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After the intensity of Elul and the Yomim Noraim, Succos can feel like a change of pace. We have spent weeks examining ourselves, asking for forgiveness, and davening for a good year. Now we are invited into the sukkah for zman simchaseinu. But the work we began does not end with the final Neilah. Succos gives us a chance to carry that work forward, and to bring the closeness we sought during the Yomim Noraim into days filled with mitzvos and simcha. We can see this progression in our changing relationship with the Sifrei Torah. During Selichos, the Aron Kodesh is opened and we look toward the Torah from our places. On Rosh Hashanah, the Aron is opened again and again throughout the tefillos. On Yom Kippur, during Kol Nidrei, we take out the Sifrei Torah and bring them among us. During Succos, we will circle the bimah with our lulavim and esrogim while a Sefer Torah stands at its center. On Hoshana Rabba, we will make seven hakafos. And on Simchas Torah, we will hold the Sifrei Torah in our arms and dance. What began with a look from across the shul transforms into an embrace. That closeness takes effort. The days ahead will be busy with meals, guests, davening, and all the preparations that come with Yom Tov. Amid it all, we have opportunities to take the small steps we spoke about during Elul. We can give our families our full attention in the sukkah. We can welcome someone who needs a place. We can

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take a moment to appreciate the mitzvah in our hands as we hold the daled minim. And when we dance on Simchas Torah, we can try to feel the joy of belonging to a life shaped by Torah. Each step helps turn the hopes we expressed on Yom Kippur into the way we live. I recently heard a beautiful vort from the Zidichover Rebbe of Marine Park about the words we will begin saying on Shemini Atzeres: Mashiv haruach umorid hageshem. In their plain meaning, we praise Hashem, Who causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall. The Rebbe offered another way to explain the words. Through the Yomim Noraim and Succos, we work to lift our ruach, our ruchniyus. Then we ask Hashem to send down geshem, the gashmiyus we need to sustain us through the winter and the year ahead. Before we make that request, we have these precious days to keep growing. We all need brachah in very real ways. We daven for health, parnassah, nachas, and peace in our homes. As we prepare to enter the sukkah, let us make the most of the days Hashem has given us: to do the mitzvos with care, to grow closer to Him, and to share the simcha with those around us. May the ruach we raise this Yom Tov help us carry its lessons into the year ahead, and may Hashem bless all of Klal Yisroel with abundant geshem and bracha.

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Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l: A Shepherd Of Klal Yisrael By: S. Schreiber | Photo: Eikon Photography Rabbi as Executive Every Tuesday, the 5:30 a.m. train from Baltimore to New York transported OU executive vice president Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, who tragically passed away last Shemini Atzeret, into a rarified world of national Jewish organizational work, including political negotiations, high-profile meetings and media appearances. But though he excelled in these environments, they didn’t excite him. “That’s not why he came to the OU,” says Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, managing director of Community Engagement. “He wanted to elevate—which is a word he used a lot—the community’s passion and commitment to Torah and mitzvos.” The same principles that had guided Rabbi Hauer as a pulpit rabbi would define him as an executive vice president, only on a national scale. As always, Torah came first. He pushed for greater accessibility across all demographics, overseeing the growth of robust apps for the study of Talmud, Mishnah, parashah and halachah under the umbrella of AllTorah.org. The Women’s Initiative expanded its offerings, adding a halachah track, and in 2021 the OU rolled out All Mishnah Jr., engaging children across the country in daily study. Throughout this period, Rabbi Hauer strove to maintain his daily Daf and Amud Yomi classes—sometimes teaching from the train. And though he could no longer address his congregation in person, his Shabbat-morning sermons became a weekly email read by hundreds. Within a year of his arrival, the OU’s Center for Communal Research initiated studies on Orthodox single men and women, single-parent families, and attrition—those who had chosen to leave the community entirely. The plight of these “invisible people” continued to haunt Rabbi Hauer. Writing in Jewish Action, the OU’s award-winning quarterly magazine, which devoted significant space to coverage of each study, he urged readers to “hear through the silence and see through the darkness” surrounding these groups. His passion for the cause would eventually spawn a new initiative within the OU, now known as Kol Echad.

National Jewish organizations had long struggled to remain relevant at the local level. Rabbi Hauer visited communities across the country, took note of what was needed, and—when the community was not best served by an OU-branded program—provided help and funding without taking credit. “He was all about working behind the scenes,” Rabbi Motzen says. “He recognized that oftentimes the involvement of the official organization could get in the way.” Serving as a rabbi’s rabbi, he would invite groups of rabbanim fairly often to visit the OU and engage in thoughtful conversations about the various communal challenges facing them. He also invited local leaders to New York to meet him—and one another. Known within the OU as “convenings,” these meetings focused on large institutions like bikur cholim, communal concerns like eruv, and sensitive challenges like divorce and attrition. The attendees represented the full spectrum of Orthodox life, and the conversation sometimes became heated. From somewhere near the center of the conference table, Rabbi Hauer’s gentle voice cut through the noise. Perhaps the issue could be considered from another angle, he suggested. Maybe it was time to view it through a wider lens. Often, he reminded the participants that the “problem” under discussion had a human face. “Rabbi Hauer was a master listener, and he was also very good at getting other people to be listeners,” Rabbi Glasser says. “He would find the common ground, and we’d be able to move the conversation forward.” Building Bridges, Building Influence On a chilly evening early in 2020, Rabbi Hauer sat across from Malcolm Hoenlein in a kosher Manhattan restaurant. A storied figure in Jewish activism, Hoenlein had served for more than thirty years as executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, an umbrella body representing fifty national Jewish groups. As the incoming executive vice president of the OU, Rabbi Hauer would now be a member of the Presidents’ Conference, and Hoenlein

let him know he had a daunting task ahead of him. “There was a need for an articulate presentation of the perspective of the Orthodox community,” Hoenlein says, “somebody who could help influence, who could inform the discussion. I urged him to take that role.” Tensions can run high at the Conference, where Orthodox organizations rub shoulders with the Union for Reform Judaism and progressive groups critical of Israel. But even in Covid-era Zoom meetings, Rabbi Hauer distinguished himself. “Almost immediately, people saw what a special human being he was,” Hoenlein says. “He would weigh in—in a conciliatory way. It didn’t compromise what he said. It was just how he said it. And he would win people over.” On the Conference’s elite Executive Committee, Rabbi Hauer became known as a voice of sanity—and principle. After October 7, he championed the plan for a large rally in Washington, DC, despite pushback from some Orthodox leaders who felt uncomfortable aligning themselves with the event’s secular organizers. Then he saw a draft of the program, which included a performance that raised halachic problems. “He put his foot down,” recalls OU Chief of Staff Yoni Cohen. “He said, ‘I cannot tell our schools and our shuls and our members . . . to come, in good conscience.’” The program was immediately revised. “His leadership role very quickly transcended the OU to just being a strong Jewish communal leader that we all respected and

wanted to be part of all this work,” says Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric Fingerhut. That feeling was shared by lawmakers in Washington, where Rabbi Hauer worked closely with the OU Advocacy Center. Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina keeps a copy of his testimony from a hearing on campus antisemitism on a table in her office to this day. “He was such an eloquent spokesperson for the problem,” says Foxx, who chaired the committee that held the hearing. “His loss is greater than a loss for just the Jewish community. It is a loss for all of humanity, because he caused us to examine our conscience.” In Washington backrooms, on interfaith councils, and on endless bus rides during the Conference’s many missions to Israel, Rabbi Hauer was often seen deep in conversation with someone whose positions he opposed. Listening more than he spoke, he built relationships that would bear fruit for years to come. Many people half-listen while they think about what they will say next. Rabbi Hauer listened with his full attention, and people noticed. “He was an ohev es habriyos. He really loved people,” Hoenlein says. “And he would extend himself in talking to them and being mekarvan laTorah. He brought them closer just by his personal example.” Excerpted from Jewish Action’s special tribute edition, Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l: Vision, Leadership & Legacy, published in honor of his first yahrtzeit on Shemini Atzeret.

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A Legacy Of Unity And Torah: Ahead Of First Yahrzeit, A Gathering At OU Headquarters To Honor Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l By: BJLife Newsroom

abbis, Jewish and community leaders, friends, OU board and staff members, and family gathered in New York to honor the memory of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, former executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, as his first yahrzeit approaches. Many others joined the event, organized by the OU, via livestream . Rabbi Hauer, who had served as EVP at the OU since 2020, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 60 over Shemini Atzeret last year. His passing came just hours after the remaining living 20 Israeli hostages, taken on Oct. 7, 2023, were returned from Gaza. Keeping the plight of the hostages in the public eye was just one aspect of the public advocacy work Rabbi Hauer engaged in on behalf of the OU and the Jewish community, as he sought to bring Torah values to the world and increase unity among Jews. “Over the past year, we have felt Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l’s absence in countless moments, even as we continue to feel his presence in the Torah he taught, the relationships he built, and the values he embodied,” said Rabbi Josh Joseph, CEO of the Orthodox Union, who worked closely with Rabbi Hauer over the years as the two led the OU together. “Rabbi Hauer had a rare ability to make every person feel seen and every challenge worthy of his full heart and attention. The many lives he touched, throughout our community and far beyond it, remain a testament to a life devoted to Torah, to Klal Yisrael, and to caring deeply for others. On his first yahrzeit, we remember not only

how profoundly we miss him, but how enduringly his wisdom, warmth, and example continue to guide and inspire us.” An emotional video played at the event featured clips of Rabbi Hauer throughout his years at the OU, speaking about his love of Torah, dedication to prayer, and how to foster more unity among the Jewish people, especially amid rising antisemitism. “The study of Torah is equal to everything,” he said in one clip. “It stimulates everything. It grows us. The Torah spoke, as our sages teach us, in 600,000 voices when the Jewish people stood around Har Sinai. And there’s so many different unique languages of Torah. Torah belongs to everyone. And it’s our responsibility, all of us, to make sure that everybody has their portion of that precious inheritance.” Speakers at the event recalled how diligently Rabbi Hauer worked to spread Torah, create unity, and stand up for the rights and values of the Jewish community and of Israel. Rabbi Hauer’s son, Rabbi Shlomo Hauer, quoted Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, a prominent Torah scholar and student of the Vilna Gaon: “This is what man is about. He wasn’t created for himself. Rather, he was created to do for others in any which way that he can.” “This is the way my father lived, literally,” Rabbi Shlomo Hauer said. “He managed to make time for every individual,” he recalled.“And when he was able to connect with people one-on-one, that gave him the greatest pleasure,” he said. “He always made sure not to hold back when he had something positive to say about someone or to someone, even

when that meant making phone calls at hectic times before holidays, or writing letters to authors of books he read to compliment their work.” Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger, Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University’s RIETS and Rav of Congregation Beth Abraham,shares how Rabbi Hauer always displayed clarity for Torah values when he spoke to others and when he spoke publicly, drawing a parallel to Moshe Rabbenu, who also always had a clear message as he led Am Yisrael in the desert. “He mastered the ability to be public, to be a leader and to be self-effacing at the same time,” Rabbi Neuburger said. This clarity and commitment to working for the greater good inspired many people to work with Rabbi Hauer and come together to accomplish things, even when they were difficult. “Whenever Rabbi Hauer called, you knew it was as a shaliach of Klal Yisrael, you can’t turn Klal Yisrael down,” Rabbi Neuburger said. Rabbi Hauer worked with many different leaders and groups across the Jewish world, speakers at the event recalled. He put aside any personal agenda to focus on the common needs of the Jewish community. “Nothing he did was for his own honor but for the honor of Ha Kadosh Baruch Hu,” said Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, quoting an idea from the Talmud, as he addressed the event through a video recording. Sheila Katz, who worked with Rabbi Hauer on advocacy issues when she served as CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women, spoke about his ability to relate to others different from himself. He also knew how to disagree on topics with people but still maintain relationships with them and work with them, said Katz, now Chief Jewish Life Officer at the Jewish Federations of North America. “You didn’t have to agree with him to feel seen by him.” Katz shared that last year, just before Rosh Hashana, and only a few weeks before his passing, Rabbi Hauer reflected to her on the famous phrase from Rosh Hashana davening “Who will live and who will die. Who will die

at the predestined time and who before that time.” Rabbi Hauer explained that these lines should be read with the idea that we are not just individuals who will come and go, but are all part of a trajectory, working together for Klal Yisrael. “It is not our task to finish the job, just to continue it and never neglect it,” she said, quoting Rabbi Hauer. Incoming Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union, Rabbi Shmuel Silber, talked about how he first met Rabbi Hauer 24 years ago when his family moved to Baltimore, and how he was a mentor to him ever since. He respected everyone and understood that time was precious, so he was always using it well, Silber recalled. “He always had profound insight, intuition, and understanding,” Silber recalled. “What was so special about Rabbi Hauer is that he taught us these two lessons: Bring Hashem into every single thing that you do, and always look up,” toward Heaven. Especially during the Covid pandemic and after October 7th, Rabbi Hauer modeled this approach, inspiring others to find the strength to go on amid overwhelming challenges and loss. “Rabbi Hauer created a vision, a vision for something higher, a vision for something holier, a vision for something greater,” Silber said. “And his neshama calls out to us to continue his holy work.” The OU community is dedicated to embracing the memory of Rabbi Hauer and making his life part of their work each day. “This has been a year of great trauma and great resilience for the OU,” said Mitch Aeder, president of the OU. “Rabbi Hauer, zt”l was larger than life. We miss him every day, both as individuals and as an organization. At the same time, Rabbi Hauer’s love of Torah and love of the Jewish people continue to inspire and motivate our extraordinary professionals to serve Klal Yisrael with dedication and humility. As we approach the yahrzeit, it is meaningful to share our sadness and gratitude with the Hauer family and many of those in the community whom he touched.”

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Mercaz Daf Yomi Celebrates Siyum On Maseches Chullin On Erev Yom Kippur

n Erev Yom Kippur, the Mercaz Daf Yomi of Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah celebrated a siyum on Maseches Chullin, bringing together a large crowd for a meaningful celebration of Torah just hours before the onset of Yom Kippur. The gathering brought together the Maggidei Shiur and participants from Mercaz’s 13 daily Daf Yomi shiurim, uniting the many lomdei haDaf who learn at different times throughout the day in celebration of their shared accomplishment. Among those in attendance was Dr. Tommy Azman, who marked the extraordinary personal milestone of completing the entire Shas with the completion of Maseches Chullin. A delicious fleishig seudah was served during the siyum, serving as the first seudah of Erev Yom Kippur. The Zidichover Rebbe offered divrei bracha and spoke about the beauty and significance of entering the Yom

HaDin in such a way, celebrating the completion of a masechta together with a seudas mitzvah. He also reflected on the special significance of the siyum taking place at the first seudah of Erev Yom Kippur. Longtime Mercaz Daf Yomi Maggid Shiur Rabbi Zvi Goldberg was the mesayem and delivered a fascinating drasha on the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKein, one of the many important sugyos learned in Maseches Chullin. The celebration concluded with stirring Yom Kippur niggunim led by famed Baltimore singer and composer Dr. Yitzy Kaplowitz, followed by lively dancing as participants celebrated the completion of the masechta and the tremendous accomplishment of consistent Daf Yomi learning. The siyum provided a particularly uplifting way to enter Yom Kippur, surrounded by the simcha of Torah and inspired toward continued learning and growth.

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A Year Of Growth And Progress

hat a year it has been! The landscape of Torah Institute has changed dramatically as construction of their new building continues to move forward. The retaining wall is making fast progress, and they are getting closer to clearing away the mountain and bringing the site to grade. This important milestone will allow them to begin the exciting phase of construction as the building starts to rise upward. They look forward to the day when their new building will provide much-needed additional space for our

930+ talmidim and allow the Cheder to continue growing and thriving. Wishing you and your family a Kesiva Vachasima Tova!

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Yeshivas Toras Simcha Talmidim Visit Kivrei Gedolei Torah Ahead of Yom Kippur

he sixth through eighthgrade talmidim of Yeshivas Toras Simcha visited the United Hebrew Cemetery in Halethorpe, Maryland, for a meaningful opportunity to connect with the legacy of some of the great Torah leaders of the previous generation. Many of the YTS rebbeim learned in Yeshivas Ner Yisrael and were able to share personal memories of Rav Shmuel Yaakov Weinberg, zt”l, and Rav Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman, zt”l, who are buried there. One rebbe shared a particularly moving story about Rav Ruderman. On Rosh Hashanah, Rav Ruderman once left the Beis Medrash to walk home, despite the difficulty he had walking. He had realized that he had mistakenly taken his wife’s machzor and wanted to make sure that she had her own personal machzor from which to daven. His concern for his Rebbetzin outweighed his own phys-

ical discomfort—as well as the fact that the interruption would cause him to fall behind the tzibbur’s davening. It was a powerful lesson in thoughtfulness and sensitivity toward others. YTS Menahel Rabbi Hillel Shepard shared another important lesson with the talmidim. Halacha teaches that in a beis hakvaros we conceal our tzitzis, since the niftarim can

no longer perform mitzvos, and we should not openly display a mitzvah that they no longer have the opportunity to fulfill.

tery filled with great tzaddikim, the halacha still applies—they, too, would treasure another opportunity to perform a mitzvah.

Rabbi Shepard pointed out the profound message contained in this halacha. The niftarim are already in the Olam HaEmes and understand with perfect clarity the eternal value of every mitzvah. Even in a ceme-

What a powerful reminder for our talmidim—and for all of us— of how fortunate we are to have countless opportunities, each and every day, to perform mitzvos and accumulate eternal zechusim.

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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Sunday Night September 27, 2026 6221 Greenspring Avenue

Men, Women, Yeshiva Bochurim, and children invited. Refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by : Agudath Israel of Baltimore Cong. Shearith Israel Shomrei Emunah Over 30 Baltimore shuls

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Celebrating A Milestone At Lev HaTorah Kapparos At Lev Hatorah

azal Tov to Myer Kaufman’s Hanochos Tefilin!

It was a truly special and memorable occasion at Lev HaTorah Academy as Myer Kaufman celebrated his Hanochos Tefillin.

apparos at Lev HaTorah Academy was a meaningful and memorable experience for our students. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to participate in this special minhag while

gaining a deeper understanding of the meaning and significance behind it. A truly beautiful chinuch experience filled with learning, and excitement!

The boys shared in Myer’s joy as they danced around him, celebrated, and joyfully threw candies, filling the room with excitement and simcha. May Myer continue to grow in Torah, mitzvos, and middos, and may this Hanochos Tefillin be the beginning of many more happy and meaningful milestones!

Baltimore Gedolim Checking Esrogim In Preperation Of Sukkos

The Zidichover Rebbe, Shlita, checking esrogim at Mercaz Arba Minim, located in Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah, as the Baltimore community prepare for the upcoming Yom Tov of Sukkos.

HaRav Yaakov Hopfer, Shlita, checking esrogim at The Baltimore Esrog Center, located in Shearith Israel, as members of the Baltimore community prepare for the upcoming Yom Tov of Sukkos.

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hat happens when preschool teachers are given time to play and

explore?

That was the challenge Jewish Educational Services (JES) presented to educators at Cheder Chabad during a recent professional development workshop, Curious, Creative, and Capable: Supporting Creativity, Development, and Meaningful Learning Through Process Art, Books, Boxes, and Open-Ended Materials, developed and facilitated by Leah Golfeyz, JES Special Education and Support Consultant. Grounded in the belief that children are naturally curious, creative, and capable, the workshop invited teachers to experiment with clay, loose parts, paint, and other open-ended materials without directions or a predetermined outcome. In doing so, they experienced firsthand how process-focused learning encourages children to explore, create, solve problems, and develop into confident investigators, designers, storytellers, and innovators. While classroom projects often result in a finished product, process art shifts the focus to the learning that happens during the experience itself. Rather than focusing on creating a teacher-directed end product, process art emphasizes the opportunities children have to make choices, test ideas, solve problems, and express themselves in their own unique ways. Whether building with recycled materials, experimenting with paint, or sculpting with clay, children are developing fine motor skills, critical thinking, communication, flexibility,

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Jewish Educational Services Inspires Creativity, Curiosity And Capability

and confidence. Most importantly, they are learning that their ideas matter. Throughout the workshop, teachers reflected on their own classroom

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practices and explored practical ways to incorporate process art, books, loose parts, and other open-ended materials into daily learning experiences. Discussions focused on how educators can create meaningful opportunities for exploration while still maintaining clear learning goals and effectively sharing children’s growth with families. A key takeaway from the session was the importance of creating more opportunities for open-ended exploration. When children are given the freedom to experiment, make choices, and follow their own ideas, they develop creativity, confidence, and a deeper engagement in learning. This workshop was one of several back-to-school professional learning opportunities offered by JES Early Childhood consultants, where partici-

pants were inspired and energized with fresh ideas and new tools to use in the classroom. Across five early childhood programs, 118 educators participated in trainings focused on building strong classroom communities, creating thriving teaching teams, supporting children’s social and emotional development, and fostering creativity and engagement in the classroom. As the school year gets underway, JES remains committed to supporting schools through high-quality professional learning, coaching, and consultation. Schools interested in exploring topics such as creativity, play, educator wellness, classroom community, and child development are invited to reach out to JES to learn more about the wide range of professional development opportunities available.

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The LEV Experience: Moments That Define A New Year By: Rabbi Dr. Avichai Pepper

t is hard to capture emotion and inspiration in words. Writing about a feeling is a little like trying to describe a taste, you can explain it, but somehow the description always falls short of the experience itself. Trying to capture the inspiration of the LEV Experience is much the same. To truly understand it, you need to participate in person. Still, if I may, I would like to open a small window into the inspiration and power of spending Rosh Hashanah with the LEV Experience in Rockville, Maryland. The program is designed as a unique hybrid, combining traditional tefillah with opportunities for people at every level of Jewish knowledge and observance to participate, learn, and grow. There is beautiful davening and singing, capturing the timeless minhagim and melodies of the Yamim Noraim. Alongside that are explanatory services, inspirational lectures, meaningful discussions, and perhaps most importantly, an overwhelming sense of warmth and family. But even that description does not quite capture it. Each year, I find myself searching for the moment—the one powerful idea or experience that I will carry with me into the coming year. And each year, that task proves impossible. There are simply too many moments, each containing its own message, inspiration, and power.

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This year, however, one moment stands out. We were sitting together at the beautiful seudah on the second night of Yom Tov. During the meals, Rabbi Shlomo and Devorah Buxbaum often pose discussion questions for each table. Everyone discusses the question among themselves, and afterward a few people share their answers with the entire room. That evening, the question was simple: What is one achievement from the past year that you are proud of? As often happens, our table wan-

dered somewhat off topic, discussing different aspects of the year and where life had taken us. Eventually, people around the room began sharing. One person spoke about beginning a new career. Someone else had moved to a new city. There were new schools, new friendships, personal challenges that had been overcome, and other accomplishments that represented a year of growth and change. Then, about halfway through, a woman stood up. With a proud smile, she said simply: “I beat cancer.” Mic drop. For a moment, the room was silent. Then came the smiles. I leaned over to my wife and whispered, “Nothing can follow that.” I was wrong.

It is found in the person who looks back at a year filled with challenge and says, “I made it.” It is found in someone who reconnects with a mitzvah that had once slipped away and says, “I came back.”

ening, the same meals, the same songs, and the same Yamim Noraim, but each person is experiencing something different within them. One person’s defining moment may come during a melody in davening. Another may find it in a lecture, a conversation in the hallway, a discussion around the table, or the words of someone sitting beside them.

A teenage girl sitting at our table noticed the silence. She stood up. Tears began flowing down her cheeks.

It is found in physical survival and spiritual return. In gratitude for another year of life and in the courage to make that life more meaningful.

“I started keeping Shabbos again,” she said. “This is my second Shabbos in many years.”

And perhaps that is why it is so difficult to describe the LEV Experience.

Yet somehow, they all meet in the same place.

It is not simply a particular style of davening, a lecture, a song, or a discussion around a table. It is the environment that allows moments like these to happen. It creates a place where Jews from different backgrounds and at different points in their journeys can sit around the same table, celebrate one another’s victories, and inspire one another to take another step forward.

Some victories are enormous. Some are quiet. Some are physical. Some are spiritual. But on Rosh Hashanah, each one becomes part of our declaration that the coming year can be greater than the one before it.

And that journey is deeply personal. No two people travel the same road toward growth, spirituality, and connection. Each person has different struggles, different milestones, and different moments that suddenly open the heart. What inspires one person may not be the moment that speaks most powerfully to someone else.

This year, I found it in two sentences:

Two people. Two victories. One had fought for her life. The other had fought for a piece of her neshamah. And there we were, on Rosh Hashanah, celebrating both. Perhaps there could be no more fitting expression of what Rosh Hashanah—and the LEV Experience—is really about. Rosh Hashanah is the day on which we proclaim Hashem as King. We speak about Malchus, about being mamlich HaKadosh Baruch Hu over ourselves and over the world. Sometimes those words can feel enormous and abstract. But perhaps Malchus is also found in moments like these.

That is part of what makes the LEV Experience so real. We may all be sharing the same dav-

The journeys are different, and so are the moments.

I entered the seudah looking, as I often do, for something to carry with me into the new year.

“I beat cancer.” “I started keeping Shabbos again.” Two victories. Two very different journeys. Two moments of inspiration. And one unforgettable reminder that each of us has our own road toward growth, and that sometimes the greatest gift is simply being together when those moments appear.

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More Than Four Minim: A Lesson In Achrayus By: Rabbi Dr. Avichai Pepper

ometimes, the best educational opportunities begin not in a classroom, but with a problem that needs to be solved. White Oak is a small Jewish neighborhood on the outskirts of Silver Spring, Maryland. And while the greater Silver Spring community has grown tremendously over the years, it still lacks some of the conveniences found in larger Jewish metropolises. One particular challenge emerges each year before Sukkos. Without a full-time local sefarim store, purchasing beautiful, quality Arba Minim can be difficult. But a community challenge can also become an opportunity. For years, Rabbi Mendlowitz, a beloved Rebbi at the Yeshiva of Greater Washington, has transformed this need into something far more meaningful. What begins as an effort to help local families obtain Arba Minim becomes a hands-on lesson in Halacha, a practical exercise in chesed, and perhaps most importantly, an education in achrayus and responsibility for the needs of others. Before the Arba Minim ever reach the families who will use them on Sukkos, Rabbi Mendlowitz uses them for educational purposes. The boys have the opportunity to handle and examine actual lulavim, esrogim, hadasim, and aravos. Concepts that might otherwise remain words on a page suddenly be-

come real. They learn what makes each of the four minim kosher and what can render one problematic. They begin to recognize the difference between something that is technically acceptable and something that possesses the additional beauty of hiddur mitzvah. They explore the practical differences that can arise when the first day of Sukkos falls on Shabbos and how those Halachos affect which Arba Minim may be used. Instead of simply learning the Halachos, the boys can see them, touch them, compare them, and apply them. Then, the boys package kosher sets of arba minim for the families, and prepare them for pick-up. These are life skills. Long after a particular test or lesson has been forgotten, these students will, ‫םשה תרזעב‬, purchase Arba Minim for themselves and their families. They will walk into a store, pick up an esrog or lulav, and know what they are looking at. A lesson learned as a teenager can become part of how they perform a mitzvah for the rest of their lives. But perhaps the more important lesson comes from understanding why they are doing all of this. There are families in the community who need Arba Minim. There is no large Judaica store around the corner to meet that need. So someone

has to step forward. And the boys discover that the “someone”, in this and many other instances, can be them. They help inspect, organize, prepare, and distribute the Arba Minim, becoming part of the effort that allows other Jews to perform the mitzvah properly and beautifully. What could have remained someone else’s problem instead becomes their responsibility. That lesson reaches far beyond Sukkos. We sometimes think of chesed as responding to a person who asks for help. Achrayus asks us to look around before anyone asks. What does my family need? What does my shul need? What does my community need? And what can I do to help provide it? Perhaps that is especially fitting for the mitzvah of Arba Minim.

Chazal famously teaches that the four minim represent different types of Jews. Some possess Torah and mitzvos in abundance while others may appear to possess less. Yet the mitzvah is not performed with one minim alone. We tie them together. The mitzvah is complete when each part of Klal Yisrael joins with the others. That image carries a powerful message for our students. Being part of Klal Yisrael means more than simply belonging to a community. It means accepting responsibility for it. A small community’s challenge in obtaining Arba Minim has therefore become something much larger: an opportunity to teach Halacha, develop practical skills, perform chesed, and instill a lifelong sense of achrayus. The boys may begin the day learning how to choose and tie a lulav, but they leave learning what it means to be part of Klal Yisrael.

Hands-On Halacha

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av Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l, notes in Minchas Shlomo that there is a particular challenge with halachos that arise only once a year. With so much time between one opportunity and the next, even things once learned can easily be forgotten. Perhaps that is why there is something especially powerful about not simply reviewing these halachos, but seeing them come alive. This past Motzei Shabbos, Rabbi Eliyahu Reingold, Rosh Kollel of Kollel Zichron Amram and Posek in the Silver Spring community, joined the Yeshiva Gedolah of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington for its Melaveh Malkah. He came prepared with more than a shiur. Bringing along the necessary tools and

examples, Rabbi Reingold gave the bachurim a hands-on opportunity to learn the halachos of the arba minim. The goal was simple, when the boys return home after Yom Kippur and begin choosing their own lulavim and esrogim, they should know what they are looking for. Rabbi Reingold demonstrated the relevant halachos, explained what to examine in each of the minim, and offered practical advice about how to properly store them so that they remain fresh throughout Sukkos. But the evening was about more than knowing what makes a lulav kosher or how to choose the perfect esrog. Rabbi Reingold shared stories and insights that conveyed the beauty of the mitzvah itself—transforming a

discussion of details into an appreciation for the opportunity to perform a mitzvah with care and hiddur. On a Motzei Shabbos just before Yom Kippur, when there was certainly no shortage of other demands on his time, Rabbi Reingold gave the bachurim something invaluable, he gave them the

opportunity to learn Halacha directly from a Rav, to see it demonstrated in front of them, and to walk away prepared to put that learning into practice. What a zechus for our bachurim, and what a beautiful example of what it means to make Halacha truly hands-on.

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Founder, Gemstone Development and Medical Director, Gemstone ABA

comprehensive evaluation from one clinician in a single visit. The program grew to include physicians, nurse practitioners, and psychologists, so more children were evaluated sooner.

BJH: Tell us a little about yourself and how you entered the world of developmental pediatrics. Dr. Chana Richter: I grew up in Brooklyn, and life later took us to Lakewood, Israel, and Baltimore. My work with children with special needs began in high school, when friends and I launched a local bnos program for them. I later earned a master’s degree in special education, served as assistant director of a self-contained special education program, and provided ABA and direct behavioral support to children.

BJH: What was unique about the diagnostic program you helped create?

BJH: What might lead a parent to seek a developmental evaluation? DCR: Parents may notice that their child is not speaking, communicates unusually, or struggles to connect. Other signs include intense tantrums, repetitive behaviors, inconsistent responses to their name, or seeming to be “in their own world.” Verbally fluent children who struggle with social engagement or show behavioral rigidity may also be evaluated for autism. Evaluations can address ADHD and other developmental delays as well. The visit is not simply about giving a child a label. I play with the child and observe how they relate to people and their environment. Together with the parents, and with input from the child’s educators, I try to understand how this child experiences the world. For children who are really struggling, a diagnosis can help the family understand their child’s differences and challenges, and it can open the door to insurance coverage for supportive services. The goal is a practical plan that helps the child communicate, learn, participate, and thrive.

DCR: Under the mentorship of pediatric neurologists Dr. Jim Rubenstein and Dr. Connie Smith-Hicks, we developed what began as a triage clinic and became the Early Autism Diagnosis Program.

BJH: Why is understanding the individual child so important?

The goal was to shorten the wait for evaluation. Instead of spending several days seeing multiple specialists, a child could receive a

DCR: Autism presents differently in every child. A quick evaluation may grant access to services, but parents need more

One common challenge is engagement. A child may play quietly at the side of a classroom without truly participating or learning from what happens around them. Language and learning are then delayed, not because the child is incapable, but because they are not sufficiently tuned in. Our job is to strengthen that engagement, build communication, and help the child become part of the social and learning environment. BJH: How does Gemstone ABA build on that philosophy? DCR: Gemstone ABA was created to provide developmentally appropriate, genuinely child-centered ABA services. Families have many providers to choose from, but few programs where the child’s wellbeing and development drive every decision. We ask, “What does this child really need?” and “How can this child’s functioning be optimized?” We work with families to identify the best setting for support, whether a center, daycare, or preschool, and offer home-based sessions to support parents. The child’s strengths, challenges, age, and family circumstances all shape that choice. Our aim is not merely to place a shadow beside a child so they can remain in school. We want the child to participate meaningfully in their natural environment, develop skills, connect with others, and grow. Our team combines developmental pediatric expertise with clinical psychologist Dr. Jonathan Musman and expert BCBAs. BJH: How do you work with Baltimore’s Jewish schools?

DCR: Through my work at Kennedy Krieger, I have developed strong relationships with many local schools. Before an evaluation, we gather information about the child’s classroom functioning so we understand both the family’s and the school’s perspectives. Afterward, we help identify appropriate supports, which may include ABA and other services. Parents, schools, pediatricians, and therapists each see a different part of the child. When everyone communicates, the child has the best chance to succeed. BJH: What would you tell parents who are worried their child may have autism? DCR: It is understandable to feel overwhelmed. It is hard to sense that something may be different about your child and not know what it means or what to do next. But parents do not have to navigate that uncertainty alone. We are here to listen, meet the child and family, and help determine next steps. Families unsure whether an evaluation is needed can start with a phone consultation. Those who already have a diagnosis but are unsure whether ABA would help can also reach out. Early clarity helps enormously. A diagnosis does not define a child. It gives information and direction that help us recognize the child’s strengths, address the challenges, and build a path forward with confidence and hope. BJH: How can families get in touch? DCR: For developmental evaluations through Gemstone Development, email intake@gemstonedev.com or visit gemstonedev.com. For ABA and related services through Gemstone ABA, email info@gemstoneaba.com or visit gemstoneaba.com.

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I attended medical school at Sackler/Tel Aviv University and completed my pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins. A rotation at Kennedy Krieger Institute led to an invitation to help develop a new autism diagnostic program, bringing together my backgrounds in special education and medicine. I spent the past six years at Kennedy Krieger’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation.

I now bring that experience to my own practice, Gemstone Development, where I provide diagnostic developmental evaluations for young children, with a focus on autism.

than a piece of paper. They need to understand what autism means for their child and which interventions fit.

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

613 Seconds with Dr. Chana Richter,

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Eric Levitz & the AZ House lieved we could help, and started building.

Eventually I did make it through, and that idea never left.

BJH: AZ House recently celebrated ten years. What has it become, and what have those years meant to you?

BJH: What is it about helping someone struggling with addiction that connects with you so deeply? EL: I know what it feels like to be in that position.

BJH: Eric, thank you for joining us. Let’s begin at the beginning: where did you grow up, and what was your family like? Eric Levitz: I was born in New York and grew up in Cleveland in a warm, loving, middle-class home. I was very fortunate to have incredible parents. My mother has this unwavering love and dedication to her children, and my father was—and still is—the person I most try to emulate. As a kid I wanted to dress like him, talk like him, work hard like him. As an adult, what I admire most is the husband, father, and person he is. Neither of my parents placed much importance on material things. What mattered was family, stability, happiness, connection, and being together. The older I get, the more I understand the value of what they built for us. BJH: What were you like growing up? EL: A lot of energy. I loved being outside, building things, animals, sports, friends—anything that involved doing something. I grew up in that old-school neighborhood environment where you went outside and found an adventure.

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body else what people were doing for me.

I’m sure I would have been considered difficult at times. Sitting around inside definitely wasn’t for me. BJH: Your life eventually became deeply connected to addiction and recovery. How did that journey begin? EL: Through my own struggles with addiction when I was young. I spent years on the receiving end of people trying to help me, and some of those people went extraordinary distances to do it. What stayed with me was having people believe in me when I had difficulty believing in myself. Even during some of the worst periods, I remember thinking that if I ever made it through, I wanted to do for some-

I use the image of someone who has dug himself into a hole and is sitting at the bottom. Before explaining how to climb out, sometimes you climb down, sit next to him, and let him realize he isn’t alone anymore. People did that for me. They went farther for me than I thought anyone would, and it broke down walls. It made me fight for myself because somebody else thought I was worth fighting for. Today, I try to pass that forward. BJH: What have the people you’ve helped taught you? EL: They’ve grown me up. People struggling with addiction are often viewed through the lens of what’s wrong with them. But particularly when someone begins fighting for his life, you can witness incredible resilience, discipline, courage, generosity, love, and willingness to change. Being around that constantly holds up a mirror. Am I working as hard on myself as they are? Am I as willing to change? Am I as generous or community-minded? Am I demonstrating that kind of resilience when life gets difficult? I’ve worked with hundreds of men and families over the years. I may have entered this work wanting to help other people, but they have taught me an enormous amount about how to live. BJH: How did helping individuals eventually grow into AZ House? EL: I moved to Israel when I was 26 and saw how limited the options were for English-speaking Jews who needed longterm recovery support. I started talking about creating a Jewish residential recovery program that would be free to the people coming through it. Eventually I shared the idea with my friend Moshe Zalman Olive. He believed in it, jumped in with me, and within a few months we opened AZ House in 2016. There wasn’t some elaborate plan. We saw something that needed to exist, be-

EL: AZ House has become a long-term residential recovery community with two locations in Israel, an incredible staff and alumni community, and hundreds of men and families who have become part of our story. In many ways, I grew up there. I arrived in Israel at 26, and I’ve now spent most of my adult life doing this work. Ten years of being so close to people and families—through struggle, recovery, weddings, children, setbacks, successes, and everything in between— has connected me much more deeply to the things in life that money simply cannot buy. Relationships, family, stability, community, service, being there for another person—those things become very real when you spend enough time seeing what happens when people lose them and what happens when they get them back. Interestingly, many of those are the same values I grew up watching in my parents. I think these ten years have helped me understand much more deeply what they were showing me all along. BJH: For someone unfamiliar with AZ House, how would you describe it? EL: It’s a long-term residential recovery community built around a simple idea: give someone a safe home, meaningful structure, genuine community, and enough time to rebuild a life—not simply stop using drugs or alcohol. There are groups, responsibilities, recovery meetings, exercise, community involvement, and eventually employment and increasing independence. The more established residents help the newer guys, and our alumni remain part of the community.

wife is from here, we’ve spent a lot of time here, and the Jewish community, recovery infrastructure, employment opportunities, and overall environment fit our model extremely well. What has surprised me most is how quickly Baltimore embraced us. We came here hoping to build something in Baltimore, and almost immediately it felt like Baltimore was building it with us. BJH: As you begin this next chapter, what are you most excited about? EL: Professionally, I’m excited to watch AZ House become part of Baltimore—to see guys arrive during one of the hardest periods of their lives and then watch them work, grow, build friendships, become part of the community, and move forward. Personally, my wife and I are expecting our first child, and we’re now close to her family here. After ten years of watching people begin new chapters, it’s very special to be beginning a completely new one ourselves. BJH: What do you hope AZ House ultimately means to Baltimore? EL: People are struggling in every community, but I want AZ House ultimately to mean that Baltimore has a solution, not a problem. This only works when a community comes together around it. Because AZ House is free, we rely on the community to make it possible—through financial support, employment opportunities, mentorship, meals, friendship, and simply making sure that families who need help know we’re here. It’s a community solution, and we want the community to be part of it.

And AZ House is free. I want someone walking through our door to know there is only one reason we’re helping him: because we genuinely want to see him succeed.

And if someone reading this is struggling—or loves someone who is—don’t give up. If you haven’t found the answer yet, keep looking. Whether AZ House is the right place or not, call us. If we can help, we’ll help. If someone else is better suited, we’ll point you toward them.

BJH: After ten years in Israel, why bring AZ House to Baltimore?

And if I don’t answer the first time, call me ten times. (667) 770-0270

EL: Israel simply isn’t realistic for everyone who needs this kind of environment. At the same time, our team in Israel had grown to the point where the organization could function effectively without me physically being there every day.

We’re opening our doors in Baltimore on October 12th, and we’re incredibly grateful to the community that has made it possible.

Baltimore made tremendous sense. My

For more information, to get involved, or simply to get to know us better, please visit our website at www.theazhouse.com.

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The Week In News

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The Week In News

U.S.’s Greenland Deal The United States is expected to reopen a former Cold War-era military site in southern Greenland and establish a presence at another outpost on the island’s east coast under a new security agreement with Denmark and Greenland. The deal is scheduled to be signed Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to people familiar with the negotiations. Its full terms have not yet been made public. The two sites are Narsarsuaq, where the United States operated the Bluie West One base until the 1950s, and Mestersvig, an eastern Greenland outpost currently used by Denmark’s Sirius Dog Sled Patrol. The expansion would give

shacharis

During the Cold War, the United States operated numerous military installations across the island. Today, its presence is concentrated at Pituffik Space Base, which supports missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations. NATO has welcomed the planned agreement, saying expanded cooperation could strengthen security and stability in the increasingly contested Arctic region.

30 Indicted in Assassination Plot Thirty people have been indicted in connection with the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, U.S. authorities announced this week, as the sprawling international investigation enters a new phase. Eighteen of the defendants were transported from Haiti to South Florida aboard a U.S. military aircraft to face federal charges, authorities said. The group includes 17 Colombian former soldiers

and a former Haitian government official. “Today marks the next major phase in our pursuit of accountability for the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse,” U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones said. Moïse was shot and killed inside his private residence in Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021. His wife, Martine, was wounded but survived. Federal prosecutors allege that the plot was organized in part from South Florida and involved individuals seeking lucrative business and government contracts in Haiti. According to the indictment, U.S.-based companies helped finance the recruitment and travel of Colombian nationals with military training who allegedly participated in the operation. Authorities also allege that money obtained through fraudulent federal COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds was used to help finance the conspiracy, including weapons, tactical equipment and travel. During the attack, some members of

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Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah

T, W, F

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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

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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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the U.S. access to two additional locations beyond Pituffik Space Base, its sole remaining permanent military installation in Greenland. Danish officials say the agreement is intended to strengthen Arctic security through NATO while preserving Greenland’s sovereignty and self-government. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the arrangement would make Arctic defense a broader NATO responsibility rather than one shared primarily by Denmark and the United States. The deal follows months of tension over President Donald Trump’s statements that the United States needed greater control over Greenland for national-security reasons. Trump has said the agreement gives Washington permanent security rights on the island, while Danish and Greenlandic officials have emphasized that sovereignty will remain unchanged. Greenland has long held strategic importance because of its position between North America and Europe and its proximity to Arctic shipping and military routes.

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

2:00 pm Silver Spring Jewish Center

S-F

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

2:10 pm YGW

M-Th School Days

2:45 pm YGW

S-Th

3:00 pm YGW Middle School

M-Th School Days

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

S-Th S-Th S-Th S-Th S-Th

WASHINGTON Chabad of DC [Ari] 2110 Leroy Pl. NW, Washington, DC 20008 Kesher Israel 2801 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue 1600 Jonquil St NW, Washington, DC 20012

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The Week In News the group allegedly posed as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents before entering Moïse’s residence. Federal officials say the defendants were motivated by financial gain rather than acting on behalf of any government. FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles said the arrests demonstrate that authorities remain committed to pursuing everyone allegedly involved in the plot, including those accused of financing or facilitating it. The assassination plunged Haiti deeper into political instability and came amid growing gang violence and the weakening of the country’s government institutions. Haitian authorities have struggled for years to bring the case to trial, with violence, threats against judges and security problems repeatedly hampering proceedings.

Afghani Students Expelled from Pakistan Hundreds of Afghan medical students studying in Pakistan, including

many young women barred from higher education under Taliban rule, are facing an uncertain future after Pakistan’s medical regulator ordered colleges to remove them. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council earlier this month directed medical and dental schools to expel Afghan students, affecting an estimated 1,000 students nationwide. Roughly 35 percent are believed to be women. Several major institutions quickly acted on the directive, ordering Afghan students to leave. Provincial courts in Punjab and Sindh have since temporarily suspended the expulsions while legal challenges proceed. For female students, returning to Afghanistan could mean the end of their medical careers. “The government’s decision aimed to send us to the Stone Age because the Taliban in Afghanistan have banned female education,” said Sabiha Daftani, a thirdyear medical student in Lahore who was given 24 hours to leave her university. Daftani entered Pakistan on a scholarship and had hoped to return home after graduation to treat Afghan women.

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The Week In News Since retaking Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban has barred girls from secondary schools and universities. Training programs for female nurses and midwives that initially remained open have also been shut down. “The entire world knows that there is no female education in Afghanistan,” said 19-year-old medical student Nilofar Nikzad. “Going back can land us in a hard and challenging situation.” The dispute comes amid deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of harboring militants who carry out attacks inside Pakistan, while Pakistan has also accelerated deportations of Afghan nationals. More than 1.1 million Afghans were deported or returned from Pakistan in 2025. Lawyers for the Afghan students argue that the expulsions violate their rights to education and dignity. The medical council, however, has defended the order on national security grounds. For now, the students remain in limbo as courts consider their cases.

“Our future depends on the Pakistani government,” Nikzad said. “We hope that our requests will not fall on deaf ears.”

Italy to Ban Burqas in Schools? Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans on Sunday to limit the number of foreign students in individual classrooms and ban face-covering garments such as burqas and niqabs in schools. Speaking at an event organized by the youth wing of her Brothers of Italy party, Meloni said the measures were intended to encourage integration and prevent classrooms from becoming heavily concentrated with students who do not speak Italian. Meloni said the government plans to set the limit at roughly 30 percent of students in a classroom, although details of how the rule would be applied have not yet been finalized. Students without Italian citizenship currently make up about 11.6 percent of school enrollment nation-

wide. “If in a classroom there is only one child who doesn’t understand Italian,” Meloni said, that student can more easily learn with help from teachers and classmates. But when large numbers of students do not speak the language, she argued, integration becomes more difficult. The proposed legislation would also require Italian-language classes for parents of foreign students who have serious difficulties integrating into the school system. The law would prohibit burqas and niqabs, which cover much or all of the face, in educational institutions. It would not ban the hijab or other head coverings that leave the face visible. Meloni said students should attend school with their faces uncovered and framed the measure as part of broader efforts to promote equality and integration. The proposal must still be approved by the Italian government and Parliament before taking effect. Several European countries, including France and Belgium, already restrict face coverings in some public settings, although their laws differ in scope.

Meloni has served as prime minister since 2022 and leads a conservative coalition government. Her administration recently became Italy’s longest-serving uninterrupted government since World War II.

UN: Nicaraguan Gov’t Killed 8 According to UN experts, the Nicaraguan government is responsible for at least eight deaths in custody since it began its crackdown on dissent and assault of democratic institutions in 2018. The report, released on Tuesday, from the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua was the latest condemnation of the government of co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, which has crushed dissent since 2018 mass protests and recently canceled elections. “A State that resorts to enforced disappearance and allows persons to die in its custody falls short of the minimum human rights standards required for credible democratic governance,” said

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pearance of at least 161 people since 2018. It called on the government to release information on 29 people whose whereabouts remain unknown and to release anyone detained on political grounds.

Charges Over AMIA Bombing An Argentine judge has formally charged seven Iranians and one Lebanese citizen over the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, moving the decades-old case closer to a possible trial in absentia. The July 18, 1994, bombing killed 85 people and wounded more than 300, making it the deadliest antisemitic attack in Argentina’s history. No one has ever been arrested for carrying out the attack. Judge Daniel Rafecas said the decision to attack the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association was made by senior Iranian officials in 1993 and that the operation was entrusted to Hezbollah. Argentina has long accused Iran of ordering the bombing and the terror group Hezbollah of carrying it out. Iran and Hez-

bollah have denied involvement. Among those charged are former Iranian intelligence minister Ali Fallahijan, former foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati, former Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei, former Quds Force chief Ahmad Vahidi, and former Iranian ambassador to Argentina Hadi Soleimanpour. Also charged were former Iranian embassy cultural adviser Mohsen Rabbani, alleged intelligence operative Ahmad Reza Asghari, and Lebanese national Salman Raouf Salman, identified by Argentine authorities as a Hezbollah member. Several of the Iranian suspects have been the subject of Interpol red notices for years. Argentina last year changed its laws to permit trials in absentia in certain serious cases. In June, Rafecas ruled that the AMIA defendants could be prosecuted even if they remained outside Argentina. The charges do not mean a trial will begin immediately. Rafecas said additional legal and procedural steps remain, and the defendants can challenge the indictments. The AMIA bombing came two years

after a 1992 attack on the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires that killed 29 people. Rafecas has asked Argentina’s Supreme Court to consider whether the two investigations should be linked because of allegations that Hezbollah was involved in both. The AMIA investigation has been plagued for decades by allegations of obstruction, corruption and cover-ups, as well as the 2015 death of prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who had been investigating the case.

Shooting in Ontario A police officer was critically wounded in a shooting outside a synagogue in Ontario on Sunday evening as congregants gathered for Yom Kippur prayers The shooting occurred near the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, a city roughly two hours northeast of Toronto. Authorities said Constable Jeff Smith encountered an armed man at about 7:10 p.m. The suspect, identified by police as 29-year-old Sean Ward, was carrying a

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Jan-Michael Simon, the group’s chair. The report detailed inconsistencies in the government’s account of the in-custody death of Indigenous Miskito leader Brooklyn Rivera, who was imprisoned for 32 months with almost no contact with his family before he died in May. Official statements said he died from Covid, although statements from before his death don’t mention the infection. An independent assessment from Physicians for Human Rights said the explanation was “not medically coherent.” Its assessment also found that the “timing of the illness and the pattern of organisms identified both point to the infections having been acquired in custody or in hospital, rather than in the community.” Murillo said Rivera received medical care and family support throughout his illness. There was no independent autopsy, and his family has not received his body for burial. The report also detailed the failures of care in the deaths of Ortega’s estranged brother Humberto Ortega, former Sandinista guerrilla fighter Hugo Torres, and lawyer Carlos Cárdenas Zepeda. The experts documented the disap-

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The Week In News shotgun. Smith returned fire after being shot, and another officer also discharged a weapon, according to Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit, which is investigating the incident. Smith was hospitalized in stable condition. Ward suffered life-threatening injuries and died in the hospital. About 25 people were inside the synagogue at the time, but none of the congregants were injured. The shooting took place as Yom Kippur services were underway. The synagogue later announced that all remaining services for the holiday had been canceled. Deputy Police Chief Sheri Meeks praised Smith’s actions and said additional uniformed patrols would be deployed to the area. Toronto police also announced increased patrols near synagogues and other houses of worship, although authorities said there was no known broader threat. Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the shooting and said Jewish

residents “have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear.” The incident comes amid heightened concerns over attacks and threats targeting Jewish institutions in Canada and elsewhere. Earlier this year, gunfire damaged three synagogues in the Toronto area within less than a week, though no one was injured. Other recent incidents have included attacks on Jewish institutions in the United States and Europe, including shootings, vehicle-ramming attacks and explosions.

Qatar: We Didn’t Fund Hamas Qatar has rejected allegations that its financial assistance to Gaza helped

fund Hamas’s military wing before the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, saying its aid was intended for civilians and was transferred with Israeli oversight. The denial followed a New Yorker investigation citing documents seized by Israel during the war. According to the magazine, a Hamas official told Qatar’s foreign minister in 2019 that the Qatari grant was “the main artery of the Hamas movement.” The article argued that Qatari funds helped sustain Hamas as it expanded its military capabilities. Qatar’s International Media Office called the allegations “falsified and fabricated,” saying its assistance was directed toward Palestinian civilians and coordinated with Israeli authorities and international organizations. Qatar said that under previous aid arrangements, money, food, fuel and medicine passed through mechanisms involving Israel before reaching Gaza. “If any funding reached Hamas, it had nothing to do with Qatar,” the

statement said, arguing that responsibility would instead lie with Israeli authorities that oversaw the process. “In fact, responsibility would fall on Israel who oversaw the delivery, including under Bennett, Lapid and Netanyahu, and through the various agencies including Mossad and Shin Bet.” Qatari payments to Gaza began in 2018 with approval from the Israeli government. The transfers reportedly reached as much as $30 million per month and were publicly defended at the time by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a way to prevent humanitarian collapse and maintain relative calm in Gaza. A report in Yedioth Ahronoth, published on the same day as the New Yorker article, revealed new details about the extent to which Israeli intelligence, as well as Egypt, believed Qatari money was funding Hamas’s military wing prior to the October 7 attack, including an assessment that it accounted for as much as half of the wing’s entire budget. The report said

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The Week In News Netanyahu was informed of this fact several times but ignored it. Netanyahu’s office rejected that investigation as “a collection of recycled lies that have already been disproven in the past,” maintaining that Israel’s security chiefs had supported the Qatari grants because they were intended for humanitarian purposes and were expected to help maintain calm in Gaza. The issue has resurfaced amid separate scrutiny in Israel over the so-called “Qatargate” affair, which centers on allegations that individuals connected to Netanyahu’s office received payments linked to Qatar while promoting messages favorable to Doha. The New Yorker investigation focused largely on those allegations. Qatar, which hosted senior Hamas political leaders for years, has served as a mediator in negotiations between Israel and Hamas since the October 7 attack.

Netanel Shukrun, Hy”d Hundreds gathered on Monday night

for a final farewell to Netanel Shukrun, Hy”d, a father of six who was killed in a shooting attack near the Neve Tzuf community. He had warned his teenage son to flee moments before he was killed. Shukrun, 36, had gone with his eldest son, Yoav, 16, to a natural spring on Sunday to immerse in the waters before Yom Kippur. A gunman opened fire toward the natural mikveh from a vehicle, striking Shukrun as he sat inside his car. At the funeral in Shukrun’s home community of Alei Zahav, his widow, Meirav, credited her husband with saving their son.

“At the last second, he warned Yoav,” she said, thanking her husband for his bravery. She remembered him as an exceptionally devoted father and said the couple had been planning to travel abroad the following week. Yoav also thanked his father during his eulogy.

“Dad, I want to say thank you for 16 years together,” Netanel’s son said. “Thank you for shouting to me when the terrorist came in. I don’t remember what you said, and I escaped. Thank you for saving my life, thank G-d I survived, and I want to tell the family that we will carry on together, and it will be okay.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth were among those who attended the late-night funeral on Motzei Yom Kippur. According to the IDF’s initial investigation, the attacker opened fire from a vehicle before getting out and fleeing on foot while still armed. An Israeli military tracker fired at and wounded the terrorist during the pursuit. The gunman was later captured at a hospital near Ramallah. Shukrun was evacuated in serious condition to Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikva, where he died of his wounds. Speakers at the funeral remembered Shukrun as modest, kind and deeply devoted to his family. His final act, relatives noted, was protecting his son.

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog has granted a pardon to former IDF soldier Elor Azaria, clearing his criminal record years ahead of schedule over the 2016 killing of an incapacitated Palestinian attacker in Hebron. Azaria was convicted of manslaughter after shooting Abdel-Fattah al-Sharif, who had earlier stabbed an Israeli soldier and had already been shot and subdued. Azaria fired at al-Sharif roughly 11 minutes later. Azaria was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ultimately served nine months. The case sharply divided Israeli public opinion at the time, with some Israelis defending Azaria’s actions and others arguing that the shooting violated military law and the IDF’s rules of engagement. Azaria asked President Herzog in July to shorten the period before his criminal record would be automatically erased, saying the conviction was limiting his employment opportunities. Defense Minister Israel Katz sup-

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President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to defend the U.S. war with Iran, warn Tehran of further military action, and call on other countries to increase economic pressure on the Islamic Republic.

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He pointed to U.S. actions in Venezuela and criticized Mexico over cartel violence, while also discussing Cuba and warning foreign adversaries against expanding their presence in the Western Hemisphere. Trump also renewed criticism of international institutions that could scrutinize U.S. military conduct, including the International Criminal Court. His remarks came less than a week after a UN fact-finding mission said it had reasonable grounds to believe U.S. forces committed war crimes in two strikes on Iran. The United States has rejected international jurisdiction over its servicemembers in such cases. Trump also touched on artificial intelligence, saying he did not want regulation to slow the growth of a technology he predicted could surpass the Industrial Revolution in significance. The speech opened a packed day of diplomacy in New York, with Trump scheduled to meet numerous world leaders who have come to the United States for the UN General Assembly.

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In a 37-minute speech, Trump argued that U.S. military action had prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and said Washington remained open to a negotiated settlement. Iran has repeatedly denied that it seeks to build a nuclear bomb. Trump said he expected a deal could be reached after the November 3rd U.S. midterm elections, but warned that continued fighting could bring a far harsher response. “I have a big decision to make,” Trump said, asking whether Iran would reach an agreement allowing it to rebuild or whether the United States would “annihilate the Islamic Republic.” He also urged other governments to isolate Iran economically in an effort to force Tehran back to negotiations. Trump used the speech to outline a broader foreign-policy vision centered on U.S. military strength and what he described as preventing hostile powers from gaining footholds near American territory.

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and attorney. “A blessed week. Thank G-d we have reached this moment,” he said, according to the report, adding in a call with Katz that “it is important that no fighter goes through what I went through.” The decision immediately clears Azaria’s criminal record, which otherwise would have remained in place until 2032.

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ported the request. The IDF leadership opposed granting the request. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior officers had conveyed their objections to Katz, according to Israeli media reports. Herzog’s office said the decision took into account the decade that had passed since the shooting, Azaria’s completion of his sentence, changed family circumstances, and his stated desire to remove employment barriers and begin a new chapter. The president’s office also said Azaria had expressed regret over the consequences of the incident and had previously acknowledged that, in retrospect, firing the shot was an operational mistake. Herzog emphasized that the pardon did not overturn Azaria’s conviction or reassess the military court’s findings, saying the military justice system remains important to enforcing the law and the IDF’s ethical standards. In a comment to Channel 14, Azaria thanked Herzog, Katz, G-d and the Israeli nation, as well as his family

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Friendship Learning Connection

ur community has many organizations offering a range of services for physical and spiritual needs. However, for seniors, support often focuses on physical issues, neglecting spiritual and emotional fulfillment. Yet, many seniors crave spirituality just as much—if not more—than younger people. Since 2011, The Golden Network (TGN) has focused on meeting seniors’ spiritual needs. The Genesis of The Golden Network While at the Greater Washington Community Kollel, I noticed a lack of opportunities for learning and social interaction among retirees. Many wondered how to use retirement to grow spiritually. I considered how to reach all seniors: providing companionship to the homebound, learning opportunities at home, and connecting those in non-Jewish facilities with their heritage. After meeting with community leaders, The Golden Network was established in September 2011 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Early Days Deciding where to start was a challenge. With a few hundred facilities across the area, I first needed to become familiar with them. Over time, we decided to focus primarily on serving assisted living facilities. We began scheduling regular programs at these facilities, sometimes as often as weekly. It took effort to gauge each audience’s needs and interests because of the wide disparity in health and cognitive levels among participants. Our goals for each program are to bring residents out of their rooms to be with others and to share a thought or concept they can further contemplate and explore. Many of our participants have commented that we “really got them thinking.” I realized early on that we needed to incorporate music into our programs. Most people appreciate music, and sometimes it’s the only way to connect with them. Many local professionals with musical talent have performed for our seniors. I learned to play the guitar for this specific purpose. Many seniors say they remember melodies or words from Jewish songs we

Golden The

NETWORK

Lunch & Learn:

Mental Healthcare for Seniors Tzipora Frager, LCSW-C The Naomi Center

Tuesday, October 13th

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11:45 am

RSVP required by 10/8 Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion 6600 Park Heights Avenue Followed by music with TGN Guitarists

For more information or to RSVP contact Rabbi Shmuel Leigh 301-732-1773

director@goldennetwork.org goldennetwork.org Minimum Suggested Donation of $10 per person • Sponsorships Available

By: Rabbi Shmuel Leigh

sing, sometimes not having heard them in decades. To date, we have offered thousands of home visits, hundreds of classes, and performances at over 40 locations in the Baltimore and Washington areas. Since TGN’s founding, the breadth and reach of our programming have grown significantly, demonstrating how much this population needs our services. Visitation and Companionship Today, over 50 volunteers visit more than 100 seniors, building ongoing, meaningful relationships rather than one-time connections. Some of our volunteers visit multiple people, while others prefer to connect with just one person. In addition to our many adult volunteers, we partner with local schools to arrange visits from middle and high school students to community seniors. Visits are tailored to the person: some prefer learning, others companionship, outings, or music—especially those who are unable to communicate. We assess each visit request to best match needs and monitor situations as they change, recognizing that each case is unique. Facility residents may still feel lonely, especially in non-Jewish settings where they lack connection to their heritage. The daughter of a man in a non-Jewish facility was distressed when she learned that the staff took a picture of her father, a 100-year-old observant Jew, wearing a Santa hat. They didn’t know any better and thought he would like it. She pleaded with me to provide visits to her father. Our visits support physical and emotional health. Some seniors even reschedule medical appointments for visits, calling them a form of “medicine.” TGN provides all visits free of charge to retirees and seniors. A successful home visit depends on care and sensitivity, not just the outcome. Respecting a senior’s needs, such as leaving if it’s a bad time, shows you care. This is true even if you traveled 30 minutes each way to see this person. Why? Because you showed them that you cared and did not want to intrude at a bad time. Visitors prioritize the senior’s happiness, staying flexible to their needs. Ultimately, it’s not about what is best for the visitor. It’s about what is best for the person being visited. People often avoid visits because they lack time, but even short visits or greetings can make a big difference. If it’s hard to connect, don’t be discouraged; many seniors have busy or stressful schedules.

Keep reaching out—your support matters. Too many homebound seniors rarely receive visitors, despite their past community involvement. Reach out to those who might appreciate companionship. Many respond positively to simple gestures of friendship. Programs Lunch and Learn: TGN offers its own Lunch and Learn program at Young Israel Shomrai Emunah in Silver Spring and at Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion. The presentations at these programs vary widely. We’ve had many local rabbanim and speakers from the health fields. Participants also shared their own experiences. There is often a musical performance. MTC: Men’s Traveling Chaburah: MTC is a men’s weekly learning group that rotates among members’ homes. It includes a singalong. Buddy Network: TGN’s Buddy Network pairs people for companionship, providing reassurance and support. Sefer Torah: A generous sponsor enabled our members to help complete a sefer Torah, bringing this unique mitzva to many homes and facilities. The joy and emotion at these events were palpable. We are deeply grateful to the sponsor. Shalach Manos: Each Purim, we deliver hundreds of shalach manos to seniors, who are moved to be remembered and cared for, often receiving no other packages. Transportation: We try to ensure that all participants who need rides to our programs get them. We recently acquired a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, made possible by Mr. Harold Feld in memory of his wife, Mrs. Becky Feld, A”H. This helps us provide rides for simchas, facility discharges, and other important needs. A Baltimore participant, volunteer, and speaker, Dr. Yehuda Frager, said, “I first attended the Baltimore Chaburah in June 2025 and soon began teaching and playing guitar with Rabbi Leigh at weekly sessions. Participants are encouraged to join in the discussion, and we’ve performed together at Lunch and Learn events. I gave a Chaburah shiur on Ketores, a subject I’ve taught for decades, and recently spoke about it at the June TGN Lunch and Learn.” For more information, visit: goldennetwork.org or contact Rabbi Shmuel Leigh at 301-732-1773 or director@goldennetwork.org.

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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‫והאבנים תהיין על‬ ‫ש מות ב ני י שר אל‬ ‫איש על שמו תהיין‬ ‫ל ש נ י ע ש ר שב ט‬

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

New Horizons: ARKIA Brings Israel Closer To America

ith approximately 40 destinations, daily service from New York to Israel six days a week, and new routes stretching from Morocco to the Far East, the Israeli carrier is giving travelers more options. Arkia is becoming an increasingly significant presence in Israel’s international aviation market, giving travelers more choice as it expands its network, increases frequencies on major routes and pushes farther into long-haul travel. The carrier now flies to approximately 40 international destinations across North America, Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean, with a network that includes longtime favorites alongside destinations such as New York, Bangkok, Phuket, Hanoi, Paris, London, Rome and Amsterdam. And the map continues to expand. In August, Arkia is resuming direct service to Marrakech after a three-year hiatus, while Tokyo is set to join the airline’s Far East network in October with twice-weekly nonstop service. For American travelers, one of the

most significant developments is Arkia’s New York–Israel service. This is not a seasonal route or an occasional addition to the schedule. Arkia operates regular, yearround nonstop flights from JFK to Tel Aviv every day except Shabbat, with two flights departing New York on Sundays. That steady schedule makes Arkia a genuine alternative for travelers flying from the United States to Israel. During periods of particularly high demand, the airline also adds capacity. In August and September, for example, the New York route is being served by larger aircraft, including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and, beginning in September, an Airbus A330-300 offering both Business and Economy Class. That additional capacity matters in a market where periods of high demand can quickly translate into limited availability and higher fares. An additional Israeli carrier operating regular long-haul service gives passengers greater flexibility when comparing schedules, prices and levels of service. For travelers to Israel, there is another important advantage to having more than one Israeli airline operating a substantial

international network: continuity. Regional tensions over the past several years have repeatedly led foreign airlines to suspend service to Israel, sometimes for extended periods, while Israeli carriers have continued operating or have been among the first to restore service when Israeli airspace reopened. Even at the time of writing, some major international carriers have yet to fully resume their Israel schedules. For Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz, that makes a strong Israeli aviation industry more than simply a question of competition. “Only Israeli airlines maintain the routes in moments of crisis,” he has said. “A country like ours, an island state, cannot exist without Israeli aviation.” Alongside its steady year-round service, Arkia adjusts capacity to reflect actual travel demand. During the summer months, the Jewish holidays and other peak travel periods, the airline can increase frequencies or add seats on high-demand routes, giving travelers additional options precisely when availability is often tightest. At the same time, Arkia has been broadening the product it offers. Business

Class, already part of its long-haul offering to New York and the Far East, has also been introduced on selected European flights, beginning with Paris. The passenger experience is another part of that effort. On every flight between New York and Tel Aviv, passengers are served two hot, fully kosher meals, and baggage is included in the price of the ticket. Arkia’s cabin crews are also specially trained to accommodate a wide range of travelers, with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity and awareness of different passenger needs. That can mean understanding the requirements of families with young children, older travelers, religious passengers, business travelers and international tourists. Arkia has also made its year-round New York service more useful to passengers throughout North America. Through an interline agreement with JetBlue, travelers can fly from cities across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean to JFK on JetBlue and connect there to an Arkia flight to Israel. The agreement effectively extends Arkia’s reach far beyond New York, giving many more passengers access to its nonstop service to Israel.

Gershon Yudkowsky & Shani Shuman Dov Katz & Shoshana Barer Moshe Langer & Yocheved Jaroslawicz Yisroel Katz & Yehudis Matzliach (Chicago) Michoel Yona Sontag & Shira Tyberg Uriel Appel & Devorah Hershenson Chana Tova Roling & Avraham Gottleib Want to see your simcha here? Email mazeltov@baltimorejewishhome.com or text 443-675-6507 to submit your simcha!

F…

EARLY QUESTION. SERIOUS SITUATIONS. EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

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THIS ISN’T AN EMERGENCY, I JUST HAD A QUESTION. IS THIS NORMAL? DO ALL COUPLES FIGHT LIKE THIS? AM I TOO SENSITIVE? HE SAYS I’M OVERREACTING. WHAT IF I’M WRONG? SHOULD I BE WORRIED? IS THIS ENOUGH TO CALL? EVERY RELATIONSHIP HAS UPS AND DOWNS. IT’S JUST A PHASE. HE SAID HE’S SORRY. SHE SAID SHE DIDN’T MEAN IT. HE PROMISED HE WOULD SEE SOMEONE. WERE THERE SIGNS WHEN WE WERE DATING? WHY DOES HE GET SO ANGRY WHEN I WANT TO SEE FRIENDS? WILL IT GET BETTER? SHE GETS UPSET IF I SPEAK TO MY FAMILY. SHE MAKES ME SHARE MY LOCATION. YOU KNOW HOW HE GETS. EVERYTHING SETS HER OFF. I’M WALKING ON EGGSHELLS. I JUST TIPTOE AROUND HIM. HE SAID I SHOULD WORK ON MY SHALOM BAYIS. I SHOULD JUST BE MEVATER. HE PROMISES TO CHANGE. SHE SAYS SHE’LL CHANGE. SHE SAID LAST TIME WOULD BE THE LAST TIME. HE DIDN’T MEAN TO SCARE ME. I DIDN’T SEE THIS COMING. IS IT REALLY THAT BAD? IS THIS ABUSE? CAN IT BE ABUSE IF IT NEVER GOT PHYSICAL? I DIDN’T THINK I WOULD FEEL SO ALONE. HE HASN’T LET ME SEE MY SISTERS IN SO LONG. WHY DO I FEEL ALONE? I FEEL LIKE I HAVE NO CONTROL. I DON’T RECOGNIZE MYSELF ANYMORE. WHAT HAPPENS IF I REACH OUT? WILL ANYONE BELIEVE ME? CAN SOMEONE HELP ME WITHOUT TELLING HIM? WHAT WOULD MY COMMUNITY THINK? DO YOU HELP MEN? CAN YOU HELP ME? I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE WOULD REACT, AND THAT TERRIFIES ME. I’M SCARED HE WILL ACT ON HIS THREATS. I’M FRIGHTENED. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY KIDS IF THIS GETS OUT?

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Yerushalayim

Always

YOUR FUTURE IN YERUSHALAYIM. JERUSALEM 2030.

All-new

Architect of icons: Avner Yashar

Mix-use quarter of 3.4 acres

Hotel-grade residences

Construction underway 1 929 383 1880 | IROLAM.COM

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Three residential towers. One-bedroom units to penthouses.

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Simulation for illustration purposes only

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Jerusalem

Tishrei 16

Tishrei 9

Tishrei 10

Monday

Tishrei 18

Tishrei 11

Tuesday

Tishrei 20

Tishrei 13

at Shomrei Thursday Thursday

‫חול המועד‬

Tishrei 27

Next BJH Issue

22 Cheshvon 41

Next BJH Issue

Friday Tishrei 14 ‫ערב סוכות‬

6:40 PM

Tishrei 21 ‫הושענא רבה‬

Tishrei 28

6:18 PM

5:58 PM

23 Cheshvon 42

6:08 PM

16 Cheshvon 35

Tishrei 15 ‫סוכות‬

Tishrei 22 ‫שמיני עצרת‬

7:15 PM

Tishrei 29

‫פרשת לך לך‬

7:05 PM

6:56 PM

24 Cheshvon 43

‫פרשת נח‬

17 Cheshvon 36

‫פרשת בראשית‬

Saturday

Tishrei/Cheshvon

15 Cheshvon 34

2026 Job Fair

2026 September/October Tishrei 19

Tishrei 12

Wednesday

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 21

Tishrei 17 ‫חול המועד‬

28 ‫חול המועד‬

Tishrei 26

21 Cheshvon 40

14 Cheshvon 33

‫חול המועד‬

20 Cheshvon 39

13 Cheshvon 32

Tishrei 25

Joey Newcomb Concert Celebrating The Launch Of Miriam's Library see page 3

Chol Hamoed At Hersheypark see page 51

Tishrei 24

Agudahs Yisroel Chol Hamoed Yarchei Kallah Begins see page 9

12 Cheshvon 31

19 Cheshvon 38

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Sunday Sunday 20

27 ‫סוכות‬

Tishrei 30

‫שמחת תורה‬

Tishrei 23

Community Wide Simchas Bais HaShoeiva see page 13

11 Chesed Fund Clever Elly Device Community Distribution Drive see page 2 Oraysa Starts Maseches Pe'ah see page 71

18 Cheshvon 37

Bonei Olam Fundraising Campaign see page 17

Next BJH Issue

Zmanim are courtesy of MyZmanim and are for the 21209 area. Shabbos ends with the emergence of 3 stars, some wait 72 minutes.

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

To have your future event listed in the Community Calendar please contact Ads@BaltimoreJewishHome.com

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Baltimore Zmanim for Sukkos 5787/2026

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 | EREV SHABBOS | HOSHANA RABBA

Alos Hashachar .......................................................................................... 5:46AM Mesheyakir ................................................................................................ 6:22AM Neitz Hachama ........................................................................................ 6:58AM Sof Zman Krias Shema .................................................................... 9:21/9:57AM Chatzos ................................................................................................... 12:59PM Mincha Gedolah ........................................................................................ 1:29PM Plag Hamincha ......................................................................................... 5:44PM Hadlakas Neiros........................................................................ 6:40PM Shkiah ....................................................................................................... 6:58PM Tzais ..................................................................................................7:49/8:11PM Kiddush Levanah: Last time is tonight Sept 25/26, all night

Alos Hashachar .......................................................................................... 5:52AM Mesheyakir ................................................................................................ 6:28AM Neitz Hachama ........................................................................................ 7:04AM Sof Zman Krias Shema .................................................................... 9:23/9:59AM Chatzos ................................................................................................... 12:56PM Mincha Gedolah ........................................................................................ 1:26PM Plag Hamincha .......................................................................................... 5:35PM Hadlakas Neiros........................................................................ 6:29PM Shkiah ........................................................................................................ 6:47PM Tzais...................................................................................................7:38/8:00PM

SHABBOS, SEPTEMBER 26 | SUKKOS DAY 1

SHABBOS, OCTOBER 3 | SHMINI ATZERES

Alos Hashachar .......................................................................................... 5:47AM Mesheyakir ................................................................................................ 6:23AM Neitz Hachama ........................................................................................ 6:59AM Sof Zman Krias Shema .................................................................... 9:21/9:57AM Chatzos ................................................................................................... 12:58PM Mincha Gedolah ........................................................................................ 1:28PM Beginning of 10th Hour............................................................................... 3:56PM Shkiah ........................................................................................................ 6:57PM Tzais & Candle Lighting & Preparation for the 2nd Day ...........7:48/8:10PM

Yizkor Alos Hashachar ............................................................................... 5:53AM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | SUKKOS DAY 2

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 | SIMCHAS TORAH

Alos Hashachar .......................................................................................... 5:48AM Mesheyakir ................................................................................................ 6:24AM Neitz Hachama ........................................................................................ 7:00AM Sof Zman Krias Shema .................................................................... 9:22/9:58AM Chatzos ................................................................................................... 12:58PM Mincha Gedolah ........................................................................................ 1:28PM Shkiah ........................................................................................................ 6:55PM Tzais (Yom Tov Ends) ........................................................................7:46/8:08PM

Alos Hashachar ............................................................................... 5:54AM

Mesheyakir ................................................................................... 6:29AM Neitz Hachama .............................................................................. 7:05AM Sof Zman Krias Shema ......................................................... 9:24/10:00AM Chatzos ....................................................................................... 12:56PM Mincha Gedolah ............................................................................. 1:26PM

Beginning of 10th Hour............................................................................... 3:50PM Shkiah ............................................................................................ 6:46PM Tzais & Candle Lighting & Preparation for the 2nd Day ...........7:37/7:59PM

Mesheyakir ................................................................................... 6:30AM Neitz Hachama .............................................................................. 7:06AM Sof Zman Krias Shema ......................................................... 9:24/10:00AM Chatzos ....................................................................................... 12:56PM Mincha Gedolah ........................................................................... 1:26PM Shkiah ............................................................................................ 6:44PM Tzais (Yom Tov Ends) ...........................................................7:35/7:57PM

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Chag Sameach

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 | EREV SUKKOS

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‫סוכות תשפ״ז‬

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Chol Hamoed Guide Baltimore, Maryland

Here are some great activities in Maryland that are family appropriate. While some you may recognize, others are off the beaten trail and can make for amazing Chol Hamoed trips. This list is just some suggestions and not an all inclusive list of things to do in Maryland. Editor’s note: The costs and entry fees are based on information available online at the time of publishing. However prices may be different or have changed.

attractions State Parks NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RAILROAD HISTORY 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223 10am - 4pm Child (2 - 12) $12 | Adult $20 | Senior (60+) $17

7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220 Sunrise - Sunset Prices start at $3 per in-state vehicle

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION is a massive collection of 19 museums, a zoo, and galleries. The most popular include the National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History

Most Smithsonian museums are open from

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GUNPOWDER FALLS STATE PARK

ELK NECK STATE PARK 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901

10am - 5:30pm

8:00am - Sunset

All are free

Prices start at $3 per in-state vehicle

Check before to see about a specific location, hours and address.

SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 8am - 4pm | Free - There are costs for onsite parking but street parking is available

CUNNINGHAM FALLS STATE PARK 14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont MD 21788 8:00am - Sunset Prices start at $3 per in-state vehicle

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Community Events

COMMUNITY WIDE SIMCHAS BEIS HASHOEIVA Shomrei Emunah 6221 Greenspring Ave Sunday, September 27 First Day of Chol Hamoed See page 13 for more details

HERSHEYPARK PRIVATE CHOL HAMOED EVENT Tuesday, September 29th, 11:00AM-6:00PM Second Day of Chol Hamoed $55.99 See page 51 for more details

JOEY NEWCOMB LIVE IN CONCERT Celebrating the launch of Miriam's Library Located at Goucher College Wednesday, September 30th Third Day of Chol Hamoed

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See page 3 for more details

PLAYERS FUN ZONE WITH TA! 519 Old Westminster Pike, Westminster, MD 21157 Thursday, October 1st, 1:30-5:30PM Fourth Day of Chol Hamoed $17-$27, two package options **Waiver Required

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

75 Climbing Walls + Soft Play + Arcade Room

CHICAGO, IL

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WALL TO WALL FUN

Save % 2IT0 H CODE

CHOL HAMOED HOURS

11am - 7pm 10am - 5pm

W SUCCOS20

13200 Mid Atlantic Blvd #130 Laurel MD 20708 301-708-2700 climbzone.us/laurel

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Monday, Sept 28 - Thursday, Oct 1 Isru Chag, Monday, Oct 5

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

The HEART Of A New School: Lev Hatorah Academy Opens Its Doors & Heart When Mrs. Serena Stern compares her role as Head of School at Lev HaTorah Academy to her 20 years as a teacher and administrator in public education, she can’t help but laugh a little. “The biggest difference is that in public school, the government is your funder,” she quips, referring to the many details involved in launching a new school, from curriculum development to fundraising. “Everything is highly structured and systemized there. Here, we’re building something new and thoughtfully creating it from the ground up, and of course we have a lovely community and Torah to build on.” The school’s story began when the building’s former school Darchei Noam Montessori faced challenges in 20252026, and a dedicated group of parents stepped forward, raising the funds necessary to continue operations for the year while developing a long-term plan for the future. That process ultimately led to the creation of a new board including recently retired Associated COO/CFO Mark Smolarz and recently retired Beth Tfiloh Head of School Dr. Zipora Schorr, who brought in Mrs. Stern to be the new principal.

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“Some people have thought it’s a rebrand, but it’s really a new school this year,” explains Mrs. Stern. “While we’re in the same building and 20 students have continued with us, Lev HaTorah Academy has a new vision, a new curriculum, 55 new students (as of early September and counting!) and many new faculty members.” The school does not use the Montessori model; therefore, the Girls Division is staffed by an entirely new teaching team, and the Boys Division features mostly new rebbeim while keeping Mr. Moshe Wealcatch and Rabbi Shmuel Kramer. Rabbi Ovadiah Bander serves as Judaics Studies Coordinator. One beloved preschool teacher remained to teach a Montessori preschool class and due to strong demand, the school has already added an additional non-Montesorri preschool class. As part of her vision to bring modern education to the Jewish schools, Mrs. Stern has implemented a comprehensive new curriculum for grades K-8, drawing on proven research-based educational

best practices in Carroll, Frederick, and Howard County public schools.

2. “Growth, learning and joy are oozing from the walls here! I’m so impressed!”

“Our goal is to live up to our name, the heart of Torah, and be educationally on par with the best private schools,” says Mrs. Stern. “We want every child to feel known, valued, and supported. By intentionally keeping class sizes small, generally under ten students, we’re able to provide individual attention, mixed modality teaching for different learning styles, to create an emotionally safe and academically successful space.”

Current enrollment is 75 students with families from the full Orthodox spectrum and many children with learning differences who can benefit from additional support albeit in a mainstream educational environment.

“Lev HaTorah belongs at the heart of this community,” said board member Dr. Zipora Schorr, as she walked the halls during the school’s open house September

reading and math intervention programs. Lev HaTorah Academy is conveniently located on Mt. Hope Drive in Seton Business Park off of Northern Parkway, just minutes from the Pikesville Jewish community, and plans to expand into a new building for 2027-2028 school year.

“We’re not a special education school, but we’re proud to have a special educator on staff and the ability to provide targeted services when appropriate, typically up to 30-45 minutes a day per student who needs it.”

“We’re keeping enrollment open through the Yomim Tovim for preschool through 8th grades as we work to fill the remaining spaces in our classes, and yes, we’re prorating tuition for late enrollments,” says Mrs. Stern, who mentions that the school also accepts vouchers through Baltimore City.

The school has 5 therapy rooms and partnerships with Jewels, the Naomi Center, Speech Leap, and Baltimore City

Learn more at www.levbaltimore.com

Win $15 TO THE CANDY STORE

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Submissions will be featured in a future issue!

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Torah Thought

Keeping Our Heads In The Cloud By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

e are poised to enter the realm of the Sukkah. It is not merely a hut in which we sit in to fulfill this joyous mitzva, reminding us, either of the shade we dwelled in during our sojourn in the desert, or to the Clouds of Glory we were ensconced in during that forty-year trek. It is an environment whose very structure is infused with sanctity, which prohibits us from deriving peripheral personal benefit from the Schach, and possibly from the walls too. The Talmudic term used to describe this aura of holiness is referred to as — ‫ — חל שם שמים על הסוכה‬The name of Heaven is conferred upon the sukkah. We derive this from the verse that speaks of ‫ — חג הסוכת‬The Festival of Sukkos, a seven-day period, '‫— לד‬ for G-d. The word for festival — ‫חג‬, alludes to the sacrifice of ‫ — חגיגה‬which is brought to celebrate the festival, which like all offerings have sanctity. It being used in the same context of ‫הסכות‬ —Sukkos and being designated as a festival '‫ — לד‬to G-d, teaches us that just as the Chagigah is imbued with kedusha, so too is the Sukkah. What exactly is this ‘name of Heaven’ the Talmud utilizes to describe this sanctity? We often refer to ‫ — שמים‬Heaven, when referring to the Almighty. Why? Heaven is a geographic location, not a description of G-d. Perhaps a place He resides, as it were possible, but not a description of His essence. The Vilna Gaon teaches that the

word ‫ שמים‬is the plural of ‫— שם‬ ‘there’. Every geographical area has a point where one is standing ‘here’, and a counterpoint that which is ‘there’. Similarly with distance of height. I stand ‘here’ at the point below, gazing at its peak which is ‘there’. Each of these are finite with an endpoint that one cannot go beyond. Heaven is eternally ‘there’, a space, an entity, we constantly strive to reach in our endless quest for closeness to G-d and His Torah. When I was teenager, I lived near the Young Israel of Rugby, where the legendary Rav Avigdor Miller began to promote his Torah and wisdom to the many disciples that thirsted for truth and flocked to nourish their souls. In that neighborhood there was an asylum for the emotionally and intellectually impaired known as Kings County Hospital. Rav Miller was asked once to speak to the Jewish patients there, who despite their challenges possessed intellectual capacities. Legend has it that in his inimitable, and sometimes blunt style, he posed the following question to his audience, “Do you know why you are all here?” From among the crowd arose a voice, responding without missing a beat, “Because we are not all ‘there’!” When exiting our home and entering a Sukkah we leave the ‘here’ and grasp to gain a hold onto a point of eternity that is figuratively ‘there’, but on this festival within reach! Reb Shimon Benisch was an inspired Chosid from Lodz, who experienced the dire Ghetto there, the gehin-

nom of Auschwitz, and the torturous labor camp of Kaufering, losing a wife and children, finally being liberated, and making his way to Israel where he rebuilt a beautiful family there. He was a hero who despite enduring endless horrors remained a beacon of light and spirit to his fellow yidden, assisting them physically while encouraging them spiritually and emotionally throughout these incomprehensible ordeals. His son Chaim, in his quest to pen a book that would record his father’s greatness for posterity, interviewed many who were warmed by his father’s remarkable persona and faith. On one occasion he reached out to Aryeh Goldstein, a fellow member of the work force that was selected by Mengele from Auschwitz to serve in Kaufering, figuring he certainly had many interactions with his father. He calls the number and after verifying the man’s identity introduces himself as the son of Shimon Benisch who is seeking information regarding his father and is seeking to confirm that indeed Aryeh was there too. Aryeh responded, “Yes I was there, but your father wasn’t there.” Chaim, having heard from his father many details of his time in Kaufering is bewildered and asks puzzlingly, “What? You mean my father wasn’t there?” Aryeh answers, “Young man! Do you have any idea what the camp at Kaufering was like? Could you know what ‘existing’ meant in that hell, and what ‘there’ was all about? My friends and I were deeply in Kaufering, but your father!? He wasn’t ‘there’ at all, he remained his entire life a chassideshe yungerman from Lodz… he kept his head well above the dark clouds in that space, clearly embedded in Heaven. Nu, this is not within the context of a phone conversation.”

As we begin this time of joy we must not focus on the here and now — the many challenges we face daily — but must keep our heads high above the clouds knowing our true space is far from here. A woman who had faced the death of a child and the subsequent unbearable grief of that loss, struggled to restore her faith, came to an epiphany. She shared the following poignant message. The tragic loss solidified my Emunah. The awareness of Hashem as an actual reality came to me as a dawning understanding and kept me going. The dividing line between This World [here] and the Next World [there] is much flimsier than we think it is. The world we’re in, the one when we’re walking, talking, is a little like a stage. When someone passes away, you realize there is this whole other world, and there must be much more out there. I learned Hashem is vast, so much bigger than what we see and that is comforting. When you lose the illusion of control, you realize Hashem has your back, and He is the Dayan. Even if it feels like you’re falling, He still has you. (Shira, In His Embrace, Family First Yom Kippur issue) We must learn during Sukkos how we can leave the ‘here’ and all its frustrations, grabbing on to the hand of G-d, and always remain calm and happy ‘there’ with Him! No wonder the Zohar refers to the Sukkah as the ‫ — צלא דמהימנותא‬the Shade of Faith. To paraphrase the clever patient in Kings County, “Why are we not ‘here’!? Because our hearts and minds are all ‘there’! Yes, in ‫— שמים‬ Heaven, the real world.” In our world, ‘keeping our heads in the clouds’ is the only way to determine where we truly are! You may reach the author at: Ravzt@ohelmoshebaltimore.com

Sukkos, beginning on the 15th of Tishrei, is a sevenday Yom Tov commemorating the Ananei HaKavod that protected Bnei Yisrael as they traveled through the Midbar. For seven days, we leave the comfort of our homes and dwell in a sukkah, reminding ourselves that our true protection and security come from Hashem. We celebrate with the arba minim—the esrog, lulav, hadassim, and aravos—and Sukkos is uniquely described as ‫זמן שמחתנו‬, “the time of our rejoicing.” The Yom Tov is followed by Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah, when we gather with special tefillos and rejoice with the Torah.

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“Barely got a roof over my head, I could see the stars from my bed. If I got You [Hashem], I got everything I need.”

-Zusha (Roof Over My Head)

GEMATRIA

Sukkos is a time of rejoicing, to feel simcha, and live a life of joy. The Hebrew word for life is ‫חיים‬, which is written in plural form. Because a true life worth living is a life beyond oneself. The numerical value of ‫חיים‬ is 68, the exact same as ‫לולב‬. We shake the Lulav in all directions, demonstrating our need to live beyond ourselves...

Inspiration. Everywhere.

Sukkos – ‫סוכות‬

Thoughts in Chassidus

QUICK VORT

The Bas Ayin reveals that the word ‫ לכם‬from ‫ ולקחתם לכם‬can be rearranged to spell ‫מלך‬.

We just exited one of the holiest time periods of the Jewish calendrical year, the Yomim Noraim. Our Sages tell us that the process of Teshuva, repentance, is likened to birth. Through Teshuva, each of us is so-to-speak reborn. After the High Holidays, we each emerge as newborns; guiltless, precious, and pure.

Live with G-d concsciousness!

Is this not what Sukkos is all about? After we are reborn through the whole Teshuva and High Holidays experience, we leave our homes and enter a Sukkah for 7 days. We are not just entering a wooden hut; we are entering into the embrace of Hashem. The Arizal writes that the confinement of the Sukkah is like a “hug from Hashem.” The pasuk in Shiras Ha’azinu (32:11) states: ‫ְּכ ֶנ ׁ ֶ֙ש ר ֙ יָעִ ֣יר‬ ‫ש אֵ ֖ה ו ּ עַ ל־אֶ בְ ָר ת ֽ ֹו‬ ׂ ָ ּ ‫ִק ֔ ֵח ה ו ּ ִי‬ ָּ ‫ש ְּכ נָפָ י ו ֙ י‬ ׂ ֹ‫ר‬ ֤ ְ‫“ – ִק ֔ ּנ ֹו עַ ל־ ּג ֹו ז ֖ ָָל יו י ְַר חֵ ֑ף יִפ‬He was like an eagle arousing its nest, hovering over its young, spreading its wings and taking them, carrying them on its pinions.” Rashi (here, as well as to Shemos 19:4) explains that an eagle carries its young on its back so that its own body will act as a shield against arrows. So, too, Hashem – by means of the Clouds of Glory – protected the Jewish people from the arrows of the Egyptians. Our Sages tell us that the Sukkah which we dwell in is representative of the Clouds of Glory which protected the Jewish people. When we sit in the Sukkah, we are being held by Hashem. We are being carried on His wings. He is affording us a sense of comfort and security that is essential for our spiritual development, and He is whispering to us, “You are safe in My arms, there is nothing to worry about. I am here for you.”

The greatest detractor of happiness is ‫דאגה‬, worry. Just as a child in his mother’s arms has absolutely no worries in the world, so too when we are in the embrace of Hashem, we have no worries in the world. We feel content, secure, but most of all, we feel happy.

Did You Know?! The scientific name for an Esrog is citrus medica, which is an allusion to its first mention in Western literature by Greek philosopher Theophrastus, who called it “Persian or Median apple.”

Points to Ponder One of the main reasons we dwell in a Sukkah is because that’s what our people did in the desert; they slept in booths. Isn’t it a little funny to build a holiday around where people slept? There seems to be a strong connection between Sukkos and sleep... Why?

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

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His shiurim and other Jewish content can be found on Torah Anytime and Meaningful Minute. He may be reached at rabbistrumo@gmail.com

Perhaps, we are meant to take the MALCHUS that we just accepted on Yomim Noraim and now channel that into our lives.

If you think about it, what happens after a baby is born? That’s right, the baby needs to be held by the parents. It needs to be hugged and taken care of. It needs to be held tightly and told, “You are safe in my arms, there is nothing to worry about. I am here for you.”

Sukkos is called ‫ – זמן שמחתו‬the time of our happiness. I think we can now understand why Sukkos, in particular, is called this.

Rabbi Ori Strum is the author of “Ready. Set. Grow.” “Dove Tales,” “Karpas: The Big Dipper,“ and “VEYIDGU: The Upstream Jew.”

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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The Jewish Nomads By Malkie SchulMan

Beit Halev, a home of healing

ith her signature headscarf, small nose ring and radiant smile, Maayan Ashush exudes warmth, energy and enthusiasm. Together with her husband, Ash (Ashriel), and their two young daughters, Odeh and Naya, ages 4½ and 2, this small Israeli family has made it their mission to strengthen Jewish life around the world in a big way. They’re presently getting ready to leave the city of Hoi An, Vietnam, where they’ve resided for the last two weeks, and will next travel to England. In the past four months, the Ashushes have been to the Philippines, Taiwan, the remnants of India’s once-thriving Jewish communities and other cities in Vietnam. They call themselves the Jewish Nomads because they’ve consciously decided to traverse the globe, spreading the light of Yiddishkeit to the four corners of the earth. They describe their lifestyle as “Chassidic hippie.” “If Shlomo Carlebach were alive today, I’d be sitting at his feet. He is definitely my rabbi,” says Maayan. “We’re religious, but we don’t fit into any box,” she adds. She recalls with a smile the time she visited

her aunt in the Five Towns. After they attended a kiddush together, her aunt remarked, “Maayan, you were by far the most interesting person at the kiddush!” From a very young age, Maayan dreamed of traveling. “My mother grew up in Chicago, and my dad comes from Zimbabwe and South Africa. They were very Zionistic and made aliyah before I was born. We lived in the Shomron until I was 8 years old. Then we moved to South Africa for my father’s work as a shaliach aliyah for the Sochnut.” When Maayan was 13, her family returned to Israel, settling in Beit Shemesh. Though she grew up dati, after serving as a combat soldier in the army for several years, she drifted away from religion. Ash was also born in Israel and grew up in Netivot in a traditional Tunisian family originally from the island of Djerba. “His parents actually still look like they just came off the boat from Djerba,” says Maayan with a laugh. When they first met, they were both searching spiritually.

“I’d just come back from a six-month tour of Africa and got a job in this cool vegan restaurant in Machane Yehuda where Ash was working. My goal was to make a lot of money so I could travel the world. I was young and gung-ho, ready to see the world. Ash is seven years older than me. He was already 30 and much more chilled.” Ash had also already studied in a yeshiva for ba’alei teshuva, so he was further along on his religious journey. “We liked each other,” Maayan shares, “but I told him, ‘Dating won’t work. I want to travel the world, and you want to stay here.’ He answered, ‘No, it’ll work. I’ll travel with you.’” On their first official date, Ash asked, “If I asked you to marry me today, what would you say?” “Yes,” was her immediate reply. Within six months, they were engaged, and six months later, they were married.

On the Road

“After our wedding, we told all our family and friends, ‘We’ll see you in five years.’ We were planning to travel all over the world,” Maayan says.

Beit Halev

After Thailand, Maayan and her husband began to realize the dream they had cherished while they were dating: opening a community home of their own. They heard there were no Jewish centers in the entire state of Kerala, India, despite its rich Jewish history. Cochin, a major city in Kerala, had once been home to a large Jewish community, most of whom live in Israel today, and there is still a synagogue there. So, they set out for Kerala, committed to finding a place for their community home. “No one sent us, and no one gave us funds,” Maayan shares. “But we knew we had the spiritual keilim. The time had come.” Four days before Chanukah, they still hadn’t found a place. “We were still sleeping in a stinky guesthouse, but we were determined to open up.” They had $10,000 – the sum total of their

An open door at Beit Halev

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and the Zaklos family. They knew this was what they wanted to do with their lives. Although they went on to forge their own path, Vacaville remained an important part of their story. “In fact, I gave birth to both of our daughters there,” says Maayan. “We bought a shed and converted it into a small home on a hill behind Chabad. Today, Chabad uses it as a guesthouse.” After they left Vacaville for the first time, it was around the time of Covid, and the only country that would allow them in without being vaccinated was Mexico. From there, they traveled to El Salvador. The Jewish community of El Salvador, composed entirely of converts, fascinated them. “We love the community,” says Maayan. “We’ve gone back four times already. We try to help them in any way we can.” Their time there helped crystallize what their unique path of shlichus would look like. They re-

savings – to invest in their venture. They rented a large house in Varkala, a relatively obscure coastal town about four hours from Cochin, posted a message in an Israeli WhatsApp group inviting people to join them, and opened for Shabbos. Chanukah began the following night. “The first Shabbat, we had 40 people sitting on the floor, eating together from boxes and pots. We didn’t know where to shop, where to buy kosher food or where to get anything. But even though it was a balagan, it was a magical Shabbat.” Varkala is one of the southernmost towns in India, near Sri Lanka. At the time, it wasn’t yet part of the “hummus trail,” the well-worn route followed by many Israeli backpackers. Today, thanks to Ash and Maayan, Beit Halev is a wellknown destination, attracting people from all over. Four years ago, however, when they started, the only ones who came were people who didn’t want to be with the crowds. “Those original pioneers became our pillars. They believed in us and supported us and helped Beit Halev become the safe and love-filled haven it is today.” Maayan shares a remarkable story of hashgacha pratis about how they found their current center.

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“We’re teaching our children to love every Jew exactly the way they are.”

alized they wanted to travel to Jewish communities around the world, sharing the beauty and simplicity of Jewish life. That opportunity came when a ba’al teshuva friend, married to a Thai convert and running Israeli House in Thailand, offered them a shlichus there. “It was very difficult,” Maayan recalls. “People generally come to party in Thailand. We weren’t like that anymore. We were looked at strangely. That’s when we started asking ourselves, ‘Why are we doing a shlichus that’s not ours?’ “ One Shabbat there were 600 people. “They were on their way to the Full Moon Party on the beach. They came dressed for the party and were in a rush at the meal because they wanted to go to the beach. Everyone was shouting and firing questions at me. I was so overwhelmed. I went upstairs to my room, took a scarf, tied it on my head, and went downstairs. In a second, I felt, ‘Now I can deal with all these people.’ I felt protected.” After davening, her husband saw her. “He had the biggest smile. He understood without talking that the scarf was what I needed as protection.” She describes it as a turning point. “At that moment, I understood the connection to what it means to be a Jewish woman. I also realized then that this place was not for me. Although the truth is, I would never have started to cover my hair if I hadn’t been in that situation.” Today, she says, her head covering has become an inseparable part of who she is. “I feel like I’m wearing a crown. Though tzinius, in general, is hard for me, my head covering always stays on. I really feel that this simple head covering connects me to my deepest roots, to the Imahos. Even with, or maybe also because of, my nose piercings, I sometimes feel like I could sit right down next to Sarah Imeinu and have a chat.”

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

After two years traveling through countries including Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, however, they ended up broke in California trying to sell clothing they’d created in Nepal. “It was a flop,” Maayan admits. Unsure of what their next step should be, they decided to spend Shabbos at Chabad in Vacaville, a city in northern California. “By that time, Ash was completely observant. I was still half and half,” Maayan shares. But that Shabbos with Chabad shluchim Chaim and Adele Zaklos changed the course of their lives. “They’re angels. Personality-wise, we’re so different from them, but their chessed is so inspiring.” Maayan and Ash stayed through Shabbos and remained for Melaveh Malkah, where Maayan got to show off her vegan culinary skills by preparing a delicious meal for everyone. “But Sunday morning, we were off.” Or so they thought. Their van wouldn’t start, and in a sleepy little town with no help readily available, they had no choice but to spend another night sleeping in it. “We ended up staying in Vacaville for six months, volunteering and working with Adele and Chaim.” By the time they left, Ash and Maayan had fallen in love with chessed, shlichus

Spreading and sharing the light

Making friends from around the world

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

60 She explains, “Originally, we were renting a very nice, big place. But after two weeks, we were told we had to leave. The house belonged to a very Hindu family. They weren’t happy that we were lighting Chanukah candles and observing all our Jewish rituals in their house. I think the last straw was when we asked them to remove the temple that was in one of the rooms. They told us we had three days to leave. “In India, especially in a relatively small town like that, there are no real estate agencies. You literally have to walk the streets asking passersby if they know of any houses to rent. We knew we wouldn’t be able to make that happen in three days, so we told the owners that if they wanted us to leave, they had to find us another place. And they did! Three days later, we were in the beautiful center that has become our home.” “Beit HaLev is a community home. It’s not a restaurant with catered meals,” Maayan says. “Everyone pitches in.” The home is open 24/7, with a communal kitchen, two meals a day, daily workshops and classes, and space for art. Sleeping arrangements are not provided. Baruch Hashem, they just bought their first sefer Torah and are now running a campaign to renovate the kitchen. One of Beit HaLev’s traditions is to give a personalized challah cover to everyone who has

“At that moment, I understood the connection to what it means to be a Jewish woman.” visited the center when they get married. “One guy we presented with a challah cover was a not religious Israeli surfer living in Australia who traveled everywhere with a surfboard and a unicorn doll. He later became religious and married a Chabadnik. We made him a challah cover with a unicorn on a surfboard.” The Beit Halev center is open for six months a year, from Sukkos until shortly before Pesach, catering primarily to Israeli travelers. “We do get and welcome people from all over the world, including families with small children and older adults, but the majority are young Israelis, especially after the army. Many are suffering from PTSD,” explains Maayan. She shares some of the more profound experiences of their guests. “A while ago, an Israeli guy flew in from north-

ern India because he’d heard we had a special alternative healing Jewish space. He arrived with his friends on Simchat Torah. They told us it was his birthday, so we made him a cake, sang ‘Happy Birthday,’ put him on a chair and danced hakafot. He’d never celebrated Simchat Torah before.” Before the hakafos, Beit HaLev has a custom of inviting everyone to share how they’re feeling. “Everyone experienced October 7 in some way. Before we start, we go around and talk about how we’re holding both simcha and atzvut.” The young man volunteered to go first. “He said, ‘On Simchat Torah, they told me they couldn’t find my brother. I went to a friend’s apartment in Tel Aviv to distract myself. The problem was that his apartment was above a shul, and they were singing and dancing because it was Simchat Torah. I was cursing them because here I was, not knowing if my brother was dead or alive, and they were dancing. How dare they? A few days later, I discovered my brother had been murdered. For two years, I walked around hating religious people and anything connected to Simchat Torah. But while traveling in India, I realized I can’t continue living like this. I need to let go. I need to forgive. I need to find a safe space where I can dance with the Torah and change my relationship with the people who celebrate this day.’” “The ironic thing,” says Maayan, “is that we didn’t even have a real sefer Torah at that point. We danced with those stuffed toy sifrei Torah that children bring to beit haknesset. But he danced and danced and danced until three o’clock in the morning. I’ve never seen anyone dance like him.” The young man left the next day. He later wrote a beautiful Facebook post about his healing experience. But they never saw him again. “That’s what Beit HaLev is about,” sums up Maayan. “Healing through being there with love and holding space.” She emphasizes that they don’t impose religious observance on anyone. “We keep Shabbat and serve only kosher, cholov Yisroel food, but we don’t force anything on anyone.” She shares another story. “Every two weeks, we offer an ice bath to our guests. It’s a powerful experience, and we find it helps people let go of deep trauma they may be carrying.” One day, a man arrived at Beit HaLev. “I welcomed him with my usual greeting: ‘Hey, it’s so nice to meet you.’ He answered, ‘If you knew me, you wouldn’t say that. I’m not a very nice person.’” Maayan immediately sensed he was carrying something heavy. They encouraged him to try the ice bath, but he would only agree on one condition. “Normally, you can stay in the ice bath for up to three minutes. If you’re experienced, we allow up to six. He wanted to stay in for 15 minutes. I

started to feel he might be too much for me. I had to protect my energy, but we let him go.” Within a minute of entering the ice bath, he broke down crying. “Ash came and held him. Everyone who witnessed it started crying, too.” When he came out, he told them his story. Years earlier, he had survived a terrorist attack in which one of his siblings was killed. He had lost much of his hearing and wore hearing aids. Maayan says it was clear he had suffered severe PTSD and had built a wall around himself to avoid feeling his pain. “But after two days of pure nonjudgment, as soon as he got into the ice bath, everything melted.” She adds that she and Ash are careful not to speak lashon hara, so they hadn’t discussed his behavior even privately. “The young man felt that nonjudgment and was finally able to let go. After that, he became a different person. He came to every meal and every workshop.” She points out, “It just shows the power of love and acceptance. People can heal what they need to heal without us even knowing what they need to heal.”

A welcoming sukkah for all

Connecting to the Creator wherever they are

Some guests who have found friends and comfort

Living Their Shlichus

“Not everyone can say they’re doing what they truly believe Hashem put them here to do.”

The Ashush children enjoying Hashem’s beautiful natural world

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with the Chabad community in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, which includes a mikvah, preschool, kosher restaurant and bakery. There are also other Chabad centers throughout the country. More often, however, they find themselves in smaller, less established Jewish communities. “We also visit places with no Jewish community at all. We’ve already figured out how to get kosher food so that’s not an issue.” Being vegan helps, as they can easily subsist on fruits, vegetables and beans. The remaining two months of the year are spent in Israel visiting family and friends. The weekend before Rosh Hashana, Beit HaLev hosts a large Shabbos gathering at a rented venue in Israel. Maayan says one of the greatest rewards of their way of life has been watching its impact

but our children are beautiful neshamot that Hashem entrusted us with. If we see at any point that this lifestyle isn’t good for them, we won’t push ourselves. We’ll follow where He leads us.” When it comes to the broader message as a Jew that she seeks to convey to the world, however, she is unequivocal. “People argue with me all the time about being an ohr la’goyim. They’re embarrassed by it because they think it sounds condescending. Why?” she asks. “Hashem made you a Jew. You need to shine. Be proud. Share the beauty of the life we have as Jews. Even though I hate social media, that’s why I’m on it. I want to show the divinity and beauty of Judaism.” She ends with an observation that lies at the heart of her philosophy. “We’re living in scary times, but this is part of our personal geulah and Klal Yisrael’s geulah. Be’ezrat Hashem, every day, we’re getting closer. There’s too much focus on hate in the world. There’s nothing more important than the mitzvah of v’ahavta l’rayacha kamocha. First, you have to love yourself, and then you can love another. “Hashem is waiting for us to love one another.”

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While Beit HaLev is open for only half the year, the Ashush family’s shlichus doesn’t end when the doors close. The following four months are their decompression time. During that period, they travel, partly to support Jewish communities around the world and partly to recharge, spend time together as a family, and do what they love most – traveling. Over the past two years, they’ve visited Jewish communities in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Bulgaria, Kosovo and North Macedonia. This year, they’ve traveled through India and parts of Asia. In Vietnam, for example, they spent time

on their daughters. A few weeks ago, while they were in Taiwan, their older daughter, Odeh, spotted a young man wearing Shoresh sandals. “She pointed to him and said, ‘Hu Yehudi (he’s a Jew). Let’s invite him for dinner.’ Then this little 4½-year-old walked over to him and invited him. And he came!” Another recent moment especially touched Maayan. “Today, we saw a ten-year-old handicapped child sitting in a stroller. Odeh said, ‘She’s so lucky. She has such a big, beautiful carriage. Right, Mommy, we need to love everyone, even if they look or act different?’ Then she gently patted the girl on the hand. “We have two close friends who are missing limbs, one after being injured in combat and the other because of a medical condition she was born with. Carmel’s hand was amputated to the elbow when she was a few days old, and Uri lost his leg after being injured in Lebanon. Odeh thinks it’s amazing that Carmel can pick things using only her elbow. And Uri has a special bike. She thinks it’s cool. I feel that’s the beauty of our life because we’re teaching our children to love every Jew exactly the way they are.” She and Ash also make time to learn together. “We have a chavruta every day. Right now, we’re learning Rabbi Nachman’s Likutei Halachot. Learning halachot is hard for me. I’m trying to go into it gently and softly, to figure out why I feel such a disconnection from it. I’m trying to put my ego aside and understand that it’s bigger than me. Hashem gave halachot to make us bigger, not smaller. It’s like boundaries for children. They’re not meant to make them smaller. I may never fully understand it in this gilgul, but I know Hashem is holding my hand 24/7. I don’t know how to go without Him, but the practical work is hard. My neshama is hippie, so it’s a little harder.” Their nomadic lifestyle, she concedes, comes with sacrifices. They’ve missed important family milestones, including Maayan’s twin sister’s pregnancies and visits with her zeide in the United States. There is little stability. They homeschool their daughters, live and work together 24/7, stay up late and carry the constant challenge of funding Beit HaLev. “One Shabbat, we met someone at a Chabad House from Brooklyn who follows us on social media. She said, ‘You’re living the dream. How do you do it?’ The answer is because we choose to do it. It’s not as romantic as it may sound. Every single day, we wake up and choose this life. “But it’s really not a question of us choosing this lifestyle because it benefits us. It’s more like – this is who we are. This is our shlichut in this world. And we’re so grateful that we get to do it. Not everyone can say they’re doing what they truly believe Hashem put them here to do.” At the same time, Maayan says they’re prepared to change course, if that’s necessary. “We’ve signed on for ten years at Beit HaLev,

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Although Ash is a certified naturotherapist, a practitioner of natural therapies, and has private clients, Beit HaLev doesn’t operate as a professional therapeutic center. “We may one day, but right now, we feel what we can bring to the table is our open hearts. I was diagnosed with PTSD after I left the army. I understand it on a personal level. I connect with people just by looking into their eyes.” Most guests stay at Beit Halev for about two weeks. Many remain connected afterward through the community WhatsApp group, where members share updates and divrei Torah.

A heart turned towards Jerusalem

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Tech

Triumphs

Banking Revelation As told to Rebbetzin Sara Gross

got a call from my banker that they had updated their policies, and to have access to some of my children’s investment accounts, I needed to sign some paperwork. Getting to the bank in person is often a challenge, so I do online banking on my computer. He sent me some DocuSign paperwork, and it would all be taken care of. The access I needed was somewhat time-sensitive, and I had a problem. I was out of town for an appointment and had no access to a computer until the next day. My banker was confused by my lack of access to my email. I explained that I didn’t have a smartphone and needed computer time to reach my email. He was taken aback by this. I told him that my lack of a smartphone was a personal choice that I had made. “It makes my life more complicated and more under control at the same time,” I explained. He said it would wait until the next day and be fine, but this encounter taught me something.

I verbalized my choice and admitted that, even though it often complicated things, it was still worth everything not to have a smartphone. That control over my life and my time is more valuable to me than any convenience in the world. TECH TIPS: The GroupMe app no longer sends SMS/text messages. GroupMe was a way for everyone to communicate in one place, whether they had a smartphone or a basic phone, whether they had the app or not. It served as a more inclusive alternative for those who wanted to have a more basic phone and did not want to get involved with the exponentially more distracting and risky use of WhatsApp or other smart device apps. However, GroupMe has discontinued sending text messages to basic phones, likely because it’s no longer worth their while, and all of their communication will now be limited to people who have the app. GroupMe, as an app, has some very

risky and harmful elements to it, similar to WhatsApp. If people start using the app exclusively, whether they already have a smartphone or use the service through the GroupMe website, they’re at risk of discovering the more insidious parts of the app, which were not as easily available when they were accessing the service through text messages. Many of the GroupMe groups were social groups, used mainly to chat with friends rather than for anything more productive. They had become an addictive time-waster and distraction to many, and perhaps it’s a good thing that this temptation is no longer available. However, there were many productive groups, ones that shared important information for shuls, schools, camps, carpools, and others, and now they’re all searching for alternatives. Unfortunately, the alternatives that include text messaging in these groups are not free, like GroupMe was, and in fact can get very expensive, very quickly. They typically

charge for every text sent to every phone, and an active, interactive group of 50 members can easily rack up a costly bill. The filtering companies and TAG have been working on solutions for the public. Techloq, which filters Windows computers and Androids, just introduced a block for GroupMe that removes the more risky parts of the service. That’s great news for Techloq customers using the app and website. For basic and limited-feature phone users who rely solely on text messaging for this type of communication, TAG is close to releasing a new service that will be available on most basic phones. Initially, the service will be just for announcements, not interactive chat between the members of the group. There are also plans in the works for allowing interactive communication in a limited fashion. With both filtering solutions and new services on the horizon, the community should soon have safer, more affordable ways to stay connected, for those with smartphones and basic phones alike.

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Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Boruch and Adina Chesir on the birth of a daughter Mr. & Mrs. Dovid Teichman on the birth of a son Yoseph & Jenny Abergel on the birth of a son Aharon & Ashley Sanders on the birth of a son Yehuda & Miriam Schwartz on the birth of a son Kalman & Elisheva Danziger on the birth of a daughter Sivi & Mordechai Yager 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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Mental Health Corner Lifelong Sibling Rivalry By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman Inescapable truths of life exist, as Benjamin Franklin so famously stated: nothing is certain in this world except death and taxes. However, one more certainty that plagues many families is sibling rivalry. Sometimes, siblings will get along most of the time and have occasional squabbles, but other times their entire relationship may

be characterized by their frequent quarrels. However, a far more pressing concern arises when an older sibling becomes an aggressor, inflicting abuse upon their younger sibling. This behavior is a serious issue that demands immediate attention. Experts will weigh in on how to handle that situation, but in this article we would

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like to emphasize a critical yet often overlooked issue that can sometimes result from differences amongst siblings that can lead to lifelong sibling rivalries and that can have negative effects for their entire lives. That issue is favoritism. We are not talking about the obvious and blatant kind of favoritism; instead, we refer to the insidious, subtle kind that parents may not even realize they are displaying. This behavior may not seem like favoritism from the parent’s viewpoint, but it might be perceived that way by their children, ultimately leading to a lifetime of animosity and conflict between siblings. There are times when parents will have “good” reasons for not providing equal treatment to siblings, but they must be aware that they are walking onto a minefield and they need to tread with caution. This includes providing more attention or resources to one child over the other, praising one child more than the other, or taking one child’s side in a conflict. These actions may lead to resentment and jealousy among siblings, causing them to compete for the attention and love of their parents and leaving a lasting imprint on their psyches.

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Imagine a scenario when one child is “easy” and the other child is “difficult”. In this common situation, one child might receive praise and positive attention and the other child may receive criticism and negative attention. The parents might have the perspective that every child receives what they “earn” and therefore they are being fair and equal, but their perspective might not align with their child’s perception. Sometimes, the extreme levels of sibling rivalries that parents see can even be a direct result of this attention differential between the siblings and should serve as a wakeup call for the parents. Unfortunately, parents may misread the red flags and instead reinforce their approach, leading to lifelong conflicts between siblings. The reason that this can be so damaging is because a person’s sense of selfworth draws heavily from how they were valued by their parents. Children who feel unconditional love from their parents grow up understanding that they have intrinsic value as human beings, forming the bedrock of their emotional wellbeing. On the other hand, children who perceive uneven love from their parents often develop a deficient inner sense of self-worth. Therefore, parents who have children of varying temperaments and personalities (which applies to almost all parents) need

to be very proactive in avoiding even the perception of favoritism. It might require substantial personal development and self-reflection to attain a level of parenting that ensures equal love and attention for each child. This requires some basic steps. Here are a few of them: Do not compare. Sometimes, parents will try to encourage one child by pointing to the other child’s performance. “If you would put in the same amount of effort as your brother, you could do just as well.” Comments such as these just serve to create the impression of the golden child vs. the problem child, which is not healthy for either of them. Value each child’s uniqueness. Every child has their special way that they shine. You might have a natural tendency to appreciate one type of uniqueness over another, but that is a problem that you will have to overcome. Every child should know that their parents appreciate them for who they are and that they acknowledge the special qualities of each child. Have alone time with each child. Just because you provide all of their needs does not necessarily mean that your children will feel close to you. You have to invest in the relationship of every single child. This includes special time for every child. Genuinely enjoy every child. Someone who you love and care about, you naturally want to spend time with them and you enjoy their company. Every child should feel that their parents enjoy them and appreciate them. A day will come when you will no longer be in this world. At that point in time, people who are fortunate to have siblings will turn to their siblings for a sense of family and belonging. Their ability to tap into that incredible resource is based on the seeds of their relationship that were planted by their parents. Just as a tree needs nourishment and care to grow strong, so too do our relationships with our children and with our siblings. By being mindful of our actions as parents, we can create a foundation of love and respect that will last a lifetime, and ensure that our children have the support and strength of family to rely on, even in the toughest of times.

This is a service of Relief Resources. Relief is an organization that provides mental health referrals, education, and support to the frum community. Rabbi Yisrael Slansky is director of the Baltimore branch of Relief. He can be contacted at 410-448-8356 or at yslansky@reliefhelp.org

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To Raise a Laugh Sleeping Under The Stars Dear Mordechai, Due to some unforeseen enthusiasm from my kids, I’m sleeping in the sukkah this year, apparently. Any advice? Also, there are no alarm clocks out here, and I’m afraid I’m going to overshoot Shacharis. Everyone eats in their sukkahs, but when it comes to sleeping, we all have excuses. A lot of people are afraid to sleep in the sukkah, but it turns out that with a little bit of preparation and the right supplies and some kind of weapon, anyone can do it! Except for some reason your wife. But here are some tips that will not only help make your sukkah-sleeping experience rewarding, but you can also sleep with it to help you feel safe: - Don’t sleep on the floor. Adults do not sleep on floor and then get up to have productive days shaking arbah minim without some kind of back spasm. Either drag a mattress out there or sleep on one of those beds that gradually folds on you in middle of the night. An air mattress is also an option, if you know how to hint to a non-Jew that you need him to refill it at four in the morning. “My mattress is running out of air.” “Wait… Are you locked out of your house?” “No.”

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By Mordechai Schmutter

“Sir, are you having marital problems? Because this seems like the worst custody arrangement ever.” - One nice thing about sleeping in the Sukkah is that if it’s dark enough, you can lie on your back and look up at the stars and listen to the crickets snore. If you can’t see the stars, that probably means it’s going to rain. Or that you’re under the table. -The best way to guarantee that it will rain is to sleep in a sukkah. - A good way to be more protected from the rain and also be available to leap right up as soon

as you notice the rain is to climb into your sleeping bag headfirst. Be aware that this might lead to you running face-first through your patio door. - Being cold in a sukkah is not a problem. If you’re cold, close the storm window. It won’t help, but you’ll feel like you made some hishtadlus. - If you need to keep mosquitoes away, convince the kids to sleep out there with you. Mosquitoes always go for the kids first. - Make it fun for them. Make it into a campout or something. You can sit around and tell spooky stories until you hear noises outside the sukkah, at which point you will all climb into the same sleeping bag upside down. -If your sukkah is such that nocturnal animals can hypothetically come in, make sure to sweep the sukkah thoroughly before the lights go out. And if you didn’t sweep, definitely don’t sleep on the floor. You’re going to wake up with a back full of challah crumbs, and an animal trying to decide whether it’s worth waking you up to get to them. - If you’re nervous about sleeping in a cloth sukkah, you can always tell yourself that the only animals that can fit in are the ones that fit under the flaps – like raccoons, and skunks, and small goats. Plus any bears that can figure out the zipper. - If you think there’s a large animal outside trying to get in, have everyone lift a corner of the sukkah and then take off down the block. - If you wake up to see a skunk sniffing around you in the dark, don’t panic. Don’t scream, “Skunk!” He already knows he’s a skunk. If you do that, you’re going to have a sukkah full of skunk stink that won’t dissipate until you reopen the storm window. -Also, if you’re in an area with a lot of sukkahs, yelling, “Skunk!” will make everyone on the block panic. You will literally see entire sukkahs picking themselves up and running into each other with legs sticking out underneath. - If you want to keep animals away while

you’re asleep, the best advice is to snore. The good news is that in every family, Hashem made at least one person who snores. Unfortunately, no one thinks it’s them. - If you live in bear country, don’t grill meat near your sukkah. (“Bear country” is any country with bears in it.) - Also don’t store honey in your sukkah. - Also, if you live in a region with pandas, your bamboo schach might be a problem. So make sure to trim those trees around your sukkah if you don’t want pandas landing on you from above. - If you’re sleeping in a sukkah on Chol Hamoed, carry a firearm. One shot in the air will scare away most animals, as well as put out a light if you forgot to do so before getting into your sleeping bag. - Animals hate the smell of mint. Make sure to use mouthwash before bed, and to pour some around your mattress for good measure. - Another way to stay off the floor is to fill your air mattress with helium. - Overall, sleeping in the Sukkah during the day is a lot less stressful, until all the sukkah hoppers come in and see you in your flowery princess bed sheets. With a weapon. Covered in mouthwash. And as far as waking up, you’ll probably wake up as the sun rises, which is a highly-recommended way to wake up. If there’s no sun, that means it will rain, and that will wake you up as well. And if it’s neither, you can always set the alarm clock in your bedroom so it wakes your wife and she dumps water on you from the upstairs window. If nothing else, that will scare away the opossum. Or get it to freeze in place.

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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Sparks of Light

What the Sweater Could Not Give Her By Rabbi Benny Berlin

ou probably can relate to the feeling of praying by rote. You open the siddur, you know exactly where you are without looking, and somewhere between Baruch She’amar and Shemoneh Esrei, your mind is a million miles away. I know the feeling well enough that on Shabbos I sometimes start klapping on my chest, saying Selach Lanu, before catching myself, since we don’t even say it that day. There is something strange about holding a book filled with words Jews have whispered through nearly every circumstance imaginable and somehow becoming so familiar with them that you barely notice the words coming out of your own mouth. There is a story told by Rav Yosef Friedenson that makes that thought uncomfortable. Friedenson survived seven concentration camps, and among the stories he carried out of Auschwitz was one about a young friend named Aviezer Burstyn. The two of them hauled carts of waste through the camp, work that was actually a privilege in Auschwitz. It gave them freedom of movement, occasional shelter, and access to the warehouse where the Germans sorted what they had taken from murdered Jews. One winter afternoon, a teenage girl across the fence near the women’s camp caught their attention, mouthing to them, “Sweater. Can you get me a sweater?” Burstyn smuggled one out and wore it hidden under his own clothes, hoping to find her again. Friedenson told him to give it up, that risking a beating made no sense. Burstyn was persistent. On the third day, he found her and passed the sweater through the fence. She stared at it, bewildered. She hadn’t asked for a sweater. She had asked for a siddur. A sweater was hardly a foolish thing to bring a freezing girl in Auschwitz. It could warm her body and might even

help keep her alive. But it could not give her what she had actually asked for. In a place designed to strip a person of everything, some part of her still wanted words with which to speak to Hashem. I think about the siddur sitting so comfortably in my own hands. She had none and desperately wanted one. I have one every morning and can forget I am holding it. That tension is built into how Chazal describe tefillah. Rabbi Eliezer warns in the Mishnah that one who makes his prayer kevah, fixed routine, has not offered real tachanunim. The Gemara in Berachos asks what kevah means, and Rabba and Rav Yosef answer that it is prayer in which a person is unable to introduce anything new. Chazal did not solve that problem by telling us to abandon the siddur. We need fixed words precisely because there are things too important to leave to inspiration, wisdom and forgiveness, healing and livelihood, Yerushalayim and redemption. But the same words that give prayer its structure can grow so familiar that we disappear

from them, saying Refa’einu without picturing anyone who needs healing, saying Shema Koleinu without asking what we actually want Hashem to hear. Dovid HaMelech, whose words fill so much of our siddur, describes himself with the phrase “Va’ani tefillah, I am prayer,” not simply that he recites prayer. The girl behind the fence faced one problem in tefillah. She desperately wanted to speak to Hashem but had no words with which to do it. She wanted the fixed words that generations of Jews had already found. But there is an opposite problem, too. Sometimes, we have all the words in front of us and still cannot find our own voice inside them. Sukkos ends with a day that speaks to that side of tefillah. Rav Nachman of Breslov teaches that the aravah, the plain willow branch used on Hoshana Rabbah, has no taste and no fragrance and represents dibur b’lo da’as, speech without complete understanding. There are moments when our words are polished and clear, and there are aravah moments, when we

do not fully understand what we are feeling and have no magnificent insight or perfectly formed prayer to offer. All we have are words that stumble out. Even those incomplete words can have a place before Hashem. Perhaps that is why, as Sukkos reaches its final day, we walk around the bimah again and again repeating one word: Hoshana. Save us. Hoshana. Save us. We put down the beautiful esrog, the towering lulav, and the fragrant hadassim, and are left holding only the aravah. After all the piyutim, all the carefully constructed language handed down to us, there comes a point when a Jew simply says it plainly: “Hashem, help me. I am still here. I still want to speak to You. I need Your salvation.” Maybe that is what makes the girl behind the fence so difficult to forget. She had the desire to speak to Hashem but needed a siddur to give her the words. We have the words, but sometimes we need to find the desire inside them. Tefillah somehow asks both of us. When we cannot find our own language, we borrow the words Jews have been saying for generations. And when even those words feel distant, we try to put something of ourselves into them. A name during Refa’einu. A thank you during Modim. A desire during Shema Koleinu. Or nothing more sophisticated than Hoshana, please help me. The sweater could have warmed her body. The siddur could give her the words. Hoshanos reminds us that once we have the words, we still have to bring ourselves. Hoshana.

Rabbi Benny Berlin is the rabbi of BACH Jewish Center in Long Beach, New York. For more information, visit www.bachlongbeach.com.

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National Fame For Honesty By Rabbi Shraga Freedman

e might all be familiar with the story of Rabbi Noach Muroff, the rebbi from New Haven, Connecticut, who found a whopping $98,000 in a secondhand desk he had purchased, and returned the cash to its rightful owner. I would like to share some incredible details and results of his actions that you might not have heard: Rabbi Muroff asked Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky whether the story should be publicized. The rosh yeshivah advised him to publicize it as much as possible, and even to take it to a national news network. Rav Kamenetsky explained that since every negative story involving a religious Jew receives widespread coverage, it is important to pursue similar coverage for a positive event. The incident catapulted the Muroffs to national fame with requests for interviews from BBC, CNN, and Fox News. Below are some of the email responses that the

Muroffs received: I work for Honest Tea Beverages (an organic tea and juice company). Our home office saw the recent story of Rabbi Noah Muroff’s Honest act of returning money found in a desk he purchased. Well with a company name like “Honest Tea” you can imagine “Honesty” is important to us and we would like to reward Rabbi Muroff with a year’s supply of our beverage. Thank You! James Varrichio | Regional Marketing Manager – Northeast Rabbi Muroff, By way of background, my wife and I are owners and directors of Windsor Mountain Summer Camp located in New Hampshire. We are an overnight camp for children 7-16. We have a strong focus on values. I came across the news story about your

decision to return the money that you found in the desk. To me, it exemplified the values that we seek to instill/ reinforce in our campers. As a parent and camp director, my goal is to help to shape children into good people – both a simple and incredibly complicated and difficult task. I appreciate what you did, especially that you decided to bring your children with you when you returned the money. You are leaving a lasting legacy to your family of honesty and integrity, a priceless and timeless gift. Those values are their own reward, but I want to celebrate goodness. Thus, I would like to offer any of your camp-aged children a free session at Windsor Mountain in 2014. If you are not interested in this offer, perhaps you and your family would consider joining us for Family Camp that takes place from August 20-24.

G-dliness in this world. When we perfect and refine our own Yud Gimmel Middos, we bring more G-dliness into the world and awaken the G-dliness within every individual.

Regardless of your decision, I just want you to know that I appreciate you and am inspired to be a better person because of you.

The Worldwide Kiddush Hashem Video is still available!

Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment, Jake Labovitz The Rambam, at the end of Hilchos Melachim, explains that the world’s growing emphasis on morality and kindness may actually be part of the progression toward Yemos HaMashiach. This global movement has been shaped by the influence of the Jewish people throughout history. It is all part of Hashem’s master plan, bringing His presence and His middos to ultimately fill the world. Kiddush Hashem is about spreading

Perhaps this is why we repeat the Yud Gimmel Middos over and over in Selichos and throughout the Yamim Noraim. R’ Chaim Friedlander (Sifsei Chaim, Moadim, vol. 1, p. 203) explains that the power of the Yud Gimmel Middos is not simply in reciting them, but in committing ourselves to live them. By internalizing and emulating these Divine traits of compassion, honesty, patience, and forgiveness, we bring Hashem’s Middos into the world. In this way, our ultimate tefillah of the Yamim Noraim, that Hashem’s Name should fill the world, can come to fruition. We are doing our part.

Watch now on LivingKiddushHashem.org Please notice the 20% discount code for our new Artscroll book, Living Kiddush Hashem From the Inside Out, on our website next to the video. Rabbi Shraga Freedman,Director of Living Kiddush Hashem Foundation. Email LivingKiddushHashem@gmail. com for a free file of amazing stories and a hebrew sefer Mekadshei Shemecha. Visit LivingKiddushHashem.org for more resources.

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How Wise Are You? Trivia 1. A bat and ball cost $1.10 together. The bat costs exactly $1 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost? a. 5¢ b. 10¢ c. 15¢ d. 20¢

4. On a round-trip hike that begins and ends at exactly the same spot, do you travel more uphill or downhill? a. Uphill b. Downhill c. Exactly the same d. It depends on the route

2. You’re running a race and pass the person in second place. What place are you in now? a. First b. Second c. Third d. Tied for second

5. Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world? a. Mount Everest b. K2 c. Kangchenjunga d. Nobody knows

3. A doctor gives you three pills and tells you to take one every half hour. How long will the pills last? a. 30 minutes b. 1 hour c. 1½ hours d. 2 hours

6. A man is looking at a photograph. He says: “Brothers and sisters I have none, but this man’s father is my father’s son.” Who is in the photograph? a. His father b. His son c. Himself d. His uncle

7. How many times can you subtract 5 from 25? a. Once b. Twice c. Five times d. Infinite times Answers: 1-A 2-B 3-B 4-C 5-A 6-B 7-A Wisdom Key : 6-7 Correct: You are a genius. Just kidding – these were not that difficult. You’re okay. 3-5 Correct: You are right down the middle, like a bowling ball. You have similar intelligence, I guess. 0-2 Correct: You are definitely as wise as a Wise potato chip!

Riddle Me This Decipher this code: YY U R YY U B I C U R YY 4 ME Answer to riddle: Too wise you are, too wise you be, I see you are too wise for me

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You Gotta Be Kidding Me! A man goes to a therapist with a terrible problem.

Having your decorations survive 11 months in the attic, two rainstorms and 30-mph winds—then fall directly into the soup during kiddush.

The therapist says, “You understand that you’re a grown man?”

A father telling the children, “The bee won’t bother you if you don’t bother it.” Then the bee flies toward him, and he bolts into the house quicker than Ussein Bolt! The discovery that you have become the official waiter because you happen to be sitting near the door. “While you’re up…” – the most feared phrase of yom tov. You spend 7 hours decorating the sukkah and the first person who walks in says, “Oh, I didn’t know you are Lubavitch! (Yeah, you probably don’t get it: They don’t put decorations in their sukkah.)

“Doctor, I’m convinced that I’m a mouse.”

“I know what I look like. But deep down, I’m absolutely certain I’m a mouse.” So the therapist begins treating him. Weeks of therapy turn into months. Slowly, the man begins to improve. Finally, after nearly a year, the therapist asks, “Tell me: are you a man or a mouse?” The patient smiles. “I’m a man.” “And you’re completely sure?” “One hundred percent. I’m a man. I can’t believe I ever thought I was a mouse.”

Finally getting 18 people squeezed around the table and realizing the challah knife is inside in the house. There are not enough “nuhs” and “uhs” in the world to get me to stop balancing on my corner folding chair to go in for the knife – have the guy at the door do it.

The therapist shakes his “Congratulations. You’re cured.”

hand.

Having a sukkah heater that creates three separate climate zones. Seat 1 is Bermuda, Seat 5 is New York, and the poor guests from Miami are sitting in the Alaska zone.

Thirty seconds later, he comes running back in, slams the door behind him and dives under the therapist’s desk.

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Fifteen people becoming meteorologists the second one raindrop hits the kugel. Suddenly, everyone has studied the radar, knows which direction the storm is moving, and has a very strong opinion about “that cloud to the left.”

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Things That Only Happen In The Sukkah

The man thanks him and walks out of the office.

The therapist says, “What happened?!”

A child spends six months announcing that this is the year he’s sleeping in the sukkah. Pillow, sleeping bag, flashlight, sweatshirt, water bottle… Nine minutes later: “I’m sleeping inside.” Having a guest enter your sukkah and immediately inspect the schach like he’s a municipal building inspection.

“There’s a huge cat outside!” The therapist stares at him. “But we just spent a year establishing that you are not a mouse!” The man says, “Doctor, I know that. You know that. But does the cat know that?!”

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Massive construction proclamations that “next year we’re making the sukkah bigger.” I guess you can use the plans that you drew up in your mind for the past 14 years.

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

A 50-foot American flagpole, that’s probably my favorite purchase I’ve made… Right when you pull in, it’s right next to the football field, so it’s the only thing you … see. We have lights pointing up at it, and I almost got out of the car, I was like, ah, G-d, it’s so beautiful. - NFL player George Kittle, when asked what he purchased to celebrate his recent $76,400,000 contract deal with the San Francisco 49ers

A slowdown is critical in order to ensure AI serves the public interest. Pacing AI development does not mean giving up on this technology’s potential to produce life-saving benefits in fields like medicine — some of which we are already seeing. Rather, it is about setting up sensible guardrails so that AI does not completely escape human control and endanger our safety and collective future. - From a post by Kamala Harris about the dangers of AI…which, according to online AI detectors, was written by…AI!

Hamas has never been very active in the West Bank.

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- French Pres. Emmanuel Macron in his U.N. address

The grotesque absurdity of Emmanuel Macron’s statement is staggering. On Sunday, the eve of Yom Kippur, just two days ago, Netanel Shakron – a FRENCH CITIZEN and father of six – was murdered in his car by a Hamas terrorist in Judea and Samaria. With his final breath, he told his son to run. - Statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office in response in Macron’s wild and false statement

I normally don’t prepare for speeches. I like to just speak from the heart. I find that when you do things in your own words, when you actually speak from the heart, it comes across a lot better than when you let somebody else try to put words in your mouth. - Vice Pres. J.D. Vance in an interview with Greg Kelly

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We’re looking at ways to where we can identify individuals that are known, we call trigger pullers, in our community. - Seattle’s police chief in a press conference referring to criminals that shoot and kill people as “trigger pullers”

- Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez, who is the frontrunner for AL MVP with a strong chance of becoming baseball’s first Triple Crown winner since Miguel Cabrera in 2012, telling the AP why he likes to go on RV trips anonymously with his family

He’s able to do what he’s doing and be able to stay calm because he’s got other things ahead of baseball. He really cares about his family, kids, his parents…like baseball on his list is in the bottom and that allows him to keep things in perspective and allows him to go out there and just relax and play and have fun. - Houston manager Joe Espada talking about Alvarez

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People don’t recognize me, that’s the good thing. I think that’s why I love the lifestyle because I can do whatever I want and no one bothers me.

Recently, I celebrated my 96th birthday with family and friends, including one of my great-grandchildren, who had just turned one. He’s moving a bit faster than I am these days. - Warren Buffett, in his letter to shareholders, announcing that he is stepping down as chairman of the board of Berkshire Hathaway and his son will be taking on the role

- Prime Minister Netanyahu

What a mockery you are. - Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) at a Senate hearing addressing FBI Director Kash Patel

You are the biggest mockery in the United States Senate, and you’re sitting next to Schiff. - FBI Director Patel, in response

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Shame on you, Mr. Mamdani. Shame on you for supporting the Hamas terrorist monsters who butchered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews. I’m coming to the UN. I’m going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I’ve got to tell the truth about you.

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

So Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon took the same stage where they both agreed on the dangers of Artificial Intelligence, but they are still feuding over which one of them looks more homeless. – Greg Gutfeld

Obviously, I’m not justifying or criticizing. I’m just reporting that’s the fact. - Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s younger brother, on CBS News talking about his claim in his new book that after Diana was killed in the car crash, her ex-husband, now-King Charles, “sounded giddily elated — like a lottery winner”

But Israelis still largely view themselves as the victims of Oct. 7. - The New York Times, which, after being denounced for the blatant anti-Israel bias showcased in this quote, removed it and then blamed it on an “editing error”

You can see a photograph of Korea at night. You see North Korea, it’s dark, there are no lights. And South Korea is completely illuminated. There are lights everywhere. With socialist totalitarianism, it is always the same. Democratic socialists do things a little more slowly. That is the only difference. - Argentina’s President Javier Milei at the U.N.

The very same people who said we’ll all be dead in 12 years because of global warming are now warning that “AI is going to kill us all” and “robots are going to attack us.”

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- Pres. Trump at the U.N.

Macklemore walked onto Ed Sheeran’s stage on tour, looked out at thousands of parents and kids WHO PAID $180 a ticket for a night of music, and decided to hijack the crowd with a “Free Palestine” rant. He thought he was being “brave.” He thought he’d get the usual Hollywood pat on the back for wearing his keffiyeh and lecturing everyday Americans. Instead, he got a hard dose of reality. One regular dad posted the brutal truth: “We paid for music, not a political speech.” For the first time since October 7th, a regular American stood up, pushed back, and the entire system moved. We are sick of uneducated lunatics using every stage in America to berate us with a worldview so tiny it fits into the words, “oppressor” and “oppressed.” We aren’t paying for your crazy anymore. You’re a performer. Just shut up and go sing. - Glenn Beck

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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

I’ve been dating a really cool guy for the past couple months. For the record, it takes a lot to impress me. This guy seems to have it all together. I’m impressed with many of his incredible qualities.

The problem now is kind of complicated. I was talking to a friend of mine, and she mentioned his name as someone she dated who she really liked. Apparently, they dated for a while, and then he dumped her. She still has no idea why it ended. She seems to carry a lot of resentment towards him, and this came out all naturally without even knowing that I’m dating him! I’m scared that if I continue dating him, she will be heartbroken if things work out between us. I really don’t want it to get in the way of our friendship. We have been tight since high school and have a lot of mutual friends. I’m also nervous that he

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will suddenly break up with me if he did that to her. I’m just really, really scared for this to go forward at this point. I’m trying to let it not affect me but it’s hard not to. I would love to hear the panel’s advice. Thank you so much. Tehilla*

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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SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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. ehilla, I am wondering about you. The man you are dating is impressive and cool, to use your words. He seems to check all of your boxes and has incredible qualities. You are concerned about your relationship with your friend and your own feelings if you get dumped. You have said nothing about your own feelings about the young man. Have you developed a relationship of depth? Have you been vulnerable with him? Have you confided in him? Have you seen him deal with a problem? Have you navigated differences? How? Ask yourself a few questions and explore them with him and/or a trusted advisor. Is this a relationship that goes beyond a resume? Are you concerned about getting a great guy? Are you focused on just you and trying to protecting yourself and your friend? That is what is important now, not the what ifs. Everyone who dates must deal with disappointments. That’s the road to finding the right one as well as the path of emotional maturity. But are your own emotions involved at all? That is what you must gauge first.

The Shadchan Michelle Mond ou present two different issues, but thankfully, I think both can be worked through.

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler hings seemed to be going so nicely for Tehilla. And then, two months into what could be a very promising relationship, she suddenly has two brandnew things to worry about: her loyalty to her friend and her future with her boyfriend. Let’s take them one at a time. Worry #1: Your Friend Your friend dated this fellow. She liked him. He ended the relationship, apparently without giving her a satisfactory explanation. She was hurt and still harbors considerable resentment. That’s sad, but it doesn’t mean that you are doing anything wrong by continuing to date him. Dating exists precisely so that two people can determine whether they want to build a life together. Sometimes, one person wants to continue and the other doesn’t. Unfortunately, heartbreak is one of the risks we take when we date. If your relationship becomes serious, however, she should hear about it from you, not from the neighborhood grapevine and certainly not from a Mazal Tov WhatsApp. Sit down with her. Tell her that you value your friendship enormously, that you had no idea she had dated him, and that you hope she can understand that your relationship with him is separate from hers. If she is the good friend you believe her to be, I hope that her happiness for you will eventually eclipse her own lingering disappointment. There is also a certain irony here. You began your letter by telling us that it takes a lot to impress you, yet this fellow has impressed you tremendously. Apparently, he impressed your good friend, too. You two obviously have the same excellent taste.

T First, let’s deal with the breakup this guy had with your friend. There is no reason to believe that because he broke up with her, he will break up with you. You are two different people, and your relationships are not the same! There are so many reasons a relationship can end, and unfortunately, sometimes, one side does not get the closure they were hoping for. It is one of the painful parts of dating that many people face at one time or another. You also only know one side of the story, so there is really no way to know exactly what happened in their relationship unless you were in it. I would trust your gut about this guy and see where things go. If this continues to bother you and you feel like you need to address it, you can have a straightforward conversation with him. You could explain the circumstances surrounding how you heard the story and give him the opportunity to share his perspective. I also understand why you are worried about your friendship with this friend. If your relationship with this guy does work out, you will want to have a heart-to-heart with her. Talk to her about how much her friendship means to you. Give her the opportunity to express her feelings and respond to her with kindness and sensitivity. At the same time, if she walks away angry or resentful that this relationship worked out for you, it might be the right time to let the friendship fade. It is completely understandable for her to feel sad or even hurt given the circumstances, but a true friend should ultimately be able to be happy for you, even if there are complicated emotions mixed in.

Heartbreak is one

I hope you’re able to navigate this without allowing negativity surrounding your friend’s experience to taint your relationship. Try as much as you can to stay positive and allow your own relationship to unfold.

of the risks we take when we date.

Worry #2: Your Boyfriend This question is a little more complicated. The fact that he ended a relationship with your friend does not mean that he will suddenly end his relationship with you. Every relationship is different. Nor does your friend’s pain necessarily mean that he behaved badly. Nevertheless, now that you know about their history, pretending that you don’t know may leave you wondering and worrying. So, at an appropriate time, you should gently tell him what happened. Make it clear that you never, ever discuss with your friends who you are dating. But, completely out of the blue, one of your friends mentioned that she had previously dated you and was still confused and hurt by how things ended. Reassure him that your friend still has no idea that the two of you are now dating. Then, listen carefully to how he responds. Is he respectful when speaking about her? Does he show empathy for the fact that she was hurt? Does he acknowledge that perhaps he could have handled the breakup better? Or is he dismissive and callous? Those answers may tell you far more than the actual reason they broke up. Most importantly, Tehilla, don’t allow someone else’s unsuccessful relationship with a man you genuinely like cause you to worry that yours is destined to end the same way. Your friend’s experience is information worth knowing. It is not a prophecy.

Reader’s Response Yosef A Single really feel for you because I know how much something like this can get into

level and share your fear, but in a way of putting positives with your fears, but at the end of the day, you have to give yourself the chance to get to know him and see the relationship for yourself. You can care so much about your friend and still allow yourself to pursue something that could be really spe-

The second fear is about him. “If he suddenly ended things with her, what is stopping him from doing that to me?” Nothing. And I don’t mean that in a scary way. I mean that dating always contains that risk. Anyone you date can ultimately decide the relationship is not right for them. You can ultimately decide the relationship is not right for you. The fact that he broke up with her does not, by itself, tell me something terrible about him. Most people who date seriously have ended relationships and been on the receiving end of endings. What I would be curious about is how he handles endings, conflict, vulnerability and discomfort. Did he disappear on her? Did he make promises he had no intention of keeping? Was there dishonesty? Or did he decide the relationship wasn’t right, end it, and she was left deeply hurt and still searching for an explanation that he simply couldn’t give her? Those are very different things. Your friend’s experience is worth listening to, but I would be careful about borrowing her nervous system. She is telling you what it felt like to be her in a relationship with him. You still have to notice what it feels like to be you. How is he with you when something

is uncomfortable? Can you ask a hard question? Does he communicate when he’s uncertain? Does he take responsibility when he hurts you? Can he tolerate your feelings without becoming defensive or disappearing? Do his actions feel steady? That is the information I would be gathering now. And I also wouldn’t turn your friend into an investigative source. There is a difference between hearing what she tells you and sitting her down for a full autopsy of their relationship. That can become painful and messy very quickly, and it can also make it impossible for you to know which feelings are actually yours. You sound like you really like this guy. So don’t run simply because suddenly there is fear in the room. Let the fear give you curiosity, not control you. Talk to your friend when the time is right. Stay awake in your own relationship. Ask good questions. Watch how he handles the places where relationships stop being shiny and easy. And allow both things to be true at once: you can care deeply about your friend’s heart, and you can also continue discovering whether this man might have a place in yours.

Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

ear Tehilla, This is such an uncomfortable position to be in. You didn’t knowingly start dating your close friend’s ex. You were already a couple of months in, already liking him, already allowing yourself to feel excited about where this might be going, and then suddenly you find out there is this whole history sitting underneath it. Of course you’re rattled. I think there are really two separate fears here, and they’re getting wrapped around each other. The first is your friend. Do I believe in “girl code”? Yes. I believe in loyalty between women. I believe we don’t knowingly walk into situations that we understand will deeply wound someone we love. I believe friendship carries responsibility. But I also don’t believe a person becomes permanently off-limits simply because a friend once dated him. Especially when you had no idea. You didn’t sneak around. You didn’t know she had feelings for him. You didn’t choose him over her. You found out after you were already involved. So I wouldn’t frame this as, “Am I betraying my friend by continuing?”

I would frame it as, “Now that I know, how do I move through this with integrity?” If this continues and starts moving toward something serious, I think she needs to hear it from you. Not from a mutual friend, not at a simcha, not six months from now when everyone else knows. From you. And I would be very gentle. Not apologizing for existing. Not asking permission. Not minimizing what happened to her either. Something along the lines of, “I need to tell you something because I love you and I don’t want you finding this out from anyone else. I had no idea you had dated him until you told me. I’ve actually been seeing him for the past couple of months. I can hear how painful that relationship was for you, and I don’t want to be insensitive to that. I also want to be honest with you about where I am.” She may be hurt. She may feel jealous. She may feel scared for you. She may even need a little distance at first. Those feelings don’t necessarily mean you’ve done something wrong. They may simply mean that life handed the two of you a very complicated situation.

Warmly, Jennifer

Jennifer Mann, LCSW, is a therapist and certified life coach in private practice in Cedarhurst, NY and via telehealth. She works with individuals, couples, and families, and is a part-time school social worker at Bnos Malka Academy. Her work centers on anxiety, relationships, life transitions, and narcissistic abuse. She integrates attachment-based therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, and relational work, grounded in the belief that healing and growth emerge through honest, attuned, and meaningful human connection. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512.

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Let the fear give you curiosity, not control you.

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

cial for you. If it’s meant for you, it’s meant for you. And when the nerves and overthinking start taking over, do something that helps you get out of your head, whatever makes you feel calm, and brings you back to yourself. Try not to let fear take away from what the two of you are building together.

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your head. From my own dating experience, I’ve learned that sometimes you hear someone else’s experience with a person and suddenly you start questioning everything. You can definitely have an honest conversation with him about what happened, as it gets more serious, you should be able to open up on a personal

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Common

Cents

By Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®, MST

Getting into Shape (Financial Edition!) “Those Times when you get up early, and you work hard; those times when you stay up late, and you work hard; those times when you don’t feel like working, you’re too tired, you don’t want to push yourself, but you do it anyway; that is actually the dream. That’s the dream. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” - Kobe Bryant at his Lakers jersey retirement, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA 12/18/2017. In sports competitions, we often overemphasize the outcome but fail to appreciate the steps, the effort, and the journey it takes to get there. The same applies to personal finance. We are quick to set lofty financial goals for where we want to be, but we can quickly fall behind, make excuses, and fail to bridge the gap between financial dreams and financial reality. About 15 years ago, I started a journey to improve my physical health and focused heavily on running as my primary tool of exercise. Along the way, many of the skills, tools, and behaviors that helped me are the same ones necessary to build a responsible, sustainable, and growth-oriented financial plan. Running offers a useful education in patience and perseverance. You can buy the best shoes, download the premium version of the Strava app, and share your plans of marathon glory on Instagram. Your legs will still demand that you train, and training is hard, time-consuming, and requires sacrifice. A financial plan works the same way. Opening an investment account and downloading a budgeting app feel productive in the moment, but real financial success rests in the habits that follow: spending mindfully, saving consistently, and investing through periods of volatility. The good news is that you can make real progress without getting a PhD in economics or sitting for the CFA exam. As with a smart plan to improve your physical health, all you need is a realistic starting point, a manageable routine, and enough flexibility to stick with it. Start with an honest assessment Let’s say you would like to train

to run a marathon. If your current cardio consists of making the rounds between your coach and refrigerator, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to start off with a 20-mile run at 6am. Your personal finances require similar honesty. Before deciding on what you want in the bank, figure out what you currently have in the bank. This means writing down your monthly take-home income, essential expenses, discretionary expenses, and savings, such as contributions to a 401 (k), a savings account, or other investments. Lastly, identify all of your debts and how much you currently owe, along with the current interest rate. Once you have all of your expected income and expenses down, take a look at your last three months of bank statements. I recommend using an App such as Monarch Money to assist with this. This will provide clarity and bridge the gap between what you think you make and spend, and what you actually make and spend. Lastly, calculate your current net worth by taking the current value of all your bank accounts, investment accounts, real estate, and other assets and subtracting the balance of what you currently owe on credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, student loans, and any other debt. Understanding your current cash flow and your current net worth is not a judgment - it is a baseline. It allows you to create a starting point. Choose your race (goal) Training for a 5K or a marathon shares many of the same ingredients, but the actual plan will be very different. The distance matters, as does the time you have to train and prepare.

Setting financial goals requires the same level of specificity. Saying “I should save more” lacks clarity and direction, but identifying a goal such as “I would like to have an emergency fund equal to 3 months of monthly expenses” gives you a clear, achievable target. We find it helpful when clients can connect the dollar amount to a goal they are passionate about. This might include saving for a child’s Bar Mitzvah or Wedding, or for your own retirement. Assigning a goal to an investment account can be more motivating than just transferring money when you feel like it. Renaming investment accounts with a nickname that matches their goal can be very helpful for motivation. Write down one goal, its future dollar amount, and its expected deadline. Divide the dollar amount by the number of months to get a starting point. Investor Tip: The earlier you start, the less you will have to put away since compound interest will cover more and more of the ending balance you need. Build a routine that will work for you The funny thing about motivation is that it works great when it’s there, but sometimes, when you need it the most, it is nowhere to be found. While bad habits can be your worst enemy, good habits can be your best

friend. Here are some key habits that will help you stay the course: 1.

Automate, automate, automate: Set up monthly contributions to a high-yield savings, brokerage, and retirement accounts. If your employer offers a 401 (k), this is often done easily through your payroll and benefits department.

Spend a little, save a little: Every time you get a raise or find yourself with a windfall of unexpected cash, take 50% and invest it, and then take the remaining 50% and spend it! You gotta live a little - and by having a structure for how to deal with bonuses and raises, you can responsibly enjoy your life today while taking care of the future you! Give your budget enough fuel

A demanding training schedule requires adequate fuel, and an adequate financial plan also needs to leave you with enough “fuel” to avoid burnout and lose motivation. Make sure that your budget includes room for the fun things you enjoy in life - travel, eating out, spending time with friends and family. A financial plan that cuts out all the fun is destined to fail. Cross-train your investment strategy Running is my favorite form

Measure Progress, but stay out of the Weeds Runners can get distracted by a single disappointing workout. Investors can get distracted by a big sell-off in the stock market. Neither really makes a difference in the long term, and you should not change a long-term strategy based solely on a single “off day.”

The Finish Line Pick an action you can complete today. Then follow through again next week and see how it feels. Try to

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The decision to start saving and investing is yours, but the “how” can be hard. Email commoncents@ northbrookfinancial.com to schedule a financial planning consultation with our team. Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®, MST is Co-Founder of Northbrook Financial, a Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management Firm. He has developed and continues to teach a popular Financial Literacy course for high school students.

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Track progress over time, make adjustments as needed, and continually look to improve relative to your baseline. In finance, this can be accomplished by tracking cash flow with an online app, reviewing your net worth every 6 months, and updating your automated savings and investment plan every year or whenever a major change occurs in your current cash flow.

like differenceS in inSurance policieS.

Every race you complete involves covering some distance, but whether it’s a 5K or an ultramarathon, everything is done one step at a time. Be patient, embrace the unknown, adapt and adjust, and build a routine. Most importantly, give your plan time to work. Rome wasn’t built in a day, an Olympic gold medalist wasn’t born ready to run, and your Roth IRA will need time to compound in order to help you reach your goals.

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Your investment strategy should work the same way. A balance of cash, stocks, bonds, and alternative investments is key to any financial plan. The balance between these types of investments is based on two key factors: 1) Time Horizon - when will you need this money? 2) Risk Tolerance - How much are you willing to risk losing in the short term for a higher change of making more money over the long term? Stocks and alternatives tend to work well when you have a longer time horizon and have a higher risk tolerance, while cash and bonds are optimal for shorter time horizons and more risk-averse investors.

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of exercise, but it is probably the least favorite exercise for my joints. Strength training, cycling, swimming, and a healthy diet are all critical to a long-term health plan. Varied training can build broader fitness and reduce repetitive stress by giving some muscle groups a break while others get a chance to rest and recover.

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some good food By Sina Mizrahi

Tabbouleh with Pom Seeds This Lebanese salad is lemony (love), herb-packed (love more), and dotted with fine bulgur for heft and chew. It’s fresh and crisp and most of the work is chopping the vegetables finely. Fine bulgur, also called j’rish, drinks up liquid, so it’s a no-cook situation. You can substitute with cooked grains or even cauliflower rice, if needed. I add pomegranate arils for a burst of fruity tang.

Ingredients • ½ cup fine bulgur, rinsed • 1 cup boiling water • 2 ripe tomatoes, finely diced • 2 Persian cucumbers, finely diced • 1 bell pepper, finely diced • ½ red onion, finely diced • 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced (optional) • 2 cups parsley leaves, finely chopped • ¼ cup loosely packed mint leaves, finely chopped • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 2 Tbsp lemon juice • 1 tsp sea salt • ½ tsp coarse black pepper • ¼ cup pomegranate arils

Preparation

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Place bulgur into a medium bowl. Pour in boiling water; cover. Set aside to allow bulgur to absorb moisture and plump up, 30 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Toss to combine. Taste; adjust seasoning.

I felt quite ingenious when, ten years ago, I ran out of breadcrumbs and crushed the pretzels my toddler left over from his lunch to coat chicken strips. It made for a delicious coating, and I patted myself on the shoulder for that clever move. I did not know it was already a thing; regardless, in my nest it was revolutionary. I upgraded it with a stroke of hot jalapeño honey (it’s barely spicy) and a dipping sauce. It is now complete. And my kids (and I) love it.

Ingredients ChiCken • 2 cups salted pretzels

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Pretzel Chicken Strips with Jalapeño Honey Serves 4-6

• 1 egg, beaten • ½ tsp granulated onion • ¼ tsp sea salt • ¼ tsp black pepper • 1¼ lb. chicken breast, cut into ½-inch strips JAlAPeño Honey • ¹⁄₃ cup honey • ½ jalapeño pepper, sliced DiJon DiP • ½ cup mayonnaise • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard • 1 Tbsp Jalapeño Honey

Preparation Preheat oven to 450°F. Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. in the bowl of a food processor, pulse pretzels until coarsely

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

• ½ tsp granulated garlic

crushed, but some larger pieces remain; transfer to a shallow dish. in a large bowl, combine egg, granulated garlic, granulated onion, salt, and pepper. Add chicken; stir to coat. Dredge chicken in pretzel crumbs; transfer to wire rack. Generously coat with cooking spray; bake until golden and the edges are crisp, 12 minutes. Flip, spray with more oil, and bake for another 10-12 minutes. Prepare the Jalapeño Honey: in a saucepan, heat honey and jalapeño over medium-low heat until it reaches a light simmer. Remove remove jalapeño and seeds. Prepare the Dijon dip: Combine mayonnaise, mustard, and Jalapeño Honey in a small bowl. To serve: Transfer chicken to a serving platter; brush Jalapeño Honey on both sides. Serve with Dijon dip. Tip: line the baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.

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from heat; steep for 5-7 minutes. optional: Strain through a sieve to

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Date Roll Cookies Makes 40 cookies These cookies are perfect, and I don’t say that lightly. They are a bakery staple I grew up with but only love the homemade version. The tender shortbread-ish crust wraps around sweet, sticky date paste in a union that even chocolate can’t improve. Make them plain first. After that (because there will be repeats), load them with halva, nuts, marzipan, chocolate chips; they handle it all. The powdered sugar dusts them beautifully, like a fresh blanket of snow. One batch makes plenty, so share the love.

Ingredients • 6 cups (750 g) sifted all-purpose flour • 2 tsp (10 g) baking powder • ½ cup (100 g) sugar • 2 tsp (10 g) vanilla sugar

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• ¼ tsp (2 g) fine sea salt • 1 cup orange juice • 1 egg white • 1 cup neutral oil • ½ cup (100 g) solid coconut oil, cut into chunks • 15 oz (450 g) date spread • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparation Preheat oven to 350°F. line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Add orange juice, egg white, oil and solid coconut oil; knead until a smooth dough forms. you can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed. Shape dough into a ball; cover and refrigerate 20 minutes. Divide dough into 4. on a lightly floured surface, working with one at a time, roll out into a 14x12-inch rectangle, smear with ¼ of the date spread and carefully roll lengthwise into a tight log. if the dough tears, pinch it back in place. With a sharp knife, slice into 1-inch pieces. Place cookies on the baking sheet, close together. Repeat with remaining dough, adding preferred toppings over the date spread before rolling (see Try This). Bake until golden brown, 24-26 minutes. Remove from oven; allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. Transfer cookies to an airtight container; they will stay fresh for up to 5 days. or double wrap

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in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Try This: Sprinkle chopped, roasted nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia, etc.), ground coconut, marzipan, shredded halva, or chocolate chips over the date paste for extra flavor. you can use fruit jams, chocolate spread, or lotus or nut butters instead of the date paste. The possibilities are endless – have fun! Note: if necessary, you can omit the egg white.

Recipes reproduced from Good Food by Sina Mizrahi with permission from the copyright holders ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications, LTD.

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Health & F tness

Don’t Let Your Diet Go Through the S’chach Eating Healthy Over Sukkos By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

ukkos is a time filled with family, friends, and an abundance of phenomenal food. With massive meals, desserts, snacks, and outings, it can feel like there is always another opportunity to eat. With a little planning and balance, you can enjoy the yom tov without feeling overly full or off track. With the first days and second days each lasting two days, there are four yom tov meals in each set of days. With so many meals close together, it can be helpful to create some balance between them. Not every meal needs to be a heavy meal, and you do not need to have every rich food at every meal. For example, if one meal is a heavier meat meal with several side dishes and dessert, consider making another meal lighter. A simple fish meal with vegetables, salad, and a lighter side dish can be a great way to balance things out.

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Begin With a Plan Before Sukkos begins, take a few minutes to think about what the meals and days ahead will look like. When you know that there will be several large meals in a short period of time, it can be helpful to have a general idea of what you want to eat rather than simply eating whatever happens to be available. If you know that a particular meal will be heavier, consider keeping some of the other foods on your plate lighter. For example, if you are having a heavy main dish, you can pair it with vegetables and a fresh salad instead of several heavy side dishes. If there’s a dessert you really enjoy, plan to have that as your treat of the day and be mindful of other sweets that come up throughout the day. Planning does not mean creating a strict menu for yourself or counting ev-

Yom tov meals often include meat, and often red meat, but that does not mean you need to have red meat at every meal. Red meat is much higher in saturated fat and calories than poultry or fish, and eating it frequently can increase the risk of heart disease. When possible, choose leaner cuts of meat, such as lean beef or London broil, or choose chicken, turkey, or fish as your protein. This can be a simple way to add more variety and balance to your meals.

Enjoy the Foods You Love

ery bite. It simply means thinking ahead so that you can make intentional choices instead of making decisions when you are already very hungry or surrounded by tempting foods.

Don’t Skip Meals to “Save Up” It can be tempting to skip breakfast or lunch before a large yom tov meal because you know there will be plenty of food later. However, arriving hungry at a meal can make it much harder to eat comfortably and recognize when you have had enough. Instead, have a normal, balanced meal or snack earlier in the day. Something as simple as yogurt and fruit, eggs, cottage cheese with fruit, or vegetables can help keep you satisfied until the next meal. By eating normally during the day, you can make it easier to sit down at the meal feeling comfortable and in control.

Balance Your Plate When you sit down to a meal with many different choices, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Rather than trying to completely eliminate certain foods, think about how you can create a balanced plate. Start by including a source of protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean meat, or another protein-rich food. Add vegetables or salad and then choose the carbohydrate or starches that you most enjoy. This could be potatoes, rice, kugel, or another starchy side dish. You do not need to have a little bit of everything simply because it is on the table. Look at the available choices and select the foods that you genuinely want. Taking a reasonable portion initially also gives you the opportunity to see whether you are still hungry before going back for more.

Healthy eating during Sukkos does not mean saying no to every dessert or favorite dish. In fact, trying to completely avoid foods that you love can sometimes leave you feeling deprived and make it harder to eat mindfully. Instead, choose the food that you really want and enjoy them. If your favorite dessert is being served, take a portion, sit down, and actually enjoy it. You do not need to feel guilty because you have dessert. At the same time, remember that you do not have to eat every treat simply because it is available. There is a difference between eating something because you truly want it and eating it because it happens to be sitting in front of you.

Healthy Options Keep healthy desserts and snacks that you actually enjoy available, such as apple compote, baked apples with cinnamon, fresh fruit, or fruit salad. Having nutritious options ready can help fill you up and satisfy your sweet craving, making you less likely to reach for less healthy, convenient foods. A bowl of fresh fruit or a pitcher of water can make healthy choices easy and accessible. When food is available throughout the day, it can be easy to eat simply

Listen to Your Hunger and Fullness

Make Movement Part of the Chag You do not need a formal workout every day to stay active during Sukkos. A short walk after a meal can be a refreshing way to get outside, enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and spend quality time with family.

Chol Hamoed: Pack Before You Go

Perhaps the most important strategy for a healthy Sukkos is to let go of perfection. There will probably be a meal where you eat more than you planned. There may be a dessert that you could not resist or a day when your meals are not as balanced as you would have liked. That is okay. Healthy eating is not determined by one meal or one day. What matters is the overall pattern. If one meal is heavier, simply return to your usual habits at the next opportunity. There is no need to skip meals, drastically restrict your food, or try to make up for what you ate. On Sukkos, allow yourself to enjoy your favorite yom tov foods while also listening to your body, stopping when you’re satisfied, and choosing lighter options when possible. With a little planning, balance, and mindful choices, you can enjoy Sukkos without ending the yom tov feeling like you need a reset. Chag sameach and a gezunt vinter!

Aliza Beer is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail. com, and you can follow her on Instagram at @alizabeer

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Chol Hamoed often means being away from home for several hours, whether you are taking a trip, spending the day with family, or traveling to a destination. Planning your food ahead of time can help you stay comfortable and avoid getting extremely hungry when there are limited options available. For a long flight or a day of travel with connections, pack convenient foods such as low-sugar or no-sugar-added protein bars, rice cakes with peanut butter, fruit, whole-grain crackers, or a sandwich. For long car rides, bring a small cooler or snack bag with foods such as fruit, cheese sticks, yogurt, cut-up vegetables with hummus, protein bars, crackers, or sandwiches. For children, easy-to-eat options such as fruit, applesauce pouches, cheese sticks, yogurt, crackers, pretzels, or small sandwiches can work well. Having food with you makes it easier to choose something satisfying when you are hungry instead of waiting until you are starving and then relying on whatever happens to be available. For families spending Chol Hamoed

Don’t Try to Be Perfect

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

One of the biggest challenges of Sukkos is that the clock can tell you it is time to eat even when your body is not particularly hungry. There may be a meal scheduled shortly after another meal, or everyone may be sitting down to eat simply because it is the traditional meal time. Before taking a large portion, check in with yourself. Am I actually hungry? If you are hungry, eat. If you are still full from the previous meal, you may not need a large meal. You can choose something lighter or have a smaller portion.

at a hotel or organized program, the challenge can be a little different. There may be multiple food stations, buffets, snacks available throughout the day, and large meals prepared for guests. Remember that just because food is included does not mean you need to eat it every time it is offered. At a buffet, take a quick look at all of the options before filling your plate. Choose the foods you actually want and begin with reasonable portions. Include protein and vegetables along with the starches and other foods you enjoy. Programs may also have snacks, refreshments, and desserts available between meals. Instead of automatically taking something each time food is offered, check whether you are actually hungry. If you are, choose something that will satisfy you. If you are not hungry, it is perfectly fine to pass. Most importantly, do not feel that you have to be eating constantly. The goal of going away is to enjoy the experience, spend time with family, participate in the program, and have a wonderful Yom Tov, not to make every available food opportunity into a meal.

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because it is there, so try to be mindful of what you are reaching for and choose foods that will leave you feeling satisfied. With busy yom tov schedules, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water. Keep water nearby and sip throughout the day to stay hydrated and feel your best. Try to choose water as your main source of hydration rather than relying on sweetened drinks.

SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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Unity doesn’t mean uniform

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NJ, Clifton, NJ, Cresskill, NJ, Deal, NJ, East Windsor, NJ, E town, NJ, Edison, NJ, Elberon, NJ, Elizabeth, NJ, Englewood, NJ, Fair Lawn, NJ, Freehold, NJ, Green Brook, NJ, Hawt NJ, Highland Park, NJ, Hillside, NJ, Holmdel, NJ, Howell, NJ, Jackson, NJ, Lakewood, NJ, Linden, NJ, Livingston, NJ Branch, NJ, Manalapan, NJ, Manchester, NJ, Manchester Township, NJ, Marlboro, NJ, Middletown, NJ, Millburn, NJ, Mo ville, NJ, Morristown, NJ, New Milford, NJ, Oakhurst, NJ, Ocean, NJ, Paramus, NJ, Passaic, NJ, Tinton Falls, NJ, Toms Riv Towaco, NJ, Union, NJ, Union City, NJ, West Long Branch, NJ, West Orange, NJ, Airmont, NY, Astoria, NY, Atlantic Beac Bedford-Stuyvesant, NY, Belle Harbor, NY, Bellmore, NY, Bloomingburg, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Cedarhurst, NY, Central Vall Chester, NY, Chestnut Ridge, NY, Dobbs Ferry, NY, East Meadow, NY, East Northport, NY, Fallsburg, NY, Far Rockawa Flushing, NY, Forest Hills, NY, Fresh Meadows, NY, Garnerville, NY, Ghent, NY, Goshen, NY, Great Neck, NY, Greenva Harriman, NY, Hewlett, NY, Highland Mills, NY, Hillburn, NY, Hollis, NY, Inwood, NY, Jamaica, NY, Kew Gardens, NY, Kew dens Hills, NY, Kiamesha Lake, NY, Kingston, NY, Kiryas Joel, NY, Lawrence, NY, Liberty, NY, Long Beach, NY, Lynbroo Monroe, NY, Monsey, NY, Montebello, NY, Monticello, NY, Mount Ivy, NY, Nanuet, NY, New City, NY, New Hempstead, NY Paltz, NY, New Rochelle, NY, New Square, NY, New York, NY, North Woodmere, NY, Oceanside, NY, Palm Tree, NY, Pear NY, Plainview, NY, Pomona, NY, Queens, NY, Rego Park, NY, Richmond Hill, NY, Rochester, NY, Rockaway Park, NY, R Heights, NY, Sleepy Hollow, NY, Sloatsburg, NY, Spring Valley, NY, Staten Island, NY, Stony Point, NY, Suffern, NY, Thie Valley Stream, NY, Wesley Hills, NY, West Haverstraw, NY, West Hempstead, NY, White Plains, NY, Woodbury, NY, Wood NY, Woodridge, NY, Woodstock, NY, Charlotte, NC, Durham, NC, Green Mountain, NC, Raleigh, NC, Beachwood, OH, cothe, OH, Cincinnati, OH, Cleveland, OH, Cleveland Heights, OH, Columbus, OH, Shaker Heights, OH, Solon, OH, Univ Heights, OH, Wickliffe, OH, Norman, OK, Ardmore, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, Clarks Summit, PA, Elkins Park, PA, Jim Thorp Kingston, PA, Lancaster, PA, Merion Station, PA, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Single: Scranton, PA, Bluffton, SC, Myrtle B $199/month Our United Refuah membership brings together members from 286 SC, Austin, TX, Dallas, TX,—Houston, Katy, TX, Kingwood, TX, Liberty Hill, TX,Couple: Plano,$349/month TX, Poolville, TX, San Anton different cities likely evenTX, yours — representing communities, Spring, TX, Ashburn, VA, backgrounds Leesburg, VA, Bainbridge Island,itself. WA, Seattle, WA, Wheeling, WV, Glendale, WI, Milwauke minhagim, and as diverse as Klal Yisroel Family (3-6): $499/month $50 each additional member CA, Ben Lomon Flagstaff, AZ, Phoenix, AZ, Scottsdale, AZ, Sedona, AZ, Tucson, AZ, Agoura Hills, CA, Bell Canyon, many different cities and communities, we come together with Beverly Hills,From CA,soCalabasas, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Newport Beach, CA, San Diego, San Francisco, CA, Santa Ba (440)CA, U-REFUAH achdus and chessed. Together, we’ve saved Klal Yisroel an estimated CA, Tarzana,$230 CA,million Thousand Oaks, CA, Breckenridge, CO, Crested Butte, CO, Denver, CO, Greenwood Village, CO, Nor www.unitedrefuah.org in healthcare costs with each and every member making our CO, Westminster, CO,more Durham, CT, Fairfield, CT, New Haven, CT, Norwalk, CT, Ridgefield, CT, Simsbury, CT, Stamford, C info@unitedrefuah.org community complete. terbury, CT, West Hartford, CT, Westport, CT, Weston, CT, Harbeson, DE, Altamonte Springs, FL, Aventura, FL, Bay H Islands, FL, Boca Raton, FL, Bonifay, FL, Boynton Beach, FL, Bradenton, FL, Coconut Creek, FL, Coral Springs, FL, Dav DeLand, FL, Delray Beach, FL, Dania Beach, FL, Dunedin, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Hallandale Beach, FL, Hialeah, FL,