VISIT US ON THE WEB! WWW.THEBJH.COM Vol. 12 Issue #23 | July 2 - 15, 2026 | א׳ אב תשפ״ו- י״ז תמוז
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Menucha Announces New Executive Director
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America at 250: Jewish Military Contributions in the 20th and 21st Centuries
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THIS WEEK ! OF AVO
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AR YE
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A Lifetime Of Emunah And Bitachon: A Shloshim Tribute To Karen Cohn, a"h
EV
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Y HOUR OF LI
For 24 years, Kol Torah has stood as more than a shul.
Twenty four hours. Twenty four years. What defines a day defines a life. A N N UA L CA M PA I G N
KT26.ORG
JULY 6-8, 2026
FE
HONORING MR. AND MRS.
YITZCHOK KATZ
AMUD HA’AVODAH AWARD
MR. AND MRS.
ELIMELECH GANZ KESSER SHEM TOV AWARD
RABBI AND MRS.
YITZCHAK ISAAC TENDLER AVODAS HAKODESH AWARD Under the leadership of
HaRav Yosef Berger Shlit"a,
Kol Torah stands as a constant presence, guiding individuals and families through every hour of the day and every stage of life, shaping lives far beyond its walls.
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YAKIRA BELLA Playfully Sophisticated, Tastefully Bold
םירמ ימ The Chesed Fund Limited & Project Ezra of Greater Baltimore, Inc. Present
Miriam
In memory of Rabbi Yitzchok (“Itchie”) and Rebbitzen Miriam Lowenbraun, ע''ה TH 4 0
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Give the Gift Everyone Needs on a Hot Shabbos. Fresh water. Cool relief. Lasting merit.
Sponsorships are now available in honor, memory or for a refuah shleimah of loved ones! It’s a meaningful zechus that benefits the entire community!
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Cold Water on a Hot Shabbos!
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מי מרים
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Help keep our community safe & hydrated during the hottest weeks of the year. Throughout the summer Shabbosim, beginning with Parashas Behaalosecha on June 6th, forty hosts are providing water stations across the eruv whenever temperatures reach 85°F or above, providing cold water bottles to pedestrians.
Looking for additional hosts On Fallstaff Rd. or Labyrinth Rd., between Park Heights Ave. & Reisterstown Rd. (all supplies are provided). Contact info@chesedfund.com or Frank Storch at 410-340-1000 to become a sponsor or host. The Chesed Fund Limited is dedicated in memory of Mordechai & Rebecca Kapiloff, ע״ה, Dr. Bernard Kapiloff, ע״ה, and Rabbi Norman & Louise Gerstenfeld, ע״ה. Project Ezra of Greater Baltimore, Inc. is dedicated in memory of M. Leo and Hannah Storch, ע״ה.
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While this program was initially developed in memory of Rebbetzin Miriam Lowenbraun, , we have rededicated it to include Rabbi Yitzchok Lowenbraun, , as well. The Mei Miriam program is our way of honoring the memory of this special couple. Amongst the many important roles they played, they were kiruv pioneers and served as NCSY Regional Directors for 18 years, dedicating themselves to the needs of thousands. This dynamic duo are inspirational role models whose exceptional hachnosas orchim and Torah lessons still reverberate worldwide.
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A New Torah School for Baltimore Families: Welcome to Lev HaTorah Academy This fall, Lev HaTorah Academy will open its doors for the 2026–2027 school year, serving children from preschool through middle school with a clear mission: helping every child grow academically, spiritually, and personally. At Lev HaTorah Academy, every child is known, valued, and supported as an individual. Through research-based instruction, ongoing progress monitoring, and personalized learning strategies, students receive the right balance of challenge and support to help them succeed. Small class sizes and meaningful teacher-student relationships enable educators to recognize each child's unique strengths, identify opportunities for growth, and foster confidence and achievement. Our academic program is built on proven, evidence-based methods in literacy and mathematics while maintaining high expectations for every learner. Our Judaic studies curriculum emphasizes authentic Torah skills and nurtures a deep love for Torah, Am Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael. Students engage in hands-on projects, experiential learning, real-world applications, and multi-sensory activities that make learning meaningful and lasting. Lev HaTorah Academy believes that academic excellence, strong character, and individualized attention go hand in hand. Children thrive when they feel understood, encouraged, and inspired. Our responsive teaching approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
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We are proud to be led by veteran educator Mrs. Serena Stern, M.Ed., whose more than twenty years of experience in both Jewish and general education have shaped her vision for a school where every child can flourish. Mrs. Stern's commitment to personalized instruction, strong school-family partnerships, and Torahcentered education creates an environment where students develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. For families seeking a school that combines rigorous academics, authentic Torah values, and individualized attention, Lev HaTorah Academy offers an exciting new option for Baltimore. Enrollment is now open for the 2026–2027 school year, including expanded preschool programming. We warmly invite you to meet Mrs. Stern, tour our school, and discover what makes Lev HaTorah Academy unique. To schedule a tour or learn more, email info@levbaltimore.com or visit levbaltimore.com. We are also seeking passionate and talented educators to join our founding team. If you or someone you know is interested, please email careers@levbaltimore.com or call 443-450-6782. We look forward to building a vibrant Torah community together and welcoming your family to Lev HaTorah Academy.
443.450.6782
4800 Mt Hope Dr Baltimore MD 21215
levbaltimore.com
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Dear Readers,
Contents COMMUNITY Around the Community
8
Greater Washington Community News
20
Greater Washington Minyanim
18
Community Calendar
36
Baltimore Minyanim Guide
37
Voices Of Greater Washington
64
JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Zvi Teichman
40
Torah Sparks
41
Living Kiddush Hashem
50
HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT To Raise A Laugh
46
Centerfold
52
Notable Quotes
54
Kids Coloring Contest
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The Three Weeks are upon us, a time when we pause to reflect not only on the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash, but also on its cause. Chazal tell us it was destroyed because of sinas chinam. This week, I came across a story from Torah Academy for Girls in Far Rockaway that could not have come at a more appropriate time.
unexpected sight instantly became the talk of the Yeshiva. By the time breakfast arrived, no one was discussing the embarrassed new student. Instead, everyone was talking about the unusual hagbah. Through one selfless act, the older bochur willingly drew attention to himself in order to protect someone else’s dignity.
One of the graduates had recently been diagnosed with a serious illness. Her doctors told her she could attend graduation only if she wore a mask. Imagine being a teenager at one of the most meaningful milestones of your life, knowing you would be the only one standing out in every photograph and every memory. Without any prompting from the administration, without seeking recognition, and without making a public display of their decision, every one of her classmates arrived wearing a mask. They quietly accepted a small inconvenience so their friend would not experience even a moment of discomfort or embarrassment. She wasn’t the girl in the mask. She was simply one of the class.
What struck me most is how similar these two stories are. In both cases, someone noticed another person’s pain before anyone else did and quietly did something about it. Neither involved a grand gesture. No speeches. No campaigns. No accolades. Just extraordinary sensitivity. A group of girls made sure their friend would never feel different on graduation day. One bochur made sure a fellow student would never become the subject of conversation after davening. Both understood that preserving another person’s dignity was worth a personal sacrifice. That is bein adam l’chaveiro at its finest. Not simply responding to hurt, but anticipating it and preventing it before it ever has a chance to take root.
Reading that story immediately brought to mind one shared by the esteemed mashpia, Harav Elimelech Biderman. A newly admitted bochur to a Yeshiva was called up for an aliyah. Overcome with nervousness, he jumbled the brachos, leaving him utterly humiliated. An older bochur immediately realized that the unfortunate incident would undoubtedly become the topic of conversation at breakfast after davening. Determined to spare the young man’s dignity, he acted without hesitation. He approached the gabbai and asked if he could perform hagbah after Krias HaTorah. Although puzzled by the unusual request, the gabbai agreed. To everyone’s astonishment, the bochur lifted the Torah and turned it around so that the ksav faced the congregation, exactly as is done on Simchas Torah. The
During the Three Weeks, we mourn the loss of the Bais Hamikdash because of the way Jews treated one another. Yet stories like these remind us that we are also living through moments that point us toward its rebuilding. Every act of kindness, every effort to preserve another person’s dignity, every quiet decision to place someone else’s feelings before our own comfort adds another brick to the foundation of the Geulah. If these stories are any indication of who we are becoming, then perhaps we are closer than we think to the day when our mourning will once again be transformed into everlasting joy.
Wishing a everyone a peaceful Shabbos Aaron M. Friedman
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LIFESTYLES Tech Triumphs
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Mental Health Corner
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Forgotten Heroes
48
Dating
58
Common Cents
64
Parenting Pearls
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Israel News
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National News
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A Lifetime Of Emunah And Bitachon: A Shloshim Tribute To Karen Cohn,
יוכבד רבקה בת מאיר ע״ה
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Yet, the way Karen left this world was a reflection of the quiet righteousness and fierce conviction that defined her entire life. Surrounded by her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and closest friends who gathered to say goodbye, she used her very last bit of strength to mouth her final words of love to Jeff. Then, in an incredibly moving moment of profound emunah, she clearly recited every single word of Shema in unison with Rabbi Shmuel Silber during Vidui.
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T
he Baltimore community recently marked the shloshim of Karen Cohn, a”h - a milestone of grief and reflection for a woman whose impact radiated far beyond her immediate family. To the countless close friends who made up her massive, lifelong circle, she was a fiercely loyal confidante. To hundreds of young singles over the years, she became an “Aunt” - a surrogate mother, an advocate, and a living example of selfless devotion. Her passing on the 9th of Sivan has left an unimaginable void. For over 51 years, Karen and her husband, Jeff, built a beautiful, vibrant life together. Their home was a place of endless warmth, laughter, and a beautiful legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Watching that light go out feels like a collective Churban - the dismantling of a beautiful chuppah that stood as a sanctuary for so many.
Karen was a true rodefet shalom - someone who actively pursued peace, entirely devoid of ego, and driven by a deep sense of responsibility for other people. That instinct started early. Even as a young girl, she stepped up to take charge of her family’s home on Fridays while her parents worked. It wasn’t because she had to, but because her heart was simply too big to ignore a need. That same drive is what transformed her kitchen into a legendary, informal counseling center starting back in 2006. For nearly three years, a steady stream of young men from Ner Yisrael and young women from Maalot found their way to the Cohn home. They came for guidance, a safe space, or just a listening ear. Conversations regularly stretched late into the night, sometimes until the sun came up. Karen would go straight to work the next morning without
a complaint, routinely opening her doors to do it all over again multiple nights a week, sometimes back-to-back. Through that relentless devotion, she became a maternal lifeline for hundreds of young people who are now married and scattered across the Jewish world. Where others might see an inconvenience or an interruption to their night, Karen only saw a neshama. When people facing complex, difficult struggles would call the house, she refused to screen them. She would simply say, “Give me the phone.” She firmly believed that if Hashem put someone in her path, it was her job to care for them. She taught everyone around her what it actually means to love unconditionally, even when it isn’t easy. The depth of her connection to people became even more obvious after her passing. Sorting through decades of her belongings, her family found boxes packed tight with old letters, cards, and little mementos. Karen hadn’t kept them as mere clutter; she kept them because every single piece represented a real relationship that she valued and refused to let go of. Through it all, family was her ultimate anchor. Whether it was her own relatives or Jeff’s, Karen invested herself completely - never missing a milestone, keeping people connected, and holding the family together with a quiet, steady
strength. Her dedication to Jeff was remarkable, marked by a deep, consistent kavod that truly elevated their partnership. Even in her final chapter, while enduring immense physical hardships, her faith never flickered. “It’s Hashem’s plan,” she consistently proclaimed. She carried her pain with absolute grace, never questioning and never complaining, inspiring every single person who visited her. Our Sages teach that while the loss of a righteous woman impacts an entire community, the void is felt most deeply by her husband. For more than five decades, Karen didn’t just share a life with Jeff she was his life. She refined him, cheered him on, and believed in him without a shred of reservation. The physical presence of her chuppah is gone, but the incredible foundation she built remains unshakable. Her legacy is alive in the families she helped build, the people she pulled out of loneliness, and the values she lived by every single day. The greatest tribute we can give to Karen’s memory is to strive to live as she did: to care more deeply, to judge less, to listen longer, and to look out for one another with real, selfless concern. May her heilige neshama have a lichtige Gan Eden.
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Around the Community
Grandparent’s Day At YTS JULY 2-JULY 15, 2026 THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
M
ore than 150 grandparents enjoyed tremendous nachas from their grandchildren at the Toras Simcha Grandparents’ Day. The zaides and bubbies were treated to a delicious breakfast before visiting their grandchildren’s classrooms. There, they observed the rebbes teaching and, in some classes, had the special opportunity to learn together with their grandchildren.
YTS Eighth Grade Graduation
YTS Menahel Rabbi Hillel Shepard led the talmidim in spirited singing, and three rebbes shared in-
spiring and entertaining stories. The program concluded with the talmidim enjoying hot potato kugel and
Y
eshivas Toras Simcha proudly celebrated the graduation of its third graduating class. Together with their rebbe, Rabbi Yitzy Shulman, the graduates completed a siyum on Maseches Tamid, which they had reviewed multiple times throughout the year. Special divrei bracha were delivered by YTS Menahel Rabbi Hillel Shepard, YTS General Studies Principal Rabbi Aharon Levy, and Rabbi Tzvi Teichman, Rav of Congregation Ohel Moshe. The joyous occasion was attended by a capacity crowd of parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends, who gathered to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments. The program concluded with festive dancing and refreshments, creating a memorable and uplifting celebration for all.
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Mazel Tov To The High School Graduates of TA!
Mazel Tov To The Kindergarten Graduates of TA!
cookies, making for a memorable and meaningful day for all.
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Jerusalem is alive. The Beis HaMikdash stands in all its glory. The korbanos are offered. The Levi'im sing. And no one realizes that everything is soon to be lost.
Through the eyes of Bruriah, a young mother in turmoil, Storm Tossed takes you into the final years before the Churban — into the debates, the struggles, the heroism, the confusion, and the fateful decisions that changed Jewish history forever.
THE DA RKNESS A N D T H E D AW N
TISHAH B’AV AND OTHER FASTS BY RABBI SIMCHA BUNIM COHEN
FROM SORROW T O C E L E B R AT I O N BY RABBI PAYSACH J. KROHN
צפית לישועה YEARNING FOR REDEMPTION
BY RABBI DANIEL GLATSTEIN
RAV CHAIM KANIEVSKY ON THE THREE WEEKS COMPILED BY RABBI AVRAHAM YESHAYAHU SHTEINMAN
SHABBOS JULY 4
SUNDAY JULY 5
MONDAY JULY 6
TUESDAY JULY 7
WEDNESDAY JULY 8
THURSDAY JULY 9
FRIDAY JULY 10
BAVLI
Chullin 65
Chullin 66
Chullin 67
Chullin 68
Chulin 69
Chulin 70
Chulin 71
YERUSHALMI
Chagigah 16
Chagigah 17
Chagigah 18
Chagigah 19
Chagigah 20
Chagigah 21
Chagigah 22
MISHNAH
Keilim 15:6-16:1
Keilim 16:2-3
Keilim 16:4-5
Keilim 16:6-7
Keilim 16:8-17:1
Keilim 17:2-3
Keilim 17:4-5
KITZUR
178:4-179:8
179:9-180:8
180:9-181:4
181:5-13
181:14-182:1
182:2-11
182:12-183:3
Yevamos
Yevamos 80b
Yevamos 81a
Yevamos 81b
Yevamos 82a
Yevamos 82b
יט תמוז
ORAYSA
Chazara 79a-80a
כ תמוז
Chazara 80a
כא תמוז
Chazara 80b
כב תמוז
Chazara 81a
כג תמוז
Chazara 81b
כד תמוז
כה תמוז
Chazara 82a
Fallstaff Shopping Center 6830 Reisterstown Rd Baltimore Maryland 21215 Phone: (410) 358-2200
Yevamos
Chazara 80b-81a
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YOMI SCHEDULES FOR THIS WEEK:
BY RABBI DANIEL GLATSTEIN
LAWS OF DAILY LIVING: THE THREE WEEKS
JULY 2-JULY 15, 2026
This year, make the Three Weeks truly meaningful ...
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A Powerful Must-Read Novel
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Honoring The Past, Building The Future
T
he Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA Department of the Mid-Atlantic Area and Israel officially convened for their annual Department Convention at the historic Pikesville Armory. The day was marked by a profound sense of camaraderie, historical tribute, and a forward-looking commitment. Installation of 2026/2027 Department Officers A core highlight of the convention was the formal installation of the Department leadership team for the upcoming term, gracefully conducted by National Vice Commander Selina Kanowitz. The newly installed leadership roster: Department Commander: Scott Schlesinger Senior Vice Commander: Charley Jay National Executive Committee: Andrew Swedlow Judge Advocate: Harvey Kaplan Chaplain: Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum Adjutant: Dan Berkovitz Quartermaster: Charles Sandler Keynote Address: A Legacy of Blood and Bravery
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By: BJLife Newsroom
Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN (ret.), delivered a stirring keynote presentation focused on the deep, unbreakable thread of Jewish service in the United States military from the country’s founding to modern times. Speaking to a room he noted was filled with “father figures,” RADM Becker underscored the theme of “T3” Leadership (Teamwork, Tone, Tenacity) and provided powerful historical context to completely dismantle age-old antisemitic tropes of disloyalty: The Revolutionary War: When fewer than 2,500 Jews lived in the colonies, they disproportionately stepped up. Figures like Haym Salomon financed the Continental Army without repayment, Francis Salvador became the first Jewish soldier killed in action, and Mordecai Sheftall served as a high-ranking officer. The Civil War: Roughly 10,000 Jews served, and President Lincoln
appointed several Jewish Generals. Crucially, the JWV was established in 1896 specifically to counter antisemitic claims that Jews did not serve. World War II: Over 550,000 Jewish Americans served - representing roughly 5% of U.S. forces at a time when Jews made up only 2.5% of the general population. Around 11,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. Medal of Honor: At least 17 Jewish Americans have been awarded the nation’s highest military decoration for outstanding courage under fire. As RADM Becker powerfully stated, this incredible record of patriotism is not peripheral; it is fundamentally woven into the fabric of America’s story, proving that Jewish veterans have always fully embraced the “We the People” ideal. This deep legacy of leadership is exemplified by late giants of the organization like past National Commander Judge Paul Ribner, a veteran whose exceptional lifetime of military justice, judicial expertise, and national leadership is commemorated. Moving Moments of Remembrance and Faith Following the keynote address, a solemn memorial service was held to
honor the blessed memories of departed comrades who passed away over the last year, including Donald Levin (Post 167), John Walker (Post 180), Marc Skurow (Post 380), Simon J. Krumbein, and Louis Seidel (Post 888). In a beautiful, spontaneous demonstration of shared faith following the presentation, Department Chaplain Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum helped RADM Paul Becker don tefillin, a moment that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. Standing in Solidarity with Israel: The October Mission The convention also featured a vital advocacy plug from the Department, reminding attendees that thousands of proud U.S. military veterans now call Israel home. Leadership made it clear that the absolute best way to show
tangible support for Israel right now is through direct tourism. To turn that sentiment into action, the Department heavily highlighted its upcoming Mission to Israel, scheduled for October 19th–28th, 2026. Attendees were urged to review the full details and registration guidelines found on the website Special Thanks The Department of the Mid-Atlantic Area & Israel extends its warmest gratitude to the entire Pikesville Armory team for opening their exceptional facilities to the JWV. A massive, heartfelt thank you goes to JWV Maryland Free State Post 167’s newest member, David Ginsburg, for his incredible hospitality, hard work, and dedication to the vital revitalization efforts taking place at the Armory.
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Community!
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At OCA, students grow in a Torahdriven environment that nurtures the whole child. From academic excellence to social-emotional growth to a deep love of Torah and community, OCA empowers every student to learn, lead, and shine.
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Gender-separate classes begin in 5th grade.
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Schedule a tour and apply at ocabaltimore.org/apply
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End Of Year Celebration At Sylvia Rosenblatt Hebrew School
T
he year ended on an absolute high at the Sylvia Rosenblatt Hebrew School! During a final assembly for our students, their families and friends, our dedicated director, Mrs. Rochel Blasenstein, presented a slideshow with pictures and videos showcasing a year filled with growth and learning. After our students sang together, their teachers presented them with graduation certificates and end of year gifts. The culmination of this special day was a breathtaking performance from Michael Rossman, with his amazing feats of comedy, along with a barbeque lunch, prepared by volunteers from the Hebrew School’s host institution, Moses Montefiore Anshe
families already signed up their kindergarten through 8th grade students
for the 2026-2027 school year - our sixth year of Jewish education!
Mesivta Toras Chaim Graduation
M
TC celebrated a beautiful and inspiring graduation and award ceremony.
The evening was truly unique – in addition to the graduation, every talmid received a personalized award recognizing their individual accomplishments over the year, with the rebbeim speaking beautifully about each talmid, a reflection of exactly what MTC is all about. We were honored to have Rabbi Tzvi Teichman of Ohel Moshe address parents and students. Representing the families of the graduates, Rabbi J. Seidemann, shared divrei bracha. The 12th grade made a siyum on Meseches Brachos. Additional
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Emunah Hebrew Congregation. As the year concluded with a bang, many
siyumim were made, including one on all of Shas Mishnayos! As MTC looks toward 5787, we’re thrilled to have over 45 bochurim, filling the building to capacity and beyond. Mazal tov to our graduates and their families. Wishing you continued hatzlacha and growth!
BY Middle School Student Ranks 2nd Place In Maryland Math League Championship!
T
he entire Bais Yaakov Middle School community would like to extend a heartfelt mazel tov to Nechama Froehlich in 8th grade for earning the second-highest score in the State of Maryland on the Math League Championships for her grade level. We are tremendously proud of this outstanding accomplishment.
Mazel tov as well to Suri Goldfinger who earned 8th place and Chana Brody, Kayla Goodhardt, Chana Moshiach and Shalva Salhanick who all tied in 15th place. In addition, Bais Yaakov Middle School earned 3rd place ranking in the state for 8th grade for this year! In the 7th grade, Menucha Moskowitz earned 5th place ranking and Esther Braun, Rochel Leah
Burns, Miri Friedland and Hadassah Krigsman all tied in 13th place ranking Bais Yaakov Middle School 4th for the state for 7th grade! Thank you to our Middle School high track math teachers, Miss Adina Rochkind, Mrs. Bracha Katz, Mrs. Tanya Gerstman and Mrs. Inbal Elman for teaching and guiding our
students to this wonderful achievement and to Miss Adina Rochkind who heads the Middle School Math Department.
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Menucha Announces New Executive Director
M
enucha is proud to announce the appointment of Rabbi Chaim Engelsberg as its new Executive Director, effective July 2026. For over 18 years, Menucha has served as a vital sanctuary for families, providing menucha – rest and peace of mind – through high-quality programming. Rabbi Engelsberg will now oversee these critical operations, ensuring that the organization continues to provide the genuine care and expert programming that Baltimore families rely on. In addition to daily operations, he will work closely with the Board of Directors to advance financial planning and strategic growth initiatives to ensure Menucha’s longterm sustainability.
Rabbi Engelsberg brings a new dimension to the organization, including experience in non-profit fundraising, public speaking, and community engagement. He joins the team following his most recent position as a full-time member of Kollel Toras Moshe in Toronto, Canada, having previously learned at Kollel Tiferes Tzvi in Yerushalayim for many years. “We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Engelsberg to lead our team,” said Rabbi Yaakov Wealcatch, president of the Menucha Board of Directors. “Menucha is built on the belief that every family deserves support, acceptance, and community. Rabbi Engelsberg’s leadership will be instrumental in nurturing our programs – from our Day Program and Sunday Funday
to our Mishmar programs and other respite programs – ensuring we continue to meet the needs of the 150+ families we are privileged to serve.” Rabbi Engelsberg expressed his commitment to the organization’s mission: “I feel truly honored and privileged to be joining Menucha. I look forward to partnering with our incredible staff, dedicated volunteers, and generous donor community to provide wonderful programming for our participants, thereby giving much necessary menucha to our families.” The community is invited to welcome Rabbi Engelsberg as he assumes his new role this July. A formal
event will be scheduled later this year to give supporters and families an opportunity to meet him in person.
Bikur Cholim’s Annual Cycling Event Was A Record Breaking Success!
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his past Sunday, Bikur Cholim of Baltimore hosted it’s annual cycling event now known as Tour de Kindness. The event brought riders together from Baltimore and all over North America to ride the scenic roads of Maryland while raising funds for Baltimore Bikur Cholim. Many records were broken this year! We had 30 riders from out of town! We had 17 riders ride 130 miles all the way up into the Cantocin mountains and the Sunday before which was TDKJr brought 98 riders cycling around our community. We thank the riders for helping raise money and we thank the many volunteers who helped make this such a success!
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Around the Community
JCSL By MDSC – Ashley Custom Homes Playoffs (First Round Recap, 2026 Season)
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he 2026 JCSL by MDSC playoffs presented by Ashley Custom Homes officially got underway this past Sunday, bringing intensity, drama, and the unmistakable feeling that everything is now magnified. Every pitch, every at-bat, every defensive miscue carries postseason weight— and next week, it all comes down to one final showdown “for all the marbles,” with teams battling for the right to hoist the Premier Financial trophy and be crowned champions of the 2026 season. If this week was any indication, the road to the title will be anything but predictable. Orshan Legal Group Continues Perfect Season with Playoff Win Over Tov Pizza This one was an instant classic. It all started at 3:00 AM, when Coach Meir Parry woke up from a dream. In it, he saw his team struggling. By sunrise, he had already scribbled down a 10-point battle plan. “When adversity comes, when the beatdowns hit, we don’t fold. We rally. We step up to the plate and seize the moment.”
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His vision played out almost exactly as he imagined. With first place and a championship berth on the line, the undefeated Orshan Legal Group LLC squad faced a determined Tov Pizza team. This wasn’t a game about talent—it was about resilience, execution, and refusing to quit. Tov Pizza, led by Pitcher Barry Rosenbluth and SS Shua “The Dancing Unicorn” Novograd, came out swinging, plating three runs in the top of the first inning. Orshan Legal answered immediately with four runs of its own behind timely hits from Ezra “Bumblebee Tuna” Bregin, Meir “Play it Again” Samberg, and the rest of the lineup. The game turned into a heavy-
weight fight. Every time Tov Pizza landed a punch, Orshan Legal responded by doing the little things right—quality at-bats, smart baserunning, solid defense, and keeping the game within striking distance. Then came the eighth inning. Trailing by 2 runs, 9-7, Orshan Legal erupted for a game-changing rally. Super-pull Eli “Kell ‘em all!” Kelemer ignited it with a leadoff double. Ezra Bregin followed with another double to right. Meir Samberg ripped a triple to left. Meir Parry worked a key walk, Eliezer “Nine Lives” Katz hustled out an infield single, Gedalia Gelb crushed a two-run double, and Aaron “Uncle” Lefky capped off his perfect 4-for-4 day with another clutch hit. Rosenstein also added a hit and knocked in the sixth run of the inning. Just like that, Orshan held a 13-9 lead heading into the ninth. But the drama wasn’t over. Tov Pizza loaded the bases with one out, bringing the tying run to the plate. Then came the play of the game. A scorching ground ball was somehow snagged by Meir Samberg at third. He calmly stepped on the bag for the force out, then fired a strike home to complete a game-ending double play and send the Orshan Legal dugout into jubi-
lant and extravagant, some might say excessive, celebration. The unsung heroes were behind the plate. Tzvi “Gelato” Perlman, Moshe “Are you my” Mutterperl, and Moshe “Give it a” Treitel combined to save at least four runs while recording four assists on runners trying to advance, quietly changing the course of the game. Keys to the game: lockdown defense, aggressive but intelligent baserunning, trust in elite pitching (Cy Young Danny Weissmann), and patience at the plate. Championship teams don’t just have talent—they execute fundamentals under pressure. Lazar Real Estate Punches Ticket to Championship After Epic Comeback Win In a remarkable display of dominance and consistency, Lazar Real Estate scored before their opponents in every game this season. But in this week’s Final 4 matchup vs Clothier, they found themselves in unfamiliar waters, trailing at different points of the game 2-0, 6-2, and 13-6. Luckily (and strategically), Lazar is loaded with veteran leadership and talent, and they didn’t blink at the 7-run deficit. The turning point came in the top of the 5th inning, down 136, when Pitcher Yacov “Earthquake” Benzaquen made a ridiculous diving catch, reminiscent of the Brett Phil-
lips catch in 2022 (Tampa Bay Rays, look it up). That play gave Lazar the spark to ignite the epic comeback. In the bottom of the 5th, Lazar scored 5 runs without making an out, highlighted by a bases-loaded, bases-clearing triple by Ben “Visiting Day” Blackman. Lazar Real Estate added 2 more runs in the 6th to tie the game, and in the bottom of the 7th inning, team owner/player Mordy “Bisciotti” Lazar ripped a double down the left field line to give his team the victory, 15-14. Lazar Real Estate Captain Chaim Finkelstein stated: “The entire community is invited to come watch and cheer on your favorite players in the Championship Game this Sunday morning, 9:30am at Reisterstown Regional Park. But please, no autographs until after the game.” Closing Thoughts With Orshan Legal continuing its unbeaten march and Lazar Real Estate completing a dramatic comeback to reach the final stage, the stage is now set for a championship weekend filled with pressure, pride, and legacy-defining moments. Next week’s finale will determine who rises above the rest to claim the Premier Financial trophy—and who walks away wondering what could have been. One game remains. Everything is on the line.
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Greater Washington: Around the Community
Yeshiva Of Greater Washington Masmidim Students Experience A Weekend Of Torah Growth In Lakewood
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veryone values their personal time. For some, it is an opportunity to relax; for others, it is a chance to connect with family and friends. For a dedicated group of students at the Yeshiva of Greater Washington, personal time became an opportunity for something more: extra Torah learning. Throughout the year, these masmidim, over 40 boys from grades 9-12, committed themselves to a consistent program of additional learning on weekends. While adding an extra hour or two of learning on occasion may seem manageable, maintaining that commitment week after week requires dedication, discipline, and perseverance. True growth often takes place beyond one’s comfort zone, and these students experienced firsthand the rewards that come from sustained effort. In recognition of their commitment, the Yeshiva invited the participants on a
shacharis
A highlight of the trip was learning in the batei midrash of Beth Medrash Govoha BMG, surrounded by thousands of fellow learners. Immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of nonstop Torah study, the students felt a deep sense of connection and pride in their accomplishments. As one student remarked while walking back from the beis medrash, “Two extra hours of learning each weekend can seem insignificant. But when you see it as part of the larger picture of Torah learning taking place
around the world, you realize how meaningful every minute truly is.” During their stay, the students had the privilege of meeting and hearing words of Torah and encouragement from prominent Torah leaders, including Rav Gershon Ribner, Rav Yerucham Olshin, Rabbi Malkiel Kotler, and other distinguished rabbanim and roshei yeshiva. The trip left a lasting impression on the participants. It reinforced the understanding that the Torah learning taking place in Silver Spring is part of a much larger legacy, one that spans
generations and connects Jews around the world through a shared commitment to Torah. For these young men, the weekend served as both a celebration of their accomplishments and an inspiration to continue growing in their dedication to learning.
Greater Washington Weekday Minyanim Guide
6:15 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah
M-F
Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah
T, W, F
6:20 am Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY
M, Th
Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac
T, W, F
8:00 am YGW (High School; School-Contingent)
S-F
Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac
S S
6:25 am Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua M-F
7:05 am Kesher Israel
M, Th
Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sfardi)
6:30 am Beth Sholom Congregation
M-F
7:15 am Kemp Mill Synagogue
M, Th
8:05 am Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville
M, Th
Beit Halevi (Sfardi)
M, T
T, W, F
8:15 am Ohr Hatorah
S
Chabad of Silver Spring
M-F
Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY
T, W, F
Young Israel Shomrai Emunah
S
YGW
M, Th
6:35 am Ohr Hatorah
M, Th
6:40 am YGW
S, T, W, F
Magen David Sephardic Congregation 6:45 am Beit Halevi (Sfardi)
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special end-of-year Shabbaton in Lakewood, New Jersey, one of the world’s foremost centers of Torah learning outside of Eretz Yisrael. Hosted and arranged by one of the yeshiva’s out-oftown student’s families, the weekend provided an opportunity to experience Torah study on a grand scale while continuing the learning habits they had developed throughout the year.
M-Th S, T, W, F
Kemp Mill Synagogue
M, Th
Ohr Hatorah
T, W, F
Young Israel Shomrai Emunah
M, Th
6:50 am Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah
M, Th
Silver Spring Jewish Center
M-F
Chabad of Upper Montgomery County
M-F
6:55 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah
T, W, F
7:00 am Kemp Mill Synagogue
T, W, F
Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua S Silver Spring Jewish Center BETHESDA Magen David Sephardic Congregation [S] 11215 Woodglen Dr, North Bethesda, MD 20852 GAITHERSBURG Chabad of Upper Montgomery County [Ari] 11520 Darnestown Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 OLNEY Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah (OSTT) 18320 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD 20832
S
Kesher Israel Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue Ohr Hatorah 7:30 am Chabad of DC
M-F
Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville
S, T, W, F
S
Kehilat Pardes / Berman Hebrew Academy
S-F
Silver Spring Jewish Center
M-F
M-F
Chabad of Potomac
M-F
JROC
M-F
Kemp Mill Synagogue
T, W, F
8:30 am Chabad of DC
S
Chabad of Potomac
S S
Young Israel Shomrai Emunah
S
JROC Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue Silver Spring Jewish Center
Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sfardi)
M-F
YGW (Summer Only)
S-F
7:45 am YGW (Yeshiva Session Only)
S-F
8:45 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah
S-F
8:00 am Beth Sholom Congregation
S
9:00 am Chabad of Silver Spring
S
Kemp Mill Synagogue
S
Kemp Mill Synagogue
S
Kesher Israel
S
Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY
S
Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua M-F
Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua S Chabad of Upper Montgomery County
S
Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah
S
POTOMAC Beth Sholom Congregation 11825 Seven Locks Rd. Potomac, MD 20854 Chabad of Potomac [Ari] 11621 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac 11618 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
ROCKVILLE Kehilat Pardes / Berman Hebrew Academy 13300 Arctic Ave, Rockville, MD 20853 JROC 11304 Old Georgetown Rd, Rockville, MD 20852 Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville Ring House TV Room
For edits or additions email ads@baltimorejewishhome.com
mincha
S S
mincha/maariv
Before Shkiah (15-18 minutes), S-TH Beit Halevi (Sfardi) Beth Sholom Congregation Chabad of Potomac Chabad of Silver Spring Chabad of Upper Montgomery County Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville (20 min before, S-F) JROC Kemp Mill Synagogue Kesher Israel Magen David Sephardic Congregation Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue Ohr Hatorah Silver Spring Jewish Center Southeast Hebrew Congregation Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Asheknaz) Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sefarhadi)
maariv 8:45 pm YGW 9:15 pm Silver Spring Jewish Center 9:30 pm YGW 9:45 pm Ohr Hatorah 10:00 pm YGW
2:00 pm Silver Spring Jewish Center 2:10 pm YGW
S-F
2:45 pm YGW 3:00 pm YGW Middle School
S-Th
SILVER SPRING Beit Halevi [Sefardic] 1009 North Belgrade Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20902 Chabad of Silver Spring [Ari] 519 Lamberton Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Kemp Mill Synagogue 11910 Kemp Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Ohr Hatorah 1009 Kersey Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Silver Spring Jewish Center 1401 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Southeast Hebrew Congregation, Knesset Yehoshua 10900 Lockwood Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20901 Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah 9001 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Yeshiva Gedola of Greater Washington (YGW) 1216 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (YISE) [Ashk + S] 1132 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
M-Th School Days M-Th School Days
S-Th S-Th S-Th S-Th S-Th
WASHINGTON Chabad of DC [Ari] 2110 Leroy Pl. NW, Washington, DC 20008 Kesher Israel 2801 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue 1600 Jonquil St NW, Washington, DC 20012
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The Week In News
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The Week In News
Parcel Bomb Attack in Monaco A suspected assassination attempt targeting a wealthy Ukrainian businessman has triggered a major manhunt across Monaco and neighboring France after a parcel bomb exploded inside a residential building, injuring three people. The blast occurred on Monday night in the normally quiet Mediterranean city-state, where violent crime is extremely rare. Monaco prosecutors said the attack appeared to be a deliberate attempt to kill a specific target and ruled out terrorism as a motive. Authorities have not officially named the intended victim, but French media reported that the target was Ukrainianborn businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, a former Ukrainian citizen who gave up
his citizenship in 2019. Monaco Prosecutor General Stéphane Thibault said an unknown suspect placed an explosive package inside the building shortly before 9 p.m. The device detonated moments later when three residents — two adults and a child — arrived home. All three victims, described by Ukrainian officials as members of a Ukrainian-origin family, were taken to a hospital in Nice, France. One adult victim is no longer in critical condition, while the other two remained in serious condition, according to authorities. Two additional people were injured by flying glass outside the building. “This is an attempted assassination,” Thibault said during a Tuesday news conference. Police launched a wide-ranging search after surveillance footage showed a suspect fleeing toward Beausoleil, a French town bordering Monaco. The suspect was reportedly seen wearing dark clothing and a bucket hat. Dozens of officers from both Monaco and France joined the investigation. Authorities said about 84 police officers,
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50 firefighters, and additional French security personnel were involved in the operation. Yermolaiev, 58, built his fortune in Ukraine’s Dnipro region during the turbulent years following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He became known as a major real estate businessman and was once considered among Ukraine’s wealthiest individuals. He later became a citizen of Cyprus. Ukrainian media reported that he gave up Ukrainian citizenship in search of “international protection,” citing concerns about the country’s legal and tax systems. The motive behind the attack remains unknown. Yermolaiev has no known ties to the war in Ukraine, though Kyiv sanctioned him in 2023 over allegations involving business activity in Russian-occupied Crimea — claims he denied. Authorities are also examining possible connections involving his family. His son, Artur Yermolayev, was convicted in Estonia earlier this year over a phone scam operation that allegedly stole millions through fake investment schemes.
Monaco’s Prince Albert II said the government was working closely with French authorities to find those responsible. “We trust them to establish the circumstances of this tragedy as swiftly as possible,” he said.
Australia and Vanuatu Sign Pact
Australia and Vanuatu on Monday signed a long-anticipated development and security agreement, ending months of delay sparked by concerns in Port Vila that the pact could limit outside investment and deepen geopolitical sensitivities in the Pacific.
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The Week In News The deal, known as the Nakamal Agreement, positions Australia as Vanuatu’s preferred partner for security and policing cooperation, while also requiring Canberra to be consulted on third-party investment in the country’s critical infrastructure. The arrangement is part of Australia’s broader effort to maintain its influence in the region as China expands its footprint across the Pacific. Vanuatu is a South Pacific island nation made up of roughly 80 islands, known for its volcanic landscapes, rich Melanesian culture, and high vulnerability to rising sea levels. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the agreement reflects Vanuatu’s sovereign choices and its commitment to keeping military influence out of its territory. “It encapsulates Vanuatu’s sovereign decision not to permit its territory to be used for any foreign military base or infrastructure and that Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure remains free from militarization,” Albanese said during a joint news conference with Vanuatu Prime
Minister Jotham Napat. Australia has pledged A$500 million (about $344 million) over the next decade to support the agreement, which is expected to boost development cooperation while strengthening security ties. The pact was originally expected to be signed in September but was delayed after concerns were raised within Vanuatu’s coalition government that it might constrain the country’s ability to secure funding from multiple international partners. Those worries highlight the delicate balancing act facing Pacific island nations as they navigate competing offers from major powers. China looms large in that equation. It is Vanuatu’s largest external creditor, having financed major infrastructure projects through Chinese lending and contractors, including the presidential complex, parliament building, and road networks. The growing Chinese presence has fueled heightened diplomatic competition in the region, particularly as Australia seeks to reinforce its traditional role as a key partner. Vanuatu leaders say they remain
open to working with multiple countries. Prime Minister Napat noted that an economic arrangement with China is also in progress and awaiting approval from Beijing. “We will share the agreement; there is nothing to hide,” he said when asked about whether it would include security-related provisions. The agreement with Australia underscores how Pacific nations are increasingly central to a wider strategic contest, one in which infrastructure funding, security partnerships, and diplomatic alignment are all closely intertwined.
Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan On Sunday, Pakistan launched a ground operation and a series of strikes overnight, killing at least 36 civilians and injuring at least 160 more in Afghanistan, Afghan officials said. According to Pakistan, the strikes and ground operation were in response to militant attacks and wound up killing 29 terrorists and destroying weapons
and ammunition stockpiles. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan estimated that the strikes killed 28 or more civilians and injured 49 more, noting that the numbers could rise. The Taliban’s deputy spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, claimed that homes and villages were struck. Following Pakistan’s attacks, the two countries summoned each other’s top diplomats. The Afghan Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokesperson, Zia Ahmad Takal, claimed that Pakistan keeps accusing Afghanistan of involvement in terror attacks despite lacking “credible evidence,” criticizing Islamabad for behaving in a way that “seriously harms the atmosphere of trust between the two countries, good neighborly relations and the security and stability of the region.” Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Pakistan summoned Afghanistan’s top diplomats, criticizing the country for Afghan nationals’ involvement in recent militant attacks carried out by the Pakistani Taliban and allied terror groups.
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The Week In News The strikes and ground operation came after a terror attack killed three soldiers at the regional headquarters of the paramilitary Rangers in Karachi. Three attackers were killed, and another terrorist, a wounded Afghan national, was detained. Less than three weeks before these strikes, Pakistan claimed to have struck militant hideouts in Afghanistan.
Judges Suggest Dropping Bibi Bribery Charge Calls from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s allies to end his corruption trial intensified on Monday after judges suggested prosecutors consider dropping the bribery charge against him. The recommendation came after
Netanyahu completed his lengthy testimony in the three cases against him. It echoed a similar suggestion made by the court three years ago. Even if prosecutors remove the bribery charge, Netanyahu would still face allegations of fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases. The cases involve claims that the prime minister accepted improper gifts and exchanged political favors for favorable media coverage. Netanyahu has denied all wrongdoing, calling the accusations a politically motivated campaign against him. The judges’ comments immediately energized members of Netanyahu’s coalition, who argued that the trial has gone on too long and should be brought to an end. Justice Minister Yariv Levin said the bribery allegation was the central claim against Netanyahu and accused prosecutors of pursuing a case built on a “trumped up” charge. “The least that can be done now is to prevent this miscarriage of law and justice to continue,” Levin said, arguing that Netanyahu should not be forced into years of additional legal proceedings over what he described as “marginal and unprecedented charges.”
Levin said the judges’ recommendation gave prosecutors an opportunity to “salvage” the justice system’s credibility and again called for either a pardon or the dismissal of the cases. Netanyahu requested a pardon late last year, but President Isaac Herzog pushed back, suggesting instead that the sides negotiate a possible plea agreement. Netanyahu’s legal team has not yet responded to that proposal. Other coalition figures also renewed their calls for an end to the proceedings. Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on social media that “the trial must be canceled,” while accusing those responsible for the indictment of creating a false case. Likud MK Moshe Saada called the proceedings a “witch hunt,” and MK Amit Halevi described the trial as an attack on Netanyahu’s elected government. “This putsch needs to end,” Halevi said, pointing ahead to Israel’s next elections, expected by late October. The trial, which made Netanyahu the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal proceedings, continues as the country remains focused on security challenges and political uncertainty.
Oct. 7 Evacuations and Emergency Response A new report from Israel’s State Comptroller has revealed major failures in the emergency response during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, including breakdowns in communication that may have prevented wounded civilians from receiving timely medical care. The report by State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman found that the military and emergency medical services failed to coordinate effectively as terrorists infiltrated communities, towns and the Nova music festival area in southern Israel. According to the report, responsibility for evacuating wounded civilians in active combat zones belonged to the IDF’s Southern Command and Gaza Division. However, the military relied heavily on ambulance services, including Magen David Adom, which were not equipped to operate in areas where ter-
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rorists were still present. MDA ambulances lacked sufficient protective equipment, and the organization had instructed drivers not to enter communities under attack. The report said the IDF was unaware of that decision, leaving many civilians without organized evacuation. During the attack, many wounded people were forced to make their own way to hospitals, some traveling in private vehicles through areas still under fire. The report found that out of 1,640 emergency incidents recorded that day, only 525 wounded individuals were evacuated by medical vehicles. Just 84 were transported in armored ambulances and 21 by helicopter. The comptroller noted that warnings about the shortage of armored ambulances had existed since 2016, but funding had never been provided. On October 7, Israel had only 24 armored ambulances nationwide, compared to the 50 considered necessary. Communication problems also contributed to the crisis. MDA had a digital system that provided real-time information on emergency calls and wounded civilians, but key military officials said
they were unaware it existed. “The information about the wounded that was in MDA’s possession…did not reach the military forces in the combat zone,” the report stated. The report also criticized the Health Ministry’s handling of the mass casualty event, saying hospitals were poorly coordinated. Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba and Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon became overwhelmed while other hospitals had available capacity. A committee responsible for balancing hospital loads was not convened until hours after the attack began. As a result, more than 40% of wounded patients at the overloaded hospitals waited over five hours before being transferred elsewhere. The audit also examined rehabilitation efforts after the war began, finding severe shortages in medical staff and a lack of long-term planning for treating thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians. Despite the failures, the report noted an enormous wave of civilian support: millions of Israelis volunteered and donated in the months after October 7, contributing billions of shekels in aid. The findings renew calls for a broader investigation into the failures sur-
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The Week In News rounding the attack and the country’s emergency response.
Israel-Lebanon Framework Deal A clause was included in last week’s Israel-Lebanon framework agreement, ensuring that Israel remains in Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms. “Pending successful completion of an agreed-upon and verifiable disarmament and dismantlement process, Israel commits to a phased, conditions-based, progressive reduction and eventual redeployment of its forces from Lebanese territory, planned and sequenced through the [Military Coordination Group for Lebanon], to coincide with LAF deployment,” the text’s annex read. As per the deal, which was secured in Washington, D.C., the IDF will not have to automatically withdraw from Lebanese territories. However, Israel is concerned that Iranian pressure might sabotage the agreement. This particular annex has reportedly been kept classified at the behest of the Lebanese government. The initial withdrawals, which will happen after Lebanese training and vetting, will see Lebanese forces replace the IDF in two designated areas. If everything goes according to plan, the framework agreement could lead to a peace deal between Israel and Lebanon. The agreement was hailed by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir as “historic and significant,” adding that “the conditions for it” were a result of military achievements. “We will honor the agreement and work to ensure its success. The test now is one of action by both sides, and the coming period will determine the future,” Zamir said. Zamir visited the Northern Command, where he approved future operations in Lebanon. Hezbollah has condemned the deal, forcefully rejecting disarmament and warning of “internal conflict” if the agreement’s terms are enacted.
Katz: Withdraw Only If Hezbollah Disarms Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Monday that Israel has “no territorial
ambitions in Lebanon” but warned that the IDF will not pull back from its positions until Hezbollah is disarmed. The comments came as Israel and Lebanon moved forward with a U.S.backed framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries. The deal calls for Lebanon to restore control over its territory by disarming non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah, allowing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal. Speaking to reporters, Katz said Israel’s withdrawal would depend entirely on Hezbollah being dismantled. “People should not hold their breath wondering where the next place will be from which Israel will withdraw in Lebanon,” he said. “It will not happen until Hezbollah is disarmed.” Katz insisted that Israel is not seeking to hold Lebanese territory permanently but said the IDF would remain in southern Lebanon as a security measure. He added that Israel does not expect the Lebanese army to suddenly take aggressive action against Hezbollah, saying that the IDF presence in the area would likely continue “long term.” The defense minister also said that Israel had recently urged the Lebanese army to enter the Ali Taher Ridge area, where Hezbollah maintains a significant tunnel network, but that Lebanese forces refused. The IDF carried out additional strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon overnight, saying the attacks were in response to continued fire directed at Israeli forces operating in the security zone. The military said it struck Hezbollah command centers in the Nabatieh and Mayfadoun areas and destroyed a rocket launcher. An IDF reservist was also seriously wounded on Monday after an explosion during operations near the village of Arnoun. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper met with Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun and military chief Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, to discuss implementation of the agreement. Aoun said Lebanon was committed to extending state control through its armed forces all the way to the border with Israel and promised to work toward removing Hezbollah’s influence. However, Hezbollah rejected the agreement, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire and insisting it retained the right to defend itself. Hezbollah
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The Week In News ally Nabih Berri, Lebanon’s parliament speaker, also criticized the deal, calling it an agreement of “dictates” rather than one that protects Lebanon’s interests. Katz also warned that Israel remains prepared for a possible escalation with Iran, saying the IDF has targets ready if Tehran responds militarily. “We have targets to strike in Iran,” he said, adding that Israel would remain alert while allowing the United States to pursue diplomatic efforts.
20 Years Since Shalit’s Abduction On Thursday, exactly 20 years after Hamas terrorists crossed the Gaza border and abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit on June 25, 2006, the Israeli Defense Ministry published previously unreleased military logs from the day of the attack. On the day of the assault, which was first reported at 5:13 a.m., Hamas terrorists entered Israel through a cross-border tunnel, attacking a nearby IDF tank and killing Lt. Hanan Barak and Staff Sergeant Pavel Slutsker, while injuring and dragging Gilad Shalit, a
corporal, to Gaza. Shalit remained in captivity in Gaza for almost 2,000 days until Israel exchanged 1,027 convicted Palestinian terrorists, including the future Hamas leader who was the architect behind the October 7 massacre, Yahya Sinwar, for his release. At the time of the attack, several explosions, thought to be rocket impacts, were heard in the area of the Kerem Shalom border community. A minute later, the logs read, “There are casualties.” At 6:40 a.m., a report read, “Soldier missing from tank.” And then, four minutes later, “Hannibal,” a codename referring to a protocol that allows troops to do anything necessary to prevent another soldier from getting kidnapped, was referenced. The protocol was repealed by the military in 2016. According to the log, a helmet and a bloodstained flak jacket were found near the border fence at 7:12 a.m., and at 8 a.m., the military officially identified Shalit as the kidnapped soldier. In an effort to rescue Shalit, Israel deployed troops into the Strip for the first time since the Jewish state’s Gaza disengagement in 2005. However, the operation ended in November with
Shalit remaining in captivity. Israelis urged the government to bring him home, wearing a symbol — a yellow ribbon — in solidarity with Shalit’s family. The prisoner exchange that led to his release was heavily criticized, but Benjamin Netanyahu, who was prime minister at the time, insisted that it was the best agreement they could secure. In April 2012, Shalit was discharged from the army with the rank of sergeant major. In 2021, he married Nitzan Shabbat. Today, Shalit is 39 and works as a sports journalist, living a private life. After the October 7 massacre, he reportedly met with several hostage families to express his support.
Dan Sullivan vs. Dan J. Sullivan Alaska voters may soon find themselves facing a most unusual choice: two candidates named Dan Sullivan fighting for one Senate seat.
The Alaska Supreme Court ruled on Monday that a Republican candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan can remain on the ballot for the state’s August Senate primary, rejecting an effort by election officials to remove him over concerns that he could confuse voters.
The court upheld a lower court ruling that said Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher and former U.S. Forest Service employee from Petersburg, Alaska, met the legal requirements to run. However, the judges directed the state Division of Elections to determine how his name should appear on the ballot under Alaska’s election rules. The case has become a major subplot in one of the country’s most closely watched Senate races. Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is seeking a third term, while former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola is hoping to chal-
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The Week In News lenge him in November. The race could be competitive in a state that has not sent a Democrat to the Senate in nearly two decades. Alaska’s unusual election system uses open primaries, with the top four candidates advancing to a rankedchoice general election. The senator has accused his samename opponent of being a “sham candidate” whose goal is to confuse voters and help Democrats win the seat. Daniel J. Sullivan has rejected that claim, saying he is a legitimate candidate who is qualified and serious about the race. The dispute began when Alaska’s Division of Elections ruled earlier this month that Daniel J. Sullivan should not appear on the ballot, arguing that his filing was not a “good-faith candidacy” but rather an attempt to mislead voters. Officials pointed to several factors, including his initial request to appear as “Dan Sullivan,” his decision to run as a Republican despite lacking previ-
ous party affiliation, and similarities between his campaign website and the senator’s site. A judge later overturned the decision, ruling that election officials did not have the authority to investigate a candidate’s motives if the legal requirements were met. “The court does not minimize the Division’s concern that voters should not be misled,” Judge Thomas Matthews wrote, while noting that Alaska law provides other ways to prevent confusion. Daniel J. Sullivan’s attorney Jeffrey Robinson said his team was “grateful” for the Supreme Court’s decision, while Senator Dan Sullivan’s campaign expressed disappointment and continued to accuse the challenger of trying to manipulate the election. Now the Division of Elections must decide how to distinguish between the two Sullivans on the ballot, because Alaska voters may need a little more than just a last name to know who they are for.
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A Meat Allergy from Ticks? Lone-star ticks are making their way north and west, reaching areas as far as Martha’s Vineyard and Suffolk County, New York. If bitten by a lonestar tick, an individual may contract alpha-gal syndrome, a unique condition that could cause a red meat allergy. Up to 450,000 Americans have alpha-gal syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The tick, named after the white star-like dot on its back, came from the Southeast and south-central United States. When it bites, alpha-gal, a sugar molecule, enters the bitten individual’s bloodstream, triggering an autoimmune reaction to red meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and venison, and similar foods, including gelatin and medications made with mammalian cells. Allergic reactions vary in terms of se-
verity, ranging from hives and gastrointestinal issues to shortness of breath and anaphylactic shock. Cross-contaminated and flavored foods could also trigger allergic reactions. Many doctors don’t know much about alpha-gal syndrome, while many more don’t yet have the confidence to properly diagnose it, according to a 2023 CDC report. As such, misdiagnosis is common, with some doctors incorrectly labeling the condition irritable bowel syndrome. Those bitten do not develop allergies to non-mammal meats, like poultry or fish. Roughly one-third of those with alpha-gal syndrome lose the allergy within three to five years, according to Dr. Scott Commins, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Some people develop antibodies to alpha-gal but don’t develop a red meat allergy. According to studies, only 2% of those bitten develop the allergy.
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Tamuz 26
9:26 PM
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Saturday
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Av 18
9:12 PM
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9:18 PM
Av 4
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פרשת דברים
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פרשת עקב
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8:08 PM פרשת ואתחנן
Av 10
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Friday
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Baltimore Weekday Minyanim Guide
Shacharis
Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah: EVERY 15 MINUTES
M, TH
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M-F M, TH M-F M-F M, TH
7:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring S Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] S Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore S-F Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh S Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] S Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation S Chabad of Park Heights S Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh S-F Darchei Tzedek S Kedushas Yisrael S-F Khal Bais Nosson S Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) S-F Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S, T, W, F Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F 7:45 AM Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Talmudical Academy Darchei Tzedek Mesivta Kesser Torah Mesivta Shaarei Chaim Yeshivas Torah Simcha (school days only) 7:50 AM Derech Chaim Ner Tamid Ohel Moshe 8:00 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Bais Dovid-Bais Medrash of Summit Park Beth Abraham Chabad Israeli Center Darchei Tzedek Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Kehillas Meor HaTorah Ohr Yisroel Pikesville Jewish Congregation Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation The Shul at the Lubavitch Center Tiferes Yisroel Tzeirei Anash Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah
M-F S-F M-F S-F S-F S-F S S M-F S-F S S M-F S S S S S S S-F S S S S-F
8:15 AM Kehilath B'nai Torah S Kol Torah S 8:20 AM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S-F 8:30 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F Chabad Israeli Center S Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) S-F Ohel Moshe S Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh S 9:00 AM Aish Kodesh S Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S Beth Tfiloh Congregation S Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation S Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah S Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S-F
Mincha
Mincha Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Gedolah
Khal Ahavas Yisroel/Tzemach Tzedek 1:45 PM Ohel Moshe M-Th Yeshivas Torah Simcha (school days only) 1 South Street, 27th Floor. 1:50 PM Wealcatch Insurance - 37 Walker Ave 2nd floor 2:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Big Al @ The Knish Shop Party Room
Mincha/Maariv Plag
Ohel Yaakov Shomrei Emunah Congregation Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim
Mincha/Maariv Before Shkiah Aish Kodesh Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudah of Greenspring Bais Dovid-Bais Medrash of Summit Park Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Beth Abraham Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Darchei Tzedek Derech Chaim Kehillas Meor HaTorah Kehilath B’nai Torah Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Machzikei Torah (Sternhill’s), 5:00pm Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Ner Tamid Ohel Moshe Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Ohr Yisroel Pikesville Jewish Congregation Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation Shomrei Mishmeres Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel The Shul at the Lubavitch Center Tiferes Yisroel
Maariv Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah: EVERY 15 MINUTES 8:00 PM, 8:15 PM, 8:30 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:30 PM, 9:45 PM, 10:00 PM, 10:15 PM, 10:30 PM, 10:45 PM, 11:00 PM, 11:15 PM, 11:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:10 PM 8:15 PM 8:30 PM 8:45 PM
Agudath Israel of Baltimore Kol Torah
Khal Ahavas Yisroel/Tzemach Tzedek Agudath Israel of Baltimore Darchei Tzedek Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) Ohr Yisroel
8:50 PM Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Etz Chaim Building) 8:55 PM Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh 9:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Arugas Habosem Shomrei Emunah Congregation Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim
9:15 PM Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva 9:20 PM Kol Torah 9:30 PM Agudah of Greenspring Agudath Israel of Baltimore Kedushas Yisrael
9:40 PM Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] 9:45 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Kollel Erev Birchas Yitzchok (Luries) Kollel of Greenspring Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah
9:50 PM Aish Kodesh Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Ohel Moshe
10:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Darchei Tzedek Kehilath B'nai Torah Kehillas Shaarei Avodah Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Ohr Yisrael Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation
10:05 PM Kol Torah 10:10 PM Ner Israel Rabbinical College 10:15 PM Derech Chaim Khal Bais Nosson
10:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore 11:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudah of Greenspring - 6107 Greenspring Ave Agudath Israel of Baltimore - 6200 Park Heights Ave Ahavat Shalom - 3009 Northbrook Rd Aish Kodesh - 6207 Ivymount Rd Arugas HaBosem - 3509 Clarks Ln Bais Dovid-Bais Medrash of Summit Park- 6800 Sylvale Ct Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim - 3120 Clarks Ln Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore - 6823 Old Pimlico Rd Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh - 6618 Deancroft Rd Beit Yaakov - 3615 Seven Mile Ln Beth Abraham - 6208 Wallis Ave Beth Tfiloh Congregation - 3300 Old Court Rd Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation - 6602 Park Heights Ave Chabad Israeli Center - 7807 Seven Mile Ln Chabad of Park Heights - 3402 Clarks Ln Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh - 3800 Labyrinth Rd Darchei Tzedek - 3201 Seven Mile Ln Derech Chaim - 6603 Pimlico Road Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue 6611 Greenspring Ave. Kedushas Yisrael - 6004 Park Heights Ave Kehilath B’nai Torah - 6301 Green Meadow Pkwy Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva - 6700 Cross Country Blvd Kehillas Meor HaTorah - 6539 Pebble Brooke Rd Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek - 6811 Park Heights Ave Khal Bais Nosson - 2901 Taney Rd Kol Torah - 2929 Fallstaff Rd Kollel of Greenspring - 6504 Greenspring Ave. Machzikei Torah - 6216 Biltmore Ave Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah - 6500 Baythorne Rd Mesivta Kesser Torah - 8400 Park Heights Ave Mesivta Shaarei Chaim - 5415 Greenspring Ave Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah - 7000 Rockland Hills Dr Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber One South Street, 27th Floor Ner Israel Rabbinical College - 400 Mt Wilson Ln Ner Tamid - 6214 Pimlico Road Ohel Moshe - 2808 Smith Ave Ohel Yakov - 3200 Glen Ave Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] - 6813 Park Heights Ave Ohr Yisroel - 2429 Lightfoot Dr Pikesville Jewish Congregation - 7644 Carla Rd Shearith Israel Congregation - 5835 Park Heights Ave Shomrei Emunah Congregation - 6221 Greenspring Ave Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh - 2821 W Strathmore Ave Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim - 7504 Seven Mile Ln Talmudical Academy - 4445 Old Court Rd The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel - 5915 Park Heights Ave The Shul at the Lubavitch Center - 6701 Old Pimlico Rd Tiferes Yisroel - 6201 Park Heights Ave Tzeirei Anash - 6706 Cross County Blvd Wealcatch Insurance - 37 Walker Ave 2nd floor Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah - 6819 Williamson Ave
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7:05 AM Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's)
Tzeirei Anash 7:20 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Beth Tfiloh Congregation Kol Torah Shomrei Emunah Congregation
Kol Torah Market Maven Reischer Minyan - 23 Walker Ave 2nd Floor 10055 Red Run Blvd Suite 295 2:15 PM Pikesville Beis Medrash - 15 Walker Ave 2:30 PM Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Tov Pizza Mincha Minyan Ner Israel Rabbinical College Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Community Kollel) Shearith Israel Congregation 2:45 PM Kollel of Greenspring Shearith Israel Congregation (S-Th) 3:00 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 3:05 PM Kedushas Yisrael 3:15 PM Hat Box 3:30 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 4:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th) Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 4:30 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 5:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 5:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 6:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Shearith Israel Congregation (S-Th) 6:30 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 10 Min Before ShkiAh Chabad Israeli Center 14 Min Before ShkiAh Kol Torah
Maariv continued
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Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] M-F Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah S-F Ohel Yakov S-F Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S-F 6:00 AM Shomrei Emunah Congregation M-F 6:10 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, Th 6:15 AM Kol Torah M, TH Shearith Israel Congregation M, TH M, TH 6:20 AM Agudah of Greenspring Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S-F Bais Dovid-Bais Medrash of Summit Park M-F Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M-F Kehilath B'nai Torah M, TH Pikesville Jewish Congregation M, TH Shomrei Emunah Congregation S, M, TH 6:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring T, W, F Chabad of Park Heights M-F Darchei Tzedek M-F Kehilath B'nai Torah T, W, F Khal Bais Nosson M-F Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek M-F Kol Torah T, W, F Ohr Yisroel M-F Pikesville Jewish Congregation T, W, F Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F 6:35 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan) M, TH Ohel Moshe M, TH 6:40 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan) T, W, F Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M, TH Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] M-F 6:45 AM The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel M, Th B”H and Mesivta of Baltimore (Dirshu Minyan) S-F Beth Abraham M, TH Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue M-F Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva M-F Ner Tamid M-F Ohel Moshe T, W, F Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim M-F 6:50 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, TH Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] M, TH Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh M, TH Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation T, W, F Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh M, TH Derech Chaim M-F Kol Torah M-F Ohel Moshe S Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] M, TH Shomrei Emunah Congregation M, TH The Shul at the Lubavitch Center M, TH 6:55 AM Beth Abraham T, W, F Kol Torah M, TH The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel T, W, F 7:00 AM Aish Kodesh (upstairs Minyan) M-F Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] T, W, F Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh T, W, F Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh T, W, F Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue S Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek S Kol Torah T, W, F Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah M-F Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S, T, W, F Shearith Israel Congregation S, M, TH Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh M-F The Shul at the Lubavitch Center T, W, F Tiferes Yisroel M-F Neitz
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N’shei Café And Summer Lecture Series 2026
JULY 2-JULY 15, 2026
’shei Agudath Israel of Baltimore is part of an international organization of women dedicated to achdus, community service, education, and charity. Our members include women from different shuls, schools, and organizations. N’shei provides the women in our community with quality programs to enhance their homes and their families. Throughout the year, N’shei organizes halacha and hashkafa shiurim, including our annual Teshuva and Pesach shiurim delivered by Rabbi Moshe Heinemann,
N’shei Agudath Israel of Baltimore hosts a yearly summer event, the N’shei Café Evening of Stars. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore at 7:30 p.m. The N’shei Café Evening of Stars is an opportunity to honor groups of women who have made a significant impact on our community. This year, we will be recognizing the Third and Fourth Grade Teachers
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shlita. Each year, N’shei officially welcomes the women who are new to the community at our Welcome Newcomers Night.
and Assistants in the frum schools. The honorees are: Tovah Aranbayev, Yehudis Bamberger, Chomi Bernstein, Nechama Coleman, Esther Feldheim, Chavi Goffin, Adina Gross, Shulamis Juravel, Nishama Krulwich, Rivkie Margolis, Ashira Mirsky, Rivka Kaila Nath, Miriam Bayla Paisley, Esther Purec, Chedva Reidler, Leah Spatz, Eeta Travis, Shira Tuchman, and Esther Yeroshalmi. We will also pay tribute to the memories of four outstanding women: Dubba Liff, a”h; Helene Mintz, a”h; Hadassah Poliakoff, a”h; and Sara Rivkah Shapiro, a”h. The program will include a Chinese Auction, a dairy buffet, entertainment by Kol Zimrah Baltimore Women’s Choir, and a slide show presented by Simcha Photography & Video. Mrs. Gitti Horowitz, master educator and beloved mentor, will address the event with Divrei Chizuk.
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The August schedule will begin with a shiur by Mrs. Shoshana Kruger, beloved educator and popular lecturer, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. She will speak on “Proper Perspective – Lessons from Parshas Re’eh.” This will be followed by a 90-minute Zoom video shiur by Mrs. Sara Yoheved Rigler, noted author & popular speaker, preceded by a number of other presenters, on “Connecting to Hashem with Mitzvah Mindfulness.” The next shiur will be by Mrs. Chaya Kruk, popular lecturer & teacher, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom, on “The Best Investment for Your Future: The Shalom Fund.” As we head into Yom Tov season, Rabbi Menachem Goldberger, Rav of Congregation Tiferes Yisroel, will present an Elul Shiur on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 8:00 p.m., both in his shul and on Zoom.
N’shei will publish a Journal of Stars honoring the Third and Fourth Grade Teachers listed above. The Journal will also contain memorial tributes to Dubba Liff, a”h; Helene Mintz, a”h; Hadassah Poliakoff, a”h; and Sara Rivkah Shapiro, a”h.
To complete the Erev Yom Tov season, Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, Rav of Agudath Israel of Baltimore, will deliver the Annual Teshuva Shiur on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. at the Agudah and on Zoom.
To place an ad in the Journal of Stars, please email nsheijournal@gmail.com or call or text 443-996-4254.
N’shei also hosts an ongoing bi-weekly Monday night Halacha Shiur by Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, which covers important and relevant topics for women. The shiur is accessible on the phone, on the web or in person on the Agudah balcony at 9:00 p.m. every other Monday.
Another popular program hosted by N’shei Agudath Israel of Baltimore during the summer is the Summer Lecture Series. This year’s theme, “Striving for Greatness,” will begin with a shiur by Rabbi Sholom Tendler, a Kashrus Administrator at the Star-K. He will present “The Latest Updates in the World of Kashrus” on Tuesday, July 1, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. The series will continue with Divrei Chizuk by Mrs. Gitti Horowitz, master educator and beloved mentor, at the N’shei Café Evening of Stars on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. As in previous years, Rebbetzin Nechama Karlinsky, Menaheles of Kitov Seminary, will honor the community with an in-person & Zoom shiur on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 on the topic of “Enhancing Sensitivity Bein Adam L’Chaveiro.” The shiur will take place at the Ari Fuld Shul (Storch Annex), 3209 Fallstaff Road at 8:00 p.m. The final shiur in July will be delivered by Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, LCPC, Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. His topic will be “Tu B’Av to Rosh Hashana: The Process of Making Space for an Other.”
For information on accessing lectures and recordings, please email nsheibaltimore@gmail.com or call or text Mrs. Chavi Barenbaum at 410-935-3010. ADA accommodations are available upon request. All shiurim are free of charge, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Sponsorships opportunities are available for individual shiurim or for ads. Please contact Mrs. Chavi Barenbaum or email nsheibaltimore@gmail.com for details. N’shei dues and donations are greatly appreciated and enable us to continue offering quality programs. Dues remain $36 and may be sent to: Mrs. Sandy Cohen at 6314 Cross Country Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21215, donated at shiurim or contributed online. Email nsheibaltimore@gmail.com for the donation link. Volunteers are needed to assist with programming, particularly in the areas of publicity, phone calls, and computer graphics. We are looking forward to welcoming the community to our lectures and events.
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Torah Thought
Yes, You Are Special! By Rabbi Zvi Teichman
P
inchos is rewarded with G-d’s eternal ‘covenant of peace’ in reward for his acting with zeal in avenging Kozbi and Zimri who incited the masses to immorality and the worship of Baal-peor, and quelling the subsequent plague that took twenty-four thousand lives. — לכןTherefore, say: Behold! I give him my covenant of peace. ()במדבר כה יב The word לכןis numerically equal to the notion of — מדה במדהmeasure for measure, indicating as the Midrash states, — בדין הוא שיטול שכרוhe justly deserves his reward. ()בעל הטורים There are many attempts to explain the exact correlation of Pinchos’ courageous act to the specific reward he received, of becoming a Kohen, and possibly that all Kohanim Gedolim descended from him, or eternal life.
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Rav Yitzchok, the Rav of Chelm some two-hundred years ago, offers a novel understanding of this sentiment that ‘he received his just reward’. Although G-d pays each person the precise reward for every good deed one does, nevertheless, the joy, honor, and pride one often receives from others who praise his noble actions, reduces somewhat the otherwise ‘full’ reward of doing the mitzvah. In Pinchos’ case we are taught, that he was disgraced by the tribes saying, “Have you seen the son of Puti, whose mother’s father [Yisro] fattened calves for idols, and who killed a chieftain of an Israelite tribe? For this reason, Scripture traces his pedigree to Aaron. ()רש"י
It is precisely because he was humiliated by the tribes, not gaining any personal sense of satisfaction for his deed, that he justly deserves his reward, in ‘full’ without any reductions. It is not emphasizing the nature of the reward but the complete and perfect reward he deserves since there was no personal gain. ()זכרון יצחק It is in that light the ‘velt’ whimsically adds, that we say on Shabbos, ‘and all who are involved in the needs of the community faithfully — may the Holy One, Blessed is He, ישלם שכרם — pay their reward...’, since those who do it faithfully will inevitably not gain the recognition they deserve at best, and possibly suffer abuse at worst, and therefore deserving of a ‘perfect’ reward for their devotion! In that vein they also explain the Rashi that quotes how when Moshe selects Yehoshua to take the mantle of leadership ‘he encouraged him with words and informed him of the reward in store for the leaders of Israel in the World to Come’. Moshe knew a leader would endure much disparagement in his role and ultimately would have to wait for his full unadulterated entitlement only in the ‘World to Come’! ()שם כז כב Rashi adds, that because Pinchos was castigated and doubted in his intentions the Torah reiterates his lineage to Aharon in this introductory verse describing his heroic intervention, even though it was well known he descended from Aharon. The common interpretation of this notation is to emphasize Pinchos’ purity of motive in the spirit of his illustrious and purely devoted grandfather, Aharon.
Perhaps there is another dimension to it. How does one persevere even in the face of derision? Only someone raised with a large dose of unconditional love and encouragement will develop a healthy self-confidence that will motivate one to do what is right, without any need for validation and veneration from others. It was because he was raised on the lap of the greatest lover and appreciator of one’s fellow man, who saw the positive in everyone, and through that attitude could make others aware of their greatness, instilling self-confidence in them that enabled them to overlook the faults of others and reconcile. Pinchos was able to quash the mighty pull of the dark forces of Baal-Peor that drew so many toward sin. What strength did he possess to accomplish this? Yehoshua confronts the two and a half tribes who dwelled in Trans-Jordan when they built an unauthorized altar raising suspicions of idolatrous intentions, admonishing them by reminding them of an earlier episode when the nation succumbed. Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we have not been cleansed until this day, and there was a plague in the congregation of the Lord. ()יהושע כב יז Whenever the verse says ‘until this day’ it is meant for all of posterity when reading the verse. It refers to that day even in later generations. But when we read it today, more than two-thousand years after the
Men of the Great Assembly slaughtered the evil inclination for idolatry, how can we say we are not yet cleansed from Peor’s influence? The Chasam Sofer explains that the worship of Peor, which consisted of defecating in front of the deity, was intended to express how far man is from a God who resides upon high and has no need or interest in lowly mankind and their interactions. By doing the most undignified act in the presence of the idol, one would de facto be declaring our worthlessness, and thus our lack of responsibility. Although we may not actually worship this idol as in ancient times, when we give up on ourselves and feel worthless, incorrectly thinking G-d could not possibly consider my puny existence as purposeful, we are guilty of the sin of Peor. Perhaps that is why the ultimate Peor destroyer is none other than Pinchos, who enlightens us all in the spirit of his inspired grandfather, that G-d cherishes our every choice, and we must appreciate ourselves and know how valued and loved we are in His eyes. May we in these contemplative days of mourning, when we consider our destiny, and the corrections we must make to be redeemed once again, provide encouragement to one another of how much we value each other, restoring our self-confidence, echoing the charge of Calev: — כי יכול נוכל לה for we can surely do it, we have what it takes! You may reach the author at: Ravzt@ ohelmoshebaltimore.com
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Pinchas, a grandson of Aharon HaKohen, is rewarded for his incredible act of zealotry and Mesirus Nefesh. He is granted a covenant of peace and the priesthood. A census of the Jewish people is taken. Moshe instructs the division of the Land. The daughters of Tzelafchad are also granted a portion. Yehoshua is empowered to succeed Moshe to ultimately lead the Jewish people in Israel. Korbanos were brought daily.
Inspiration. Everywhere.
Parshas Pinchas
QUICK VORT
Quotable Quote
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“ When people ask me what not to do, I can tell them. But to know what they should do, that’s something they need to ask themselves...”
-Kotzker Rebbe
GEMATRIA
The Chesed L’Avraham (Second Rebbe of Radomsk) says that the gematria of the name פינחסis the same as אור, light. Pinchas connected to his inner light, may we be zoche to do the same!
On October 14, 2012, Felix Baumgartner, an Austrianborn aerobatic flyer, became famous for breaking multiple world records. He became the first person to break the sound barrier in a freefall reaching a topspeed of 846 mph (or 1,357.6 kph) without the use of any heavy machinery. At the time, this was the highest freefall parachute jump from 24.2 miles above Earth’s surface, which comes out to about 128,000 feet). After stepping on the edge of his specialty-built capsule, suspended thousands of feet up high in the stratosphere, Baumgartner looked down at Earth below him, and with genuine humility, he said some of the most powerful words: “I wish you could see what I can see. Sometimes you have to be up really high to understand how small you are. I’m coming home now.” And he jumped. These words are quite powerful. Greatness and humility are built upon each other; they are two sides of the same coin. There is no such thing as a truly great person that is not humble or a truly humble person that is not great. Great people see themselves as “small” simply because they see that their greatness comes from a Higher Being, i.e., Hashem. When a person is able to recognize that his talents, strengths, and abilities are gifts from the Divine, given to him with his particular mission in mind, that’s when a person is able to soar to lofty levels of greatness and be humbled by this opportunity. The name Pinchas is written with a small yud, at the beginning of the Parshah. A yud, the smallest of all letters, represents humility. A small yud, then, represents extra humility! Pinchas performed an act that caused an entire plague to stop, which could have and should have made him feel prideful and egotistical: “It was because of me!” etc. But still, the Bas Ayin explains, despite having caused a ( פעולה גדולהa great action), still he remained not just humble, but exceedingly humble. Perhaps, this is why the name Pinchas is written with a small yud, in particular.
Rabbi Ori Strum is the author of “Ready. Set. Grow.” “Dove Tales,” “Karpas: The Big Dipper,“ and “VEYIDGU: The Upstream Jew.”
His shiurim and other Jewish content can be found on Torah Anytime and Meaningful Minute. He may be reached at rabbistrumo@gmail.com
Thoughts in Chassidus It is written, “Pinchas … turned My wrath away from the children of Israel, when he took My revenge among them, and I did not destroy them” (Numbers 25:11). Pinchas killed the sinner Zimri, taking the judgment into his own hands (ibid., 25:8). Had he not done this, the Jewish people would have been sentenced to annihilation. But because Pinchas took God’s vengeance into his own hands, the accusation against the Jews was silenced. This is the meaning of the above verse. A man stands up against a tzaddik. He says, “I will act against him! I will show him my strength and revenge!” This man is actually silencing all other judgments against the tzaddik. (Sichos HaRan 96:23)
Did You Know?! The actual act of Pinchas killing Zimri/Kozbi was recorded at the end of last week’s Parshah, in Parshas Balak. In PInchas, the Torah records the rewards for the great action of PInchas.
Points to Ponder Many yidden like to say כאלהout loud in shul. Is this ok? Even if it’s not ok, is there perhaps a deeper reason why so many do this?
Scan the QR code to view Torah classes from R’ Ori Strum on Torah Anytime!
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He was so high. So incredibly lofty. He accomplished such great things. But the higher he went, the more he understood just how small he was!
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W
e play this silly card game that we get a kick out of. There are stacks of cards with funny phrases on them, and we have
to say the phrases in different accents. Each round, another person is the judge and decides who has the best accent, and that person wins the round. The phrases
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are very cute and catchy. We were playing the other day, and I picked the card that said, “When you grow up, you’ll also get to look at your phone all day.” It hit me hard when I read this card. When someone grows up, no one gives them limits anymore. Each person has to create their own boundaries. If you look around in a public place, most people have their eyes glued to their phones. Boundaries are not easy to create, but what a sad existence—look up and smell the roses. TECH TIPS: Several months ago, TAG introduced TAG Protect (protect.tag.org), an AI Call Protection solution that blocks outgoing calls to designated AI services and other inappropriate phone numbers. At the time, many people weren’t yet
aware of how quickly AI phone services were becoming available—or how popular they were among vulnerable children and young adults in our community. Today, schools, camps, and parents are increasingly recognizing the need to address this growing concern, and interest in AI call protection is rising rapidly. TAG Protect has since expanded, with additional phone options and new protection features now available. AI Call Protection currently supports home phones, cell phones, SIM card-based solutions, and yeshivos and schools, with more support on the way. If you haven’t looked at this solution recently, now is a great time to take another look. Visit tagbaltimore.org/tagprotect and download the updated TAG Protect information sheet to see which phones and services currently support AI call blocking.
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Mental Health Corner Breathing By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman Breathing is an essential and automatic process that we often overlook, yet the way we breathe can have a significant influence on our physical and mental wellbeing. Shallow breathing can have a particularly detrimental effect on our health, both psychologically and physically. We learned in last week’s Parsha that the Bnei Yisroel failed to heed Moshe’s words due to “Kotzer Ruach” which Rashi interprets as shortness of breath. Although we do not intend for this article to delve into the depths of this passage in the Torah, nevertheless, this makes this week an opportune and auspicious time to address this crucial topic.
the brain to perceive an impending threat, exacerbating the feelings of anxiety.
When stress or anxiety strikes, our breathing patterns often change, becoming shallow and rapid. Our brain, always on the lookout for potential dangers, perceives this shallow breathing as a warning sign, further deepening the fight or flight response and releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This creates a vicious cycle, as the initial anxiety leads to shallow breathing, which in turn prompts
Deep breathing also serves as a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness, which is the practice of being fully present and non-judgmentally aware of one’s thoughts and feelings. By focusing on the sensation of the breath and the process of inhaling and exhaling, deep and slow breathing enables individuals to shift their attention away from negative and anxious thoughts and towards the present moment. As a result, it allows for anxious thoughts
Deep and slow breathing serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety. When we are feeling anxious, it’s essential to communicate to our brain that all is well, and that there is no cause for alarm. By taking slow and deliberate breaths, we send this very message to our brain, which in turn shifts our bodies into a state of relaxation. Even in the midst of anxiety, this relaxed breathing pattern prevents the activation of the fight or flight response, enabling us to maintain a sense of calm and composure.
and feelings to pass without engaging with them, thereby reducing anxiety. It is a simple yet powerful technique that if practiced, especially under the guidance of a trained practitioner, can have a positive effect on many aspects of one’s life. Shallow breathing can also have physical effects. Breathing involves two actions, the intake of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide. Shallow breathing may lead to an insufficient intake of oxygen and to an excess buildup of carbon dioxide. This may lead to headaches, fatigue, and a host of other physical issues. Furthermore, when one engages in shallow breathing, the primary muscles used for breathing are the rib cage muscles, which expand to fill the upper regions of the lungs. However, this neglects the crucial role of the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle at the base of the rib cage that separates the chest cavity that contains the heart and lungs from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm, when contracting, creates a vacuum that draws
air into the lungs and fills up the entire lung with air. Excessive shallow breathing that underutilizes the diaphragm results in a weaker diaphragm muscle, leading to a decline in stamina and endurance. We hope that after reading this article, you will no longer view the seemingly simple process of breathing as insignificant. On the one hand, shallow breathing can amplify anxiety and result in severe physical consequences. On the other hand, deep and slow breathing serves as an effective means to alleviate anxiety and foster mindfulness. Breathing is a precious, divine gift that should be treasured and utilized appropriately. When practiced correctly, it can serve as a channel to many of life’s blessings, such as tranquility and serenity. This is a service of Relief Resources. Relief is an organization that provides mental health referrals, education, and support to the frum community. Rabbi Yisrael Slansky is director of the Baltimore branch of Relief. He can be contacted at 410-448-8356 or at yslansky@reliefhelp.org
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To Raise a Laugh Oral Support
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got the feeling that I don’t take my kids to the dentist often enough at the end of their latest appointment, when, on their way out, they were handed toothbrushes, and one of them said, “That’s not a prize. I already have a toothbrush.”
Then he did the actual root canal and said, “I’m done. Now you have to go somewhere and put on a crown.”
So clearly we’re missing something.
So we had to go back to the first dentist, who took some X-rays and confirmed that “Hey! She needs a crown!”
Sure, you could say that there’s no point in taking kids to the dentist, because their teeth are going to fall out soon anyway. But one could argue that if anyone doesn’t go to the dentist their teeth are going to fall out. And you definitely want to go in with them. You don’t want to drop them off in front and tell them to go in themselves, because that’s basically your approach to telling them to brush, and you know how often they do that. I also have zero reason to believe that my kids floss, because I’ve had the same carton of floss in that bathroom for several years now, which my wife and I take turns moving for routine cleaning.
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So in general, we basically spend all year either taking kids to the dentist or saying, “You know, we should really take the kids to the dentist.” It doesn’t help that it takes forever to get appointments. My kids are on a health insurance whose official company slogan is, “Maybe they’ll grow out of it.” For example, on Pesach, my daughter was in a lot of pain, and I figured out that she needed a root canal, based on my extensive experience of getting a root canal every year or so. So first we had to wait 2 hours to be seen by the dentist, all for him to look into her mouth and say, “Yup. She needs a root canal. We don’t do those here.” They had to give us a referral – which took 2 weeks to get – to the one dentist in town who accepted our insurance and did root canals, and he apparently does them once a month, because the appointment for that was Erev Shavuos.
“You don’t do that here?” Dentists are always treating crowns like they’re a separate procedure, like some people say, “Nah, I’ll just have metal posts in my mouth. It’ll make it easier to floss.”
“I know! Right?” “We need to get approval from the insurance!” Because the insurance that approved a root canal is not going to approve a crown. So they called back a couple of weeks later and said, “It’s approved! We could see her in like 2 months.” In the meantime, I brought her back to this office for a cleaning, because you need a cleaning every 6 months whether or not you’re in middle of another procedure. I actually brought everyone in for this cleaning, because my wife had the bright idea that I should take them all at once. Notice that it was her idea, and that I would take them all at once. This is how we split the household duties, when we’re not taking turns moving the floss. But what I didn’t realize was that if you come in with a bunch of kids, it’s not really much faster. You’re just there all day. Well, not all day. They shut the entire office down for lunch about halfway through the day, like it’s a matzah bakery and they have to wash the equipment and clean the bits and pieces off the floor. My wife was originally afraid of bringing all the kids at once, because she didn’t want them to watch what happens to each other and get nervous. Which is silly, because before we go into the room, we’re sitting in the X-ray waiting area, listening to screams from all of the exam rooms. And this is combined with the
loud noise coming from the X-ray machine. The good thing about taking them all at the same time, though, was that they got to be there for each other. For example, at some point the hygienist brushed their teeth with some kind of paste that she said tasted like strawberries, and my kids unanimously agreed that it did not. Do these people even know what strawberries taste like? It tastes like you brushed your teeth and then ate strawberries. But then at some point the dentist took all the kids who’d had their cleanings to another room for exams, leaving me with just my 7-year-old, who right then decided that, without the other kids’ moral support, he was scared of getting his teeth brushed. So he ran out of the room and into the hallway, where I had to stand and negotiate with him in full view of all the nervous kids waiting for their X-rays. Finally, I just picked him up and carried him in, plopped him on the chair, and held his arms while a hygienist held his head so another hygienist could brush his teeth with bad strawberries. So what I’m saying is, we probably freaked kids out for later. That’s how it works: Every kid who screams scares another kid, who later screams and scares another kid, and by the end of the day, every kid is screaming. I think this is why they shut down the entire office halfway through the day. Point is, I think it’s my other kids’ presence that makes the first kid calmer. So I’m totally bringing everyone along for the end of my daughter’s root canal. I hope the 7-year-old doesn’t run out. Though if he does, I’m giving him change for the meter. Mordechai Schmutter is a freelance writer and a humor columnist for Hamodia and other magazines. He has also published eight books and does stand-up comedy. You can contact him at MSchmutter@gmail.com.
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Forgotten Her es
America at 250 Jewish Military Contributions in the 20th and 21st Centuries By Avi Heiligman
Colonel Abel Davis was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
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W
Major General Maurice Rose
arfare since 1900 has shifted dramatically toward a highly technological approach, starting with the invention of the airplane and tank and evolving into advanced combat systems and sophisticated ways of waging war. Jewish Americans have been involved with the American military every step of the way, serving in every major conflict. They have contributed in many positions including as frontline heroes, medical professionals saving countless lives, groundbreaking cryptanalysts, spies, engineers, scientists, and chaplains – filling vital roles that have fundamentally changed how war is fought. For the first three years of World War I (1914-1918), the United States was officially neutral. The United States only entered the conflict in 1917 after Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram in which Germany offered to help Mexico to claim American territory. Approximately 250,000 Jewish Americans served in the armed forces during the war, which represented 4.5 percent of the entire military. Tragically, 3,500 Jewish service members were killed during World War I and 12,000 were wounded.
Staff Sergeant Isadore S. Jachman
Many were awarded medals and citations for bravery in action including four recipients of the Medal of Honor. One of the highest ranking Jewish officers was Colonel Abel Davis, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross while commanding the 132nd Infantry Regiment, 33rd Division. His citation reads: “Disregarding the heavy shell and machine-gun fire, Colonel Davis personally assumed command and by his fearless leadership and courage the enemy was driven back.” After the war, he attained the rank of brigadier general. While the years immediately following World War I saw a reduction of troops, America’s military attitude changed in the 1930s with the rise of Nazi Germany. Many Jews fleeing Europe came to the United States to build new lives, only to see global conflict ignite when World War II broke out in 1939. The United States didn’t officially join the war until the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941; however, many Americans, including Jewish residents, had already begun joining the armed forces in large numbers. By the time the war ended, approximately 550,000 American Jews had served in the U.S. military, contributing to the
Tibor Rubin was awarded the Medal of Honor
1.5 million Jews worldwide who served in the Allied armies. This accounted for 4.23 percent of all Americans in uniform. Roughly 52,000 Jews received awards and citations for their actions in combat and dedication to service, while 11,000 tragically made the ultimate sacrifice. The mobilization cut across professional lines, as 60 percent of Jewish physicians under the age of 45 joined the military, with many others serving as combat medics and corpsmen in the Navy and Marines. Leadership ranks also reflected this commitment, featuring 18 Jewish generals and four Jewish admirals during the war. Major General Maurice Rose, commanding officer of the 3rd Armored Division, was the highest-ranking Jewish officer in U.S. history and the highest-ranking American general killed in action in Europe. There were also three Jewish Medal of Honor recipients during World War II. Staff Sergeant Isadore S. Jachman of the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, took out two enemy tanks with a bazooka. Captain Ben Salomon was an Army dentist who singlehandedly defended his aid station. Second Lieutenant Raymond Zussman of
Medal of Honor recipient John Levitow
the 756th Tank Battalion led a tank assault on foot while capturing and killing over 100 enemy soldiers. More than 150,000 Jewish Americans served during the Korean War (1950–1953), with two earning the Medal of Honor. Private First Class Leonard Kravitz, a machine gunner with the 24th Infantry Division, was posthumously awarded the medal after staying at his post to protect the other members of his unit. Holocaust survivor Tibor Rubin, who had joined the 1st Cavalry Division, singlehandedly defended a hill for 24 hours. Later captured, he helped 40 of his fellow POWs survive by risking his own life to forage for food. After decades of delay, he was finally awarded the medal in 2005. During the Vietnam War (1965-1973), approximately 30,000 Jewish service members served in the American military. Two were awarded the Medal of Honor, while others were noted for their actions in combat. Despite severe wounds, Colonel (then First Lieutenant) Jack Jacobs took command of his unit while under heavy Viet Cong fire, organizing a defense and withdrawal. He repeatedly went into exposed areas to res-
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ments, cracked the Japanese military’s most secure diplomatic cipher, Purple. Admiral Ben Moreell organized Navy engineers into the Seabees, the famed Construction Battalions. Meanwhile, Admiral Hyman Rickover became known as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy,” introducing nuclear power plants on ships that fundamentally altered the strategic balance of the Cold War. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the legacy of the Jews who served in the military stands as a reminder of their dedication
and sacrifice. From the trenches of France to the World War II foxholes to the deserts of Iraq, Jewish Americans have answered the call to fight for freedom. Many of these Forgotten Heroes are now being remembered as their legacy is etched into American and Jewish history.
Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.
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served in elite units like the Navy SEALs and the Green Berets operating in all types of terrain. In the past few decades, several organizations have helped Jewish soldiers with their religious needs. These include providing kosher MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), supporting traveling chaplains and combating antisemitism. Throughout the 20th century, several prominent Jewish figures played vital roles in supporting the war effort and shaping the modern American military. William F. Friedman was an Army cryptographer who, among many achieve-
Admiral Hyman Rickover, center, became known as the Father of the Nuclear Navy
JULY 2-JULY 15, 2026
cue his men and singlehandedly fought off enemy squads that approached the wounded. Air Force Special Operator John Levitow received the other Medal of Honor for saving the entire crew of his aircraft after it was struck by a missile. Colonel Jeffrey Feinstein attained the title of flying ace when, as the weapons systems officer on an F-4 Phantom II, he shot down five enemy aircraft. Thousands of Jewish servicemen and women served honorably during the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991) and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. They
Max Fuchs and Rabbi Chaplain Sidney Lefkowitz singing at a Jewish service in Aachen, Germany, on Oct. 29, 1944. The service was broadcast on NBC radio
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American servicemen around a Jewish chaplain’s flag in 1945
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Living Kiddush Hashem
“Well, then, do you know the saint?” the elderly man asked him. Chaim was flustered. Seeing his confusion, the old man said, “I am talking about Rabbi Teitelbaum of Williamsburg. I met him on two different occasions. I used to work in the fire department. One year on the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, I was assigned to stand outside the synagogue with a couple of colleagues and keep an eye on the situation, to make sure the Jews were safe. While I was there, the door opened and a few people emerged, followed by the saint
“The next time I met him, a while later, was when I was assigned to inspect all the hydrants in a certain area. On one particular block, I found that someone had parked a car right next to a hydrant. I was very annoyed; this was interfering with my work. But then the door of the adjacent house opened, and the saint himself emerged. It turned out that he had been visiting a family in mourning, and someone explained to him that he had parked his car in the wrong place. I was very excited when he approached me and spoke to me through
an interpreter again. ‘I am an old man and it’s difficult for me to walk,’ he explained. ‘That is why I parked here, so that I could have direct access to this house. But I give you a blessing that you should become old and not feel your old age.’” Chaim was floored by this story. “Tell me,” he said to the elderly man, “is there any way that I could buy that blessing from you?” “Not for all the money in the world!” the man replied vehemently. The Satmar Rebbe took the time on Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, to say a few kind words to a young Gentile he had never met before, creating an impact that would remain with that man for years to come. (Heard from Rabbi Zev Smith)
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i
“Yes, I am,” Chaim confirmed.
himself. When he noticed us, he crossed the street to speak to us and asked through an interpreter why we were there. We explained our job to him, and he thanked us profusely for keeping the neighborhood safe. I felt immensely privileged; the saintly rabbi was thanking me!
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The “Saint” From Williamsburg
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Community.
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52 1. *
TJH
Centerfold
Signs You’d Have a Tough Time If You Lived 250 Years Ago You complain that Paul Revere should’ve just
You wonder why your horse doesn’t come with
started a group text.
Apple CarPlay.
You ask if powdered wigs are machine washable or
You ask if the Founding Fathers can just create a
“dry clean only.”
shared Google Doc instead of meeting all day.
You wonder why nobody has invented weekends
You ask if someone can “just email” King George
yet.
your complaints.
You ask if the Continental Congress has a Zoom
You wonder why there is no indoor plumbing and
option.
promise to give the home a one-star rating on Airbnb.
You tell Betsy Ross, “Can you make the flag in dark mode?”
While at the local inn, you ask if there is complimentary breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, and
You ask if the Liberty Bell can be rung on silent
late checkout.
mode. You ask if the Revolutionary War can be watched You complain that the Constitution could’ve been
on demand because you don’t like live events.
much shorter if they’d just used bullet points. You complain that riding a horse is fine, but you’d You ask where to scan the QR code to join the
really prefer one with cruise control.
Revolution. You ask if there’s a faster route because your GPS says crossing Delaware will add 17 minutes.
Riddle Me This
I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I? Answer: A map
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You ask if Benjamin Franklin has a podcast.
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3. Around the time of the American Revolution, what was the average life expectancy at birth in the United States? a. About 23-25 years b. About 38-40 years c. About 55-57 years d. About 70 years
5. Approximately how many Union soldiers were killed in the Civil
7. How much did the United States pay Russia for Alaska in 1867? a. $700,000 b. $7.2 million c. $72 million d. $720 million 8. Which U.S. land acquisition added the largest amount of territory to the United States? a. The Louisiana Purchase (1803) b. The Alaska Purchase (1867) c. The Mexican Cession (1848) d. The Gadsden Purchase (1854) 9. In around 1800, approximately what percentage of Americans lived on farms? a. 40% b. 60% c. 80% d. About 95%
Answers: 1-B 2-A 3-B 4-C 5-D 6-A 7-B 8-A 9-D 10-D Wisdom key: 8-10 correct: You are so on it that you probably know that America’s 250th birthday is called the semiquincentennial. 4-7 correct: You didn’t exactly fight in the Revolutionary War, but you’ve been here for a while. 0-3 correct: Were you born in Uganda or something like that?
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4. How many U.S. presidents have been assassinated while in office? a. 2 b. 3 c. 4 d. 5
6. Which city served as the first U.S. capital, from 1785 to 1790? a. New York City b. Boston c. Philadelphia d. Charleston
10. Of the more than 11,000 proposed constitutional amendments, how many of them have been ratified and became part of the Constitution? a. 490 b. 265 c. 133 d. 27
JULY 2-JULY 15, 2026
2. Which was the first state admitted to the U.S. after the original 13 colonies? a. Vermont b. Kentucky c. Tennessee d. Ohio
War, which ended slavery? a. 40,000 b. 90,000 c. 120,000 d. 360,000
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1. Approximately how many people lived in the United States when the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776? a. 1.2 million b. 2.5 million c. 10 million d. 75 million
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Notable Quotes
JULY 2-JULY 15, 2026
“Say What?!”
When I hear people say, “Is it possible America and Israel will split apart and no longer enjoy this extraordinary partnership?” I say, “No, you’ve got to understand, we are not that stupid. I hope we’re never going to be that stupid.”
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- U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee at the Israeli-American Council (IAC) America 250 celebration
Several months ago…I was given the diagnosis of depression. Now, when people hear the word depression, many people think it simply means feeling sad, but depression is so much more than that. It is physical, it is emotional, and as soon as you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be. The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness. - Republican New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) in a speech in the House of Representatives explaining his months-long absence from Congress
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Brad Lander — he’s a disgrace. He’s antiAmerican, he is antisemitic, even though he’s Jewish. This guy would be a camp guard in a concentration camp if he could. He’s a disaster. He’s terrible. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, after selfhating Jew and Mamdani lover Brad Lander won the Democrat primary for NY’s 10th District congressional seatAs the
-Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar blaming the U.S. for Europe’s heat wave
JULY 2-JULY 15, 2026
second-largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, you bear a significant amount of responsibility for global warming and the consequences we, in France, are experiencing.
At a recent Democrat gala, Joe Biden seemed lost and didn’t know where to go. Even more embarrassing, when he left, he went into the wrong hearse. -
Greg
- Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who originally voted to prevent Pres. Trump from unilaterally acting on Iran, explaining to CBS’s Margaret Brennan why he changed his mind after a briefing from the Trump administration
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So if the original objections were to destroy, degrade, if you will, Iran’s nuclear capability, their ability to do a ballistic missile, and their conventional warfare capability, and we’re supposed to be out of there in four to five weeks, with maybe a little bit of a sprinkling of regime change — that’s how it came across. The regime change is off the table. That doesn’t seem as if that’s going to happen. But it does seem as if, the way they laid it out, the other three objectives can be reached. And with those other three objectives, now we have to trust and verify. But as they laid it out, they have a plausible plan by which to achieve those, and that’s what I was interested in.
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JULY 2-JULY 15, 2026
This is one of the most important decisions in the history of the Court, and in my judgment, the Court has made a serious mistake. The Court’s interpretation is not only contrary to the original meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment – it produces grotesque results. - Justice Samuel Alito, in a blistering dissent, after the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 this week to strike down President Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order
If you look at the Middle East, there is an ongoing genocide against Jews and Christians in all the nations in the Middle East. In 1948, there was a million Jews in the Middle East in the Arab countries. Today, there’s about 15,000 left. Twenty percent of the population was Christian; now it’s 5%. In Israel, in contrast, there were 150,000 Palestinians in 1948. Today, there’s almost two million; 20% of the population. - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Fox News
If Israel wanted to commit a genocide against Palestinians, they could do it in a minute. It’s doing the opposite. Palestinian population is growing enormously around Israel. There are no Jews in Jordan. There are no Jews in Gaza. The number of Christians in Gaza has dropped by about 80% over the past 10 years. If you want to see where a real genocide is happening, it’s not in Israel. It’s happening in all the nations around it. – ibid.
To the haters and the cartel members who threaten me, come get some.
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- Border Czar Tom Homan in a recent speech
Conservative wakes up in the morning with a sense of existential comfort. It may not be a perfect society, but we have freedom, we have liberties, we have all sorts of foundational values that are worth conserving, and it’s conservative. On the other hand the progressive wakes up with existential angst—we live in a transphobic, Islamophobic, misogynistic, racist, bigoted [society]. - Behavioral scientist Dr. Gad Saad on the Sean Hannity podcast explaining why conservatives are generally happier than liberals
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58
Dating Dialogue
What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters
Dear Navidaters,
We’re writing about our son’s shidduchim because it seems like we are at a standstill. He is a very nice boy and is going to make a great husband and father, but with dating he is a very calculated and cerebral person. After
every date, he needs a long time to ponder whether he wants to go out again. He could wait an entire day between a date and getting back to the shadchan. I am finding that this is turning off the girls, their mothers, and shadchanim. Is this normal that he needs so much time to think about whether to have another date? How can we navigate this in a way that we aren’t turning anyone off, which it seems we already have.... The last thing we’d want
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is for him to develop a bad reputation. I’d love to hear the panel’s thoughts. Thank you, Concerned parents*
Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions. Our intention is not to offer any definitive conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.
59
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60
The Panel
Dear Readers, We want to offer YOU an opportunity to be part of the discussion! Please email us at MichelleMondShadchan@gmail.com, subject line “reader’s response,” if you would like to participate in the new “A Reader’s Response” columnist spot. We will send you a question and publish your answer in an upcoming Navidaters edition. If you have a question you would like the Navidaters to answer, please reach out to this email as well. Looking forward! Michelle, the “Shadchan”
The Shadchan Michelle Mond
I
actually think there are two separate issues here. The first is your son’s personality, which affects his decision-making style. Some people know after a date immediately whether they’d like to go out again. Others genuinely need to sit with it, talk it out with a rebbi, etc. There is nothing wrong with being thoughtful, and we certainly don’t want people making life decisions impulsively. However, it is important to note and to communicate with your son that going on another date is not a major life decision. In order for him to get to know her better, he will have to go out and see her in other situations. Sometimes, instead of thinking too much, it’s good to actually experience another date. The second issue is that there is another person waiting. If a girl enjoyed the date, chances are she’s waiting anxiously to see what he thought. Every hour that goes by can feel like an eternity. When a whole day passes without an answer, she has no idea whether he’s unsure or simply hasn’t gotten back to the shadchan yet. How can one not take that personally? Over time, if this happens after every date, people may start drawing conclusions that aren’t true. Instead of saying, “He’s just a deep thinker,” they may begin to wonder if he’s insensitive to how the other person feels. That’s not a reputation anyone wants, especially when it comes from a misunderstanding rather than reality. In many yeshivish circles, (which I as-
and proclaimed that the centipede could leave the court, unharmed, if he would be able to announce which of his 100 legs he would move first. Unable to analyze how it should move, the hapless creature remained frozen in place, unable to walk out safely. The moral of the story, of course, is that overthinking an issue can cause a paralyzing inability to make decisions.
The purpose of first dates is not to decide whether you’ve found your wife.
Is this a problem? sume we are talking about), when someone waits before giving an answer, people often assume they’re speaking to their rav or rebbi. If that’s something your son does, he should plan for it. Before going on the date, he should let his rebbi know he’ll likely be calling afterward so he can be available. That way, your son still gets the guidance he wants while getting back to the shadchan in a normal timeframe. Personally, I think if a date is one evening, the answer should usually be back to the shadchan by the next day around lunchtime at the latest. That’s enough time to think without leaving someone else waiting and wondering. If your son truly can’t make a decision that quickly, then I’d handle it differently. I would have the shadchan tell the girl’s side before the first date, “Just so you know, he processes things very carefully. He almost always takes about a day before giving an answer, regardless of how the date went.” Then, instead of sitting by the phone assuming the worst, she understands that this is simply how he makes decisions. Your son should do whatever he can to make sure his thoughtfulness includes the feelings of the person on the other side.
The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler
T
he centipede committed a capital offense and was sentenced to death by the king. The centipede pleaded for mercy. The king granted his request
As parents, you are right to be concerned about your son’s “analysis paralysis.” But the more significant problem is that his delays come across as inconsiderate to the girl, her family, and the shadchan. As a general rule, a shadchan expects to hear back from both parties within 12 hours. Accordingly, if the date ends at 9:00 pm, reporting back by 9:00 am is a reasonable expectation. However, given the high levels of
stress experienced by singles, calling back within a few hours is certainly a more considerate and chivalrous mode of behavior. It is cruel to keep your date waiting. Even more so, after a very first date, unless someone experiences an obvious incompatibility, agreeing to go on a second date is generally the norm. Of course, every once in a while, after a few dates, something may come up
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Admittedly, it is difficult to change, or even strongly modify, a young adult’s personality or predilections. But you can certainly try. May I respectfully suggest that you have a meaningful discussion with your son?
ply to decide whether you’d enjoy seeing her again. If you keep asking the marriage question too early, then every decision becomes overwhelming.
Readers’ Response
Occasionally, what looks like careful discernment is actually anxiety in disguise.
Michael and Aliza Rollhaus
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aiting one day to decide whether to continue dating someone is not a long time. There are times when a person recognizes immediately that a shidduch is clearly not shayach. But other times, it is perfectly reasonable to take a day to thoughtfully consider whether there is enough potential to warrant another date. Thoughtfulness shouldn’t be viewed as a flaw, but rather as a sign of maturity and emotional intelligence. The concern for your son’s reputation can be mitigated with proper communi-
cation. The shadchan could let the other side know that your son likes to think things through and will respond the following day. This helps the young woman and her parents manage their expectations and avoids unnecessary assumptions about his level of interest. I would be much more concerned if someone were making these significant decisions impulsively than if they were taking one day to think them over.
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Is there a solution?
From what you’re describing, it sounds like he’s making the early dates much heavier than they need to be. My guess is that after every date he’s asking himself, “Can I see myself marrying this person?” That’s the wrong question after the first few dates. You need to try and convince him that early in the dating process the only questions he should be asking are: “Did I enjoy myself?” “Would I like to get to know her a little better?” Nothing more! The problem is only partially that he suffers from what Humphrey’s Law calls “analysis paralysis.” Because he is anxious and overthinks, he doesn’t appreciate how his delays affect other people. Please help him understand that the purpose of first dates is not to decide whether you’ve found your wife; it’s sim-
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that he really needs to talk through with a rebbi or mentor. That’s totally fine. He can just let the shadchan know, “I’d like to think this through with someone. Can I get back to you in a few more hours?” So, yes, making folks wait that long for an answer is very off-putting to the shadchanim, the girls, and probably their mothers as well. And yes, he is probably developing a bad reputation not only with other potential singles, but also with shadchanim, as being difficult to work with.
The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists
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thoughtful person, waiting an entire day after each date to de c ide whether to continue is generally not the norm. The reason isn’t that your son is doing something wrong or insensitive. It’s that there is another person on the other side of that decision who is often sitting and waiting for an answer. The shadchan, too, is left waiting. Michelle made another point that I found interesting. In secular dating culture, if a man enjoys a date, he often asks the woman out again at the end of the date itself or sends a text later that evening. He isn’t necessarily certain that she’s “the one.” He simply knows that he enjoyed the interaction enough to want to continue getting to know her. And I wonder if this distinction might
mitment. It’s not a promise. It’s simply permission to gather more information. Practically speaking, if your son generally enjoys a first date, finds the young woman kind, interesting, and someone he would be comfortable spending more time with, I would encourage him to lean toward saying yes and allowing himself to discover rather than decide. I also want to address your concern about reputation. I don’t think your son is developing a “bad reputation.” Rather, people may be perceiving him as hesitant or overly cautious. Fortunately, this is something that can be adjusted relatively easily once it is brought into awareness. Your son sounds like someone who takes dating seriously, and that’s admirable. The goal is not for him to become less thoughtful. It’s to help him trust that he doesn’t need complete certainty in order to take the next step. Sincerely, Jennifer
Jennifer Mann, LCSW, is a therapist and certified life coach in private practice in Cedarhurst, NY and via telehealth. She works with individuals, couples, and families, and is a part-time school social worker at Bnos Malka Academy. Her work centers on anxiety, relationships, life transitions, and narcissistic abuse. She integrates attachment-based therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, and relational work, grounded in the belief that healing and growth emerge through honest, attuned, and meaningful human connection. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512.
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ear Concerned Parents, First, I want to reassure you that nothing in your letter suggests that your son won’t make a wonderful husband and father. In fact, many of the qualities that likely make him thoughtful, responsible, and deliberate are the very qualities that can make dating feel particularly challenging. Some people are simply wired to process experiences more internally and more slowly than others. Before answering this question, I actually reached out to our own shadchan extraordinaire, Michelle, because while I can speak to the psychology of dating and decision-making, I wanted to understand what is considered typical and considerate within the shidduch world itself. What I learned was helpful. Michelle shared that while everyone appreciates a
be important for your son. Sometimes, particularly for highly intelligent, analytical, and conscientious people, dating can begin to feel like a series of evaluations rather than a process of discovery. The question after a date becomes, “Can I see myself marrying this person?” rather than, “Did I enjoy her company enough to spend a few more hours getting to know her?” There’s also another possibility worth considering. Occasionally, what looks like careful discernment is actually anxiety in disguise. The mind tells us that if we think hard enough, long enough, and analyze enough data, we can arrive at certainty. But dating simply doesn’t work that way. Connection, attraction, and compatibility unfold over time. They are felt as much as they are thought. This doesn’t mean your son should ignore his instincts or rush into relationships. It does mean that he may benefit from reframing what a second or third date actually represents. It’s not a com-
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Common
By Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®, MST
Let Capitalism Pick Up The Tab The Greatest Discount You’ll Ever Receive Doesn’t Come From a Coupon Most people love a good deal. We comparison shop online before making a purchase. We wait for holiday sales. We search for coupon codes. We drive across town to save a few cents per gallon on gasoline. There is an entire industry built around helping consumers save money on the things they were already planning to buy. And yet, when it comes to the largest expenses in life, many people completely overlook the greatest discount available to them. The discount I’m referring to doesn’t come from a retailer. It doesn’t come from a loyalty program. It doesn’t come from a credit card reward. It comes from ownership. More specifically, it comes from owning small pieces of thousands of businesses through the stock market. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many people think about investing the wrong way. They view it primarily as a retirement tool. They think of their investment account as some distant pile of money that they’ll hopefully use decades from now when they stop working. Retirement is certainly an important goal, but it isn’t the only reason to invest. In many ways, investing is simply a strategy for reducing the amount of your own money that you’ll need to spend on future expenses.
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Cents
If you know with reasonable certainty that you will have significant expenses in the future – a wedding, a Bar Mitzvah, college tuition, retirement, helping a child purchase a home, or simply maintaining your lifestyle later in life – you have two choices.
After all, thirteen years is a long time. But thirteen years is also a powerful amount of time when money is allowed to grow. If this couple were to start investing just $100 per month when their baby is born, and earning a hypothetical annual return of 9%, they will have approximately $25,794 by the time that child reaches Bar Mitzvah age. What’s remarkable isn’t just the ending balance, but rather where that balance actually came from. The family contributed only $15,600 over those thirteen years. The remaining $10,194 came from investment growth. In other words, nearly forty percent of the eventual account balance was generated by the businesses they owned through their investments rather than by their own labor. Let’s consider another example that will demonstrate the magic of compound interest even more. Using the same assumptions as in the Bar Mitzvah example, a family that invests $100 per month for twenty-two years could accumulate approximately $66,548. During those twenty-two years, the family would have contributed a total of only $26,400. The remaining $40,148 would have come from growth. In this scenario, the market contributed substantially more than the family did. Complaining about the rising costs of Weddings might feel good when venting with friends and family, but it won’t pay the caterer bill. It is participating in the Stock Market through a disciplined and consistent approach that will pay for the extra sushi stations and 10 piece band! Think about what that means in practical terms. Imagine receiving a bill for $66,000.
You can pay for those expenses entirely with dollars that come from your future paychecks, or you can allow investment growth to pay for part of the bill.
Now imagine someone walking up and offering to pay $40,000 of it for you.
The difference between those two approaches can be enormous.
Most people would consider that the deal of a lifetime, and that is what being a long term minded investor will earn you.
Consider a simple example. Imagine a young couple welcomes a baby boy. Like most parents, they’re excited about all of the milestones ahead. Somewhere in the distance is a Bar Mitzvah, which feels so far away that it hardly seems worth thinking about.
The challenge, of course, is that investment growth doesn’t arrive immediately. Human beings naturally prefer instant gratification. We like immediate results. We like certainty. We like seeing progress right away. The stock market asks us to embrace the opposite approach.
It asks us to be patient. It asks us to delay gratification. It asks us to trust that productive businesses will continue creating value over long periods of time. Historically, that has been a very good bet. When you purchase a broadly diversified portfolio of stocks, you’re buying ownership in companies that manufacture products, provide services, develop technology, transport goods, build infrastructure, and solve problems. Every day these businesses wake up trying to become more profitable than they were yesterday. As shareholders, we participate in that growth. This is one of the reasons I often tell clients that investing is not merely a savings strategy. It is a partnership strategy. Yes, your paycheck, savings rate, and discipline all matter, but eventually there comes a point where your money begins working alongside you. At first, your contributions are doing most of the work. Over time, however, investment growth begins carrying a larger share of the load. Eventually, the growth itself can exceed the amount you contributed. That is the moment when the true power of compounding becomes visible. Warren Buffett famously accumulated the vast majority of his wealth after age sixty. Not because he suddenly became a better investor compared to his younger years, but because compounding had finally been given enough time to work its magic. The same principle applies to ordinary families. While the majority of people won’t become billionaires, many people can dramatically reduce the amount of their own earnings required to fund future goals. The primary benefits of wealth aren’ necessarily having the largest house or the most expensive car. The value of real wealth is having assets that help carry the financial burden of your future. Every dollar that comes from investment growth is a dollar that doesn’t need to come from your paycheck, and when viewed through that lens, investing becomes much more exciting. At Northbrook, we often encourage clients to think of investing as putting capitalism to work on their behalf. Every month that you consistently invest, you are hiring thousands of businesses around the world to help fund your future goals.
Some years will be better than others. Markets will experience downturns. Volatility is part of the process. But history has repeatedly demonstrated that disciplined investors who remain patient are often rewarded for giving their money sufficient time to grow. The next time you think about a future expense, whether it’s a Bar Mitzvah, a wedding, retirement, or another major financial goal, ask yourself a simple question: Do I want to pay for this entirely myself? Or would I rather let capitalism pick up part of the tab? For those who start early and stay disciplined, the answer can be worth tens of thousands of dollars or even more! The information contained herein is intended to be used for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but are intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. Subscribe to Common Cents digitally on LinkedIn. The decision to start saving and investing is yours, but the “how” can be hard. Email commoncents@northbrookfinancial. com to schedule a financial planning consultation with our team. Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®, MST is Co-Founder of Northbrook Financial, a Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management Firm. He has developed and continues to teach a popular Financial Literacy course for high school students.
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Voices of
Greater Washington
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Not Just A Coloring Book By Rabbi Dr. Avichai Pepper Over the years, I have attended countless events marking the completion of an academic journey. There have been kindergarten graduations, benchmark celebrations, middle school graduations, and, of course, high school commencements. This week’s Yeshiva of Greater Washington boys’ graduation, however, was both familiar and uniquely special. The graduating class of 38 students was represented by two outstanding bachurim who delivered remarks on behalf of their peers. Both the Ben Torah Award recipient and the valedictorian spoke about growth, the constant desire to move beyond one’s current accomplishments, and about the remarkable individuality that made up the fabric of their grade. Each thanked their teachers, parents, and the broader school community, but both also shared reflections that were deeply personal and rooted in their own experiences. It was fitting that these honors were bestowed upon students who had earned the respect and admiration of their classmates and faculty alike. It is particularly noteworthy that both are second-generation graduates of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington on both sides of their families, a testament to the enduring impact the school has across generations.
The evening was filled with smiles, tears, and an overwhelming sense of pride in the accomplishments of our students. Yet one moment in particular captured the essence of what makes YGW so special.
when the student came forward to receive his diploma, he was handed not only the document marking the completion of his high school years, but also a long-overdue coloring book.
As Rabbi Hes, the Menahel, distributed diplomas, he shared a story from his days teaching one of the graduates in seventh grade. The student had a habit of doodling on his papers. Rabbi Hes jokingly warned him that if he continued doodling, he would buy him a coloring book. Like many promises made in the flow of a busy school year, this one was forgotten.
It was a simple gesture, yet it perfectly embodied the spirit of the Yeshiva.
Until graduation day. That morning, Rabbi Hes realized he had never fulfilled his promise. So,
The relationships formed here are not confined to the halls of the building. They extend far beyond graduation day and well into the future. Teachers take genuine interest in each student’s individuality, celebrating their strengths, encouraging their growth, and supporting their unique aspirations. This graduating class reflects that mission beautifully. Its students will continue their journeys in yeshivos spanning
the breadth of the Torah world, both in the United States and in Israel, as well as in first-rate colleges. As an institution, the Yeshiva is committed to helping each student find the path that best matches his talents, values, and goals. Whether that path leads to a yeshiva, a university, the IDF, or, occasionally, a coloring book, the message remains the same: every student matters, every student is known, and every student is encouraged to grow into the person he is meant to become. That is what made this graduation so beautiful. It marked a moment of reflection, introspection, and Divrei Bracha both on a communal level and individually for each of our boys, moving forward.
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Parenting Pearls
Learning What to Keep Private and What to Say Out Loud
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Helping Children Build Thoughtful Communication By Shira Richman, MA, BCBA, LBA, Author
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D
oes your child: • Blurt out honest observations in social settings without realizing how they might be perceived by others? • Speak very directly or factually, even when the comment may come across as hurtful or unexpected? • • Have difficulty pausing, filtering, or rewording thoughts before speaking, especially during conversations or moments of frustration? Jenna was a very social and talkative girl who sought out conversation at every opportunity. She spoke with family members, teachers, community helpers, and peers. Her favorite topics included bats, penguins, and movies, and she loved sharing facts about them. She was interested in joining conversations and was a very social girl.
But Jenna shared everything she thought—immediately and without a filter. One day, she walked into a party and announced that she had thrown up that morning. Another time, when she felt corrected, she told a peer that he was “wrong and stupid.” Elevator rides became uncomfortable as she would often comment on other people’s appearance. Jenna’s parents felt stuck. They didn’t want to correct her at the moment and risk embarrassing her or escalating the situation. But they also didn’t want to miss opportunities to teach important social skills that would help her build relationships. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. This pattern of communication can be typical of many young and/or neu-
rodivergent children. It often reflects honesty, strong observation skills, and a genuine desire to connect—but may also require support in learning how to filter and shape words for different social situations. Many children, especially those still developing social awareness or self-regulation skills, may have difficulty knowing which thoughts are appropriate to share out loud and which are better kept private. They may also struggle with pausing, filtering, and rewording their thoughts before speaking. The good news is that this is a skill, and like most skills, it can be taught and practiced.
“Things I Can Think” vs. “Things I Can Say” One helpful way to teach this con-
cept is by clearly separating thoughts from spoken words. Start by dividing a page into two columns. Label one column “Things I Can Think” and the other “Things I Can Say.” Keep this as an ongoing, collaborative list. When your child says something that may come across as hurtful or inappropriate, wait for a calm moment before addressing it. Then revisit the situation together. Write the original phrase in the “Things I Can Think” column. Then work together to come up with a more appropriate way to express the idea and write that version in the “Things I Can Say” column. For example: • “He is so fat” “I like your shirt”
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It’s Okay to Use Strong Words— When They’re Respectful
This skill develops over time and requires repeated exposure to different situations. Keep the chart visible and refer back to it regularly. When your child successfully uses a phrase that fits in the “Things I Can Say” column, acknowledge it right away. Simple, specific praise can go a long way: • “That was a really thoughtful way to say that.” • “I like how you used your words.” • “You said that in a respectful way.” Positive reinforcement helps children recognize what they did well and increases the likelihood that they will use those skills again. Understanding what to keep private and what to say out loud is not something children learn in a single conversation. It develops through many experiences, guided practice, and supportive feedback. By teaching this concept directly, parents can help children navigate social situations more successfully while still honoring their thoughts, feelings, and individuality. Sometimes, learning how to express a thought in a more thoughtful way can make a meaningful difference in a child’s ability to build relationships and feel confident in their communication.
An important part of this strategy is helping children understand that the “Things I Can Say” column does not have to mean “only nice or passive language.” Children—and adults—sometimes need to express strong feelings, disagreement, or frustration. Learning to communicate assertively is an important life skill. For example, instead of saying something hurtful, a child might learn to say: • “I don’t like that.” • “That’s not fair.” • “I need a break.” • “Please stop.” These are still strong statements, but they are clear, respectful, and appropriate to say out loud. The goal is not to silence children or make them overly agreeable. The goal is to help them express themselves in ways that allow them to be heard, understood, and respected by others.
Introduce the Strategy Before You Need It
Shira Richman, MA, BCBA, LBA is the proud owner of 5 Minute ABA and developer of 5MinuteABA/MadgeBadge Parenting App. She has spent over 20 years consulting with Directors of Special Education across New York, providing support and training to teachers, psychologists and principals regarding Behavior Plan and IEP Goal development, establishing aide-fading protocols, and increasing mainstreaming and inclusion opportunities. She conducts district-wide and individualized staff and parent trainings, and is the author of Raising a Child with Autism: A Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis for Parents and Encouraging Appropriate Behavior for Children on the Autism Spectrum: Frequently Asked Questions. For more parenting strategies and neurodiversity tips, download mobile iOS App: 5MinuteABA/ MadgeBadge Parenting App
David Flamm
O 410-616-9186 C 718-404-5598 david@flammins.com
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Like many skills, this strategy works best when it is introduced before it is needed in a challenging moment. Choose a calm, neutral time to create your “Think vs. Say” chart together. Involve your child in the process by brainstorming examples, writing them down, and even decorating the page. You might use: • colors or markers • stickers • drawings • favorite characters or themes The more the chart reflects your child’s interests, the more meaningful and engaging it will feel. During this calm time, practice thinking of different examples together. You can even turn it into a game by asking, “Is that something we think or something we say?” By building understanding ahead of time, your child will be more prepared to use the strategy when real-life situations arise. Trying to introduce or teach the concept in the middle of a heightened emotional moment is often less effec-
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tive. Children may feel overwhelmed, defensive, or unable to process new information. Instead, practice first and then gently refer back to the strategy when needed.
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• “That’s wrong and stupid” “I learned differently” This strategy helps children understand that having a thought is not the problem. How we express it is what matters.
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Ahuva Levin, 8
Nechama Krintzman, 5
Talya Hasidim, 6
Mati Sova, 6
Tehila Twersky, 9
Batya Sassoon, 6
Kayla K., 4
Adina Kleinman, 6
Hudis Gross, 6
Dovi Fromowitz, 2
Esther Bracha Stengel, 11
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Rochel F., 5
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Adina, 5
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Atara Rosenberg, 4
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Chaya K., 9 & Shira M., 9
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Yaakov Alon (Lakewood) & Laya Freedman (Baltimore) Yitzchak Amsel (Florida) & Bayla Glickman (Baltimore) Yehuda Greenblatt (Monsey) & Taliah Shrago (Baltimore)
Baruch Eidelman (Lakewood) & Yehudis Sauer (Baltimore) Want to see your simcha here? Email mazeltov@baltimorejewishhome.com or text 443-675-6507 to submit your simcha!
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Avi & Sarah Mutterperl on the birth of a son
Rabbi Yonnatan & Estee Sonnennschein on the birth of a daughter Saadiah & Ruthie Angster on the birth of a son Want to see your simcha here? Email mazeltov@baltimorejewishhome.com or text 443-675-6507 to submit your simcha!
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