Baltimore Jewish Home 8-27-26 by Baltimore Jewish Home

VISIT US ON THE WEB! WWW.THEBJH.COM Vol. 12 Issue #28 | August 27 - Sep. 2, 2026 | ‫כ׳ אלול תשפ״ו‬-‫י״ד‬

Celebrating The Families Behind The Mei Miriam Program

The Power Of Possibility

PARENTING PEARLS:

Long-Distance Parenting

Could Iran Try a Midterms October Surprise?

Mazal Tov, It’s a Baby….!

NEW SERIES!

Daber Davar for the Shabbos Table.

Can I speak about that on Shabbos? Page 51

PAGE 66

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Content

Dear Readers,

COMMUNITY Around the Community

Greater Washington Community News

Greater Washington Minyanim

Community Calendar

Baltimore Minyanim Guide

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Zvi Teichman

Torah Sparks

Living Kiddush Hashem

Daber Davar

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT To Raise A Laugh

Centerfold

Notable Quotes

Kids Coloring Contest

LIFESTYLES

There is a particular feeling in the air as a new school year begins. Backpacks are filled, classrooms are prepared, and children step through familiar doors a little taller than when they left. For parents, the moment brings a mixture of pride, gratitude, hope, and perhaps a little nervousness. After a summer spent caring for our children, planning for them, worrying about them, and enjoying them, we once again entrust an important part of their growth to their rebbeim, morahs, teachers, and schools. It is fitting that this return coincides with Parshas Ki Savo and its opening mitzvah of bikkurim. In an agricultural society, the first fruit of the season represented far more than something to eat. It was the first visible result of months of work. The farmer had prepared the soil, planted, watered, waited, and worried. Finally, a small fruit appeared. One can imagine the temptation to keep it, taste it, and enjoy the first reward of so much labor. Instead, the farmer tied a marker around it and later brought it to the Beis Hamikdash. Bikkurim was an expression of gratitude, but it was also a declaration of trust. The farmer acknowledged that although he had worked the field with his own hands, the harvest ultimately came from Hashem. Raising children may be the greatest labor of love we will ever undertake. We invest endless time, energy, patience, and tefillah in helping them grow. We want them to become kind, thoughtful, responsible, sensitive, and deeply connected to Torah and mitzvos. We celebrate every sign of

progress, and we sometimes worry when that progress does not come as quickly or easily as we had hoped. Yet the farmer teaches us that the sweetest fruit does not appear overnight. Growth requires careful planting, constant tending, and patience through seasons when very little seems to be happening. At the beginning of the school year, we experience our own version of bikkurim. We bring our most precious “fruits” through the doors of our schools and place them into the devoted hands of those who will help nurture their growth. We are not giving them away. We are recognizing that raising a child was never meant to be accomplished alone. Parents bring their love and values. Rebbeim, morahs, and teachers bring wisdom, experience, and devotion (and hopefully a bit of love, too). The child brings his or her own unique kochos. Above it all stands Hashem, the true source of every bracha and every success. Like the farmer bringing bikkurim to the kohen, we humbly acknowledge the partnership behind the harvest. As we send our children back to school, bikkurim reminds us to pause and appreciate how much has already been invested in their growth, and how much promise still lies ahead. With the partnership of parents, educators, and, above all, Hashem’s help, may the seeds planted this year take root and bring forth beautiful fruits for years to come.

Inspiration Nation

Tech Triumphs

Forgotten Heroes

Political Crossfire

Dating

Mental Health Corner

Voice Notes

Health & Fitness

Parenting Pearls

In The Kitchen

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The Baltimore Jewish Home is an independent bi-weekly newspaper. All opinions expressed by the journalists, contributors and/or advertisers printed and/or quoted herein are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, Internet or another medium. The Baltimore Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The BJH contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

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LEARNING THAT LASTS

RESULTS

THAT SHOW

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A strong test score is an accomplishment. Consistent achievement is academic excellence. Students who truly understand what they learn are able to build on that knowledge, tackle new challenges with confidence, and continue succeeding as expectations rise. By focusing on understanding, we help students develop the strong academic foundation that leads to lasting success.

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The result is achievement that doesn't end with a test. It grows with every year.

Around the Community

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Celebrating The Families Behind The Mei Miriam Program

A Many of us have seen the Mei Miriam water stations around town, and on a hot, humid Shabbos, there’s a good chance we’ve been grateful to grab an ice-cold bottle of water from one. What we may not think about is all the work that goes into making sure those coolers are stocked and ready. For the past 11 summers, The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra, under the leadership of Mr. Frank Storch, has coordinated the Mei Miriam Program. This summer, the program grew to 40 host locations throughout the community, with hopes to expand even further next year. At the heart of Mei Miriam are the 40 volunteer host families who make it all happen. Week after week, they pick up cases of water and supplies, shlep everything home, prepare and set up their stations before Shabbos, and clean up afterward. Their efforts make it possible for walkers

throughout the community to enjoy a simple but very welcome gesture of chesed: a cold bottle of water when they need it most. The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra had the pleasure of turning the tables and doing something for the hosts. Mei Miriam host families were treated to a beautifully presented appreciation dinner recognizing their commitment and all they do on behalf of the community.

The evening gave the hosts and their families a chance to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, spend time together, and share in the camaraderie of being part of this special program. As one host shared afterward, “We were so touched to be invited to a Mei Miriam family dinner. The environment was friendly and welcoming, the food was delicious and plentiful, the speeches were engaging and interesting, and we felt our hosting the water bottles was really appreciated.” The host added, “It is our pleasure to be a Mei Miriam host, as we love

enabling refreshing ice water to be available for the walkers. May it bring an aliyah neshama to Rabbi and Mrs. Lowenbraun.” The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra is deeply grateful to each of our Mei Miriam host families. Their dedication, week after week, is what allows this special chesed to continue serving and refreshing our community all summer long. If you would be interested in sponsoring a week of Mei Miriam, please email info@chesedfund.com.

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TORAH SHAPES THE

MIND.

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OUR EDUCATORS SPEAK TO THE

HEART.

NOW ENROLLING Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2026 SCAN ME

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LEV HATORAH.

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Postseason Picture Set As JCNSL Regular Season Comes To A Close

even weeks of big hits, diving catches, walk-offs, blowouts, and comebacks have brought the JCNSL by Klaff Sports Physical Therapy regular season to a close. And with the final outs recorded, the Tripping Kosher postseason picture is officially set.

Offensively, Avrumi Friedman stole the show, driving in five runs and blasting a three-run homer — his third straight game with a long ball. Moshe Richter and Eli Weiss each collected three hits, Tzvi Pearlman drove in two and scored three, and Avi “Beans” Beanstock worked a pair of walks.

Finishing atop the standings and earning the No. 1 seed is Klaff Sports Physical Therapy, followed by The Rosen Team at No. 2, Tov Pizza at No. 3, and Clothier rounding out the field at No. 4.

YL’s season may be over, but after winning three straight to close the year, they left the league with one final reminder: never count this team out.

But now, the records go out the window. All four teams enter next week’s playoffs knowing that two wins are all that separate them from JCNSL glory and the coveted Premier Financial Trophy. Klaff Sports PT may have earned the top seed, but The Rosen Team enters on a five-game winning streak, while Tov Pizza and Clothier just gave everyone a preview of how wild the postseason could be. Before the playoffs begin, here’s how the final week of the regular season went down. YL Waitering 15, WIT 4 YL Waitering Closes Season Red Hot It may have taken YL Waitering a few weeks to find its groove, but once it did, look out.

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YL closed the season with its third consecutive victory, crushing WIT 15-4 to finish 3-4 and leave everyone wondering what might have been. Avi “Semien” Feldman was seemingly everywhere at second base, while Akiva “Witt” Furman went 3-for-4 with an RBI and provided lockdown defense at shortstop. Moshe Lerner starred at third while driving in four runs, and Meir Dek added an RBI. On the mound, reigning Cy Young winner Mayer Goldsmith reminded everyone why he owns the hardware, before Yoni Levin channeled his inner Mason Miller to record the final out. Aroni Levine flashed the leather in the outfield, making sure nothing got behind him.

The Rosen Team 15, MDSC 14 Walk-Off Win Locks Up the No. 2 Seed From 0-2 to the No. 2 seed. The Cross Country Mortgage Team by Ezra Rosen completed a remarkable regular-season turnaround with a thrilling 15-14 walk-off victory over MDSC, earning its fifth consecutive win. In a back-and-forth battle that reached the bottom of the ninth tied, Avraham “007” Szajowitz lined the game-winning single into center, sending home the winning run and setting off the celebration. Mordy “The Protégé” Purec delivered another MVP-caliber performance with a homer, two triples, a single, and an outfield assist. Baruch “The Captain” Glazer went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two walks — including an intentional pass — and four runs scored. Moe “The Speed Demon” Krohn continued his hot hitting while flashing the leather across the infield, while Brian “The Ace” Ponszcak provided quality innings on the mound. Levi Levine starred at shortstop, Yechiel “Shrek” Schreck saved runs behind the plate, and Eli “Gold Glove” Silver lived up to his nickname at both corner-infield positions. Sammy “Wemby” Carter and Yitzy Glazer chipped in on both sides of the ball. Five weeks after suffering a heartbreaking one-run walk-off loss on Opening Day, The Rosen Team now enters the postseason riding five straight wins — and gets a chance at redemption against the very same opponent that started its season with heartbreak.

Klaff Sports Physical Therapy 20, CREZLY 5 KSPT Finishes With a Bang The No. 1 seed left absolutely no doubt heading into the postseason. CREZLY grabbed a quick 2-0 advantage, but KSPT responded with five runs in the bottom of the first, highlighted by Shalom Stein’s clutch RBI double — and never looked back. Four runs followed in the second and another four in the third, with Moshe Herber ripping an RBI triple. Five more crossed in the fourth as the KSPT offense turned the game into a rout. CREZLY pushed across three in the fifth, but Captain Moshe Burr delivered his fifth hit of the game, triggering the mercy rule and sealing a 20-5 victory. Dany Donaty added four hits, while Moishy Stal drove home four runs as KSPT finished its regular season looking every bit like the team to beat.

Then came the walks. Clothier battled back from deficits of 16-4 and 19-10 as a succession of Tov Pizza pitchers suddenly struggled to find the strike zone. Dani Hyatt collected four hits and finished a homer shy of the cycle, while his teammates demonstrated that sometimes the most dangerous offensive weapon is simply refusing to swing. A staggering nine-run bottom of the ninth featuring 10 walks tied the game at 19. Clothier even had a chance to win it with the bases loaded, but Boroosan tracked down Aiton Marizan’s liner with the winning run standing at third, preserving the tie. Twenty walks for one team. Zero for the other. Nineteen runs apiece. And one lingering controversy. Schuck came off the bag! Actually, upon further review…

The No. 1 seed is theirs. Now comes the hard part: finishing the job. Tov Pizza 19, Clothier 19 Schuck Came Off the Bag! Or Did He? This one had everything. Tov Pizza exploded to an 11-0 lead behind an absolutely ridiculous performance from Gavi “Boomerang” Boroosan, who launched three home runs, including a grand slam. Elazer Freedman had things completely under control on the mound — until apparently being pulled for the unforgivable crime of pitching too well.

Schuck was on the bag! Either way, Tov Pizza and Clothier won’t have to wait long for another shot. Both are headed to the postseason — and after this madness, a potential championship rematch would be must-see softball. The regular season is over. Four teams remain. And next week, Klaff Sports Physical Therapy, The Rosen Team, Tov Pizza, and Clothier will battle for the right to raise the Premier Financial Trophy. Now it’s win or go home.

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Torah Institute Construction Update

aruch Hashem, exciting progress continues at Torah Institute as the new campus steadily moves toward completion. After five weeks of intensive drilling through a significant rock patch, the challenging work of bringing the building properly to grade is now nearing completion, allowing construction to move forward with renewed momentum. New fire hydrants are being installed, while the installation of the new water lines is also nearing completion. Grading throughout the site is almost finished as well. A major milestone has also been reached with the expanded parking area. The parking lot, including curbs and gutters, is being completed over the newly finished storm water management system. Baruch Hashem, most of the expanded parking area has been completed in time for the

start of the new school year and will be ready to welcome our families. We look forward with tremendous excitement to welcoming our talmidim back to an increasingly impressive new campus!

You are invited to

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CHANA’s 8th annual fundraising and outreach event in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Wednesday, October 21 at 6 p.m. Beth El Congregation, Pikesville, MD LEAD CO-SPONSORS Lou Hyman, CLU In loving memory of Barbi Goldsmith Hyman

Scan the code to purchase tickets or become a sponsor. chanabaltimore.org/voices-event-2026

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Steps to the Throne with Joy helps us take full advantage of the extraordinary opportunities the Yamim Noraim, Sukkos and Simchas Torah offer for tefillah, teshuvah, and a deeper connection to Hashem. Rabbi Nosson Muller guides readers through this season with inspiring insights, uplifting stories, and fresh perspectives so that we can celebrate these awesome days with greater understanding, inspiration... and joy.

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A Room Full Of Stories: Baltimore Women Share Birth, Rebirth And The Stories That Shape Us

ore than 100 Jewish women gathered at the Weinberg Park Heights JCC on the Goldsmith Campus on August 4 for an evening of laughter, tears, courage and connection at the latest event of The Shpiel, a Baltimore-born grassroots Jewish women’s storytelling initiative created and led by founder and visionary Tova Jussim. The evening marked a first-time partnership with the Jewish Community Center and Program Director Aharona Gans. The theme, “Birth & Rebirth,” brought together eleven women who shared true, deeply personal stories. Six featured storytellers—Yehudis Levitan, Robyn Shrater Seeman, Judith Schnidman, Susan Stern, Netanya Silver and Rina Thav— presented carefully developed stories, while five women—Yael Freidman, Rivka Malka Perlman, Libby Jolkovsky, Tova Jussim and Liora Brunn—stepped up for spontaneous three-minute open-mic stories. The stories included actual birth, death, conversion, faith, transformation and becoming a new person. Some were funny, some heartbreaking, but all were personal and heartfelt. A Jewish Space for Personal Stories The Shpiel was created from a simple idea: Jewish women have stories worth hearing. The Shpiel brings the live storytelling model into a specifically Jewish women’s space.

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But there is something deeper behind that choice.

Storytelling is an ancient Jewish tradition. From the stories of the Torah and Tanach to the teachings and experiences passed from generation to generation, stories have long been a way of transmitting wisdom, values and Hashem’s messages. The Shpiel seeks to bring that tradition into the present—to create a Jewish space where women can listen to one another with mindfulness and recognize that Hashem is everywhere, and that our stories ultimately come from Hashem. A story about loss, birth, faith, conversion or transformation can become more than a personal experience. It can become an opportunity to ask: Where was Hashem in this story? What can I learn from it? What message might Hashem be showing me? The goal is not simply to tell stories, but to use storytelling as a way to connect with one another, with our Jewish identity and with Hashem. Making Room for Every Woman Inclusivity was intentionally built into the evening. In partnership with the Jewish Connection Network, a grant from Martha Goodman helped make live transcription possible, allowing women who might otherwise have difficulty participating to follow along and fully engage. Martha Goodman also helped coordinate and run the transcription during the event. The goal was not simply to create a stage for accomplished storytellers, but a welcoming community where

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Jewish women could listen, participate and recognize themselves in one another’s experiences. The Shpiel is not about finding the “best” storyteller. It is about creating a space where women discover that their lives contain stories worth telling. The Stories Don’t End When the Evening Does The featured stories from the August event were recorded and will be posted on theshpielstorytelling. org, allowing these women’s voices to reach far beyond the room where their stories were first told. The website is also becoming a growing archive of Jewish women’s stories. Visitors can already hear stories from previous programs, including “Hashgacha Pratis” and “Dayenu.” This growing archive is an important part of Tova Jussim’s larger vision: to create not only live storytelling events, but a living collection of Jewish women’s voices that can continue to connect and inspire. From Baltimore to the World What began as a grassroots initiative in Baltimore is envisioned as something much larger. The hope is to bring The Shpiel to Jewish communities around the world, creating opportunities for women to gather around a theme, share personal experiences and discover the common threads connecting their lives.

The August event itself reached beyond Baltimore, with one storyteller traveling from Silver Spring and another from Philadelphia. A woman may hear another’s story and think: That happened to me, too. I never knew anyone else felt that way. Or simply: Now I understand her. That is the connection The Shpiel hopes to create—from Baltimore to the world. An event like this also depends on the people working behind the scenes. Special thanks go to DeDe Jacobs Komisar for her generous donation supporting the live transcription and for helping curate and shape the stories before the show; Yehudit Taffel for her invaluable technical support; and Miriam Jussim, Leah Reznitsky and Ruthie Berenson for helping with registration and welcoming attendees. What’s Next: Miracles And the room is already getting ready for its next gathering. The Shpiel began in Baltimore. The vision is to bring the room— and the stories within it—to Jewish women everywhere.

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AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

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Greater Washington: Around the Community

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AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

A Warm Welcome To Rabbi Shmuel Lubin And His Family, Who Joined The KMS Community This Past Week!

abbi Lubin is serving as KMS’s first Assistant Rabbi, where he will be delivering shiurim, expanding Torah learning opportunities, supporting members, and helping strengthen community programming. Rabbi Lubin hails from West Hempstead, New York, where he merited to have a close relationship with his own shul rabbi. He studied in Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh in Israel for two years, and then spent several years at Yeshiva University (YU), graduating with a B.A. in Bi-

and Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University, which he completed in 2026, and continues to be involved in biotech along with his work with the KMS community. Rabbi Lubin is married to Naomi (née Wakschlag), who is a third-generation “Silver Springer.” Naomi and Shmuel, together with their two sons, moved to Kemp Mill in the summer of 2026. Wishing Rabbi Lubin and his family much hatzlacha in their new role and a warm welcome to the Greater Washington community!

The Power Of Possibility By: Rabbi Dr. Avichai Pepper

have been privileged many times to watch beginnings, the first day of camp, the starting line of a 180-mile bike ride, unexpected reunions, and so many other moments filled with anticipation. Yet, there is something special and unique about the day before school begins, as boys return from a summer away and make their way back to Yeshiva of Greater Washington. It was still before the expected arrival time, so I had not even noticed the car pull up outside the Yeshiva high school dorm. But then I watched two boys come running in, and their energy immediately gave me a renewed excitement for the school year ahead. They were like children walking into a candy store.

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ology and Philosophy. After college, Rabbi Lubin continued studying in YU’s Semicha Program at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). During this time, he served as an advisor for Midwest NCSY and a rabbinic intern at Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange. Concurrent with his Torah studies, Rabbi Lubin has also worked as a biology research assistant at YU and Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center. After completing his Semicha studies at RIETS, Rabbi Lubin pursued a doctoral degree in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology

They jumped up and down, exchanged high-fives, explored a house they already knew so well, and began reminiscing as they unpacked. Watching them made me wonder: Where does that kind of excitement come from? Certainly, part of it is the rekindling of friendships. Part of it is the warmth, love, and sense of belonging that the Yeshiva provides. But I think there is something deeper. It is the anticipation of possibility. There is something powerful about a new beginning. But a new school year is not simply a chance to

start over. It is a chance to build. The friendships, lessons, accomplishments, challenges, and growth of previous years do not disappear when a new year begins. They become the foundation for everything that comes next. That may be what makes the excitement of a new school year so unique. The boys are returning to a place they already know and love, but they are not returning as the same boys who arrived a year ago. They come back with another year of growth behind them and an entirely new year of possibilities ahead of them. New friends, new programs, new teachers, and new opportunities are not replacing what came before, they are being added to it. As I watched these boys, it struck me that they were not simply excited to be back. They were excited, perhaps without even realizing it, about what they could become. And having had the opportunity to watch the Yeshiva prepare for their return over the past two and a half months, that excitement takes on even greater meaning. Behind the scenes, tremendous thought and care have gone into preparing for these boys. Decisions large and small have been made with their growth, success, happiness, and Torah learning in mind. Perhaps that is part of what makes the beginning of a school year so exciting. We do not yet know exactly what the year will bring. We do not

know which lesson will inspire a student, which Rebbi will make an impact, which friendship will develop, or which challenge will lead to unexpected growth. We only know that the possibilities are enormous, and that those possibilities begin from a foundation that has already been carefully built. Watching those boys run into the dorm reminded me that the beginning

of a school year is about much more than returning to a building. It is the excitement of taking everything that has already been accomplished and building the next level upon it. With the right support, encouragement, and effort, the sky truly is the limit. Wishing students and educators everywhere a year filled with excitement, continued success, growth, and the realization of possibilities that today we can only begin to imagine.

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The Week In News

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The Week In News

Portugal’s Burqa Law Last week, Portugal enacted a controversial new law banning face coverings in public, with violators facing penalties of up to 3,000 euro or $3,400 USD. President António José Seguro officially signed the legislation on Monday, prohibiting face coverings in public areas, including religious attire that conceals the face or prevents identification. In a statement released on Tuesday, President Antonio Jose Seguro explained, “The face must be considered a central element of human identity and communication.” The law also prohibits compelling individuals to cover their faces based on gender, religion, age or origin. The law was originally introduced by the far-right Chega party. Parliament

shacharis

lash from the left wing parties, which voted against the measure, and human rights campaigners. “This initiative is used solely to target foreigners, those who have a different faith,” said center-left Socialist party lawmaker Pedro Delgado Alves, whose party voted against the bill. The Executive Director of Amnesty International - Portugal, João Godinho Martins, called the law “discriminatory.” He said: “Despite having removed direct references to Islam, which were a part of previous versions of the text, this new law clearly violates the human rights of Muslim women who choose to cover their faces. It is a direct threat to their freedom of expression and freedom of religion. No one should dictate what a woman may or may not wear, and no woman should be penalized for practicing her faith, cultural identity or beliefs.”

Kids’ Social Media Ban in NZ? On Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that his

party will introduce a bill in Parliament that seeks to ban children under 16 from using social media. The proposal suggests fines of up to 10% of a platform’s global revenue for non-compliance. The bill would require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to verify users’ ages, including by utilizing existing account information, facial technology and digital identity documents. “We simply cannot accept the harm being done to a generation of New Zealand children,” Luxon said in a statement. “Social media is exposing them to harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with and it’s affecting their family life, mental health, sleep and education.” For now, it is uncertain if the bill will pass through Parliament into law. One of Luxon’s coalition partners, the New Zealand First party, said it would not support it. “We have been concerned with the proposed legislation and the direction and slippery slope that legislation like this will inevitably take our country,” New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who is also the country’s foreign minister, said

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) Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac

S-F 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

Chabad of Silver Spring

M-F

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY

T, W, F

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

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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passed the measure on July 17 with backing from the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), Chega, the Liberal Initiative (IL), and CDS-PP. The measure has been nicknamed the “burqa law” in reference to the full-body covering worn by certain Muslim women. There are exemptions to the law, for example, for health, professional, artistic, and weather-related purposes, as well as in specific locations such as houses of worship, diplomatic facilities, and airplanes. President Seguro characterized the matter as one of “great social and cultural sensitivity” and emphasized the need to balance rights and responsibilities in the decision. He further argued that the legislation would promote social integration, gender equality and security. Portugal is not the first country in Europe to enact this type of measure. Other European countries, such as Austria, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, have full or partial bans on face and head coverings. The legislation has faced strong back-

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

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

Kehilat Pardes / Berman Hebrew Academy

S-F

Silver Spring Jewish Center

M-F

Chabad of Potomac

M-F

JROC

M-F

Kemp Mill Synagogue

T, W, F

8:30 am Chabad of DC

Chabad of Potomac

S S

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah

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

9:00 am Chabad of Silver Spring

Kemp Mill Synagogue

Kesher Israel

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua M-F

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua S Chabad of Upper Montgomery County

Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah

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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Life Trsitis

Iran Hacked UK Power Plant Six people were seriously injured and several homes were destroyed in the incident. Officials immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation to find any survivors. The landfill was originally scheduled to close on Sunday after officials warned of hazardous conditions. As a precautionary measure, residents who lived near the site had also been given eviction notices and were forced to vacate the area. How-

Last month, hackers linked to Iran unleashed a cyberattack that shut down a small British power plant for four days. This was the first reported successful Iranian-linked attack on vital UK infrastructure. Authorities have not named the plant. They also have said that the shutdown did not put the country’s power grid at risk. Still, they warned power companies about the danger of cyber-attacks. A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said

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that the incident “impacted a smallscale energy generator, and at no point was there a risk to the wider energy system.” He added that the department works “closely with the energy sector to protect infrastructure and ensure the highest security standards,” according to The Guardian. The attack took place at the same time that water infrastructure in the U.S. was also affected by a suspected Iranian cyberattack. The incident could mark an escalation in Iranian-linked cyber activity against Britain after London allowed the U.S. to conduct what it described as “defensive” operations against Iran from British bases. The UK has not helped Washington in offensive operations. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned last month that “any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target for our forces.” It has previously been accused of carrying out cyberattacks on various countries, including in relation to a massive power outage in Turkey in 2015. The U.S. has alleged that an Iran-af-

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At least 30 people were killed in a massive landslide in Guinea on Sunday when a mountainous open-air landfill collapsed and buried nearby shacks, trapping numerous victims beneath a

ever, many people remained nearby at the time of the disaster. “We will ensure that the remaining families are relocated elsewhere,” Dienabou Touré, the minister of territorial administration and decentralization, said at the scene. In a similar incident in 2017, a landslide occurred at a landfill when torrential rains caused a mudslide that killed at least eight people.

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Garbage Heap Landslide

mass of garbage. The tragedy took place at Dar Es Salam, the largest waste dump in the West African country’s capital, Conakry. The weight of the waste caused a three-story building beneath it to cave in. Heavy rainfall also washed over the refuse overnight, creating hazardous conditions at the landfill.

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in a post on X. In December, Australia became the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms including TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook. That legislation had been a “colossal failure,” Peters said, adding that keeping children off social media should be the responsibility of parents. Luxon acknowledges that a bill won’t solve children’s social media problems. “I won’t pretend that it will be simple or that it will be perfect,” Luxon said at an event. “We won’t get every single child off social media. Some will always find ways around it, but frankly, it’s just way too important not to at least try.”

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The Week In News

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The Week In News filiated group known as “CyberAv3ngers” targeted U.S. infrastructure in 2023, which compromised at least 75 devices in multiple infrastructure sectors. Israel has also faced suspected Iranian cyberattacks, including a major assault in March 2022 that knocked government websites offline for more than an hour. Israeli officials did not identify the perpetrator at the time, though some media outlets pointed to Iran.

“Wolf Boy” Dies at 80

For 12 years, Marcos Rodríguez Pantoja had no school, no home and almost no human contact. Instead, he lived in the mountains of southern Spain among wolves and other wild animals.

Rodríguez, whose extraordinary childhood later inspired books, documentaries and a feature film, died on August 15 at age 80 in Rante, a small community in northwestern Spain where he had lived since 2001. Born in 1946 in the Andalusian village of Añora, Rodríguez grew up in poverty and reportedly suffered mistreatment. When he was about 6 years old, his father sold him to a goatherd, who took him to a remote mountain valley. There, Rodríguez was placed under the care of an elderly shepherd. When the shepherd died, the young boy was left alone. With nowhere else to turn, Rodríguez learned to survive using whatever the mountains provided. Over time, the animals around him became his companions — and eventually, he considered them his family. Rodríguez later recalled becoming particularly close to a pack of wolves after feeding their cubs. He learned their sounds and behavior and believed the wolves accepted him as one of their own. He even said that when he needed to hunt, he could call the wolves and allow

them to help drive animals toward him. His remarkable existence came to an end in 1965, when Spanish Civil Guard officers discovered him at age 19. Ironically, returning to civilization proved harder than surviving in the wilderness. Rodríguez later said he had been happy in the mountains and struggled to adapt to ordinary human life. He worked in construction, hotels and restaurants and lived in several Spanish cities, but he never completely forgot the world he had left behind. Decades later, he still longed for the wolves. In 2018, he reportedly returned to the mountains hoping to reconnect with them. He could hear wolves nearby and called out, but they did not approach. Rodríguez believed that his human scent, clothing and cologne prevented them from recognizing him as one of their own. His story eventually became the subject of anthropological research and a book, I Played with Wolves. It also inspired the 2010 Spanish film Entrelobos. In his later years, Rodríguez became a speaker at schools, where he shared his unusual story and encouraged children to care for animals and the natural world. His tale was more than an adventure story, however. It was also a poignant account of abandonment, survival and belonging.

Strait Update The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major flashpoint in the six-month war between Iran, the United States and Israel, with dozens of commercial vessels targeted across the strategically important waterways surrounding the strait. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations’ maritime agency, has confirmed 68 incidents in the Gulf and neighboring waters since the war began. That amounts to roughly one incident every 2.6 days. At least 20 seafarers and port workers have been killed, 35 wounded and one remains missing, according to the IMO. Tankers have been the most frequently affected vessels, accounting for about half of the reported incidents. Container ships made up another 20%, while bulk carriers represented 15%. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) classified 47 of the incidents as attacks. Vessels registered in Liberia have been involved in the greatest number of incidents, with 13 cases reported. Ships

registered in Panama and the Marshall Islands have each been involved in 10 incidents. Iran-flagged vessels were involved in four. The frequency of incidents has varied throughout the war, particularly as diplomatic efforts have waxed and waned. From the outbreak of fighting in late February until the United States and Iran reached an agreement in mid-June establishing a framework for talks, an incident was reported approximately every 2.3 days. Those attacks accounted for 16 deaths and 19 injuries and occurred across the Gulf, including waters off Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The pace dropped significantly as negotiations continued, reaching an average of one incident every 4.6 days through about July 7. No seafarers or other maritime workers were reported killed, wounded or missing during that period. Five incidents occurred during the negotiating period, four of them clustered near the Omani coast around the narrowest section of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels were traveling along a route that Iranian authorities had not authorized. Iran has warned ships against using the alternative route and, according to reports, seeks to retain control over passage through the strait after the war while charging fees to vessels using the waterway. Following the collapse of the talks, maritime incidents increased again, reaching an average of one every 2.8 days — nearly returning to the rate recorded before negotiations began. Four seafarers or port workers have been killed, 16 were injured and one was reported missing during this latest period. The figures underscore the continuing risks facing commercial shipping in and around Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors for energy shipments.

Iran’s Hijab Laws Though Iran’s government has been occupied with more pressing issues — for instance, its war with the U.S. — Tehran leaders are now calling for a new crackdown on violators of Iran’s draconian modesty laws, particularly women who are seen in public without a hijab. Iran’s state media has been emphasizing reports about the government shuttering cafes and other businesses for violating the modesty laws. Seven or

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The Week In News more cafes and restaurants in Tehran were shut down on July 19 for failing to force its customers to wear hijabs, the human rights group HRANA reported. In eastern Iran, in the South Khorasan Province, 10 cafes were reportedly shut down for purportedly violating “social norms and mandatory hijab rules.” On Monday, the Tehran Prosecutor’s office threatened to punish alleged offenders at particular cafes and restaurants in the capital. The office also said it would target clothing stores that sell “unconventional” or indecent clothing. In June, Qom prosecutors sentenced famous Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi, along with her band and producers, to 74 lashes after Ahmadi appeared in a 2024 YouTube livestream with her shoulders exposed and hair uncovered. The musicians and producers were also banned from leaving the country for two years, charged with “offending public decency through the production and publication of vulgar and immoral content on cyberspace platforms.” Hardliners have likened unveiled women to traitors, with one public sign falsely attributing the quote, “Unveiled women are our soldiers for free,” to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Others have urged the government to focus on other issues rather than the hijab. President Masoud Pezeshkian has questioned whether laws could change people’s ways, while former MP Gholamali Jafarzadeh Imanabadi has called on officials to address Iran’s economic woes instead of perceived immodesty. Still, the laws are largely ignored, according to some Iranians, who report seeing girls walking the streets of Tehran in typical secular, Western clothing.

Syrian Grand Mufti Sentenced Ahmed Hassoun, who served as Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 to 2021 during ousted president Bashar al-Assad’s rule, has been sentenced to life in prison by the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus after being convicted of inciting civil war and playing a role in intentional killing. According to the court, Hassoun, 77, exploited his religious establishment to “provide cover” for the Assad regime’s military and security operations during the Syrian Civil War, which ignited in 2011 after the government launched a violent assault on pro-democracy protes-

tors, ending in late 2024 with rebel forces taking control of Damascus, forcing Assad to flee to Russia. Hassoun reportedly used his religious position to support and justify the Assad regime’s attacks, including its use of barrel bombs, which are large, explosive-laden cylindrical containers. From 2012 to 2021, the Assad regime reportedly dropped nearly 82,000 barrel bombs on rebel-controlled areas, leading to over 11,000 civilian deaths. Prosecutors referenced a Syrian TV interview with Hassoun in 2015 amid the battle of Aleppo, during which the grand mufti said that civilians should flee from rebel-controlled areas in the city, adding that “every area from which a shell is fired should be completely destroyed.” The court accused Hassoun of receiving “money and gifts in exchange for intervening to secure the release of civilians detained by security agencies,” according to the Sana state news agency, which added that he also routinely offered financial support to Liwa al-Quds, a militia allied with the Assad regime. Hassoun has denied the accusations, claiming that the video clips were taken out of context. Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan sentenced the former grand mufti to life in prison on charges of inciting civil war and sectarian strife, in addition to 20 years for incitement to intentional killing, 10 years for principal participation in intentional killing, and three years for abuse of office. Hassoun is the tenth Assad-affiliated individual to be sentenced by Syria’s interim government. Earlier in August, the same court convicted Assad, his brother Maher, and six other senior regime officials in absentia of crimes against humanity and sentenced them to death. Another former official, Atef Najib — Assad’s cousin and the former Political Security intelligence agency head of Deraa — was convicted and sentenced in person. A week later, the court sentenced Wassim Assad, another cousin of Assad and the leader of a pro-Assad militia, to death. On Monday, the United States revoked its designation of Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, as U.S. President Donald Trump offers sanctions relief to the Middle Eastern country. Additionally, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, has been removed from the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorist organizations.

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The Week In News

Pollard to Run for Knesset Former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst Jonathan Pollard is entering Israel’s political arena, announcing on Sunday that he will run for the Knesset with Sharren Haskel’s newly formed Israel First party. Pollard, 72, made the announcement alongside Haskel in a video filmed at the Kosel, saying Israel needs “a new government that’s dedicated to the preservation of the land and people of Israel.” Pollard, who spent three decades dealing with the consequences of his conviction for passing classified U.S. intelligence to Israel, invoked the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack as part of his motivation for entering politics. “I wasn’t the exception to the rule. My abandonment and betrayal was not the exception. On October 7, I saw that the entire country had been abandoned and betrayed,” he said. Pollard criticized Israeli politicians who, in his view, failed to take sufficient responsibility for the security failures surrounding the attack. He told Haskel that bringing leaders such as her into positions of authority was necessary to prevent a repeat of the massacre. Haskel welcomed Pollard’s decision, calling him an “Israeli hero” who paid “a very heavy personal price” for his commitment to Israel and the Jewish people. Haskel’s Israel First party is part of a group of center-right parties known as the “third bloc,” which seeks to promote a broad Zionist unity government. The bloc’s parties have struggled to cross the electoral threshold in recent polling. “We believe in a Jewish, Zionist, strong, and prosperous Israel that defends itself, strengthens settlement, guards Jerusalem, and grants its citizens the opportunity to build a better future here,” Haskel said. Pollard served time in a U.S. federal prison from 1985 to 2015 after being convicted of passing American secrets to Israel. Following his release, he remained under U.S. parole restrictions until 2020, when he was permitted to move to Israel, which had granted him citizenship in 1995. Since arriving in Israel, Pollard has

become an outspoken advocate of rightwing positions while also criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former prime minister Naftali Bennett. He announced in May that he was entering politics with the stated goal of unifying the right. Haskel has had a long political career. First elected to the Knesset with Likud in 2015, she later joined Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope party. In July, she resigned as deputy foreign minister in protest of legislation concerning exemptions from military service for yeshiva students and shortly afterward announced Israel First.

Ben Gurion Airport Strike

On Friday, a day after a sudden walkout triggered cancellations, Ben Gurion Airport was the most disrupted airport in the world. In the morning, it saw departure delays lasting, on average, 70 to 90 minutes. Thirty flights were delayed by late afternoon, according to Flightradar24. By the weekend, operations returned to normal. On Thursday, airport employees staged a spontaneous, unplanned strike for two hours. The Histadrut labor union says it did not call on workers to strike and that employees staged the walkout due to complaints regarding a staffing shortage. According to the Finance Ministry, the strike cost around NIS 30 million ($10 million). Following the strike, the Likud, the party of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, revoked the airport’s workers’ union chief Pinchas Idan’s party membership. Likud officials have claimed that the strike was staged in an attempt to “harm” Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Netanyahu, who toured the airport a day before the strike and complimented the employees. According to reports, the walkout was originally going to happen on Wednesday but was pushed off because of Netanyahu’s presence during Regev’s visit. Channel 12 reported that Idan ordered his employees not to load Regev’s

luggage onto her flight, a stunt meant to showcase the airport’s issues. However, Arkia Airlines CEO Oz Berlowitz and Yiftach Ron Tal, the head of the Airports Authority, instructed workers to load the minister’s luggage, after which Idan followed suit. Idan attributed the strike to the airport’s “severe manpower shortage,” noting that he informed Regev about the problem in June after the Airports Authority fired 250 temporary workers. “The outrageous and shameful event that took place yesterday…was not preordained,” Idan wrote in a letter addressed to Netanyahu and Regev. “It was a direct result of a scandalous, unilateral, degrading and utterly irresponsible decision by management.” “There was no strike yesterday — not a wildcat strike and no planned stoppages at all,” he added, claiming that reports of the strike were a “complete lie.” Workers didn’t negotiate for raises or benefits, he added, noting that the incident happened because of “distress on the part of employees who simply ran out of energy.” According to him, employees have to suffer through 13-hour shifts. “Rather than demonstrating humanity and managing the situation responsibly, the management chose to take the aggressive step of closing the [check-in] counters on their own initiative, creating an artificial crisis on the backs of the passengers.” Netanyahu, angry with Idan, has moved to fire him from his role, issuing an official request on Friday to oust him as union head. “The event occurred one day after a visit by the prime minister and transportation minister at Ben Gurion Airport. It is clear that the timing was chosen to hurt the minister, the prime minister and Likud,” Netanyahu reportedly wrote.

Hezbollah References “Journalist” On August 14, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem delivered a speech, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the terror group’s 2006 war with Israel. During the speech, however, Qassem quoted a “Jewish thinker” named Moshe Yair, a supposed writer for the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, referencing a comment the journalist supposed-

ly made regarding Lebanon’s ongoing talks with Israel: “Fortunately for us, [the Lebanese] sent a delegation that loves Israel and the United States.” The only issue is that Moshe Yair doesn’t exist. He’s usually referred to as “Moshe Meir” by pro-Iranian propagandists It seems that Israel’s enemies manufacture false quotes to support their agendas and then attribute the remarks to a non-existent Israeli journalist to boost credibility. Pro-Iran outlets have referenced Meir/Yair in fabricated reports about mass Israeli emigration, with anti-Israel commentators claiming that millions of Israelis are leaving the country. “People [Israelis] are fleeing by the millions because Netanyahu destroyed us. It was not Iran’s missiles or Hezbollah’s operations that destroyed us – he [Netanyahu] destroyed us,” Moshe Meir was quoted as saying in an X post by Al-Machhad al-Alami, an anti-Israel, pro-Iran news outlet. “Settlers are leaving by the millions — including [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s] wife and son — to the point that most cities and neighborhoods have become empty,” the fictitious journalist wrote, according to Arabic-language news site Al-Raed. “Most have left the country never to return, and some have completely liquidated their assets… Some are heading to Argentina so that they can have a ‘promised state’ there.” According to former Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram, Meir wrote that Hezbollah’s arms are the only thing protecting Lebanon from getting taken over by Israel. “The politicians and leaders in Lebanon serve us through their confusion and contradictory positions and work in Israel’s interest — knowingly or unknowingly…especially when it comes to the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons,” Meir said, Bayram claimed. “This is the most opportune moment for Lebanon to disintegrate. No one will be able to defend it and prevent us from occupying it except Hezbollah’s weapons, and once they are dismantled, it will be easy for us to expel everyone.” Qassem is, thus far, the highest-ranked official to reference Meir/ Yair. “We are not talking about a social media user who reposted an unverified story, but about the secretary-general of an armed organization that has fought wars with Israel and brought unprece-

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The Week In News dented devastation upon the people of southern Lebanon and Lebanon’s Shia community,” wrote Diana Moukalled, a Lebanese journalist. “He criticizes a negotiating process that concerns the fate of the entire country amid ongoing Israeli threats. He then invokes an ‘Israeli witness’ to lend weight and credibility to his position, only for both the supposed source and the article to turn out to be complete nonsense. “The issue here is not the fictional figure of ‘Moshe Yair,’ but what happens when narrative and illusion become more powerful than facts,” she noted. “What facts are the decisions that could take Lebanon to war once again being based on today?”

Kites of Conflict The United Nations has criticized Israel over its warning that residents could be evacuated from parts of Gaza used to launch kites, drones and balloons toward Israel, calling the threat an example of “unacceptable rhetoric.” Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for the UN human rights office, addressed the issue on Tuesday in Geneva.

“On the threat of expulsion due to children’s kite flying, I hope we can all agree that this is outrageous,” she said. The Israeli warning came on Sunday, after a recent uptick in kites, drones and balloons being launched from Gaza toward Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel would intensify military operations if the launches continued. “Israel warns Hamas that if the launches toward Israel do not stop immediately, the IDF will act to intensify strikes against those responsible for the launches and evacuate populations from areas from which kites, drones and balloons are launched,” the two said in a joint statement. The Israel Defense Forces believe Hamas was behind the recent launches, although the terror group has denied responsibility. The objects reportedly did not contain explosives and may have been intended, at least in part, to gauge Israel’s response. The renewed activity has brought back memories of 2018-21, when Palestinians launched large numbers of kites and balloons from Gaza, some carrying incendiary materials or explosives. The

devices sparked widespread fires in Israeli communities and agricultural areas near the Gaza border. Four kites were discovered in Israeli communities near the border on Saturday, while another was intercepted by the IDF the following day. About 10 have reportedly been recovered in recent days. Israeli media also reported that nine kites had been launched toward IDF troops in June, though no Israeli response was reported at the time. Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim claimed the recent kites were launched by children. “[They were] launched from Gaza by children searching for their innocent childhood amid the rubble,” he said. Hamas also accused Israel of using the kite launches as a pretext for strikes in central Gaza. The group claimed that three people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Sunday, citing the Hamaslinked civil defense service. Shamdasani said the kite warning was part of a broader pattern of statements by Israeli officials that the UN considers troubling. “We continue to see unacceptable rhetoric coming from the highest level

of the Israeli authorities, showing utter contempt for international human rights and humanitarian law,” she said, accusing Israeli officials of rhetoric that could amount to incitement to violence. The comments come amid continued international scrutiny of Israeli military policy and statements by senior officials as the war continues.

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The Week In News are being revived, or are under consideration, from coast to coast. Admissions officers at big public schools and top-tier private institutions are shedding some application essays. Administrators everywhere are fretting about what role artificial intelligence may play. The COVID-19 pandemic led many schools to loosen their processes and, in many cases, rely more on components such as essays. But AI’s rise, questions about student preparation, the end of affirmative action and the Trump administration’s campaign to prioritize “merit” in admissions are driving a swing back. College applications were up during the last admissions cycle, after a more diverse pool of students applied and students applied to more schools on average. But demographic shifts are expected to send enrollments diving in the coming years. At the same time, higher education is wrestling with public mistrust and concerns about the value of college, especially as AI starts to reshape the workforce. As schools prepare for a future with fewer students and more AI, approaches that make applying to college simpler could help them cushion the impact. The personal essay is still central to

many college applications. But supplementary essays are falling out of favor. Tulane University, for instance, paused its requirement for applicants to write about why they want to attend the school. Concerns about potential AI-generated essays “were definitely a factor” in the decision, said Michael Strecker, a university spokesperson. What data universities need remains a significant flashpoint. The 2023 Supreme Court decision striking down race-conscious admissions programs lurks in many internal deliberations about requirements and processes. The Trump administration has argued that the court’s opinion should be interpreted to banish any consideration of race in admissions. Many university leaders and lawyers privately contest the White House’s view, but a series of Justice Department inquiries into admissions practices across the country has left them unnerved. Many figures inside the Trump administration want schools to rely on measures they see as more merit-based, such as test scores and grades. For a variety of reasons, many schools that relaxed their testing mandates during the pandemic

are bringing them back. The testing debate is erupting anew in the nation’s most populous state, where the 10-campus University of California system is considering a resurrection of its standardized testing mandate. Given the public system’s prestige and size, a change could reverberate across the national landscape. (© The New York Times)

Air Force Officer Insults Trump On Monday, Maj. Jason Watson, a twice-arrested U.S. air force officer, was charged after criticizing President Donald Trump and calling for his impeachment, violating the rules against participating in overtly political activity while in uniform. Watson’s charges include three violations of Article 88 for allegedly making “contemptuous” comments about the president; five violations of Article 92 for purportedly disobeying orders; and two violations of Article 133 for allegedly engaging in conduct unbecoming an officer. In June, Watson participated in a political interview with the Defenders of our Republic Substack newsletter. On July 1, he protested in front of the U.S. Capitol while in uniform and called for Trump’s impeachment, leading to his first arrest. On August 17, he had an interview with CNN during which he criticized Trump, leading to his second arrest. “Not only is (Trump) a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption, and is killing Americans,” Watson said during the interview. “And that is unacceptable to me.” Since the Uniform Code of Military Justice’s enactment in 1951, only two officers have been convicted of similar charges. In 1965, an Army lieutenant was dismissed from the service and sentenced to a year in military prison after participating in an off-base protest against the Vietnam War. In 2021, former Marine Corps Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, who later became a senior adviser in the Trump administration, was sentenced to a $5,000 pay forfeiture and had to resign after publishing social media videos critical of the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to Frank Rosenblatt, a retired Army judge advocate and associate law professor at Mississippi Christian University, a pre-trial hearing may be needed to determine whether Watson’s

comments “are true or are fair criticisms” of Trump, noting that the conviction may depend on what is considered “contemptuous.” Under Article 88, the remarks must be “insulting, rude, and disdainful conduct, or otherwise disrespectfully attributing to another a quality of meanness, disreputableness, or worthlessness.”

Business Owners Sue Mamdani On Monday, a group of New York City supermarket, bodega, and grocery store owners filed a class-action lawsuit in New York County Supreme County against Mayor Zohran Mamdani, claiming that the mayor’s plan to open five government-owned grocery stores violates the civil rights of small business owners. “You cannot expect hard-working small business owners to compete with a supermarket that isn’t going to pay rent, won’t have to pay an electric bill and won’t have to buy their products at full price,” declared Mark Jaffe, the Multicultural Business Coalition’s general counsel and the president of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce. “They cannot possibly compete because no one will be subsidizing them.” In response, Mamdani argued that the plan won’t have a significant impact on small business owners. “We’re talking about delivering five city-run grocery stores in a city of eight and a half million people that has more than 1,000 grocery stores,” Mamdani said, noting that two similar stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn haven’t negatively impacted local bodegas. This isn’t the first Mamdani initiative to face legal challenges. Landlords have challenged the mayor’s rent freezes in court, while homeowners have filed suit against Mamdani’s pied-à-terre tax. If it survives its legal challenges, Mamdani’s grocery stores would offer “a collection of essential staples” at 30% off, according to the mayor. The first five stores are supposed to open at Hunts Point in the Bronx next year, while the rest should be opened by 2030. Small business owners have argued that the reasons officials object to Walmart operating in New York City should apply just the same to Mamdani’s stores. “There is a better way to feed the struggling people of New York City,” Jaffe said. “We have seen no business

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The Week In News plan; this is just a marquee store that will allow the mayor to say he kept a campaign promise, so we are asking the judge to stop this.”

The Brain Changes at 50 The brain may undergo a significant immune-system change around age 50, with cells that normally protect the brain increasingly replaced by immune cells that promote inflammation, according to new research published in Science. Scientists from the University of California, San Diego, the New York Genome Center and the University of California, Irvine, examined postmortem tissue from the hippocampus, the brain region involved in learning and memory. The study included 40 neurologically healthy adults between the ages of 20 and 95. Researchers found that after about age 50, the brain’s resident immune cells, known as microglia, appeared to decline while blood-derived immune cells became more prominent. “The most striking change was that after about age 50, the brain’s resident

immune cells, called microglia, appear to be increasingly replaced by immune cells that enter from the bloodstream,” said Nathan Zemke, Ph.D., the study’s first author and a principal investigator at the UC San Diego Center for Epigenomics. Microglia play an important protective role, clearing cellular debris and responding to injuries. However, the incoming cells appear to carry stronger inflammatory signals. Researchers believe that increased inflammation could contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The study also identified deterioration in cells involved in maintaining the blood-brain barrier, which helps prevent harmful substances from entering the brain. Researchers observed additional changes in DNA and gene activity. The findings could eventually point toward new approaches to treating neurological disease. Because the replacement immune cells originate in the bloodstream, scientists may someday be able to modify those cells before they enter the brain. “It may eventually be possible to modify blood-derived immune cells so

that they are more protective and less inflammatory when in the brain,” Zemke said. “That could provide an entirely new way to approach Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases.” The researchers cautioned that the findings are preliminary. Because the study examined brain tissue from different people after death, it cannot show how an individual brain changes over time or establish that the immune-cell changes directly cause cognitive decline. The study also examined only the hippocampus and included a relatively small sample. Researchers said the timing and degree of the changes varied significantly among individuals, suggesting that brain aging may not follow a uniform timetable. Understanding what causes those differences — including the possible roles of inflammation, genetics, lifestyle and changes to the blood-brain barrier — will be an important area for future research. Zemke emphasized that the findings do not currently warrant specific medical or lifestyle changes but could help scientists better understand the biology of aging and identify new ways to protect brain health.

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Two people have died from the measles in Pennsylvania, the first measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH). Both individuals who passed away were unvaccinated. According to medical professionals, the best protection against measles is getting fully vaccinated, which is administered through two doses, providing 97% protection. “My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth

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The Week In News for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness. We want to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities. As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles.” The two deceased individuals were both said to be residents of Lancaster County, which has had 185 of the reported 393 cases in the Commonwealth. Measles is a highly contagious virus that has been known to cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Nearly 20% of people who contract measles wind up hospitalized, according to the DOH. Still, deaths due to measles are rare, with fatalities occurring in around three patients per 1,000, according to the DOH. Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually follows a few days later, starting on the head and spreading downward through the trunk of the body.

Mini Mozarts Missing Salzburg has a Mozart mystery on its hands — and this one is missing more than a few notes. More than 200 miniature statues of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart have vanished from an exhibition in the composer’s hometown, leaving organizers wondering whether the disappearing act is an elaborate theft or simply an attempt to take a little Mozart home. The Mozarteum Foundation unveiled 320 polymer statuettes on July 15 to mark what would have been Mozart’s 270th birthday. Designed by German conceptual artist Ottmar Hörl, the statues stand less than 20 inches tall and depict the legendary composer alongside his beloved dog, Pimperl.

Within two weeks, more than 80 statues had disappeared. By Wednesday, the number had reached 210. “The worst thing for an artist is when his work dissolves,” Hörl told the German news agency dpa, saying he believes the statues were the target of an organized theft rather than a series of souvenir-seeking visitors. The irony is that the thieves may have taken quite a haul without hitting the jackpot. Hörl planned to sell the statues for about $114 each after the exhibition ended, meaning 210 missing Mozarts would be worth less than $24,000 at their intended price. Still, the disappearing Mozarts have left quite a hole in the exhibition — and organizers are running short on replacements. A small supply of spare statues had been set aside in case of theft, but there weren’t nearly enough to replace the missing figures. To make matters worse, the manufacturer was on vacation, putting a quick “Mozart delivery” out of reach. The statues had been displayed throughout the garden of Mozart’s

former home, inside his living quarters and in several pavilions. Now, the remaining figures stand more widely spaced, giving the exhibition a somewhat less harmonious appearance. Hörl is no stranger to having his work walk away. At a previous installation in Bayreuth featuring statues of composer Richard Wagner, an entire collection disappeared within 10 days. “That’s just the nature of public space,” Hörl said. “It ranges from destruction to theft.” Hörl said his goal was not to create another grand monument to Mozart. Instead, he wanted to show the composer’s human side. “There are already enough of these,” he said of traditional Mozart monuments. “But I wanted to show his human side, that he was a normal human being despite his genius.” Perhaps that human touch made the statues a little too appealing. For now, Salzburg’s Mozart garden is playing to a smaller audience, and organizers are hoping the missing mini-composers will soon return for an encore.

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Torah Thought It’s All A Matter Of Perspective By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

ach year as we approach Rosh Hashana, during the next to last Shabbos of the year we read the portion of the Torah that enumerates ninety-eight curses that will befall our nation if would do not adhere to G-d’s will. This symbolizes our hope that ‘the year and its curses will dissipate, and the new year and its blessings will ensue’. The Midrash when discussing these numerous curses cryptically refers to them as the ‘one hundred, less two’ curses. Why? The great Chassidic leader, Rav Moshe Teitelbaum, popularly known as the Yismach Moshe suggests that if one counts them, one will discover there are indeed one hundred curses. In the morning, you will say, “If only it were evening!” And in the evening, you will say, “If only it were morning!” Because of the fear in your heart which you will experience and because of the sights that you will behold. (‫)דברים כח סז‬

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These two curses, he avers, though seeming like curses, are to be subtracted from the tally because in truth they are merely illusions.

All the other punishments enumerated are physical hardships they would endure due to their sins. These two were merely imagined fears, instilled by their own confounded thinking that crushed them emotionally. It is only from the perspective that we are entitled to more happy days that we agonize as each day’s travails worsen from the day before, bemoaning how we wished upon ourselves the ‘easier’ difficulties of the day or night before. But if we accept each day as an opportunity for growth, a gift that must not be taken for granted, then we can survive one cherished — although challenging — day at a time. Reb Zvi Hirsh of Ziditchov would comment that this seemingly harshest of all curses — incessant and defeating worry — also contains within it the greatest blessing. It was renowned how the saintly Reb Levi Yitzchok of Barditchev, would excitedly long on the morning of Erev Pesach for the evening to come to experience the Seder night once again. On the first night of Sukkos he was unable to sleep, anxiously

waiting for the morning to arrive to fulfill the mitzvah of Lulav at sunrise. This then is the positive spin on this verse flipping it into a veritable blessing. In the morning, you will say, “If only it were evening!” Each day grasp with enthusiasm the opportunities that come our way, over the day and through the ensuing night, to infuse it with enthused service to Hashem. And in the evening, you will say, “If only it were morning! Each night as you conclude your day eagerly look forward to grabbing at all the new opportunities that await you upon the next morn. In the negative reading of the second half of this verse, we are perturbed ‫ — ִמ ַ ּ֤פַחד ְל ָ ֽבְבָ֙ך‬from the fear in your heart, ‫ — ֲא ֶ ׁ֣שר ִּתְפָ֔חד‬that you fear.

We can expand the remarkable earlier interpretation on the first half of this verse to enlighten its second half as well. The fear of our hearts — the fear of not doing enough in service to G-d, must stem from the healthy fear, ‫ — ֲא ֶ ׁ֣שר ִּתְפָ֔חד‬that we ‘must’ fear, the fear of coming up short in our service to G-d out of gratitude for the bounty of unconditional love He showers upon us. The sight of our eyes — the daily inspiration we gain from, ‫ — ֲא ֶ ׁ֣שר ִּת ְר ֶ ֽאה‬that ‘correctly’ see with acute vision, an appreciation for how fortunate and privileged we are in the blessings G-d rains down on us, will prod us to serve G-d with joy. The key to personal inspiration lays in healthy fear and accurate perception.

Perhaps that is precisely the problem that the fear in your heart generates from ‘your fear’!

There is a holy Chassidic teaching that alleges that we were granted two eyes, so that with one we would gaze in awe at the greatness of G-d, while at the same time, the other would observe how humble and undeserving we are in contrast to G-d’s overwhelming benevolence and unconditional love for us.

Similarly in the next segment that attributes their angst ‫— ֵעי ֶ֖ניָך ִמַּמ ְרֵ֥אה‬ from the sights of your eyes, ‫ — ֲא ֶ ׁ֥שר ִּת ְר ֶ ֽאה‬that you will see, presents the same dilemma.

Within this verse indeed lays the greatest danger, and our greatest hope. It all depends on Who we fear, and how we properly view our relationship with Hashem.

Why the unnecessary repetition, ‘from the sight (of your eyes) that you see’?

We have nothing to fear but fear of G-d alone.

The wording in this verse is redundant, from the fear (in your heart) that you fear?

Here too, the misperception of these difficulties as bad only stems from our sense of entitled happiness and personal expectation — what ‘we want’ to see.

A healthy encouraging fear that arouses our sense of gratitude for the marvelous relationship we possess with the Almighty, compelling us to rise to the many opportunities of blessing that are ready and waiting for us, right in front of ‘our eyes’!

Parshas Ki Savo begins with the discussion of the Bikkurim (first fruits) procedure and the Tithe declaration. Moshe Rabbeinu concludes his address to the Jewish people and provides instructions upon crossing the Jordan. The Jewish people are told of the blessings that they’ll receive for following G-d, as well as the 98 curses if they don’t, chas v’shalom

Inspiration. Everywhere.

Parshas Ki Savo

QUICK VORT

Quotable Quote

”

“The old shall be renewed, and the new shall be made holy.”

Rabbi Avraham HaKohen Kook

GEMATRIA

The gematria of ‫ש ְמ ָח֖ה ו ּבְ ט ֣ו ּב ֵל בָ ֑ב‬ ׂ ִ ‫ְ ּב‬ is 414, which happens to be the same as ‫ ואהבת‬- and you shall love.

Rabbi Ori Strum is the author of “Ready. Set. Grow.” “Dove Tales,” and “Karpas: The Big Dipper.” His shiurim and other Jewish content can be found on Torah Anytime and Meaningful Minute. He may be reached at 443-938-0822 or rabbistrumo@gmail.com

Now, between you, me, and that “Order Happiness” sign, we all know – deep deep deep down – the truth. And that is: YOU CANNOT ORDER HAPPINESS. If only it was so easy! One “happiness” coming right up! Nope. Sorry. That is not how it works. We may get something, do something, or “order” something that provides us with a quick dopamine rush, a fleeting moment of joy, but overall, that’s not what leads to true joy and happiness. Happiness is not something on a menu that we can merely order to get it; happiness is much deeper than that. It is not something external; rather, real happiness is found internally, within our own mind and psyche, within our attitude and mindset. The Torah tells us that the curses come about, chas v’shalom, “because you did not serve Hashem with joy and with gladness of heart, when you had an abundance of everything” (Ki Savo 28:47). The term “abundance of everything” – ‫ – מרב כל‬is quite interesting. On some level, perhaps we are being taught that a lack of joy comes from focusing on the ‫ – רב‬the abundance – instead of on everything – ‫כל‬.

The Tzofnas Peneach says about the Arizal Hakadosh that ‫שכל השגת‬ ‫רוח הקודש הי' לו מחמת גודל השמחה‬ ‫והתענוג בעת למודו ותפלה ועשית המצוה‬ - Everything he attained in matters of Divine spirit and inspiration was as a result for his great joy with his Yiddishkeit! Make sure to live with joy!

Did You Know?! The tzaddikim point out that we read the Klalos (curses) in a low whisper since special secrets are said in an undertone, and from a deeper perspective, the Klalos contain epic blessings!

We know that Yaakov Avinu lived in the realm of ‫יש לי‬ ‫כל‬, where he understood that he had everything, because he had everything he needed. Esav, on the other hand, lived in the realm of ‫יש לי רב‬, where he had an abundance, but always wanted more. Yaakov was satisfied, and lived a life of inner peace, joy and happiness. Esav, however, lived a classic ratrace type of lifestyle, constantly wanting, searching, and seeking more physicality. When a person is not living with ‫שמחה‬, it is usually a result of ‫מרב כל‬, from focusing on the ‫ רב‬instead of the ‫כל‬. A life focused on abundance leads to wanting more, which leads to needing more, which means to “never enough.” This is a spiritual and emotional death trap. However, a life focused on ‫ כל‬and understanding that “I have everything I need” is a life that will carry weight, value, meaning, and true ‫שמחה‬. We can’t order happiness. But we can be happy. We just need to remember that Hashem provides each of us with ‫ – כל‬everything that we need to carry our unique life mission.

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Points to Ponder Why does the Torah require us, when bringing bikkurim, to retell the entire story of our nation’s journey from Yaakov to Egypt to redemption instead of simply thanking Hashem for the fruits themselves?

Scan the QR code to view Torah classes from R’ Ori Strum on Torah Anytime!

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The connection is quite clear. We are meant to love Hashem and serve Him with joy and good hearts. Living with Yiras Hashem is good, but living with Yirah and Ahavas Hashem is so much better!

Recently, when I went to Rita’s with my family, instead of asking the man behind the counter for ices or ice cream, I pointed to the “Order Happiness” sign and said, “Hi there, can I please get one order of happiness?!” I just wanted to see his reaction. He was confused for a moment, but then realized I was referencing the sign. He smiled and told me that anything I order will provide happiness. I got some vanilla ice cream (with sprinkles!) and walked out a happy camper!

Thoughts in Chassidus

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

“

Torah parks S

Pesukim - 122 Words - 1,747 Letters - 6,811 Mitzvos - 6

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PARSHA OVERVIEW

PARSHA STATS

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

Election night may end with celebration for some and frustration for others, but morning has a way of clearing the scoreboard. The ballots have been counted. The speeches are over. And for those entrusted with representing our community, there is only one question left: WHO’S IN OFFICE?

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NO ONE LIKES A NOVEMBER SURPRISE Across the country, from Florida to Michigan, Illinois to Wisconsin, Minnesota to Missouri, Ohio to Maryland, New York City to Albany, and in communities in between, we mobilize our people.

Here’s what The Agudah is Doing: Heart.Works

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In politics, new faces keep showing up. Not always friendly ones. Yesterday’s fringe candidate becomes tomorrow’s elected official. After forging relationships for years, we suddenly have: .‫ויקם מלך חדש אשר לא ידע את יוסף‬

Î Getting our communities registered. Î Putting the ballot in their hands. Î Getting them to the polls.

Î Tracking turnout. Î Building numbers that get noticed. Î Representing Klal Yisroel.

We need to get yidden to show up.

Sometimes the candidate you’ve spent months supporting doesn’t make it across the finish line. That hurts. But advocacy does not have the luxury of lingering over yesterday’s results. It must show up again tomorrow morning.

THAT’S WHY WE KEEP DOING.

RABBI EPHRIAM GURELL ASSOCIATE OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

WE KEEP DOING SEPTEMBER 7-8 CHARIDY.COM/WEDO Help us to continue to do for the Klal. Please donate generously to your state or community campaign. Agudath Israel of America 1 State Street Plaza 16th Floor New York, NY 10004/ 970-578-7664

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WHEN ELECTIONS DON’T GO THE WAY WE HOPED, PEOPLE LOSE SOME OF THAT FIRE. OUR JOB IS TO REIGNITE IT.

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

The climb begins again. New relationships must be built. New conversations started. New trust earned. We get right back to work, building relationships with today’s elected officials and preparing for the new faces who show up tomorrow. The morning after an election, the task is no longer persuasion at the ballot box. It is persuasion across a conference table.

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The Agudah cannot stand by and wait for who or what shows up next.

Sunday Sunday Elul 10

Elul 12

Elul 19

Elul 26

Mesorah Elul Program Begins see page 13

Tuesday

Tishrei 4

Tishrei 11

Next BJH Issue

Tishrei 13

Next BJH Issue

Tishrei 6

Next BJH Issue

Elul 28

Next BJH Issue

Elul 21

Elul 14

at Shomrei Thursday Thursday

Rosh Hashana Issue

2026 Job Fair

Tishrei 14

6:52 PM

Tishrei 7

7:03 PM

‫ערב ראש השנה‬

Elul 29

7:14 PM

Elul 22

7:25 PM

Elul 15

Friday

Elul/Tishrei

‫ערב סוכות‬

6:40 PM

‫פרשת כי תבוא‬

Elul 23

8:24 PM

Elul 16

Tishrei 1 ‫ראש השנה‬

8:00 PM

Tishrei 8

7:49 PM

7:37 PM

‫סוכות‬

Tishrei 15

‫פרשת האזינו‬

‫וילך‬-‫ פרשת נצבים‬8:12 PM

Saturday

2026 August/September

Tishrei 12

Tishrei 5

Elul 27

Elul 20

Elul 13

Wednesday

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Monday Elul 11

Elul 18

Elul 25

Tishrei 10

‫צום גדליה‬

Tishrei 3

Agudath Israel of America Fundraising Campaign see page 36

‫יום כיפור‬

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Elul 17

Elul 24

Shofar Training

Chasdei Lev Sukkos Distribution see page 21

JCN/Tikvah House Elul Chizuk Shiur see page 19

6 Hatzalah 2026 Arcove Carnival see page 3

Tishrei 9

‫ראש השנה‬

Tishrei 2

Mesorah Shiur: Mrs. Michal Horowitz see page 15

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

20 ‫ערב יום כיפור‬

Sukkos Issue

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Baltimore Weekday Minyanim Guide

Shacharis

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah: EVERY 15 MINUTES

M, TH

For edits, additions, or sponsorships, email ads@baltimorejewishhome.com

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

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

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

Mincha

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M-F: 6:15 AM, S-F: 6:30 AM, 6:45 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 7:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:15 AM, 8:30 AM, 8:45 AM, 9:00AM, 9:15AM, 9:30AM, 9:45AM, 10:00AM

7:15 AM Kedushas Yisrael S Kol Torah S Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) S, T, W, F Ner Israel Rabbinical College S-F Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F Shomrei Emunah Congregation S Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel S

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AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

nspiration Nation

Moran Stela Yanai Surrendering to the Unknown By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

In Her Words… Being happy doesn’t mean not being scared or having bad days. i have tons of bad days, but i allow myself on those days to still be happy. i think that only in an extreme situation can we understand how big we are, how strong we are. and eventually, when i was in a good place, what did i say to g-d? i said, ‘i have you, i have me, i have everything.’ after being punished, i was smiling, even happy. and i looked at the ceiling, and i closed my eyes. i pictured the sky. and i said to g-d, ‘you are something. But fine, i understand. i finally understand. Whatever you

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choose, i’m fine with it. i’ll do my best.’ i got proof daily, repeatedly, that i’m being saved. a gun pointed to my head, but he’s not shooting. Everything seemed doable, like g-d was giving me the power to deal with my situation.

or much of her adult life, darkness filled Moran Stela Yanai’s world, crushing her under the weight of mounting social pressures, unfulfillment, and purposelessness. She drifted away from G-d, leaving a void in her soul. But at age 36, Moran decided to turn things around, embarking on a journey of truth and self-discovery. Self-improvement became her chief hobby, as TED Talks about physical, mental, and spiritual health occupied her free time, and therapies ranging from NLP to CBT granted her insights into her cognitive processes and psyche. A deep dive into world cultures led her to Buddhism, which gave her a framework for meditation and the like, changing her life. By age 40, in July 2023, Moran was on top of the world. Spiritually, she never felt better. Her mind was clear of the mental storms that once plagued her, peaceful like a blue sky. And her physical health was as good as ever. Every month, she set a new self-improvement challenge for herself, and her latest challenge was called: “Surrendering to the unknown — believing that something is protecting me.” That month, she hopped on a plane to Thailand without much planning, without booking hotels or anything, certain that it would work out. Moran had two life-changing encounters during her trip. The first was

with a woman who told Moran about the upcoming Supernova festival in southern Israel, scheduled for October 7, 2023, and suggested that Moran, a jewelry designer, set up shop during the rave. The second was with a man she met on her last day in Thailand, who taught her that all the Buddhist wisdom she admired originates with the Torah and Judaism. She returned to Israel around two weeks before October 7, enlightened and inspired. Moran went straight to work, crafting jewelry to sell at the festival, while quietly dreading the idea: she’d never been to a festival before. Furthermore, she didn’t feel comfortable working on Shabbos. But she trudged through, checking off another challenge from her list. Little did she know that the real challenge — the greatest surrender — would soon follow. *

There’s a video of the Nova festival-goers from the night before the party. In the video, everyone’s dancing, smiling, and laughing in the moonlight. But take a closer look, and you’ll find one person clearly not enjoying themself: Moran. Visibly uncomfortable, she stood in place, glancing from side to side, repeatedly looking behind as if concerned that something or someone

received as a present from an Egyptian supplier), the terrorists left her alone. But then, a second group confronted Moran, and she did the same shtick, claiming to be an Arab and displaying her necklace. “They were asking me questions, and I remember that I made a mistake; I suddenly said that my mother is Jewish, because one of them asked me, ‘Where are you from?’ And because he made a face, I understood that he was the only one who heard me say that my mom is Jewish, and the others didn’t,” Moran shares. “So, immediately, I took off the Arabic necklace and told him, ‘Hadiya,’ which means gift.” She gave the necklace to one of the terrorists. Then, the group left, leaving Moran alone in the field once more. Confused and scared, feeling like she was in a nightmare, Moran screamed on top of her lungs — so loud that a third group of terrorists heard her. When they found her, she decided against concealing her Jewish identity. And so, the terrorists grabbed her and dragged her away, shoving her into the car that would soon bring her to her new home: Gaza. As they entered the Strip, Moran tried closing her eyes, hoping that it was just another bad dream. “The terrorist was so happy. He forced me to open my eyes and see the entrance to Gaza. And that’s an image I will never ever forget,” Moran declares. “Seeing thousands of people celebrating in the streets, screaming ‘Allahu Akbar, G-d is great.’ And what are they celebrating, exactly? Evilness?” “At some point, one of the terrorists decided to rip off all my jewelry. He ripped off all my necklaces at once. Then, he ripped off my bracelets all at once. And then, he took off my rings, and he almost cut off my fingers,” she recalls. “When he ripped off one of my bracelets, he mistakenly cut me, and he accidentally carved the first letter of G-d’s name — hay — on my hand. And all I saw at that point was the mark,

completely red. That’s the only thought that I had left in my head before I completely disconnected myself from the situation. I told myself: ‘Remember, you just took a journey. You have proof from this entire journey that something is protecting you. You are safe and sound.’” *

The terrorists first dragged Moran to a hospital, throwing her onto an iron bed in a tiny room and putting a cast on one of her legs (she broke both legs, but only one was treated). Then, they brought her to a house, where she was interrogated. Two hours later, the terrorists brought another hostage – a young, bright-haired girl wearing pajamas — into the room with Moran. “I was not allowed to speak to her for the first three days. I asked permission to say something to her. The first time, the terrorist said no, so I asked permission again, and the second time, he said OK. So, I told the girl, ‘If you’re here, you have all the tools to deal with this situation, and you must believe,’” Moran says. “I also felt some comfort, because, immediately, I understood the drill on the airplane when the oxygen masks go down, and you have to put it on yourself before helping the person next to you. Now, I knew I had to protect myself if I wanted to protect her. So, it really helped me, knowing that I’m protecting somebody. It made it so that I was able to bear the punishments and abuse. If I was by myself, I wouldn’t. But for her, I’ll bear it.” Ten days later, the young girl’s mother, who was also kidnapped on October 7, joined them. During her 54 days in captivity, Moran faced nonstop harassment and abuse. One of her captors was, in her words, “possessed by this conspiracy that I was speaking with a drone at night.” The terrorist apparently hypothesized that Moran’s lone earring was an IDF radio chip. For four days, the ter-

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Later, while in captivity, Moran recounted her friend’s dream to a fellow hostage, who was from Be’eri. The girl was stunned. “Moran, that’s exactly how our kibbutz is built,” the hostage said. During the night of the Nova festival, as festival-goers began dancing, Moran felt strange. Feeling oddly lost, she looked up to the sky and asked G-d for a sign. Suddenly, a hand appeared in front of her face, handing her a note. She looked up and saw an elderly woman offering her a small piece of paper. Moran accepted the note, unfolded it, and took a look. It read, “There is logic in the craziness.” (Oddly enough, that same elderly woman distributed messages to several others the night before the attack, with some notes warning festival-goers of impending trouble.) Moran found herself shaking all night. But at around 6:10 a.m., as a picturesque sun rose in the sky and excitement levels reached new heights, Moran took a deep breath, sipped some tea, and tossed her worries aside. She started dancing and letting go, finally enjoying herself. And that’s when she looked up and saw two rockets in the sky. “I started to scream,” Moran remembers. “And you know…it all went down from that point.” Suddenly, the earth began to shake beneath her feet. She turned around and saw thousands of terrorists charging towards her. Moran and others ran, tried driving away, and hid in the middle of a potato field. From one moment to the next, Moran was all alone. “Terrorists were standing on top of the mountain, screaming ‘Allahu Akbar!’ and closing in on me,” Moran recalls. “They were about to beat me in the head with an iron pipe, and I jumped. One of them jumped after me, and then, immediately, I pretended to be an Arab. I said, ‘I am an Arab,’ and then started begging, ‘Please don’t kill me.’” Surprisingly, after Moran showed them an Arabic necklace (which she

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

would sneak up on her. In her words, “I felt so weird.” She remembers staring at the festival’s portable bathroom stalls and feeling overwhelmed by this sudden sense of dread. “I don’t know how to explain it, but my mind told me, ‘Do not even look at that place, and do not even come close to that place,’” Moran recalls. “And you know, eventually, when the attack started, Hamas shot every booth in that bathroom.” But her dread — her sinking feeling that something bad was coming her way — started creeping in even earlier. Two days before the massacre, Moran met with her emotional trainer on Zoom, and as the meeting started, Moran suddenly spaced out, staring blankly until her trainer caught her attention. “I don’t know what’s going on,” Moran remarked. “What do you mean?” her trainer replied. Moran recounted this recurring nightmare she’d been having, one of the rare dreams she remembered. In it, someone attacks her, and she tries to defend herself, but suddenly, her right leg basically becomes paralyzed — and then, the dream ends. “OK, is that what’s bothering you?” her trainer inquired. “No. Well, I also just watched a documentary about the Holocaust again, and I’ve been wondering in my head…” Moran answered, her voice trailing off. “What have you been wondering?” “Well,” Moran replied. “I don’t know. Could the Germans march in the streets and shoot us again?” Moran’s trainer looked confused. “Forget the Germans,” Moran added. “What about the Arabs? Will they come and shoot us, just because they can?” A few days before October 7, Moran’s friend also had a concerning dream: the woman and her young son were peering out their large window, watching a village and its square-shaped houses burn to the ground.

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AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

rorists subjected her to a brutal investigation, accusing her of voluntarily surrendering to Hamas in order to come to Gaza and spy on behalf of the Shin Bet. She wasn’t 40 years old like she claimed, alleged the Hamas investigator, a Hebrew-speaking man with an eyepatch. “From that point on, I wasn’t allowed to do so many things. I mean, you hear about some female hostages cooking and cleaning. And you know, at some point, I begged to be a servant, because I needed to move. But they wouldn’t let me out of the room,” she recalls. “So, I had to live in a closed room without knowing what’s happening outside. No radio, no television.” At some point, she wasn’t allowed to use the bathroom, eat, or even speak without permission from her captors. Moran was moved around 11 times between five different houses. “I thought they were going to kill me so many times. They kept saying that even if there will be a ceasefire, I’m not going to be released. One of them kept motioning every day that he’s going to cut my throat,” she remembers. “One day, I was punished, severely beaten. And when they shoved me back to the mattress, I saw the mark again — the hay (the letter that represents G-d’s name) — on the wall above my head.” She thought she was going crazy, hallucinating. But when the other hostage also saw the hay on the wall, Moran felt like it was a sign from Hashem. During her time in captivity, every Friday night, Moran recited the one prayer she knew by heart: the prayer for candle lighting. Every morning, she had a ceremony where she’d say Modeh Ani and pray for a good day. But one morning, after she said the word “Modeh,” her voice cracked; she couldn’t bring

herself to say “Ani.” Suffering in Gaza, unsure if that day would be her last, she felt like it was impossible on that morning to declare that she was grateful. “I remember, I said, ‘You know what? Today, I still believe in You, but I’m angry. And today I’m not going to say thank You. And today I’m going to ask all the why questions: Why me? Why now? Why, why, why?’ But, you know, even then, I found my answers,” Moran shares. “I got proof daily, repeatedly, that I’m being saved. A gun pointed to my head, but he’s not shooting. Everything seemed doable, like G-d was giving me the power to deal with my situation.” When she saw the hay again after her beating, she ran to the bathroom and smiled from ear to ear. “After being punished, I was smiling, even happy. And I looked at the ceiling, and I closed my eyes. I pictured the sky. And I said to G-d, ‘You are Something. But fine, I understand. I finally understand. Whatever you choose, I’m fine with it. I’ll do my best.’” *

Moran’s captors fooled her four times into thinking she would be released, only to have her hopes come crashing down. Even on the day of her release, when she saw Red Cross jeeps in the distance, she suspected that someone would tell her, “It’s a mistake. You have to come back with us.” But at long last, after 54 days in Gaza, she was freed as part of the short-lived November 2023 ceasefire. “It was two months in there, but it felt like two decades,” she notes. While in captivity, she often distracted herself with mental visualization techniques, vividly imagining her

This article is based on a podcast, “Inspiration For the Nation,” hosted by Yaakov Langer. To catch more of this conversation, you can watch it on LivingLchaim.com or YouTube.com/LivingLchaim or listen wherever you listen to podcasts (just search for “Inspiration For The Nation”) or call our free hotline: 605-477-2100

future. She pictured the moment she’d reunite with her mother, with whom she had a rocky relationship before October 7. She thought about the impossible: her Moroccan mother wearing an outfit she’d never wear — a blue shirt on a black shirt with blue jeans. She imagined her mother dancing, something she never did — screaming with excitement, embracing Moran with both arms (usually, she’d only hug her kids with one arm), her smile bigger than ever before. Most of all, Moran imagined her mother as her best friend. Remarkably, that exact scenario, down to the same outfit and dance, played out the moment the mother and daughter reunited. “She came to the hospital with a blue shirt on a black shirt, with the same jeans that I pictured in my head, with the same shoes. She did the same dance, she had the same smile, and she hugged me with both of her arms. And

I didn’t ask for anything! And it felt like the biggest victory. Not only did I win this situation and I won against the terrorists, but I also won myself. I felt like I learned so much about myself,” Moran shares. Incredibly enough, when the Red Cross brought her out of Gaza, Moran looked back and said thank you to the land: “Thank you for this unimaginable experience.” “I won. I never win. When you need to choose a person, it’s never me. I never win against anything. But this time, I had the biggest victory of my life. Now, my mother is my best friend. We became so close from the situation. And I feel 100% blessed,” Moran declares. “I think that only in an extreme situation can we understand how big we are, how strong we are. And eventually, when I was in a good place, what did I say to G-d? I said, ‘I have You, I have me...’ “‘I have everything.’”

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Tech

Triumphs

No Texting Allowed As told to Rebbetzin Sara Gross

’m a 22-year-old bachur learning in Eretz Yisroel in a well-known yeshiva. The rules are that our cell phones cannot have texting. Over bein hazmanim, my phone accepts texts, and I got used to sending or receiving a quick text message to or from my parents with various pieces of information. We would speak regularly also, but the texting became quite useful. When the zman started in Elul, my texting feature shut off. Honestly, my parents were annoyed. If they wanted to send me a phone number or a quick piece of information, they had to call and get through to me, which was more complicated than a quick text message. I see the challenge for them, but

I see the advantage for my learning. There’s no comparison between a bachur being available to speak on the phone, having a proper conversation, versus a bachur constantly knowing there might be text messages waiting for him. The text messages take a short moment to check, but they are much more distracting than phone calls. Learning a full seder takes full concentration, and even the smallest distraction, like a short text, will compromise a bachur’s total immersion in his learning. I’m grateful to my yeshiva for enforcing the no-texting rule. It helps me concentrate and focus on seder. TECH TIPS: It’s easy to think of technology as just one detail of life. What phone

we have, which apps we use, what filter we have installed. Important perhaps, but still just one of many things that need to be managed.

That makes our technology choices more significant than they may appear.

It may be taking more of our attention than we want to give it, exposing us to things we would rather not see, or creating habits that don’t really fit with the way we want to live.For parents, there is another dimension. The technology in our lives and homes becomes part of what we model for our children. They learn not only from what we tell them, but also from what they see as they grow up.So it’s worth asking: Does the role technology plays in my life reflect who I want to be and what actually matters to me? And does the technology in our home reflect the kind of life and values we want to model and pass on to our children?

Most of us have a sense of who we want to be and the values we want our lives to reflect. But it’s possible for the technology we use every day to be pulling us in a different direction.

Technology may seem like one detail of life. But something that is with us so much of the time shapes who we are, and the kind of home our children grow up in.

But technology is different from most details because of how present it is. It’s with us throughout the day, at home, at work, and often during the quiet spaces in between. It shapes what gets our attention, what we’re exposed to, how we spend our time, and what gradually becomes normal to us.

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Forgotten Her es

Sub Stories By Avi Heiligman

HMS Seraph

erhaps the most mysterious of all military machines during World War II was the submarine. Hiding beneath the ocean’s surface, these stealthy vessels would maneuver into an enemy convoy to unleash a deadly spread of torpedoes, then dive hundreds of feet to dodge depth charges dropped from escort vessels. Each nation had its own submarine design and variety of missions for its fleet, and while their primary goal was often to cripple the enemy’s shipping capabilities, submersibles were frequently called upon for covert warfare. Allied submarines were regularly assigned to these specialized operations, and during these missions, the men of the “Silent Service” carried out some of the war’s most daring assignments. The British S-Class submarine HMS Seraph was assigned several high-risk special missions during the war. Most notably, she played a central role in the famous Operation Mincemeat to deceive the Germans regarding where the next Allied landings would take place. Surfacing off the coast of Spain, the Seraph launched a corpse from a steel canister, equipping the body with falsified papers. The body was picked up by local authorities, and the papers were passed to German intelligence, who fully bought into the British intelligence service’s deception. Earlier in the war, the Seraph survived a friendly fire incident from an RAF bomber. Following repairs, she was fitted with special equipment to launch commandos in folbots (folding kayaks). In October 1942, she was tasked with transporting American

Some of the crew on the USS Tang

General Mark Clark to and from a beachhead in Algeria to meet with pro-Allied French military leaders. Shortly thereafter, the submarine was sent to southern France to evacuate French General Henri Giraud, who had escaped from a German prison and was seen as a potential leader for Free French Forces during the upcoming invasion of North Africa. Due to the sensitivity of the mission, U.S. Navy Captain Jerauld Wright was on board and took nominal command. In order to make the operation appear purely American, the Seraph flew the United States Navy ensign, while the British crew tried their best to imitate American accents. Throughout the war in the Pacific, American submarines were given a wide variety of tasks that included rescuing personnel and civilians, landing, recovering and supplying guerrilla fighters and Special Forces, as well as rescuing downed airmen and survivors from surface ships that had been attacked. In April 1945, the USS Tigrone (SS-419) and USS Rock were instructed to sail to the Philippine Islands and locate a Japanese radio station. The two fleet submarines used their 5-inch deck guns to sever an important communications line on Batan Island. The Lifeguard League was operational from 1943 to 1945 and directed submarines towards routes where American bombers would fly over to attack Japanese strongholds in the Pacific. Over 500 airmen were picked up by submarines by the end of the war including future President George H. W. Bush. His TBM Avenger torpedo plane

USS Harder Crew

went down after being hit by anti-aircraft fire while on a bombing run to Chichi Jima and was picked up by the USS Finback (SS-230). The USS Tang (SS-306) under the command of Richard O’Kane rescued 22 airmen in just two days during the airstrikes on Truk Lagoon. In May 1945, the Tigrone rescued a record 31 airmen in one patrol. While on board submarines, the rescued airmen received medical treatment if necessary and, since space was limited, often in torpedo storage space. On April 1, 1944, the USS Harder (SS257) picked up a downed, injured aviator stranded on a small islet off Woleai. This rescue was far more dangerous than most since the pilot, Ensign John Galvin, was trapped on an enemy-held island. The submarine maneuvered close to the reef and sent three submariners in a rubber raft through the rough surf. An American floatplane attempted to assist, but the towline snapped. Despite enemy sniper fire and rough sea conditions, the sailors managed to get Galvin onto the raft before using a new towline to pull them back through the surf. The pilot was soon safe aboard the Harder, which then headed for the safety of open waters. The Harder’s next patrol saw her rescue a six-man Allied Intelligence Bureau Coastwatching team off the coast of North Borneo. Three other submarines had failed to extract the team due to heavy Japanese anti-submarine measures. However, on the night of June 8, 1944, the Harder sent two rubber boats to the beach and successfully extracted the intelligence team. The

British and Australian operatives provided the Allies with crucial information on Japanese troop strength, shipping routes, and warship locations. Remarkably, this rescue took place while the Harder was actively tearing through enemy escorts; she had already sunk two Japanese destroyers over the previous two days and would sink another shortly after near Tawi-Tawi. Commander Samuel Dealey received the Medal of Honor for this remarkable patrol. Although Dealey and his crew continued their aggressive tactics, the Harder was tragically lost with all hands during a depth-charge attack on August 24, 1944. These operations are just a small sample of the many special missions carried out by Allied submarines in World War II. Other submersibles evacuated gold and valuable assets from the Philippines before the islands fell to the Japanese, while some landed reconnaissance teams on enemy shores prior to invasions to gather vital beach sand and soil samples. Whether delivering supplies, dropping off secret agents, rescuing stranded airmen or gathering intelligence, Allied submersibles went far beyond their traditional role of sinking merchant ships. Submarines proved to be one of the Allies’ greatest assets, operated by the brave and versatile men of the Silent Service. 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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To Raise a Laugh Running Around In Circles

chool is starting soon, and as a parent, you have a lot to do before it starts, in case you thought you could just spend these 2 weeks going on vacation. But at least you can rest assured that once your kids start school, it will be smooth sailing for about 10 months, with 0 responsibilities and no calls from the school about, for example, your kid not already knowing the stuff that they’re supposed to be teaching him. So let’s get this over with: Firstly, you have to go to the store to buy enough school supplies for the entire year in one go. You want your kid to come in on the first day with a huge stack of graph paper he’s not going to need until Chanukah. The only place it really makes sense to ask for all the supplies up front is high schools. I know this because I attempt to teach in a high school, and my students show up on the 1st day without pens. And I’m like, “You couldn’t figure out that you would need pens after 10 years of going to school?”

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By Mordechai Schmutter

So on the 1st day every year, I say, “Okay, you need to bring in pens.” And sure enough, the next day, they still don’t have pens. Because they dorm. They don’t go home every night. Where are they getting pens? If someone doesn’t have a pen today, he’s not going to have a pen that whole month. He’s not leaving during supper to run out and buy pens. And especially not with the money his parents gave him to buy food in case the yeshiva meals they already spent their money on aren’t good enough for his sophisticated palate that sometimes will make grilled cheese with an iron and eat it off a textbook. So I say, “Okay, well at least when you

go home for the off-Shabbos, bring back a pen.” And then he comes back the next week and says, “Oh, I forgot.” How’s he supposed to remember? Should he write it down? He doesn’t have a pen! You also want to make sure that your kids have enough clothes for the entire year. Because even though your child fit into the same clothes for 10 months, you take them off for 2 months and suddenly they’re too small. Maybe it’s all the sunlight that’s making him grow in the summer. Either way, put him in a little room with 20 other kids for 10 months, and he won’t grow as much. Like goldfish. You also have to buy your shoes. You encourage your kids to run around in the summer, but it turns out that running around kills shoes. And you have to go to a kids’ shoe store, and those are the worst. There are shoes all over the floor, which is every parent’s nightmare. Someone is always screaming, and one child is standing on top of the shelves, trying on the single shoes. And you have to keep stepping over parents on the ground. And you can’t just start putting shoes on them. You have to get the kids’ feet measured professionally with one of those metal things that hurts when you drop it on your toe. So first you have to wait for the professional teenager who works in the store to measure each kid’s feet and tell you what size he is so you can request a slightly bigger size so he has something to grow into, because you don’t want to come back here in 3 months. The guy will insist that you get the size that the device says, in part because he wants to sell you more shoes later, and in part because he didn’t go to foot-measuring school to be questioned by a parent whose child was wearing his shoes on the wrong feet. And then there are nit checks. As far as I know, kids can pick up nits at any point of the year, but let’s do the bulk of our checking at the end of the summer. Where are

they getting nits from in the summer? Sleepaway camp? Sleep-away camp! The schools assume these sleep-away camps are infested with nits. The summer I was in sleep-away camp, there were no nits, but we did have a skunk problem. So make sure to get your kids checked for skunks. If you want to make absolutely sure your kids have no lice, you can get some prescription shampoo, which is really easy to obtain. You don’t even have to go in to the doctor. You call the doctor and say, “I think my kid might have lice. Should I come in?” and he’ll automatically write you a prescription. Because there’s no way the school checks are thorough. You stand on long lines consisting of every child in the entire school, and when you get to the front, someone spends literally 10 seconds on your child and then signs a form. There’s no way she’s checking between every single hair. So my guess is that with nits, they’re either nowhere or they’re EVERYWHERE. There’s no such thing as a small lice community hiding out in the corner of your head. If they move in, they move in with enough friends to start their own country with its own system of government and road construction and a sanitation system, committees to prevent deforestation, and even a president who denies deforestation and keeps promising he’s going to make your head great again. It’s not like a few lice who want to live in a nice, quiet area away from it all with a couple of kids and a dog. They have a ton of kids and a school system, with parents running around and buying school supplies and clothes and shoes, and each kid needs three pairs of shoes, and they all have to match. So what are you complaining about? Mordechai Schmutter is a freelance writer and a humor columnist for Hamodia and other magazines. He has also published eight books anddoesstand-upcomedy.Youcancontacthimat MSchmutter@gmail.com.

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Living Kiddush Hashem The High Road

“Something inside of me changed.

By Rabbi Shraga Freedman

here was a Rosh Yeshiva who attended the wedding of one of his students. At the end of the wedding, as he was preparing to leave, several of his talmidim joined him. They ordered a larger taxi and all climbed in. As they drove, the Rosh Yeshiva turned to the driver and said, “Sim moneh”—“Turn on the meter.” The driver turned on the meter, and they continued on their way. After a while, however, the bachurim noticed something strange. The driver wasn’t taking the most direct route. He was making unnecessary detours, apparently trying to increase the fare. One bachur became really upset. “He’s cheating you, Rebbe! He knows we’re not familiar with the route. I’m going to yell at him and tell him off.” The Rosh Yeshiva calmly stopped him.

heard the way you spoke to your student. You said that Jews don’t scream at one another. You said that we treat each other with respect no matter what and that problems can always be worked out.

“Relax. Yidden don’t scream at one another. We don’t become aggressive with another person. If there’s a problem, we speak respectfully and work it out. “And besides, I’m the one paying. Don’t worry about it. If, when we arrive, I feel that he wasn’t fair, I’ll speak to him and we’ll work something out.” The bachur sat back, and they continued driving. When they finally reached their destination, the driver turned around. “Rabbi,” he said, “I heard the conversation you had with your student. I want to tell you the truth. I was taking the longer route to make a few extra shekels. I have a family and three children, and I was trying to make some extra money off of you. I knew it wasn’t right.”

“You see, last night, my wife and I had a heated discussion. She’s becoming more observant and wants to move our three children from public school to a religious school. “I’ve been fighting her on it. I kept telling her, ‘We’re going to lose so much. It’s going to change our entire lifestyle.’ “She kept telling me, ‘No. The religious people have better midos. They live differently. Our children will gain more than they’ll lose.’ But I wasn’t convinced. Until now. When I heard you speak to your student, I saw what my wife was talking about. I saw what Torah can do to a person. I want my children to grow up in that kind of environment. When I go home tonight, I’m going to tell my wife: We’re moving the children to the religious school.” Think about what happened. Had that bachur immediately confronted the driver, perhaps the driver would have admitted that he was wrong. Perhaps he would even have returned some of the money.

Then he paused. “But something happened when I

But his children might have remained in public school.

Instead, the Rosh Yeshiva chose the high road. He didn’t scream. He didn’t humiliate. He simply demonstrated, through his own behavior, what it means to be a ben Torah. And that simple interaction may have changed the lives of three neshamos—and perhaps the generations that will come from them. (Heard from Rabbi Shlomo Landau; sourced from a Dirshu article.) Coming Soon! Worldwide Living Kiddush Hashem Event! ‫ְּבתֹוְך ְּבֵני ִיְשָׂרֵאל ְו ִנְקַּדְׂשִּתי‬ Launching Motzaei Shabbos Selichos – September 5th

Rabbi Shraga Freedman is the author of Sefer Mekadshei Shemecha, Living Kiddush Hashem, and A Life Worth Living. Email LivingKiddushHashem@ gmail.com for a free sefer. Visit LivingKiddushHashem.org for more resources Living Kiddush Hashem was founded with the goal of imbuing every Jew with a powerful sense of mission — the mission to be mekadeish Sheim Shamayim in his or her own unique way. We strive to accomplish this by raising awareness of the paramount importance of the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem and its centrality in everything we do.

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1. *

TJH

Centerfold

Signs Your Family Road Trip Has Gone on Way Too Long >> The kids have stopped asking, “Are we there yet?” because they no longer believe there is a “there.”

>> Someone asks what state you’re in, and nobody in the car is completely sure.

>> You’ve started recognizing the same truckers.

>> You’ve passed three signs for the “World’s Largest” something and are now genuinely considering stopping.

>> Google Maps says, “4 hours, 12 minutes remaining,” and you say, “Oh, we are almost there!” >> You’ve driven 35 miles with the gas light on because you are trying to make some headway before stopping. >> You’ve threatened to “turn this car around” despite being 600 miles from home. >> You’ve begun measuring distance in bathroom stops rather than miles.

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>> You’ve said, “We’re making memories!” primarily to convince yourself.

You Gotta Be Kidding Me! While on a road trip, Yankel and Esther stop at a roadside coffee shop, get a coffee, and get back on the road. Soon, Esther tells Yankel that she forgot her sunglasses at the rest stop and that they need to turn around. Yankel is upset that he has to go back and is

>> Nobody remembers whose idea this trip was, but everyone agrees that person should be punished. >> Someone in the back seat has constructed a privacy wall out of pillows. >> You’ve started discussing which highway lanes have the best “vibe.” >> The children have run out of things to fight about and are now arguing over who looked out whose window. >> You finally see the sign for your destination, and everyone cheers louder than they did when you announced the vacation. >> You start seeing the wisdom of “99 bottles of beer on the wall.”

very unpleasant on the drive back. “How could you forget your sunglasses?... What were you thinking?!” he keeps muttering. Soon, they get back to the coffee shop. Esther gets out to retrieve her glasses. Yankel screams after her, “While you’re in there, you might as well get my hat and credit card too! I think they’re on the counter.”

1. I-90 is the longest Interstate Highway in the United States. How many miles is it? a. 2,422 b. 3,085 c. 4,776 d. 6,927

3. How many states does historic Route 66—nicknamed the “Main Street of America”—pass through? a. 8 b. 10 c. 12 d. 24 4. What is the highest posted speed limit permitted on a U.S. public highway, found on Texas State Highway 130? a. 75 mph b. 80 mph

5. How many states does the I-95 pass through? a. 7 b. 12 c. 15 d. 32 6. What colors are used on the familiar shield-shaped signs that identify Interstate highways? a. Red, white and blue b. Blue and white c. Red and blue d. Red and white 7. What do the odd and even numbers generally tell you about an Interstate highway? a. Odd numbers are toll roads; even numbers are free b. Odd numbers generally run north-south; even numbers run east-west c. Odd numbers are older highways d. Even numbers indicate highways longer than 500 miles

8. Which state has the most Interstate highway routes in America, with more than 30 primary and auxiliary Interstate routes running through it? a. New York b. California c. Texas d. Hawaii Answers: 1-B 2- C 3-A 4-D 5-C 6-A 7-B 8-A Wisdom Key: 7-8 correct: You are a serious day tripper…8 days a week! 4-6 correct: You are on cruise control in the middle lane. 0-3 correct: You’ve been on all 30 interstate highways in Hawaii, and you still hardly got any questions, right?

Why did the tire need a vacation?

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Riddle Me This

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

2. Which state has the most miles of Interstate highways? a. California b. New York c. Texas d. Florida

c. 85 mph d. 100 mph

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Last Road Trip of Summer Trivia

Answer to riddle: It couldn’t take the pressure anymore!

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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

Britain is methodically and regularly throwing oil on the fire. - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday, after Britain announced additional military support for Ukraine

I was very blessed in that during my career I saw my body as an asset, and because I had to take care of it to perform my job, I learned a lot of discipline around what I had to do in order to have my body as physically fit and prepared as possible for playing football. I’m never going to lose that discipline, because I see the benefits of the investment paying off. - Tom Brady in a recent interview

I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not that informed on national security.

[Liberals] think that here’s the way you’re supposed to think. Again, here’s your skin color. There’s this kind of deterministic view that you’re supposed to think this because we say so. And I, of course, declined that invitation. And so now that means that something, that I’m a walking contradiction, because I’ve deviated from their perception of what I should think.

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- Conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas on Sen. Ted Cruz’s podcast explaining why the left hates him even though he is black

In June alone, nearly 28,000 Russian soldiers were eliminated – and we have video confirmation for every single one of them. The overwhelming majority were struck by drones. Frankly, we take no pride in this. We are saying it to show what modern war looks like – a war we did not start, but one we are forced to fight in order to defend our country. - Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO Defense Industry Forum

Putin hopes that we are tired, but we know that he is mortal. - ibid.

I would love to go back in time and tell my papaw [grandfather] that there is a man who claims to stand for working people, who says not only should we have sharia law, but if you criticize it, you are a white supremacist. - Vice Pres. J.D. Vance talking about Michigan Democrat Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed

- Darline Graham, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina and brother of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, when asked in a debate about the strategic importance of Taiwan

- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in a recent interview with Yahoo Finance noting that AI’s impact on the economy is slower than he anticipated

From a note of kabbalos (commitments) written in Hebrew that was found on slain chareidi soldier Yehuda Katz, Hy”d, whose body was retrieved this week, 44 years after he was killed:

Say Tehillim every day + Tikkun HaKlali. Strive not to speak devarim bateilim in the Beit Midrash.

Increase in tefillos and tachanunim and hisbodedus before Melech Malchei HaMelachim HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Wake up earlier in the morning, before davening. Go to the mikveh at least every Erev Shabbos.

- Buc-ee’s co-founder and CEO Arch ‘Beaver’ Aplin III announcing that he will be focusing the iconic gas station/rest stop chain on red states which are business friendly rather than blue states which are not business friendly

And what if we introduced them to food fresh from the ground? Teaching them — making these relationships with the farmers so they learn about the soil. They learn about irrigation. They learn about the effect that it has on their crop. They get an opportunity to eat a tomato fresh off the vine. It’s a different food than you get in the store, quite frankly. Fresh sweet corn and hot dogs. But what a difference it makes when they can taste these things. They won’t have a craving for the unhealthy foods that are so prevalent in our society. - Dr. Ben Carson, who serves as the USDA’s national advisor for nutrition, health, and housing, at a recent event

Even at 117, I’ve had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King! I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings. - Ethel Caterham, of Britian who is the world’s oldest living person, upon celebrating her 117th birthday on Friday

Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder him, tried to murder one of my sons. - Prime Minister Netanyahu in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14

- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

I’m 22. He’s been playing for that long. I think he might be older than my mom. - Steelers rookie Germie Bernard, on 42-year-old teammate Aaron Rodgers, who is entering his 22nd NFL season

I ain’t lying, I be having low-key a little bit of anxiety when I’m out there with him just because it’s like I don’t really want to mess up. - ibid.

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When my uncle was president, 3% of American kids were obese. And he was also so alarmed with that, because it was double what the European numbers were. And he launched the Presidential Council on Physical Fitness. Today, 20% of kids are obese, and, you know, many more of them are overweight. Seventy-seven percent of our kids can’t qualify for military service. And it’s not because they suddenly became indolent or hungry or lazy. It’s because we’ve been mass poisoning them with ultra-processed foods.

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

Eat with moderation.

We’re building in a lot of places. But when you find a conservative, business-friendly state with a phenomenal workforce, it makes a difference. And I’m starting to realize life’s too short to try to build in places that people don’t appreciate what you’re bringing.

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I think it means we’ve all been too ambitious on timelines. People keep doing the same things they’re doing. They keep buying from the same company. They keep sort of wanting to use their tools in the same way.

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Political Crossfire

Could Iran Try a Midterms October Surprise? By Marc A. Thiessen

resident Donald Trump dismissed the Iranian attack on the United Arab Emirates this week, declaring that though the Iranians “shoot a drone every once in a while,” their attacks have little more than “nuisance value.” But what if Iran has something more in store? What if Iran is planning an October surprise before the midterms? Six months into the conflict, Trump is showing admirable patience and determination in his effort to disarm Iran. He has reimposed the blockade that is crushing Iran’s economy and reducing its oil exports to near zero. He has quietly taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. military escorting tankers carrying about 10 million barrels of oil through the Persian Gulf every day. And on Wednesday, Trump vowed to unleash what he called “ECONOMIC D-DAY” on Iran, imposing “the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY” on any nation or entity that does business with the regime. Most important, Trump made clear that he will “never apologize” for taking military action to stop Iran’s nuclear push – and told voters if “you [have] to pay a tiny little bit more for your gasoline, just remember you’re doing it so that a very evil country cannot have … a nuclear weapon.” That takes enormous political courage. Here’s the problem: Though Trump is squeezing Iran economically, its leaders know that he is reluctant to resume major combat operations. They have tested him repeatedly – launching drone and missile attacks on commercial vessels in the strait, even firing ballistic missiles at American service members in Jordan – and have watched as Trump has on multiple occasions come close to ordering a massive final military assault, only to turn back at the last minute.

This has emboldened Iran. Though Trump did enormous damage during Operation Epic Fury – destroying more than 85 percent of Iran’s defense industrial base, sinking its navy, grounding its air force and annihilating its conventional military forces – he stopped about 14 days short of completely U.S. Central

ed to resume major combat has been his stated concern that Iran might retaliate by launching attacks on energy targets in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states, taking much of their oil off the world market and sparking a global depression. As Trump explained, “I never want to be the late, great Herbert Hoover.”

Iran believes that it is winning the battle of wills with Trump.

Command’s target list. This left Iran with enough firepower to threaten Gulf energy infrastructure, U.S. bases and the ships making “dark runs” through the strait. Iran could decide to use that firepower before Americans go to the polls in November. One reason Trump has hesitat-

Well, what’s to stop Iran from doing just that right before the U.S. midterms? The Wall Street Journal reports that America’s allies in the Gulf have shared intelligence indicating that Iran’s leaders are preparing “to widen the war and raise the costs for the U.S.,” noting that “Iran’s leaders are increasingly talking

about offensive operations on enemy territory.” Iran could launch attacks on energy targets to spike the price of oil just before Americans vote. It could try to kill U.S. service members – which would force Trump to launch retaliatory action, restarting the war. Or it could attempt a terrorist attack on U.S. soil or that of U.S. allies. Iran believes that it is winning the battle of wills with Trump. As retired Gen. Jack Keane points out, Iran’s leaders may think that if they launch an attack before the midterms, “there’s a good chance that the Democrats will take control and maybe stop funding the war.” They may also believe that the United States intends to attack them after the midterms anyway, making it in their interest to resume fighting when it would do maximum political damage to Trump. Launching such a preemptive attack might not be rational, given the likely U.S. response. But Trump has repeatedly said that Iran’s leaders are “sick” and that “there is something wrong with them.” Well, sick people are prone to miscalculation. The way to take this option off the table is to act first – by launching a final, decisive blow against the regime. If Iran does attempt an October surprise, Trump will have no choice but to resume major combat. It would be better to do so at a time of America’s choosing rather than Iran’s. If Trump were to launch a quick and lethal attack on Iran’s leadership, economic and energy infrastructure, and nuclear facilities now, he could credibly declare victory months before the midterms. Before launching Operation Epic Fury in February, Trump weighed the risks of military action against the risks of inaction – and concluded that the risks of inaction were far greater. He was right. There are risks of inaction today as well. © 2026, Washington Post Writers Group

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Dating Dialogue

What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I love reading your column and hearing the insights of your panelists. My friends and I were discussing this, and I thought it would be a good idea to present it to you. We range in the ages of 23-27.

When we go out with a boy and have gone out for at least 5 dates, some of my friends were lamenting that they would like to meet the boy’s parents to get a better picture of where the guy is coming from. They know this is not the norm, but they think it would be helpful to meet with the parents for a short amount of time, without pressure from either side that this is moving things too forward. We know this is unconventional, but the boy gets to meet the girl’s parents on date number one…

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What are your thoughts? Do you think it would be helpful for girls to meet with the boy’s parents after a certain amount of dates without any pressure that this is about to lead to an engagement, just to get to know him more? Thank you, Chani F.*

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.

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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 Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. ou and your friends make a legitimate point. Go for it! You may want to frame it in a positive way, like seeing the family he feels so connected with. Keep it casual and friendly. And do not spend your time together looking them up and down and scrutinizing the home. You want to get a sense of who they are and how they respond to someone their son is dating. It’s not an interview.

The Shadchan Michelle Mond hanks for your compliments on the column! I love that you’re sparking conversation surrounding changing things up in the shidduch world. I do have mixed feelings on the topic, though. On the one hand, it seems only fair to get to meet a guy’s parents, just like he met yours when he came to pick you up. Meeting the parents helps you get a better sense of where someone is coming from and gauge the vibe of their family. An official short meeting, however, can end up being one more thing for both sides to nitpick about. “His mother was soooo quiet... Is she awkward?” “The girl he’s dating wears such casual clothes. Will she really fit in with our family?” etc., etc., etc. The list can go on and on. Remember, when a guy comes to pick you up from your house, it’s not officially

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to meet your parents. He’s picking you up for the date. Having an official “meet the boy’s parents” meeting can be stilted and awkward, depending on who the parents are and the girl’s personality. There are already so many things built into “the system” that can make it feel non-organic and uncomfortable. My middle-ground advice would be that once things are getting serious and you can see yourself having a future with this person, exchange Shabbos meals at each other’s houses. This way, you can each get a taste of the other person’s world. It will still satisfy your interest in getting to know the parents without it being a potentially awkward, formal meeting. It will allow your/the parents’ personalities to come out more and give much more of a realistic taste than if you’re sitting in front of his parents for an official sit-down meeting. I’ve had plenty of my couples exchange Shabbos meals at each other’s homes, and it’s usually a big success!

take much longer before feeling a strong connection, asking to meet the boy’s parents by date #5 might make the young man feel pressured, threatened, frightened, and cause him to end the relationship and head for the hills. Further, when a group of friends try to establish a “one size fits all” approach, it demonstrates how peer pressure, or “group think,” might be good advice for some members of the group, but bad advice for other members of the group. However, before submitting my answer, I thought it would be a good idea to check with a friend of mine, who is a very successful shadchan here in the Five Towns. She let me know that in the yeshivish world today, “It’s actually become quite common to meet the boy’s parents around the fifth date. At this point, it’s almost the norm.” Further, she surprised me by saying that she agrees with the girls who feel that

so many things built into “the system” that can make it feel non-organic and uncomfortable.

there is a lot to be gained from a quick introduction to the boy’s parents. Moreover, she told me that the boy’s parents often also like to meet the girl their son has been spending time with — not because they’re putting pressure on them or implying anything about marriage, but simply because they’re curious to meet the person he’s getting to know.

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The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler t just goes to show that it’s important not to jump to conclusions. When I read your letter, my immediate reaction was to avoid making that idea a universal recommendation, because every relationship proceeds at its own pace. For some dating couples who feel a strong connection after only a few dates, it might actually be a good idea for the girl to meet the boy’s parents by date #5. But, for other dating couples who can

There are already

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the Dating Dialogue column, I continue to discover what I did not know about our contemporary dating scene. The lesson is to be open-minded, listen to other opinions, and be flexible about accepting newer, fresher points of view.

Reader’s Response

Pulling It All Together

What are you hoping to learn from the meeting?

can add context to those conversations. Of course, his family isn’t him, and I wouldn’t treat meeting them as some sort of test. It’s simply another way of getting to know someone once the relationship has reached a point where that information is actually meaningful. So I’m very much in favor of meeting parents later rather than earlier, and for both people. But I think the meeting is most useful when you go into it knowing what you’re actually looking to understand.

The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

ber of dates. There are enough rules and timelines attached to dating already. But I see no reason that once two people have been dating for a while, a girl couldn’t meet his parents without everyone deciding that this must mean an engagement is around the corner. You said your friends want “a better picture of where the guy is coming from,” and I think that’s a reasonable thing to want. Meeting his parents can give you a glimpse of his family culture. You can see him in a context other than sitting across from you at a restaurant. What is he like around his mother? His father? Is there warmth? Respect? Does he seem like himself? How do they speak to one another? Are there boundaries? Is there room for everyone to be themselves? These things can tell you something. But I would be careful about how much they tell you. I do think meeting his parents can give

Maybe that’s the part worth questioning. You’ve gotten to meet my family. I’d like to meet yours. That doesn’t sound like too much to ask. It actually sounds pretty fair. If this is something that is important to you and your friends, it may be worthwhile to explore not only sharing this request with a guy you’re dating, but also seeing his reaction to the request. Is he willing to go outside of the box for your comfort? Is he absolutely unwilling and turned off by the request? Does he validate your desire to see and meet his parents casually but ultimately feel uncomfortable because of societal norms? This is all information. Thank you for writing! Sincerely, Jennifer P.S. I always love when people think outside of the box and find a way to make shidduch dating personal and uniquely their own. And so many people are tired of so many rules!

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 Chani, You and your friends are pointing out something that is so built into the dating system that I don’t think most of us even stop to think about it. The guy gets to meet the girl’s parents. He comes to her house, walks into her home, says hello to her mother and father, maybe talks to them for a few minutes. And if they continue dating, he may see them again and again. And whether he’s consciously paying attention or not, he’s getting information. He gets a feel for her home. He sees how her parents interact with her and how she interacts with them. He gets little glimpses into the family she comes from. And she gets into his car. When you look at it that way, there really is an imbalance. So to answer your actual question: yes, I do think meeting his parents could be helpful. I don’t know that I would make it a rule that it happens after five dates, or seven dates, or any particular num-

you a better picture of where he comes from. I just wouldn’t confuse where someone comes from with who he is. Wonderful people can come from very difficult families, and difficult people can have absolutely lovely parents. A mother who makes you uncomfortable doesn’t tell you what kind of husband her son will be. A charming father doesn’t guarantee anything either. And one short meeting is exactly that: one short meeting. But there is another reason I think your question makes sense. If this relationship does progress, these people may become your family. Wanting to know them isn’t strange or intrusive. It’s actually pretty natural. What I would love to see change isn’t necessarily that girls should meet the boy’s parents after date number five. It’s the idea that her meeting them has to mean so much. Why does he get to walk into her home on date one without anyone assuming anything, while her meeting his mother can feel like some sort of pre-engagement ceremony?

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Baruch Glazer, LCSW Founder of Turning Point Therapy ’ve always thought that meeting parents at the very beginning of dating is a little ridiculous. You barely know

each other, there may not even be a second date, and I’m not sure what you’re really supposed to learn from a quick interaction at the front door. Meeting parents further into dating makes much more sense to me. And if we think there’s value in meeting the family of someone you may marry, I don’t see much reason for that to only happen in one direction. Both people can benefit from it. I think the bigger question is: What are you hoping to learn from the meeting? Maybe you want to see how you fit into the family. Maybe you want to see how he interacts with his parents and siblings. Or maybe you want to see some of the things you’ve already talked about on dates come to life. If he’s told you what he loved about the home he grew up in, what he wants to do differently, or what kind of home he wants to build himself, meeting his family

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Finally, my shadchan friend cautioned that all parties need to understand that “meeting the boy’s parents does not imply a serious step forward and does not represent a step toward marriage. It’s simply an additional way of getting to know the person you’re dating and understanding a little bit more about him.” (And here I thought that my wife was the only one who tells me how wrong I am.) So, what should a young woman do today? I don’t know. But it’s usually a good idea to simply follow the custom of your particular demographic and location. There is a lesson to be learned here. Over the past six years of contributing to

Mental Health Corner

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

Struggling Socially By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman carefree nature of childhood. Others will reflect on their adolescence as an acutely painful period in their lives, as they struggled to fit in and did not know how to navigate the complicated social dynamics that arise during the teenage years. Some

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If you take a survey about people’s teenage years, you are likely to encounter a diverse range of recollections. Some people will fondly reminisce about a blissful and carefree time as they began to taste adulthood while still relishing the

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will feel so traumatized that they have a hard time recalling clear memories from their entire adolescence.

unbeknownst to adults, allowing the situation to escalate unchecked, leading to enduring emotional trauma for the victim.

The breakdown between these two groups frequently stems from their level of social success. Those who secured a place among the coveted social elite and were consistently included in all the popular social events navigated the transitional teenage years with comparative ease. However, those who suffered social isolation and lacked a supportive social network to be part of endured the tumultuous years of adolescence with feelings of anguish and exclusion.

An additional factor contributing to social isolation among adolescents is the impact of anxiety and depression. For some teens, the mere prospect of everyday social interactions can trigger an overwhelming sense of irrational anxiety, fear, self-consciousness, or embarrassment, which could stem from social anxiety disorder. Others may suffer from depression that robs them of the joys of social interactions, prompting them to withdraw and seek solitude.

The solution to this problem is beyond the scope of this article, but we will try to break down the different causes for social exclusion during the teenage years, and hopefully that will get us one step closer to minimizing the pain of some of our teens.

Sometimes, a teen comes from a different cultural or ethnic background and is not included in social settings. Even teens who are not outright mean might not have the emotional maturity to know that it is incumbent upon members of a social group to take the first step and reach out to those individuals who have a hard time fitting in.

Before we begin, we must discuss the elephant in the room, namely the fact that teenagers and children can be very mean, as their underdeveloped brains may hinder their ability to feel empathy. Coupled with their own insecurities about their social status, this creates a breeding ground for malicious behavior. While most teens are kind and caring, there are still those who have yet to mature in this area. Compounding the issue is the unspoken pact of secrecy that many teenagers uphold, preventing the empathetic ones from seeking help from adults for their suffering friends. Now let us break down some of the causes for social isolation. One common cause for social struggles is a deficiency of social skills. A teen might not know how to initiate conversations, feel insecure in group settings, or is simply shy, and as a result does not become part of the social scene. Over time this can become entrenched, and can lead to a teenager who is not invited to friends or social gatherings. Another critical issue that plagues adolescents is the scourge of bullying, with some teens taking pleasure in targeting vulnerable victims in a misguided attempt to elevate their own social status. In some cases, bullies may perceive their targets as a threat to their popularity, prompting them to employ subtle yet extreme forms of abuse. As mentioned, this might occur

A similar phenomenon can occur if you have a teen who has unique interests or hobbies. Just because he or she is different from the other kids his age does not mean that he or she does not want to be part of the social group. Nevertheless, this often leads to social isolation as teens typically gravitate towards friends who share similar interests, failing to recognize that this could alienate certain peers. As we have demonstrated, social exclusion during the teenage years is a painful and multifaceted issue, which may leave some adolescents feeling lost, alone, and invisible. It can feel to the teen as if he or she is wandering aimlessly in a dark maze with no visible exit, where every step leads to a dead end. There is a way out, but they might not have the tools to find it. The adults in their lives can play a pivotal role in providing them support and guidance, and at times professional help can also be a critical resource. With the right support system, we hope that every teenager can find their way out of the dark maze and into the sunshine of a thriving social life. 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

tes

As the School Year Begins By A Loving Father

forting, and caring for your child—that is not an insignificant thing. Years ago, I visited an orphanage in Eretz Yisrael. The people running it told us something that I have never forgotten. They explained that they had actually studied the way adults naturally respond

the children’s clothing. Think about that. They understood something very basic about human nature. A teacher is a human being. If one small detail could help a child walk into a classroom and instinctively evoke just a little more warmth, patience,

He was simply beginning the relationship with appreciation rather than waiting until the relationship was over to say thank you.

and affection, they wanted to give that child every possible advantage. There is a lesson here for all of us. When orientation comes, or during those first few days of school, don’t simply drop off your children and disappear. Introduce yourself. Walk over to the rebbe. Meet the morah. Shake the teacher’s hand. Tell them, “Thank you for taking care of our child this year. We know how much you put into what you do, and we appreciate it.”

With love, Abba

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to children and found that children who arrive in school neat, clean, and smelling pleasant tend to evoke a warmer response from the adults around them. These were children coming to school from an orphanage, without a mother standing over them each morning making sure that every shirt was fresh and every collar was straight. So the staff took it seriously. They even researched which laundry detergents left the most pleasant scent on

And perhaps don’t stop with words. If it is appropriate within your school’s policies and your circumstances, send a thoughtful card together with a nice check or meaningful gift—something substantial enough to convey that this is genuine appreciation for the enormous responsibility this person is about to undertake. Again, the point is not to purchase anything. It is not to ask for favoritism. It is simply to say, at the very outset: We value you. We respect what you do. And we are grateful that our child is in your care. Don’t wait until June to tell a teacher that you appreciate him. Tell him in September. Because before the first test is failed, before the first homework assignment is forgotten, before the first difficult phone call has to be made, you have already established something very important: We are on the same team. Your child’s teacher should know from Day One that the parents standing behind this child respect him, appreciate him, and want to work together with him. We spend enormous amounts of time preparing our children for school. We buy the clothing, the shoes, the knapsacks, the notebooks, and the supplies. Perhaps we should spend a few moments preparing the relationship as well. My dear children, as you embark upon another school year, may the Ribbono Shel Olam give each of your children wonderful rebbeim and teachers, good friends, success in their learning, and a year filled with growth and happiness. And perhaps, before that year even begins, consider doing one meaningful thing to open the hearts of the people who will be caring for them. Sometimes appreciation given at the beginning can make a very big difference all year long.

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My dear children, As another school year begins, and you prepare to entrust your precious children to their rebbeim, morahs, and teachers, I want to share a small thought with you— one that I learned years ago in a rather unexpected place. One Sukkos, I was staying at a hotel together with family. We had barely checked in when I watched one of my relatives walk over to the maître d’, shake his hand warmly, and hand him a rather substantial tip. I looked at him in surprise. “You haven’t even eaten your first meal yet,” I said. “Why are you tipping him now?” His answer stayed with me. “Look,” he said, “there’s a certain amount I’m going to tip him regardless. So why wait until the end? If I give him something now, he knows that I appreciate him. And he also knows that perhaps there’s more coming later. From the very beginning, I’ve opened his heart toward me.” I thought it was brilliant. Not because he was purchasing special treatment. He wasn’t. He was simply beginning the relationship with appreciation rather than waiting until the relationship was over to say thank you. There is a fascinating Torah idea here as well. In Parshas Shoftim, the Torah warns a judge not to accept a bribe, “ki shochad ye’aveir einei chachamim,” because a gift has the extraordinary ability to affect even the perception of a wise person. Of course, I am certainly not suggesting that anyone bribe a teacher to favor his child. But the Torah is teaching us something profound about human nature: when someone feels appreciated, his heart naturally opens. And when the person whose heart you are opening is the rebbe, morah, or teacher who will spend hundreds of hours this year educating, encouraging, correcting, com-

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Health & F tness

Mazal Tov, It’s a Baby….! By Rivka Kramer, PMHNP-BC

here is a moment after a baby is born when the world seems to become very small. The room may be filled with family and celebration, but for the new mother, everything can suddenly revolve around one tiny person who needs her constantly. She is holding a new baby while also recovering from childbirth, adjusting to interrupted sleep, navigating changing hormones, and trying to understand how this new role fits into the person she was before becoming a mother. As beautiful as this transition can be, it can also be complicated. A new mother may feel completely overwhelmed one moment and deeply grateful the next. She may cry for reasons she cannot explain. She may look at her baby with enormous love and then wonder how she is going to make it through another night without sleep. She may miss parts of her old life while feeling enormous love for this new person. This is one of the first things I want families to understand about postpar-

tum mental health: difficult emotions do not mean a mother is ungrateful, and struggling does not mean she does not love her baby.

The Emotional Adjustment The postpartum period is a tremendous biological and psychological transition. Hormones change rapidly after delivery, the body is recovering, sleep becomes unpredictable, and daily life suddenly revolves around the needs of someone who cannot yet communicate what they need. At the same time, a woman may be adjusting to changes in her marriage, friendships, work, independence, and even her sense of identity. For some women, these changes lead to what we commonly call the baby blues. During the first days after delivery, a mother may feel more emotional than usual, cry easily, become irritable, feel anxious, or find herself overwhelmed by feelings that seem to come out of nowhere. But sometimes those

feelings do not fade. They become more persistent or begin to interfere with a mother’s ability to function. This may be postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, both of which are common and treatable. Depression can look like sadness, but it can also appear as irritability, emotional numbness, exhaustion, guilt, difficulty connecting with the baby, or feeling as though ordinary responsibilities have become impossible. Anxiety may involve constant worry about the baby’s health or safety, repeated checking, frightening thoughts, or an inability to relax. The common thread is that motherhood does not always feel the way we expected it to feel.

The Partner is Part of the Postpartum Plan There is another piece of postpartum mental health that deserves far more attention: the role of the partner.

When I work with women during the postpartum period, one of the questions I often ask is not simply, “How are you feeling?” I want to understand the relationship she has with her spouse. What does support look like in their home? How do they communicate? What does each person expect the postpartum period to look like? What did they grow up believing a mother and father are supposed to do after a baby is born? In some families, there is an unspoken belief that the mother is supposed to handle the baby because she is the mother, while the father returns to work and helps when he can. In other families, grandparents or extended family may be expected to step in. Every family has its own culture and traditions. But regardless of those expectations, there is one question worth asking: Is the way we have structured this postpartum period protecting the mother’s mental health? A partner’s support can make an enormous difference.

Sleep is Medicine

There may be an assumption that a woman should be able to manage or that too much help will make her dependent. But the postpartum period is not the time to test how much a woman can endure. Supporting a new mother does not make her weak. It gives her the foundation she needs to recover. When a father takes the baby so his wife can shower, eat, sleep, exercise, or simply sit quietly for twenty minutes, he is helping preserve her physical and emotional resources. When he notices

A woman who has been awake several times during the night, recovering physically, feeding a baby, managing appointments, and carrying the emotional weight of a household may not have the energy to create a list of instructions for another adult.

Understanding Postpartum Psychosis There is one postpartum condition that deserves particular awareness because although it is rare, it can develop quickly and requires immediate medical attention. That condition is postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is very different from the baby blues, ordinary postpartum anxiety, or the emotional ups and downs that accompany becoming

The responsibility of protecting the mother’s health belongs to the family as a whole.

This is where partners can become proactive. Think about meals, laundry, errands, older children, nighttime responsibilities, household decisions, visitors, and time for the mother to rest. Most importantly, pay attention. If she looks depleted, believe her. If she says she needs sleep, take that seriously. If she seems different from herself, ask about it. Sometimes, the most supportive thing a partner can say is, “I see how much you are carrying. What can I take off your plate?”

When Something Feels Different One of the most useful questions a family member can ask a new mother is simply, “Do you feel like yourself?” It is not a diagnostic question. It is an invitation to talk. A new mother may be so focused on caring for her baby that she does not recognize how much she herself has changed. She may assume that anxiety, sadness, or exhaustion are simply part of motherhood, or she may be afraid that admitting she is struggling will make others question her ability to care for her child. If something feels different, that deserves attention. We do not need to wait until a mother is in crisis before we offer

a new mother. A woman experiencing postpartum psychosis may become severely confused or disorganized, have difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not, hear or see things that others do not, or develop beliefs that feel completely real to her even though they are not grounded in reality. What can make postpartum psychosis particularly difficult for families is that the person experiencing it may not realize she is unwell. From her perspective, what she is thinking or experiencing may feel completely true. This is why postpartum psychosis requires urgent professional evaluation. It is important to talk about postpartum psychosis without creating fear. Postpartum psychosis is rare, and experiencing ordinary postpartum anxiety, sadness, intrusive thoughts, or exhaustion does not mean someone is developing psychosis. The purpose of understanding it is not to make families afraid. It is to make sure that if something truly unusual happens, the people around that mother recognize that she needs help.

The Postpartum Period Belongs to Both Parents Perhaps one of the most important shifts we can make is to stop thinking about postpartum recovery as some-

thing that belongs exclusively to the mother. The baby belongs to both parents. The household belongs to both parents. And the responsibility of protecting the mother’s health belongs to the family as a whole. This is not about taking something away from the father. In fact, it is the opposite. The postpartum period is an opportunity for fathers to establish their own relationship with their baby, become confident caregivers, and build the foundation of the family they are creating. When a father takes the baby and tells his wife, “Go sleep. I have the baby,” he is doing more than giving her a break. He is saying, “Your health matters to me.”

Taking Care of the Mother Takes Care of the Family After a baby is born, everyone naturally asks about the baby. Is the baby eating? Is the baby sleeping? Is the baby gaining weight? Is everything developing as it should? Those questions are important. But there is another person in that room who deserves to be checked on too. How is the mother sleeping? How is she feeling? Does she feel supported? Does she feel like herself? Is she constantly worried? Does she feel overwhelmed or hopeless? Is she afraid to tell anyone what she is experiencing? These questions do not mean something is necessarily wrong. They mean that we understand the mother is also going through a major transition. The postpartum period does not need to be perfect. There will be exhaustion, uncertainty, tears, laughter, beautiful moments, difficult moments, and days when everyone is simply trying to get through until bedtime. But mothers should not have to navigate those days alone. There is no bonus prize or special mitzvah for suffering. When we protect the mother’s mental health, we are not taking attention away from the baby. We are protecting the family.

Rivka Kramer is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has a psychiatric private practice based in Cedarhurst, NY. She serves as a maember of the board of JANPPA, the Jewish American Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Association. She can be reached at 917-905-3995.

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Supporting Her is Not Spoiling Her

What Does She Need?

support. Sometimes an early conversation, a little more sleep, or a professional evaluation can change the entire course of the postpartum experience.

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

One of the most important things a partner can provide during the postpartum period is protected sleep. Sleep deprivation is often treated as though it is simply unavoidable when you have a newborn. Of course, babies wake during the night. But there is a difference between interrupted sleep being part of having a baby and a mother being chronically deprived of meaningful rest while everyone assumes she will simply manage. Sleep is not a luxury during this period. Sleep is medicine. Significant sleep disruption can worsen anxiety, depression, irritability, and emotional regulation, and in vulnerable individuals can contribute to more severe psychiatric symptoms. This is why I often encourage partners to think beyond simply taking turns with the baby. Instead, think about dedicated time. If one parent is responsible for the baby for a protected stretch of time, the other parent can truly step away and sleep. It is not about keeping score or counting who got up more times. It is about making sure that both parents have meaningful opportunities to rest, and particularly making sure that the mother, whose body and mind are recovering from pregnancy and childbirth, is not functioning indefinitely on fragmented sleep. A father taking the baby for several hours so his wife can sleep is not spoiling her. It is participating in the health of his family.

that she has had a difficult day and takes something off her plate without waiting to be asked, he is sharing the responsibility of building a family. And when he becomes an active participant in caring for the baby, he is not helping the mother with her job. He is parenting.

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I want fathers to hear this not as criticism, but as an invitation. Your role during the postpartum period is not simply to help your wife. You are not a guest in the postpartum experience. You are one of the parents.

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AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

Parenting Pearls

Long-Distance Parenting By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

his is a topic I’ve thought about writing for a long time yet never felt ready to address. I can’t say I’m ready for it, but this time of year seems the most appropriate time to have this discussion. When discussing parenting topics, we generally assume the child is living with you. You see each other each day and have time to connect. It’s often the little interactions throughout the day that ultimately build big connections. When children dorm for school, the dynamic shifts, and parenting long distance is an entirely different method. I went to Israel for a year post-high school, but the experience has changed dramatically due to advances in technology. In Israel, I didn’t have a cellphone – we relied on a pay phone in the hallway. Today’s child will generally have a personal cellphone. Many will also have text and email. As they transition into adulthood, many children will dorm for school instead of commuting each day from home. It may be for yeshiva, seminary or college. They may be in-state, in the USA or very long distance such as Israel. While

I will be using the terms “child” and “children,” usually these kids are legal adults. Parents may see their children once a month or not at all for the year. Communications may be limited based on the program the child attends. It’s a time for children to increase their independence and learn more about who they are as individuals. Still, our children need us and the connection we have hopefully built over the first nearly two decades of their lives. No article can cover everything since the needs of a seminary girl in Israel will be vastly different from the needs of a bochur in Lakewood. I want to touch on a few of the topics that may come up for parents as they and their child adjust to long-distance parenting. This article is not addressing the specific needs of families where the parents share custody. That is a different arrangement and one that would be best discussed as its own topic. I am also predominantly addressing the needs of post-high school students. As children change and develop so much from year to year, the needs of a ninth grader starting to dorm will be vastly different from those of an 18-year-old.

Mixed Feelings Children and parents will go into this with mixed feelings. They may be excited and scared at the same moment. They may look forward to the new experience while simultaneously wanting to run under their bed and hide. This is normal, and parents should expect it. We can validate their feelings, give them time to express themselves and show them our support – both before and after they leave our home. Parents should take the time to address their own feelings with another adult. Rather than ignore our own emotions, we want to work through them and be as available as possible to focus on our child. If we ignore our needs, then ultimately our own emotional health will suffer, and we will be less able to support our child. These first few months are an adjustment period. It helps to remember this. Even the most “I can’t wait to leave” child can become home sick minutes after leaving. During this time, they may reach out more and need to speak on the phone with us more frequently. Schools are aware of this, and hopefully they will have something in place to help ease their

adjustment. Ultimately, students really need time to adjust, and as that time passes, they should feel more at ease.

Independence Learning independence and becoming stronger in themselves is a major part of the experience. As long as they are under our roof, we are still there as their backup. There is nothing wrong with us being available for our child, but we want to slowly foster independence throughout their developing years as they become ready for it. For many children, dorming is the next step in that process. This is a positive step, and one of the ways to help them transition into adulthood. We want to foster their independence and encourage them in their development. It’s one of the finest balancing acts of parenthood to recognize when to help and when to stand back. It can also be hard for families to adjust after their child returns home. They are used to going out without telling us. They have their own schedules and do things their own way. They will have friends we’ve never met and experiences we were unaware of. Parents should

Keeping the Connection

Current Issues When children leave our home, they will encounter many new situations just when they have less of our support than

they should connect with and who is unhealthy for them. Mental health is another area that can be challenged when leaving home. Children should know they can come to their parents or someone in their school should they have any concerns. Parents should keep a listening ear and monitor for any issues that need to be addressed.

It’s one of the finest balancing acts of parenthood to recognize when to help and when to stand back.

children who grew up knowing they can’t purchase alcoholic beverages for three more years to suddenly find they are already there. The second is that children will have no supervision over Purim. This is an appropriate time to discuss this important topic with children. This is also an opportune time to discuss healthy relationships. They will encounter many new people, and it’s important for them to recognize who

There are many mental health professionals that can provide support for a child struggling with adjustment and other emotional struggles during this time. Whenever a child leaves home, the dynamics in the house will shift and adjust, too. Many of these changes can be positive. For example, the next-in-line child gets the opportunity to be “the oldest” and the maturity that comes with that position, and siblings will learn a greater

appreciation for each other when they do reunite together. Dorming will mean they don’t have all the comforts of being at home. That’s OK. They may have more roommates and less bathroom space than at home. That’s fine. They may not have their favorite toiletries, linens, clothes or towels. That’s all OK, too. This is all part of the learning process. They will learn crucial interpersonal skills and other life lessons. Please make sure your child has an adequate supply of medications, spare eyeglasses and any other necessary items. It may take time for them to adjust to having to arrange their own necessities, and we don’t want them to be without crucial items at this time. I want to wish our community’s children a wonderful and successful year wherever they may be.

Sara Rayvych, MSEd, holds a master’s degree in general and special education. She has been homeschooling for over 15 years. Sara provides personalized parent mentoring services, addressing a variety of general and specific parenting concerns. She can be contacted at Sara.Rayvych@gmail.com with comments, questions or for private consultations.

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

Children still need a connection to their parents. We don’t go out of style just because they left the nest. We can make the connection through phone or whatever communication option is most available. Each child requires their own balance of connection. Some children need to speak frequently and others prefer less often. Personally, I went based on their needs and allowed them to lead, when possible. I also tried to make sure I was available to speak to them when they did reach out and call. The main points to remember are to maintain that connection and to remember how much our children need us. They may not realize it, but they need us to be there for them to maintain a loving bond and provide support throughout the year.

before. We will also be less aware of what’s going on in their lives. Now is the perfect time to continue the conversation with our precious children and share our values. Drinking is a difficult topic. There are two main areas that are unique for children that are dorming. The first is that the legal minimum drinking age in Israel is 18. It can be a bit of a shock for

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expect this adjustment period at the end of the year. It’s a balancing dance of respecting the child’s new independence and adulthood while still respecting the needs of a family.

Nachum & Esty Ungar on the birth of a son

Ephraim & Meira Rosen on the birth of a daughter Mr. & Mrs. Yanky Weinberger on the birth of a daughter Want to see your simcha here? Email mazeltov@baltimorejewishhome.com or text 443-675-6507 to submit your simcha!

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Akiva Yisroel & Sara Tova Miller on the birth of a son

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Kids Coloring Win $10 Corner

o wi n n

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ers

Download extra coloring sheets from thebjh.com

•

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to The Candy Store

y w ee

Take a picture with your artwork and submit it to

thebjh.com/kids to enter a raffle for a chance to win $10 to The Candy Store! See your picture in print the following week! Submissions due Monday, August 31

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Adina, 5

Rafi Yardley, 9

Adina Kleinman, 6

Chananya, 5

Azriel Yehuda, 9

Elisheva Tehila S., 6

Dovie Rosenblatt, 7

Shayna Bracha Cook, 7

Atara Rosenberg, 4

ER, 5

Esther Bondar, 10

Note: Not all submission have been published. Keep sending in your artwork for another chance to be featured!

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Ahuva Bracha, 6

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Yehudis & Yehuda Leib Leah, Zevy, & Dassy Seidel Chait, 4.5 & 3

Sara, 10

Nati Coleman, 7

Binyamin Schiermeyer, 6

Tova Stein, 6

Atara W.

Sarah Golda Cline, 7

Dina Khalili, 4

Aviva, 3

Bella Barer, 6

Rosie Antal

Elisheva Livingstone, 6

Hudis & Yehudis C.

Miriam T., 11

Yaakov, 3

Yael G., 4

Miri & Sori Goldberg, 7 & 5

Meir fierstein, 5

Ezra Freedman, 5

Talia Rosenberg, 6

LC, 8

Maiera, 2.5

Mussi Raichik

Shlomo Wecker

Note: Not all submission have been published. Keep sending in your artwork for another chance to be featured!

Red Wine Shoulder Roast Meat / Yield: 10 servings / Freezer friendly

By Naomi Nachman

before every yom tov rolls around. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with that deep, oniony, red wine aroma hours before anyone sits down to eat — and by the time it hits the table, the meat is so tender it practically falls apart under the fork.

Ingredients

Preparation

• 1 4-pound shoulder roast or 2nd cut brisket

Preheat oven to 325°F.

• 6 large onions, sliced into half-moon rings

In a Dutch oven on medium high heat, add canola oil and onion and sauté till

• 2 tablespoons canola oil • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil • 6 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper

lightly brown. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, spices, and ketchup, mixing them together to form a paste. Rub the paste all over the meat. When the onions are brown, push the onions to the side and place the meat in the

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

a lid (yes, I double wrap it).

• 1 cup red wine

Bake, covered, for 3 hours, Remove from oven. Allow roast to cool, then slice it. Pour pan juices over meat to serve. Cook’s note: You can also cook it overnight at 200°F in the oven.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

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• 1 teaspoon paprika

center; sear the meat on all sides. Cover with lid or with parchment paper then foil or

• 1/2 cup ketchup

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

There’s a reason this roast has become the one my fa mily requests

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In The K tchen

See pg pg 62

Pre-Existing Conditions

Member Stewardship

BUILT ON CARE. STRENGTHENED BY STRUCTURE. Intentional healthcare choices strengthen the entire community. HealthSharing is strongest when members take an active role in managing their healthcare. With guidance from experienced case managers when needed, members can take advantage of self-pay pricing and other available discounts, or consider healthcare providers that offer the highquality care they need at a more reasonable price. These decisions help reduce healthcare costs for their own families and strengthen the HealthSharing community as a whole.

Learn More UNITEDREFUAH.ORG | (440) U-REFUAH APPLICATION SCHEDULE ADJUSTED FOR THE YOM TOV SEASON

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION Single: $199 Couple: $349 Family (3-6): $499 $50 each additional member

Potential October 1 start date

Potential November 1 start date

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Limited applications may be eligible for fast track processing. *All applications are subject to medical review which may delay acceptance and membership start date.

United Refuah is a non-profit healthsharing organization. It is not insurance and does not offer insurance. See Sharing Guidelines for full details. Application and annual renewal fees apply.

Usual and Customary

Postmaster: Please deliver by Friday, August 28