] – that’s a big deal.” 

Ethics in the Field

Whereas tens of thousands of soldiers are under Gruber’s purview, tens of thousands elsewhere know him as the public face of the lecture program he launched 20 years ago, Ethics in the Field. The program’s mission is to shatter popular myths and present the facts missing in today’s discussion of how the IDF operates concerning counter terrorism. Ethics in the Field has been presented all over the world, to conferences, synagogues, military academies, campuses, and schools. It provides a window into the moral decision-making process that the Israeli army follows.

“People don’t understand how much effort we expend, to avoid collateral damage or killing civilians. We think ten times before any planned attack,” Gruber said. 

“You know how many rockets we threw into the garbage? I am talking about very expensive rockets,” he said of missions scrubbed due to humanitarian reasons. “People don’t have a clue how much we think about every target.” Our enemies, in contrast, “don’t blink about doing a lot of immoral things, including using humans as shields.” 

Gruber knows about these things firsthand. He fought in several wars, including the First Lebanon War (1982),  Operation Defensive Shield (2002), the Second Lebanon War (2006), and Operation Protective Edge (2014). His educational background is just as impressive. He is a graduate of Yeshivat Har Etzion, and the Jerusalem Institute of Technology. Gruber also received a PhD from The International University of Business and Law (London).  

Stress at the Checkpoints

Gruber says, “Checkpoints are very difficult places to be, morning to night. You have those who are belligerent or who are trying to smuggle things, and all the anxiety of dealing with those people. But at the same time, most people [coming through the checkpoints] are civilians. They are human beings.”

Once when Gruber served in a battalion near Bethlehem, one of his soldiers was rude to a Palestinian man at the checkpoint. Gruber instructed the soldier to buy flowers for the man he was rude to, and to deliver the bouquet to him at his house in a Palestinian village.

“The effect of that on his ethical behavior was amazing. Because he understood that I would not tolerate something like that,” Gruber said.

Even the way a soldier asks for identification is crucial, Gruber explained. “For some cultures, dignity and respect are so important. [Take] for instance, an elderly Palestinian man. If you ask for their ID in Arabic in a very stern way, you are off to a bad start. You should say, ‘Good morning. How are you? May I please see your ID?’ This is the way to do it.”  

Avoiding Burnout

Over time, it is inevitable that a soldier will get worn down, but Gruber cites that there are coping strategies to help.

“The word is shochek. In a car you have brakes, but the brakes wear and tear and eventually you have to replace them. This is what happens at a checkpoint. You wear down, and you wear down fast. So, what do you do?  If you start at a high, you won’t go down too low, as you continue to work the checkpoint and the days go by. If you don’t start with a high positive attitude, you will end up like garbage, working the checkpoints over time and behaving like an animal.”

It is predominantly for this reason he founded “Chesed in the Field,” a non-profit that brings together IDF reservists and chronically ill and disabled children for special events throughout the year, installing the values of community and social responsibility in the hearts of thousands of soldiers. This serves “to bring more sensitivity to the soldiers,” Gruber explained.  

Gruber on Leadership

With so many decades experience of commanding tens of thousands of soldiers, it is Gruber’s belief that the principles of leadership involve knowing what drives people to follow orders. “The main motivation for people all over – in hospitals, in high tech, for students, and in the army – is positive feedback.” 

The second motivator, Gruber said, is what he refers to as “glue.” “One of the secrets of leadership is – you can ask people to do something, but you have to love them. And they know if you love them or not.”

Even now, Gruber still feels a strong bond to two of his former soldiers now serving prison terms (for crimes unrelated to the army). Gruber sends them 200 shekels (about $57.00) every month to buy food in the prison cafeteria, and he visits them a few times a year.  

A Tough Decision 

Interestingly, that “glue” makes it more painful when dismissing a soldier for poor job performance. Gruber recalled a story that occurred when he was a commander of an intelligence brigade. He had known that group of soldiers for about fifteen years. After he dismissed them for not meeting expectations, they demonstrated in front of his house.

“It was like getting a divorce with a wife of that many years. I said to myself that my obligation was to have the best people, in the most important positions. If they’re not the best, I have to change them and bring new ones,” he said. 

“This was very tough. We fought together for many years. We knew each other many years. But on the other hand, I have an obligation to four thousand soldiers to do the best that I can. 

“The parents of the soldiers that I had fighting for me were relying on me to have the best people around to ensure their [sons’] safety. So, I had to perform a difficult ‘surgery’ to cut units.” 

Role Model to Many

Despite the difficult decisions Gruber has made, he remains a role model to many serving in the Israel Defense Forces. 

Gruber, who worked his way up from overseeing a three-tank squad at age 22, said that today he hears from a handful of people each week who are inspired by the words and deeds he stands for. He said, “They tell me, ‘You’ve changed the way I think about leadership and how to instruct people under my command.’”

He added that he can “see a change in the soldiers” he lectures to, and how they develop their leadership qualities. 

Israel is blessed to have a strong military presence to protect its citizenry, and we wish Brigadeer General Gruber only success as he continues his holy mission. 

Frieda Schweky 

Hi everyone! This month, let’s hear from community members about what they do to lose weight after Pesach. Health and wellness are something I value. I do not believe in fad diets or doing things for a quick weight loss fix. At least, not anymore. The results of these (sometimes extreme) diets are temporary. You can’t sustain the behaviors it takes to be on these fad diets, either. The moment you teeter off a dramatic diet you’ll gain it all back. Now, why is this bad? Well, when it comes to your overall health, losing and gaining weight rapidly is ultimately unhealthy. Also, many of these diets cost a lot of money. And, diet culture and the mental aspects, what drives us to do these things to ourselves, well, that’s a whole other topic that we’ll dive into soon. But I digress. Let’s see what fellow community members have to say on the topic! 

Please note this article does not contain medical advice from professionals. Always consult with your doctor before starting your weight loss journey. 

Nancy P. Cohen 

Sleep is so important for weight loss. I’ve listened to many health and wellness podcasts and  I learned that getting sunlight in your eyes every morning (when there is sun) helps set your circadian rhythm and helps your body get tired at night when it’s supposed to. Getting sunlight in the morning is great for children, too. Heard this saying and loved it – basically tomorrow really starts the night before – so make sure you get a good night’s sleep!  

Some other things I would like to mention on this topic:  

1. Eat organic as much as you can.  
2. Exercise – I’m a big fan of walking outside. There is nothing better than fresh air, even when it’s cold outside. Just bundle up and walk.
3. Probiotics are major!  An easy way to get these is by eating yogurt. 

Yogurt pouches for kids – try Once Upon a Farm. When you see in  labels for yogurt (and processed food in general) the claim they have “natural ingredients” or “natural flavors,” beware! You’ll want to avoid products with these meaningless claims. 

4. Prebiotics are important as well. Oatmeal is a good example of how to get in your prebiotics.  Just make sure to go for Organic Bob’s Red Mill oatmeal that has the least amount of contaminants. Quakers had the most amount of contaminants in a study I saw and Bob’s had the least! Oatmeal is fantastic because it doesn’t spike your blood sugar and keeps you full for a while. 

Terry Nigri  

When it comes to Pesach I don’t buy products that I don’t normally buy just because they are kosher for Passover. This includes such things as junk food, chocolate spread, marshmallows, and things we usually used to snack on during Passover. I try to buy like I normally would, focusing on fruits, veggies, and protein at the supermarket. As far as large holiday meals go, I try to make one plate of food, enjoy it, and then put my plate in the sink as soon as I’m done with that first plate. I also don’t linger on the table at dessert for too long. For each meal I allow myself one dessert and some fruit! Moderation is the best way to go!  

Margo Shammah 

I’ve had the most success in weight loss when I track my Macros. (Macro tracking or “tracking your macros” refers to the habit of counting and recording how many grams of carbohydrates, protein, and fat you have per meal or per day.) The beauty of tracking macros is that you can technically eat anything. The goal is to hit your protein, fat, and carb goals for the day, which is based on your current weight and what you’re trying to achieve. So as long as you make good choices you can make it work to fit snacks in or whatever foods you really like!  

Another thing I like about it: You don’t have to cut carbs or fat like with most diets. It’s not exactly a diet, it just teaches you how to portion. The most proven way to lose weight is to eat in a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume). This method of tracking what you eat assures that you can do this without having to guess.  

Another significant thing I do to lose weight is to work out five days a week. I do CrossFit and I love it! It’s silly to me for many reasons when other women ask if I’m afraid to “get bulky” from lifting weights. First off, women and men who look very strong have a dedication like no other. It doesn’t happen by mistake. Also, the more weight you have in muscle, the more fat your body burns on its own. So as far as weight loss is concerned, you only have to gain from strength training (pun not intended). CrossFit, just like any sport, shouldn’t be intimidating because you’re not expected to walk on day one and also lift heavy weights. You build up slowly. It’s incredibly fun and satisfying to do an Olympic sport every day and get good at it. I highly recommend it to anyone, male, female, young, and old. 

Ronnie Ribnick, Nutrition Consultant and Health Coach  

The focus of my work as a nutrition consultant has shifted dramatically in the last few years, as I have realized how often people, despite their best intentions, struggle creating lasting change with their diets. In the typical scenario, I provide them with counsel regarding how to incorporate lifestyle changes – what foods they should be choosing, and what foods they should be avoiding. They will start off very motivated and disciplined and, to their delight, do lose quite a bit weight.  

Over time, though, the success tends to erode as they face the everyday stressors of life, the temptation of holiday treats, or pressure from family and friends. They lose sight of their former motivation, fall back into old habits, and end up gaining back the weight once lost. They end up feeling frustrated, hopeless, and like complete failures.  

My biggest realization, and the cornerstone of my current approach, is that our relationship with food is one of the biggest determinants of success or failure. If you think about it, food is often quite emotionally charged for us. If you were constantly berated about your weight as a child, you likely have some deep feelings of guilt and shame associated with eating. These sentiments will carry through into your adult years and affect the way you relate to food and manage the challenge of losing weight. Often, these early patterns have developed into invisible scripts that we might not be aware of, and part of my role is to help illuminate them so that the person has a better chance of success.   

As an example, I recall working with a young woman who had struggled losing weight since her teenage years. In our work together we were able to uncover the real reason for her inability to stick to her diet. As it turned out, she was self-sabotaging since she was uncomfortable with the attention she got from men when she was thinner. Being overweight had become a safety blanket for her, protecting her from the insecurities she faced as a person. Once we had surfaced this, she was able to challenge the foundational assumption of herself as unworthy of love and attention, and successfully changed her lifestyle to lose the weight and feel better about herself.  

Ironically, we all get into these strange battles with ourselves – on one hand, there is the overt and conscious motivation to change. On the other, there is the subconscious striving to retain the status quo, to stay within the boundaries of our invisible scripts and enjoy the “protection” they provide. Surfacing these scripts works to disarm them and create an opportunity for the person to identify new ways to act and behave.  

Suddenly, there is no need to “rebel” against the diet and eat a whole bag of cookies. We can start making conscious and positive choices rather than feeling deprived. As a nutritional consultant and health coach, my biggest joy is to help people living healthier lives, whether they are battling weight issues, metabolic disorders, (e.g. diabetes), or digestive disorders.  With this approach, and the success it brings my clients, I have more impact through my work than ever and have never enjoyed it as much. 

Camille Dweck 

I joined a 16-week challenge at my kickboxing gym. They provided us with an app where you log in your meals and you get an unlimited membership to kickboxing for the 16 weeks. I have been going consistently three  times a week. I have more energy now, my mood has changed drastically, and I’m noticing I’m not bloating as much from food. 

The gym recorded our body measurements and weight the first week and we’re going to take those measurements again the last week. To assure success, I make sure I go to the gym even if I’m too tired. I also try not to eat too much junk food. The workout incorporates both cardio and strength training, and is really enjoyable. 

In conclusion, there is no magic pill. You cannot fast track long-term success. It takes hard work, both mentally and physically, if you want to lose weight in a healthy and lasting manner. Your inner voice is driving your behavior, so listen to what it’s saying. Is it helping or hurting you?  

Consistently implementing small changes can result in progress over time, and I think that’s also something to keep in mind. Like Rabbi Shlomo Diamond says about growth in religion, “You can’t jump up the rungs of a ladder or you’ll likely fall down.” You have to go slow, take baby steps, and that’s how you will ultimately reach your goals.  

I  sincerely hope this was an enjoyable and helpful read.  Until next time, be well! Frieda Schweky 

Follow Frieda on Instagram! @friedaschwekyphoto

ELLEN GELLER KAMARAS  

“The operator of the casino will become very, very, rich and successful. Everybody else will suffer. Especially the area around the casino. Drugs, prostitution, crime, mental health issues, suicides, depression, family breakups, all kinds of robberies. It’s the last thing that Coney Island needs.” – City Council Member Ari Kagan 

Coney Island is the site for the third public proposal for a gambling casino in New York City, as developers and gaming partners bid for licenses. The possibility of a casino complex is raising concerns among community residents.  Is it too close for comfort? 

Thor Equities, a real estate development, leasing, and management firm, is hoping to be awarded one of three downstate casino licenses.  Thor has put together a consortium 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.  Their 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 will include a casino, a roller coaster, an indoor water park, hotels, and museums.   

Approval Process for New Casino Licenses 

New York State officials released the criteria they will use to determine how up to three new casino licenses will be awarded. The operators awarded licenses to run any of the NYC-area properties will be required to pay the state at least $500 million in fees for the permits, according to the rules of the New York Gaming Facility Board.  

The request for applications document was approved by the board, and rules indicate applicants will be scored based on their potential economic activity, impact on the surrounding communities, workforce and responsible gaming plans, and their commitment to diversity. To see updates on what is happening with the Coney Island casino project’s request for application please see https://nycasinos.ny.gov/2023-request-applications.   

The approval process for these proposals opened in January, and is expected to be lengthy.  Real estate developers and casino operators are preparing their official proposals. 

When Will the Casino Locations Be Announced? 

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

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 NY City area for licensure. 

The Board’s powers consist of issuing a Request for Approval, 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. 

New York’s newly formed Gaming Facility Location Board will start reviewing applications this year.  After reviewing the applications, 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 a problem with the fitness and character of the applicant. 

The conditions required for the Gaming Commission to approve a casino application (as of an April 2022 version of a 2013 law) include gaining public support from community advisory committees as well as compliance with state and local zoning laws.  

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

Does Local Support Matter? 

YES!   

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

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

For New York City sites, the local committees would have six members: the governor, the mayor, the local state senator, the local state assembly member, the borough president, and the local city council member, each choosing one member. 

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

Please contact Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, NY State Senator, Assemblyman Michael Novakhov (District 45), and Ari Kagan, the local city council member (District 47), to voice your feedback, questions, and concerns regarding the Coney Island Casino project. 

Community Reactions to the Coney Island Casino Project 

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce stands in favor of the Coney Island casino.  Its president, Randy Peers, believes that the project will stimulate the economy by turning Coney Island into a year-round destination and will create all-year full-time employment for local residents.  

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso also voiced his early support for the Coney Island resort in November 2022.  He believes the project would “revitalize the seaside town.”  He wants to remain open-minded, see what the proposals look like, putting the Coney Island residents first, given that Coney Island has one of the highest unemployment rates in Brooklyn.   

While real estate developers and some government officials tout the financial benefits casinos can bring (area revitalization, significant revenue, well-paying union jobs), there are major negative factors to consider.  Take the Atlantic City referendum in 1976.  The casinos did breathe life into Atlantic City’s tourism industry and created 43,000 jobs at its peak in 2006, but jobs have since decreased to 33,000.  Atlantic City grapples with competition from nearby states, and casinos did not repair the long-rooted social problems of the city, such as poverty, unemployment, and crime. 

Ida Sanoff, an environmental activist and longtime Coney Island resident, along with a number of Coney Islanders, is against a casino in their already crowded backyard.  They refer to a lack of transportation services to support the new attraction (most seniors cannot take a subway and climb the stairs) and minimal benefits to the local community.  A casino will further drain resources, such as police manpower, maintenance, and program funding, from the rest of Coney Island.  

Opening a gaming house will also aggravate traffic in the neighborhood, as most people will drive their cars to the casino, increasing congestion to the amusement park district in the summer. 

Although New York law states that one must be at least 21 to gamble at tribal/commercial casinos or online sportsbooks, citizens are concerned that even youngsters will be negatively affected by the casino scene. 

Area City Council Member Ari Kagan (D), a vocal critic of the Coney Island project, reiterated his past critiques.  He points to the failure of Atlantic City developers and the negative effect of casinos on heavily residential areas. 

“The operator of the casino will become very, very, rich and successful. Everybody else will suffer. Especially the area around the casino. Drugs, prostitution, crime, mental health issues, suicides, depression, family breakups, all kinds of robberies. It’s the last thing that Coney Island needs.” 

Instead, Kagan declared that Coney Island needs a new ferry, another supermarket and bank, and better public transit.  

He also believes that a casino will not hire locally, despite the developers’ assertions, and that it will not assist local businesses. 

“Everything will be inside the casino. The whole point of the casino is nobody leaving the casino, everybody’s in, nobody’s out,” Kagan stated.  

Outgoing State Senator Diane Savino (D Brooklyn, Staten Island) said that she is agnostic on the prospect of a Coney Island casino and expects a lot of community pushback. 

Ellen Geller Kamaras 

Since a casino may be built close to our own backyard, now is the time to become educated and to raise awareness about compulsive gambling.   

Compulsive gambling is defined as “the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life.  Gambling means that you’re willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value.” 

Compulsive gambling may result from a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.  And one can become a compulsive gambler regardless of the form of gambling. Individuals playing in casinos, lotteries, and sports betting can all fall into gambling compulsively.  The gambling industry is invested in  enabling, and even encouraging, these behaviors.  

Studies have shown that children who are introduced to, and begin gambling by age 12 are four times more likely to become problem gamblers.

Exposing kids to gambling at a young age can be the critical factor in the development of a gambling addiction.  More about gaming to gambling below. 

Prevention 

Ike Dweck, the founder and CEO of The Safe Foundation, a New York State licensed OASAS (Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services) outpatient treatment program located in Brooklyn, is a compulsive gambler, in recovery for over 35 years. 

Ike advocates for parents to partner with school administrators to educate kids about the potential dangers of gambling.  Compulsive gambling is an addiction just like alcoholism or other substance abuse.  We must know who our children’s friends are, the type of activities they engage in, and methods we can employ to manage their screen time.  Let’s also be mindful about giving money to our children too easily. 

Technology and the Internet have dramatically altered how we go about our daily lives.  They certainly have made life easier.  However, new technology and the Internet have also been connected to increased gambling due to the ease, convenience, and accessibility of “gambling from anywhere.” 

The key to success is having effective collaboration between schools and families.  Coordination and collaboration can lead to success in many areas of a child’s life.  

Project Safe  

That’s where Safe steps in. Safe’s programs have been developed to help individuals fight compulsive gambling and other addictions.  Established in 2003, Safe serves as a haven for those experiencing difficulties with cigarettes, vaping, prescription drug addiction, alcoholism, and compulsive gambling. 

Safe’s mission is to combat the chronic disease of substance use and gambling addictions with holistic, person-centered treatment options for struggling individuals and their families.  Safe also strives to be the leader in community-based prevention education and awareness initiatives.  

Project Safe is a curriculum-based program taught in our community schools to students between fifth and twelfth grades.  Teachers through Project Safe work to educate students on healthy behaviors and life skills.  

Project Safe teachers offer a safe space for students to talk and address issues that otherwise might be difficult to address.  One question always seems to come up: “How can we prevent addiction?”  Project Safe works tirelessly to help students develop tools and skills that encourage healthy behaviors.  Some of these tools include decision-making techniques and strategies to overcome the inevitable challenges of adolescence and adulthood.  

The Project Safe curriculum consists of topics under the umbrella of “risk education,” including gambling, drug and alcohol awareness, and vaping.  The curriculum also consists of topics under the umbrella of “life skills,” including emotional recognition, resilience, the value of respect, communication in relationships, decision making, peer pressure, Internet safety, and bullying.    

Ike Dweck’s Story. 

Ike grew up with his three sisters in a loving and stable home. No one in the family ever struggled with gambling addictions. 

But at the young age of 11, Ike’s gambling troubles started. Between the ages of 11 and 23, Ike’s gambling habits included sports betting and casino games.  He did not reach out for help until he felt “tired of being in pain.”  That is when he found a supportive community in Gamblers Anonymous.  When Ike was 14, he went to his first GA meeting with a fellow community member, Joe S. (A”H).  Joe was instrumental in Ike’s recovery, and ultimately Joe became Ike’s mentor.  Although Ike began attending GA at such a young age, he only received the proper support and guidance after about 10 years. “I did not let go of gambling until I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.” 

In 1987, various community members became aware of Ike’s compulsive gambling problem and how he turned his life around to embrace a healthier lifestyle.  Ike inspired others in the community who had been struggling with similar issues to seek help and guidance.  Ike decided that it was time to give back to others after years of selfish and dishonest behavior. Ike has dedicated his life to helping others to relieve their suffering, as he knows just what they are going through.

“When I began volunteering, my mind started to work.  I realized there was more to life than taking – it was more important to give. Fortunately, today there are additional zoned-in therapeutic practices, not just GA – rehabilitation centers, clinical work, and therapy.”  

Ike’s Pivot to Full-Time Involvement 

In 2001, 13 years into Ike’s recovery, he received a call from his good friends Carey Sutton and Sam Sutton.  They knew about his extensive volunteer work, and even more, they were aware of the increasing substance, alcohol, and gambling issues within the community.  Carey and Sam strongly encouraged Ike to sell his sneaker business, go to school for his addiction counseling credentials, and open and addiction-focused program at Sephardic Bikur Holim. 

“I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Carey and Sam.  I found out that there was more to life than selling sneakers.  At 37, I closed my business and went back to school to study addiction.  I was busy 24/7, handling cases during the day, and in school at night.” 

After a year at SBH, Ike recognized that he could not do his job alone.  He needed an army of people solely devoted to combatting the addiction issues in the community.  He left SBH and opened The Safe Foundation.  After establishing a board, fundraising to open an office space, applying for licensure through OASAS, and hiring trained therapists, Safe is approaching its 20th anniversary.  Safe is the only gambling treatment program in Brooklyn that is licensed. 

In 2009, Ike joined the board of NYS Council on Problem Gambling to work on prevention and to help educate the governor’s office about gambling addiction. Ike retired as the vice president in 2021.  For years Ike has been involved in interventions with community members in need of treatment.  Very rarely do people seek guidance and help on their own.  Most of the time, family members and friends are instrumental in beginning the process to get treatment for the person struggling.   

When a potential client calls Safe for help, the first step is to assess their needs, and determine the appropriate type of treatment.  Sometimes, clients are encouraged to complete an inpatient treatment (at a proper facility) prior to participating in treatment at Safe.  When a client is ready for treatment at Safe, he or she enrolls in individual therapy combined with group therapy for about seven to 12 months.  Safe also has a psychiatrist trained in addiction treatment for individuals who require additional support.  Clients at Safe are guided through the early stages of recovery, including orienting them to outside supportive networks such as GA.   

“We see people getting healthy, repairing their lives, marriages, families, and more,” Ike reports.  

From Gaming to Gambling  

How do gambling behaviors begin?  Gambling behaviors tend to arise unexpectedly, as they usually involve video gaming.  Therefore, children tend to exhibit behaviors that, only later in their lives, are connected to gambling concerns.   

Gambling can trigger our brain’s reward system by releasing the “feel-good” hormone, dopamine. If children are exposed to a lot of this, their brains get used to this “high,” and it takes more to trigger their reward system.  In the long term, they may lose interest in other simple activities that don’t have the adrenaline rush of gambling. 

Playing video games, like other forms of addictive behaviors, leads to double the amount of dopamine released in the brain.  Creators of video games have successfully designed games to trigger the release of dopamine, leading to an increased likelihood of addictive game play.  Parents might want to identify ways to limit screen time, in an effort to decrease the potential for addictive game play.   

Seemingly Harmless Exposures 

Children tend to innocently get introduced to gambling.  They may be around family members playing poker with friends, betting on professional sports, and buying lottery tickets or scratch-offs.  The children notice the excitement and frustration as bets are won and lost, chips exchanged, and new hands dealt.  

Children are like sponges. They often behave similarly to their parents, as parents serve as the models for appropriate behaviors.  A child will watch the Super Bowl with his or her father and will be privy to the ins-and-outs of placing bets.  Another child will accompany his or her mother to the convenience store and will be given the opportunity to scratch the ticket in the hopes of winning a dollar.  In each example, the child is being shown the normalization of these gambling behaviors, as they are exposed to them with their parents.   

Children may also be introduced to gambling by their peers in schools.  It is clear that children are most influenced by peer pressure and the desire to fit in with others.  One is more likely to engage in these behaviors if they see their friends playing online games, even if it is not with real money.  Online gaming has become a social activity that encourages continued engagement.  

The Antidote 

Although there is no confirmed method to cure or fully prevent compulsive gambling, educational programs, especially those that target individuals with predispositions for addiction, can be extremely effective in minimizing the likelihood for addiction.  

If you or a family member has concerns about compulsive gambling behaviors, help is available.  Reach out! 

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE NEEDS HELP  

CALL 718-GET-SAFE

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).

Mozelle Forman 

When thinking of Florida, we usually imagine sunny skies, azure seas, intersession vacation, and Passover family reunions.  We think of Miami, Sunny Isles, Turnberry, and the Fort Lauderdale airport.  We practically never think of Cooper City. We probably don’t even know where it is on the map.  Well, most of us have been missing the latest and greatest innovation in the Sephardic world, because Cooper City, which borders Hollywood, rated one of the safest and best places to raise a family in the United States, is the home of Yeshivat Torat Yosef, the first Sephardic yeshiva in the state of Florida.  Let’s get acquainted. 

With the apt motto of “Someplace Special,” Cooper City is one of the finest suburbs of Fort Lauderdale, with a population of 35,715 distributed over eight miles. Cooper City has the reputation of being one of the best places to live in Florida.  The city is bordered by Davie to the north, Pembroke Pines to the south, and Hollywood to the east.   Compared to much of Florida, Cooper City is a very recent development. The community was founded in 1959 by Morris Cooper, for whom the city is named. The community has steadily grown, annexing areas and continuing to build new housing developments. 

History Repeats for Syrian Emigrees 

The “emigration” and community growth in Cooper City almost identically mirrors the Syrian community’s initial migration to New York in 1892. The first Syrian Jews to arrive on the shores of the Lower East Side of Manhattan found there a Jewish infrastructure designed by the Ashkenazi Jews who had preceded them.  The Syrian emigrees were unaccustomed to the food, liturgy, and halachic differences of their fellow Jews, and with a strong desire to preserve their Syrian heritage and traditions through religious practices and customs, the Syrian emigrees united to form a synagogue, a burial society, and a Talmud Torah.  As the community prospered, they moved to the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn and began summering in Bradley Beach, where they once again convened a Sephardic minyan and summer day camp.  

Realizing that a Talmud Torah, with three hours of daily studies, was not sufficient to impart the heritage and customs of the community, Mr. Isaac Shalom, with the blessing of Chief Rabbi Jacob S. Kassin, zt’l, spearheaded the movement that led to the formation of Magen David Yeshiva, the first of many illustrious institutions serving our community. From Brooklyn, the community expanded to the Jersey Shore, where, once again, the community created a Sephardic enclave with numerous synagogues, mikvaot, community centers, and most importantly, yeshivot.   

The incentive of preserving the cultural and halachic heritage of the Sephardic community has driven every relocation and expansion of our community.  The creation of Yeshivat Torat Yosef in Cooper City is the most recent endeavor in this movement.  Simply put, we do not change who we are because we have changed our zip code. 

Currently there are over 1,000 Sephardic families living in the Hollywood-Cooper City area and roughly 40 percent of all children attending the exemplary Ashkenazi yeshivot in the area are of Sephardic descent.  Mr. Shlomo Yashar, who moved to the area in 2017, has seen the Sephardic Jewish community grow exponentially, but he felt the void in his children’s education.  “While our children were receiving an excellent education at the local yeshivot, we recognized that an integral part of their heritage was not being addressed. There were attempts in the past to start a Sephardic yeshiva but they were not successful.  And while my older children did not have the opportunity to attend a Yeshiva steeped in Sephardic tradition, I am excited that, with the leadership of Rabbi Elbaz, our youngest daughter will be benefitting from attending the school.”   

Enter Rabbi David Elbaz 

In 2017 Rabbi David Elbaz was invited to join a Kollel in Florida. He made the move to Florida with his wife Jill and their four children (they have since been blessed with another child), with the blessings of their rabbinic advisors.  The Sephardic community infrastructure included three minyanim, a Sephardic sofer, a Sephardic branch of the chevra kadisha, and shatnez checking with Sephardic halachot. As there was no Sephardic yeshiva yet, Sephardic children, including the children of Rabbi and Mrs. Elbaz, attended Ashkenaz yeshivot.  These yeshivot welcomed the Sephardic students, provided them with an excellent education, and attempted to accommodate the student’s traditions, but they were able to do so only in a limited way.  

While attending their daughter’s kindergarten graduation, Rabbi and Mrs. Elbaz made a startling discovery.  The rabbi was looking at the roster of children in our daughter’s class.  As he read the names of the students to himself, he kept repeating ‘this name is Sephardic, this name is Sephardic’ over and over. When he was done reading, he realized that almost 60 percent of the class was Sephardic.   Rabbi Elbaz, no stranger to community dedication and leadership (his paternal grandfather Hacham Avraham Masoud learned with Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l,  in Egypt and his maternal grandfather, Hacham Sion Maslaton, zt”l, was the spiritual leader of Ahi Ezer)  looked at his wife and said, “We have to do something for the community.”  And the seeds of Yeshivat Torat Yosef were sown. 

A Beautiful Campus  

With the vision and vigor of this generation’s pioneers and the financial support of donors, Rabbi Elbaz set out, with the help of Shlomo Yashar, to find a home for the yeshiva that would serve the fast-growing Sephardic community in Hollywood, Florida.  “We had many disappointments, deals that fell apart at the last minute,” relates Mr. Yashar.  But after three years of intensive searching, with siyata dishmaya, Yeshivat Torat Yosef finally found its home on a ten-acre campus with a building that was already being used as a school, a soccer field, a football field, basketball and volleyball courts, and its very own lake.  Rabbi Elbaz says, “The property will allow us to grow with the community, offering summer day camp, recreation programs, a simcha hall, and perhaps in the future a synagogue as well.  We hope to make our campus the centerpiece of the community, providing recreation, education, and communal unity.” 

When entering the campus of Yeshivat Torat Yosef one is greeted by a sign that signifies the philosophy and defining principles of the school.  In bold letters the sign proclaims  

  להחזיר עטרה ליושנה “Restore the crown to its glory,” which was Hacham Ovadia Yosef’s  desire to save and preserve the Sephardic way of life.   In the oft quoted phrase and slogan, the crown in this metaphor refers to the communal pride Sephardic Jews should possess. Surrounding this refrain is the pasuk from Mishlei – “Chanoch lana’ar al pi darko” – train a child according to his ways, which is the educational principle on which the school is founded.  Rabbi Elbaz elaborates:  “We recognize that each child is unique and will learn in different ways and at different speeds.  We are not seeking out only A+ students.  We want to develop A+ human beings, with the academic skills and middot that will enable them to be successful in whatever path they choose in life.” 

Limudai Kodesh  and Secular Studies 

The school is governed by the regulations of the Florida Department of Education, with the school term beginning in late August and ending in early June.  The state emphasizes literacy, and developed guidelines in their “Just Read, Florida!” program based on the latest reading research that includes emphasis on oral language development, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.  “We, therefore, have on our staff ‘fluency’ teachers for both the English and limudai kodesh departments that will work with students individually as they move up in grades to ensure that every child is mastering reading in both areas.”  The curriculum was designed after careful research of the curricula of other community schools in Brooklyn and with input from both rabbis and secular teachers.   Recognizing that there are older students who have not had the benefit of attending a yeshiva steeped in Sephardic heritage – especially the boys who do not have a foundation in keriah – an adjunct keriah program was created with a ta’amim teacher to instruct the boys on the proper way to read the Torah and haftara and sing pizmonim. 

Tuition at Yeshivat Torat Yosef, $14,500 for elementary school, is less costly than other yeshivot in the area.  There are numerous government grants and government programs for tuition assistance including The State of Florida’s Step Up program, which offers K-12 students who meet the income or other eligibility requirements scholarships worth an average of $7,700 to attend a private school that best meets their academic needs.  The yeshiva is committed to helping parents afford the tuition and will offer scholarships for families who may not be eligible for government grants.   

In late August of last year, the school opened its doors with 35 preschool students.  To date, there are 110 students registered for the Fall of 2023, which will comprise a pre-1a class and two first grade classes – one for boys and one for girls.  The plan is to grow the school as students grow – to add grades as the students advance and to hire teachers as needed.  The yeshiva has received numerous resumes of teachers planning to move to South Florida, and will only hire licensed teachers with advanced degrees.   

With their state-of-the-art campus, licensed teachers, and the strong curriculum, Yeshivat Torat Yosef has been recognized with accreditation by the State of Florida, the only yeshiva in South Florida able to make that claim. 

Hakarat HaTov for Outstanding Support   

“This is not an endeavor that I could have tackled alone,” concludes Rabbi Elbaz.  “As it was for our community in the past, it took vision, financial support, and the passion of those who believed in the project to make it happen.  I have been deeply touched by all those who have offered advice and encouragement and I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Mr. Steven Safdieh who has been an invaluable support to our yeshiva and to me personally.”    

Yeshivat Torat Yosef has received wide-range support from community rabbis and lay leaders alike.  In a promotional video on behalf of the school Rabbi Eli Mansour said, “Sepharadim need to have their own yeshivot.  We have different halachot, different ta’amim, we read differently. We deprive our children of a very rich heritage if we don’t provide them with a tailor-made Sephardic oriented education.”  

In an interview with Rabbi Galimidi of the Safra Synagogue in Aventura, he emphasized that this project is a tremendous milestone for the Sephardic community of South Florida.  “Our minhagim are part of our common identity.  To educate a boy to step up to the teva to read from the Torah, say Shema, or recite the haftarah, guarantees the continuity of our traditions.  We are privileged and blessed to see this dream become a reality with the opening of Yeshivat Torat Yosef.”   

Mr. Irwin Mizrahi. an ardent supporter, believes that “the numerous Sephardic families who have moved to the Hollywood area must have a school that teaches our minhagim, our pizmonim, the te’amim, and history of our glorious heritage.  Our minhagim are the glue that keeps our community together and is the link to our grandparents.”  He generously dedicated the name of the school in memory of his father Joseph Mizrahi, a”h.  Mr. Joe Cayre, Mr. Harry Adjmi, and Mr. Jimmy Khezrie are also generous benefactors of the yeshiva, giving not only their financial help but sharing their wisdom and experience in building community institutions.  Mr. Saul Tawil, Mr. Ray Haber, and Mr. Ezra Erani, themselves founders and patrons of outstanding educational institutions in our community, have lent advice and financial support to the yeshiva as well.   

Open Invitation to Come See for Yourselves! 

Rabbi Elbaz invites those vacationing in South Florida to visit the campus of Yeshivat Torat Yosef, to witness for themselves the realization of a dream for the entire Sephardic community.  

For more information about Yeshivat Torat Yosef, please contact the yeshiva at toratyosefeducation@gmail.com or call Rabbi David Elbaz at 732- 856-3989.