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Beyond the Headlines
A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news
By Sivan Rahav Meir
Stronger Than We Think
“How many times can you hop on one foot in a minute?” Avi Avraham asked the girls in an educational Zoom workshop for girls from all over the world.
Avi, director of the Coma Center for Advancement and Empowerment, jotted down their guesses: 20, 30, maybe 50. Then, during the Zoom session, the girls stood up. A signal was given. For one full minute, they hopped. The results were astonishing: 90. 100. Even 120.
“Do you see?” Avi said, smiling. “Sometimes we underestimate our abilities.”
Through a series of simple exercises like this one, he taught us a powerful skill: how to notice our strengths and build from our successes. Because most of us do the opposite. We spend so much time preoccupied with what we did wrong, what we lack, what we still haven’t mastered, and far less time examining what we are doing well. We’re not trained to analyze success, even though it often reveals our truest potential.
Everyone, Avi said, should be able to answer one basic question: What are you good at? And that answer should become the starting point for what comes next.
Our leaders, too, spoke about this.
Rabbi Yeruchom Levovitz (1873–1936) of the Mir yeshiva in Belarus told his students: “Woe to the one who does not know his weaknesses, for he does not know
what to fix. But woe even more to the one who does not know his strengths,because then he does not even know what tools he has for fixing.”
Rabbi Baruch of Mezhibuz (1753–1811), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, offered an interesting interpretation of the verse from chapter 145 of Psalms, Ashrei, which we recite three times each day. The verse is usually understood as, “To make known His mighty acts,” meaning God’s. But Rabbi Baruch read it differently: “To make known the mighty acts of human beings.” In other words: it is a mitzvah to help people recognize their own strength. Most people do not know the extent of their power. Someone needs to tell them about the incredible forces that lie within.
Thank you, Avi.
And now you, too, are invited to try it: hop on one foot for one minute—and count.
The Exodus in the Torah, and
the Exodus Today
We are praying for the fall of Iran’s evil regime. Anyone who wants to stand on the right side of history is invited to the Torah reading on Shabbat morning, in synagogues throughout the Jewish world. No, this is not a protest. It is something quieter and deeper: a reminder of clear moral awareness. The Exodus from Egypt begins in the weekly portion, and the Exodus from Egypt begins in real life.
And this isn’t only about Iran. Lately it feels as if reality itself is moving at double speed.
Just weeks ago, Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was still in his bed in the capital, Caracas, until, he was suddenly seized in a daring operation. Years of a regime soaked in violence, drugs, and terror collapsed in a single moment. It can happen. And we were able to witness the former president, in prison uniform and shackles, being escorted into a U.S. courtroom.
And Syria? It sounds almost unbelievable, and for many Israelis it has probably slipped under the radar, but Israel and Syria are now holding direct talks toward an agreement. Senior American officials are even speaking about a real peace deal between Jerusalem and Damascus. For decades, the murderous Assad regime was synonymous with Syria. Who imagined it would disappear in our lifetime, and so quickly? Another government built on hatred of Israel, always tangled up with
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crime, evil, and oppression, has collapsed into itself, thank God.
That is why the Book of Exodus, which we are reading now, may be the most accurate commentary on this moment. Our sages teach that on the personal level, the national level, and the global level, we are constantly called upon to “leave Egypt”: to topple regimes of evil, and to break our own inner forms of slavery.
And the destination in this week’s portion is not simply to escape Egypt. It is to reach Mount Sinai, to receive the Torah.
Wishing good news to the Iranian people and to all of humanity.
Parashat Bo: Navigating Our Emotions
Do you ever feel overwhelmed?
Flooded by a range of powerful, even conflicting emotions?
It’s worth mastering the mechanism offered in this week’s Torah portion, parashat Bo. Right in the middle of a dramatic, historic storyline, we are given anchors. We are given practical mitzvot.
In this week’s portion, we leave Egypt. One moment we read about the Plague of the Firstborn, with every firstborn son in Egypt dying, and the very next moment we receive a practical commandment: to sanctify the new month. Then Pharaoh announces that the Jewish people may leave, yet right in the midst of this unfolding drama, God commands us to put on tefillin and to celebrate the Seder night in every generation. Why is the portion that tells the story of the Exodus also the portion
that contains no fewer than twenty (!) mitzvot? There is a deep and important message here.
The Torah is not a story book or a movie. It is a guide for life. And so, within the most intense moments, within the great “wow,” it gives us eternal commandments. It weaves values into everyday life. It engraves the story within us forever in the most practical way possible. It teaches us to channel all our stormy emotions into something tangible: mitzvot and good deeds, positive action.
Each of us is invited, especially in turbulent times, to ask ourselves: what am I taking upon myself? What steady anchors am I adding to my life?
A Wine Story That Started in 1848
The Herzog family’s wine story doesn’t begin in California, Napa Valley, or even New York. It begins in 1848, in what was then Czechoslovakia, where the family was already producing respected, high-quality wine. This wasn’t small backyard production— their wine was good enough to be supplied to the royal palace, a mark of both craftsmanship and reputation.
That early success, however, is only part of the story. When World War II began, everything changed. The Herzog family survived not through wealth or influence, but through relationships. Their non-Jewish workers hid them for years, at enormous personal risk. Despite the Herzogs being openly Orthodox, those workers protected them because of the trust and human connection built over decades.
Some of those families are still alive today, and the Herzog family continues to visit them when they return to the old country. That sense of loyalty, gratitude, and continuity still defines the culture of the company generations later.
Much of this story comes through a long, wide-ranging conversation with Jay Buchsbaum, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Director of Wine Education at Herzog Wines, whose decades in the industry offer a rare inside view of how kosher wine evolved from a niche product into a global category.
“For years, people thought keeping kosher meant compromising on wine. Today, that idea doesn’t hold up. Kosher wine can stand next to anything in the world.”
Starting Over in America
In 1948, Reb Yonah Herzog arrived in the United States and began working for what would later become the Royal Wine Company. There was no master plan. The company couldn’t even afford to pay him properly. Instead, they offered him shares in place of a salary.
Over time—through persistence, integrity, and no small amount of faith—those shares turned into ownership.
The early years were defined by hustle. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, wine deliveries were made by subway across New York City. Cases were carried by hand, up multiple flights of walkup apartment buildings. There were no distribution networks, no polished branding, no guarantees.
At the time, the kosher wine market was dominated by a few
established names. Kedem was not one of them.
The brand name Kedem was chosen deliberately. It blends kedem—ancient—with kadima— forward. From the very beginning, the guiding idea was clear: honor tradition, but never get stuck in it.
Retailers initially refused to carry Kedem. They didn’t recognize the brand and didn’t believe demand was there. So the company went directly to synagogues. Wine was sold to shuls for Kiddush, holidays, and lifecycle events.
People tasted it in places that mattered. They brought it home. And when they couldn’t find it in stores, they asked for it. Eventually, demand did what advertising couldn’t.
One Insight That Changed Everything
One of the most important moments in the company’s history didn’t come from wine at all—it came from noticing who couldn’t drink it.
Reb Yonah realized that many people—children, older adults, or those sensitive to alcohol—were excluded from Kiddush wine. His solution was simple but radical for its time: kosher grape juice designed to serve the same ritual purpose as wine.
That decision quietly transformed the business.
In New York, grape juice couldn’t be sold in liquor stores, which meant grocery distribution. Suddenly, the company was inside supermarkets. And once you’re delivering grape juice, the next question becomes obvious: why
not deliver other kosher staples too?
Crackers followed. Tea biscuits. Oil. Gefilte fish. Slowly, deliberately, the company expanded—not chasing growth for its own sake, but responding to real community needs.
What began as a wine company evolved into the largest kosher food and wine distributor in the United States.
California: Expanding the Market by Expanding Choice
By the mid-1980s, the company faced another defining moment: whether to begin producing wine in California.
Internally, the decision wasn’t easy. There were real concerns about competing with existing products. Why introduce California wine when New York wine was already selling? Why dilute focus?
But something important happened once the choice was made.
Instead of shrinking demand, expanding choice grew the entire market.
Eventually, the family built Herzog Wine Cellars, producing wines like Baron Herzog, Herzog Reserve, and later ultra-premium lines such as Yesod. The philosophy was straightforward: if grapes grow in California, wine should be made there—under the strictest kosher standards, without compromise.
This move sent a clear message: kosher wine didn’t have to follow the broader wine market. It could lead it.
The Blue Bottle That Crossed Every Boundary
Then came the moment no one could have planned.
A non-Jewish rapper featured Bartenura in a music video simply because he liked it. There was no paid placement, no contract, no marketing strategy behind it.
The impact was immediate— and massive.
Today, an estimated 80–90% of Bartenura consumers are not Jewish. It has become the topselling premium Italian Moscato in the United States. What began as a kosher wine became a mainstream cultural product.
That success mattered far beyond brand recognition. Kosher wine requires constant supervision—every production run, every tank. When volume is small, those costs are heavy. When volume is large, those costs are spread thin. Bartenura proved that kosher wine could compete—on shelves, on price, and on quality—far beyond the kosher aisle.
Why Kosher Wine Is Different
Unlike most kosher foods, wine requires continuous supervision. A mashgiach must be present for every production run. In places like France, Italy, or New Zealand, that means flying people in, housing them, feeding them, and overseeing every step.
There’s no shortcut, and there’s no way around the cost.
But scale changes everything. When wines are produced in meaningful volume, kosher wine doesn’t have to be more expensive than non-kosher wine. In many cases, it isn’t. And in terms of value, it often exceeds expectations. This reality remains one of the
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most misunderstood aspects of kosher wine—and one of the most important.
Israel at the Center of the Story
One of the most surprising facts is that Israel is now the company’s largest market, for both wine and food.
Royal Wine represents dozens of Israeli wineries, ranging from large, established names to boutique, high-end estates. The strategy was never about replacing house brands—it was about growing the entire category.
When consumers are offered real choice, they don’t just switch brands. They engage. They learn. They drink better.
Education, more than marketing, became the engine of longterm growth.
Florida’s Rise
Thirty years ago, Florida barely registered—a few thousand cases a year at most. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing kosher wine markets in the country.
Kedem, Baron Herzog, Bartenura, and Israeli wines are now found in Publix, Walmart, and Costco— often in neighborhoods with little
JUDAH MANDEL ESQ. ATTORNEY AT LAW
“Florida went from being an afterthought to one of the strongest kosher wine markets in the country.”
or no Jewish population. Florida has become second only to the New York–New Jersey metro area in overall volume.
What changed? Population growth played a role, but so did accessibility, quality, and consistency.
Where It All Leads
The future of kosher wine isn’t
about chasing trends or luxury labels. It’s about understanding what already works: quality, education, and respect for the consumer.
There was a time when people felt they had to choose between keeping kosher and enjoying great wine. That era is over.
Today, kosher wine comes from California, France, Italy, New Zealand, Argentina, Spain, and Israel—often at prices that rival or beat non-kosher equivalents. If good grapes exist, the responsibility is to use them well. To elevate Shabbat, holidays, celebrations, and meaningful moments—not through excess, but through intention, appreciation, and joy.
That, in the end, is what this story has always been about.
RABBI EZRIEL WILHELM
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Supporting Dignity and Tradition: A Conversation with Benji Silverstein of Tomchei Shabbos
For hundreds of Jewish families across Florida, Shabbos and Yom Tov are central to family life and religious observance. Yet for those facing financial hardship, the cost of traditional meals can turn these sacred times into moments of stress. Tomchei Shabbos exists to change that reality.
We sat down with Benji Silverstein, Director of Development for Tomchei Shabbos, to learn more about the organization’s work, its growth, and how the community plays a vital role in supporting families in need.
What does Tomchei Shabbos look like today?
“Today, Tomchei Shabbos is serving hundreds of Jewish families throughout Florida,” Benji explains. “These are families experiencing temporary or ongoing financial challenges who need to maintain Shabbos and Yom Tov in a meaningful way. Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that every Jewish home can welcome Shabbos with dignity, peace, and proper food on the table.”
What challenges do families face around Shabbos and Yom Tov?
“Shabbos and Yomim Tovim require special foods, larger meals, and added expenses,” Benji says. “For families already struggling, that burden can be overwhelming. Tomchei Shabbos steps in to relieve that pressure, allowing parents to focus on their families and the beauty of the day instead of financial stress.”
The organization has grown rapidly. Why is the need increasing?
According to Benji, the growing demand reflects broader economic challenges. “Rising costs of living, unexpected job changes, medical expenses these realities affect more families than people realize. We’ve seen our numbers grow significantly, which tells us how essential this support has become.”
How important are donors and community partners?
“Everything we do is made possible by the generosity of our donors,” Benji emphasizes. “Individuals sponsor Shabbos and Yom Tov meals, businesses partner with us to give back, and community members step up because they care. It’s truly a collective effort.”
Can you share a moment that captures the impact of Tomchei Shabbos?
“One of the most meaningful things we hear is when a family tells us they were finally able to enjoy Shabbos without worry,” Benji shares. “Knowing that a family can sit together, make Kiddush, and enjoy a Shabbos meal with dignity
that’s what this is all about.”
What role do volunteers play?
“Our volunteers are the heart of the organization, we couldn’t do without them” Benji says. “From packing food to delivering boxes, they do it with warmth and respect. Many volunteers tell us it’s one of the most meaningful ways they’ve found to give back.”
How can individuals and businesses get involved?
“There are so many ways to help,” Benji explains. “People can help by making donations, volunteering their time, or partnering with us as a business. Every contribution, big or small, directly impacts our neighbors in need.”
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future?
“Our goal is to continue expanding responsibly so we can help every family that reaches out,” Benji says. “With the continued support of the community, we can ensure that no Jewish family in Florida has to face Shabbos or Yom Tov alone.”
Tomchei Shabbos is more than food assistance it is a promise of dignity, tradition, and community support. Through the dedication of leaders like Benji Silverstein, and the generosity of donors and volunteers, the organization continues to nourish homes and strengthen Jewish life across Florida.
This article is based on an interview with Benji Silverstein the Director Of Development at Tomchei Shabbos. He can be reached at Benji@Tomcheishabbosflorida.org or to volunteer please email Volunteer@Tomcheishabbosflorida.org
Building South Florida: The Vision, Faith, and Growth of BH Group
When people talk about South Florida’s transformation over the last quarter century, they often mention population growth, luxury towers, and global capital flowing into Miami, Palm Beach, and Broward counties. But behind the skyline are individuals who recognized opportunity long before it became obvious. One of those individuals is Isaac Toledano, Founder and CEO of BH Group.
From a modest start as a mortgage broker to leading one of South Florida’s most active real estate development firms, Toledano story mirrors the evolution of Florida itself—from a regional destination for sun and retirement into a global hub for business, finance, and luxury living.
From Israel to Opportunity in America
Isaac Toledano arrived in the United States in 1999 from Israel, carrying ambition, faith, and a willingness to start from the ground up. Like many immigrants, his early years were defined by learning the market, understanding Ameri-
can business culture, and building relationships from scratch.
He began his U.S. career as a mortgage broker in the early 2000s, a role that gave him a front-row seat to how real estate transactions actually worked. While others saw paperwork and commissions, Toledano saw patterns—how properties were valued, how financing unlocked growth, and how timing could turn modest investments into major opportunities.
By 2002, he was investing personally in real estate. His earliest deals were small, but deliberate. Each one was a classroom, teaching lessons about risk, leverage, and patience.
Scaling Up: From Small Deals to Major Developments
By 2004–2005, Toledano had begun working on larger projects, particularly condominium conversions. This period marked a turning point. Instead of operating deal by deal, he began thinking in terms of scale—hundreds and eventually thousands of units.
Condo conversions became
the foundation that propelled BH Group forward. Toledano identified a need in the market and matched it with timing, execution, and what he openly calls mazal—a mix of preparation and good fortune.
About 15 years ago, BH Group expanded decisively into co-development and new construction. That shift required a different mindset: longer timelines, higher risk, more capital, and far greater complexity. It also positioned the company to shape skylines rather than simply participate in them.
BH Group Today: A Portfolio Across South Florida
Today, BH Group manages approximately 35 active projects, ranging from some of the most exclusive addresses in the country to transformative mixed-use developments.
The portfolio includes:
• A billion-dollar project on Fisher Island, one of the most prestigious residential locations in the United States
• Luxury residential developments tied to brands such as
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the Ritz-Carlton Residences in West Palm Beach
• Major projects in Sunny Isles, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and beyond
BH Group’s offices have been based in Aventura for over a decade, while Toledano himself lives in Sunny Isles—a reflection of his commitment to the region he builds in.
South Florida Then vs. Now
Looking back to 1999–2001, Toledano recalls a very different Florida.
“You didn’t see a lot of new faces,” he explains. “The people you knew were your neighbors and coworkers. There wasn’t this constant movement of people coming in.”
Fast-forward 25 years, and the contrast is dramatic. South Florida is now a magnet for:
• Corporate relocations
• Financial powerhouses
• Tech entrepreneurs
• International investors
Major names—from hedge fund leaders to global celebrities—have chosen Florida as home. Counties like Palm Beach are experiencing explosive growth, while Miami has become an international business capital.
Equally important, Toledano notes, is quality of life. Florida is no longer just about beaches and weather. Families see strong schools, safety, and opportunity. Even middle-income earners can enjoy a high standard of living, public beaches, and vibrant communities.
Faith, Family, and Work Ethic
Behind the projects is a deep-
ly personal story. Toledano is the father of eight children and describes himself as a hardworking, faith-driven individual. His belief system plays a central role in how he views success.
“I believe that when God decides something, it will happen,” he says. “You can work seven days a week, 23 hours a day, but if it’s not your time, it’s not your time.”
That belief doesn’t replace effort—it fuels it. Toledano starts early, finishes late, and works alongside his wife, who is deeply involved in both the business and managing their family. Together, they model a message he is passionate about passing on to his children: success comes from effort, humility, and persistence.
The Turning Point: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Every entrepreneur has a moment where the mindset shifts. For Toledano, it wasn’t a single property—it was scale.
The transition into thousands of units through condo conversions marked the moment BH Group moved from opportunistic investing to strategic development. Recognizing unmet demand, structuring deals creatively, and acting decisively allowed the company to grow rapidly while maintaining focus.
Scarcity, Creativity, and the Future of Development
One of the defining challenges in South Florida today is land scarcity—particularly in prime locations. BH Group’s response has been creativity.
Rather than waiting for empty parcels, the firm:
• Acquires existing buildings
• Buys out entire condominium properties
• Demolishes and redevelops sites at significantly higher density
In Sunny Isles, for example, BH Group purchased an existing condominium for over $130 million, planning to demolish it and construct a 62-story luxury tower directly on the ocean. Similar strategies have been executed in Naples and Coconut Grove.
This approach reflects where the market is heading: manufactured deals, not obvious ones.
Mixed-Use Communities and Reduced Commutes
Another trend BH Group is embracing is mixed-use development—projects that combine residential, office, and retail in a single walkable environment.
In Boca Raton, the firm is demolishing an existing office building and replacing it with:
• 500 residential units
• Restaurants and retail
• Proximity to office space and golf course views
The goal is simple: reduce the need for daily car trips and create self-contained communities where people can live, work, and relax without spending hours in traffic.
A Bullish Outlook on South Florida
Despite infrastructure challenges and rapid growth, Toledano remains optimistic—甚至 bullish—about South Florida’s future. Growth is pushing both north and south, while Palm Beach County continues to surge. Demand remains strong from New York, California, Chicago, Cana-
da, South America, and beyond.
“There’s not a lot of land left in prime locations,” he says. “That makes what we’re doing even more important.”
Staying Focused
While many developers diver-
sify into unrelated ventures, BH Group remains firmly focused on what it does best: real estate development in South Florida. That discipline—combined with faith, experience, and longterm vision—has allowed the firm to grow steadily while helping de-
fine the region’s next chapter.
As South Florida continues to evolve, BH Group stands as both a product of that transformation and one of its architects—building not just structures, but communities shaped by opportunity, belief, and relentless work ethic
Why Doesn’t Anyone Ride a Bike on Shabbos?
Ten-year-old Yossi loved his bike.
Every weekday afternoon, as soon as homework was done, he would head outside, helmet on, pedals spinning, flying down the block with a big smile on his face. Riding his bike wasn’t just fun—it made him feel independent, confident, and grown up.
But Yossi had noticed something.
On Shabbos, the streets of his neighborhood looked very different. Families walked together. Boys strolled to shul. Children played quietly on sidewalks. But bikes? None.
Not one.
One Shabbos afternoon, Yossi turned to his father.
“Tatty,” he asked innocently, “why doesn’t anyone ride a bike on Shabbos?”
His father smiled. “Because we don’t ride bikes on Shabbos.”
Yossi thought for a moment. “Okay… but why not?”
That smile faded slightly.
His father realized that while he knew the answer in practice, he didn’t really know how to explain it. Was it muktzah? Was it exercise? Was it just a minhag?
After a pause, he said, “You know what, Yossi? Let’s call the Refuah B’Halacha Center after Shabbos and ask them. They can help explain these things.”
Yossi’s eyes lit up. He could call a rav himself?
The next day after Yeshiva
Yossi’s father called the Refuah B’Halacha center, and gave the phone to Yossi. “Here Yossi ask your question to the rav.” A warm and patient rav answered the phone.
Yossi proudly asked his question: “Why can’t I ride my bike on Shabbos?”
The rav smiled on the other end of the line and said, “That’s a very good question—and the answer is a little more complicated than it looks.”
He explained that when bicycles first became popular, many people wanted to use them as a way to get around crowded city streets, even on Shabbos. In fact, Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai, discusses this in a responsum. In Rav Poalim (Orach Chaim, chelek 1, siman 25), he explains that in a place with an eruv, and if one is very careful not to fix the bike if it breaks, there may be room to discuss permissi-
bility.
However, the rav continued, many great poskim strongly disagreed. The Kaf HaChaim (siman 404, sif katan 8) raises several serious concerns. A person riding a bike might easily travel beyond the techum Shabbos without realizing it. If the bike breaks, there is a real concern that someone may try to fix it on Shabbos, which could involve the prohibition of mesaken mana—repairing an object.
Interestingly, the rav added, the earliest bicycles often came with a small pouch of tools attached to them, because breakdowns were so common. That historical detail only strengthens the concern.
There is also the issue that when reaching a hill or rough terrain, a rider may dismount and carry the bike, creating additional halachic problem.
The Sheilas Yaakov (chelek 1, siman 45) writes that riding a bicycle involves excessive exertion and
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activity that does not fit with the spirit of Shabbos rest.
The Tzitz Eliezer (chelek 1, simanim 21 and 26) discusses several other halachic concerns as well, reinforcing the position that bicycle riding on Shabbos is problematic.
And Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky zt”l, in Emes L’Yaakov (Orach Chaim, siman 320, Ha’arah 339), explains that bicycle riding falls under uvda d’chol—a weekday-style activity that detracts from the special atmosphere of Shabbos.
“So, you see,” the rav told Yossi, “it’s not just one reason. There are many concerns, and over time Klal Yisrael accepted the practice not to ride bicycles on Shabbos.”
Yossi listened carefully.
The rav added one more
important point: “A very young child riding a small tricycle is different, and there are opinions that allow it. And a tricycle is not muktzah for an adult to move. But a big boy riding a regular bike— that’s something we avoid.” Yossi nodded.
When he hung up the phone, he felt satisfied. He didn’t just know what the rule was—but now he understands why.
The next Shabbos afternoon, instead of reaching for his bike, Yossi grabbed his kugalach and joined his friends for a quiet game on the sidewalk.
And he was happy—especially knowing that whenever a question comes up, there’s always someone kind and knowledgeable at the Refuah B’Halacha Center ready to help bring clarity.
Refuah B’Halacha Hotline: 732 755 0851 or email us at www.refuahbhalacha.org
Our Rabbanim;
R’ Yaakov Forchheimer shlit”a
R’ Noach Isaac Oelbuam shlit”a
R’ Shmuel Fuerst shlit”a
R’ Uri Deutch shlit”a
R’ Micha Cohen shlit”a
R’ Moshe Zev Feldman shlit”a
R’ Baruch Hirshfeld shlit”a
R’ Daniel Neustadt shlit”a
R’ Avrohom Yaged shlit”a
We specialize in Mental health
Shabbos
Treatment issues
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We are here Sunday through Friday 8:00 am till 10:00 pm and erev Shabbos 10 minutes before candle lighting. Refuah B’Halacha Hotline: 732 755 0851 or email us at www.refuahbhalacha.org
Miami Beach Launches Free Water Taxi Service Across Biscayne Bay
“This is a historic day for Miami Beach,” Mayor Steven Meiner said on a cool morning at the Maurice Gibb Memorial Park dock in Sunset Harbour, as city officials, media, and residents gathered nearby. “I literally have chills seeing that water taxi standing behind me.”
At 8:30 a.m., the 40-foot, bright-yellow vessel—capable of carrying up to 55 passengers—set sail on its inaugural journey. The launch went off without a hitch, reaching the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club at 1635 N. Bayshore Drive in approximately 20 minutes. The return trip departed at 9 a.m., arriving back at the Maurice Gibb dock around 9:20 a.m.
Under the new schedule, the water taxi will depart once per hour on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and every 30 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. when a second vessel is deployed. The service will not initially operate on weekends, as officials aim to position it primarily as a commuter option rather than a tourist attraction.
Mayor Meiner, a longtime advocate for using waterways as an alternative transit solution, called Tuesday’s launch “monumental,” saying he expects “incredible ridership.” He added that the current route represents only the beginning.
“This is just the initial wave of what we expect,” Meiner said, noting that future expansion could include not only east-west service across Biscayne Bay to Miami, but also north-south routes within Miami Beach.
City officials emphasized that this iteration of water-based transit differs significantly from previous attempts. In 2024, the now-defunct Poseidon Ferry received a $600,000 no-bid contract—an arrangement later criticized by the Miami Beach Office of Inspector General for lacking formal due diligence into the company’s financial stability, operational capacity, or service history.
This time, the city conducted a competitive bidding process, ultimately selecting Water Taxi of Miami Beach, LLC, an offshoot of a company with a proven track record operating a successful water taxi service in Fort Lauderdale.
Another key distinction: the new service will be free to ride. Under the Poseidon Ferry model, oneway fares were $12 for adults, with discounted $5 fares for city residents and employees.
Water taxis have also gained
traction during high-traffic periods, particularly over the past two years of Art Week, when congestion across the region reaches its peak. The Fort Lauderdale operator ran water taxi service during Art Week last month with strong results.
“There’s an excitement in the air about this water taxi,” Meiner said. Initially, Miami Beach officials considered operating the service seven days a week for 12 hours per day, but the estimated annual cost—approximately $2 million— proved prohibitive. Instead, the city opted for the weekday model, projected to cost $1.2 million annually. Funding will be split evenly between a $600,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation and $600,000 from city funds.
Commissioner Alex Fernandez said the new water taxi has the potential to become a true commuter solution.
“In a competitive process, it was shown that this was the best partner for Miami Beach—not to offer a tourist service, but to offer a free commuter service,” Fernandez said. “We know this partner truly delivers because of their proven success in Fort Lauderdale.”
Operation Inspiration: Telephone
When you were a child, perhaps you played the game, “Telephone,” (Chinese Whispers, if you’re in the UK.) The way you do it is that you line up a group of children, and the first child whispers a word or phrase into the next child’s ear. They then have to whisper it to the one next to them, and so on, until the last child is asked what they heard. Usually, the final answer is something quite different from the original.
While the first child might say, “My mother baked a cake in the oven last night,” the last child, through the variances and changes made due to the mishearing of previous kids as well as their poor pronunciation, may say they were told, “Another fake came from Heaven, that’s right!” The fun of the game is realizing how twisted things get when passed from one person to another. It’s an important lesson in watching our mouths, and not believing everything we hear, because often it’s been changed from what was originally the truth.
It also highlights the fact that when someone hears something, they are more likely to share it with others. And this doesn’t only happen with information.
President Ronald Reagan was a proponent of a theory called, “Trickle-down economics.” The idea is that by providing tax cuts to the wealthy, they would have more capital to invest in businesses, thereby hiring more workers, and benefiting everyone. Whether it works in practice
By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
or not is hotly debated, though many people crying foul at the mega-wealthy people like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk probably don’t consider how many jobs and businesses companies like Amazon and Tesla actually create.
But I’m not here to debate economics or politics. I’m here to leapfrog from the idea of trickling down from one to another. We have it ourselves in the Torah, where Yosef was an Ish Matzliach, meaning he was not only successful, but caused others to become successful. (See Klei Yakar there.) But mixing this concept with the concept of telephone, I think we can get a great lesson.
We recently discussed the benefit of using our words for good and complimenting others. Well, an added dimension to this is when we do so, those people are more likely to pass it on and compliment others too. And, an extra bonus, is when we share the compliments we’ve received about others, with them.
Baruch Hashem, we recently sent out wedding invitations for one of our engaged daughters. The invitation was designed by a graphic designer friend of our daughter, who lives in a different time zone than we do, and was also traveling while we were making changes and modifications. She worked very hard to get the right look my daughter wanted, and when it was done, the result was striking.
I told her so at the time, and thanked her for her work. But then something happened. People sent back reply cards and mentioned the lovely invitations. They told me so when they saw me in shul or on the street. There were enough of these that I took notice, and I was very impressed by the compliments. But that wasn’t sufficient for me. Instead, I texted the designer to let her know how much positive feedback her work had gotten.
I told her that as a writer who sends his work out to the general public, and who isn’t there when people read it, I often don’t get feedback. I don’t know if people liked what I wrote, if it helped them, or if it inspired them. Based on that understanding, I knew that as a designer, she probably also doesn’t get that much feedback from the end recipients of her work, and that the kind words would mean a lot.
And I wasn’t wrong. She was so thrilled to hear that people liked how it came out. She told me she was so happy to do it for the choson and kallah, and expressed
her appreciation for my passing along the feedback. But get this: What’s going to happen the next time she sees someone’s work and it deserves compliments? Don’t you think she’s more likely to give the kind words because she received some? I am convinced she will.
What this means is that if you want the world to be filled with love and kindness, you should be doing your best to spread the good word by offering compliments, positive feedback, and chizuk whenever you can. It is contagious, and you never know the ripple effect your nice comments will have. The trickle-down economics of this concept don’t have the downsides of the financial one, because there’s no offshore place to bank your compliments or hold onto them and get a passive return on them.
You have to actively share good feedback and compliments with others to jumpstart the trading and sharing of them. Then, you will see a massive return, and benefit everyone at the same time.
Trust me, this is totally the right call.
2026 – All Rights Reserved
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A LEADING LEGAL MIND, ALAN DERSHOWITZ IS A RENOWNED CONSTITUTIONAL LAWYER, AUTHOR, AND HARVARD LAW PROFESSOR EMERITUS, KNOWN FOR HIS SHARP ANALYSIS AND INFLUENTIAL VOICE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES.
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Ahavat Yisrael and Ahavat Chinam – Precursors to Creating and Sustaining Achdut
By Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick
Ahavat yisrael is defined as “love for a fellow Jew. “Ahavat chinam on the other hand, is defined as baseless or unconditional love for acheinu bnai yisrael. These two critically important obligations are central to our Jewish values and commitment. To be sure, as a Jewish people, we continuously seek to achieve, model and replicate these core values as an integral part of our lives.
According to many commentaries, meforshim and Torah scholars, Ahavat Chinam may be far more difficult or challenging to achieve than Ahavat Yisrael for several obvious reasons.
Acts of ahavat yisrael ebb and flow and can be dependent upon a particular set of circumstances, relationships and/or conditions pertaining to ben adam l’chavero (between people).
For example, love for a fellow Jew (Ahavat Yisrael) can be greatly dependent upon the circumstances or the interaction between specific people or groups of people.
The concept “loving your fellow Jew” stems from the Torah’s commandment “v’ahavta l’rayacha kamocha (Leviticus, 10:18) “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” - a foundational principle in the Torah and throughout Judaism.
Another corollary is to treat
others as you would want them to treat you.
Ahavat chinam, on the other hand is understood as baseless or unconditional love in Judaism and is a principle of loving others without any preconditions, judgment or personal gain. In fact, it is viewed as the purest most sincere level of ahava for a fellow Jew towards another.
It is noteworthy to point out that ahavat chinam serves an antidote to sinat chinam (baseless hatred), which as we know, was the cause for the destruction of the second Beit HaMikdash.
Moreover, it involves exhibiting compassion, giving the benefit of the doubt, and acting with kindness towards one another, irrespective of the relationship. Indeed a very specific, focused and uncompromising concept and perspective, representing the highest and deepest level of ahava.
Based on these definitions, it stands to reason that achieving a level of ahavat chinam may be far more complex, challenging and difficult than striving for ahavat yisrael.
As we drill down a bit deeper, I can vividly recall a phrase which my high school Rosh HaYeshiva would repeat to us when addressing our class regarding this topic.
He emphasized the differences between the two by stating that ahavat yisrael is derived from the heart, while ahavat chinam is from our soul; meaning that ahavat chinam is a more deeply embedded
state to achieve and maintain than ahavat yisrael.
These differences may appear to be very obvious and exemplify and magnifying the profound depth and meaning of ahavat chinam.
The Relationship to Achdut
As I have indicated on numerous occasions and throughout many of my posts and articles, achdut never takes place in a vacuum. In fact, true achdut may be the result or outcome of communal challenges and obstacles and represent an intrinsic willingness and motivation to stand together as a unified Jewish community and as one people and as one united nation.
Whether one subscribes more to the importance or value of ahavat yisrael or ahavat chinam, the undeniable common denominator is that they are both essential in order to achieve true and sustained levels of achdut bnei yisrael
So what are the sources for the importance of ahavat israel and ahavat chinam leading to achdut?
Several examples are as follows:
According to the Rambam “we are obligated to love every single fellow Jew as ourselves”, as the Torah states, “Love your fellow man as yourself”. Therefore, we must care about one another’s personal welfare, financial stability and viability, to the same extent we would ourselves. In addition, we should do everything on our power to insure another person’s well-be-
ing and his/her dignity. In fact, it states in Hilchot Daios, (6:3) that a person who derives honor from humiliating or embarrassing someone else, loses his share in Olam Haba (the world to come).
The great Baal Shem Tov is reported as saying that loving your fellow man as yourself is best exemplified when you have many faults and nevertheless you still love yourself….. and that is how one should feel towards a friend. “Despite his faults, love him” (Likutai Avraham, p.221).
There is also reference to the tremendous wisdom and words of the Chofetz Chaim who is reported to have advocated for unconditional love and respect for another person by urging us to only speak positive about people; and if there is nothing positive to share, than its best that one remain completely silent.
Finally, to love ones fellow man as yourself is not merely a lofty ideal devoid of practical significance, but rather, a Torah commandment with specific obligations and restrictions, (Sridai ish , vol 4, p. 343).
Additional aspects of ahavat yisrael and ahavat chinam and their relationship to achdut, can be seen by the manner in which achienu bnai yisrael disagree with one another.
As an example, the current societal debate and conflict in Israel regarding the induction of yeshiva students into the IDF has recently resulted in violent and harmful demonstrations.
I am not advocating a position regarding this issue one way or the other. But I am strongly condemn-
ing the manner in which opposing groups violently disagreed with one other in the streets of Yerushalaym……for the entire world to witness.
It is not only a chillul HaShem, antitheses or the complete opposite of ahavat yisrael and ahavat chinam leading to achdut, but it rather challenges us and even sets us back as an am kadosh, ohr lagoyim and a mamlechet kohanim.
On a more positive note, all of us can achieved achdut by demonstrating a level of ahavat yisrael and ahavat chinam, by engaging in the following mitzvot:
• Helping one secure employment and a livelihood;
• Working to bring about communal shalom bayit
• Providing hospitality, security and shelter to those in need;
• Doing everything in one’s power to never embarrass or humiliate a fellow Jew; and
• Proactively reaching out to a fellow Jew irrespective of the person’s observance or commitment to Judaism.
These are just a select few of the activities and mitzvot at our disposal in order to promote,
advance and celebrate achdut through ahavat yisrael and ahavat chinam.
Friends, the power of ahavat yisrael and ahavat chinum is significant and profound.
It can change and transform the condition and status of individuals, families and the state of our Jewish communities. But above all, it can help all of us and acheinu bnai yisrsel fulfill a sacred obligation, commitment and mission in order to hasten the coming of the Geula.
May HaShem bless all of us with the ability and capacity to express both ahavat yisrael an ahavat chinam in a world which is thirsty and yearning for both.
About the Author
Dr. Chaim Botwinick is a senior executive coach and an organizational consultant. He served as president and CEO of the central agency for Jewish education in Baltimore and Miami; in addition to head of school and principal for several Jewish day schools and yeshivot. As an Influencer, he has published and lectured extensively on topics relating to education, resource development, strategic planning and leadership development. Dr. Botwinick is co-director of LEV Consulting Associates and is producer and host of the Chinuch Horizons podcast.
COMMUNITY SNAPS K SPACE
SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER EVENT
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, in partnership with the Jewish Lawyers Association of Palm Beach County, convened a timely and well-attended briefing in West Palm Beach addressing the rise of foreign-driven antisemitic and anti-Zionist influence on U.S. college campuses. Led by Vlad Khaykin, Executive Vice President of Social Impact and Partnerships at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the discussion examined how foreign actors are amplifying hostility toward Jewish students while undermining campus safety and democratic values. Attendees gained critical insight into the evolving tactics used to target institutions of higher education, along with strategies to counter extremism and protect Jewish communities. The evening concluded with a robust Q&A and reception, underscoring the urgency of continued collaboration and action to confront antisemitism on campuses nationwide.
The law of communicating vessels is a physical principle stating that the liquid level in interconnected vessels tends to equalize. Communicating vessels are containers that allow liquid to flow freely between them.
Israel’s judicial system behaves like communicating vessels. The “liquid level” in all of them is the same. The liquid flows freely and without restriction from one vessel to another.
The Supreme Court is tied to the Civil Prosecutor’s Office, the Military Prosecutor’s Office, the Police Internal Investigations Department, and the police investigative units in a tight Gordian knot. Like communicating vessels that feed one another, they “close ranks,” protect each other, and demand absolute loyalty from one another.
This system is waging an all-out war against the government and the Knesset as part of a struggle for power and control.
The system uses the Netanyahu trial to threaten the Prime
Minister with incapacitation or a “predetermined verdict.” To allow the Prime Minister to work freely, these absurd trials must be canceled immediately.
In previous articles, I wrote that the “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” method is a foundational principle in the conduct of the Supreme Court, and I even defined it as “corruption of interests”.
Anyone who does not fall in line and close ranks is severely punished. Judges are not promoted to senior judicial positions. Police officers are not promoted in rank. And the Prosecutor’s Office “sewing room” fabricates bizarre cases to crush the “refuser” with heavy legal expenses and years in which they cannot work or support their families. For example, the head of Lahav 433 was summoned for questioning by the Police Internal Investigations Department, pulled out of a commanders’ meeting, had his phone confiscated, his dignity humiliated, and was of course forbidden from investigating the Military Advocate General.
A “malfunction” occurred in the tightly knit system. The Chief Military Prosecutor “broke,” admitted to leaking a fabricated and false video, and even lied to the Supreme Court. The system immediately mobilized to plug the hole in its fortified wall.
A criminal defense attorney was immediately called up from the reserves and instructed her
what to do. The Military Advocate General “attempted” suicide. Her phone was thrown into the sea. She was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward in a comfortable, quiet room for a month. After her release, she was summoned for a seven-hour interrogation and then released home. While she was at home, the Deputy Attorney General, Adv. Afek, was caught visiting her. This was not a courtesy visit but coordination of positions. in practice, obstruction of justice. The former Military Advocate General now sits at home and occasionally walks her dog in her neighborhood.
Would any of you receive such treatment? Clearly, none of us would receive such extraordinary leniency.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who obstructed the investigation by concealing the affair for ten days to buy time, was not summoned for questioning or even testimony. The Attorney General, who lied to the Supreme Court, was of course not summoned for questioning, and her phone remains in her possession (she needs it to conceal evidence!). The same Attorney General summons all members of the Prime Minister’s “inner circle” for questioning, intending to issue restraining orders afterward until the Prime Minister’s Office is emptied of staff.
In the past, the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, was also part of the system and made Shin Bet
interrogation rooms available to the judicial system in its war over governance. The Shin Bet is subordinate by law to the government and the Prime Minister, and only recently was a Shin Bet chief appointed who is not a “vassal” of the Supreme Court. The conclusion is that the “Qatar-Gate” investigation was merely a pretext to delay Ronen Bar’s dismissal. But note: in the “Military Attorney General-Gate” affair, there is no need for Shin Bet investigations, even though “MAG-Gate” caused international damage equivalent to a terror attack.
Justice Yitzhak Amit issues interim orders frequently, preventing important and necessary actions for running the country. For example: delaying the closure of Army Radio, ordering the State Comptroller to stop investigating the events of October 7, and more.
Note: The State Comptroller operates under the “State Comptroller Law” and is authorized to investigate any matter, yet he is being stopped by someone impersonating the President of the Supreme Court.
In contrast, the Attorney General has no authority granted by law. There is no “Attorney General Law”.
Why did the Supreme Court issue an order to stop the State Comptroller’s investigation of the events of October 7? It turns out that although the Chief of Staff, the head of Military Intelligence, the head of the Shin Bet, and “Oscar,” the commander of the Shin Bet Southern Region, refused to appear for questioning, all their subordinates did appear and brought many documents. With these documents, the State Comp-
troller’s investigators reached very serious conclusions. The judicial system realized that a bomb was about to explode at its doorstep and that there was no longer any need for a state commission of inquiry headed by Justice Yitzhak Amit (which could whitewash everything). It rushed to issue an urgent, strange, and illegal order stopping the Comptroller’s work and forbidding disclosure of his findings. This is how the judicial mafia operates under the protection of the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court does not act according to the law but invents interpretations that suit its desires, sometimes even opposite interpretations depending on its changing needs.
This is judicial bullying.
Former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak (who claimed he is old and has not been involved in the Court for 20 years) spoke to protesters in Habima Square and declared that Israel is not a liberal democracy and that the Prime Minister is a dictator. Barak called
on protesters, albeit implicitly to carry out a governmental coup. He stated that we were a liberal democracy and that we were citizens but have now become subjects. A harsh and outrageous statement for anyone who understands his hidden intent.
We are not a liberal democracy? And what is wrong with a conservative democracy? Is that illegitimate? In the Declaration of Independence, Israel is defined as a Jewish and democratic state. Why does Barak want a liberal democracy? Barak wants to turn Israel into a “state of all its citizens” and erase its Jewish character a real danger.
And this is not just the whim of a former Supreme Court justice. The Attorney General called to dismiss Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir without any indictment (which they will probably fabricate…) simply because she “doesn’t like him”.
Her deputy, Gil Limon, informed the Prime Minister that dismissing Minister Ben-Gvir is not optional
Supreme Court of Israel Photo credit: israeltourism
but mandatory. Note: The Prime Minister is being ordered to fire a minister elected by the people. This is outrageous, a bureaucrat instructing the elected leadership whom to fire.
The judiciary is trying to take over the other branches of government. The Supreme Court intervenes in every political or military decision.
These are bullies in robes.
This is not just improper it is blatant contempt.
It is no coincidence that the “communicating vessels” demand a state commission of inquiry in which the Supreme Court President will choose the committee members. Appointing members of the judiciary to the commission
will prevent investigation of the judiciary itself.
This is not only corruption of interests but a governmental coup in which the legal echelon , unelected by the people , seeks to run the country instead of the elected government, gaining power without responsibility for the consequences.
And anyone who thinks that replacing the government will cause the Supreme Court to return to its natural size is deluding themselves. Those who have seized power will not relinquish it easily under any government.
In my opinion, the rule of the judicial system will be the central issue in the upcoming elections. The people must reclaim their
power and their right to choose (judges appoint themselves without standing for election by the public or its representatives). What can be done? How can we save democracy in Israel?
Israel has no constitution. Therefore, a constitution must be enacted.
Israel must establish a Constitutional Court that alone will review the legality of laws.
The judges of the Constitutional Court will be elected in free elections and will not appoint themselves.
A Constitutional Court will neutralize the Supreme Court’s abuse of elected officials.
Dr. Yeshayahu (yishy) Bick yishybick@ gmail.com Jan. 5 2026
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From Fatherhood to Purpose: An Interview with Rob Airley on Loss, Faith, and Building Healing After October 7
There are moments in history that divide life into “before” and “after.”
For Rob Airley, October 7 marked such a moment.
What follows is not only a story of loss, but a portrait of a father whose response to unimaginable grief became a mission—one rooted in faith, responsibility, and a profound belief in the resilience of the Jewish people.
“I don’t know a single family who went through this and didn’t end up doing something extraordinary,” he says. “It’s not something you plan. It’s something you’re compelled to do.”
A Family Between Worlds
Airley’s life, like that of many Anglo-Israeli families, spans continents. Originally from the UK, his family later lived in New York before ultimately settling in Israel. He and his wife raised six children—three born in New York, three in Israel.
Their son Binyamin, the second oldest, was never conventional.
“He wasn’t a kid who could just sit still and learn,” Airley explains. “He went through five different high schools. Not because he was rebellious—because he was searching.”
That search led Binyamin to alternative educational frameworks in Israel that combined learning with responsibility, land, and physical work. It was there, Airley says, that his son found direction.
“He connected to the land. To purpose. To something real.”
A Fearless Spirit
As a teenager, Binyamin began volunteering on remote hilltop farms—outposts where families lived with minimal infrastructure, herding cattle and maintaining a Jewish presence in contested areas.
“He had no fear,” Airley says. “None.”
Only later did the full scope of those years become clear. Stories surfaced after the fact—encounters and confrontations that would have terrified most parents had they known in real time.
“There’s a video,” he recalls. “A hundred hostile men coming over a hill toward him and his friend. He doesn’t run. He calls the army and waits.”
It was not recklessness, he emphasizes, but conviction.
“He believed being there mattered.”
Becoming Fully Israeli
Though American-born, Binyamin chose to become Israeli in the deepest sense. In the army, he refused to speak English. When fellow soldiers later discovered he was fluent, they were stunned.
“He told another English speaker, ‘If you don’t know a word, I’ll explain it—but I’m not switching languages.’”
His commitment extended beyond words. Even on leave, he returned to the farm—sleeping outdoors, working with cattle, living without electricity or running water.
“He didn’t see it as sacrifice,” Airley says. “He saw it as responsibility.”
October 7
By fall 2023, Binyamin was nearing the end of his mandatory ser-
vice, with only months remaining.
On October 6—his 21st birthday—he was traveling to yeshiva to pray with friends. When the farm called, short a minyan, he turned back.
The next morning, war began. He was immediately deployed south. After securing border areas, his unit prepared to enter Gaza.
“We saw him twice,” his father recalls. “Once at a barbecue on base—except no one remembered the grill. And once at a family day, just before they went in.”
That was the last time.
His Final Battle
Binyamin entered Gaza in November.
“He felt he was exactly where he needed to be,” Airley says.
On November 18, during fighting in northern Gaza, terrorists opened fire from inside a civilian structure. Another unit engaged first. Binyamin voluntarily joined them, carrying a Negev machine gun.
“They needed a Negev. He had one.”
The terrorists were neutralized. Three soldiers fell.
Binyamin was one of them.
The army arrived that afternoon. It was Shabbat.
What Comes After Loss
Grief does not move in straight lines. But in Israel, it is often accompanied by action.
“There’s something unique here,” Airley reflects. “People don’t just collapse. They build.”
In this case, the foundation already existed.
Before the war, the family had purchased a large property in Tzfat—initially intended as a simple
investment. After the loss, its purpose became unmistakable.
“We had a space,” he says. “And people were breaking.”
By early 2024, it reopened not as a rental, but as a retreat center for those shattered by war: bereaved families, reservists’ spouses, Nova survivors, and families on the brink.
Everything is provided—food, lodging, therapy, massages, art, and quiet.
“We don’t just give people a place to sleep,” he explains. “We give them permission to breathe.”
A Growing Mission
The center is constantly full. Programs are tailored to each group, often in partnership with therapists and trauma-recovery organizations. Support continues well after guests return home.
Funding arrives quietly— through small donations, consistent supporters, and people moved by Airley’s wife, who travels frequently to speak and inspire.
“She’s not fundraising,” he says. “She’s sharing truth. People re-
spond to that.”
Honoring a Legacy
Binyamin’s legacy extends beyond healing into education.
This year marks the second annual Binyamin Invitational, a basketball tournament bringing together Jewish schools for competition rooted in identity and unity.
“It’s about more than sports,” Airley says. “It’s about Jewish kids playing together, with pride.”
A National Need
Airley is candid about the scale of the challenge.
“Thirty percent of families are experiencing serious mentalhealth distress,” he notes. “Divorce rates among reservist families are frightening.”
As the intensity of war fades, the deeper work begins.
“That’s where we come in.”
He does not claim to have answers—only responsibility.
“There should be ten places like this,” he says. “At least.”
Even in the deepest loss, this father chose to build life.
KIDS ZONE KIDS ZONE
YOU KNOW THAT...
PARSHA TIDBITS – PARSHAT BO DID
1. Darkness you can feel
The plague of darkness wasn’t just lack of light—it was described as thick darkness. Some explain it was emotional and spiritual paralysis. When clarity disappears, growth stops.
2. Light in Goshen
While Egypt was plunged into darkness, the Jewish homes had light. Holiness doesn’t always remove the darkness outside—but it creates clarity inside.
3. Freedom starts in the mind
Even before leaving Egypt physically, Bnei Yisrael were told about mitzvot, time (Rosh Chodesh), and responsibility. True freedom begins with purpose, not geography.
4. Time becomes sacred
This parsha includes the first mitzvah given to the Jewish people: sanctifying the new month. Slaves don’t control time—free people do.
Regret without action isn’t repentance—it’s just relief-seeking.
6. Why the firstborn?
The final plague targeted Egypt’s sense of continuity and legacy. When power is abused, the future itself is shaken.
7. Faith through action
Bnei Yisrael marked their doors with blood before redemption happened. Emunah isn’t waiting to see—it’s moving forward when told.
8. Passing the story forward
The parsha emphasizes telling our children—again and again. Judaism survives not through miracles alone, but through memory and conversation.
9. Leaving in a rush
Matzah reminds us that redemption can come suddenly. But you still have to be ready to walk when the moment arrives.
10. From slavery to service
We didn’t leave Egypt to be free from responsibility—we left to be free for something higher.
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The word “kugel” is German for “ball” and probably refers to the small round pot in which kugels used to be cooked. The pot would be placed inside the chulent pot and left there to cook until served on Shabbos. Eventually kugels were baked separately in larger pans, in the same form that we now know them. Everyone loves this broccoli kugel for it’s ease and simplicity.
Broccoli Kugel
By Jamie Geller
Ingredients
• 1 2-pound bag frozen chopped broccoli cuts, thawed and drained
• 1 cup light mayonnaise
• 4 eggs
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Liberally coat a 9-inch round baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, place broccoli, mayonnaise, eggs, salt, black, and cayenne peppers, and mix well.
4. Pour broccoli mixture into
prepared baking dish.
5. Bake at 375°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until set with golden edges.
6. Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up now for Jamie Geller’s Weekly Newsletter.
Jamie Geller is the Chief Media and Marketing Officer at Aish. She is also a bestselling cookbook author, celebrity chef, television producer, and businesswoman. She’s the author of eight cookbooks and the founder of Kosher Media Network.
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Seven Things You Should Know If You Are Considering Making Aliyah
By Glen R. Golish
A Financial Planning Perspective for Families Moving from the U.S. to Israel
Making Aliyah is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. It is emotional, spiritual and deeply personal. At the same time, it is also a major financial transition that affects taxes, retirement planning, investments and long-term security in ways many families do not anticipate.
At GWealth Strategies, we regularly work side by side with your tax attorney and CPA with families who are planning a move to Israel or who have recently made Aliyah. Over the years, we have seen how thoughtful planning before the move can prevent unnecessary complexity and create meaningful financial advantages after arrival.
Here are seven financial considerations every family should understand before making Aliyah.
1. Israel’s 10-Year Tax Exemption on Foreign Income
One of the most powerful benefits of Aliyah is Israel’s 10-year exemption from Israeli tax on foreign-sourced income. This may include U.S. investment income, rental income, capital gains, pensions and business income earned outside Israel.
This exemption begins on the date of Aliyah and can create a valuable planning window. How income and assets are positioned
before and during this period can materially affect long-term outcomes. At GWealth Strategies, we help families understand how this exemption fits into a broader financial and estate plan.
2. Foreign Income Reporting Rules Are Changing
While the tax exemption remains in place, reporting requirements are evolving. Olim who made Aliyah on or after January 1, 2026, are required to report worldwide income and foreign assets to the Israel Tax Authority, even if that income remains tax-exempt. Those who arrived by December 31, 2025, are exempt from this reporting requirement. This distinction matters and timing may play an important role in overall strategy.
3. The Risk of Paying Social Security Tax Twice
Unlike many other countries, the United States and Israel do not have a Totalization Agreement. Individuals who are self-employed or own businesses may be exposed to Social Security tax in both countries if income is not structured properly.
In some cases, this can result in combined tax rates exceeding 30 percent. With proactive planning, this risk can often be reduced or avoided but it requires awareness before the move.
4. Retirement Accounts Require Advance Planning
Many families are surprised to learn that U.S. brokerage firms and financial institutions may restrict or discontinue service once an account holder provides a for-
eign address. IRAs and 401(k)s can become difficult to manage after a move to Israel.
This does not mean retirement accounts must be closed but it does mean they should be reviewed and positioned thoughtfully in advance. The way retirement assets are handled in the early years after Aliyah can have long-term tax and liquidity implications. At GWealth Strategies, we help families navigate these decisions carefully and discreetly.
5. Mortgage Assistance and Grants for Olim
New immigrants may qualify for government-approved Israeli mortgages that include a grant component. In certain cases, up to 25 percent of the mortgage may be forgiven after a defined period, often 15 years, if eligibility requirements are met.
Understanding how these programs work and how they fit into a broader financial plan can significantly influence housing decisions and long-term affordability.
6. Israeli Investments and U.S. Tax Considerations
U.S. citizens living in Israel remain subject to U.S. tax rules. Many Israeli mutual funds are classified by the IRS as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs), which can trigger complex reporting and unfavorable tax treatment.
Without proper guidance, well-intentioned investment decisions can lead to unnecessary
compliance burdens. Coordinating U.S. and Israeli considerations is essential when selecting investments after Aliyah.
7. U.S. Social Security Can Be Fully Tax-Exempt
Under Article 21 of the U.S.-Israel tax treaty, U.S. Social Security benefits paid to Israeli residents are exempt from taxation in both countries. In addition, certain other types of passive income may also qualify for favorable treatment.
When planned properly, these provisions can result in meaningful long-term savings for families and retirees.
A Thoughtful Approach Matters
Aliyah planning is not about shortcuts or aggressive strategies. It is about understanding the rules well enough to make informed, intentional decisions.
Small choices made before the move, how accounts are positioned, how income is recognized, and how residency is established, can have lasting consequences. At GWealth Strategies, we bring deep experience in cross-border financial and estate planning and work closely with families to tailor strategies to their specific situations.
A Final Thought
Making Aliyah is a powerful step forward. With the right financial strategy, it can also be empowering.
A thoughtful plan does not detract from the meaning of the move. It supports it, allowing families to build their lives in Israel with confidence, clarity and continuity.
For families considering Aliyah, the right guidance early can make all the difference.
About the Author
Glen R. Golish is the Founder and CEO of GWealth Strategies and a Forbes-recognized Top Financial Security Professional. He works closely with families on comprehensive financial and estate planning, including cross-border considerations for those navigating U.S. and Israeli planning needs.
Important Disclaimer
Please seek qualified legal and tax advice before implementing any planning strategies, in conjunction with guidance from G Wealth Strategies.
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The Shift That Turns January Plans Into December Results
By Shmuel Shayowitz
At this time, usually the third or fourth week of January, most New Year’s resolutions start to fizzle. This doesn’t happen because people are lazy and don’t care anymore, it’s usually because they approached it in the wrong way. More often than not, when the initial motivation fades, the grandiose plan collapses with it.
A few weeks ago, a couple reached out to me for help with budgeting. They assumed the issue was overspending. That’s usually where most people start. We went through the numbers together, and while there were some inefficiencies, it quickly became clear that even tightening everything would only save them a few hundred dollars a month. Helpful, but not life-changing. In truth, cutting further would have meant real discomfort without real progress.
So I shifted the conversation. Without going into too much detail, the husband was self-employed - very capable, and underutilizing himself. We spoke about some of his strengths and skills, and I suggested two simple strategies to adjust how he approached his business. Nothing complicated. No massive overhaul. Just a different way of thinking and acting that pushed him slightly outside his comfort zone. This week, they called back to check in. In the first three weeks of January alone, his business had already surpassed what he generated in the entire first ninety days
of 2025. Same person. Same skill set. Same market. This connects directly to why many resolutions fail. Most people wait until something breaks before asking for help. They spend hours after the fact talking to family, friends, and related parties, replaying decisions, troubleshooting mistakes, and figuring out how to recover. Those conversations feel productive, but they’re reactive. They happen when options are limited, and tension is high.
What people don’t realize is that they are often investing time and emotional energy into guidance. They’re just doing it on the wrong side of the decision. The real shift happens when those same conversations take place in advance. Before the purchase. Before the investment. Before the financial pressure builds.
Playing it safe often feels responsible. Not spending money in advance feels prudent. In reality, it can lock people into patterns that never evolve. Cutting expenses endlessly has a ceiling. Avoiding discomfort has a cost. Growth almost always requires a level of unease, whether that’s charging more for your services, restructuring how you work, or bringing in professionals who challenge your assumptions.
The most successful people don’t wait until things go wrong to seek advice. They don’t view guidance as a last resort. They view it as a necessary tool and a cost of doing
business. They pay attorneys before signing contracts. They consult accountants before tax problems arise. They speak to mentors and coaches before making big moves. They understand that paying for clarity upfront is cheaper than paying for mistakes later.
New Year’s resolutions tend to fail because people focus on the finish line instead of the starting point. They promise themselves they’ll “be more disciplined” or “try harder,” but they don’t change how decisions get formalized. They keep operating alone, inside the same mental loops, and then wonder why the outcome looks familiar. The shift happens when someone stops relying solely on internal dialogue and starts inviting outside perspectives before decisions are made. That mindset, more than any resolution, is what will distinguish how a year unfolds.
Shmuel Shay owitz (NMLS#19871) is a highl y regarded Real Estate & Finance Executive, Writer, Speaker, Coach, and Advisor. He is President and Chief Lending Officer of Approved Funding, a privately held national mortgage banker and direct lender that has facilitated over $3 billion in mortgage funding. Shmuel has over twenty years of industry experience and holds numerous licenses and accreditations, including certified mortgage underwriter, licensed real estate agent, residential review appraiser, and accredited investor, to name a few. Shmuel has successfully navigated through many changing markets and business landscapes, making his market insights and experience well-coveted within the real estate industry. He can be reached via email at Shmuel@ approvedfunding.com.
