Image Magazine April 2026

WHAT THE SEDER TEACHES ABOUT Freedom, Faith and Human Dignity

A HOME FOR HEALING

At the New Morris I. Franco Cancer Center

MDYHS STUDENTS

Advocating for Their Future

SAM SUTTON AND UJA TEAM UP TO Protect Jewish Communities

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

50 Strengthening Marriages in Our Community For The Founders of The LEV Organization, The Inspiration Began at Home

A New Chapter of Compassion The Cheryl and Victor Azrak Lev Hatikvah Division at SBH Community Service Network

MDY’s Sephardic Heritage Night

Forming A New York LLC Made Simpler How Libertyfiling.Com Simplifies the Process and Saves You Money

Ben G. Matsas

J.

the Bread of Affliction

The Seder Teaches About Freedom, Faith, And Human Dignity By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l

What’s My Hebrew Name? Becoming a Character in the Story of the Jewish People By Rabbi Meyer Laniado

MARRIAGE

100 What 40 Years of Couples Therapy Taught One Expert About Love By Debbie Gutfreund

NUTRITION

104 Passover Food Freedom Beyond Chametz

Rethinking Balance, Digestion, And Nourishment During the Holiday By Laura Shammah, MS, RDN

POLITICAL

26 A Powerful Partnership Senator Sutton and UJA Team Up to Protect Jewish Communities By Eddie Esses

RECIPES

76 Light Spring Cooking Reset Your Menu After the Holidays 126 RESTAURANT GUIDE: NY SPORTS

96 Beyond the Medal Count

How Israeli Athletes Showed Resilience and Pride at the 2026 Winter Olympics

WRITERS’ THOUGHTS

60 The Real Scandal Behind the Gracie Mansion Dinner By Linda Sadacka

112 The Power of 10,000 Steps Especially During Stressful Times By Rabbi Dr. Yosef Lynn

From The Editors

As April arrives, we find ourselves in the midst of Nissan, a month defined by renewal, joy, and the memory of miracles. At the heart of this time stands Passover, beginning on the 15th of Nissan, reminding us not only of where we came from, but of the responsibility we carry forward as a people.

In this issue, our Passover section brings together meaningful reflections that speak to both tradition and identity. We are honored to feature a Pesach greeting from Rabbi Shaul J. Kassin, along with thoughtful pieces on the Passover holiday. In Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ powerful essay, we are reminded that true freedom begins with the ability to care for others, and that even the simple act of sharing bread can restore dignity and humanity. In What’s My Hebrew Name, Rabbi Meyer Laniado reminds us that Jewish identity is not only inherited, but chosen and lived, a message deeply connected to the experience of Pesach itself.

Our cover story highlights CARE and its new therapeutic camp, Care Club, an initiative built on compassion and a deep understanding of children with special needs. Created to address the loss of structure during the summer months, the program ensures children continue to grow rather than regress. With on-site therapies, individualized plans, and small, structured groups, each child receives the support they need. As the article shows, many children returned to school not behind, but ahead, more engaged, more confident, and thriving.

Across our community coverage, we highlight the opening of the new Morris I. Franco Cancer Center, the continued leadership of Sam Sutton, the growth of MDY, including its Sephardic Heritage Night, and the impactful work of SBH’s new Cheryl and Victor Azrak Lev Hatikvah Division, which provides critical support to families navigating life’s most difficult moments. We also feature the Lev Organization and how they are strengthening marriages, the work of Randi’s Care, and DSN’s Purim Night to Remember.

Beyond these pages, you will find stories that inform, challenge, and inspire, from cultural reflections to deeper looks at the issues shaping our world.

As we gather around the Seder table, we are reminded of the hope and resilience that define our people. We pray for peace and safety in Israel and for the Jewish nation around the world.

Wishing you and your families a healthy, happy, and meaningful Passover.

Ben-Gurion Matsas and Rachelle Fallas Matsas

VOLUME 35 ISSUE 11

2026 NISAN - IYAR 5786

Ben-Gurion Matsas PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Rachelle Fallas Matsas EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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SHARING THE BREAD OF AFFLICTION

WHAT THE SEDER TEACHES ABOUT FREEDOM, FAITH, AND HUMAN DIGNITY

RABBI LORD JONATHAN SACKS ZT”L

PESACH, THE JEWISH FESTIVAL OF FREEDOM, IS AN EXTRAORDINARY TESTIMONY TO THE POWER OF RITUAL TO KEEP IDEALS AND IDENTITY ALIVE ACROSS THE CENTURIES. ON PESACH WE RELIVE THE STORY OF OUR PEOPLE, SITTING TOGETHER AT HOME AS AN EXTENDED FAMILY AS IF WE WERE BACK IN THE EGYPT OF THE PHARAOHS, ON THE NIGHT BEFORE WE ARE ABOUT TO GO FREE AFTER LONG EXILE AND HARSH ENSLAVEMENT.

We begin the drama by holding up a matzah, the dry unleavened bread that is one of the key symbols of the festival, and saying, “This is the bread of affliction our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and eat.” A child, usually the youngest present, then asks a series of questions about “why this night is different from all other nights.”

The rest of the evening is largely dedicated to answering those questions, retelling the story of the exodus together with acts of eating and drinking that include the bitter herbs of suffering and the wine of freedom. It is history made memory by reenactment. For most Jews it is the way we learned, when we were young, who we are and why.

It also has hidden depths. I always used to be puzzled by two features of the evening. The first is the conflict between the two explanations of the unleavened bread. At the beginning of the story we call it the bread of affliction. Later on in the evening we speak of it as the bread of freedom they ate as they were leaving Egypt in such a hurry that they could not wait for the dough to rise. Which is it, I used to wonder, a symbol of oppression or liberty? Surely it could not be both.

The other element I found strange was the invitation to others to join us in eating the bread of affliction. What kind of hospitality is that, I thought, to ask others to share our suffering?

Unexpectedly, I discovered the answer in Primo Levi’s great book If This Is a Man, the harrowing account of his experiences in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. According to Levi, the worst time was when the Nazis left in January 1945, fearing the Russian advance. All prisoners who could walk were taken on the brutal death marches. The only people left in the camp were those too ill to move.

For ten days they were left alone with only scraps of food and fuel. Levi describes how he worked to light a fire and bring some warmth to his fellow prisoners, many of them dying. He then writes that when the broken window was repaired and the stove began to spread its heat, something seemed to relax in everyone. At that moment Towarowski, a Franco-Pole of twenty-three with typhus, proposed that each of them offer a slice of bread to the three who had been working. And so it was agreed. Only a day before, Levi says, this would have been inconceivable. The law of the camp said, “Eat your own bread, and if you can, that of your neighbor.” To do otherwise would have been suicidal. The offer of sharing bread was the first human gesture that occurred among them. Levi believed that moment marked the beginning of the change by which we who had not died

slowly changed from Haftlinge (prisoners) to men again.

Sharing food is the first act through which slaves become free human beings. One who fears tomorrow does not offer his bread to others. But one who is willing to divide his food with a stranger has already shown himself capable of fellowship and faith, the two things from which hope is born. That is why we begin the Seder by inviting others to join us. That is how we turn affliction into freedom.

It sometimes seems to me that, having created the most individualistic society in history, we today risk losing the logic of liberty. Freedom is not simply the ability to choose to do whatever we like so long as we do not harm others. It is born in the sense of solidarity that leads those who have more than they need to share with those who have less. Giving help to the needy and companionship to those who are alone, we bring freedom into the world, and with freedom, G-D.

A Whole Spectrum of Care

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A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND THERAPEUTIC CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CARE CLUB

WHAT DID YOU DO DIFFERENTLY THIS SUMMER? IT’S THE QUESTION CARE BEGAN HEARING AGAIN AND AGAIN WHEN CHILDREN RETURNED TO SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER. TEACHERS CALLED. THERAPISTS CALLED. PARENTS CALLED. ALL WITH THE SAME SENSE OF SURPRISE. THE CHILDREN THEY EXPECTED TO COME BACK SLIGHTLY BEHIND AFTER THE LONG SUMMER BREAK WEREN’T BEHIND AT ALL.

They were ahead. They were communicating more. Regulating better. Trying new things. Socializing in ways they hadn’t before.

“Each morning as I drive up to camp, I see a crowd of children in their blue CARE CLUB shirts singing their favorite songs at the top of their lungs,” says Victoria Safdieh, founder of CARE. “A smile immediately spreads across my face, because in that moment I know, this is love. This is pure happiness.”

months can be incredibly challenging. During the school year, their days are structured with specialized programs, therapies, and individualized educational support. But when summer arrives, that structure often disappears.

“They didn’t regress,” one therapist said.

Last summer, CARE expanded its services to the special needs community by launching CARE CLUB, a first-of-itskind therapeutic summer program designed specifically to support children with special needs during the months when progress is most at risk.

For many children with special needs, the summer

“They thrived!” That moment captured exactly why CARE took one of its biggest leaps yet. Without consistent support, many children experience regression. Skills they worked hard to build throughout the year, like communication, behavioral regulation, academic development, and social interaction, can slip away. Parents know this reality all too well. Other camps the children were going to were not equipped to meet their children’s complex needs, and the idea of sending their child somewhere without the proper therapeutic support can feel overwhelming.

CARE SAW THAT GAP AND KNEW IT HAD TO BE FILLED

CARE CLUB was created as a one-of-a-kind summer program where therapy, structure, and fun all come together. CARE CLUB summer programs blend the best elements of school-based therapeutic programming with the magic and excitement of summer camp. It is a place where children can continue building the skills they work on all year long while also experiencing the freedom and fun every child deserves.

EVERY DETAIL OF CARE CLUB WAS DESIGNED WITH INTENTION.

The camp includes on-site physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and even aqua therapy, ensuring that children continue receiving the support they need throughout the summer. Multiple BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) are on staff, and every child

has an individualized behavioral plan carefully followed throughout the summer.

The CARE team works closely with each child’s therapists from the school year, ensuring continuity in the strategies and goals that are already helping them succeed. The camp BCBAs remain in communication with the child’s year-round providers so that progress can continue seamlessly.

In addition, what makes CARE CLUB truly special is the environment. Children are placed in small, carefully structured groups, designed to prevent sensory overload and allow each camper to feel safe and supported. Each

child receives one-on-one attention, so the camper gets the individualized care they deserve. The days are filled with a thoughtful mix of academic reinforcement, creative sensory activities and exploration, social development, and traditional camp fun so the children are encouraged to grow while enjoying the summer experience.

Camp trips are some of the most meaningful moments of the summer. Many parents share that certain outings feel impossible to attempt with their child on their own. But through CARE CLUB, children can experience adventures and explore new places they might otherwise miss.

Then there is the heart of CARE CLUB, dedicated counselors and the extraordinary team that dedicates their summers to these special children. Their patience, compassion, and commitment go far beyond what anyone expects from a typical summer job. For many counselors, the relationships they build with campers become deeply personal and remain close even after camp ends.

THE RESULTS HAVE BEEN REMARKABLE

After the first summer, word spread quickly. Families saw the impact. Therapists noticed the difference. Schools were amazed by the progress. As a result, CARE CLUB has doubled in size for its second summer. It is yet another example of CARE’s ongoing commitment and expansion to meet the evolving needs of our special needs community.

Growth like this is only possible with the support of the community. On April 20–21, CARE will launch its annual Charidy Campaign, with an ambitious goal of raising $1 million to continue expanding services for the growing number of children and families who rely on CARE. The need has never been greater.

Thanks to the compassion and generosity of our community, CARE can continue building programs like CARE CLUB where children are not only supported, but empowered to strive. Every child deserves a summer where they don’t fall behind. They move forward. 

A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP

SENATOR SUTTON AND UJA TEAM UP TO PROTECT JEWISH COMMUNITIES

EDDIE ESSES

ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, THE GRAND “MILLION DOLLAR STAIRCASE” INSIDE THE NEW YORK STATE CAPITOL IN ALBANY SERVED AS THE BACKDROP FOR A POWERFUL GATHERING IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE RIGHT OF NEW YORKERS TO WORSHIP IN PEACE. THE PRESS CONFERENCE, ORGANIZED BY STATE SENATOR SAM SUTTON AND HIS CHIEF OF STAFF JOEY SABAN, RALLIED LAWMAKERS, FAITH LEADERS, AND ADVOCATES BEHIND A BILL ESTABLISHING A 25-FOOT PROTECTIVE BUFFER ZONE AROUND HOUSES OF WORSHIP.

The proposed legislation would prohibit demonstrations within 25 feet from the structures of synagogues, churches, mosques, and other houses of worship. The goal is straightforward but critical, ensuring that congregants can enter and leave their places of worship without harassment, intimidation, or obstruction, while still preserving the constitutional right to protest.

Senator Sutton and Saban have been at the center of the effort, introducing the legislation and leading the push to advance it through the New York State Legislature. From

the earliest stages, they have worked tirelessly to build a broad coalition in support of the bill and to ensure that its language remains strong and meaningful. Behind the scenes, Saban has driven the legislative strategy, coordinated advocacy efforts, and organized the coalition that came together in Albany on March 11 to demonstrate the depth of support for the proposal.

The press conference itself reflected the growing momentum behind the legislation. In addition to Senator Sutton and Lead Assembly Sponsor, Micah Lasher, roughly

ten other elected officials across a broad ideological range delivered powerful remarks in support of the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting both freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

As Senator Sutton explained during the event, the proposal seeks to balance these fundamental rights.

“Protecting the right to protest and protecting the right to pray are not competing values,” he said. “We will protect our communities, we will defend our civil liberties, and we will uphold the values that make this state strong.”

Among the strongest supporters of the legislation has been UJA-Federation of New York, which has been deeply engaged in advocating for its passage. UJA demonstrated that commitment in a major way by bringing a delegation of roughly 60 community leaders and advocates to Albany for the day’s events.

The delegation was led by UJA CEO Eric Goldstein, who spoke forcefully about the urgency of the legislation. “I want to thank the incredible leadership of Senators Sutton and Krueger and Assemblymember Lasher for bringing this bill to Albany,” Goldstein said. “The largest Jewish community outside of Israel is feeling more unsettled than it has been in my lifetime.”

Goldstein emphasized that the legislation carefully balances competing constitutional rights. “The beauty of this bill is it carefully calibrates between freedom of expression,

freedom of protest, and freedom to worship,” he said. “This is not simply a Jewish issue.”

“Thank you, Senator Sutton and Joey Saban, for proactively taking the bold initiative to introduce and push this critical legislation,” Dan Rosenthal, UJA’s Legislative Director, said. “The rare ability to push such significant legislation forward so soon after assuming office is a testament to the importance of having strong and effective leadership representing Jewish communities.”

The large UJA delegation helped demonstrate how deeply the Jewish community cares about the issue. Advocates spent the day not only attending the press conference but also meeting with lawmakers to make the case for including the legislation in the final state budget.

Joey Saban also helped bring a powerful group of students from the community to Albany that day. Delegations from Yeshiva of Flatbush, Magen David Yeshivah, and Barkai Yeshiva traveled to the Capitol to support the legislation and take part in the advocacy effort.

The students attended the press conference and stood behind the elected officials at the top of the famous Million Dollar Staircase, creating a striking visual demonstration of community support. Their presence underscored the realworld impact of the issue on families and young people across the Jewish community.

After the press conference, Saban addressed the stu-

dents and shared the story of how the legislation first came to life. He explained that the idea for the bill began simply from a conversation between himself, Senator Sutton, and Eddie Esses. In his remarks, Saban encouraged the students to recognize the power they have to shape public policy. By showing them how an idea discussed in a meeting could become legislation debated in the State Capitol, he illustrated the enormous difference that community involvement in the political process can make.

The turnout for the event was remarkable by Albany standards. Between UJA’s delegation, the student groups, faith leaders, and other supporters, roughly 150 to 200 people filled the staircase, an unusually large crowd for a Capitol press conference. The energy and scale of the event reflected the urgency surrounding the legislation. In recent years, religious communities across New York have grown increasingly concerned about demonstrations targeting houses of worship, particularly amid a significant rise in hate crimes and antisemitic incidents.

Despite the broad coalition supporting the bill, passing such legislation is far from easy. In Albany, powerful detractors have raised concerns and are working either to defeat the proposal outright or to water down its language.

That reality has meant constant work behind the scenes. Senator Sutton, Joey Saban, and their team have been engaged in nonstop meetings with legislative leader-

ship and key stakeholders, pushing to ensure that the bill moves forward and that its protections remain strong and meaningful.

Importantly, the effort has also received support from the highest levels of state government. Governor Kathy Hochul herself highlighted Senator Sutton’s legislation in her State of the State Address and has pushed to include the measure in the state budget, signaling the importance of getting the policy enacted.

Ultimately, the rally at the Capitol was about more than a single piece of legislation. It was a demonstration of what can happen when strong partnerships are formed between community leaders and elected officials who are willing to fight for meaningful change.

The collaboration between UJA and Senator Sutton illustrates the power of being at the table and working together toward shared goals. When communities organize, build relationships, and engage in the political process, they can fight for, and achieve, big things for the Jewish community and for all New Yorkers who simply want the freedom to pray in peace. 

On Passover, we retell the story of our freedom and resilience. This year, that story feels especially urgent.

Your gift to UJA helps Israelis cope with the physical and emotional trauma of war. It fights rising antisemitism while strengthening Jewish life. And it ensures critical care for the most vulnerable New Yorkers.

Together, we can make sure our story continues.

LESSONS IN FINANCIAL FREEDOM FROM EXODUS TO INDEPENDENCE

ARI BAUM, CFP®

EVERY YEAR AT THE PASSOVER SEDER, FAMILIES GATHER TO RETELL A STORY THAT IS MORE THAN THREE THOUSAND YEARS OLD. AS I SIT AT THE SEDER TABLE WITH MY OWN FAMILY, I’M OFTEN REMINDED HOW TIMELESS THE LESSONS OF THAT STORY REALLY ARE.

While the setting is ancient Egypt, the themes feel surprisingly modern. In many ways, Passover is also about choices, discipline, resilience, and the long journey toward freedom, lessons that apply just as powerfully to our financial lives today.

FREEDOM IS BUILT THROUGH RESPONSIBILITY

Bnei Yisrael did not go directly from Egypt to the Promised Land. Instead, they spent forty years in the desert. Why? Because true freedom requires preparation.

Freedom for Bnei Yisrael did not simply appear the moment they left Egypt. Their journey continued for decades as they learned how to live as a free people. That process required structure, leadership, and shared responsibility.

Financial freedom works the same way. Many people imagine freedom as a single moment, perhaps when debts are gone or retirement arrives. In reality, it is a long journey

of consistent decisions, saving regularly, investing thoughtfully, and adapting when circumstances change.

People who reach financial independence often describe a similar experience. They did not rely on one lucky investment or a sudden breakthrough. Instead, they followed a steady approach that rewarded patience and discipline. Over time, consistency compounds.

THE POWER OF A PLAN

The Passover Seder itself follows a carefully structured order. Each step has meaning and purpose. Nothing is random. The sequence guides the evening and helps families reflect on the deeper themes of the holiday.

Financial planning benefits from the same kind of structure. Without a plan, financial decisions often become reactive. News headlines, market swings, and outside opinions can push people to act emotionally rather than strategically.

A well-designed plan creates clarity. It answers important questions about goals, timelines, and risk tolerance. It helps investors stay grounded during moments when markets feel uncertain.

Structure also reduces stress. When people understand how their investments fit into a broader plan, short-term volatility becomes easier to manage. Markets will always move, but a clear plan helps investors stay focused on the long term instead of reacting to every change.

LEARNING FROM THE QUESTIONS

One of the most memorable moments of Passover is when the youngest person asks the Four Questions. The tradition invites curiosity. It encourages people to ask why certain things are done and what lessons they hold.

Curiosity also plays an important role in financial life. Thoughtful investors tend to ask deeper questions before making decisions. They want to understand how something works, what risks exist, and how an investment fits within their broader goals.

Questions like these shape better outcomes. What role does this investment play in my portfolio? How much volatility can I realistically tolerate? What time horizon should guide my decisions?

Clear answers help investors move forward with confidence. They also reduce the temptation to chase trends or react to short-term noise. Curiosity creates stronger foundations.

WEALTH AND MEANING

Passover also carries an important reminder about the purpose of freedom. The story is not only about leaving hardship behind. It is about creating a life filled with meaning, responsibility, and connection.

Money works best when it supports those same values. For many families, financial success opens doors to experiences and opportunities that extend far beyond personal comfort. It may allow parents to help children pursue education or start a business. It supports charitable causes and strengthens community organizations. It may simply create

the peace of mind that comes from knowing loved ones are protected.

Wealth becomes more powerful when it aligns with purpose. When financial planning reflects personal values, the results often feel more meaningful. The numbers on a balance sheet tell only part of the story. The real impact appears in the lives those resources support.

A JOURNEY WORTH TAKING

Passover reminds us that freedom is not achieved overnight. The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land required patience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt along the way.

Financial life unfolds through a similar process. Markets rise and fall. Economic cycles shift. Personal circumstances change. Through it all, thoughtful planning provides direction and stability.

In the world of investing, the same principle holds true. Markets will rise and fall. Headlines will come and go. But disciplined planning, guided by clear goals and long-term thinking, remains one of the most powerful ways to move toward financial independence.

As families gather around the Seder table this year, it is a reminder that the journey toward freedom, both personal and financial, is rarely a straight line. But with patience, perspective, and a thoughtful plan, it becomes a journey well worth taking. 

The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult with a financial professional regarding your specific situation.

Ari Baum,

CFP®

is the Founder and

CEO

of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. He brings his in-depth experience to Conceive. Believe. Achieve. for his clients. Securities and Advisory services offered through Prospera Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Brokerage and Advisory accounts carried by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF ADVOCATES

AT MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HIGH SCHOOL, ADVOCACY IS EMBEDDED IN OUR CULTURE AND EMBRACED AS A RESPONSIBILITY. THROUGH MEANINGFUL, REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES, OUR STUDENTS ARE DEVELOPING THE KNOWLEDGE, CONFIDENCE, AND COURAGE TO STAND UP FOR THEIR COMMUNITY AND THEIR VALUES.

Agroup of MDYHS students, accompanied by Mr. Steven Rosino, traveled to Albany to participate in the Teach NYS Albany Mission, joining a multicultural delegation advocating on behalf of Jewish schools and communities. Students engaged directly with the legislative process, meeting with state senators, participating in press conferences, and visiting Governor Kathy Hochul.

A central focus of the day was a proposed buffer zone bill aimed at protecting houses of worship from intimidation and interference. Students gained firsthand insight into how policy is shaped and how advocacy can influence real change. They met with community leaders, including rising political figure Joey Cohen-Saban and observed the New York State Senate in session.

In a particularly powerful moment, Senator Sam Sutton addressed the chamber, recognizing the MDYHS community as part of the future that must be protected and calling on the next generation to carry that responsibility forward. Our students were acknowledged on the Senate floor and received a standing ovation from the senators and the President Pro Tempore, an unforgettable affirmation of their voices and their impact.

A few days later, another cohort of MDYHS students traveled to the Jacob Javits Center to participate in the

ADL Never Is Now conference, joining thousands of students and leaders from across the country. Among them were participants from our Girls Night Out (GNO) program, led by Mrs. Audrey Abade and Mrs. Stephanie Shamah, which is dedicated to empowering our young women to lead with confidence and purpose. They were joined by a group of MDYHS students accompanied by Ms. Laura Miller. Through mainstage programming and breakout ses-

sions such as “Effectively Advocating Against Antisemitism, Online and Off” and “From Screens to Streets: How Antisemitism and Hate Radicalize Youth,” students explored how antisemitism manifests today and how to respond thoughtfully and effectively. They gained practical tools for navigating difficult conversations, identifying bias, and using their voices responsibly both online and in person.

Beyond the sessions, students connected with peers from other high schools, sharing perspectives and building a sense of unity around a common cause. They also had the opportunity to meet Jewish activist and community leader Abraham Hamra, further inspiring their commitment to advocacy and leadership.

Together, these experiences reflect the essence of an MDYHS education: students who are informed, engaged, and prepared to lead. Whether in the halls of government or among thousands of peers at a national conference, our students are learning that advocacy is not just about speaking up. It is about standing strong, thinking deeply, and taking responsibility for the future of the Jewish community. 

MASQUERADE ON MEADOW

DSN’S WINTER NIGHT TO REMEMBER

ON SATURDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 28, DSN TRANSFORMED A WINTER NIGHT INTO A PURIM SOCIAL GATHERING. HOSTED GRACIOUSLY AT THE HOME OF STEVEN AND CELIA JEMAL, THE EVENING BROUGHT TOGETHER YOUNG MARRIED ADULTS FOR A NIGHT FILLED WITH ELEGANCE AND CONNECTION.

Guests were welcomed with masks upon arrival, immediately setting the tone for a spirited evening. Laughter, music, and vibrant black and gold masquerade style decor filled the air, proving that even in the heart of winter, Jersey remains the place to be.

The culinary spread was equally impressive. Catering from Outpost and the Sushi Room delighted guests, while a stunning candy board table from Sylvia’s, along with other desserts, added a sweet touch to the festivities. Personalized goodie bags allowed attendees to take home treats to continue the celebration.

The evening was designed specifically for young married adults, offering an opportunity to socialize, connect, and strengthen bonds in a warm and welcoming environment. Photographer Marjorie Ayash beautifully captured the evening and every smiling face. Committee member Brenda Mamiye shared, “Everyone kept telling me how happy they were that DSN made this event possible and that it was a great way to socialize and see people.” Fellow committee member Stella Saka added with a laugh, “It was such a great night! The food, the people, it was so nice! I really had the best time!”

A heartfelt thank you goes to the dedicated and handson committee, whose vision brought this event to life: Gabrielle Anteby, Honey Dayan, Gabrielle Deneff, Celia Jemal, Frieda Kassin, Sarah Kishk, Brenda Mamiye, Sally

2 floors of fun

Secret password entry

Snack shelf & nosh nook

Great sukkah potential

Furniture not included

Panoramic view of backyard.

Buyers must be under 4 feet tall. MOVE-IN READY.

Mamiye, Stella Saka, Shelly Saka, Jen Sasson, and Vera Zalta. Their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment were evident in every detail of the evening.

Caleigh Silvera, DSN Beach Club Program Director, reflected on the event, saying, “This event embodies what DSN is all about, creating amazing Jewish life in New Jersey. It was a pleasure working with the committee who were activated, motivated, and involved every step of the way. Great teamwork. We can’t wait to do it again next year!”

With good food, good friends, and great music, Masquerade on Meadow was more than just a party, it was a beautiful reminder of DSN’s ongoing mission to bring the community together in fun, positive, and meaningful ways all year long. 

A NEW HOME FOR HEALING

THE MORRIS I. FRANCO COMMUNITY CANCER CENTER OPENS

ITS DOORS TO A NEW CHAPTER

FOR NEARLY THIRTY YEARS, NANCY SUTTON HAS MADE SURE THAT NO ONE IN THE COMMUNITY FACES CANCER ALONE. FROM THE VERY FIRST PHONE CALL, SHE AND HER TEAM AT THE CANCER CENTER HAVE BEEN THERE, GUIDING PATIENTS AND FAMILIES THROUGH ONE OF THE MOST OVERWHELMING EXPERIENCES OF THEIR LIVES. FOR MANY CLIENTS, THAT FIRST CALL COMES DURING A MOMENT OF FEAR OR UNCERTAINTY. ALTHOUGH IT STARTS WITH NEEDING DOCTORS AND REFERRALS, THE CENTER UNDERSTANDS THAT BEHIND EVERY DIAGNOSIS IS A PERSON, A FAMILY, AND A STORY, AND THEIR MISSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO OFFER COMPASSION, GUIDANCE, HOPE, AND SUPPORT.

What began as architectural drawings and construction plans slowly transformed into a welcoming, vibrant center designed to serve thousands of people in the years ahead. After years of dreaming, planning, and building, that mission finally has a home that reflects everything it stands for. The new building, located at the corner of Avenue S and McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn, is nearing its grand opening. For Nancy, the goal was to create an oasis. “As soon as you walk in the door, you feel relaxed and welcomed,” she says. “Tranquil, that’s the word.”

From the first step, the atmosphere sets the tone. Natural light pours through large windows, filling the space with an airy, open feeling. Gentle greenery and warm wood tones create a sense of nature indoors. The soothing sound of a waterfall flows quietly throughout the building, creating a peaceful feeling of calm, warmth, and serenity. The effect is immediate, calmness, warmth, and a feeling of serenity. The environment was designed intentionally to help clients

breathe, slow down, and feel supported. Whether someone is coming for support services, a wellness program, or simply to attend a community event, the Cancer Center welcomes them into a space that feels peaceful and alive. For many visitors, the building itself becomes part of the healing experience.

BUILDING VISION

The search for the right location took nearly a decade, and once the property was secured, construction, led by general contractor Abeco, spanned more than four years. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, from the bamboo paneling and expansive atrium to the greenery cascading down the building’s facade. The goal was not simply to build a medical support facility, but to create a place that feels uplifting and restorative.

“The more you care about every tiny detail, the happier you will be with the final product,” reflects Sam Sutton, chairman of the building committee. “This was a work of

love, and the building reflects the love our community has for anyone touched by this disease.”

Architect Michael Goldblum, who worked closely with Nancy throughout the process, designed the space around a two-story, light-filled lobby that serves as the building’s heart. “No matter where you go, you always know where you are,” he explains. “The building is part of the therapy, part of the process, part of the cure. It’s part of the healing.”

Board member Alan Tobias, who stepped in as project manager during the final stretch, watched that vision come together piece by piece. “It was like a puzzle,” he says. “All the parts were separate, and then suddenly they came together. That felt very good.”

A SPACE THAT HEALS

Step inside, and the scope of what has been created becomes clear. A spa lounge with a waterfall and soothing music offers acupuncture, Reiki, and reflexology. The peaceful sounds and calming scents in the spa create an

environment that immediately relaxes visitors.

In the salon, our clients can be fitted for a wig by one of our experts in styling and wig selection. They receive a full beauty treatment, in a private and uplifting space where they can feel like themselves again. For many individuals undergoing treatment, these small moments of self-care can restore confidence and provide an emotional boost on difficult days.

There is also a creative expression room where adults and children can heal through art, music, and other creative activities. A full gym and yoga studio are located on the first floor. Yoga classes focus on breathing, calm, and gentle movement, helping participants reconnect with their bodies and find moments of peace during challenging times.

A children’s room provides younger visitors with a space where healing can occur through play and creativity. The room includes games, activities, and music that give children an opportunity to express themselves, relax, and

enjoy being kids. The building also includes a café and demonstration kitchen that feels sweet, warm, and inviting. Here, healthy cooking demonstrations are offered regularly, teaching practical ways to prepare nourishing meals. These events are open not only to cancer patients but to the broader community, helping everyone learn how healthy choices can support long-term wellness.

Private counseling rooms provide psychological and emotional support for individuals and families navigating difficult moments. Support groups, wellness workshops, and educational events will take place throughout the year, encouraging open conversations about emotional well-being. The Cancer Center will also host social gatherings, holiday celebrations, health prevention and education programs, and community events designed to bring people together. These moments of connection are just as important as the wellness services themselves, helping people feel less alone on their journeys.

Another special feature of the Cancer Center is its

rooftop garden terrace, a peaceful retreat that offers clients a moment of calm above the activity of the building below. Designed as a quiet sanctuary, the rooftop provides a place where visitors can step outside, take a deep breath, and simply be still. Surrounded by greenery and open sky, the terrace allows clients and their families to enjoy fresh air and natural light in a setting that feels both peaceful and restorative. Throughout the building, great care was taken to create spaces where clients feel comfortable and welcomed. The Cancer Center is designed to offer both welcoming community areas and quieter corners like the medical library for those who prefer a more personal setting, an environment that supports each person in whatever way they need during their journey.

Interior designer Joy Silvers poured herself into every room, but her connection to the Cancer Center runs far deeper than design. She is a former patient, someone who Nancy once guided through both breast cancer and lymphoma. “I didn’t know if I was going to survive,” she says quietly.

“I had a baby who was a year and a half. Now my son is twenty-one, and I’m so blessed. Working on the building was deeply personal. To see someone who isn’t well walk into a beautiful environment and feel happy, that’s extra special.”

Staff members often see firsthand how meaningful the space can be for clients, and Nina Tawil describes the experience of welcoming people into the building. “I love seeing the look on the clients’ faces when they walk in,” she says. “Showing them this beautiful space always excites me because I know this is a haven for them to come to and enjoy and put their mind at ease while they’re going through trying times. I see the sense of calmness and ease they feel when they walk in.”

A PLACE FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

Claire Cheika, Vice President, reflects, “There’s a genuine sense of warmth here that makes you want to be part of something so meaningful and give as a volunteer.” Volunteers help assemble welcome packages and thoughtful gifts for clients beginning their journey. They assist with preparing flowers for Shabbat and cooking delicious, nourishing meals. Families facing illness can still experience a genuine sense of support in their day-to-day lives. Volunteers also play an important role in organizing fundraising events, planning community programs, and helping bring the Cancer Center’s mission to life.

Holiday celebrations and special gatherings through-

out the year will continue to make the Cancer Center a place where people come together for joy and connection. Educational programs, wellness demonstrations, and community events will encourage people to learn about healthy living, prevention, and emotional resilience. The Cancer Center hopes to inspire individuals and families to care for their health in meaningful ways.

BUILT BY THE COMMUNITY

None of this would have been possible without the community. Fundraising was led by Sam Sutton, and support poured in from donors who believed deeply in the mission. Government funding, secured through the Sephardic Community Federation, helped bring the final touches of the building to life.

The builder who worked on the project captured the feeling perfectly. “This wasn’t just about constructing a functional space. It was about creating somewhere people could feel supported and welcomed during one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

Nancy sums it up simply. “When I see clients walk in and say, ‘Oh my… we get to come here?!’, that’s when we knew we got it right.” No single person built this center. It took a team, a community, years of dedication, and Hashem’s helping hand. It is a refuge where people can find peace, strength, and support, and now, at last, it’s home. 

PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART RANDI’S CARE

SOPHIA FRANCO

It’s been almost thirteen years since my dad left us a”h, after a long battle with dementia, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about how I could’ve made the quality of his last years better. Now, don’t get me wrong, my mother was Superwoman. He was always immaculate and dressed up in a handsome sweater, like the dapper gentleman he was. He had a clean shave, manicured nails, and his hair cut to perfection, always. He had nurses around the clock and family around him much of the time. And yet, more often than anything else, he watched tennis. He loved the sport, and it was one of the only words he said clearly towards the end. I always wondered what was going on in his head, and thought, next week, I’m going to get him moving more; next week, I’m going to try and get him talking; next week, I’ll do more.

Today, when I see the tidal wave of joy that enters a room with Randi Tamir, I am floored. After more than a decade of brightening the days of special needs and sick children with visits and outings through Bikur Holim and Chai Lifeline, Randi has made this her life’s work through a non-profit called Randi’s Care. If you’re curious, just open Instagram and get a little taste. At Ahi Ezer Randi and her amazing team are running indoor carnivals, Bingo nights, and birthday parties. While you may think it’s all been done before, trust me, it’s never been done like this. Her heart and soul shine through in dance, movement, and pure connection. The smiles on the faces around her tell the story better than words ever could.

“We are all social beings,” Elliot J. Tamir, Randi’s brother and the co-founder of the organization, explains. “We go out for dinner, look forward to weddings, and hop from gathering to gathering when the season is right. Do you think because a few more years pass, all that just goes away? Randi is bringing life, joy, and a sense of self-worth to our elders. She gives them a reason to get out of bed and get dressed. Of course, the family cares and does their best, but we are busy, and many elders, while loved so much, just sit around, waiting for the end. Who wants that, for themselves or for their parents?”

Randi explains, “Every time I’d enter a senior’s home or apartment to bring them flowers for Shabbat, they’d be sleeping. Whether in bed or on the couch, it took forever to get them up just to give them a smile and a hug. It was so sad; it was hurting my heart. Once they saw me, they were so happy! With company in the house, the flowers turned into dessert, the dessert turned into a cup of coffee together, which then turned into a card game, or maybe a puzzle or even a dance session to their favorite Arabic music. It made them happy, but more so, it made me happy. I kept thinking, ‘this lovely day shouldn’t be rare for our seniors.’ And now, we’re changing that.”

Elliot continues, “G-D bless the Center and Bikur Holim, they’re amazing, and everything they do and have done over the years is incredible. What Randi is doing is providing personalized care and more private attention. It’s genuine because Randi is genuine. When you’re old and infirm, what do you have left? All you have is your mind, your memories, and the stories you want to tell. You need companionship. You need someone to listen.”

And the world will be a better place wherever Randi and her team are going. Whether it be a Bingo night for 100, or a lunch for 2 in someone’s apartment, they come prepared. They have projects and props, decorations and a speaker, and most importantly they bring their kindness and effervescence. She brings a crew with her to help with heavy lifting and entertainment, but the confidence boosting is hers alone. She is the real deal. According to seniors, “She’s the best lady in the entire world!”

Randi explains that this is not a ‘one size fits all’ gig. “Everyone I take care of is a different individual with different requirements, so I tailor personally to their needs. It might be in-house ping pong or (non) beer pong; there’s Putter ball, which is like a mini golf course, bowling and basketball; and for the least agile, balloon toss! Some can’t

reach out or open and close their hands, but there is some movement for everyone. Lena Weingort, my number one volunteer, is always right by my side. I also have boxes and boxes of puzzles, memory games, painting and projects. Even if an elder is just sitting and painting with watercolors, listening to music, they feel good about themselves, and that is our one and only goal.”

David Dayan is just one of the hundreds of seniors Randi and her team visit weekly. Incredibly handsome, wise, and charming, he often acts and feels more like the visitor than the one being visited. His daughter Betty Sitt explains, “Randi is beyond hesed. She makes my dad feel young. She gives him confidence, and something to look forward to. She calls him, takes him out, gives him time, and listens.

She puts tremendous energy into everything she does, and even the low moments are charged and sensational. She doesn’t have to do that, it’s above and beyond expectation. She is truly selfless. I’m in awe of her.”

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Watching Randi in action, you can see how she lightens the mood and brings out a side of people they never thought existed. A friend of mine once saw her with an elderly woman in Dr. Fariwa’s office, just hours before a holiday. The woman was frazzled, she had not finished preparing, but Randi was calm and resourceful. She made the necessary calls and sat with her while she was examined, and through an hour-long IV drip. She never left her for a moment.

Elaine Aizer recalls, “What stands out most is how Randi saw my mother-in-law, not as someone aging or ill, but as someone still full of life and deserving of every ounce of care and attention. She made her laugh. She sat with her, made sambousak together, danced to her favorite music, talked endlessly, and reminded her that she mattered. She treated her with dignity, friendship, and a daughter’s kind of love.”

Randi continues, “Some of the seniors just want to talk, but maybe the next visit, or the next, they’ll want to do more. Suddenly, they want to throw a ball or try an exercise. I have my certification as a Patient Care Assistant, but most of this is my personality. I brought a dance troupe of young girls in pink costumes to do a show for the elders in Ahi Ezer. I brought three childhood friends, now over 90 years young, together for the first time in ages. Oh, how they laughed! I try to make each of our elders feel like princes and princesses, and most often, it works.”

RANDI’S CARE IS ALWAYS THERE

Rebecca Harary, co-founder, recalls, “I had such a wonderful, close relationship with my grandmother. Spending time with her cooking, shopping, or just having great conversations and enjoying each other’s company meant the world to me. When Elliot asked me to help him get Randi’s Care off the ground, I didn’t hesitate. The seniors of our community deserve all the love, care, and affection that Randi so generously gives them. She is such a beautiful person, both inside and out, and our community is truly blessed to count her as one of our own.”

With tenderness and care, Randi makes the people she’s with feel like they’re not lost in the world. She gives them hope and purpose. Without her visits, many just eat, nap, and stare at the TV. They get their medicine, and a loved one or aide saying, “how are you doing today, sweetie?” and that’s it. Randi steps in as a teacher, inspiration, and friend. Oh, how I wish it was an option for my dad, a”h, at the time! Randi unearths the treasure that is buried within. She brings our elders stimulation, excitement, and companionship, but mostly love. What a gift. What a true gift to this community.

Randi’s Care needs volunteers and board members! Please reach out if you believe in what we are doing, if you want to join in on the most fun you can have in a day, or if you would like a visit for your loved one. Call (718) 682-2769. 

Sophia Franco is a mom and grandmother who has been feeding her love of reading and writing for as long as she can remember through poetry, community journalism, and songwriting. She has written many songs with Yaakov Shwekey, but the first, I Can Be, has become an anthem for the Special Children’s Center and the community at large.

Care that Belongs to EVERYONE

At Randi’s Care, our mission is simple: to give families peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for with dignity and compassion.Through services like in-home visits, chair exercise sessions, arts and painting activities, and community outings, we help seniors stay active, connected, and supported. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we’re able to offer these services at no cost to more families because every senior deserves to feel valued, engaged, and never alone.

STRENGTHENING MARRIAGES IN OUR COMMUNITY

FOR THE FOUNDERS OF THE LEV ORGANIZATION, THE INSPIRATION BEGAN AT HOME

AS PARENTS RAISING CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY, THEY OFTEN THOUGHT ABOUT THE FUTURE, THE HOMES THEIR CHILDREN WOULD ONE DAY BUILD AND THE MARRIAGES THEY WOULD FORM. SEEING FAMILIES STRUGGLE THROUGH DIFFICULT MARITAL SITUATIONS MADE THEM REALIZE THAT MORE COULD BE DONE TO STRENGTHEN MARRIAGES AND SUPPORT COUPLES IN THE COMMUNITY.

With that vision, The LEV Organization was created. Today, the organization is led by its President, Sean Dweck, together with his wife Elana Dweck, and Albert and Aliza Salem, all four serving as co-founders of the organization. Their shared mission is centered around one guiding value: shalom bayit, peace and harmony within the home. The organization is also deeply grateful for its dedicated volunteers, whose time, compassion, and commitment help bring this mission to life and make its work possible.

From the start, LEV’s approach has been clear. First ask, “What can we do to save this marriage?” Over the past four years, the organization has helped resolve 57 cases, with multiple couples successfully rebuilding their relationships and achieving true shalom bayit. Today, many of those families are thriving.

In addition, LEV supports both men and women in navigating the often complex process of obtaining a gett (a Jewish bill of divorce). Several of their clients, after years of uncertainty, have successfully received

their getts and gone on to remarry, starting joyful new chapters in their lives. Just a few weeks ago, LEV helped a man whose wife was refusing to accept the gett, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to guiding all individuals toward resolution with dignity, respect, and hope for the future.

When reconciliation is not possible, LEV works closely with community rabbis and leaders to help couples move forward respectfully and peacefully.

A major focus of the organization is education and prevention. Throughout the year, Rabbi Ali Cohen leads shalom bayit classes that provide couples with tools for communication, understanding, and building strong, lasting relationships. These sessions emphasize practical guidance rooted in Torah values, helping couples strengthen their relationships before challenges become crises.

LEV also brings the community together through inspiring events. The organization will be hosting its fourth annual summer event in Deal this July with special guest speaker Gedale Fenster, who was also a huge hit at last

year’s summer event. This past winter, LEV hosted its firstever winter event featuring Charlene Aminoff, who delivered an awe-inspiring speech to the community.

Beyond guidance and education, LEV provides meaningful support to families. The organization helps ease financial burdens during holidays by sending assistance for Rosh Hashanah, Passover, and other holidays throughout the year, allowing families to celebrate these special times with greater peace of mind.

One of LEV’s most meaningful and rapidly growing initiatives is its youth division. The organization recognizes that during marital challenges, children are often deeply affected. LEV aims to ensure that these children feel supported, valued, and cared for even during difficult periods in their families’ lives.

Through this program, LEV provides thoughtful gestures that make a lasting impact. Children receive birthday gifts and Hanukkah presents so they know they are remembered and celebrated. The organization also creates memorable experiences for them, including outings to sporting events, trips to theme parks, a nice dinner out, and so much more, giving children the opportunity to enjoy positive and uplifting moments even during challenging times.

In addition, LEV organizes family-centered experiences and community activities that help restore a sense of normalcy and warmth. These programs not only provide joy but also reinforce the message that the community stands behind these families. Community initiatives, including

toy drives organized by local schools, have further helped expand the youth division and bring additional smiles to children who need it most.

Looking ahead, The LEV Organization hopes to continue expanding its programs, strengthening marriages, supporting families, and ensuring that future generations can build homes filled with peace, stability, and shalom bayit.

Come help support our organization in promoting a strong marriage culture within our community, maintaining its Torah teachings, and following our sacred traditions from our parents. Ask how you can help.

For more information, please contact us at info@thelev.org or call (732) 320-2617. 

Community Service Network, Inc. WITH

A NEW CHAPTER OF COMPASSION THE

CHERYL AND VICTOR AZRAK LEV HATIKVAH DIVISION AT SBH COMMUNITY SERVICE NETWORK

WHEN LIFE CHANGES IN AN INSTANT, THE PATH FORWARD CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING. FOR WIDOWS, SINGLE MOTHERS, AND ORPHANED CHILDREN, THE EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL CHALLENGES OFTEN ARRIVE AT THE SAME TIME, CREATING A REALITY THAT FEW ARE PREPARED TO FACE ALONE.

Recognizing this need, SBH Community Service Network recently launched a new division dedicated specifically to supporting these families: The Cheryl and Victor Azrak Lev Hatikvah Division. The division’s mission is simple yet profound. To ensure that no widow, orphan, or single mother must navigate life’s most difficult transitions without compassionate guidance, practical assistance, and a community standing behind them.

Lev Hatikvah focuses on meeting both emotional and practical needs, from counseling and trauma support to employment assistance, financial guidance, and provide essential goods and services that might otherwise be out of reach. One story, among many, illustrates the impact this new division is already making.

SARAH’S JOURNEY: FROM LOSS TO RENEWAL

When Sarah* lost her husband, the world as she knew it changed overnight. A young mother with a small son, she suddenly faced the emotional weight of grief while also confronting the practical realities of raising a child alone. To ease the financial pressure, Sarah moved back in with her parents. While the arrangement helped stabilize things temporarily, the emotional toll of her situation remained heavy.

Eventually, Sarah reached out to Lev Hatikvah seeking something simple but powerful: emotional support. The Lev Hatikvah team responded immediately, surrounding Sarah with warmth, empathy, and understanding. Beyond listening and providing encouragement, they helped in tangible ways, offering gift cards for her young son’s clothing and providing vouchers for an overnight getaway, giving Sarah a desperately needed moment to breathe and recharge. Still, Sarah was hesitant. Having endured such trauma, accepting help didn’t come easily. That’s when another SBH division stepped in.

HEALING THE TRAUMA

Sarah needed to heal, and we provided traumafocused therapy from within our Mental Health Division. With the right professionals walking beside her, Sarah began regaining confidence and emotional strength. But, as Sarah was starting to rebuild internally, another challenge emerged. She lost her job.

DISCOVERING THE RIGHT PATH

While the job loss might have felt like another setback, it ultimately opened the door to something better. Sarah

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had been working behind a desk, something that never truly suited her personality. She is naturally creative, energetic, and thrives in dynamic environments.

Through Lev Hatikvah, Sarah was connected with a job developer within SBH’s Career Division. After learning about Sarah’s personality and talents, the job developer immediately recognized that Sarah needed a role that would allow her creativity to shine. They introduced her to a company seeking a creative employee to plan and decorate events. It was the perfect match. The position allowed Sarah to move around, express her artistic talents, and contribute creatively to celebrations and events. Even better, the job came with higher pay and opportunities for advancement, giving Sarah both financial stability and personal fulfillment. For the first time since her loss, Sarah could see a clear path forward.

BUILDING A HOME AGAIN

Despite the progress she was making, Sarah still had a dream: she wanted a home of her own for herself and her son. For a long time, the numbers simply didn’t work. Rent, furniture, and daily living costs felt out of reach. But, with her new job and increased income, that dream slowly became possible.

With a little help from SBH, including donated furniture and basic household necessities, Sarah was able to secure an apartment and move out on her own. Now she and her son had a place to call home, a space where Sarah could continue rebuilding her life while providing stability and love for her child.

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE

Recently, Sarah reached out to her Lev Hatikvah social worker again, but this time not because she was in crisis. She had a new goal. Sarah wanted to learn how to financially plan and invest for her and her son’s future. Lev Hatikvah continues to guide her through this next stage as well, helping her develop financial skills that will create long-term security for her family.

From the moment she first asked for help to where she stands today, Lev Hatikvah has walked beside Sarah every step of the way. Her story is a powerful example of what happens when compassionate support meets determination and resilience. And Sarah is not alone.

A GROWING NETWORK OF SUPPORT

Today, Lev Hatikvah is actively supporting 48 families, each guided by specially trained case captains who understand the unique emotional and logistical challenges facing widows, single mothers, and orphans. The division’s support also extends to community life and holidays, moments that can feel especially difficult for families experiencing loss.

This past Purim, Lev Hatikvah ensured that every child in the program felt the joy of the holiday:

• Each child received a Purim costume

• Families were given Mishloach Manot to share with friends

• Lev Hatikvah arranged proper Purim Seudot

• Prepared meals were delivered to homes

• Families received significant Matanot La’evyonim

As Passover approaches, the support continues. Lev Hatikvah will be distributing:

• Supermarket gift cards to Moishe’s

• Clothing cards to Zara

• Pesach food boxes filled with groceries and prepared meals

These efforts ensure that families facing difficult circumstances can still celebrate the holiday with dignity and peace of mind.

THE HEART BEHIND LEV HATIKVAH

The Cheryl and Victor Azrak Lev Hatikvah Division embodies the core mission of SBH. To strengthen families and restore hope. For some, the support may begin with a conversation.

For others, it may mean counseling, employment guidance, financial planning, or simply knowing someone is there to help. But for every family, the goal is the same. To help them move from survival to stability, and ultimately, toward a hopeful future.

Sarah’s journey is just one story among many already unfolding.

We would like to thank the incredible team behind Lev Hatikvah, our dedicated staff, captains, volunteers, and, of course, our generous sponsors, whose support allows this sacred work to be carried out with dignity, compassion, and the utmost confidentiality.  Name changed to ensure confidentiality.

CHOOSE EXCELLENCE TOURO CHOOSE

Touro University is all in on one mission—your excellence. We’re here to help you become exceptional: highly successful, purpose-driven and ready to make a meaningful impact. The first step? Choose Touro. We’ll take you where you want to go.

HANNA SONIGO, RN, BSN, MEDICAL ICU NURSE

THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES, TOURO UNIVERSITY FUTURE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)

MDY’S SEPHARDIC HERITAGE NIGHT

ON A BEAUTIFUL EVENING FILLED WITH NOSTALGIA AND PRIDE, OUR MAGEN DAVID SCHOOL COMMUNITY GATHERED FOR SEPHARDIC HERITAGE NIGHT, A CULMINATING CELEBRATION OF A DEEP DIVE GENEALOGICAL PROJECT BY OUR 7TH- AND 8TH-GRADE STUDENTS.

The event was the grand finale of a semester-long journey where students stepped into the roles of historians and storytellers. Their mission? To bridge the gap between generations by highlighting the life of a grandparent or family member who immigrated to this country.

The centerpiece of the evening was the “Immigrant Suitcase” display. Each student meticulously curated a “suitcase” filled with artifacts ranging from vintage photographs and traditional Sephardic recipes to heirlooms and travel documents that told the story of their family’s journey.

Walking through the gallery, guests were not just looking at school projects. They were witnessing the living history of our community. As students presented their findings to families and community members, it became clear that these artifacts were more than just objects. They were the tangible threads connecting our students to their ancestors.

At the heart of Sephardic Heritage Night is a vital lesson. To know where you are going, you must cherish where you come from. By interviewing their elders and documenting these stories, students learned that their heritage is not just a part of the past. It is a legacy that serves as a guide for the future.

One MDY student remarked, “Interviewing an immigrant made me realize and value the things we have today. They came to America with so few belongings, and they were happy. They knew that their freedom was worth more than everything they owned combined.”

The atmosphere of the evening was one of deep connection. We bonded over our heritage through invaluable artifacts, cherished pizmonim and delicious mazza, which combined to bring tradition to the forefront in a very special way. Families were moved to see their personal histories honored with such care, and students walked away with a newfound sense of identity.

We are incredibly proud of our 7th- and 8th-grade students for their hard work and for keeping the flame of our Sephardic heritage burning bright. This event reminded us all that while our branches reach toward the future, it is our roots that give us the strength to grow.

Sephardic Heritage Night is generously sponsored by Marlene and Hymie Mamiye. 

THE REAL SCANDAL BEHIND THE GRACIE MANSION DINNER

LINDA SADACKA

THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE DINNER AT GRACIE MANSION HAS LARGELY BEEN FRAMED AS A DISPUTE ABOUT ISRAEL. THAT FRAMING MISSES THE CENTRAL ISSUE. THE PROBLEM IS NOT SIMPLY THAT AN ANTI-ISRAEL ACTIVIST WAS INVITED TO DINNER. THE PROBLEM IS THAT ONE OF NEW YORK CITY’S MOST VISIBLE CIVIC INSTITUTIONS WAS USED TO LEGITIMIZE A FIGURE WHOSE PROMINENCE EMERGED FROM A PROTEST MOVEMENT THAT TURNED JEWISH STUDENTS INTO TARGETS INSIDE AN AMERICAN UNIVERSITY.

Recent reports revealed that Zohran Mamdani hosted activist Mahmoud Khalil and his family at the mayoral residence. Much of the coverage has described Khalil simply as an activist critical of Israel. That description removes the context that made his name nationally recognizable. Khalil rose to prominence during the protest encampments and demonstrations that engulfed the campus of Columbia University following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. Those demonstrations quickly moved beyond policy arguments about the Middle East. Jewish students reported harassment, intimidation, and exclusion from parts of campus life. Protesters celebrated movements dedicated to Israel’s destruction and demanded that students publicly disavow the Jewish state simply to move through their own university. That atmosphere is what

elevated Khalil’s public profile. That is why the setting of the dinner matters.

Gracie Mansion is not a private dining room. It is the official residence of New York City’s mayor and one of the most visible civic symbols of municipal authority in the United States. When a figure associated with a protest movement that produced widespread reports of intimidation toward Jewish students is welcomed into that setting, the gesture carries a meaning beyond personal hospitality.

It confers legitimacy. By hosting Khalil at the mayoral residence and publicly celebrating the occasion, Mamdani effectively recast a figure tied to campus confrontation as a guest of civic respectability. What had previously been associated with disruption and intimidation was reframed as something closer to moral vindication.

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That reframing is exactly why the language used to describe the dinner matters. Labeling Khalil merely an “anti-Israel activist” makes the story sound like a distant foreign policy dispute. It implies a debate about events in the Middle East. In doing so, it erases the domestic reality that made the Columbia protests so controversial.

Those events unfolded on an American campus, affected American students, and raised serious questions about whether Jewish students could participate fully in university life without intimidation.

The Gracie Mansion dinner therefore carries significance that extends beyond Israel. It raises a question about the boundaries of civic legitimacy in the United States itself. Democratic societies are strong enough to absorb fierce arguments about foreign policy. What they cannot ignore is the normalization of movements that helped create an atmosphere in which Jewish students felt threatened inside American institutions.

When political leaders elevate figures associated with that movement into the symbolic heart of city government, the gesture sends a clear message about what behavior is now considered acceptable within civic life.

That is why the Gracie Mansion dinner deserves scrutiny, not because it involved a critic of Israel, but because it signaled that the political culture which surrounded and celebrated the humiliation of Jewish students can now be welcomed into one of the most prominent civic spaces in New York City. Describing that merely as a controversy about Israel misses the real story entirely. 

WHAT’S MY HEBREW NAME?

BECOMING A CHARACTER IN THE STORY OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE

IN 2007, I TRAVELED TO LEIPZIG, GERMANY, TO HELP LEAD COMMUNITY PESAH SEDERS AS PART OF A YESHIVA UNIVERSITY PROGRAM. MOST OF THE PARTICIPANTS WERE TEENAGERS FROM THE FORMER SOVIET UNION WITH LITTLE JEWISH EDUCATION. FOR MANY OF THEM, IT WAS THEIR FIRST SEDER.

When we arrived in the city, the local rabbi brought our group to the Torah Center, where we would run the three-day seminar and seders.

Before entering the building, the rabbi led us past iron gates, through a small garden, and down into a concrete, sunken canal with a stream flowing through its center. As we stood there, he told us that in 1938, on the night of Kristallnacht, Jews from Leipzig had been rounded up in that trench before many were arrested and deported to concentration camps.

The place where we were about to introduce Judaism to these young Jews stood only steps away from that trench. I remember thinking: What a response to Hitler! In the very place where he had tried to destroy Jewish life, we were working to rebuild it.

The moment that really stayed with me, though, was a question from one of the participants. She was maybe sixteen years old, with bright red dyed hair. For most of the seminars and workshops, she remained on the sidelines, watching our programs with a distant curiosity. Every so often, I would hear her offer a quiet expression of “cool.” before retreating again into the background.

Then we ran the Seders, the culmination of our three days together. We performed plays and even an interactive rap battle of one of the sections of the Haggadah. At two in the morning, as the rest of the group was singing Chad Gadya at the close of the Seder, this girl pulled me aside for a conversation. I could not imagine what she would ask me after three days of barely speaking.

She looked up at me and asked a question I have never forgotten. “What’s my Hebrew name?”

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While I don’t remember the name I gave her, what has stayed with me is what the question really was: a desire to be a character in the story of the Jewish people. Moshe, one of the most central figures of the Exodus story, also begins on the sidelines. His name, which today sounds unmistakably Jewish, was originally an Egyptian name, given to him by Pharaoh’s daughter, the woman who raised him in the Egyptian palace. He flees to Midian and builds a life there as a shepherd, far from the center of the Jewish story. There, in the middle of the desert, G-D approaches Moshe and invites him to assume the role of leader of the Jewish people. Moshe is not eager, to say the least. In fact, he is reluctant and says, “Who am I that I should go?” Moshe goes even further, asking G-D to send someone else.

And yet, Moshe, the man who was recognizably Egyptian in dress and name, is the one who becomes the figure through whom our entire people finds its freedom. His name was never changed to a “Jewish name.” What changed was his choice: to step into the story and take ownership of his role.

Many people encounter Judaism from the sidelines and don’t see themselves as participants in the story of the Jewish people. They are satisfied with Jewish identity inherited from birth but disinterested in taking an active role. These are the ones the Haggadah addresses with the rasha (wicked son). The rabbis portrayed the rasha not as rebellious but as someone who takes no ownership of his Judaism. He postures himself as distant and aloof. He makes clear that this Jewish practice has nothing to do with him, and so he comments from afar and judges at a distance, but never engages in taking responsibility.

Elie Wiesel articulated this idea well when he said, “The opposite of faith is not heresy, it is indifference.” Heresy still takes faith seriously enough to wrestle and argue with it. Indifference is what happens when a person no longer feels responsible for the story of their people, when it becomes something they observe from the outside rather than something that calls them to respond. That is the rasha. He is not a rebel. He is someone who watches the rituals, hears the words, and experiences them as belonging to someone else, something that places no demand or responsibility on him.

The Rasha asks, “What is this ritual that you are doing?” emphasizing to you, and not to me, drawing a line between himself and everyone else. The problem is not rebellion or disbelief. It is his standing at a distance, outside the story, watching others perform rituals he no longer feels are his own. And the Haggadah’s response: had he been there [in Egypt], he would not have been redeemed.

The misvot (commandments) of the Haggadah and the Seder are meant to move us from observer to active participant. We are asked to see ourselves as if we personally left Egypt. We eat the matzah of affliction, taste the bitterness of Egyptian slavery with the maror (bitter herbs), and recline like free people while drinking the wine of redemption. In fact, that is literally the misva: lirot et ‘asmo (to see oneself), to see ourselves as the actors, not merely the acted-upon.

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This is not about remembering what happened to others, but about actively living in the present story of the Jewish people. That is the message of Pesah. It is not only about what G-D did for His people. It is also about how Benei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) responded.

The first Pesah demanded the same decision and, in fact, became the prerequisite for redemption. Bringing the qorban Pesah (Passover sacrifice) was an act of identification, a deliberate choice to align oneself with the people who were preparing to leave Egypt. The midrash even suggests that only twenty percent of the Israelites made that choice and left Egypt, emphasizing that the Exodus was not something that simply happened to the Jewish people. It was something they had to choose to be part of.

Because in the end, the only ones who truly leave Egypt are those who decide the story belongs to them. When that girl asked me, “What’s my Hebrew name?” she was asking for more than a name. She was asking the question every Jew must eventually ask: What role will I play in the story of the Jewish people? 

Meyer Laniado is an associate rabbi at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun and leads its Sephardic community on New York City’s Upper East Side. He teaches at Ramaz and is a growing voice in the broader conversation on Sephardic history, ideas, and culture, having shared perspectives at UJA, the Maimonides Fund, and the Bronfman Fellowship.

THE THREE MAIN PASSOVER SYMBOLS PESACH, MATZAH, AND MAROR

THE POWERFUL GIFTS OF GRATITUDE, HOPE AND GRIT

DEBBIE GUTFREUND

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PASSOVER SEDER? I’LL RECEIVE MANY DIFFERENT ANSWERS. MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER WOULD HAVE SAID SINGING THE HAGGADAH IN THE TUNE THAT HIS OWN GRANDFATHER SANG THE WORDS. MY UNCLE LEO WOULD HAVE SAID THE DELICIOUS FOOD. ALL THE CHILDREN WOULD HAVE SAID RUNNING AROUND THE HOUSE TRYING TO FIND THE AFIKOMEN. AND MY GRANDMOTHER WOULD HAVE SAID HAVING THE WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER AROUND THE TABLE.

But there is actually one part of the Seder that is the most important for all of us, and we are all obligated to recite it when it comes up in the Haggadah and understand it.

“Rabban Gamliel used to say: Whoever has not explained the following three things on Pesach has not fulfilled his duty: Pesach, Matzah, and Maror.”

What do each of these symbols mean?

Pesach. The shank bone symbolizes the sacrifice that the Jews in Egypt gave to thank G-D for the miracle of passing over their houses during the tenth plague in which all the

Egyptians’ firstborn died. What can we learn from this sacrifice of gratitude? Just as the Jews thanked G-D for passing over their houses in Egypt and protecting them from the fate of the Egyptians, we can learn to thank G-D for the everyday miracles when we are spared from harm in the first place. Driving somewhere, arriving safely. Not getting sick. Not being hungry.

This Passover, think about all the hidden and open miracles that G-D has done for you in the past year and thank Him for the incalculable number of “ordinary” moments in which He saved you from harm without you even realizing it.

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Matzah is the unleavened bread that the Israelites brought with them when they left Egypt. Matzah teaches that G-D doesn’t need any time to prepare, He can save us in an instant. Since He can turn everything around in a moment, we should never give up hope. And when things are going well, we should remind ourselves that this too is an ongoing miracle. G-D is with us in this moment even when it seems like everything is just proceeding as “it should.”

When we look at the matzah, think about the times in your life when everything turned around in a moment, seemingly without any warning or effort on your part, and how G-D can do the same for you today, no matter what your challenges may be.

Maror is the bitter herb that reminds us of the tears that the Jewish people cried when they were slaves in Egypt. It teaches that when we are going through challenging, seemingly bitter times, sweetness and light and hope

are just around the corner. Maror reminds us not to avoid obstacles but to instead recognize that they are a necessary part of the process of success. Without our tears and our prayers, the Jewish nation would not have been able to leave Egypt. Without the bitterness and the struggle, we don’t reach our full potential.

When you look at the maror, think of a struggle you have gone through in the past year and how it helped you become who you are today.

Pesach, matzah, maror symbolize gratitude, hope, and grit. With these three powerful gifts we sit around our Seder tables and thank G-D for the miracle of our freedom. 

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BEN G. MATSAS

STARTING A BUSINESS OFTEN BEGINS WITH A SIMPLE STEP. YOU CHOOSE A NAME, REGISTER A COMPANY, AND BEGIN BUILDING SOMETHING OF YOUR OWN. FOR MANY ENTREPRENEURS, THAT FIRST STEP MEANS FORMING A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, OFTEN CALLED AN LLC. THE STRUCTURE OFFERS PERSONAL LIABILITY PROTECTION AND FLEXIBLE TAXATION, WHICH IS WHY IT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CHOICES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND REAL ESTATE INVESTORS.

In New York, however, forming an LLC involves more steps than many people expect. The process begins with filing Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State Division of Corporations. This document lists basic information about the company, including the business name and the county where the office is located. The state filing fee is $200. Processing typically takes about five to ten days with standard service or two to three days if expedited service is requested. To keep an LLC in good standing, New York requires a biennial statement filing every two years, which currently costs $9.

New York also has a unique requirement under Section 206 of the New York Limited Liability Company Law. Within 120 days of the filing date, the LLC must publish notices of its formation in two newspapers selected by the county clerk in the county where the business is located. One newspaper must be daily and the other weekly. The notice must run once a week for six consecutive weeks.

Failure to complete the publication requirement can suspend the LLC’s authority to carry on business in New York until the requirement is completed.

For many new business owners, this requirement comes as a surprise because of the cost. In New York City boroughs, publication fees can range from about $1,000 to nearly $2,000 depending on the county and the newspapers assigned by the clerk.

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and coordination with newspapers, many business owners choose to work with a filing service that can manage the administrative steps.

At LibertyFiling.com, we help entrepreneurs handle these administrative requirements by preparing and submitting the LLC formation documents to the New York Department of State and coordinating the required newspaper publication process. Our LLC formation service starts at $99 plus state filing fees. We also offer a publication service for $599, which includes coordinating the required newspaper notices and filing the documentation that confirms the publication requirement has been completed. In many New York City counties, where publication fees can reach $1,000 to $2,000, this service can help reduce both the cost and the administrative work involved in completing the requirement.

More information about the filing process and services is available at www.libertyfiling.com. 

The information above is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. LibertyFiling.com provides document preparation and filing coordination services and does not provide legal or financial advice.

Ben G. Matsas is a business consultant who assists new business owners with document filing and administrative services, including forming LLCs and corporations, obtaining EIN numbers, creating websites, and setting up business phone systems and business email. He does not provide legal or financial advice.

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LIGHT SPRING COOKING

RESET YOUR MENU AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

AFTER A WEEK OF HOLIDAY MEALS, MANY KITCHENS ARE READY FOR SOMETHING LIGHTER. SPRING BRINGS FRESH VEGETABLES, BRIGHT FLAVORS, AND SIMPLE DISHES THAT FEEL BALANCED WITHOUT BEING COMPLICATED. A FEW GOOD INGREDIENTS AND STRAIGHTFORWARD COOKING CAN GO A LONG WAY.

These recipes focus on clean flavors and everyday practicality. They rely on vegetables, fresh herbs, olive oil, and simple preparation. The goal is not to cook less, but to cook in a way that feels fresh again. The dishes that follow are easy to prepare and work well for weekday dinners or a relaxed weekend meal.

SPRING GREENS AND AVOCADO SALAD

Parve

Yields: 1 large salad Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed spring greens

• 1 ripe avocado, sliced

• 4 radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 small cucumber, sliced

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp honey

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Place the spring greens in a large serving bowl.

2. Add the sliced avocado, radishes, and cucumber.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.

5. Toss gently so the vegetables are coated but the avocado remains intact.

Serve immediately.

HONEY DILL CARROTS

Parve

Yields: about 4 cups

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsps fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Place the carrots on a baking sheet.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and honey.

4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly.

5. Spread the carrots in a single layer.

6. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once, until the carrots are tender and lightly browned.

Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh dill before serving.

TOMATO OLIVE BAKED COD

Parve Yields: 4 fillets

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each

• 2 tbsps olive oil

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/3 cup pitted olives, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.

3. In a bowl combine the cherry

tomatoes, olives, garlic, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

4. Spoon the mixture evenly over the fish.

ROASTED TOMATO SPINACH PASTA

Dairy or Parve

Yields: about 6 cups

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat pasta

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 2 tbsps olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

3. Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.

4. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.

5. Heat the remaining tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

6. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve warm with the tomato and olive mixture spooned over each portion.

7. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.

8. Add the cooked pasta and roasted tomatoes to the skillet.

9. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine.

Serve warm with Parmesan cheese if using. 

PURIM MEMORIES

THIS MONTH’S COMMUNITY PHOTO ALBUM CELEBRATES PURIM. OUR SCHOOLS, SHULS, AND ORGANIZATIONS CAME TOGETHER WITH LIVELY PROGRAMS, FESTIVE PARTIES, AND CREATIVE CELEBRATIONS THAT BROUGHT PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TOGETHER. THE PHOTOS CAPTURE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN COSTUME, FRIENDS RECONNECTING, AND THE MANY ACTS OF HESED AND GIVING THAT DEFINE THE HOLIDAY.

MAH JONGG AND THE JEWS

THIS POPULAR CHINESE GAME HAS BEEN LARGELY SHAPED BY A GROUP OF JEWISH WOMEN

DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER

MAH JONGG BEGAN AS A CHINESE GAME BUT THE VERSION MILLIONS OF AMERICANS RECOGNIZE TODAY WAS DECISIVELY SHAPED BY JEWISH WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES. A FAST-PACED TILE GAME PLAYED BY FOUR PEOPLE, MAH JONGG CHALLENGES PLAYERS TO DRAW AND DISCARD BRIGHTLY COLORED TILES IN ORDER TO COMPLETE SPECIFIC WINNING PATTERNS. IT DEMANDS STRATEGY, MEMORY, AND NERVE.

Over the past century, the game has traveled from late imperial China to Jazz Age Shanghai, from 1920s American department stores to suburban living rooms and synagogue fundraisers. Along the way, it has been reinvented, most influentially by a group of American Jewish women who standardized the rules and tied the game to philanthropy, giving Mah Jongg a distinctly Jewish American identity.

ORIGINS IN SHANGHAI

In China during the late Qing Dynasty, which lasted until 1911, gambling games became extremely popular among men. New variations of old games sprang up all the time. One such innovation was a new way to play the old Chinese card game called madiao, instead of using cards, players began using ivory tiles instead. The tiles made a

clicking game which reminded some people of the sound that sparrows make as they twitter together. In southern Chinese dialects, the word sparrow sounds like ma tsiang or ma chiang. Soon, the new game was called “Sparrow,” Mah Jongg, and pictures of sparrows appeared on some of the tiles.

Mah Jongg became a sensation in the southern Chinese port city of Shanghai, which was home to a large European population of merchants and their families. Before long, European residents of the city were playing the game too. Unlike their Chinese counterparts, Europeans embraced Mah Jongg as a family game, with both men and women becoming avid players. Playing a “foreign” game like Mah Jongg was seen as a sign of sophistication by European expats, and the game dominated the evenings in European social clubs throughout Shanghai.

In 1921, Elsie McCormick, an American living in Shanghai, described Mah Jongg’s ubiquity in the local China Press newspaper: “Visitors to Shanghai who ride past any of the clubs” heard an odd clicking sound, “the galloping ivories of China.” Mah Jongg was so popular, she wrote, that it soon might displace Bridge as the European game of choice.

BRINGING MAH JONGG TO AMERICA

Bringing Mah Jongg, or Mahjong as it was spelled at the time, to the United States was the brainchild of three American men who met in Shanghai in the early 1900s and became fast friends. Albert Hager left the USA in 1901 to become a teacher in the Philippines. He eventually moved to China and set up a correspondence school in Shanghai. One of his employees was Anton Lethin. An adventurer with a longing to travel, Lethin had moved to Shanghai at the beginning of World War I and served in China’s volunteer force throughout the war. Joseph Babcock worked for Standard Oil, which sent him far from his home in Indiana to live and work in Shanghai.

Together, these three men decided to shed their jobs and embark on a new enterprise, manufacturing Mah Jongg tiles and selling the game to new audiences in the United States. They formed the Mah-Jongg Company, employing Chinese artisans to manufacture beautiful game sets, and shipped them to New York. They were sold at Abercrombie & Fitch, which at the time sold games. Chinese immigrants played Mah Jongg in New York and elsewhere, but Babcock, Hager, and Lethin wanted the game to feel more upper class and accessible to American players.

Babcock wrote a bestseller titled Little Red Book of Rules. The men tried to create a sense of mystique about the game, telling journalists that Mah Jongg was an ancient Chinese game and was played by Confucius over 3,000

http://www.mahjongmuseum.nl/mijn-groot-vader-was-de-zakenpartner-van-joe-babcock/).

years ago. They claimed, inaccurately, that Mah Jongg was called “the gift of heaven” and “the game of a hundred intelligences” back in China.

“By creating this origin myth, which became really widespread and lasting, about the game, marketers separated it from contemporary Chinese immigrants in terms of class and status,” explains Dr. Annelise Heinz, author of Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture (2021).

The ruse worked. Mah Jongg became a popular fad in the United States in the 1920s. Seen as cosmopolitan and exotic, players of all ages and ethnicities, first in New York, then elsewhere in the country, embraced Mah Jongg in clubs, at parties, and in their homes. Department stores offered in-store Mah Jongg classes, feeding the craze and providing new customers to buy Mah Jongg sets. The fact that it seemed exotic and foreign only added to its appeal.

Jewish American songwriter Eddie Cantor wrote a comic song “Since Ma is Playing Ma Jong” for the 1923 Ziegfeld musical Kid Boots. Jewish American composer George Gershwin wrote the song “Mah-Jongg” the following year for a Broadway musical Sweet Little Devil. For a time, the game was a byword for faddish exoticism and fun.

BECOMING A “JEWISH GAME”

Mah Jongg’s initial popularity in the 1920s was shortlived. After the stock market crash in 1929, the mood in America turned sharply away from seemingly frivolous pastimes like the game. By the time World War II broke out, Mah Jongg was rarely played in the US.

Historian Dr. Annelise Heinz observes: “By the 1950s, most Americans had shelved their mahjong sets. Mainstream media rarely mentioned the game except…to reference the outmoded fad of the 1920s.”

Jewish women were a major exception to this trend. By the 1950s, Mah Jongg was firmly established in American consciousness as a “Jewish” game, played by women. Media references to Mah Jongg in the 1950s overwhelmingly mention the game in conjunction with Jews.

Some historians posit that this was because Jewish women were more highly educated than the general population and also disproportionately stayed home to raise their families. After doing housework all day long, some academics theorize, the prospect of getting together with other women over a leisurely game of Mah Jongg seemed like a tempting break.

Jewish spaces embraced Mah Jongg. Resorts in the Catskills featured the game as a central activity, and Jewish networks in cities across America organized regular Mah Jongg gatherings. Over time, many Jewish women came to see playing not only as recreation but also as a way to raise money for charity. Although Mah Jongg originated as a gambling game, and some players still wager while they play, its growing association with philanthropy stemmed from a major innovation in the late 1930s, the founding of the National Mah Jongg League, created by a group of remarkable Jewish women.

JEWISH WOMEN REINVENTING MAH JONGG

The version of Mah Jongg most Americans play today was largely shaped in 1937 in New York City by five Jewish friends who loved the game. They founded the National Mah Jongg League, which standardized the rules, reshaped the game, and helped propel its popularity nationwide.

Dorothy Meyerson, who grew up in an immigrant Jewish home in New York, developed a deep passion for Mah Jongg and had strong opinions about how it should be played. By the 1920s, countless variations of the game had emerged. Different social circles introduced their own elaborate rules. In some cases, the game became so complicated that interest began to decline. Even the wives of American Air Force pilots had created their own standardized version, known as the Wright-Patterson variation, which still exists today.

Inspired by such efforts, Dorothy began envisioning a streamlined, Americanized standard of her own. She created a simplified version of Mah Jongg and in 1936 published a book promoting it titled That’s It!, a nod to the triumphant cry of a winning player. Energetic and determined, Dorothy hired women to promote the book, encouraging customers to purchase it for one dollar and adopt her method of play. For many of these women, the income mattered, and they worked diligently to spread the word about Dorothy’s innovations. As interest revived, department stores in New York and elsewhere, including the May Company, owner of Lord & Taylor, reopened Mah Jongg clinics they had closed a decade earlier.

Around this time, another Jewish New Yorker, Viola Cecil, reached out to Dorothy. Viola loved Mah Jongg and lamented its fading popularity. Impressed by Dorothy’s efforts to revive the game, she proposed joining forces to restore it to prominence.

In 1937, Dorothy and Viola organized a public meeting of Mah Jongg enthusiasts to discuss standardizing the rules. They chose the fashionable Essex House Hotel in Manhattan where Viola lived. Expecting perhaps a hundred attendees, they were astonished when nearly 400 women arrived. Participants traveled from across New York City and beyond, eager to help unify the rules and rescue the game from the factionalism that threatened its future. After hours of spirited debate, the group voted to form the National Mah Jongg League. Viola Cecil became president and Dorothy Meyerson vice president, positions they would hold for years.

One of the League’s most visible changes was to the game’s name. Formerly spelled Mahjong or Mah Jong, it now became Mah Jongg, with an added “g.” The League also standardized the rules. “No one person created the new way to play,” Dorothy later explained, though the final version closely reflected the system outlined in her book. Together, Dorothy and Viola authored an instruction manual, How to Play Mah Jongg, presenting the game as transformed from an “ancient game of the Mandarins” into a “new American game made up of representative suggestions from different groups.”

IDENTIFYING MAH JONGG WITH JEWISH CHARITIES

National Mah Jongg League rule cards are modestly priced, but the annual fees players pay add up. From its earliest years, the League closely linked the game to charitable fundraising, with Jewish charities representing a large and steadily growing share of the beneficiaries.

During World War II, the League raised funds for both Jewish and non-Jewish war-related causes. After the war, much of its charitable giving supported Jewish and general organizations aiding victims of the conflict. As Mah Jongg increasingly came to be seen as a “Jewish” game, however, a larger proportion of donations went specifically to Jewish causes. The 1950 rule card was the last to list American charities on its cover. Thereafter, the cards simply stated, “Proceeds donated to charitable causes.”

“After World War II, the League’s philanthropy noticeably shifted as more individual donations flowed to specifically Jewish organizations and, especially, to support the new state of Israel,” observes historian Dr. Annelise Heinz.

One prominent beneficiary was Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah program, originally established to aid Jewish orphans in Europe and later focused on helping orphans and disadvantaged children in Israel. Dr. Heinz illustrates this pattern through the story of Martha Lustbader, who led her local Hadassah chapter in Newburgh, New York. Lustbader relied on Mah Jongg parties to raise funds through ticket and raffle sales, directing the proceeds toward building a hospital in Israel, a cause she passionately supported. She ensured that her Mah Jongg group actively backed these fundraising events. Throughout the postwar years, thousands of women like Lustbader used Mah Jongg gatherings, tournaments,

Dorothy S. Meyerson teaching Mah Jongg on television, 1951 (photo courtesy of Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage).

and clubs to generate significant support for Jewish causes, channeling the charitable commitments of their friends and neighbors.

Former National Mah Jongg League president Ruth Unger later explained that the Jewish value of tzedakah (charitable giving) helped sustain the game’s popularity. As synagogues and Hadassah chapters depended on selling Mah Jongg cards to raise funds, they had a vested interest in promoting the game, organizing classes, hosting tournaments, and ensuring that enthusiasm for Mah Jongg remained strong. Hadassah and other Jewish organizations remain among the League’s official charitable beneficiaries today.

RESURGENCE TODAY

Mah Jongg is undergoing a resurgence today, with younger and more diverse players discovering the joys of the game. Mah Jongg events advertised on the online platform Eventbrite rose 170% between 2023 and 2024 worldwide. New York has seen the most new interest, followed by San Francisco, then Houston, where Mah Jongg events advertised on Eventbrite rose a whopping 867% between 2023 and 2024. As a new generation discovers the joys of Mah Jongg, let’s embrace this game’s rich history, including the many contributions made by generations of Jewish women. 

Dr. Yvette Alt Miller holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the London School of Economics and has taught at Northwestern University, London Business School, and lectured around the world. She is the author of Angels at the Table: A Practical Guide to Celebrating Shabbat, which had been praised as “life changing” and compared to having a friend guide the reader through a typical Shabbat, and of Portraits of Valor: Heroic Jewish Women You Should Know, which describes the lives of 40 remarkable women who inhabited different eras and lands, giving readers a sense of the vast diversity of Jewish history and experience.

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FASHION MEETS ART

INSIDE THE DOLCE & GABBANA EXHIBITION IN MIAMI

NATALIE SENIOR

ARE YOU HEADED TO FLORIDA FOR THE PASSOVER BREAK? THIS IS A WONDERFUL EXHIBIT TO GO SEE DURING HOL HAMOED. HEAD OVER TO THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART, MIAMI (ICA MIAMI) FOR A DOSE OF HIGH FASHION WITH “FROM HEART TO THE HANDS: DOLCE & GABBANA.”

Following acclaimed, sold-out exhibitions in Milan, Paris, and Rome, this comprehensive retrospective represents the brand’s inaugural major exhibition in the United States. Curated by a renowned Italian fashion historian, the exhibition showcases more than 300 archival and modern pieces as a tribute to Italian culture.

The exhibition is structured as a theatrical experience, encompassing 12 themed rooms that reflect the multifaceted nature of the designers’ vision. Each area examines a distinct aspect of the Dolce & Gabbana identity, seamlessly integrating elements of fashion, art, architecture, and folklore. Each collection vibrantly comes alive through one of twelve dramatic acts. Some examples of these are “The Sicilian Room,” which is designed for joy. This space showcases vibrant tile floors, painted walls, and folkloricadorned refrigerators, along with whimsical items like cannoli-decorated purses. In “Opera and Ballet,” theater is celebrated with couture inspired by Puccini and Verdi, accompanied by opera music. “Glasswork and Mirrors”

features intricate beaded garments set against a backdrop of mirrors and chandeliers. “The Atelier” space recreates the designers’ workshop with mannequins, sketches, and materials.

In an interview with the curator Florence Muller, she describes the creation process of this exhibit: “Curating an exhibition like this is a very complex process. I began by delving into the history and archives, looking at what has been preserved and then discussing with the designers to understand their creative intention and what they wanted to communicate. The exhibition is an homage to the encoun-

ter between the creative idea, the master craftsmanship, and the creative passion that brings the designer’s desire to life. I feel very privileged to be able to understand their work, their intention, and their dream of creating beauty from the inside out.”

Most visitors to the exhibit have raved that the show was absolutely beyond their expectations and, if given the opportunity, this show is not to be missed. They appreciated the ability to learn about the history, culture, art, and passion of Dolce & Gabbana.

Located in the heart of the Miami Design District, the exhibition has become a must-see for locals and tourists alike. ICA Miami is located at 23 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137. The museum is open daily, with extended hours until 10:30 PM on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets are available for purchase at https://miami.dolcegabbanaexhibition.com/. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as this show has been consistently selling out. 

BEYOND THE MEDAL COUNT

HOW ISRAELI ATHLETES SHOWED RESILIENCE AND PRIDE AT THE 2026 WINTER OLYMPICS

ISRAEL RARELY COMES TO MIND WHEN PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THE WINTER OLYMPICS. SNOW AND ICE SPORTS ARE NOT PART OF DAILY LIFE IN A MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRY BETTER KNOWN FOR BEACHES AND DESERT HEAT. STILL, EVERY FOUR YEARS, A SMALL GROUP OF ISRAELI ATHLETES STEPS ONTO THE WORLD STAGE TO COMPETE IN EVENTS SHAPED BY COLD CLIMATES AND LONG TRADITIONS. THEIR PRESENCE IS MODEST IN SIZE BUT MEANINGFUL IN SPIRIT. IT REFLECTS PERSISTENCE, IDENTITY, AND THE STEADY GROWTH OF WINTER SPORTS CONNECTED TO ISRAEL.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Israel sent nine athletes competing in five sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, skeleton, and bobsleigh. The delegation finished the Games without a medal. Yet the results told only part of the story.

Israel has participated in the Winter Olympics since 1994, and its delegation has always been small. Unlike countries with deep winter traditions, Israel relies heavily on athletes who train abroad. Many competitors grow up in colder climates or develop their skills in Europe or North America. Participation itself carries weight.

One of the most notable developments at these Games was Israel’s first Olympic bobsled team. Pilot Adam “AJ” Edelman spent years building the program, recruiting athletes, raising funding, and securing training opportunities overseas. Edelman previously competed for Israel in skeleton at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang before turning his focus to bobsled development. He is also recognized as the first openly Orthodox Jewish athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics while maintaining full religious observance during competition.

In the two-man bobsled event, Edelman competed alongside brakeman Menachem Chen. The team completed

its Olympic runs and recorded Israel’s first official Olympic result in the sport, finishing 26th. The four-man team completed two heats before being disqualified due to a substitution violation involving an attempted lineup change.

Israel was also represented in skeleton by Jared Firestone, who finished 22nd overall. In alpine skiing, Barnabas Szollos finished 26th in slalom, continuing a career that included both alpine skiing and short track speed skating at the Olympic level.

Figure skating remained one of Israel’s most visible winter disciplines. Mariia Seniuk finished 24th in the women’s singles event. Daniel Samohin continued to represent Israel internationally, and ice dancer Evgeni Krasnopolski added to his long Olympic résumé, having represented Israel in multiple Winter Games with different partners over the years.

Israel’s first Olympic bobsled appearance came with unusual challenges. During training in Italy, members of the Israeli bobsled team reported that their apartment had been burglarized while they were away at the track. Suitcases, equipment, personal belongings, and team passports were stolen, creating serious logistical obstacles just days before competition. The team continued preparing while working to replace essential documents and gear.

The bobsled team, sometimes referred to as “Shul Runnings,” pressed forward despite the disruption. Their participation also drew international attention during a live broadcast when a Swiss television commentator questioned Edelman’s presence at the Games, prompting criticism and later removal of the remarks by the broadcaster. In a separate incident, an Italian state broadcaster issued a public apology after an inappropriate off-air comment about the Israeli bobsleigh team was inadvertently aired. During the opening ceremony in Milan, the Israeli delegation entered the stadium to a mixed reaction from the crowd, including a small number of boos that were largely drowned out by music and applause.

The Olympics were meant to be politically neutral, focused on sport and international unity, yet global conflicts followed athletes onto the world stage. For Israeli competitors in Milan and Cortina, the ongoing war in Gaza and broader debates about Israel surfaced in public conversation around the Games. Israel’s delegation reflected the country’s diversity, including participation by a Druze athlete competing under the Israeli flag. Jewish sports organizations and Olympic observers also pointed to increased antisemitic incidents connected to international sporting events in recent years.

Despite finishing without a medal and facing setbacks during the Games, Israel’s athletes expressed pride in representing their country and competing on the Olympic stage. They stood tall and focused on performance, even when the environment around them felt tense.

Winter Olympic participation looks different for smaller delegations. Success is measured less by medals and more by qualification, completion, and growth. Each athlete who reaches the Olympic stage helps build momentum for future competitors.

When the Milan Cortina Games closed, Israel returned home without a medal but with experience, historic firsts, and greater visibility for winter sports connected to the country. Competing on the Olympic stage as proud Jews and Israelis, the athletes represented their nation with determination and dignity. For a country without snow-covered mountains or sliding tracks, showing up and competing at the highest level remains an achievement in itself. 

WHAT 40 YEARS OF COUPLES THERAPY TAUGHT ONE EXPERT ABOUT LOVE

FOUR PIECES OF ESTHER PEREL’S INCISIVE WISDOM THAT KEEP MARRIAGES ALIVE

DEBBIE GUTFREUND

Esther Perel has been a couples therapist for over 40 years and has written extensively on desire and fidelity. One idea runs through all of it, “Love is a verb, not a permanent state of enthusiasm.” To protect and sustain your marriage, you need to nurture it every day.

Here are four ways to do that, drawn from Perel’s teachings.

1. Protect the Space Between You.

Perel teaches that in every relationship there are two individuals, but also a third entity, the relationship itself. She encourages couples to make decisions together that prioritize the health of the relationship over their individual preferences. Protect that space by being careful not to criticize your spouse in public and by keeping intimate details about your relationship private. “Don’t just protect yourself, protect the ‘us.’”

2. Maintain Autonomy and Mystery.

One danger for couples who have been happily married a long time is that they stop preserving their individual autonomy. Perel cautions partners to maintain their own identity and interests. Over-merging can sometimes damage a relationship just as much as too much distance. Desire requires space, and when a couple becomes too fused, attraction can fade.

Leave room for mystery by cultivating a rich inner life that does not require your spouse’s constant involvement. “Fire needs air. Too much closeness can extinguish desire.”

3. Stay Curious About Your Partner.

The person you married is not the same person you are married to today. Perel encourages spouses to stay curious about each other and to recognize that both of you are constantly evolving.

Try to see your partner with fresh eyes by asking different questions and avoiding mind-reading. Use open-ended prompts like “Help me understand what was happening for you in that situation.” Or go deeper, “When do you feel most like yourself? What makes you feel free?”

The answers might surprise you. “Assumptions are relationship killers.” Ask before you assume you know how your partner feels.

4. Talk About Difficult Things Early.

After decades as a couples therapist, Perel found that one of the best ways to maintain a good marriage is to address difficult issues as soon as they arise. Do not avoid hard topics just because they are uncomfortable. This is especially true when resentment or hurt has crept in. Address it before it festers and creates more distance.

Perel believes that behind every criticism is a longing. What have you been wanting that you have not said? “It’s not the fight that destroys couples, it’s the silence. Resentment thrives in avoidance.” Own your part in the

conflict, avoid scorekeeping, and steer clear of emotional disengagement.

Jewish wisdom teaches that love changes both us and the world around us. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote, “Love transforms us. It makes us beautiful in the eyes of those who love us. It makes us real.”

Perel encourages spouses to allow themselves to transform and be transformed through the different stages of a continuously evolving marriage. Through that growth, marriage can make you feel safe and free at the same time. “When we seek love, we look for safety. When we seek desire, we look for freedom. Strong marriages learn to hold both.” 

PASSOVER FOOD FREEDOM BEYOND CHAMETZ

RETHINKING BALANCE, DIGESTION, AND NOURISHMENT DURING THE HOLIDAY

LAURA SHAMMAH, MS, RDN

PASSOVER IS A HOLIDAY CENTERED AROUND FREEDOM, YET FOR MANY PEOPLE, FOOD DURING PASSOVER CAN FEEL ANYTHING BUT FREEING. BETWEEN THE REMOVAL OF FAMILIAR FOODS, THE ABUNDANCE OF RICH HOLIDAY MEALS, AND THE PRESSURE TO “DO IT RIGHT,” PASSOVER CAN BECOME A WEEK OF DIGESTIVE DISCOMFORT, FOOD GUILT, OR ALL-OR-NOTHING EATING. BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY. PASSOVER OFFERS A POWERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO RECONNECT WITH NOURISHMENT, BALANCE, AND INTENTION.

During Passover, eating patterns naturally change. Bread, grains, and many everyday staples disappear, while foods like matzah, potatoes, eggs, meat, chicken, and richer desserts often take center stage.

This sudden dietary shift can affect digestion, energy levels, and hunger cues. Many people notice constipation from increased matzah and reduced fiber, feeling overly full from heavy meals, blood sugar swings from long gaps between meals, and eating out of structure rather than hun-

ger. None of this means you’re doing Passover “wrong.” It simply means your body is adjusting.

MATZAH IS NOT THE ENEMY

Matzah often gets blamed for digestive discomfort, but the issue is usually balance, not matzah itself. Matzah is essentially a refined carbohydrate without fiber or fat. When eaten alone, it digests quickly and doesn’t provide lasting satisfaction.

Instead of avoiding matzah, pair it strategically. Matzah

• Normalize your eating habits and conquer your weight related fears

• Restore a healthy relationship with food

• Stop restricting/ diet cycle, binging, under/overeating, emotional eating and finally feel free to live the life you want!

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can be eaten with egg and avocado, tuna and vegetables, or nut butter. Adding protein and fat improves satiety, digestion, and blood sugar stability.

It’s also worth noting that spelt and whole-wheat matzah are available each year, which can provide more fiber and help support digestion and fullness for those who tolerate them.

PREVENTING THE “PASSOVER CONSTIPATION” PROBLEM

Constipation is one of the most common Passover complaints. The solution is gentle consistency, not extreme fiber loading.

Helpful strategies include drinking enough fluids throughout the day, including fruits and vegetables at meals, adding olive oil, avocado, or nuts daily, and incorporating light movement after meals. Cooked vegetables, soups, berries, kiwi, and stewed fruits tend to be easier on digestion than large raw salads during this week.

THE LONG MEAL REALITY

Seder meals are long. Very long. It’s easy to arrive overly hungry and eat quickly once the meal begins. A small snack before the Seder, like yogurt, vegetables, and chicken, or eggs, can help regulate hunger so you can enjoy the meal comfortably.

PASSOVER AND EMOTIONAL EATING

Holidays can bring joy, stress, nostalgia, and family dynamics, often all at once. Food sometimes becomes the easiest way to cope with these emotions.

If this happens, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human. Passover is actually a meaningful time to practice awareness by noticing hunger and fullness, eating foods you truly enjoy, sitting down while eating, and allowing meals to feel satisfying rather than rushed or restricted.

Freedom includes freedom from guilt. Passover is only eight days. Your body does not need perfection during this time. It needs consistency and nourishment. You don’t need to compensate for heavier meals. You don’t need to avoid dessert. You don’t need to “start over” after the holiday. You simply return to your normal rhythm when Passover ends. That, too, is freedom. 

Laura

MS,

specializes in eating disorders and works with a wide range of clients, including those managing PCOS, infertility, hypertension, high cholesterol, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, and cancer. She also supports clients training for marathons, women who are pregnant, and individuals seeking to lose or gain weight in a healthy way.

STRESSFUL TIMES THE POWER OF 10,000 STEPS

ESPECIALLY DURING

DISCOVER HOW 10,000 STEPS A DAY CAN BE YOUR SECRET WEAPON TO RESILIENCE, CLARITY, AND CALM— NO GYM OR EXTRA TIME REQUIRED.

The notification pings on my phone: “Great job! You’ve reached your daily goal of 10,000 steps.” It’s late at night and I’ve just finished pacing my living room to hit the number that has become my lifeline.

Judaism has long emphasized the connection between physical and spiritual well-being. The concept of shmiras haguf (guarding one’s body) is considered a mitzvah, a religious obligation. The Rambam (Maimonides), a 12th-century Jewish philosopher and physician, wrote extensively about the importance of physical health as a prerequisite for spiritual growth.

In his work “The Laws of Character Development,” the Rambam states: “Since maintaining a healthy and sound body is among the ways of G-d—for one cannot understand or have any knowledge of the Creator when ill—therefore one must avoid that which harms the body and accustom oneself to that which is healthful.”

This ancient wisdom aligns perfectly with modern research showing that physical well-being creates the conditions for optimal human functioning.

In our increasingly stressful world, I’ve learned that we cannot control outcomes, only the process of how we show up. And movement is crucial to showing up properly in life.

During periods of personal stress—whether family challenges, job uncertainty, health scares, or any crisis—movement cannot be optional. It’s the difference between surviving and thriving, between barely coping and maintaining your capacity to show up for what matters most.

WHO HAS TIME TO EXERCISE?

“I know I should exercise, but I just don’t have time.” This is the most common excuse I hear. Between work, family obligations, and constant demands, carving out 60 minutes for the gym feels impossible. 10,000 steps is the solution! Unlike traditional exercise, it doesn’t require finding extra time—you’re simply doing your existing activities more actively.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE STEPS

The magic number of 10,000 steps isn’t arbitrary. Research consistently shows this benchmark creates measurable changes in both body and mind. Tom Rath, in his groundbreaking work “Eat Move Sleep,” demonstrates how daily movement serves as a “keystone habit”—one behavior that triggers positive cascades throughout our entire day.

People who walk 10,000 steps daily experience 12% better mood throughout the day, improved sleep quality by an average of 23 minutes, enhanced cognitive function and decision-making ability, and reduced cortisol levels.

And the 10,000 steps brilliantly solves the time problem. Every phone call becomes a walking opportunity. Every period of waiting becomes pacing time. You’re not doing extra activities—you’re doing existing activities while moving.

Chai there!

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THE TOP 7 WAYS TO HIT 10,000 STEPS WITHOUT FINDING EXTRA TIME

Here are the most effective strategies for seamlessly integrating movement into your existing daily routine. (You can easily track 10,000 steps a day using a fitness tracker, smartwatch, or step-counting app on your phone that logs your movement automatically.)

1. Walk during every phone call–This is the single biggest game-changer. Business calls, catching up with friends, coordinating with family—all happen while walking. A 30-minute call easily adds 1,500-2,000 steps.

2. Transform waiting time into pacing time–Waiting for elevators, meetings to start, coffee to brew, kids at pickup—every waiting moment becomes walking time. These micro-movements accumulate surprisingly quickly.

3. Make transportation more active–Park farther away, get off one stop early, or take the stairs always. Whether driving to work or taking public transport, these simple changes add 600-1,000 steps twice daily without any extra time commitment.

4. Turn family time into walking time–After-dinner neighborhood walks, bedtime routine walks with kids while chatting about their day, or walking during children’s activities instead of sitting. This creates quality connection time while adding 1,200-1,500 steps.

5. Convert household tasks into movement opportunities–Walk while talking to family about their day, pace while helping with homework, walk around

while dinner cooks, or take multiple trips carrying groceries. Transform necessary tasks into active time.

6. Implement walking meetings–For one-on-one meetings, brainstorming sessions, or creative thinking, suggest walking instead of sitting. Many breakthrough ideas happen during walking conversations.

7. Strategically add movement to errands–Walk to nearby stores instead of driving, browse different sections of larger stores, or walk around the perimeter while shopping. Make necessary tasks more active.

The secret is recognizing that you’re already spending time on phone calls, family conversations, waiting, and performing daily tasks. These strategies simply add movement to time you’re already using.

TAKING THE FIRST STEP

If you’re dealing with stress in your life, prioritize movement. Start with 10,000 steps. No gym required – just the decision to put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes, the most profound act of love—for ourselves and for those who depend on us—is to keep moving forward, one step at a time. 

Rabbi Dr. Yosef Lynn is an executive coach who focuses on helping individuals thrive in their professional lives and beyond, giving them the tools to achieve their goals in all of their personal endeavors, especially in their relationships. He holds a Doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology (PsyD) from Touro, and a Master in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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7) OCEAN TOWNSHIP Ocean Township for sale, off market. Beautiful 4+ bedrooms WITH POOL 150 x 166.

9) WANAMASSA FOR SALE

Wanamassa Ocean Township 2-3 bedroom ranch home easy care cradled in Ocean Township - Wanamassa community; serene block, tranquil neighborhood, extremely easy home to maintain; great investment 1031, empty nester, or starter home! Priced to sell $650k!!! 2) WEST DEAL – NEAR WEST ALLENHURST Beautiful home on 220 x 260 property!!!

4) ELBERON Elberon… home near Park Avenue set on enormous 120 x 180 property ! Fits pool & sports court! Off market large property 180’ deep.

6) DEAL PROPER SOLD Deal, NJ Proper… home SOLD 155 x 150

8) SOLD… WEST ALLENHURST West Allenhurst SOLD 125’ across by 125’ deep.

10) DEAL SUMMER RENTAL Deal proper - summer rental near BEACHES HOUSES OF WORSHIP, dining, shopping, DSN, Deal Casino, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, finished basement $45k!

HOUSE FOR SALE BKLYN

EAST 7th St/U & V -Prime mid-block. Walk to all. 2-family semi-attached on 25x120 lot. Wide driveway, 2-car private garage. Very bright. Backyard toward Ocean Pkwy. Build your dream house or move right in. $3.8M. east7uv@aol. com

3309 Ave M detached, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 30x100, private driveway. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Bedford Ave / Ave M 50x100 house and lot, private driveway, $2.1M. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Midwood Manor – East 10th & Ave J detached 2 family Victorian triplex, 30x100 lot, 1st floor 2 bedrooms, 2nd floor 6 bedroom duplex, porches, $2.99M. Call Brisman Realty 718-677-0988

East 23rd St / L&M detached center hall, 40x100 lot, 4+ bedrooms plus attic and basement bedrooms, 3+ baths, Pesach kitchen, central air, private drive, garage, rear deck, $2.99M. Call Brisman Realty 718-677-0988

East 5th St / Ave M & N luxury 1 family, 4 bedrooms, den, eat-in kitchen, parking, backyard, extended lot. Call ES Realty 917-579-2564

M & N / Prime East new construction, 7 bedroom custom home, high end build, luxury property. Call ES Realty 917-579-2564

Ave T / Prime East attached 1 family, excellent condition, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, den, central air, front and back porch, finished basement. Call ES Realty 917-579-2564

East 7th / Ave T mini mansion, detached 40x125, 7 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, large kitchen, finished basement, private drive. Call ES Realty 917-579-2564

Ave V brand new home, high-end finishes, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, private parking, $2.69M. Call ES Realty 917-579-2564

Quentin Rd / East 2nd St luxury townhouse, 5 bedroom duplex over 5 bedroom duplex, private parking, $3.59M. Call ES Realty 917-579-2564

Ave O / East 2nd detached 1 family, 30x100, needs work, $2.39M. Call ES Realty 917-5792564

Avenue I / 20s mansion, 9 bedrooms, 7 baths, luxury property, $4.39M. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Ave I & East 16th Street 1 bedroom co-op, doorman building, first floor front, sunken living room, separate dining area, large bedroom, new bathroom, windows in kitchen and bath, $288K. Call Brisman Realty 718-677-0988

CONDO FOR SALE BKLYN

Luxury Condo 3 bedrooms, 3 baths plus office, 2,500 sq ft, 2 parking spots, $1.999M. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917361-8268

HOUSE FOR RENT BKLYN

Ocean Pkwy Near Ave X–Whole house for rent. 3 bdrm, 3 levels, fully renovated, new kitchen, 2 1/2 bath. Front and back porch, parking for 3 cars, garage. On a quiet corner. $5600.00 / mo by owner. Available immediately. Call 917796-5244.

Build Your Dream Home under $1 million, near YDE, 2 family, semi-attached, yard, carport possible, backyard. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Bedford Ave / Ave M 50x100 house and lot, private driveway, $2.1M. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Ave L / East 20s detached, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 30x100, parking, $2.5M. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Avenue I / 20s mansion, 9 bedrooms, 7 baths, luxury property, $4.39M. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

APARTMENT FOR RENT BKLYN

Ave O/E 2nd St–Finished basement, Lrg Bdrm, Lrg LR, full Kit & bath, prv entrance, transportation, shopping, near shul. All utilities included, $2000 per month. Call 917-757-2645

West Long Branch, NJ

For Sale or Rent: 4,000 sq ft office space in West Long Branch, NJ, featuring parking for 12 cars, additional handicap parking, and wheelchair accessibility. Conveniently located near Route 36. The property includes a separate 2-bedroom house and an additional rear lot ideal for development. Offered at $1.99M.

Ave T / Bedford Ave 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, $2,750. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Kings Hwy & East 32nd St 2 bedroom apartment, option for private parking, $2,900. Call Brisman Realty 718-677-0988

Ave W / East 1st new walk-in, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, $2,750. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Ave T / East 14th 2nd floor, 1.5 bedrooms, 1 bath, $2,400. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Ave P / East 2 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, rooftop, in building, $3,500. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Ave P / East 2 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1st floor plus basement, $4,500. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

Ave V / Teens new walk-in duplex, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, $2,000. Call Sarah Sasson at Homecrest Realty Group 917-361-8268

WINTER RENTAL NJ

Deal–House for rent. Neptune Ave bet Norwood & Richmond Winter rental Sept 7/26-May 14/27, 6 bdrms, 4 baths. Excellent condition. Call Ninette 347-204-1823

SUMMER RENTAL NJ

Deal Poplar Ave–Lge 7BR, 3BA. C/A/C, new furniture, huge master w/walk-in closet, center hall, huge den. Avail 6/08 $48,500. dealnjrentals. com. Call 917-771-6900

Elberon–5 bdrm, 2 baths, lrg LR, DR and Den, EIK, A/C lrg yard, steps to shul. Call 917-7572645

Oakhurst–5 bdrm, 2 bath, backyard, in-ground heated pool, fully finished house. Great location! Walking distance to shuls, $50k. ALSO Long Branch–4 bed, 2 bath, backyard, newly renovated home. Walking distance to the beach and shuls, $40k. Call/text 718-954-4525

35 Years and Still #1 Publication in the

Sephardic Community

The MaTsas FaMily and The sTaFF oF iMage Magazine would like To Thank all adverTisers and readers For 35 years oF supporT

CONGRATULATIONS Mabrouk, Mazal Tov

BIRTHS

Joyce & Marty Antebi – Boy

Michelle and Jack Cohen – Girl

Jeanne and Maurice Masry – Boy

Sarah and Shai Galapo – Girl

Fortune and Joey Ades – Boy

Sheila and Michael Kishk – Girl

Gaby and Simon Liniado – Boy

Rochelle and Yosef Farhi – Girl

Priscilla and Ricky Cohen – Boy

Susan and Ray Jajati – Girl

Stephanie and Sammy Shamah – Girl

Fortune and Monie Abadi – Boy

Jade and Jack Ashkenazy – Girl

Fortune and Monie Abadi – Boy

Claudia and Joe Dana – Girl

Peggy and Raymond Braha – Girl

Sheri and Ralph Shamula – Girl

Sara and Eddie Ashkenazi – Boy

Corine and Andrew Cohen – Girl

Celia and Gaby Mann – Boy

Shelly and Albert Laoui – Boy

Raquel and Ronnie Kassin – Boy

Renee and Ezra Mann – Girl

Shelly and Eli Safdiah – Boy

Carole and Andrew Aryeh – Boy

Robyn and Steven Hakim – Girl

Allie and Sam Torgueman – Girl

Shelly and Isaac Massry – Boy

Molly and Joseph Greenstein – Boy

Sarah and David Haddad – Boy

ENGAGEMENTS

Adele Akiva to Leon Louz

Arlette Anteby to Sion Dweck

Sharon Chappan to Albert Dweck

Abigail Madeb to Abie Dabah

Jayne Ades to Isaac Abed

Gina Arakanchi to Morris Schneps

Ronit Feldman to Charel Zeitoune

Jenny Blas to Chaim Janani

Sophia Iluz to Nachman Salman

Sophia Joy Manopla to Joseph David

Mazal Tobias to Joe Gindi

Jamille Sutton to Leon Ebani

Isabel Elmann to Jack Kassin

Laura Ringer to Ralph Betesh

Need help navigating a federal agency? Senator Sam Sutton and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke are offering a convenient way for residents to get assistance close to home. Mobile Office Hours are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 1412 Avenue J, Suite 2E in Brooklyn, giving community members direct access to support without the need to travel far or wait on long lines.

Staff from Congresswoman Clarke’s office will be onsite to help with a wide range of services, including Social Security, passports, immigration matters, IRS issues, USPS concerns, and other federal agency inquiries. Appointments are required, so residents are encouraged to call (718) 2532015 in advance. Be sure to bring any relevant documents, such as identification, receipt numbers, or agency correspondence, to ensure the team can assist you as efficiently as possible.

NEW YORK STATE OFFERS LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR ELIGIBLE PROFESSIONALS

New York State has announced a range of loan forgiveness programs aimed at supporting professionals who serve the public and strengthen essential services across the state. These programs are available to individuals in key fields, including licensed social workers, teachers, nursing faculty, child welfare workers, and psychiatrists, as well as primary care physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and pediatric clinical nurse specialists. Mental health professionals may also qualify, including licensed master social workers (LMSWs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed creative arts therapists (LCATs), licensed psychoanalysts, and licensed psychologists. If you work in any of these roles, you may qualify for loan forgiveness.

Recent New York State college graduates who are participating in a federal income-driven repayment plan may also be eligible for assistance. These programs are designed to help reduce the burden of student loan debt while encouraging skilled professionals to continue working in New York. Eligibility requirements, service commitments, and award amounts vary by program. Restrictions apply. For more information, visit https://hesc.ny.gov/find-aid-you-need/newyork-state-loan-forgiveness-programs.

If

or

SOCIAL EVENTS

PESACH I PESACH II 1ST DAY OF THE OMER

PESACH III (H’’M) 2ND DAY OF THE OMER

PESACH V (H”M)

4TH DAY OF THE OMER SCC

PASSOVER PROGRAMS DSN

CANASTA TOURNAMENT

PASSOVER BBQ

PESACH VI (H”M)

5TH DAY OF THE OMER

SCC PASSOVER PROGRAMS

DSN FAMILY DRUM EVENT

PESACH VII 6TH DAY OF THE OMER

PESACH VIII 7TH DAY OF THE OMER 8TH DAY OF THE OMER

9TH DAY OF THE OMER

PARASHAT SHEMINI MAQAM HOSENI

15TH DAY OF THE OMER ROSH CHODESH IYAR

16TH DAY OF THE OMER ROSH CHODESH IYAR

PARASHAT TAZRIAMETZORA MAQAM RAST

28TH DAY OF THE OMER

BEGINNER MAH JONGG

• What was life like for you in Syria? • How did you escape? or leave the country?

• Who helped you? • What was the path to escape? Over which border?

• How did you adjust to your new life?

Tell all the details of your story to prominent Syrian Jewish historian and genealogist Sarina Roffe for her upcoming book - Syrian Jewish Paths to Freedom. Interviews can be done on zoom, phone or in person. Photos welcome. Work is completed under the auspices of Sephardic Heritage Project - sephardicheritageproject.org

fine DINING

NEW YORK

BORDEAUX STEAKHOUSE

1922 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn (718) 942-4040

CHINA GLATT

4413 13th Ave, Brooklyn (718) 438-2576

GLATT A LA CARTE

5123 18th Avenue, Brooklyn (718) 438-6675

GRUIT

252 Empire Blvd. Brooklyn (347) 846-0622

LA BROCHETTE

340 Lexington Avenue, New York City (212) 972-2200

LE MARAIS

150 W. 46th St., New York City (212) 869-0900

MIKE’S BISTRO

127 East 54th St., New York City (212) 799-3911

MOCHA RED

127 4th Avenue, New York City (212) 419-8889

NOI DUE CARNE

141 W 69th St., New York City (212) 712-2222

PESCADA

1776 Ocean Avenue Brooklyn (718) 766-2759

UN PLAZA GRILL

845 United Nations Plaza, New York City (212) 223-1801

URBANA

1305 53rd St., Brooklyn (718) 438-4448

WOLF & LAMB

16 East 48th St., New York City (212) 317-1950

NEW JERSEY

656 OCEAN & STINGERS BAR & GRILL

656 Ocean Ave, Long Branch (732) 728-9656

BALAGAN

66 Monmouth Rd, Oakhurst, NJ 07755 (732)716-4200

BUTCHER’S STEAKHOUSE

401 Main St, Allenhurst (732) 686-1498

CRUST CO PIZZA

379 Monmouth Road, Long Branch (732) 229-2145

DIET GOURMET

167 Lincoln Avenue, Long Branch (732) 870-3287

DOUGIE’S BAR & GRILL

256 Norwood Avenue, Deal (732) 517-0300

DOWN TO EARTH

312 Main Street, Allenhurst NJ (732) 686-1597

GRANDMA’S CHEESE CAFE

101 Brighton Ave, Long Branch (732) 895-3621

JELI’S RESTAURANT

125 Ocean Avenue N., Deal (732) 686-9595

JERSEY SHORE SUSHI

250 Norwood Ave, Deal (732) 660-5393

OUTPOST RESTAURANT

125 Ocean Avenue N., Deal (732) 686-9595

PKS BY THE SHORE

244 Norwood Avenue, Oakhurst (732) 813-5757

PRIMAVERA RESTAURANT & BAR

118 Norwood Avenue, Deal (732) 430-2073

RETRO GRILL

214 Roosevelt Avenue, Oakhurst (732) 695-3119

SALT STEAKHOUSE

15 Morris Avenue, Long Branch (732) 813-7258

SHENG MAO CHINESE

214 Roosevelt Ave, Oakhurst (732) 531-7086

TAPAS

116 Norwood Ave, Deal (732) 660-1700

TEVA RESTAURANT

125 Ocean Avenue N., Deal (732) 686-9595

CONSUMER GUIDE

ACCOUNTANT

Mitch Holsborg 101

APPLIANCE SERVICE

Astre Appliance Service .............. 124

ATTORNEY

Expert Legal Solutions 69

Gad Shaharabani ....................... 67

Jack Erdos 63

Robert Akerman 107

BEAUTY CARE

Laura’s Skin Care 103 CAREER OPPORTUNITY

New York Life .............................. 73

CLOTHING/MENS & BOYS

The Garage Clothing 128 COLLEGE

Touro College ............................. 55

CONSTRUCTION

Adjmi Construction 77

Build 1 ..................................... 125

HMS Construction 125

Joseph and Sons Builders 125

Moe Molcho & Al Beyda .............. 79

COUNSELING

Rabbi Pereira 103

DENTIST

Dr Jacques Doueck ..... 101,103,105

Tawil Dental 99

DR.-INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Ezra Israel ............................. 95

DR.-PRIMARY CARE

Rambam Family Health 16-17

DUCT CLEANING

Remex 69

EXTERMINATOR

A&V Prime Exterminating LLC 77 FACTORS

Hedaya Capital Group 7

Middlegate Factors 4-5

FILING SERVICES

Liberty Filing 75 FINANCIAL ADVISORS & ESTATE SOLUTIONS

Power Forward Group IBC FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

Endurance Wealth Partners 31

FISHING BOAT/FLORIDA

Therapy IV Capt Stan 108 FLOOD

Remex ........................................ 69 FURNITURE OUTDOOR

David Cohen Outdoor Furniture 125 HANDYMAN

Eddy Gindi 125 HOSPITAL Mount Sinai Brooklyn 67

Allstate David Cohen 33 Eli Cohen Agency 1 Eric Derzie & Associates ............... 41 INSURANCE ADJUSTER

Equitable Adjusters IFC,18-19 JEWELRY/WATCHES Bangles by Kelly Shrem 61