Baltimore Jewish Home 9-4-25

JAROSLAWITZ

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Dear Readers,

When we think of the success of our schools and Yeshivos, it is natural to highlight the principals, Rabbeim, and teachers. They are the ones transmitting Torah, inspiring growth, and shaping the next generation. Yet behind the scenes stands another group of leaders whose work, though often unseen, is no less essential: the executive directors and their teams. They keep the lights on, the doors open, the staff paid, and the facilities growing. They juggle budgets, negotiate contracts, and, most critically, carry the heavy responsibility of raising the funds that sustain and expand our mosdos. By cultivating relationships with donors from all walks of life, they not only secure the means to keep Torah institutions running, but also invite people to feel connected to the mission itself. The flame of Torah is able to burn brightly because someone ensures there is always oil for the lamp.

Baltimore was recently reminded of this truth with the passing of Rabbi Ari Flamm z”l, who served as the longtime Executive Director of Bais Yaakov. A legend in the community, Rabbi Flamm embodied the dedication and creativity required of an executive director. At his levaya and throughout shiva, countless stories were shared of the relationships he built, sometimes with complete strangers, offering them the opportunity to support Torah education. For him, fundraising was never transactional; it was personal, spiritual, and grounded in authenticity. Those who encountered him didn’t just become donors; they became friends, partners, and fellow travelers in the mission of sustaining Torah. Rabbi Flamm’s larger-than-life personality drew people close, but it was his deep sense of achrayus that left the most profound impression.

One story in particular highlights this. When Bais Yaakov once faced a severe deficit and needed immediate cash just to cover payroll, Rabbi Flamm worked tirelessly to secure a loan. The lender agreed but required a personal guarantor. Without hesitation, Rabbi Flamm signed his own name, assuming the risk himself to ensure that the staff would be paid. Acts like this were not unusual for him; they were simply an expression of the way he lived. He viewed his position not as a job, but as a mission. His efforts were filled with joy, purpose, and a seriousness that reflected his role as a tomchei Torah. The countless stories that emerged after his passing all carried a common thread: his love for Torah, his devotion to its institutions, and his willingness to shoulder whatever burden was necessary to see them thrive.

As a new school year begins, it is an appropriate time to pause and appreciate those working in the back offices of our schools and Yeshivos. They may not stand at the head of a classroom, but their work is indispensable to the learning that happens there. Their hours are long, their burdens heavy, and their mission holy. If the teachers light the fire of Torah in our children, the executive directors and their staff make sure the flame doesn’t flicker out but continues to shine strong. In honoring their work, and in remembering the legacy of Rabbi Flamm, we ensure the continuity of Torah in our community, carried forward by both those who teach and those who sustain.

Wishing you a peaceful Shabbos, Aaron M. Friedman

Opening Remarks and Divrei Bracha

Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer

Mara D'Asrah, Shearith Israel Congregation and President of the Vaad HaRabbanim

Keynote Address

Rabbi Yechiel Spero

Noted Rebbe, Author, & Lecturer

SPONSORSHIPS ARE

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Maryland National Guard Chaplains Visit JUSA Chabad

The Jewish Uniformed Service Association of Maryland-Chabad (JUSA) recently welcomed Maryland National Guard Chaplains Capt. Jones and Capt. Fielding for a tour of the JUSA Chabad House.

During the visit, JUSA director Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum was presented with a plaque recognizing JUSA as one of the only synagogues in Maryland participating in the distinguished Maryland National Guard’s Partners in Care program. This initiative connects Guard members in need of support with local congregations, providing vital assistance to Soldiers

TI Welcomes

Bisiyata Dishmaya, we joyfully welcomed the Talmidim of Torah Institute back for a new school year! The halls once again rang with Tefillah, Torah, and growth. May they thrive in learning, Middos, and Yiras Shamayim, bringing Nachas to parents, Rebbeim, Moros, and Klal Yisrael.

and their families. The chaplains and Rabbi Tenenbaum also discussed opportunities for future collaboration in supporting Soldiers and Veterans.

As part of the visit, the chaplains received JUSA’s Salute to Our Heroes cards as a token of appreciation for their service. They were also shown a rare Jewish U.S. Military Prayer Book from World War I, printed in 1917, which will be featured in the future JUSA House Jewish Military Artifacts Display.

If you have Jewish military artifacts to share, or would like to be a sponsor of this meaningful project, please email, rabbict@jewishusamd.org

House

By: BJLife Newsroom

Talmidim Back To Cheder Let’s Connect! Celebrates Its First Round Of Peer-Led Circles

Thirty members of Let’s Connect! gathered at the home of Sara Scheller on Wednesday, August 6, to celebrate the completion of the organization’s first round of peer-led classes—known as Circles.

Let’s Connect! is a new organization (though its planning committee prefers to call it a community) dedicated to fostering Torah-oriented intellectual, spiritual, and social connections among frum women aged 55 and older.

The group’s debut event in May drew an overflow crowd for a lively afternoon of inspiration, reflection, and connection. Guests enjoyed a variety of activities, including a short stand-up comedy set by a local nonagenarian. The event also introduced the Circles program: small, peer-led groups built around shared interests.

The first round of Circles featured walking groups, hiking groups, chabura-style learning sessions, and a book club. Given the level of enthusiasm generated by the May event, it is no

surprise that the Circles quickly filled to capacity. The August 6 gathering brought participants of all the Circles together to celebrate their shared learning, friendships, and to both deepen and broaden their connections to each other.

Let’s Connect! will host its next community event, “Preparing for Rosh Hashana: Heart, Hand, and Soul,” on Sunday, September 14, at 2:00 pm at Shomrei Emunah. Participants can expect Let’s Connect!’s signature blend of introspective moments, interactive experiences, and social connection.

Ready to connect? Register at letsconnectbaltimore.org/fallevent/

Early registration is encouraged. Our last event was standing room only, and this event is expected to sell out quickly.

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WITS/Maalot Alumnae Health Science Cohort Explores Halachic Challenges In

Healthcare

More than 25 young women gathered at the home of Yossi and Amian Kelemer for a thought-provoking Q&A session with Rabbi Rose, focused on the ethical and halachic challenges faced by frum women working in healthcare.

This event marked the second gathering of the Health Science Cohort, a new initiative of the WITS/Maalot Alumnae Association, and it was clear how much the women valued the chance to talk and learn together.

The evening opened with a warm introduction by Dr. Moshay Cooper, a pediatrician, longtime WITS board member, and mentor for the cohort. Dr. Cooper set the tone by highlighting the importance of ongoing education and support for frum women navigating the complexities of healthcare fields.

Rabbi Rose, Rav of BJSZ, esteemed WITS faculty member for over 13 years, and widely experienced in end-of-life halacha, offered clear, practical hadracha on questions submitted by cohort members. Topics included the halachic implications of withdrawing life support, feeding non-kosher food to Jewish patients, navigating MOLST forms, and other sensitive end-of-life issues.

The session featured case studies and open discussion, allowing participants to explore real-world dilemmas and gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of consulting with a Rav.

Following the Q&A, attendees enjoyed light refreshments and the opportunity to mingle and network. The event gave women in the health sciences the opportunity to connect, grow, share experiences, and support one another.

The WITS/Maalot Alumnae Health Science Cohort continues to thrive, with more relevant and impactful events planned in the months ahead.

Teaching With Heart: JES Ignites The Spark For Early Childhood Educators

What does it take to step into a classroom of infants, toddlers, or preschoolers with confidence and joy on the very first day of school? For early childhood educators in our community, the answer begins with professional development and Jewish Educational Services (JES) is here to help them get ready. These dedicated teachers are sharpening their skills, building new strategies, and preparing classrooms where every child can thrive. Through engaging workshops and interactive sessions, JES staff trained the educators on everything from strengthening parent communication to supporting social-emotional growth and building strong teaching partnerships.

JES staff partnered with directors from E.B. Hirsh Early Learning Center, Mosdos Kehal Chassidim, Cheder Chabad, and Bais Yaakov Early Learning Center to arrange customized backto-school training courses tailored to the unique needs of their teams.

This year’s sessions focused on practical, hands-on training led by early childhood experts on JES staff. One workshop, From Trunk to Treetop: Seeing Social Emotional Development

from New Perspectives, guided educators through the layered dimensions of social-emotional growth, beginning with the smallest daily behaviors and zooming out to the broader classroom culture. Another session, Thriving Together: Creating a Collaborative Ecosystem for Teacher Partnerships, gave participants tools to strengthen co-teaching relationships and build trust with colleagues.

The Parent Communication workshop provided educators with tools for building strong relationships with families from the very start of the school year. Teachers explored activities such as the Trust Timeline and practiced framing strategies through interactive role play. One participant summed it up beautifully:

“I want to thank you for a super great day today! I learned a lot and had fun! The morning session about communication with parents was very interactive, engaging and very smoothly run. I felt included, open to sharing, and all around there was great energy in the room. The hands-on lessons were great experiences for me. “

Directors also shared their enthusiasm, noting that the day offered fresh ideas for teachers at every stage of

their career. As Tamar Schulman, Early Childhood Director at Mosdos Kehal Chassidim reflected, “Even my veteran teachers felt like they got something new to try.”

JES is proud to be a credentialed training organization, offering continuing education credits recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education. What sets JES apart is the ongoing support that extends far beyond the workshop itself. JES staff consultants regularly visit schools, working side by side with teachers in their classrooms to help put new strategies into practice. This hands-on follow-up ensures that learning isn’t just theoretical—it translates into lasting growth for both educators and children.

We applaud the dedication of early childhood educators who commit themselves to learning and growing

each year. Their willingness to reflect, practice, and collaborate is what helps our children flourish.

Alongside these early childhood sessions, JES also offered back-to-school training for new teachers in grades K–8. The New Teacher Cohort, now forming for the 2025–2026 school year, provides a supportive space for educators to connect with peers, gain professional development, and receive guidance as they navigate their first years in the classroom. New teachers in any elementary and middle school are encouraged to reach out for more information.

The start of the year is always filled with anticipation and energy. With JES training and support, our teachers are stepping into their classrooms ready to inspire, connect, and make a difference in the lives of children.

Baltimore’s Dr. Sammy Esterson Brings Lifelong Commitment To Israel, Returning For Third Volunteer Mission At ADI Negev Rehab Center

By: BJLife Newsroom

Over the last 20 months, more than 100 kindhearted Physical and Occupational Therapists from the United States have lent a hand at the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, doing their part to enhance care for patients from the hardest hit communities in southern Israel. But few have been as prolific and impactful as Dr. Sammy Esterson, a PT and native of Baltimore, Maryland, who is back in the rehabilitation village for his third stint of volunteering.

The first time around, Dr. Esterson volunteered for two weeks. The second time for three weeks. And now, he’s locked in for five weeks of covering shifts, healing patients, and boosting morale.

“Volunteering at ADI Negev has been the highlight of my career,” said Dr. Esterson earnestly. “The doctors and patients are always happy to see me, and everyone is so appreciative. It really feels like coming home.”

Dr. Esterson, who has been a physical therapist for 47 years, trained at the world renowned Rusk Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine-NYU Medical Center in New York City, one of the first and largest rehabilitation centers in the world. Two years ago, after 300 hours of studying, he took and passed Israel’s physical therapy licensing exam, so he is truly a full-fledged, state recognized member of the team.

“The staff here at the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran is so well trained. The range of specialties that they cover is incredibly impressive, but what’s even more unusual is the way that they all work together so seamlessly. It’s an honor to be a part of this team.”

From the very beginning, Dr. Esterson has “felt a responsibility and a deep desire to help” during these challenging times, and his love for Israel and people is on full display each and every day. We are so grateful to Dr. Esterson for giving his heart and

Maryland Senators Attar And Hettleman Join Historic Interfaith Summit In Israel

By: BJLife Newsroom

As reported by BJL, a groundbreaking interfaith summit took place this week in Julis, Israel, convened by the Chief Rabbinate and the Interior Ministry. The event brought together top religious leaders from across faiths — Jewish, Druze, Christian, and Muslim — in a powerful display of unity, peace, and mutual respect.

We are proud to share that two of our very own leaders, Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar and Maryland State Senator Shelley Hettleman, were present at this historic gathering. The Senators were invited by the Israeli Embassy to participate in the high-level meeting, representing not only their districts but also the broader values of respect, coexistence, and international partnership that our community holds dear.

The meeting featured heartfelt calls for unity and peace from figures such as Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef, HaRav Simcha Eliezer Weiss,

and Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif. Religious leaders emphasized the sanctity of life and the shared moral obligation across faiths to speak out against violence and injustice — values deeply aligned with those held by our local senators and the communities they serve.

In addition to attending the interfaith gathering, the senators also held meetings with members of the Knesset and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, engaging in meaningful dialogue around shared democratic values and regional cooperation.

We thank both senators for representing our values on the global stage and for standing alongside leaders of all faiths in the pursuit of peace and mutual understanding

From Summer CampS to the KGB:

He pioneered the landscape of Jewish camping He successfully negotiated in the shadowy realms of the CIA and KGB He reached out and helped thousands of struggling teens HE CHANGED

Ronnie Greenwald was a brilliant and compassionate mechanech, a hostage negotiator, a presidential advisor, and a legendary askan who was close to gedolei Torah. He helped Russian refuseniks, saved broken marriages, rescued hostages, uplifted teens in crisis, and transformed the entire

concept of summer camping — and he did it all with bitachon, brilliance, and a smile.

This breathtaking biography is more than a story. It’s an inspiration. A reminder that one Jew, with emunah, vision, and courage, can do the impossible. Fallstaff Shopping Center 6830 Reisterstown Rd

JCNSL Regular Season Nears Its Finale: Playoff Picture Comes Into Focus

With only one week remaining in the regular season, the excitement in the Jewish Community Night Softball League (JCNSL) by Tripping Kosher is palpable. Which four teams will advance to the NIV Advisors Postseason? And who will ultimately raise the Premier Financial Trophy as champions of the 2025 season?

Fans won’t have to wait long to find out—join the action Sunday evening, September 7, at the beautifully maintained Tidy Up fields at Reisterstown Regional Complex. In the meantime, here’s a look back at a thrilling slate of games from this past Sunday.

YL Waitering 7 – MDSC 3

YL Waitering delivered a statement win, knocking off MDSC 7–3 to improve to 4-1 and officially clinch a playoff berth.

Yaakov Furman sparked the offense from the leadoff spot, while Yoni Levin’s speed on the basepaths kept MDSC under constant pressure. Avi Abramson stood out both at the plate and in the outfield, while shortstop Meir Parry continued to dazzle with gold-glove caliber defense.

Shlomo Fantl turned in a perfect 4-for-4 performance with clutch RBIs, and Yoni Frager impressed on both sides of the ball at third base. On the mound, Mayer “Skubal” Goldsmith strengthened his case as the league’s Cy Young frontrunner with another dominant outing.

Brian Ponczak provided one of the game’s defensive highlights with a leaping snag at second base, while Ari Elman and Shmuly Abramson added consistency and power at the plate.

The team also took a moment postgame to issue a lighthearted correction, clarifying that Benzion Shamberg had been previously misidentified as Meir Shamberg. With the win, YL Waitering rides high into the postseason.

Ambush Law 9 – Tov Pizza 4

Ambush Law showed grit and balance, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Tov Pizza 9–4.

After trailing for much of the game, a sixth-inning rally sparked by Aharon Loiterman’s RBI triple and Avi Ambush’s go-ahead single swung the momentum. The inning snowballed into a five-run surge, highlighted by Naftali Gerstman’s tough at-bat despite injury and Alex Feinstein’s insurance knock.

Tzvi Perlman paced the offense with a 4-for-4 day, while Tzvi Skaist added two doubles and stellar defense at second base. Moshe Miller’s pitching, supported by smart defensive alignments from Yoffi Storch, sealed the win in a true team effort.

Aisle 9 19 – Ambush Law 1

Ambush Law ran into a buzzsaw as Aisle 9 stormed to a 19–1 victory, ending the game after five innings via the mercy rule.

Yaakov Spatz powered the offense with eight RBIs, including a bases-loaded triple, while every member of the lineup contributed to the relentless attack. On the mound, Danny Weissmann gave up just one unearned run, keeping Ambush Law off balance throughout.

The win improved Aisle 9’s record to 4-1, solidifying their place among the league’s elite.

Aisle 9 9 – Fireside Bakery 8

Aisle 9 followed up their rout with a nail-biter, edging Fireside Bakery 9–8 in a thriller.

After building a 6-1 lead, Aisle 9 saw Fireside battle back to keep the game tight. In the sixth, shortstop Mully Bendet delivered the decisive RBI, giving his team a narrow lead heading into the final frame.

The seventh inning brought high drama as Fireside loaded the bases with the go-ahead run on first. But center fielder Koby Leder’s spectacular catch and Danny Weissmann’s clutch pitching closed the door.

With the win, Aisle 9 moved to 5-1, tying them for first place in the standings.

Miracle Massage 16 – Tov Pizza 2

In a rematch of last year’s championship game, Miracle Massage left

no doubt, cruising to a 16–2 victory over Tov Pizza. Despite Tov’s strong start, Miracle Massage unleashed an offensive onslaught to secure the dominant win.

Also, for no apparent reason, Aron Meister wore a sombrero for a good portion of the game.

Miracle Massage 10 – YL Waitering 9

The day closed with one of the season’s best games: Miracle Massage vs. YL Waitering in a battle for the top seed.

Both teams traded blows all evening, with YL tying the game 9–9 in the top of the seventh. In the bottom half, Ahron Schnur and two teammates singled to set the stage for late drama. Last year’s MVP, Meir Goldsmith, turned an incredible double play to keep YL alive.

But Miracle’s Jeremy Kramer ended it in style, lining a walk-off single to right that scored the winning run. The 10–9 win positioned Miracle Massage as a true contender heading into the final week.

What’s Next?

With one week left in the regular season, the playoff picture is razor-thin and the anticipation electric. Aisle 9, YL Waitering, and Miracle Massage have each proven themselves championship-caliber, while other contenders are still clawing for a coveted postseason spot.

The stage is set for a dramatic finish: Will Miracle Massage defend their crown? Can YL Waitering ride their late-season surge to glory? Will Aisle 9’s relentless depth carry them to the top? And is it even possible for the league’s attire to look sharper than this year’s Calm Mind Therapy Center–sponsored jerseys?

All answers will be revealed Sunday, September 7, under the lights at Reisterstown Regional Complex— when the Premier Financial Trophy will finally find its 2025 champion.

Greater Washington: Around the Community

GWCK Inspires Growth This Elul

As the month of Elul ushers in a season of reflection and renewal, the Greater Washington Community Kollel (GWCK), under the direction of Rabbi Menachem Winter and Rabbi Hillel Shaps, has launched a series of meaningful initiatives designed to help the community prepare for the Yamim Noraim.

Seeking to elevate our daily living, GWCK is spearheading a community-wide effort to inspire greater intentionality in how we use our smartphones and social media. The Elul Connection Challenge invites participants to disconnect a little bit from their phones and social media, redirecting their attention to matters of greater importance during this season of growth. Each day brings new chizuk and inspiration from local Rabbanim as well as practical challenges to take control of smartphone use. Participation has been enthusiastic as over 200 people have chosen to work on themselves in this area. One participant described the challenges as ‘powerful’ in helping him disconnect from overuse

of his phone, while others shared how much chizuk they have gained.

This past Sunday, the GWCK was proud to host Rabbi Moshe Walter, Rabbi of Woodside Synagogue Ahavas Torah and Director of the Vaad HaRabanim of Greater Washington, for a timely lecture: The Making of the Siddur: The History, Development, and Origins of the Siddur and Machzor. Rabbi Walter, author of numerous works including the newly released The Making of the Siddur, masterfully explored the rich, two-thousand-year evolution of the sacred text we use daily. He awakened the audience to consider the meaning and purpose behind various tefillos that have found their way into the siddur and encouraged everyone to recognize the centrality of certain Yamim Noraim tefillos, such as Adon Olam and Aleinu, which are sometimes underappreciated the rest of the year.

GWCK’s Sunday Brunch and Learn for men at Young Israel Shomrai Emunah will be kicking off two

brand-new series special for Elul, beginning September 7: Teshuva’s Role in Elul & Elul’s Role in Teshuva with Rabbi Yitzchak Kamenetsky and Sefer Yonah and the Path to Yom Kippur with Rabbi Hillel Shaps. These series promise to offer deep insights into the themes of teshuva and the journey toward Yom Kippur.

Rounding out the month is a special Themes of Tishrei Evening of Inspiration, featuring a lineup of distinguished Rabbanim from across the Greater Washington area, who will share Divrei Torah and reflection on Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkos. This Zoom event offers a

unique opportunity for members of the Greater Washington community to join together in one “room” to hear from exceptional Rabbanim, including those they may not typically have access to. This annual event has become a highlight for many in their preparation for the upcoming Yamim Tovim.

Through these initiatives and many others, the Greater Washington Community Kollel continues its mission of bringing Torah learning and inspiration to every corner of the community. This Elul, the Kollel invites us all to embrace these opportunities for growth and enter Tishrei inspired, prepared, and uplifted.

Greater Washington Weekday Minyanim Guide

6:15 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah M-F

6:25 am Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua M-F

6:30 am Beth Sholom Congregation M-F

Beit Halevi (Sfardi) M, T

Chabad of Silver Spring M-F

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY M-F

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah S YGW M, Th

6:35 am Ohr Hatorah M, Th

6:40 am YGW S, T, W, F

Magen David Sephardic Congregation M-Th

6:45 am Beit Halevi (Sfardi) 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 S

Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah T, W, F

Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac T, W, F

7:05 am Kesher Israel M, Th

7:15 am Kemp Mill Synagogue M, Th Kesher Israel T, W, F

Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue M-F

Ohr Hatorah S

7:30 am Chabad of DC M-F

Chabad of Potomac M-F

JROC M-F

Kemp Mill Synagogue T, W, F

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua M-F

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah S

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sfardi) M-F

7:45 am YGW (Yeshiva Session Only) S-F

8:00 am Beth Sholom Congregation S

Kemp Mill Synagogue S

Kesher Israel S

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY S

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua S

Chabad of Upper Montgomery County S Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah S

Sholom Congregation 11825 Seven Locks Rd. Potomac, MD 20854 Chabad of Potomac

Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

OLNEY Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah (OSTT)

18320 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD 20832

For edits or additions email ads@baltimorejewishhome.com

8:00 am YGW (High School; School-Contingent) S-F

Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac S Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sfardi) S

8:05 am Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville M, Th

8:15 am Ohr Hatorah S Ezras Israel Congregation of Rockville S, T, W, F

Kehilat Pardes / Berman Hebrew Academy S-F

Silver Spring Jewish Center M-F

8:30 am Chabad of DC S Chabad of Potomac S JROC S Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue S

Silver Spring Jewish Center S YGW (Summer Only) S-F

8:45 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah S-F

9:00 am Chabad of Silver Spring S Kemp Mill Synagogue S

mincha

2:15 pm Silver Spring Jewish Center S-F

2:20 pm YGW M, T, W

2:45 pm YGW M-Th

3:00 pm YGW Middle School School Days

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

8:15 pm OSTT (OLNEY) S-Th

8:45 pm YGW School Days

9:30 pm YGW S-Th

Silver Spring Jewish CenterSpring/Summer

9:45 pm Ohr Hatorah M-Th

10:00

The Week In News

The Week In News

1,400 Dead in Afghani Earthquake

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake killed over 1,400 people and injured more than 3,000 others overnight Monday in eastern Afghanistan, mostly in the province of Kunar.

Because it was a shallow quake — only five miles from the surface of the earth — the earthquake was especially destructive. Aftershocks were felt in Kabul, the country’s capital, less than 100 miles away, though the city was otherwise unaffected.

Landslides blocked rescue workers from reaching hard-hit villages. Traveling 35 miles from Jalalabad to the Nur Gal District, the worst hit area, took

the Red Cross four hours overnight, according to Homa Nader, the acting head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Afghanistan. The road connecting Jalalabad and Kunar Province was eventually reopened. Ambulances streamed toward the disaster zone, while others transported victims back to the city.

The earthquake killed another 12 or more people and injured 255 others in Nangarhar Province, according to the chief spokesman of the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid.

In Kunar and Nangarhar, hospitals were operational and did not sustain major damage. However, the disaster left one village, Mazar Dara, completely blocked in, thus requiring rescue operations by helicopter.

“The U.N. team in Afghanistan is mobilized and will spare no effort to assist those in need in the affected areas,” said António Guterres, the United Nations secretary general.

In the wake of the disaster, the European Union and a few other countries offered humanitarian support to Afghanistan, including Iran, India, and

Japan. Other countries, including the United States, have been hesitant to support Afghanistan, as the Taliban is suspected of stealing aid.

Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan and nearby countries, given that many residents live on or near geological faults. This is the third major earthquake in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power in 2021.

Plane of EU’s Top Leader Targeted

On Sunday, a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was targeted by GPS navigation jamming while trying to land in Bulgaria.

The commission received “information from Bulgarian authorities that they

suspect this blatant interference was carried out by Russia,” said European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Arianna Podestà.

The Kremlin has denied the allegation.

The plane landed safely, with a source saying that the pilots landed the plane using paper maps.

Von der Leyen and the commission have been staunch supporters of Ukraine as Kyiv tries to defend itself against its neighbor. She was one of the European leaders who attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s summit on Ukraine last week and has consistently urged EU member states to allocate more resources to help Ukraine.

“This incident underlines the urgency of the president’s current trip to frontline Member States, where she has seen firsthand the everyday threats from Russia and its proxies,” Podestà said.

Despite Russia’s denial of involvement, GPS interference that causes disruptions to flights and maritime traffic has long been among the tools in Russia’s hybrid war arsenal.

Authorities in Scandinavian and Bal-

The Week In News

tic states have said repeatedly that Russia has been regularly jamming the GPS signal in the region. After a team of researchers in Poland and Germany closely studied GPS interferences for a period of six months starting June 2024, they also concluded Russia was the perpetrator and that Moscow was using a shadow fleet of ships and its Kaliningrad exclave to do so.

The European Union has previously sanctioned several Russian state-linked entities and individuals for being behind jamming incidents.

The trip to Bulgaria was part of von der Leyen’s tour of several European Union states that border Russia, Belarus and the Black Sea. It was meant to show strength and unity from European nations for Ukraine.

The president visited Latvia and Finland on Friday, Estonia on Saturday, and Poland and Bulgaria on Sunday. She was rounding up the trip on Monday, visiting Lithuania and Romania.

Speaking in Bulgaria’s capital shortly after the plane incident but before it became public, von der Leyen said Europe

needed to “keep up the sense of urgency.”

“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin has not changed, and he will not change. He is a predator. He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence,” she said.

U.K. To Produce Warships for Norway

On Sunday, the U.K. secured a deal worth $13.5 billion to build at least five new warships for the Norwegian navy.

The 10 billion pound ($13.5 billion) agreement for Type 26 frigates, designed for anti-submarine warfare, is set to be built at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards and represents the biggest

ever British warship export deal by value, according to the Ministry of Defense.

Norway’s purchase forms part of a plan to strengthen security along NATO’s northern flank that will see the two nations jointly operate a combined fleet of 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates in northern Europe.

The deal will put more warships in the North Atlantic to hunt Russian submarines, protect critical infrastructure, and keep both nations secure, British Defense Secretary John Healey said.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the transaction would strengthen both Norway’s and NATO’s ability to patrol and protect the maritime areas in the region.

“This is of great importance to Norwegian, British and allied security in these times of global instability,” he said.

Other countries were vying for the contract, including France, Germany, and the United States.

For the U.K., the order will support 4,000 jobs across the British supply chain until well into the 2030s while providing a 10 billion pound boost to the U.K. economy, the Ministry of Defense

The frigates are specifically designed to detect, track down and combat submarines. Both the Norwegian and British vessels will be as similar as possible to allow efficient joint operation while reducing costs and making joint maintenance easier.

Delivery of the ships to Norway will start in 2030.

Finland to Remove Swastikas From Its Flags

Although the swastika has become associated with the hateful Nazi movement, the symbol has been around for many years before Hitler rose to power in Germany. Finland’s Air Force still flies swastikas on a few of its unit flags. The symbol has been on the flags before

the birth of Nazi Germany. Now, Finland says it is preparing to phase out the hateful icon.

“We could have continued with this flag, but sometimes awkward situations can arise with foreign visitors. It may be wise to live with the times,” Col. Tomi Böhm, the new head of Karelia Air Wing air defense force, was quoted as saying in a report on Thursday.

The Defense Forces said last week a plan to renew the air force unit flags was launched in 2023, the year Finland joined NATO, but said it was not linked to joining the alliance. The aim, it said, was “to update the symbolism and emblems of the flags to better reflect the current identity of the Air Force.”

In an article in daily Helsingin Sanomat on Friday, the reason given for the removal was a perception that the swastika has been an “embarrassing symbol in international contexts.”

Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, joined NATO in April 2023 over concerns related to Russia’s fullscale invasion of Ukraine.

Following Finland’s integration with NATO, policymakers have decided that there is a need to become more integrated with other countries, and some of those countries may view the swastika as a clearly negative symbol. For example, in 2021, German air force units bowed out of a final ceremony following exercises at a military base in Finland’s Lapland region after learning that the Finnish swastikas would be on display.

Finland’s air force adopted the swastika emblem in 1918, soon after the country gained its independence after more than a century of Imperial Russian rule.

Count Eric von Rosen of neighboring Sweden donated Finland’s first military plane in 1918, which bore his personal symbol, the swastika. Von Rosen was the brother-in-law of Hermann Goering, who led the Luftwaffe during World War II under Hitler.

The Finnish air force soon after adopted a blue swastika on a white background as the national insignia on all its planes from 1918 to 1945. After the war, the imagery remained for decades on some Air Force unit flags and decorations as well as on the insignia of the Air Force Academy.

The Finnish air force stressed that its use of the symbol had no connection to Nazi Germany, although Finland entered into a reluctant alliance with the Third Reich during World War II.

New flags — featuring an eagle — will

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be published when the work has been completed and the flags are introduced into use for events like parades and local ceremonies, the Defense Forces said, without saying when that would happen.

“The traditional Von Rosen swastika emblem, in use since 1918, has already been removed from most other Air Force emblems during earlier reforms, so its removal from the unit flags is a logical continuation of this work,” a statement said.

Europe’s Spaceport

Driven by economic incentives and in hopes of reducing its dependence on the United States, Europe is working on developing its own spaceport, which it expects will someday rival the capabilities of the U.S., China, and Russia.

Esrange Space Center, a state-owned spaceport in Kiruna, Sweden, is one of the main places where Europe is advancing its space program. The base, owned and operated by the Swedish Space Corporation, is six square kilometers, while its rocket landing zone includes 5,200 square kilometers of trees. Esrange is over 200 kilometers (120 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, in a mostly empty territory. Occasionally, Sami Indigenous reindeer herders enter the area, though they’re notified before tests.

“The gap is significant,” Hermann Ludwig Moeller, the European Space Policy Institute director, noted. “I would argue that Europe, to be anywhere relevant in the next five to 10 years, needs to at least double its investment in space. And saying that it would double doesn’t mean that it would catch up by the same factor, because you can expect that other regions will also continue to step up.”

As of now, the only European space base that can launch rockets and satellites into orbit is in French Guiana, which is a French territory in South America. Europe, otherwise, relies on NASA’s Cape Canaveral, which is in Florida.

Isar Aerospace, a private German aerospace company, launched a test

flight of its orbital launch vehicle from the Andøya Spaceport on an island in Norway. Thirty seconds after liftoff, the rocket crashed into the sea. However, the company still considered the launch a success, as it didn’t anticipate the craft reaching orbit.

Several countries hope to play a major role in Europe’s spaceport portfolio, including Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In February, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, while speaking at the Munich Security Conference, told Europe that it should stop completely depending on the U.S. for security and defense, thus pushing European governments to take the initiative to reduce their reliance on Washington.

Putin, Xi, Modi Meet

On Monday, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an alliance that includes China, Russia, India, and other countries, held a summit in Tianjin, China, during which leaders from the SCO’s member states met and spoke.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech, he made several references to the United States, which he indirectly criticized for its “bullying practices.” Though Xi didn’t mention the U.S. by name, he pledged to fight “hegemonism,” “Cold War mentality,” and “bullying practices.” Xi, during his speech, framed China as a global leader.

During a two-day summit with over 20 world leaders, Xi declared, “The house rules of a few countries should not be imposed on others.” He announced 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in grants for member states of the SCO in 2025, as well as 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in loans to be distributed over the next three years to the organization’s banking consortium.

“We should leverage the strength of our mega-sized markets and economic complementarity between member states and improve trade and investment facilitation,” Xi said.

Xi, later that day, also introduced a

new Global Governance Initiative, which includes new security, development, and civilization initiatives.

“I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system,” Xi said. “We should continue to dismantle walls, not erect them; seek integration, not decoupling.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke, declaring that the SCO “would replace the outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models, take into account the interests of the broadest possible range of countries, be truly balanced, and would not allow attempts by some states to ensure their security at the expense of others.”

Putin also defended his decision to invade Ukraine, hailed peace efforts by China and India, and said his “understanding” with Trump at their recent meeting in Alaska would open “the way to peace in Ukraine.” On the sidelines, Putin spoke with Xi and Modi about Ukraine, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. Ushakov also dismissed the likelihood of Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meeting directly.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also at the summit. He reportedly spoke privately with Putin for almost an hour in the Russian presidential limousine while on the way to their official talks.

“India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder even in the most difficult times,” Modi said at the beginning of the meeting. “We have been in constant dialogue on the situation in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts for peace.”

On Sunday evening, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcome banquet for the world leaders attending the summit. There, Xi and Putin interacted warmly.

Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, China has economically helped Russia survive Western sanctions.

Weiss, 56, and Idan Shtivi, 28. The operation was made possible thanks to intelligence provided by the Military Intelligence Directorate, the Shin Bet, and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

On the morning of October 7, 2023, terrorists murdered Weiss, an emergency response team member who had been protecting Kibbutz Be’eri, before taking his body to the Gaza Strip. Hamas also abducted his wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, who were released during the short-lived November 2023 ceasefire.

“This is an ongoing, principled effort that we will continue to pursue,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. “We will not rest or remain silent until all our hostages are returned by any means possible.”

Weiss was a “loving and devoted family man, [who] excelled at cooking and loved to barbecue,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said. Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Weiss “bravely managed the defensive battle in Be’eri and prevented an even greater disaster, alongside other heroes.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the loved ones of Weiss and Shtivi. Netanyahu also hailed the security forces for their “determination and courage,” adding that Israel “will not rest until all hostages are returned — the living and the dead.” Katz echoed Netanyahu’s sentiment, praising the IDF and Shin Bet’s “heroic” work, and declared, “We will not rest, and we will not stop until everyone returns home.”

IDF Recovers Hostages’ Bodies

The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet, on Friday, recovered the bodies of two deceased hostages from Gaza: Ilan

“692 days after he was brutally kidnapped with his wife Shiri and their daughter Noga, Ilan’s body was recovered in a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation. A moment of deep sorrow but also of closure,” President Isaac Herzog said in a statement, expressing his condolences to Weiss’s family. “Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day. In his death, he gave life. And ever since, his family has shown extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return.”

Herzog urged the world to “show moral clarity, apply pressure and act for the

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immediate release of all the hostages.”

Hamas terrorists abducted Shtivi, a sustainability and government student at Reichman University, from the Supernova music festival, where he saved a number of people.

“When the attack began, Idan helped two strangers he had just met escape from the site. This selfless choice ultimately led to his abduction,” the forum said last year upon the confirmation of his death.

Shtivi had volunteered to photograph the Nova festival. He joined the party at 6 a.m. — just half an hour before the attack started — and called his girlfriend at 7, telling her about the missiles overhead and that he was leaving.

Shtivi left in his car with two people but was blocked by the terrorists on the road heading north. He then turned the car around and started driving south but was driven off the road, lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree.

He was last seen in that location, and the car was later found full of bullet holes and blood. His friends’ bodies were found at the scene.

Forty-eight hostages now remain

in Hamas captivity, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

IDF Kills Houthi Cabinet, PM

According to Channel 12, the Israeli military eliminated Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthis, and his cabinet of 12 ministers with airstrikes on Thursday in Yemen. Reports from within Yemen confirmed the deaths of several Houthi officials, including the prime minister, who was reportedly killed in his apartment in Sanaa, the capital. Al-Rahawi’s funeral was held on Monday.

Israel targeted 10 senior Houthi ministers, who were watching Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the terror group’s leader, make a speech outside of Sanaa. Among those targeted were the Houthi defense minister, Muhammad Nasser al-Attafi, and the chief of staff, Muhammad AlGhamari. As of late last week, it is unclear if they were killed in the strike. However, Channel 13 news reported on Thursday that “the direction is positive; it seems the attack succeeded.” Ynet added that

“there is growing assessment that the entire Houthi military and governmental elite were eliminated in the attack.”

“The Houthis operate as an additional terrorist branch of Iran, continue to attack Israel, and threaten regional and international stability. Our message is clear: there will be no tolerance,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir at a situational assessment on Friday regarding ongoing operations across the region.

Al-Rahwi became prime minister nearly a year ago, but the de facto leader of the government was his deputy, Mohamed Moftah, who was assigned on Saturday to carry out the prime minister’s duties. Rahwi was seen largely as a figurehead who was not part of the inner circle of the Houthi leadership.

Al-Attafi became the rebel group’s defense minister in 2016. He was reportedly the most senior official in the Houthis’ military establishment and was close with Hezbollah and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

Al-Ghamari was previously targeted by Israel in a June strike, which left him seriously injured.

At the funeral this week, the crowd

vowed revenge and chanted the Houthi slogan, “G-d is Great, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam.”

“We are facing the strongest intelligence empire in the world, the one that targeted the government – the whole Zionist entity (comprising) the U.S. administration, the Zionist entity, the Zionist Arabs and the spies inside Yemen,” Moftah told the crowd of mourners at the Al Saleh mosque.

Israel originally intended to strike the rebel group’s leaders as part of a separate attack on Sunday, according to reports. However, in the end, the military attacked on Thursday instead.

Flotilla Fail

On Sunday, the Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Barcelona’s port with much fanfare. But hours later, the vessel was back at port after a storm hit Spain overnight. Facing winds of more than 35 mph, some of the smaller boats taking part in the mission would have been at risk, organizers said.

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Around 20 vessels with participants from 44 countries were involved in the stunt to head to Gaza to aid the Palestinian cause. But after the delay, when the group attempted again to head out on Monday, it was unclear how many boats were involved.

It is expected that more vessels will join as the group crosses the Mediterranean this week. It may just become the largest group to attempt to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory by sea.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Barcelona ex-Mayor Ada Colau were among those on board. The flotilla also received support from Academy

The IDF will likely block the flotilla and send the members home before they get to Gaza.

How Hamas Survives Despite Assassinations

In July 2024, Israel assassinated Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s political bureau chief, and Mohammed Deif, Hamas’s military leader. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in October 2024. In May 2025, Israel eliminated Mohammed Sinwar, the brother and successor of Yahya Sinwar. Most recently, the Israeli military assassinated Abu Obeida, an infamous spokesman for the terror group.

However, despite Israel’s unrelenting campaign of assassinations against the group, it seems Hamas may be largely unaffected. Last April, the Israeli army killed Hamas’s battalion commander in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood. That

terrorist as well, also in April. Since the October 7 massacre, Israel has assassinated six of Hamas’s seven Shejaiya battalion commanders.

“There is never a vacuum,” explained Michael Milstein, who leads the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University’s Dayan Center. “Even at the level of battalion and company commanders in Hamas’s military wing…there’s always someone motivated to step in, despite knowing that their death is almost certain. It’s quite remarkable.”

Hamas’s division into political and military wings has helped it survive. The most important Hamas political leaders — the officials who govern Hamas’s actions, including whether it agrees to ceasefires — live in Qatar and Turkey. Hamas has around eight such leaders, the most important of whom are former Sinwar deputy Khalil al-Hayya, who lives in Qatar and has recently been considered Hamas’s Gaza leader; Nizar Awadallah, an early member of the terror group who almost beat Sinwar in the 2021 political bureau election; Mohammed Darwish, who heads Hamas’s Shura Council, which advises the terror group’s political

leaders; and Zaher Jabarin, who resides in Turkey and leads Hamas’s West Bank operations.

“In general, Hamas is a network-based organization, one with multiple centers of power,” Harel Horev, a Dayan Center researcher, said. “This was the case even before October 7, and even before Yahya Sinwar.

“Once the war began, Israel started striking all the surrounding centers of power, and that demonstrates Hamas’s resilience. A hierarchical structure is very vulnerable – you kill the head, and it collapses. But when you hit a network, there are always people ready to take their place,” Horev said.

According to Milstein, Hamas, despite its losses, is still able to make decisions based on two Islamic principles: shura (consultation) and ijma (consensus).

“Everything, including the wording of the ceasefire agreement that Hamas recently announced it had accepted, is the product of consultation,” Milstein said. “It’s not as if Khalil al-Hayya simply woke up one morning and said, ‘Let’s move this forward. I don’t care what [Gaza-based

leader] Izz al-Din Haddad thinks.’”

Hamas’s current military leaders in Gaza are Izz al-Din Haddad and Raed Saad. Haddad was selected as Deif’s successor, though Haddad’s powers are more limited, given his lack of experience, according to Milstein.

“After Israel killed Mohammed Sinwar, it brought Hamas to the bottom of the barrel,” Horev said. “Izz al-Din Haddad didn’t immediately take control. It took him several weeks to get a grip on Hamas’s military wing. He and Raed Saad are the last of the Mohicans in Hamas in Gaza today.

“The moment you take out Izz al-Din Haddad, you’re talking about a network that will operate at a much lower profile,” Horev added. “If a junior figure ends up running the military wing inside Gaza, it’s likely he won’t be listened to, neither from within the Strip nor from abroad.”

Belgium to Impose Sanctions on Israel

On Tuesday, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said that his country will recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly later this month. He also said that sanctions will be imposed on the Israeli government.

“Palestine will be recognized by Belgium at the UN session! And firm sanctions are being imposed against the Israeli government,” Prevot wrote on X.

The Belgian foreign minister said that the move would send a “strong political and diplomatic signal” to preserve the chances of a two-state solution and “mark the condemnation of Israel’s expansionist ambitions, with its colonization programs and military occupations.”

Prevot said that Belgium noted “the trauma that the Israeli people have suffered from the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023,” and that therefore “administrative formalization” of the recognition of Palestine will only be declared by royal decree “when the last hostage has been released and Hamas no longer exercises any form of

governance over Palestine.”

In July, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would recognize a Palestinian state at the UN meeting, which will be held from September 9 to 23 in New York. Since then, other Western nations have said they would follow France’s lead. Israeli ministers have lambasted the move as a “reward for terror” in the wake of the October 7 onslaught.

The United States said last week it will not allow Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

Prevot said the decision to recognize a Palestinian state came “in view of the humanitarian tragedy” unfolding in Gaza amid the war, with pressure needed on both Israel and Hamas.

“This is not about punishing the Israeli people, but rather about ensuring that its government respects international and humanitarian law and taking action to try to change the situation on the ground,” he added.

Prevot added that “any antisemitism or glorification of terrorism by Hamas supporters will also be condemned more vigorously.”

Prevot said that 12 steps would be taken regarding sanctions on Israel and detailed a number of them: a ban on the import of products originating from “settlements”; a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies; limitation of consular assistance to Belgians living in “settlements” deemed illegal under international law; possible judicial prosecutions; and bans on overflights and transit.

Additionally, Prevot said “two extremist Israeli ministers, various violent settlers and Hamas leaders” would be “persona non gratae” in Belgium. He did not name the two ministers.

In addition, Belgium will support moves within the EU to suspend cooperation with Israel, including the suspension of the association agreement, research programs and technical cooperation. European Union foreign ministers remained sharply divided during a meeting in Copenhagen on Saturday over the war in Gaza, with some urging the bloc to exert significant economic pressure on Israel, while others firmly opposed such measures.

Prevot also wrote that Belgium will join the “New York Declaration,” which sets out a phased plan that would culminate in an independent, demilitarized Palestine

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In July, Arab and Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, signed the declaration in which they also condemned for the first time Hamas’s onslaught of October 7, 2023, and called on the terror group to release all the hostages it is holding, disarm and end its rule of Gaza, in a bid to end the devastating war in the Strip. Seventeen countries, plus the 22-member Arab League and the entire European Union, threw their weight behind the text, agreed on at a United Nations conference on reviving the two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.

Prayer After Minneapolis Shooting

Last Wednesday morning, an 8-yearold boy and a 10-year-old girl were murdered, and 18 others, including 15 children, were wounded in a mass shooting. The assailant opened fire through the stainless steel windows of the church of Annunciation Catholic School, a school in Minneapolis, during Mass.

Authorities named Robin Westman, 23, as the gunman. Westman, a man who identified as a woman, was once a student in the school, according to a 2017 yearbook. After opening fire, he proceeded to shoot himself dead. Westman carried three guns during the attack.

During the attack, worshipers hid behind pews, and older kids shielded younger children from the gunfire, according to authorities.

Kash Patel, the director of the FBI, said the attack would be investigated as an “act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.”

The injured included three worshipers who were in their 80s, as well as 15 children between the ages of six and 18. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara

said all those who were wounded are expected to recover.

The gunman murdered two children: an 8-year-old boy named Fletcher Merkel and a 10-year-old girl named Harper Moyski.

On Friday, Todd Barnette, the Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner, praised the “children who protected their friends from gunfire” and the “school and faith leaders who ran into the church and the scene without worrying about their own safety.”

Sophia Forchas, 12, was among those injured. As of late last week, she was in critical condition following surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center’s children’s ward. There, many teachers, students, nurses, and police officers stood for a moment of silence and prayed.

After the attack, former White House press secretary and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki wrote on X that “prayers does not end school shootings” and “prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school.

“Prayer does not bring these kids back,” she continued. “Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”

But Psaki’s words drew criticism from many.

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said.

“We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know G-d listens. We pray because we know that G-d works in mysterious ways and can inspire us to further action,” Vice President JD Vance replied to Psaki on X. “Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?”

Rep. Omar is a Millionaire

Rep. Ilhan Omar has claimed that she is “barely worth thousands.” In fact, on February 10, Omar wrote on social media that her “salary is $174,000 before taxes.”

“I don’t have stock or own a home and am still paying off my student debt So if you are going to lie on something that is public, maybe try checking my public financial statements, and you will see I barely have thousands, let alone millions.”

But her latest financial disclosure tells a different story. According to the

Washington Free Beacon, Omar’s assets amount to millions of dollars.

Most of Omar’s millions are in the form of partnership income in relation to her husband’s winery business and venture capital management named Rose Lake Capital. The VC is estimated to be valued between $5 million and $25 million, and the winery, between $1-5 million.

The filing lists $15,001-$50,000 in student debt since 2005 and $15,001 to $50,000 in credit card debt.

Amazingly, the congresswoman from Minnesota and her husband, Tim Mynett, saw a shocking 3,500% increase in their net worth in 2024 from 2023.

The disclosure was filed in May.

The member of anti-Israel “Squad” previously told Business Insider that there was a “coordinated right-wing disinformation campaign” to accuse her of having millions.

“I am a working mom with student loan debt. Unlike some of my colleagues — and similar to most Americans — I am not a millionaire and am raising a family while maintaining a residence in both Minneapolis and D.C., which are among the most expensive housing markets in the country,” she told the outlet.

PA Officials Banned from U.N. General Assembly

On Friday, the United States announced that it would ban the visas of over 80 Palestinian officials, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, thus barring them from attending next month’s United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York City. The European Union has urged the U.S. to reconsider the move.

Abbas planned on coming to New York for the UNGA and a French and Saudi-hosted summit, where Britain, France, Canada, and Australia planned to officially recognize a Palestinian state.

In response, Abbas’s office has expressed astonishment at the U.S.’s move, which it asserted was in violation of the U.N.’s 1947 “headquarters agreement,” which forces the U.S. to allow foreign diplomats to come to New York for the U.N. However, the

U.S. has reserved the right to ban foreign officials for security and foreign policy purposes.

Abbas’s office claimed the U.S.’s decision “stands in clear contradiction to international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement, particularly since the State of Palestine is an observer member of the United Nations” and called on Washington to change its mind, “reaffirming Palestine’s full commitment to international law, UN resolutions and obligations toward peace, as conveyed in President Mahmoud Abbas’s letters to world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.”

“It is in our national security interests to hold the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority accountable for not complying with their commitments and for undermining the prospects for peace,” the State Department said, adding that the Palestinian Authority’s Mission to the U.N. would still be allowed to attend.

Stephanie Dujarric, a spokesperson for the U.N., said the United Nations would speak to the State Department about the decision.

“Before the PLO and PA can be considered partners for peace, they must consistently repudiate terrorism — including the October 7 massacre — and end incitement to terrorism in education, as required by U.S. law and as promised by the PLO,” the U.S. said.

“The PA must also end its attempts to bypass negotiations through international lawfare campaigns, including appeals to the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, and efforts to secure the unilateral recognition of a conjectural Palestinian state,” the State Department added, noting that the PA’s legal actions and its campaign to gain recognition from Western countries “contributed to Hamas’s refusal to release its hostages, and to the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire talks.”

The “U.S. remains open to reengagement that is consistent with our laws, should the PA/PLO meet their obligations and demonstrably take concrete steps to return to a constructive path of compromise and peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel,” the State Department concluded.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the U.S.’s move, expressing gratitude to Secretary of State

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Marco Rubio for holding the PA and Palestinian Liberation Organization “accountable for rewarding terrorism, incitement and efforts to use legal warfare against Israel.” Sa’ar recommended the visa ban when he met with Rubio last week.

This is the U.S.’s first somewhat punitive response to recent plans by France, Britain, and Canada to recognize a Palestinian state at the urging of the PA despite hostages still being held in Gaza.

Spirit Files for Bankruptcy Again

On Friday, budget carrier Spirit Airlines said that it filed for fresh bankruptcy protection months after emerging from a Chapter 11 reorganization. Despite the need for a restructuring process, the low-cost airline said that flights will continue as usual, with passengers being able to book trips and use their tickets and credits. Employees and contractors will also continue to get paid, the company said.

CEO Dave Davis said the airline’s previous Chapter 11 petition focused on reducing debt and raising capital, and since exiting that process in March, “it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future.”

Flight attendants, meanwhile, were warned by union leaders to “prepare for all possible scenarios.”

“We are being direct because even as we have many ways to fight because of our union, we also want to get you the truth about the situation at our airline and how each of us can take actions to protect and prepare ourselves for any challenge,” the Association of Flight Attendants said in a letter to its members.

Spirit, known for its bright yellow planes and no-frills service, has had a rough ride since the pandemic, struggling to rebound amid rising operation costs and its mounting debt. By the time of its

first Chapter 11 filing in November, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020.

The airline now carries $2.4 billion in long-term debt, most due in 2030, and reported a negative free cash flow of $1 billion at the end of the second quarter.

Spirit’s cost-cutting efforts continued after emerging from bankruptcy protection in March, including plans to furlough about 270 pilots and downgrade some 140 captains to first officers in the coming months. Those changes, which go into effect October 1 and November 1, were tied to expected flight volumes in 2026, the company has said. They also follow previous furloughs and job cuts before the company’s bankruptcy filing last year.

Despite the cuts, Spirit has said it needs more cash. As a result, the company said it was considering selling off certain aircraft and real estate.

Spirit operates 5,013 flights to 88 destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Panama and Colombia.

New CDC Chief

Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received a new director. Jim O’Neill will be serving as acting director after Dr. Susan Monarez was ousted from the position.

“Together, we will rebuild this institution into what it was always meant to be: a guardian of America’s health and security,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote, adding that O’Neill would “help advance this mission.”

On Friday, O’Neill acknowledged his new role atop the CDC in a post on X that criticized the agency for losing trust during President Joe Biden’s administration and said that “we are helping the agency earn back the trust it had squandered.”

Last week, the Trump administration declared that Monarez had been fired from the agency, a move that spurred the resignations of four other senior officials at the CDC.

“There’s a lot of trouble at CDC, and it’s going to require getting rid of some people over the long term in order for us to change the institutional culture,” Kennedy said during a news conference in Texas on Thursday.

Kennedy has sought to advance major changes to the federal government’s evaluation of vaccines in recent months.

The dispute with Monarez grew primarily out of the work done by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of independent experts who make recommendations to the CDC on vaccine policy. Kennedy fired all of the committee’s members in June and appointed a new slate.

During his confirmation hearing in May, O’Neill told Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, that he’s “very strongly pro-vaccine” and supported the CDC’s vaccination schedule.

Leap of Faith

In the Netherlands, crowds of people gather near canals for the Dutch sport of “fierljeppen” – far leaping – in which athletes hoist themselves over canals on slender poles. Some make it to the other side; others end up splashing down in the canals.

“The moment you are at the top of the pole and you get to jump (off) of the pole, in that small moment you get to fly and that’s just really nice to experience,” 25-year-old athlete Bas van Leeuwen said as jumpers gathered for a competition in a village near Utrecht this week.

Athletes run to a carbon pole that is positioned at one end of the canal. As they run along the jetty, they grab onto the pole, lift themselves up and attempt to make it to the other side of the canal.

Lose momentum, or slip too far to one side, and athletes can end up soaked in the canal. Even a successful landing on the sand means a heavy, even painful, impact.

“The sport is not really that dangerous. I think more people get injured during soccer,” says van Leeuwen, who just recovered from an ankle ligament injury sustained while leaping over a canal. “The most common (injury) is the ankles or the knees because when you land, that is a fragile part of the body. Sometimes it snaps.”

Farmers used to use poles to get around remote areas. The sport came

into vogue in the 1950s and ‘60s.

“We are kind of a family. We know each other, we trust each other,” Wim Roskam, a historian of the sport, said. “I can leave my phone here and it’s all right, no problem. We help each other and when there (are) some sad things, we are there for each other, too.”

Jumping for joy.

$25M Diamond Heist and Arrest

It took just eight hours for police to catch the people behind an extraordinary scam that involved the heist of a pink diamond valued at $25 million. The scheme took place in Dubai. According to police, the three thieves spent around a year trying to steal the precious 21.25-carat gem. The criminals had convinced the diamond’s owner that a wealthy individual wanted to buy the valuable stone.

To establish credibility, the suspects posed as wealthy individuals by renting luxury cars and arranging meetings at upscale hotels. They then persuaded the dealer to move the diamond out of the secure safe, which allowed them to steal the precious stone.

It took police just eight hours by “leveraging advanced technologies” to track the locations of the thieves and arrest them.

The three thieves were of Asian nationality. The pink diamond was safely recovered by authorities before it could be smuggled out of the country in a small refrigerator bound for an Asian destination that police did not identify.

Dubai Police revealed that the merchant originally had imported the diamond from a European country to sell in Dubai. The thieves had closely monitored its arrival and devised a sophisticated plan to steal it, posing as wealthy intermediaries representing a potential buyer, police said.

The pink diamond has “exceptional clarity, symmetry, and polish,” police said, adding that “its extraordinary value and rarity made it a prime target.”

A gem of a find.

ERETZ YISROEL

Join for Maseches Chagiga September 16

Maseches Chagiga is the final step before the siyum. Every siyum starts with a הלחתה, a thirst quenched only through commitment and sacrifice, a daily seder that is mehaneh the Lomdim.

Now, as the world of Oraysa Lomdim prepares for its final ascent before reaching its הרות

, take advantage of the opportunity to savor the flavor of the הגיגח, the special moment when we will dance together under the chuppah of Siyum Seder Mo’ed.

And with one step into הגיגח תכסמ the siyum becomes your personal simcha.

Together

we learn. Together we celebrate.

Cure Arena

RAV DOVID COHEN SHLITA

RAV SHRAGA SHTEINMAN SHLITA

Nesi’im, Eretz Yisrael

RAV NOACH ISAAC OELBAUM SHLITA Nasi, USA

RAV AVROHOM GURWICZ SHLITA Nasi, Europe

SHLOMO YEHUDA RECHNITZ Founding President

Torah Thought Never Give Up!

By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

The anomaly of the ‘Rebellious Son’, a child who has exhibited, between the young age of thirteen and thirteen and three months, seemingly irreparable errant behavior, who is condemned to death, leaves us wondering.

The Talmud teaches that although at this juncture he hasn’t yet committed any capital crimes, nevertheless, it would be best to dispatch with him while he is relatively innocent before he becomes extremely guilty. His petty thievery and indulgent habits will no doubt cause him to evolve into a menace who will terrorize the populace with more heinous crimes.

Yet there is one caveat to the justice system’s attempt to ‘save him from himself’. Only if the parents ‘grasp him and take him out to the elders of his city’, do we implement this process.

But if this child is doomed to failure, why should our noble efforts to stifle the inevitable be contingent on the parents making that choice?

The answer is self-evident. It is never a parent’s ‘right’ to determine the fate of their young adult child. It is rather the fact that when the court observes a child whose parents are so frustrated to the point that they have given up all hope for his rehabilitation, that the court concludes this child indeed has no future. A child who senses he has been utterly rejected by his parents, is truly hopeless. That is how profoundly fatal, rejection from a parent is.

How is it that parents could possibly come to such a conclusion?

We are taught that the laws immediately preceding the story of the rebellious son tell a tale of descent that led to this dire situation.

The Torah first relates the law of Yefas To’ar, the ‘woman of beautiful form’. In the heat of battle, where pas-

sions flow uncontrollably a soldier may catch a glimpse of a beautiful woman and instinctively be driven to ravish her. Acknowledging man’s fragility, the Torah permits a process by which he may ‘thoughtfully’ take her as a wife.

The next set of laws discussed revolves around a man who has two wives, one beloved and one loathed, each bearing him a son, with the firstborn born to the hated wife. The Torah instructs that the father may not usurp the firstborn’s right to a double inheritance, in transferring it to the beloved wife’s son.

Rashi, quoting the Midrash, teaches that each episode is the natural result from the prior. One who takes a Yefas To’ar as a wife will end up despising her. A home filled with hate will be plagued with a child who rebels.

Is this concept understood simply as a consequential punishment for having failed spiritually, with each subsequent problem a payback for having come up short in our obligations? Or is there perhaps a deeper message in the evolution of these series of troubles?

Perhaps it all begins with an improper attitude towards life and others. A person who views people merely as instruments and opportunities for their own gratification, is doomed to see everything in life only in the context of one’s own selfish needs.

Even the enemy, the woman of beautiful form, must never be seen merely as an object for personal use. She is a person, with feelings, aspirations, and family.

One who has violated that space of strangers, will come to act selfishly even towards family.

Why did the Torah see fit to describe the inappropriateness of seizing the birthright of the firstborn in the context of the son of the beloved wife over the son of the hated wife? Wouldn’t the story be just as relevant were both wives equally

beloved, but it was the firstborn child who was no good, that the father sought to deny him his due right?

I believe the Torah is intimating that this father was using his son as a pawn in his conflicted life. Seeking to placate his loving wife, and sticking it to his loathed one, he confiscates the birthright from the innocent firstborn. What about the kid? Why should he suffer because the father wants to please one wife and taunt the other?

Only a father who sees only his personal agenda as primary, blinded to the qualities, emotions and duties towards his own flesh and blood, his child, could possibly manipulate so insensitively his very own son for his own needs.

Is it still a question how a parent could be so callous as to discard his own child out of frustration? This father can only fathom a son as a vehicle for his own promotion and success. In the absence of that, even his own child is dispensable.

But it doesn’t just stop there.

In our personal service to G-d there are moments or situations where we readily rise to the occasion responding positively and in accordance with His will. Yet, too often, there are times when our instincts get the better of us, when we too easily succumb to temptation.

The Holy Baal HaTanya reveals that we each possess two life forces, two souls. A Nefesh Elokis, a pure and unadulterated ‘godly soul’ that dwells within us, unblemished. It is this component of our being that represents the impregnable good we each possess no matter how badly we are entrenched and sullied by sin. But there is a more exquisite and more elevated soul, the Nefesh Behamis, an ‘animal soul’. It descends from a much higher realm. Precisely because of its greater holiness it comes down couched in physicality, disguised in many layers that must be penetrated before we can nourish from its spiritual brilliance.

There are parts of our lives where we easily, or at least without much resistance, access the godly soul connecting to G-d happily. It may manifest itself in acts of kindness, devotion in prayer, inspired study of Torah. Each of us seek connection readily in those areas we identify with without much struggle.

On the other hand, most of our experiences in life relate to those arenas of life that tempt us away from consciousness of G-d, when we are driven by personal ambition, the pursuit of pleasure, and the desire for the easy path of least resistance.

We write off our ability to conquer these distractions in instilling these moments with divinely driven purpose, by convincing ourselves that it is beyond our means, and not our personal objective or mission in life.

We selfishly write ourselves off, callously discarding this most precious soul.

The very verse that discusses the two wives, the beloved and the hated, the Baal HaTanya enlightens, is referring to the Nefesh Elokis, the godly soul, the ‘loved wife’, and the Nefesh HaBehamis, the animal soul, the hated wife.

The Torah attests though that, the firstborn is the hated one’s, the firstborn, i.e. the primary soul, is that which appears as the son of the hated one!

In our relationship with G-d we delude ourselves in sufficing to live with the lower force of the Nefesh Elokis, denying ourselves the greatness and pleasure of accessing the higher force, that of the Nefesh HaBehamis.

There are two vital lessons to be learned.

We must perceive and treat others with appreciation for who they are and with admiration for what they have achieved, each one on its own level.

We must never discard the rebellious child within us. It is that soul that is pining for discovery, waiting to shine forth in all its beauty.

The Jerusalem Talmud states that parents who have initiated the process of the rebellious son may nevertheless pardon the son.

Even a small sign of hope and sensitivity to a rejected child can regenerate that most vital connection. He is no longer sentenced to failure if a ray of hope and encouragement is expressed by his parents.

The same is true with us. We must begin to strive to peel away the layers of resistance that is holding us back from attaining closeness to G-d.

We must never give up.

Our children are waiting for our loving attention.

G-d is waiting to explode with His love if we only turn attention to that part of Him that is our very essence.

You may reach the author at: Ravzt@ ohelmoshebaltimore.com

OVERVIEW

Parshas Ki Seitzei is filled with 74 commandments, ranging from sending away the mother bird, to putting a rail on your roof, and so much more. The parsha begins with the discussion of war as well as the case of the Ben Sorer uMoreh (rebellious son). The end of the parsha tells us about the importance of remembering Amalek.

Quotable Quote

“Stay alert, stay alive; it might save your life one day!”

TSorahparks

Parshas Ki Seitzei

-Mr. Blitz (my high school teacher)

GEMATRIA

The gematria of לע המחלמל אצת יכ ךיביוא is 823, which so happens to be the exact same as the gematria of רציה תמחלמ - the battle with our Yetzer Hara, which is, of course, the battle that is alluded to in this very verse!

QUICK VORT

One of the unique mitzvos in this parsha is the commandment to construct a ma’akeh l’gagecha, a guardrail for your home's roof.

Of course, practically speaking, it is important to construct this so that no one comes to harm themselves if they are on top of the roof. The Shlah sees a deeper meaning to this commandment. He explains that the allegorical meaning of making such a railing may be that one has to set limits to one's pride.

The roof is the highest point of the house and symbolizes pride; the railing represents a restriction on one's pride.

One of the messages I gleaned from this Shlah is that there is a place/purpose/role of pride in Yiddishkeit. Yes, it has to be controlled and tempered, however, a Yid is meant to carry pride. A Yid is meant to live with confidence, to walk with a skip in his step, and to feel important and valuable for being part of the chosen nation.

PARSHA STATS

Words - 1,582

Letters - 5,856

Mitzvos - 74

ThoughtsChassidus in

The heiliga Divrei Aron, Rebbe Asher M'Stolin, explains that “ki seitzei, the moment you leave your home and the daled amos shel halacha, you have entered the milchama al oivecha, the war against the Yetzer Hara.

Let's be sure we are constantly prepared for this war!

Stay alert. Stay alive.

Did You

Know?!

The tzaddikim point out that the words “ki sivneh bayis chadash,” when you build a new house, which is found in 22:8, is an allusion to none other than the Bais Hamikdash, the Holy Temple! Rav Itche Meir Morgenstern, shlit”a, says our avodah is to now build the roof of the Bais HaMikdash...

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

His shiurim and other Jewish content can be found on Torah Anytime and Meaningful Minute. He may be reached at 443-938-0822 or rabbistrumo@gmail.com

Gaivah is not the “battle” of our generation. If anything, the opposite is true. Too much humility – that is, misplaced humility – is the “battle of our generation. Compulsive humility (a lack of self-pride) plagues so many of us. When we think that our davening with a minyan doesn’t really mater, or that our 5 minute seder of learning doesn’t make a difference, or that our penny for tzedaka is futile...think again.

Be mindful. Be prideful. Of course, put a “railing” on your pride; remember that everything you have is from Hashem. But ensure that you walk around with pride. You are valuable. You are holy.

PointsPonder to

One of the mitzvos in this week’s parsha is the mitzvah of shiluach ha’kan, sending away the mother bird prior to taking the eggs.

The Torah says that the performance of this mitzvah leads to longevity. Why does this mitzvah have this unique reward?

What is the connection between shiluach ha’kan and the zman of Elul which currently find ourselves in?

Havdalah Zmanim

Baltimore Weekday Minyanim Guide

Shacharis Mincha

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah: EVERY 15 MINUTES M-F:

8:15

8:30 AM, 8:45 AM, 9:00AM, 9:15AM, 9:30AM, 9:45AM, 10:00AM

Neitz Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] M-F

Ohel Yakov S-F

6:00 AM Shomrei Emunah Congregation M-F

6:10 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, Th

6:15 AM Kol Torah M, TH

Shearith Israel Congregation M, TH

6:20 AM Agudah of Greenspring M, TH

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F

Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S-F

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M-F

Kehilath B'nai Torah M, TH

Pikesville Jewish CongregationM, TH

Shomrei Emunah CongregationS, M, TH

6:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring T, W, F

Chabad of Park Heights M-F

Darchei Tzedek M-F

Kehilath B'nai Torah T, W, F

Khal Bais Nosson M-F

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek M-F

Kol Torah T, W, F

Ohr Yisroel M-F

Pikesville Jewish CongregationT, W, F

Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F

Shomrei Emunah CongregationT, W, F

6:35 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan)M, TH

Ohel Moshe M, TH

6:40 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan)T, W, F

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion CongregationM, TH

6:45 AM B”H and Mesivta of Baltimore (Dirshu Minyan) S-F

Beth Abraham M, TH

Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue M-F

Ner Tamid M-F

Ohel Moshe T, W, F

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim M-F

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei IsraelM, TH

6:50 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, TH

Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] M, TH

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh M, TH

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion CongregationT, W, F

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh M, TH

Derech Chaim M-F

Kol Torah M-F

Ohel Moshe S

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] M, TH

Shomrei Emunah CongregationM, TH

The Shul at the Lubavitch CenterM, TH

6:55 AM Beth Abraham T, W, F

Kol Torah M, TH

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei IsraelT, W, F

7:00 AM Aish Kodesh (upstairs Minyan) M-F

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F

Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] T, W, F

Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's)S

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh T, W, F

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh T, W, F Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue S Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach TzedekS

Kol Torah T, W, F

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah M-F

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S, T, W, F

Shearith Israel Congregation S, M, TH Shomrei Emunah CongregationT, W, F

Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh M-F

The Shul at the Lubavitch CenterT, W, F Tiferes Yisroel M-F

7:05 AM Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) M, TH

7:15 AM Kedushas Yisrael S Kol Torah S

Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) S, T, W, F

Ner Israel Rabbinical College S-F

Shomrei Emunah CongregationS

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei IsraelS

Tzeirei Anash M-F

7:20 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, TH

Beth Tfiloh Congregation M-F

Kol Torah M-F

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] M, TH

Shomrei Emunah CongregationM, TH

7:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring S

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F

Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] S

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F

Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore S-F

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh S

Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] S

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion CongregationS

Chabad of Park Heights S

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe AryehS-F

Darchei Tzedek S

Kedushas Yisrael S-F

Khal Bais Nosson S

Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) S-F

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S, T, W, F

Shomrei Emunah CongregationT, W, F

7:45 AM Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M-F

Talmudical Academy S-F

Darchei Tzedek M-F

Mesivta Kesser Torah S-F

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim S-F

Yeshivas Torah Simcha (school days only) S-F

7:50 AM Derech Chaim S

Ner Tamid S

Ohel Moshe M-F

8:00 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F

Beth Abraham S

Chabad Israeli Center M-F

Darchei Tzedek S

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach TzedekS

Kehillas Meor HaTorah S

Ohr Yisroel S

Pikesville Jewish CongregationS

Shearith Israel Congregation S

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F

The Shul at the Lubavitch CenterS

Tiferes Yisroel S

Tzeirei Anash S

Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah S-F

8:15 AM Kehilath B'nai Torah S

Kol Torah S

8:20 AM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F

8:25 AM Ohr Chadash Academy (School Days Only) S-F

8:30 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F

Chabad Israeli Center S Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) S-F

Ohel Moshe S

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F

Shomrei Mishmeres HakodeshS

9:00 AM Aish Kodesh S

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S

Beth Tfiloh Congregation S

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion CongregationS

Moses Montefiore Anshe EmunahS

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S-F

Mincha

Mincha Gedolah Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/Tzemach Tzedek

1:45 PM Yeshivas Torah Simcha (school days only) M-Th

Reischer Minyan - 23 Walker Ave 2nd Floor 10055 Red Run Blvd Suite 295

2:15 PM Pikesville Beis Medrash - 15 Walker Ave

2:30 PM Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

Tov Pizza Mincha Minyan

Ner Israel Rabbinical College

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Community Kollel)

Shearith Israel Congregation

2:45 PM Kollel of Greenspring

Shearith Israel Congregation (S-Th)

3:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F)

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

3:05 PM Kedushas Yisrael

3:15 PM Hat Box

3:22 PM Ohr Chadash Academy (School Days Only, Call to Confirm)

3:30 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

4:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th) Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

4:30 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

5:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

5:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

6:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F)

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

Shearith Israel Congregation (S-Th)

6:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th)

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

10 Min Before ShkiAh Chabad Israeli Center

14 Min Before ShkiAh Kol Torah

Mincha/Maariv

Plag

Maariv

continued

9:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Arugas Habosem

Shomrei Emunah Congregation

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

9:20 PM Kol Torah

9:30 PM Agudah of Greenspring

Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Kedushas Yisrael

9:40 PM Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi]

9:45 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Kollel Erev Birchas Yitzchok (Luries)

Kollel of Greenspring

Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's)

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi]

Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah

9:50 PM Aish Kodesh

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

Ohel Moshe

10:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Darchei Tzedek

Kehilath B'nai Torah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek

Shearith Israel Congregation

Shomrei Emunah Congregation

10:05 PM Kol Torah

10:10 PM Ner Israel Rabbinical College

10:15 PM Derech Chaim

Khal Bais Nosson

10:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

11:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

11:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Agudah of Greenspring - 6107 Greenspring Ave

Agudath Israel of Baltimore - 6200 Park Heights Ave

Ahavat Shalom - 3009 Northbrook Rd

Ohel Yaakov

Shomrei Emunah Congregation

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

Mincha/Maariv

Aish Kodesh

Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Agudah of Greenspring

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Beth Abraham

Before Shkiah

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation

Darchei Tzedek

Kehillas Meor HaTorah

Kehilath B’nai Torah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek

Khal Bais Nosson

Machzikei Torah (Sternhill’s)

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

Ner Tamid

Ohel Moshe

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi]

Ohr Yisroel

Pikesville Jewish Congregation

Shearith Israel Congregation

Shomrei Emunah Congregation

Shomrei Mishmeres

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center

Tiferes Yisroel

Maariv

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah: EVERY 15 MINUTES

8:15 PM, 8:30 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:15

8:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

8:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

1:50

PM Ohel Moshe

1 South Street, 27th Floor.

2:00

PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F)

Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F

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

Big Al @ The Knish Shop Party Room

Kol Torah

Market Maven

8:45 PM Darchei Tzedek

Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) Ohr Yisroel

8:50 PM Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Etz Chaim Building)

8:55 PM Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

Aish Kodesh - 6207 Ivymount Rd

Arugas HaBosem - 3509 Clarks Ln

Bais Dovid-Bais Medrash of Summit Park- 6800 Sylvale Ct

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim - 3120 Clarks Ln

Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore - 6823 Old Pimlico Rd

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh - 6618 Deancroft Rd

Beit Yaakov - 3615 Seven Mile Ln

Beth Abraham - 6208 Wallis Ave

Beth Tfiloh Congregation - 3300 Old Court Rd

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation - 6602 Park Heights Ave

Chabad Israeli Center - 7807 Seven Mile Ln

Chabad of Park Heights - 3402 Clarks Ln

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh - 3800 Labyrinth Rd

Darchei Tzedek - 3201 Seven Mile Ln

Derech Chaim - 6603 Pimlico Road

Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue 6611 Greenspring Ave.

Kedushas Yisrael - 6004 Park Heights Ave

Kehilath B’nai Torah - 6301 Green Meadow Pkwy

Kehillas Meor HaTorah - 6539 Pebble Brooke Rd

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek - 6811 Park Heights Ave

Khal Bais Nosson - 2901 Taney Rd

Kol Torah - 2929 Fallstaff Rd

Kollel of Greenspring - 6504 Greenspring Ave.

Machzikei Torah - 6216 Biltmore Ave

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah - 6500 Baythorne Rd

Mesivta Kesser Torah - 8400 Park Heights Ave

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim - 3800 Labyrinth Rd

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah - 7000 Rockland Hills Dr

Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber One South Street, 27th Floor

Ner Israel Rabbinical College - 400 Mt Wilson Ln

Ner Tamid - 6214 Pimlico Road

Ohel Moshe - 2808 Smith Ave

Ohel Yakov - 3200 Glen Ave

Ohr Chadash Academy - 7310 Park Heights Avenue

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] - 6813 Park Heights Ave

Ohr Yisroel - 2429 Lightfoot Dr

Pikesville Jewish Congregation - 7644 Carla Rd

Shearith Israel Congregation - 5835 Park Heights Ave

Shomrei Emunah Congregation - 6221 Greenspring Ave

Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh - 2821 W Strathmore Ave

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim - 7504 Seven Mile Ln

Talmudical Academy - 4445 Old Court Rd

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel - 5915 Park Heights Ave

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center - 6701 Old Pimlico Rd

Tiferes Yisroel - 6201 Park Heights Ave

Tzeirei Anash - 6706 Cross County Blvd

Wealcatch Insurance - 37 Walker Ave 2nd floor

Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah - 6819 Williamson Ave

Yeshivas Toras Simcha- 110 Sudbrook Ln.

A Leader of Light Remembering Capt. Yair Shushan, Hy”d

BY EliYaHu RoSEnBERg

When Yair Shushan earned the rank of IDF officer, he asked his father for leadership advice.

“I want to know what I should prioritize,” he told his father, Michael. “When I meet my soldiers, should I focus on being professional or building a relationship with them?”

His father proposed a hybrid approach: Some soldiers excel in settings that emphasize professionalism: with

those, prioritize work ethic and seriousness. Others work best when they have a strong bond with their commander: with those, prioritize building trust and closeness.

“So, meet them, and you will see,” his father wisely suggested. “If their problem is professionalism, make that the priority. If the relationship is the problem, make that the priority.”

The next day, Yair called his father again. After reflecting on his dilemma, the young commander decided that the best approach was the simplest one: From the get-go, focus on relationship first and professionalism second. It’s true, he reasoned, that catering to each soldier differently would be a good idea, but doing so would require time and careful observation. But in the meantime, before he gets to know them, what should he cultivate? Trust and friendship? Or seriousness and intensity? He chose the former. Why? Because, Yair declared, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.”

but only wind up with an ineffective, spineless workforce that never ventures out of their comfort zone.

Leadership, in general, is seen as a balancing act — a tug of war between one’s mission and one’s followers. Many leaders, particularly in the technology and business realm, prioritize progress and innovation, often at the expense of their workers’ wellbeing. Other leaders handle their followers with kid gloves, coddling them in hopes of cultivating trust and camaraderie

Capt. Yair Shushan, Hy”d, was different. He was a rare kind of leader — the kind that seamlessly blended seriousness and sensitivity, authority and approachability, intensity and warmth. On the one hand, he was a fighter, through and through. In fact, he once wrote to his commander, stressing that he wants serious warriors on his team. “I want to see them yelling, throwing grenades, and shouting,” Michael Shushan recalls his son writing. Few chayalim could match Yair’s fighting spirit — his commitment to battling for his country.

But on the other hand, he was gentle and sensitive.

“He listened to his soldiers,” Michael shares. “He would have private conversations with them. He knew everything about them, their parents, their siblings, their problems, everything.” Yair was the biggest encourager of his troops. And he would work tirelessly, helping his soldiers with everything.

One of the soldiers in his unit was having a hard time finishing the running exercises in the allotted time. Yair ingeniously engaged the other soldiers in the unit in a plan to help this soldier. During the running exercises, he arranged the other soldiers around this struggling soldier in a V formation, almost like birds in flight. In this way, the other soldiers blocked the wind that was holding the soldier back, and he was able to complete the run within a satisfactory amount of time.

Perhaps Yair discovered a secret that eludes most leaders: That professionalism and relationship are not mutually exclusive. You can be nice and serious. You can be humble and authoritative. You can have high expectations and be gentle. You can be respected and beloved. Yair understood that true leadership isn’t a balance between professionalism and relationship, as if they’re on two opposing sides. Rather, true leadership is about excelling in both — in building a bond so strong that your vision and your followers’ vision become one and the same.

Yair joined the army when he was 17. When war broke out in the wake of the October 7 massacre, Yair’s job was to train new soldiers for his battalion, the Nachal Brigade Reconnaissance unit. But three weeks later, he decided he wasn’t doing enough to help in the war effort. He left his training role and went into Gaza, joining his original team on the battlefield.

“He told us he saw a lot of miracles in Gaza. A grenade fell on his leg, and it didn’t explode, for example,” his mother, Hadas Shushan, shares. “I knew he risked his life, and he knew that also. But I couldn’t tell him not to go. He wanted to be there.”

Yair had a profound sense of duty. His philosophy was, “If not me, then who?” If he wouldn’t fight for his country, then who will?

“He understood we’re in unique times, a historic time for Am Yisrael,” Michael explains. “He told me, ‘Father, the world will be talking about this war for more than 100 years.’”

Two months into the war, Yair enrolled in the IDF’s officer course. In the summer of 2024, he completed the course, becoming a commander and earning a certificate of excellence from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the chief of staff.

“There were 347 soldiers in the officer course, and only four were excellent. And he was one of them,” Michael says.

“Yair was excellent in everything he did in his life,” his father declares. “But he was so humble that some of the things he accomplished, he didn’t tell us. We didn’t know until later.”

After Yair passed away, Michael went into his room to look for Yair’s certificates to show people who came to visit. Michael found certificates and awards that Yair had earned but that the family never even knew he had. Such was the humbleness of the stalwart soldier.

At one point, Yair was given a special honor in a ceremony. But the ceremony was held in the south, a few hours’ drive from the Shushans’ home. Yair only told his parents about the ceremony after the fact, not wanting his parents to spend so many hours in the car to see him just for a few minutes.

“In each step of the army, he was mitztayen, in everything,” Hadas says. “His commander told us, ‘There was no one ever like him.’ He was the best at everything.”

But Yair’s excellence extended far beyond the army. As his mother explains, Yair was intellectually gifted at a young age. Before first grade, he knew how to read and do math.

One day, when Yair was in second grade, he ap -

proached his father. “Abba, I want to read the entire Bible,” he said. He was only seven years old, but they did it, anyway. Together, the father and son learned Tanach in its entirety… until Sefer Daniel. When they reached that book, the boy looked at the text. At first, he was confused.

“What language is this?” he asked his father.

“Aramaic,” Michael replied.

“Hmm, okay, let’s learn it anyway,” the boy said. “I want to finish everything.”

And so, young Yair conquered Sefer Daniel and went on to learn all of Tanach.

“It was very Yair. If he starts something, he has to finish it,” his father notes.

In sixth and seventh grade, when his family briefly lived in Toronto on shlichut, Yair competed in the Chidon HaTanach. At age 13, he outshone kids five years his senior. He would have won by a landslide had they not disqualified him (since he wasn’t from Canada, he technically wasn’t allowed to participate in the contest).

Yair was also a gifted pianist and a martial arts master. He even taught himself how to speak Arabic fluently. “He was so disciplined. He never slept,” his mother explains.

The daily learning list that Yair had made for himself

“He understood we’re in unique times, a historic time for am Yisrael. He told me, ‘Father, the world will be talking about this war for more than 100 years.’”

terrorists ambushed Yair Shushan’s troops, killing him and four other Nachal soldiers: Staff Sgts. Guy Karmiel, Yahav Hadar, Yoav Feffer, and Aviel Wiseman. Yair Shushan, the leader of the team, was just 23 years old when he gave his life for his country.

“It was the worst day of our lives,” Yair’s father recalls. “We have the same birthday. And his funeral was on the birthday.”

Two and a half weeks after Yair passed away, his nephew was born. The baby’s bris was held on the day after Yair’s shloshim. In his honor, the baby was named Yair.

It’s easy to go with the flow, to succumb to peer pressure and blindly follow the crowd. But a true leader doesn’t follow — he inspires.

Not too long ago, Michael Shushan discovered a paper in Yair’s room. It was a daily to-do list that Yair would keep while at home.

“Shmiras HaLashon, every day, he’d mark that. Mesilat Yesharim, one perek every day. Mishnayot, two perakim, every day. Bava Metzvia. Piano, half an hour, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. Tanach, five perakim, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. Shulchan Aruch, five amudim every day. Gemara Kiddushin, half an hour,” Michael shares. Yair filled his life with purpose, constantly growing and learning, ensuring that each day was packed with progress and tachlis.

On January 13, 2025, Yair’s life — his extraordinary life — was tragically cut short. After saving a tank commander’s life, he perished in combat in the Gazan City of Beit Hanoun. Hamas

The IDF’s special units have a tradition for new graduates of the officer course. Before formally receiving their certifications, each graduate runs 60 kilometers, enduring a long, sweltering journey up a mountain. When they reach the peak, the soldiers take off their shirts and receive a cigar in celebration of their achievement.

There’s a picture of Yair standing atop the mountain with the other graduates. Everyone was shirtless —everyone, except Yair, who wore his tzitzis. Yair’s message was clear: Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

During Yair’s army service, he asked his father to ask a relative of theirs who was a posek the following question: “I always wear my tzitzis, but in the morning, during the exercises, I find it hard to put them on. Can I be exempt from wearing them for this time?”

The posek answered that for that short time, if Yair was in pain from wearing the extra layer of clothing, he can be meikel and not wear the tzitzis.

But when Yair heard the psak, he told his father: “No, I will wear my tzitzis. My tzitzis are tzitzis barzel, iron tzitzis.”

Yair’s commitment to tzitzis has inspired countless others. In fact, in Israel, there is a movement called Tzitzis Barzel , in which the Shushan family

and others give out tzitzis and inspire others to cling to this profound mitzvah.

Michael recalls, “Somebody from Tom’s River

hugged me and told me, ‘I’m not careful with the mitzvah of tzitzis. It’s very hard for me. But now that I’ve heard the story about your son, I want to tell you that I’m taking upon myself, from now on, to wear tzitzis all the time.’”

“A lot of teenagers began to put on tzitzis because of Yair,” Hadas adds.

He inspired the nation in other ways, too. When Yair first became an officer, he decided to ban his soldiers from cursing.

At first, many soldiers protested his orders: “What do you mean I can’t curse? I curse all the time. I curse my friend; he curses me. How is that your business?”

Yair’s response was as follows: “It is my business. I know that the team will be at its best if there’s no cursing, if you can be friends.” Yair’s unit wound up becoming the best. And to this very day, even after Yair’s passing, his team still doesn’t curse.

“He was very special, everyone appreciated him,” Yair’s mother says. “He was a counselor in Bnei Akiva, and his campers really admired him. He was like a brother and father to them.”

He would tutor the Bnei Akiva boys in English, math, and science — and he stayed in touch with them years later. And he would also mentor them, teaching them how to live life.

One Shabbos, he and his campers were playing the game Settlers of Catan. After the game, some of the kids, giggling mischievously, confessed to cheating in the game. Yair was very upset.

“You have to be honest all the time,” he admon-

ished them. While it may seem like no big deal to cheat in a board game, even that promotes a habit of dishonesty, he said. He explained that it’s a steppingstone to lying about other things. Yair stressed that it’s never okay to cheat — and he himself lived by that rule.

Not too long ago, Michael Shushan found a manuscript in his son’s bedroom. It was a book about leadership that the young soldier had been writing in.

“On the first page, Yair wrote: ‘I believe that HaKadosh Baruch Hu created the world for us to be good. In the world, we have a choice between good and bad, and HaKadosh Baruch Hu wants us to choose good,’” Michael shares. “‘I believe HaKadosh Baruch Hu created me for one reason: so that I can fulfill my tafkid in the world.’”

Yair continued, writing that it’s his mission to inspire others and that it’s his moral and religious obligation to serve his country. He was only 21 years old when he wrote that mission statement.

“He did things in this world that most people can’t do in 80 years,” his father declares.

That was Yair. He didn’t join the army for himself. He didn’t become an officer for his own honor. Capt. Yair Shushan lived and died a hero for one reason and one reason only: Because he wholeheartedly believed that it was his G-d given mission to serve his country and his nation.

Preschool/Elementary School: Kodesh and General Studies Assistants

Middle School: Computer Teacher Book Club Teacher

Permanent Substitute Exercise Teacher

High School: General Studies Teachers

Computer

https://www.baisyaakov.net/employment/

Deciding Factor Tech Triumphs

As told to Rebbetzin Sara Gross

Ihave to be real. Using a flip phone is such a pain in the neck. I’m a busy mother with tons of carpools and a million doctor’s appointments. Without easy access to the internet, I make my life harder. Sometimes I feel like giving in and just

filtering a smartphone to the max and making my life easier. Then I realize that if I do that, my children will eventually do the same thing. They would not even consider fighting the pull of a smartphone if I didn’t. Knowing the slippery slope of smartphone use and its

addictive qualities, my choice is clear. This realization is my deciding factor.

Armed with this inner argument, I accept all the challenges of not having constant internet access, having to wait until I get to a computer to Zelle those I owe money to, reach out to doctors, and forward shidduch resumes. I will have to run an errand instead of making a quick order, and go to the drive-through at the bank instead of doing a mobile deposit. These choices are mine to embrace for the future of my children’s challenges in technology. May all my efforts be a Zechus for them!

DID YOU KNOW:

Smart speakers like Alexa and Google Nest are showing up in homes everywhere. They make life convenient—play a song, set a timer, get quick answers. But with an always-on device in the room, the internet stops being something you

“go on” and becomes something you’re constantly just on.

Children can quickly get drawn in. The speaker can become a toy or a companion for endless questions, exposing them to content that doesn’t always match family values. Parental controls exist, but they don’t catch everything—and kids rarely have the self-control to limit themselves. Even if you don’t have one at home, children may encounter them at friends’ houses, at babysitters’, or other places they spend time.

Like other always-on internet devices, its engaging, lifelike conversations can subtly erode social skills and make real-world interaction feel less natural.

Being aware is key: understand the risks, monitor exposure, and help children use technology in a controlled way, wherever they encounter it.

Avi & Hannah Edelman on the birth of a son

Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Feinstein on the birth of a son

Avi & Sarah Stern on the birth of a son

Moshe & Ella Deutsch on the birth of a son

R’ Yossi & Shulamis Teichman on the birth of twin daughters

Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov Lipoff on the birth of twins — a daughter and a son

Avi & Kayla Wolasky on the birth of a daughter

Shmuel & Aviva Gabai on the birth of a daughter

Israel Today Confronting ChatGPT in the Classroom

By Rafi Sackville

Ayear ago, I stopped giving written homework. It wasn’t a grand act of rebellion—just the weary conclusion that too many of my students were being “helped.“

One boy in particular handed in an essay so slick it could ’ve come straight off the presses of Simon & Schuster. I asked him, gently, if it was really his own. He looked at me with the calm honesty of a boy who has never told a lie in his life and said, “Of course.“

The following lesson I set the same task, only this time in class. The transformation was remarkable. The wouldbe novelist turned into a struggling freshman, sentences half-finished, ideas scattered like loose change on a desk.

But can I really blame them? Not at all. They ’re doing what students have always done – chasing the better grade by whatever means lie at hand. Some have even admitted to using ChatGPT.

One boy quoted his grandfather: “It’s no different from calculators. Once they arrived, nobody bothered with formulas anymore. “

He had a point. So instead of railing against the inevitable, I ’ve decided to invite it in. Over the summer I dug up a paragraph I ’d published in this very paper a decade ago, fed it into ChatGPT, and asked it to rewrite the thing in different voices.

It struck me then: classrooms aren ’t sealed off from the world. They never have been. And like it or not, the conversation now includes a machine. My job, I suspect, is not to drown it out, but to teach my students how to answer back without losing their own voice.

Here is my original paragraph.

When we got to Maalot in 2013, we wanted to buy matzah meal to make kneidlach for Shabbat. The clerk in the Supersol supermarket looked at my

wife and said, “But it isn’t Pesach!” We were forced to travel to the Krayot (the outlying neighborhoods of Haifa) to satisfy our regular need. It took some time to convince the supermarket to keep its shelves stocked with what we consider an item that should, by our Ashkenazi standards, be readily available any day of the year.

Here it is again, written in the style of Mark Twain:

But up in Ma’alot, where we settled in back in 2013, it was another story. First week, we set out to make kneidlach for Shabbat. Needed matzah meal, simple enough, you’d think. We go to the Supersol, ask the young clerk for it. She looks at my wife like she just asked for snow in August. ”But it isn ’t Pesach!” she says.

No use arguing with someone raised by a calendar.

So we had to make the pilgrimage

down to the Krayot—those scruffy suburbs of Haifa—to hunt down our regular ration. Felt like chasing down contraband. Took some doing before the local market caught on that matzah meal wasn ’t some rare seasonal delicacy, but a basic human right, at least where Ashkenazi folks are concerned.

And in the style of Shakespeare:

When first we came to Ma ’alot in the year two thousand and thirteen, we sought but humble matzah meal, wherewith to fashion kneidlach for the holy Sabbath. Yet the clerk of Supersol, beholding my good wife, spake thus: ”But, lady, ’tis not the feast of Passover!” So were we constrain ’d to fare unto the Krayot, those outer courts of Haifa, to fill our weekly need. Long time it took ere the market was persuaded to lay in store such a staple, which by the custom of Ashkenazim should be found at hand, at all seasons, without fail.

I instantly recognized an easier way to teach Shakespeare; expose them to a modern day style and then turn it into the Bard’s prose.

I had another thought; why not prompt ChatGPT with the following prompt: rewrite the paragraph in the style of … Rafi Sackville.

It did. Yikes! It even asked if I’d like it “to give it more of Rafi Sackville’s trademark wry humor and understated irony, so it reads almost like a short vignette for a local column.“ It recognized my style! I felt exposed.

Sure, I replied. This is what I got.

When we moved to Ma ’alot in 2013, we went looking for matzah meal to make kneidlach for Shabbat. Nothing dramatic, just a simple errand. The woman behind the counter at Supersol studied my wife as though she’d asked for snow in July. ”But it isn ’t Pesach!” she said, matter-of-fact, as though that neatly wrapped things up.

What followed was absurd: a 40-minute drive down to the Krayot, all because a few spoonfuls of ground-up matzah were treated like contraband outside the holiday season. Back home, in the Ashkenazi imagination, matzah

meal is no more seasonal than salt or sugar. Here in Ma’alot, it was as though we were requesting fireworks in February.

It took months of quiet pestering before the local Supersol surrendered a sliver of shelf space to the humble bag of meal. A small victory, yes, but one we

it had pinned down my writing style –that was quite another.

The thought struck me like a the whiff of rotting meat: what if a student handed in an essay that sounded like me? The idea was at once funny, sad, worrisome, and, dare I say, a little terrifying. I spend enough time wondering

My job, I suspect, is not to drown it out, but to teach my students how to answer back without losing their own voice.

toasted with soup and kneidlach—on a Friday night, in the middle of October, no Pesach in sight.

I’ll admit it – I was rattled. Not mildly surprised, not quietly amused, but properly rattled. To discover that ChatGPT had managed to dig up my columns from the far corners of the internet was one thing. To then realize

if my own sentences sound like me. Now I’ve got a machine doing the impersonations.

Of course, I ’m not teaching in the Five Towns or Far Rockaway, where the students arrive armed with a lifetime’s use of the English language. I ’m in Israel, where half the battle is getting the grammar to behave. If one of my stu-

dents suddenly started writing like a columnist from New York, the jig would be up before I ’d finished my coffee.

Still, the mind wanders. Imagine a sharp New Yorker feeding my voice into ChatGPT, then smoothing out their own rough edges until the teacher – me –can ’t tell the difference. The possibilities are endless, and none of them end with me looking clever.

As for solutions, I’ve come up empty. I suspect teachers everywhere are in the same boat, paddling furiously with leaky oars. At some point, we ’ll have to find a balance – between writing as we honestly are and writing as we’d like the world to think we are. If I ever stumble upon that formula, I promise to let you know. Though, if I ’m being honest, ChatGPT will probably figure it out before I do.

Meanwhile, I’m amused at how easily I could, in essence, plagiarize myself. Do you think I did it for this article?

Rafi Sackville, formerly from Cedarhurst, teaches in a prominent yeshiva in Yerushalayim.

Nossi Meisler & Chava Riselsheimer

Gavi Pachino & Miriam Spatz

Aron Youseflaleh (Brooklyn) & Ayala Attar (Baltimore)

Gavi Rosenbloom & Miriam Jacobson

Dov Chapman & Chany Kaufman

Dovid Bender (Far Rockaway) & Miriam Tendler (Baltimore)

To Raise a Laugh

Selling Yourself In Short

As a freelance writer, I sometimes write resumes for clients who are unemployed – that’s why they want me to write a resume – and I’m not sure if they’re going to pay me.

“What part of freelance do you not understand?”

“The lance. I thought it was free.”

So this week, I’m going to give you a bunch of resume-writing tips, so you can write your resume on your own, for free, bearing in mind that even if every resume I’ve ever written is absolutely awesome from a writing standpoint, I have no idea if they’re actually getting people jobs. I’m always afraid to ask.

The main thing on your resume is your Work Experience

-List your past positions, making sure to use active verbs to describe your responsibilities. (“-Pizza Maker: Rolled out dough, put sauce on dough, added cheese, smeared it around, and baked in oven on 700 degrees for 5 minutes. Served 8.”)

-Make sure you phrase your responsibilities in a way that highlights your skills. Some people say, “I’ll write what I do, and they’ll realize I have the skills they need. Like they’ll say, “Oh, he was a rebbi? So he did long-range lesson planning? I can hire him to plan my financial future!” No hiring manager will put that together in the five seconds they spend reading each resume. Hiring managers are busy people. That’s why they’re looking to hire more people. In fact, you might want to have a section called: Skills Summary

This is not the place to list things like:

-Holding breath underwater for 4 minutes

-Organizing things into lists

-Can pick up almost anything with my toes.

You can also use the standard industry skills that people like to list, such as:

-Fast learner. (“Please explain.” “Well, I do Daf Yomi. Takes me a half hour.”)

-Multitasking Abilities. “That’s not specif-

ic. Everyone can multitask for specific things. What can YOU do?” “Walk and tie my shoes at the same time.”

-Organizational skills. I have news for you: Everyone thinks they have organizational skills. Do you know anyone who’s messy, and you’ve tried to clean up some of their stuff to help them out, and they yell, “No! It’s organized!”? They’re writing it on their resumes too.

Of course, you don’t have to fill in every section you find on the resume template on your computer. For example, some people write under

Computer Skills

-Proficient at Microsoft Word.

Anyone who’s ever used Word is going to write that they’re proficient at it. It’s a blank page and you push the letter buttons. But how honest is that? I use Microsoft Word for a living and I don’t know what most of the stuff on top does. I just recently figured out that I can alphabetize lists. And this is a feature I’ve never really used since, except to make sure I don’t double things. It’s not like I’m writing Ashrei.

Another section you can leave out is:

Interests

No one wants to know your interests unless it directly benefits the job. You might be tempted to write your actual interests:

-gardening

-computers

-phones

-running for fun

-running for my life

But why do they actually need to know these things? Is it so they have something to talk to you about at the interview, in case they run out of things to talk about?

References

-Tip: it’s not the same as an “in case of emergency” list.

“So it seems you’ve listed your mother and your wife.”

“Don’t call my mother. She’s going to tell you I don’t call enough.”

By Mordechai Schmutter

-If you can’t think of any references, make sure to write that references are available upon request. Because otherwise the employer will be like, “Should I request them or not? Oh, he wrote that I could.”

But you definitely want to write an

Objective

Employers tend to like hiring people with objectives.

If you do everything right, there’s a chance you’ll be called in for an interview, if only so that the employer can find out what you meant by “running for my life.” Or they may want a phone interview, which is a great idea, because you won’t have to deal with awkward handshake situations. I hate phone interviews, because in general when I’m on the phone, I sound like English is my second language. My main goal – and this is always abundantly clear – is getting the other person off the phone.

But the good news is there’s no guarantee that you’ll even get an interview. There’s a lot that can go wrong. For example, one of the big things they say is a red flag for employers is a gap on your resume. Which is ridiculous. There are a million reasons you can have a gap. Unless maybe “a gap on a resume” means an actual blank space. With whiteout. Because that would be a red flag.

So what should you do if you have a gap?

Some people try to falsify the years a little. Falsify, by the way, is a big resume word meaning “to lie.” Falsify is one of those big words you might put on a resume to make yourself sounds intelligent.

PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER: “I have a question about your resume.”

YOU: “It’s falsified.”

PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER (looking up “falsified”): “You’re hired!”

“There goes your phone!”Mordechai Schmutter is a freelance writer and a humor columnist for Hamodia and other magazines. He has also published eight books and does stand-up comedy. You can contact him at MSchmutter@gmail.com.

Jewish History Accuser of Israel Confesses to Genocide

By Rafael Medoff

Denmark’s prime minister, who has been denouncing Israel and threatening to organize sanctions against it, now has confessed that her country committed horrific crimes against people it conquered, crimes which fit the textbook definition of genocide.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen last week condemned Israel’s pursuit of Hamas terrorists in Gaza as “very violent” and “unacceptable.” She said Denmark is considering extending recognition to the non-existent “State of Palestine.”

Frederiksen also said that Denmark intends to take advantage of its term as head of the European Union to punish Israel for defending itself. She said she is now conferring with other EU members to impose “political pressure and sanctions” against both individual Israelis and “Israel as a whole.”

The Danish prime minister even implicitly compared Israel’s pursuit of Hamas killers and gang-rapists to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In one of those ironic twists that seem to crop up a lot lately, Frederiksen’s blasts at Israel happened to coincide with new revelations about horrific abuses committed by Denmark against the indigenous Inuit people of Greenland.

The violent Danish conquest of Greenland was led by Erik the Red, a killer and slaveowner who had been banished from Iceland in the 10th century CE and went looking for new lands to plunder. Needless to say, Erik and his fellow-settlers did not ask permission from the native Inuits who had preceded them to Greenland by many years.

Denmark’s abuse of the Inuits did not end with stealing their country. The Danes also stole some of their children.

Three years ago, Prime Minis -

ter Frederiksen acknowledged it was “heartless” and “inhumane” that the Danish government took 22 Inuit children from their families in 1951 and sent them to Denmark as part of an experiment in forced assimilation.

The prime minister said she was sorry about that and awarded a token compensation payment of 250,000 kroner

lease its findings.

Apparently to get out ahead of the forthcoming report, Prime Minister Frederiksen last week issued another apology, this time for an even more widespread horror: from the 1960s to the 1990s, Danish doctors, acting at the instruction of their government, implanted certain devices to prevent

Today, what’s rotten in the state of Denmark is the integrity of the country’s leaders.

($37,200) to each of the last six surviving victims.

After that episode, a government commission began investigating Denmark’s overall treatment of the Inuits.

Three years have passed, and the commission reportedly is preparing to re -

pregnancy in an estimated 4,500 Inuit women and girls—some of them just 12 years old—without their knowledge or consent. That was half of Greenland’s population of fertile females. The purpose of the implantations was to limit the size of the Inuit population.

The prime minister did not use the word “genocide” in her remarks. But the government policy that she acknowledged amounted to exactly that.

“Genocide” is defined as actions that are “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group,” including “imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.”

In her statement, Prime Minister Frederiksen also alluded to what she called “systematic discrimination and other failures and mistreatments.” She did not elaborate. Presumably, the commission will.

It’s been 425 years since William Shakespeare penned the immortal line in Hamlet, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark…”

Today, what’s rotten in the state of Denmark is the integrity of the country’s leaders. They point an accusing finger at Israel, while only belatedly and grudgingly acknowledging their own country’s genocidal actions—and failing to pay a single krone of restitution to the 4,500 victims of Denmark’s forced birth control policy.

What an upside-down world this is! A country that is not committing genocide is falsely accused of doing so, while a country that admits committing acts which are unquestionably genocidal simply mutters “sorry” and gets away without any consequences.

Dr. Medoff is the founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. His book, The Road to October 7: Hamas, the Holocaust, and the Eternal War Against the Jews, will be published on October 1, 2025, by The Jewish Publication Society / University of Nebraska Press.

Living Kiddush Hashem

A Generous And Priceless Gift

By Rabbi Shraga Freedman

Shmuel Mashiach, a Chicago businessman, was waiting in line at Ben Gurion Airport together with hundreds of teens returning from NCSY’s Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ). Behind him, a boy named Eyal was telling his counselor that although he had kept his first Shabbos in Eretz Yisrael, he had no idea how

once. “Shabbos is a gift,” he told them. “Unwrap it, and it will change your life.”

The counselors took his number, and the line moved on. A few minutes later, Mrs. Mashiach placed her carry-on bag onto the conveyor belt. The alarm sounded. Security began searching the bag and pulled out a beautiful silver challah knife from Hazorfim — a gift they had pur

Just then, a voice rang out from the back: “Rega, rega, rega!” A supervisor approached and motioned to them quietly, “Bo iti — follow me.” Expecting trouble, they braced themselves. Instead, he lowered his voice and said, “I saw what you did with those kids. You touched my heart. I used to keep Shabbos faithfully, for many years, until life and old wounds pulled me away. But what I heard from you awakened something in me.”

Then, breaking protocol, he told them, “I’m going to do something that’s never done. I’ll have your wife escorted back to the United desk, check this bag as luggage, and then bring her back through security.” And true to his word, he arranged everything until the knife was safely stowed under the plane.

Before parting, he turned to Shmuel

from the group have been calling as well, saying they’re taking him up on the challenge — and some have gone beyond the four weeks, continuing to keep Shabbos on their own.

Who knows how far the impact of this Kiddush Hashem will spread as the story continues to unfold.

(I heard this story from a kollel member in Chicago and I verified the details with Shmuel Mashiach.)

Rabbi Shraga Freedman is the author of Sefer Mekadshei Shemecha, Living Kiddush Hashem, and A Life Worth Living.

Email LivingKiddushHashem@ gmail.com for a free sefer. Visit LivingKiddushHashem.org for more

TJH Centerfold

Things Teachers Say on Day 1 (That Every Student Knows Aren’t True)

“This will be the most exciting subject you’ve ever studied.”

“Don’t worry; this class is easy.”

“We’ll only use the textbook sometimes.”

“I don’t like giving homework.”

“This syllabus looks long, but we won’t get to all of it.”

“Pop quizzes? Never!”

“I’ll keep lectures short.”

“You’ll learn to love group projects.”

“You’ll thank me for this later.”

“We’ll get through this material quickly.”

“I don’t play favorites.”

“You’ll actually use this in real life.”

“I don’t like giving tests.”

“I won’t assign anything over the weekend.”

“Tests are open book if you study enough.”

“If you read the book, you’ll be fine.”

“Late work? We’ll figure it out.”

“I’ll learn everyone’s names by tomorrow.”

“You’ll only need a pencil and paper.”

“No one fails this class.”

“We’ll do more activities than lectures.”

“This exam will be mostly multiple choice.”

“Homework should only take 15 minutes a night.”

“I don’t get mad easily.”

“I treat everyone exactly the same.”

“No homework over holidays.”

“We’ll watch a movie later in the semester.”

“I don’t believe in trick questions.”

“This is just to see what you already know.”

“I won’t make you memorize anything.”

“You’ll remember this class forever.”

“We’ll finish early most days.”

Writing Assignment

Cheat Sheet

Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary. An exaggeration is a billion times worse than an understatement. One should never generalize. One-word sentences? Eliminate. Who needs rhetorical questions? capitalize every sentence and remember always end it with point Do not put statements in the negative form. Proofread carefully for typoes. Don’t never use a double negation. And don’t start a sentence with a conjunction. Comparisons are as bad as clichés. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos. Don’t overuse exclamation marks!! Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.  Also too, never, ever use repetitive redundancies. If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing. Proofread carefully to see if you words out. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague!

Riddle Me This

Four kids go to four different schools and wake up at four different times. Determine each kid’s first and last names, school, and wake-up time.

First Names: Avi, Baruch, Chaim, Dovy

Last Names: Stein, Jervel, Tumim, Brown

Schools: Darchei Torah, HALB, Yeshiva Ketana, South Shore

Times: 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 7:45 AM

Clues

1. The four people are: Avi; the one whose last name is Stein; the one who goes to South Shore; and the one who wakes at 7:15.

2. No one’s last name starts with the same letter as their first name.

3. The kid whose last name is Stein wakes later than Avi, and Avi doesn’t wake at 7:00.

4. Dovy wakes up 30 minutes after the kid whose last name is Brown.

5. Chaim Tumim wakes 15 minutes after Dovy.

6. Dovy goes to HALB.

7. The South Shore student’s last name is Jervel.

8. Avi does not go to Darchei Torah.

Answer: Avi Brown — wakes at 6:30 AM, goes to Yeshiva Ketana; Baruch Jervel — wakes at 7:45 AM, goes to South Shore; Chaim Tumim — wakes at 7:15 AM, goes to Darchei Torah; Dovy Stein — wakes at 7:00 AM, goes to HALB.

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

In D.C., black people are 112% more likely to be “unalived” than white peoples. In the past 11 days, no black person has been unalived in Washington, D.C. since President Trump federalized the DC Metro Police. So if “Black Lives Matter,” why haven’t black Democrats celebrated this?”

- Black conservative TikToker TONY

Crime has always been part of our history

- Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) on CNN, criticizing President Trump’s efforts to rein in crime in Washington, D.C.

You know what tyranny is? Tyranny is when you can’t walk outside and go to dinner. Tyranny is when they shoot you and the person walks out of jail before you get out of the hospital.

- United States Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro responding to Democrats accusing Trump of tyranny for federalizing the police in D.C.

I feel that now I go down a gear in the race of life.

- A father of four from southern Israel who won 10 million shekels in the lotto after 300 days of reserve duty

Life’s full of surprises. Sometimes, dreams come true at the most unexpected moment.

- ibid.

You got to ask yourself a question: a country that’s capable of taking out the control of all of Iranian airspace in 72 hours, allowing for the B-2s of the United States to come in and obliterate the nuclear weapons operations in Iran, is not capable of ending this war sooner? Of course, we are. But it’s because we’re taking precautions that no other country has ever taken, had to face a situation of 450 miles of terror tunnels under an area that’s 24 miles long.

- Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, responding to outrageous genocide accusations

My own son was killed because we do not kill innocent civilians. He went in on foot into Gaza and led the troops at the beginning of the war and was killed when he went into a Hamas boobytrap. If we were doing what we’re being accused of doing, maybe he’d be alive today. - ibid.

[Newsom] has surprised all of us and done something intelligent. He has decided to send the California state police into his major cities to help local cops fight crime and violence. Now you don’t have to be a senior at Caltech to know that’s in response to the Trump administration’s threat to send in federal law enforcement officials, but look, I’ll take it. If that’s what it takes to get Governor Newsom to stop being a princess, I’ll take that, too.

- Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) on Fox News

Board with what’s being served?

(NOT ANYMORE)

Part of the foster care system that people don’t realize is, there’s a lot of things that kids don’t get taught or miss along the way.

-Doogie Sandtiger, the “Croc King,” explaining that he got into Crocs because he didn’t know how to tie his shoes. He now holds the Guinness World Record for owning at least 3,569 pairs of Crocs

I accepted the challenge of breaking the record for the most neckties worn at once to show that women are equal to men and that women can also wear many ties.

- Canadian politician Marwah Rizqy Rizqy, who broke a Guinness World Record by wearing 360 neckties at once

Barack Obama called out Pres. Trump’s crackdown on crime, saying that he’s worried that it will affect the former president’s hometown. Trump responded by saying, “Don’t worry – we are not going to invade Nairobi.”

- Greg Gutfeld

Trump’s federal crime crackdown in D.C. is working so well that Maxine Waters can now walk her wig at night.

- ibid.

Trump’s poll numbers are now surging. After all, when people don’t get murdered they tend to be grateful.

- ibid.

Universities were corrupted; instead of the search for truth, they became indoctrination factors. Even math became corrupted—two plus two can equal twenty-two…as long as you hate the Jews. -ibid.

100 Push-Ups And 50 Pull-Ups In Under 10 Minutes. What Could Go Wrong?

- A New York Times headline after Secretary of State Pete Hegseth and Health And Human Services

Secretary Bobby Kennedy Jr. completed an exercise challenge to promote healthy habits

When Trump enters the gym, suddenly exercise is fascism.

- Greg Gutfeld

If Trump tweeted to practice good hygiene, the Times would declare that pursuing white teeth is inherently racist.

– ibid.

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear

Navidaters,

I am writing about a concern I have about the great girl I am dating. For some context, I am 28 and she is 26, we are both professionals and in the modern-machmir world. We have been dating for a few weeks, and things seemed to be going really well. The problem is my roommate just notified me that he actually matched with her on an app (she did not match back with him yet but she’s still on this app as active).

I’m shocked. I realize people double date when only going out with someone a couple times, but I wouldn’t think someone would double date after going out as long as we have. Why would I put in the effort and money into taking her out if she’s possibly seeing other people also?

Thanks,

Shmuel*

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.

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.

Bring up with her where the relationship seems to be going. Be smart and careful not to accuse, keeping in mind that sometimes people who rarely use a

dating app neglect to update their status. It might be strategic to say to her that you see this relationship going somewhere and have told people who try to fix you up that you are seeing someone now. See how she responds. You will be able to gauge her level of interest and commitment during the conversation. That’s what’s most important. It’s only a few weeks in and perhaps in her circles

this is not much of an indicator. See what happens in the conversation and online before you bring it up this question.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

Iwould venture to say that you may not be very active on dating apps, because if you were, you would know how common it is for people to forget they are even on them. I constantly see profiles of people who I know are dating seriously, and when I reach out to them, they usually respond, “Thanks, but I’m already in a relationship.” Many singles don’t find apps very useful, so they don’t bother making it a priority to update their status.

With that in mind, I don’t think you need to be concerned. It is very possible

Don’t let early, minor uncertainties make you skeptical and jaded.

that she simply hasn’t thought about removing herself from the app. What really matters is the way she is treating you and the seriousness she is showing in your relationship.

That being said, it may be a good time to have an open conversation about exclusivity. In the more Modern Orthodox world, it has become more common for people to go out with more than one

person until both parties agree they are dating exclusively. Personally, I am not a fan of this mentality, but I must point this out.

Use this as an opportunity to gently bring up the topic and hear her perspective on the topic. It can help clarify where she stands and give you both a stronger sense of commitment moving forward. Hopefully, your roommate’s match request will remain unanswered, and your relationship will continue to grow in the right direction.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

Let’s discuss two quotes that our readers may, or may not, be familiar with:

Quote #1- Casablanca (1942): At the end of this classic movie, Humphrey Bogart tells Claud Rains, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Set during World War II, both characters face uncertain futures. Previously cynical and self-serving, they evolve, learn to

trust each other, and hope to do good together. It’s a powerful and emotional reminder that, even in dark times, meaningful alliances and relationships can form.

Much like Bogart and Rains, singles today navigate a world of uncertainty, hoping to find someone with whom they can build trust, grow together, and create a lasting, meaningful relationship.

Quote #2 – Pirkei Avos (1:6): We are taught to be “dan l’kaf zechus”—judge others favorably.

When information is incomplete, give people the benefit of the doubt. (For example, if you see a friend walking into a non-kosher restaurant, assume it was an emergency restroom stop.)

So, Shmuel, how does this apply to you?

Just because your girlfriend has not yet updated her status on various apps, it doesn’t mean that she isn’t very, very serious about her relationship with you. Many singles keep their status active while exploring a promising connection. Or, perhaps it simply hasn’t occurred to her to take the time to do so. Remember, you’ve been dating only a few weeks— things are still early.

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Dear Shmuel,

I can really understand why this feels jarring. You’ve been investing feelings, time, energy, and money into this relationship, and then suddenly you’re faced with the fact that she is still on the app. That can shake your sense of where things stand.

Here’s the thing. Within the dating world, there’s often an assumption that exclusivity happens quickly, some -

times even after just a couple of dates. But at the same time, it’s also true that many people don’t assume exclusivity until it’s clearly spoken about. Both approaches are out there, and neither is wrong. This is why it’s so important to clarify with each other.

I’m a big fan of being straightforward

(It would, of course, be different if she actually accepted a date with your roommate while dating you!)

Dating today is challenging. Don’t let early, minor uncertainties make you skeptical and jaded. Like Bogart, if you hope this is the “ beginning of a beautiful friendship,” be careful to be dan l’kaf zechus. Judge her positively, enjoy the time together, and see where it leads.

The Readers’ Response

Yehuda and Shalva Schoemann

Dear Shmuel, It sounds like you’re hesitant to fully invest in a relationship if the investment isn’t reciprocated. However, you don’t have sufficient proof yet that the girl you’re seeing isn’t putting effort into the relationship. Maybe she just forgot to change her status on the dating app because she got busier after she started dating you.

Whatever her reason is for not changing her status on the app, you need to sit down and have a conversation with her (emphasis on “a conversation” – not just a text). Bring it up calmly and don’t be confrontational. Ask if she thinks that dating more than one person at a time

in a calm and curious way. This doesn’t need to be an accusation. It’s really just about getting aligned. It’s entirely possible she is dating other people. It’s also very possible she simply forgot to take her profile down. Either way, until you’ve had a conversation, neither option is “bad.” What matters is whether the two of you are on the same page moving forward. If you listen to any mainstream dating podcasts, you’ll hear advice that echoes this point. People are encouraged not to assume exclusivity until it’s explicitly discussed. In fact, the common suggestion is to keep yourself “on the mar -

Either way, until you’ve had a conversation, neither option is “bad.”

is okay, and if so, after how many dates should someone be exclusive.

This is also a good opportunity to check in with her to see how she thinks your relationship is going. You say you’ve been dating for a few weeks, but maybe you thought the relationship was progressing much faster than she did. If she thinks things weren’t going as well or moving as quickly, maybe she thinks it is reasonable to still be seeing other people (three weeks might be long to you but short for her).

You also have to be prepared for her to say that she is okay dating two people at once, and you’ll have to decide if that’s okay with you. The most important thing is not to assume anything without communicating first. Hear the situation from her perspective, hear what she thinks is normal in this context, and be open to communicating and having a non-confrontational discussion. Good luck!

ket” and take things slowly until you and the other person decide otherwise.

So, as uncomfortable as this feels right now, I’d say this is actually a natural next step in your dating process. If things are moving well and you’re interested in her, it’s time to have the conversation about exclusivity. Ask her directly and gently where she stands and share where you are. You’ll feel better having clarity, and hopefully she will appreciate your honesty and transparency.

Warmly, Jennifer

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and certified trauma healing life coach, as well as a dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at 123 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email JenniferMannLCSW@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.

Mental Health Corner

A Formidable Adversary

By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman

In modern times, we have become accustomed to news items that transpire on the other end of the world that feel as if they happened in our neighborhood. Thus, when a respected and esteemed individual is exposed as a predator, the trauma is not just felt by the local

community. Instead, the shockwaves reverberate around the globe. The trauma of horror and betrayal that we all feel inevitably leads to the obvious question of how is it possible that someone who conducts himself in every other way as an upstanding and G-d fearing person

is involved in such sinful and fiendish behavior? How can that person look at himself in the mirror and be able to live a double life with such ease?

The simplest answer to this question would be that the Yetzer Hara can infuse a person with such strong urges that sometimes the person will take the bait and fall prey to the Yetzer Hara’s power. The problem with that theory is that it still does not explain how the person can manage to live with himself. Additionally, to imagine that the Yetzer Hara has only one trick up his sleeve is to minimize his craftiness. Indeed, he is a formidable adversary with a wide range of strategies that he can apply to lead someone off the straight path and still have that person be able to sleep peacefully at night. One of those tricks is compartmentalization.

Compartmentalization is a psychological defense mechanism that allows a person to mentally separate conflicting thoughts, emotions, or experiences to avoid the discomfort of living a contradiction. The uncomfortable feeling of having contradictory thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes is known in psychology as cognitive dissonance. Human beings abhor that feeling and will do anything to avoid it. The most obvious strategy is to simply stop the conflicting behaviors and live a more wholesome and integrated life. However, some people choose a different approach, and that is to compartmentalize.

today just to make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast I desire, a day for men to starve their bodies? Is it bowing the head like a bulrush, and lying in sackcloth and ashes? Do you call that a fast, a day that is favorable to Hashem?”

This message is so important and the risks of compartmentalization so high that this is the Haftarah that we read on Yom Kippur. Indeed, during Mincha on Yom Kippur, we read from the Torah the prohibitions of forbidden relationships, as if to say that just because you are acting so holy on Yom Kippur does not mean that you are secure from succumbing to the most illicit temptations.

In the annals of American Jewish history, there is a famous (or perhaps infamous) example of classic compartmentalization, and that is the story of Sam “Red” Levine. He was a gangster in the first half of the twentieth century, the most active hitman for hire of Murder, Inc., and he was also (on some level) an Orthodox Jew. He always wore a yarmulke under his hat, ate only kosher food, and did not do any of his “work” on Shabbos. Hence, from sundown on Friday until Havdala, he did not do any of his murders. If he felt he had no choice, he would make sure to put on his Tallis and daven before doing his job. That is classic compartmentalization. I am an upstanding Jew, but I also have to do certain things on the side for “Parnassa”.

When one compartmentalizes, he or she is dividing their life into two realms, and they are one person in this setting and another person in the other setting. This allows an individual to perform terrible and monstrous acts and then switch off that persona and become a “G-d fearing” individual. When one bites the bullet of compartmentalization, it becomes possible to shuckle with zeal on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and then turn around a few hours later and become a completely different person without feeling any guilt or sense of hypocrisy.

This kind of behavior is nothing new, and Yeshaya Hanavi (Ch. 58) bemoans this when he decries the duplicity that some people demonstrate on a fast day. “You fast in strife and contention, and you strike with a wicked fist. Don’t fast

This in no way absolves the individual from culpability. Compartmentalization is a strategy that the individual embraces using his free will in order to continue with his “lifestyle” and not be bogged down by feelings of guilt or shame.

We often think of this kind of phenomenon as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A more accurate description might be a formless being that sometimes wears the wolf’s clothing and sometimes wears the sheep’s clothing. If it sounds complicated that is because it is.

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

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti,

Maybe this is just a phase, or maybe I’ve completely lost control. My 12-year-old son, who used to throw on whatever I handed him, is now obsessed with wearing namebrand clothes. Nike, Adidas, Lululemon – even the socks have to have a logo! Any time he needs new clothes, he insists on the most expensive options.

He doesn’t throw a tantrum, but he wears me down. I’ll say no, and he’ll argue his case like a lawyer: “Everyone else has it,” “It’s not even that expensive compared to . . .,” and “You want me to feel good about myself, don’t you?” are some common refrains. And truthfully, I don’t always say no. I remember being a kid, and I do want him to feel good and fit in. But his father is much more grounded and refuses to play into it. That creates tension, not just between the two of them, but also between my husband and me.

Thankfully, we’re not struggling financially, but it still bothers me. The cost of one hoodie could buy several shirts. I feel like I’m raising a kid who’s missing the point, and then I feel like a bad parent for even thinking that. I also know peer pressure is intense at this age. It’s not really about fashion. It’s about belonging. So what’s the balance? Do I keep saying no and risk him feeling left out? Or give in and hope this phase eventually passes?

Am I the only one dealing with this?

-Conflicted

A:Dear Conflicted, Oh, you are so not alone. Welcome to the brand wars, a modern rite of passage for many tweens and teens. Whether it’s clothes, sneakers, water bottles, earbuds, or backpacks, kids eventually reach a point where the thing itself matters far less than the logo on it. It’s not always about status; it’s more often about social camouflage. Kids this age just want to blend in. They don’t want to stand out in a way that makes them feel “less than.”

What you’re seeing in your son is a developmentally normal (if deeply frustrating) part of growing up. Around 10 to 14, kids become hyperaware of what their peers are doing, wearing, and saying. Brands become a kind of shorthand for belonging, coolness, and in some cases, emotional safety. Adolescents often form their identity through external markers, and clothing is one

of the easiest ways to signal who you are or who you want to be. But that doesn’t mean we hand over our wallets and principles.

What you’re describing – the tug-of-war between guilt, empathy, financial values, and family harmony – is incredibly common. You’re not a bad parent for giving in sometimes. You’re a human parent, trying to navigate a consumer culture that’s turned childhood into a marketing demographic. So what can you do?

I feel like I’m raising a kid who’s missing the point, and then I feel like a bad parent for even thinking that.

• Start with boundaries. Set a clear clothing budget and stick to it. If your son wants the $165 sneakers, let him make the choice: buy them and have fewer items overall, or get more for less. When kids have to make real decisions with limited resources, they learn to weigh value not just style.

• Involve him in the process. If he wants something beyond your budget, ask him to contribute. Ask him to chip in money he received for his birthday, extra chores, or a summer job. It’s amazing how a “must-have” hoodie will feel a little less urgent when he’s footing part of the bill! This isn’t just about making him work for it; it’s about giving him ownership over his choices.

• Open a conversation about marketing Show him how brands create emotional associations that make products seem more valuable than they are. This can be a powerful way to shift the focus from “I want this” to “Why do I want this?” You’re not lecturing; you’re giving him tools to think critically. He might still want the hoodie, but at least he’ll understand what’s

driving that desire.

• Be mindful of what you’re feeling. As you said, he’s your only child. Wanting to give him joy is beautiful. But sometimes, we overcompensate, especially if we lacked certain comforts growing up ourselves. Saying no doesn’t mean you love him less; it means you’re strong enough to set limits, even when it’s hard.

• Be on the same page with your husband . Your husband’s firmer stance may be part of the solution. Kids benefit from consistency, even if they act like they hate it. You and your husband don’t have to be identical in your approach but try to talk about a shared message you can both stand behind. That unity creates security for your son, even if he rolls his eyes and groans when you say no.

• Don’t forget to nurture his self-worth beyond the wardrobe. Encourage friendships, hobbies, sports, or creative outlets where his identity isn’t tied to his outfit. When kids feel seen and valued in other areas of their life, the hold of external validation tends to loosen.

You’re teaching your son how to live in a world that constantly tells him he’s not enough unless he buys something. That’s a hard lesson for all of us. But your voice, your limits, your love? They’re the foundation he’ll return to, long after this phase passes.

You’re doing better than you think.

Hatzlacha, - Etti

Mrs. Etti Siegel holds a MS in Teaching and Learning/Educational Leadership and brings sound teaching advice to her audiences culled from her over 35 years of teaching and administrative experience. Etti is an Adjunct at the College of Mount Saint Vincent/Sara Shenirer. She is a coach and educational consultant for Catapult Learning, FACTS Education Solutions, Brienza Academic Advantage, Yeled V’Yalda; is a sought-after mentor and workshop presenter around the country; and a popular presenter for Sayan (a teacher-mentoring program), Hidden Sparks, and the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools. She is a frequent contributor to Hamechanech magazine and The Journal for Jewish Day School Leaders and has a weekly column in The Jewish Home.

Health & F tness When Back-to-School Brings More Than Just Books Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Students

By Rivka Kramer, PMHNP-BC

It was the last week of August, and Leah, a bright seventh grader, should have been excited about shopping for new notebooks and picking out her first-day outfit. Instead, she sat curled up on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing.

“What if I don’t remember anything from math last year? What if the teacher calls on me, and I freeze? What if everyone already has their groups of friends, and I sit alone at lunch?”

The worries piled on, one after another, until Leah’s chest felt tight and her stomach ached. Her parents initially brushed it off as “normal nerves,” but when the crying and sleepless nights continued, they realized it was something more: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

On the first day of school, Leah clutched her backpack so tightly her knuckles turned white. She walked into the building with her head down, avoiding eye contact. During lunchtime, she sat alone at the edge of the cafeteria, pushing food around her tray while her heart pounded. When her mother picked her up from school at the end of the day, Leah burst into tears. She hadn’t raised her hand once, convinced she’d say something wrong.

Leah’s story isn’t rare. Each fall, countless children, teens, and even college students struggle with the weight of back-to-school anxiety. For many, the jitters fade after the first week. But for students with GAD, the anxiety lingers, intensifies, and often interferes with learning, friendships, and daily life.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is more than occasional worry. It’s a persistent, excessive, and often uncontrollable form of anxiety that

spans multiple areas of life. A student with GAD isn’t just nervous about a big test—they may worry about grades, friendships, health, safety, family, and even small, everyday issues like being late or forgetting homework.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, GAD affects about 3% of the U.S. population each year, and symptoms often emerge during childhood or adolescence. For students, it can look like:

• Constant “what if” thinking (e.g., “What if I fail? What if I embarrass myself?”)

• Restlessness, muscle tension, or difficulty concentrating in class

• Trouble sleeping before school days

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical explanation

• Perfectionism—redoing assignments multiple times or avoiding tasks for fear of mistakes

The start of a new school year, with

its fresh routines, academic expectations, and social dynamics, is a perfect storm for GAD to flare.

Why Back-to-School Season is a Trigger

1. Academic Pressure

New classes mean new teachers, harder material, and higher expectations. Students with GAD may fear falling behind, not being “good enough,” or disappointing their parents and teachers. Even minor homework assignments can feel monumental.

2. Social Transitions

The cafeteria, playground, or college dorm can feel like battlefields for someone with social worries. Making friends, fitting in, or facing potential rejection are major sources of stress. Students may worry about what to wear, who to sit with, or whether they’ll be excluded from group projects.

3. Separation from Home

Younger children often struggle

with leaving their parents, while college freshmen may feel overwhelmed by living away for the first time. Separation anxiety doesn’t always look like tears; it can appear as irritability, fatigue, or constant texting home.

4. Change in Routine

After the freedom of summer, the rigid schedule of school can feel suffocating. Sleep changes, early mornings, and after-school activities add layers of stress. Students with GAD may become fixated on punctuality, fearing catastrophe if they’re even a few minutes late.

5. Perfectionism & Fear of Failure

Many students with GAD set unrealistic standards for themselves. A single low grade or mistake in class may spiral into catastrophic thinking about their entire future. Perfectionism often masquerades as diligence, so adults may miss the distress behind it.

6. Technology & Social Media Pressure

Today’s students also carry the stress of online comparison. Seeing peers’ highlight reels – new outfits, friend groups, academic awards – can intensify self-doubt and feed anxious thoughts about not measuring up.

The Hidden Toll of GAD on Students

On the surface, a child with GAD may look like the “good student”—always doing homework, following rules, and striving to excel. But inside, they may be battling constant tension and fear. Over time, GAD can:

• Hinder academic performance due to difficulty focusing, procrastination, or avoidance of challenging tasks.

• Strain friendships if worries about being judged or rejected prevent social interaction.

• Affect physical health with recur -

ring headaches, digestive problems, or fatigue.

• Lower self-esteem when students begin to believe they aren’t capable or strong enough to cope.

Leah, for example, started complaining of stomachaches and headaches every morning before school. Her pediatrician found no physical illness—her body was simply expressing the stress her mind was carrying.

Distinguishing Normal

Worry from GAD

It’s natural for students to feel butterflies on the first day or worry about a tough exam. What makes GAD different is the persistence and intensity of the worry and the way it disrupts life.

• Normal Worry: “I’m nervous about my math test tomorrow.” (Feeling passes after the test.)

• GAD Worry: “What if I fail this test, then the next one, and then I don’t get into college? What if I forget everything I studied? What if I get so nervous I can’t even write my name?” (The worry continues for weeks, long before and after the test, impacting sleep and mood.)

When worries become all-consuming, unrealistic, and long-lasting, it’s time to consider GAD.

Supporting Students with GAD

1. Open Conversations

Normalize talking about anxiety. Parents, teachers, and counselors can ask open-ended questions like:

• “What worries come up when you think about school?”

• “How does your body feel when you get anxious?”

For many students, just being heard and validated is the first relief.

2. Structure & Predictability

Creating clear routines can reduce uncertainty. A consistent morning schedule, a visual calendar, or walking through the new classroom before school starts can ease transitions. Even something as small as preparing clothes and lunches the night before can reduce last-minute panic.

3. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is considered the gold standard treatment for GAD. It helps students identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with balanced perspectives. For example, instead of “If I make one mistake, I’ll fail everything,” they learn to think, “Mistakes happen, but I can still succeed overall.” Home -

work in CBT might include facing fears gradually—like answering one question in class—until confidence builds.

4. Coping Strategies for Daily Use

• Breathing techniques: slow, deep breaths to calm the nervous system.

GAD need moments of rest—unstructured play, reading, or quiet time away from screens.

• Practice exposure gently: Encourage facing fears in small, manageable steps rather than avoiding them altogether.

entirely, but they no longer

• Grounding exercises: naming five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, one you can taste.

• Journaling: writing down recurring worries to gain perspective.

• Scheduled worry time: setting aside 10-15 minutes a day to write down worries, then moving on.

5. Collaboration with Schools

Teachers can provide subtle support—such as allowing short breaks, giving instructions in writing, or offering quiet test spaces. School counselors can check in regularly and connect families with resources. When schools, families, and clinicians work together students are less likely to fall through the cracks.

6. Medication (if needed)

In moderate to severe cases, psychi atrists may recommend SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or other medications, often alongside therapy. This is especially helpful when anxiety severely impacts functioning.

A Parent and Teacher Toolkit

• Model calm coping: Children watch how adults manage stress. Show ing healthy strategies teaches them re silience.

• Limit reassurance loops: Con stantly answering the question “Will I be okay?” can feed anxiety. Instead, guide children toward coping skills.

• Encourage balanced routines: Ad equate sleep, nutrition, and physical ac tivity all buffer against anxiety.

• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes: Praising hard work instead of grades helps reduce perfectionism.

• Use check-in rituals: A quick morning or evening conversation can help children share worries before they spiral.

• Promote downtime: Students with

Leah’s parents found that validating her feelings (“I know starting school feels scary”) while encouraging small steps (“Let’s just focus on meeting your teacher today”) helped her face her fears gradually without feeling dismissed.

A Brighter Path Forward

By October, Leah was still nervous, but with therapy and support, she no longer cried every morning. She had made two new friends and even raised her hand in class. The worries hadn’t

disappeared entirely, but they no longer controlled her life.

That’s the heart of GAD treatment: not eliminating all anxiety, but giving students the tools to manage it, so they can learn, grow, and thrive despite their worries.

Back-to-school season is supposed to be a time of fresh beginnings. But for students with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, it can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, staring up at an impossible climb.

With understanding, early recognition, and the right support, at home, in school, and in clinical care, that mountain becomes manageable. Children like Leah can discover that while anxiety may be a part of their journey, it doesn’t have to define their story.

Rivka Kramer is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has a psychiatric private practice based in Cedarhurst, NY. She serves as a member of the board of JANPPA, the Jewish American Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Association. She can be reached at 516-945-9443.

Shoshana Winchell, 4

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Funfetti Cake

For all the birthday loving, joy seeking, children at heart people out there!

by Danielle Renov and Chana Sara Posen

Ingredients

CAKE

V 2½ cups flour

V 2 tsp baking powder

V ½ tsp baking soda

V ½ tsp salt

V ½ cup avocado oil

V 1¼ cups sugar

V 2 large eggs

V 1/3 cup vegan yogurt

V 2 tsp vanilla extract

V ½ tsp almond extract

V ¾ cup almond milk

V ½ cup colored sprinkles

GLAZE

V 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

V 1/8 tsp salt

V 2 Tbsp almond milk

V ¼ cup sprinkles, for sprinkling!

Preparation

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), grease and flour a bundt pan.

In a medium bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add oil and sugar. Mix for 1 minute on medium-low speed and then add eggs one at a time.

Add yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix on low speed for 1 minute.

With the mixer still on low speed, add half the flour mixture. Mix for 30 seconds and then add almond milk. Continue to mix for an additional 30 seconds. Turn mixer off.

Add remaining flour mixture and sprinkles and use a spatula to mix it into the batter.

Pour into prepared bundt pan, place in oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Use a plastic knife to loosen cake from the sides of the pan and carefully flip onto cake plate. When cake is completely cooled, make the glaze.

In a bowl, add sugar and salt. Add 1 Tbsp almond milk at a time, mixing for at least 1 minute before adding next tablespoon. The mixture will seem thick and crumbly at first, but as the sugar absorbs the liquid, it will also begin to liquify and loosen. Once the mixture is the consistency of a thick cake batter (pourable but not too runny), spoon over the top of the cake and let it sit for 10 minutes so the glaze can slowly settle over the cake. After 10 minutes, sprinkle the sprinkles over the top of the cake. Allow glaze to set completely before covering.

Reprinted from Micro Peas - The Mini Cookbook Series: Bundt Cakes by Danielle Renov and Chana Sara Posen with permission from the copyright holder, ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.