CANDLE LIGHTING - MIAMI BEACH CANDLE BEACH CANDLELIGHTING LIGHTING-- MIAMI BEACH AUG 9 / י”ג תמוז/ פרשת בלק AUG 99 // טבת כ‘תמוז/שמותי”ג / בלק פרשת January פרשת
AEL I S R AIESL Rושבו בנים WAR AT WARAT!לגבולם DAY 308 DAY 308
CANDLE LIGHTING: 7:54 PM PM7:54 PM CANDLE LIGHTING: 5:28 CANDLE LIGHTING: SHABBOSENDS: ENDS:8:51 6:26 PM SHABBOS SHABBOSPM ENDS: 8:51 PM
UG US T 8 , /2 0 4Tevet, / 4 AV, 5784 January 8,S 2026 19 5786 A UA T 8Z, ,2507 22 M AY - J U N E 2 0 2 3 / S I VA NG- UTA MU 84 3 / 4 AV, 5 7 8 4 VO L U M E 1 , N U M B E R 1 M AY - J U N E 2 0 2 3 / S I VA N - TA M U Z , 5 7 8 3 VO L U M E 1 , N U M B E R 1
INSIDE IRAN’S BREAKING POINT ARTICLE COVER
EARTICLE XC LU S I V E INTERVIEW WITH COVER
JONATHAN HAROUNOFF ISRAEL’S INTERNATIONAL SPOKESPERSON AT THE UNITED NATIONS
THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF S.FLORIDA WELCOMES THE FAMED TZADIK
SPACE FOR AD THE REBBE THE BIALE REBBE IS A DIRECT DESCENDANT OF THE BIALE DYNASTY, WHOSE FIRST REBBE WAS THE FAMOUS "HOLY JEW", RABBI YAAKOV YIZCHOK OF PRSHISKHE, FOURTH GENERATION FROM THE HOLY BAAL SHEM TOV, FOUNDER OF THE CHASIDISM. THE REBBE IS WELL KNOWN FOR HIS DEVOTION TO EVERY JEW, THE REBBE LEADS LARGE INSTITUTIONS THROUGHOUT ISRAEL, WHICH EDUCATE MANY STUDENTS AND HELP MANY POOR PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY WIDOWS AND ORPHANS, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD ADHERE TO THE REBBE, WHOSE WARM HEART, HOLINESS, AND SPECIAL POWERS GIVE THEM DIRECTION IN LIFE, HUNDREDS OF MIRACLE STORIES ARE TOLD BY PEOPLE WHO WERE HELPED THROUGH HIS BLESSINGS.
SPACE FOR AD
THE REBBE WILL BE SHARING HIS VALUABLE TIME WITH INDIVIDUALS
IN MIAMI BEACH, BAL HARBOUR, AVENTURA, BOCA RATON & HOLLYWOOD The first week beginning JANUARY 6 the Rebbe will be in Miami Beach
SPACE FOR AD
At 800 W 42 ST. APT 4B, MIAMI BEACH FL 33140
SPACE FOR AD
THE FRIDAY NIGHT "ONEG- SHABOSS" TISH JANUARY 9 SHABBOS שמות A T T HE R E S I D E N CE O F :
MR. & MRS. JACOB & MIRIAM SHAKIB
4275 N MERIDIAN AVE.
MIAMI BEACH FL 33140 AT 9:00 PM For further details of the Rebbe's schedule, please reach out to this number
OUR ANNUAL SPACE FOR AD
CHOLENT CONTEST
See page 3 & 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
Online Exclusive Specials!
Grocery
1/7/26-1/13/26 Tnuva Malawach
Haolam Mozzarella String 18.oz
Jason Breadcrumbs Plain 15.oz
J&J Yogurts 8.oz Assorted
$3.99
$4.99
$11.99
$3.29
$1.69
Tuscanini Tomato Paste Tube
Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix
Pas Tortilla Wraps 10" Assorted
Osem Pearl Couscous 17.6 oz
Osem Natural Chicken Consome 14.oz
$3.49
$2.99
$5.99
Lieber's Potato Chips Original 12.oz
2x
$3.00
2x
$3.00
Meat Israeli Style Cutlets Jumbo Pack
Whole Chicken Cut in 8
Top of the rib
London Broil
$8.99 lb.
$3.49 lb.
$9.99 lb.
$16.99 lb.
Oven Ready
Sushi
Frozen Fish
buffalo Wings
Mango Roll
Wild Baby Corvina Fillet
Wild Tuna Steaks
4 oz Skinless Salmon Family 12 pack
$6.95
$9.99 lb.
$8.99 lb.
$24.99
Chicken Fajitas
Mango Special
Chocolate Chip Muffin
Brownie square
Whole Wheat Bread
$10.99 lb.
$16.95
$2.09
$3.39
$4.49
$3.99 lb.
WE DELIVER! Fresh. Daily. Easy
Bakery
KCMARKETFL.COM
@KCMARKETFL
HOLLYWOOD
HALLANDALE
KCMARKETFL.COM
Hollywood, FL 33021 954.963.1313
Hallandale, FL 33009 754.764.1313
Rd. 1002 P.2 KCMARKET / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 (5650 9 5 4 ) 6Stirling 62-5054 | Info@tsfcom m u n iE t yHallandale v o i c e . c o m Beach Blvd.
While supplies last No rain checks
BOYNTON 3775 W. Woolbright Rd. Boynton Beach, FL 33436 561.396.9711
COMMUNITY NEWS
CHEFS!
WIN BIG & COOK WITH PURPOSE YOUR CHEF ENTRY INCLUDES:
3 ENTRANCE TICKETS ($135 VALUE)
BRAND-NEW CROCKPOT YOURS TO KEEP
BASIC COOKING UTENSILS PROVIDED (TBD)
$10,000 GRAND PRIZE * $5,000 CASH * $5,000 DONATION TO A SHUL OF YOUR CHOICE
Save the date
FEB
12
CHEF ENTRY FEE: $250
BRING YOUR CREATIVITY, CONFIDENCE, AND SIGNATURE DISH. COOK TO WIN. COMPETE FOR VICTORY. MAKE AN IMPACT.
Contact: Info@tsfcommunityvoice.com
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.3
COMMUNITY NEWS
P.4 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
COMMUNITY NEWS
YOUR INVITED!
BIG CHOLENT COOK-OFF!
YOUR A DMI SSI O N I N C LU D ES:
UNLIMITED CHOLENT TASTINGS
DRINKS, SIDES & DESSERTS
EXTRA SURPRISES THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT
YOU DECIDE THE WINNER! TASTE. VOTE. CROWN THE BEST CHOLENT OF THE NIGHT.
Save the date
FEB
12
ENTRANCE FEE: $45
THE JEWISH ACADEMY, 3100 SW 9TH AVE, FORT LAUDERDALE CONTACT: INFO@TSFCOMMUNITYVOICE.COM D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.5
COMMUNITY NEWS
P.6 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
בס”ד
COMMUNITY NEWS
KEEPING SOUTH FLORIDA HOMES & BUSINESSES
IGUANA-FREE
UR KEEP YO ILDREN, PETS, CH Y RT & PROPE SAFE BLE: & RELIA T S E N O H T YOU TO WE WAN UR O ENJOY Y AGAIN! Y T PROPER
Expert Iguana Control & Removal Monthly Plans
No mess left behind
Night Visits
Quick, Thorough & Efficient
Traps, Snares, Monitoring
Nest removal
Kids can safely play outside
Enjoy the pool again
Reach out to get started:
786-903-3100
precisioniguanapatrol@gmail.com
No more garden damage
Follow us on Instagram: @precision_iguana_patrol
www.precisioniguanapatrol.com D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.7
INSIDE
14
20
36
42 © The South Florida Community Voice Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in printed or digital form in whole or in part in any form without prior written permission is prohibited. The publisher reserves all right to edit all articles for clarity, space and editorial sensitivities. Submissions cannot be returned to sender. The South Florida Weekly Magazine is not responsible for the cash flow of any advertised product or service that appears in these pages. The South Florida Community Voice Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements in this publication, nor for the content of books that are referred to or excerpted herein. Community Voice magazine is not responsible for the Kashrut or services provided by the advertisements. It is up to the consumer to verify the information.
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.9
COMMUNITY NEWS
P.10 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.11
COMMUNITY NEWS
IN F
IONS
Join us to discuss licensing and professional opportunities in Israel! JANUARY 18
7pm: Medical Professionals 8pm: Physicians ↘ BOCA RATON
SCAN HERE TO REGISTER
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
WWW.IMAP.ORG.IL/INFO-SESSION/
*Address will be provided to registrants ahead of the event.
MINISTRY OF THE NEGEV, GALILEE AND NATIONAL RESILIENCE
P.12 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
SS
ARE YOU A PHYSICIAN OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL THINKING OF ALIYAH?
E
N -I
OS
FO SE
IONS S S
-
INFO↘ SESSION
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.13
COMMUNITY NEWS
Beyond the Headlines
A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news By Sivan Rahav Meir
A Medical Milestone and a Shared Vision Last week, Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburg and Dr. Abed Halaila held a joint press conference that was unexpected and very moving. A year ago, Rabbi Ginsburg, who is closely associated with Chabad and with many of the “hilltop” communities, underwent a kidney transplant at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital. Other medical centers had declined to operate on him due to his advanced age, but Dr. Halaila, head of Hadassah Ein Kerem’s transplant unit, reviewed the file of the 80-year-old rabbi and agreed. “Age is only a number,” he explained this week. “A kidney transplant can be beneficial even at an older age, enabling the patient to continue giving.” The donor was there through the Matnat Chaim organization. Senior Hadassah leadership attended as well, headed by Prof. Yoram Weiss. With everyone present, the rabbi delivered a brief teaching on the meaning of kidneys in Jewish thought. Dr. Halaila sat beside him, and when the rabbi called him a “righteous gentile,” he patted his hand. Dr. Halaila smiled and then shared what had impressed him most. “I asked to check what the rabbi has done since the transplant,” he said. “Well, every Shabbat, a booklet of his is published in Hebrew — 13,000 copies, as well as an English edition read by thousands here in Israel and around the world. It’s simply incredible. This year he published eleven books of Torah scholarship and three children’s
year since the successful transplant, it felt as though one could already see the first shoots of that idea beginning to emerge.
books, and he’s planning another six in the coming year.” He added: “The rabbi has a book about the ‘Fourth Revolution.’ I urge you to study this topic. It’s very important, and I personally believe in it.” “The Fourth Revolution” is a concept Rabbi Ginsburg has been advancing in recent years: expanding Torah and Jewish learning to non-Jews as well. In his view, Judaism is meant to illuminate the world, and the time has come for that message to break outward. Only when the Jewish people inspire respect, he argues, can genuine peace take root. At the gathering marking one
P.14 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
Four Levels of Relating According to Kabbalistic teachings, there are four levels in creation: mineral, vegetable, animal and human. In one of our Mitchadshot workshops, Rabbi Michi Yosefi applied these four categories to the dynamics in a marriage: Mineral (inanimate): This is the lowest level. From the outside, everything seems fine. There are no arguments, no shouting. But there is also no vitality. Nothing truly moves. No one speaks about what hurts, no one shares what’s going on inside them, and each spouse remains emotionally alone. Vegetable (growing): Something is starting to stir. There is emotion, but it isn’t expressed clearly or understood. For example, one partner storms out and slams the door. It’s communication, but in a raw, wordless form like a baby crying. Since nothing is explained, the other partner is forced to ask:
COMMUNITY NEWS “What’s bothering you? What are you upset about?” The silence has been broken, but the relationship is still draining and immature. Animal (living): There is verbal communication, but it tends to come out as pressure, complaints, or accusations rather than honest expressions of need. This is more developed than mineral or vegetable but still far from healthy. For example: “Why didn’t you buy me a birthday present?” The words are spoken, but the underlying goal is often to provoke guilt or defensiveness, not closeness. Human (speaking): This is the ideal mode. I speak openly and take responsibility for what I feel. I can share what’s good and what’s difficult, what I need, what I’m afraid of, and what I hope for without attacking. Even if my spouse isn’t there yet, even if they’re still functioning on a lower level, I choose to communicate at a healthy “frequency,” with the hope that the relationship can rise with me. Rabbi Yosefi added that the first step is identifying how you are operating. From there, the work is to move, together, toward a more “speaking” relationship. Five Points to Ponder About Sefer Shemot Mazal tov. Last week we completed the book of Bereishit, and now we begin Shemot, the second of the five Chumashim. Shemot is often called “the book of exile and redemption,” as it traces our descent into Egyptian bondage and our journey from slavery to freedom. This week we meet Moshe Rabbeinu. The greatest leader in Jewish history steps onto the world stage with what he describes as a “heavy mouth, a heavy tongue and uncircumcised lips.” In other words: leadership is not measured by eloquence, but by character. After the tension and rivalry between brothers that runs through Bereshit, Shemot introduces three siblings who will guide the people through the wilderness for forty years: Moshe and Aharon, and their sister Miriam. It is a different model of leadership, rooted in harmony, partnership, and shared responsibility. It reminds us that family can work together with love and purpose. The women in this week’s portion also stand at the center of the story. The Hebrew midwives defy Pharaoh’s decree and protect Jewish infants. Yocheved hides her newborn son. Miriam watches over him as he floats in his basket on the Nile. Our sages conclude: “In the merit of righteous women, the Jewish people were redeemed from Egypt.” It is a lasting testimony to the central role of women in the life and destiny of our nation. Shemot is not only history. It describes the stages of liberation that each of us must go through, as individuals and as a people, even today. Every person has an “Egypt,” some form of inner bondage, fear, habit, or limitation that holds them back. In Netivot Shalom it states: “All the missions for which a human being descends into this world are meant to take him out of Egypt.” Leaving Egypt is a lifelong mission, faced anew each day. Translated by Yehoshua Siskin and Janine Muller Sherr Want to read more by Sivan Rahav Meir? Google The Daily Thought or visit sivanrahavmeir.com
What does DNA stand for? National Dyslexic Association.
I don't approve of political jokes. I've seen too many of them get elected.
Aren't you tired of people asking you rhetorical questions and you don't know if they are rhetorical questions or not?
Whenever the cashier at the grocery store asks my dad if he would like the milk in a bag he replies, "No, just leave it in the carton!"
Brought to you by Uncle Benjy, author of Laughter is the best medicine: Kosher and Jewish jokes for the whole family, volumes one and two, and Jewish Joke Book for Kids, volumes one and two, available on Amazon; search “Uncle Benjy” on Amazon.
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.15
COMMUNITY NEWS
The Holy Rebbe of Biale Bnei Brak Arrives in Florida One of the Great Rebbes of Israel, about whom hundreds of miraculous stories are told, is returning for a historic visit. Florida residents are filled with excitement as the Admor (Rebbe) returns. Scarcely a year has passed since his last visit, and hundreds are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet the revered Rebbe once again. Upon the Rebbe’s arrival at his host’s home, the location becomes a massive center of attraction. Hundreds of people—lawyers, doctors, real estate professionals, rabbis, and educators; Hasidim and Modern Orthodox alike— flock to the house with incredible stories of miracles and salvation achieved through the Rebbe’s blessings. 66 and 60: The Miracle of the Packages During a Purim “Tish” in Jerusalem, the Rebbe called upon Rabbi M.R., whose four children were of marriageable age but struggling to find matches. The Rebbe announced: “Rabbi M.R. will commit to distributing 60 packages to widows and orphans for Passover.” Exactly 60 days later, his son became engaged. Similarly, the Rebbe asked another man, S.I., to commit to 66 packages. Precisely 66 days later, his daughter became engaged. From Prosecutor to Defender A man from the Western U.S. was facing a lengthy prison sentence. The Rebbe guided the family to take on spiritual resolutions and reassured them: “The
prosecutor will become your defender!” During the trial, in an unbelievable turn of events, the prosecutor approached the judge and recommended all charges be dropped, citing the defendant as a “respectable man.” The first call from the courthouse was to the Rebbe: “Holy Rebbe, the miracle happened! I am free!” “The Doctors are Wrong!” A couple from Great Neck, NY, who had suffered four tragic miscarriages, were told by doctors they had no hope of biological children. The Rebbe looked at them firmly and said, “The baby will be born healthy and whole.” He promised to serve as the Sandek at the Bris. Today, that healthy child is a living testament to the Rebbe’s blessing.
P.16 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
The Secret of the Wedding A Jewish wedding in one of New York’s most grand halls. The musicians are playing, and suddenly the father of the bride stands up. With great emotion, he invites the guest of honor from Israel, the Biale Rebbe, who traveled from Bnei Brak specifically for this wedding. “Everything is thanks to the Rebbe,” says the father of the groom with tears in his eyes. Only two years had passed since this worried couple entered the Rebbe’s room. Their son had met a non-Jewish woman at work, and the relationship was becoming serious. The parents cried, hoping for a miracle. The Biale Rebbe sat with them, dedicating days and nights to strengthening the son and the entire family, offering Segulot (spiritual remedies), blessings, and guidance. Today, as their son marries a girl from a respected family in the community, the emotional father declares: “It is all in the merit of the Biale Rebbe.” “The Admor Saved Me from Bankruptcy” A well-known businessman recounts: “I met the Biale Rebbe by chance after being invited to a Melaveh Malkah. That week was the worst of my life; it seemed my entire fortune, which I had worked decades for, was about to vanish. I couldn’t sleep. I saw no way out. I entered the Rebbe for a blessing. The Rebbe—who didn’t study business at MIT—instructed me to establish a fixed daily Torah study session and to
COMMUNITY NEWS
THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF S.FLORIDA WELCOMES THE FAMED TZADIK
THE REBBE THE BIALE REBBE IS A DIRECT DESCENDANT OF THE BIALE DYNASTY, WHOSE FIRST REBBE WAS THE FAMOUS "HOLY JEW", RABBI YAAKOV YIZCHOK OF PRSHISKHE, FOURTH GENERATION FROM THE HOLY BAAL SHEM TOV, FOUNDER OF THE CHASIDISM. THE REBBE IS WELL KNOWN FOR HIS DEVOTION TO EVERY JEW, THE REBBE LEADS LARGE INSTITUTIONS THROUGHOUT ISRAEL, WHICH EDUCATE MANY STUDENTS AND HELP MANY POOR PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY WIDOWS AND ORPHANS, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD ADHERE TO THE REBBE, WHOSE WARM HEART, HOLINESS, AND SPECIAL POWERS GIVE THEM DIRECTION IN LIFE, HUNDREDS OF MIRACLE STORIES ARE TOLD BY PEOPLE WHO WERE HELPED THROUGH HIS BLESSINGS.
THE REBBE WILL BE SHARING HIS VALUABLE TIME WITH INDIVIDUALS
IN MIAMI BEACH, BAL HARBOUR, AVENTURA, BOCA RATON & HOLLYWOOD The first week beginning JANUARY 6 the Rebbe will be in Miami Beach
At 800 W 42 ST. APT 4B, MIAMI BEACH FL 33140 THE FRIDAY NIGHT "ONEG- SHABOSS" TISH JANUARY 9 SHABBOS שמות AT T HE RES IDE NCE OF :
MR. & MRS. JACOB & MIRIAM SHAKIB
4275 N MERIDIAN AVE.
MIAMI BEACH FL 33140 AT 9:00 PM For further details of the Rebbe's schedule, please reach out to this number
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.17
COMMUNITY NEWS be extra careful in honoring my wife. He told me to go to the bank management myself, without a lawyer. He guided me through those difficult days. To this day, I have no natural explanation for how it happened, but here I am— my home was not foreclosed, and my business is thriving, all thanks to the Rebbe.” The Holy Lineage The holy dynasty of Biale Chassidut spans over two hundred years, beginning with the “Holy Jew” of Przysucha (The Yehudi Hakodesh), a primary disciple of the “Seer of Lublin” and a 4th-generation descendant of the Baal Shem Tov. Generation after generation of righteous men continued this legacy, down to the Rebbe’s grandfather, Rabbi Yechiel Joshua of Biale zt”l. The current Rebbe continues this path, opening his heart to all of Israel—Ashkenazim and Sephardim, Charedim and those just beginning their spiritual journey. A Father to Orphans The “Jewel in the Crown” of the Rebbe’s institutions is the care for orphans. While the Rebbe has 15 biological children, hundreds of children around the world feel he is their true father. The Orphan and Widow Fund: Personally supervised by the Rebbe, this fund provides everything from clothing and shoes to pocket money and a warm home. Personal Devotion: Before Passover, upon returning from a trip to the U.S., the Rebbe famously instructed his driver to visit his “orphans” to give them holiday
gifts before even going home to see his own family. Impressive Development in Israel The Rebbe recently decided that the “orphans’ home” in Beitar Illit—an old, neglected building—was no longer sufficient. A new, rapid construction project is underway on Kedushat Levi Street, which will include modern classrooms, dormitories, and recreational areas. Additionally, the Rebbe’s “Chesed Center” on Rabbi Shach Street continues to send out trucks loaded with food, clothing, and financial checks to the needy before every holiday. Wisdom in Education and Marital Harmony (Shalom Bayit) Parents from all over the country consult the Rebbe on education. Often, his surprising answers create a 360-degree shift in the home’s atmosphere. The Rebbe dedicates hours to bringing peace to Jewish homes, preventing separations and restoring happiness. He often tells couples: “The key to business success and the key to Nachas (joy) from children is the mutual respect between parents.” The Institutions of the Rebbe: A Father to Orphans While the Biale Bnei Brak institutions are world-renowned, the “Jewel in the Crown” is the Rebbe’s personal care for orphans. The Orphan & Widow Fund: Under the Rebbe’s personal supervision, providing everything from clothing and tuition to dowries for weddings. A Personal Father: The Rebbe
P.18 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
treats these children as his own. Before Passover, he famously visited his “orphan children” to give them holiday gifts before even going home to see his own biological family. New Development: A modern campus is currently being built in Beitar Illit to provide a dignified home and study center for students in need. Visit Schedule: Florida 2026 📍 Miami Beach Starting Tuesday, Jan 6th: Personal consultations at: 800 W 42 ST. APT 4B, Miami Beach, FL 33140 Friday Night “Oneg Shabbat” Tish (Jan 9th): At 9:00 PM. Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Jacob and Miriam Shaquib: 4275 N MERIDIAN AVE, Miami Beach 📍 Boca Raton Monday–Thursday, Jan 12th– 15th: Personal consultations at the home of Mr. & Mrs. David & Aviva Tribuch: 6453 POND APPLE RD, Boca Raton, FL 📍 Bal Harbour / Bay Harbor Islands Friday Night “Oneg Shabbat” Tish (Jan 16th): At 9:00 PM. At the Altair Hotel Synagogue: 9540 W Bay Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor Islands, FL Sunday, Jan 18th: Personal consultations at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Ira & Marsha Sussman: 120 Harbour Rd, Bal Harbour, FL Schedule Your Appointment Take advantage of this unique opportunity for a personal blessing, business advice, or guidance in health and family matters. 📞 Call/WhatsApp the Private Secretary: 917-272-4045 (English Speaking) 📧 Email: bialebneibrak@gmail.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.19
COMMUNITY NEWS
Why Iran’s Protests Are About Far More Than Inflation Jonathan Harounoff is Israel’s international spokesperson at the United Nations and an award-winning British author of Persian descent. In an interview this week, Harounoff offered a sober assessment of the latest wave of protests sweeping across Iran—arguing that while economic hardship may have sparked the demonstrations, it is far from the root cause. “The latest protests are not surprising,” Harounoff explained. “Every few years, we see a massive outburst of anger in Iran. It’s the result of resentment that has been building for a very long time.” This time, the immediate trigger was soaring inflation and a rapidly collapsing economy. But Harounoff cautioned against simplistic explanations. “Inflation lit the match, but it’s not the fire,” he said. “The root cause is the Iranian people’s mounting resentment toward the Islamic Republic itself.” A Regime at Odds With Its People According to Harounoff, the vast majority of Iran’s 92 million citizens are suffering under a system marked by relentless repression—particularly of women and minorities—alongside endemic corruption and severe economic mismanagement. “The regime has destroyed the economy, devastated the environment, and plundered natural resources for decades,” he said. “That’s why you’re seeing debilitating water shortages, electricity
failures, and energy crises across the country.” What makes this wave of protests especially significant, Harounoff noted, is that many Iranians are now directly connecting their personal suffering to the regime’s foreign policy. “When people see the Islamic Republic spending billions of dollars on Hezbollah and other proxies, while they can’t afford food or keep the lights on in their homes, resentment becomes unavoidable,” he said. A Wealthy Country, Artificially Poor Iran’s economic collapse, Harounoff argued, is not the result of a lack of resources. “Iran is incredibly rich in natural resources—oil being the most obvious,” he said. “There is no reason the country should be in this economic position.” While sanctions have limited
P.20 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
Iran’s ability to openly profit from its exports, Harounoff pointed out that trade continues—particularly with China—often through covert channels. “There’s been extensive reporting on so-called ‘ghost fleets’— tankers operating under false identities that transport Iranian oil abroad,” he said. “Despite this, the economy continues to deteriorate, which tells you the real issue is governance, not resources.” Decades of environmental destruction and reckless overdevelopment, he added, have only compounded the damage. “This is a country with thousands of years of history and culture,” Harounoff said. “Iranians, whether inside the country or in the diaspora, speak with enormous pride about their homeland—and deep pain about what the regime has done to it over the past 46 years.”
COMMUNITY NEWS
KOSHER HOLIDAYS TAILOR-MADE BY EXPERTS
At Bespoke Kosher Travel, we understand the needs of the kosher traveller. Our knowledge of destinations gives you the ultimate experience with fresh kosher meals. So whether it’s your annual holiday, city break, business trip or special occasion, let us make your dream a reality.
- Personalised Itinerary - Kosher Food Delivered - Tailored to your Budget UK: +44 0203 151 1660
USA: +1 917 336 1182
Mobile: +44 (0)7932 658 255
info@bespokekoshertravel.com www.bespokekoshertravel.com
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.21 Image courtesy of Lion Sands, Tinyeleti Treehouse, Kruger National Park, South Africa
COMMUNITY NEWS The Illusion of Political Reform Harounoff also addressed widespread confusion in the West about Iran’s political structure. While Iran has a president, parliament, and formal government institutions, he emphasized that real authority lies elsewhere. “Ultimate power rests with the Supreme Leader and his inner circle,” he said. “The president is largely a puppet figure.” The current president, Harounoff noted, presents himself as moderate and reform-minded—a deliberate strategy. “He’s the perfect figurehead,” Harounoff explained. “He looks modern, he speaks the language of reform, but he has no authority to carry out real change. Promises about easing repression or engaging protesters are meaningless when he doesn’t control policy.” This, Harounoff said, allows the Islamic Republic to present one image to the world while behaving very differently at home. Why the West Keeps Misreading Iran Asked why Western governments repeatedly fall for this façade, Harounoff cited a mix of short political memory, shifting leadership, and misplaced optimism. “Each new president creates hope that something might be different,” he said. “Even when people know deep down that it isn’t.” He also stressed that diplomacy, while ideal in theory, has clear limits. “When engagement has been tried repeatedly and has failed, continuing to expect a different outcome is unrealistic,” Haroun-
off said. “The regime is also very skilled at shaping narratives through state media and diplomatic channels.” Silence at the United Nations Despite his role at the UN, Harounoff acknowledged that international response to the protests has been limited. “I wish I could say there’s a major focus on Iran at the UN right now, but there isn’t,” he said. The United States and Israel, he noted, have been among the few member states to speak out clearly in support of Iranian protesters. Beyond that, silence has largely prevailed. “It’s disappointing, but unfortunately not surprising,” Harounoff said, pointing to a similar pattern during the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising of 2022–2023. “The people of Iran deserve far more support and solidarity.”
P.22 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
Iran’s Jewish Community Harounoff also discussed the situation of Iran’s Jewish community, one of the oldest in the world. “Many people are surprised to learn that Iran still has the second-largest Jewish population in the Middle East,” he said, estimating around 10,000 Jews remain in the country. “They survive by keeping a very low profile,” he explained. “They’re not leading protests, but economic collapse affects everyone.” During periods of heightened tension with Israel or the United States, the community becomes particularly vulnerable, often facing accusations and arrests. A Glimpse of What Could Be Looking ahead, Harounoff cautioned that while Iranians are largely united in opposition to the current regime, there is no single vision yet for what should replace it. “Some support a return to a
COMMUNITY NEWS
WHERE RELAXATION & FRIENDSHIP COME TOGETHER
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON SOMERSET NJ
ZUSHA
SHLOMO LEVINGER
RESERVATIONS GO QUICKLY - CALL : 732.370.7777 • FIVE STAR GOURMET MEALS • LAVISH 24HR TEA ROOM • PETTING ZOO • CARNIVAL • INFANT DAY CARE • BABYSITTING • DAY CAMP • AMAZING SHIURIM • LECTURES
www.pesachtime.com • info@pesachtimetours.com • Whatsapp: 732.806.0643
Rabbi Avi Juravel � Rav Hamachshir D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.23
Chasidishe Shechita • Cholov Yisroel • Non-Gebrokts • Hand Shmura Matzoh
COMMUNITY NEWS modified monarchy, others want a republic or a representative democracy,” he said. “That decision has to belong to the Iranian people.” What is undeniable, he stressed, is Iran’s immense potential. “One of the greatest tragedies of the past 46 years has been the massive brain drain,” Harounoff said. “The Iranian diaspora is filled with extraordinarily successful, talented people—CEOs, innovators, public servants—who could have built Iran if they hadn’t been forced to leave.” Under competent, accountable governance, he said, Iran could be a regional and global powerhouse. “The opportunities are limitless,” Harounoff concluded.
A Timely Book Harounoff’s insights are explored further in his book, Unveiled: Inside Iran’s #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt, published in September 2025 to mark the third anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death. The book examines Iran’s 46year history of protests, with a particular focus on the Woman, Life, Freedom movement—its origins, achievements, limitations, and implications for future unrest. “It’s a book for anyone who wants to understand how we got here,” Harounoff said, “and what these moments of protest may mean for Iran’s future.”
בס״ד
Leave No Memory Behind Don’t Let Precious Memories Fade—Convert Your Old Tapes & Photos to Digital Files Over 2,000 Tapes Converted - Over 35,000 Photos Scanned
Call/Text/WhatsApp 754-276-1601 Visit memoryconverter.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.25
COMMUNITY NEWS
A Safe City Requires Planning for the Future By Mayor Scott Singer
Boca Raton consistently ranks among the safest cities of its size in Florida—and that is no accident. Our low crime rates are the result of decades of smart planning, strong community partnerships, and a professional, well-supported Boca Raton Police Department that works tirelessly to protect our residents, businesses, students, and visitors. Strong public safety is foundational to our quality of life. It is why families choose to live here, businesses invest here, and visitors return year after year. As mayor, one of my most important responsibilities is to ensure that we not only maintain this standard of safety today, but that we are prepared to sustain it well into the future. That responsibility brings us to an important community conversation about the future of our Police Department Headquarters. Boca Raton’s current Police Department Headquarters was built nearly 40 years ago—at a time when our city was smaller, less developed west of I-95, and serving a very different population. Since then, Boca Raton has grown significantly. We are now home to thriving business districts, a major university, regional destinations, and vibrant neighborhoods across the entire city. Our population center has shifted, and the demands for public safety services have increased accordingly. The existing headquarters, located at 100 NW Boca Raton Boulevard, no longer meets the
needs of a modern police department. It is not hurricane-rated, lacks sufficient space for staff and equipment, does not meet current building standards, and offers little to no room for future expansion. In 2007, the City conducted a comprehensive space needs study that identified the need for an expanded and improved police headquarters to meet Boca Raton’s long-term public safety needs. That study led to the project being placed in the City’s Capital Improvement Program— where it has remained as our city continued to grow. Today, we have a clear, forward-looking proposal: a new Police Department Headquarters on Spanish River Boulevard near I-95. This centrally located site would provide efficient access to all areas of the city and better serve both officers and the public. The new location does not mean there will no longer be a police presence downtown. Our
P.26 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
downtown campus project includes a downtown substation. If approved, the new headquarters would be designed to meet Boca Raton’s public safety needs for the next 30 years. It would be built to current standards, including hurricane and storm resiliency, consolidate police services currently spread across multiple locations, and provide a facility that reflects the professionalism and excellence of our Police Department. Maintaining low crime rates requires more than dedicated officers—it requires giving them the tools, space, and infrastructure they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. This is an investment in prevention, readiness, and resilience. On March 10, 2026, Boca Raton voters will decide whether this project moves forward. My vote will be in support. The ballot will ask whether the City should issue general obligation bonds—up to $175 million—to finance the construction and equipping of the new headquarters and related public safety facilities. These bonds would be repaid over time through property taxes. The projected average impact is approximately $123.74 per year for a homesteaded property, or 0.2605 mills. Even with this investment, Boca Raton’s property tax rate is still projected to remain lower than that of comparable cities, including our neighbors Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach. This reflects our strong financial
COMMUNITY NEWS management and commitment to fiscal responsibility. Boca Raton’s public safety record is something we should be proud of—but it is also something we must actively protect. Planning ahead, investing wisely, and preparing for the future are how we ensure that Boca Raton
remains not just a safe city, but one of the safest. I encourage every resident to stay informed, ask questions, and participate in this important decision about the future of public safety in our community. As always, I’m grateful to serve the people of Boca Raton! You can
share any thoughts you have at ssinger@bocaraton-fl.gov, and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @scottsingerusa. Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor of Boca Raton and was re-elected in 2023. A South Florida native, attorney and small business owner, Scott and his wife Bella live in Broken Sound with their two children.
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.27
COMMUNITY NEWS
Memories Revisited By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
A friend was telling me about a sefer he was learning. He just read something about davening he hadn’t heard before, and said to himself, “Wow! That’s going to change how I think about those words when I say them.” He related this to me, then said softly, with a tinge of sadness, “Of course, I don’t remember learning that before, and this is the second time I’m going through this sefer.” He had obviously learned it before, but forgotten it, or maybe didn’t take serious note of it. I noticed the same thing when I was learning a Gemara in a group we have after davening each weekday, and I found myself thinking that when we did it in Daf Yomi, I didn’t recall having such a hard time keeping all the cases straight. Undoubtedly, then it was a quick perusal without the in-depth concentration, and without chazara, regular review, it all seemed new to me. Clearly, it is important to revisit things so you don’t forget their messages or importance. Sometimes, though, when you revisit things, you gain a new insight. You see and understand more than before and your appreciation of the knowledge is enhanced. I’ve recently been experiencing this, and I’d like to share my thoughts. In the past, I have discussed a topic which I think affects the majority of us on a regular basis. It is likely one of the greatest things an American president has done for Mankind.
I’m talking about the declassification of GPS, Global Positioning Service, by President Bill Clinton in May of 2000. So much technology and benefit has been developed from this that people can often not live without it. From real-time directions, to finding people and items, GPS is a godsend. And I think I mean that literally. I truly think Hashem enabled us to use GPS to learn about Him and His world. Of course, there’s the benefit to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who are able to explore nature and see Hashem’s handiwork. Being able to make sure they know where they are and where they’re going is key. Without that, people would be afraid to venture forth. But there’s a more esoteric benefit as well. In the past, I’ve written about following the GPS directions blindly, which some people have
P.28 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
done to their own detriment. Taking a bridge which had washed out because the little machine told you to, is a sign of complete trust - and possible stupidity. Though you shouldn’t place all your trust in the guidance of Google Maps or Waze, you learn that it is possible to follow Hashem without having to know the whole plan yourself. But, as I said, I’ve recently begun revisiting this topic, and I’ve had some new realizations. One day I needed to run several errands. I knew how to get to each place, and I estimated how long it would take me to go one place, turn around and head back to the other place, which lay in the opposite direction. I figured I’d need about 20 minutes from one place to the other, but when I put it into my GPS, I found the trip would only take 13 minutes. You see, the GPS took me a different way, on a road I didn’t know existed. That saved me a whole lot of time. It has happened other times, too, when I knew exactly where to go, but the GPS knew there was a better way. I can’t possibly know every single road and street, nor can I accurately gauge every direction in my head. Recognizing the benefit of having the GPS, which was loaded with this information, made me consider my own limitations. In life, we see situations and problems, and we think we know how to solve them. We may be right, and we could solve them,
COMMUNITY NEWS
Authentic
COMMUNITY NEWS
FRENCH TRADITIONAL
FLAME ROTISSERIE
Scan the Sunday to Thursday: 12pm - 10pm code to Friday: 11am - 3:30pm order! OPENING HOURS
www.roastsurfside.com
786-803-8857
P.64 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M
9441 HARDING AVE. SURFSIDE , FLORIDA
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.29
COMMUNITY NEWS but we don’t realize there’s another solution. A better solution. And you know who knows what that is? Hashem. That’s right. The Master of the Universe knows all the ins and outs we don’t. He knows there are elegant solutions and shortcuts we’d never know to take. He expects us to follow His guidance, and knows that it will take us where we need to be. The problem is when we think we know it all, and we switch off that guidance. That’s when we may get farblundget, (lost, but I wanted to use that fun Yiddish word), or at least, end up spinning our wheels more than we needed to. In retrospect, I underestimated the GPS. I thought it could teach us about Bitachon, and it can. What I missed was that it gives us a great REASON to trust Hashem. It’s because He knows which way we should go for best results, and when the road less traveled by will make all the difference.
2026 – All Rights Reserved Did you enjoy this column? Feedback is welcome and appreciated. E-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com to share your thoughts. You never know when you may be the lamp that enlightens someone else.
CLIPPER & COMB BARBERSHOP 2900 GRIFFIN ROAD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33312
Hours
S: 10AM - 4PM M-TH: 9:30AM - 7PM F: 9:30AM - 2PM CLOSED ON SHABBOS
P.30 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.31
COMMUNITY NEWS
P.32 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.33
COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY NEWS
Miami's One Stop Chosson Shop From your suit and tie to your tallis, kittel and kappota, we’ve got it all right here! BEST SERVICE HIGH END SUITS
TOP QUALITY HATS EXPERT FITTING
ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR ALL OF YOUR MEN'S AND BOYS' DRESS CLOTHING NEEDS SIZE 5 AND UP · ALL FITS AND STYLES · EXPERT FITTING
6 3 3 1 6 7 TH S T , N O R T H M I A M I B E A C H , F L ENTRANCE FROM PARKING LOT
7 8 6 - 4 4 0 - 5 6 7 3 | S 12-7 M-Th 11-7 F 11-2 SHOP ANYTIME ONLINE AT HATBOXMENSWEAR.COM
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.35
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Vacation fever The Weiss family had been counting down the days. After weeks of juggling work, school schedules, carpools, and winter colds, they were finally on the road for a mid-winter vacation. Their destination was a quiet hotel in a rural area—snow-covered fields, winding roads, and a sense that time moved just a little slower there. By the time they arrived, the sky was already dark. The lobby was warm and peaceful, and the children ran ahead toward the room, excited to choose beds and look out at the snow. All except one. Mrs. Weiss noticed immediately that Avi, their seven-yearold, wasn’t himself. Normally full of questions and energy, Avi sat down quietly, leaning against his suitcase. “Avi?” she asked. “Are you okay?” “I don’t feel good,” he said softly. She placed her hand on his forehead and felt the heat right away. A thermometer confirmed it—Avi had a fever. The younger children were distracted with snacks, but the parents knew they had a problem. They were far from home, in a town they didn’t know, with limited resources. The front desk confirmed what they suspected: there was one small pharmacy in town, and nothing else nearby. “I’ll go,” Mr. Weiss said, pulling on his coat. At the pharmacy The drive was dark and qui-
et. The pharmacy was small, almost old-fashioned, with shelves stocked mostly with unfamiliar brands. There was only one children’s fever reducer available—a cherry-flavored syrup from a company he didn’t recognize. With no alternatives, he bought it and headed back. Back in the hotel room, Mrs. Weiss examined the bottle carefully. “I’ve never seen this brand before,” she said. She turned it over and scanned the ingredients. Then she paused. “Glycerin,” she read. She looked up. “Isn’t glycerin sometimes ani-
P.36 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
mal-derived?” Mr. Weiss hesitated. “But it’s medicine. And Avi has a fever.” “Yes,” she said, “but it’s a syrup. It tastes good.” They both stopped. They had learned enough over the years to know that medicine doesn’t always get an automatic heter, especially when it’s flavored and pleasant. The call “Let’s call the Refuah B’Halacha center,” Mrs. Weiss said. Mr. Weiss stepped into the hallway and made the call. The Rav listened carefully as
P E S A C H 2COMMUNITY 0 2 6HEALTH
ALL OUR HOTELS FEATURE:
Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach 5-Star Glatt Kosher Cuisine • Spacious Rooms & Family Suites World-Class Entertainment • Fantastic Sports and Recreation Amenities Fantastic Daily Kids Program & Baby Care • Inspiring Scholars in Residence
HILTON PHOENIX TAPATIO RESORT PHOENIX, ARIZONA
PGA NATIONAL
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
SADDLEBROOK RESORT
HYATT REGENCY CHESAPEAKE BAY
OCEAN PLACE RESORT & SPA
VERDURA RESORT
TAMPA, FLORIDA
LONG BRANCH, NEW JERSEY
CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND
SICILY, ITALY
LEISURE TIME TOURS
www.leisuretimetours.com
718-528-0700
info@leisurett.com
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.37
COMMUNITY HEALTH
he explained the situation—the fever, the rural hotel, the offbrand syrup, and the ingredient list. “You did the right thing by calling,” the Rav said. “Glycerin can indeed come from animal sources, and that can raise a kashrus concern.” Mr. Weiss asked what was on his mind. “But it’s medicine— shouldn’t that make it okay?” “In many cases, yes,” the Rav replied. “But here, since it’s a pleasant-tasting syrup, we can’t rely automatically on the leniencies we use for bitter or inedible medications.” The Rav paused. “Let me check this brand, I have a list here next to me.” After a short moment, he came back on the line. “This particular syrup could indeed be a problem.” Mr. Weiss felt stuck. “There’s nothing else available. The pharmacy is the only one for miles.” “That’s not an issue,” the Rav said calmly. “Because this is a case of a choleh, there is room to be lenient.” The Rav explained that while we generally do not mevatel issur lechatchila, the Bezel HaChochmah (chelek 5, siman 39) rules that for a choleh, it is permitted to be mevatel lechatchila when necessary. Then the Rav explained the practical side. “Typically,” he said, “companies add about 20% glycerin to this type of syrup. So, if a child is given a 5 ml dose, that would mean roughly 1 ml of glycerin,
which may be non-kosher.” He continued, “If you mix that syrup into about 60 ml of juice— roughly two ounces—the glycerin will be batel by sixty.” Mr. Weiss listened carefully. Then he asked, “but don’t I need 60 over all of it?” “No” the rav reponded. He continued to explain that generally your right, but hear you can be lenient as the Melamed Leheyel (siman 83) poskins for a choleh all you need to mevatel is the actual issur. “But before you do that,” the Rav added, “you must check with your pediatrician to make sure that diluting the medicine won’t affect the dosage.” They did exactly that. The doctor confirmed that adding juice in that amount would not affect the medication’s effectiveness. Back in the room, they carefully mixed the syrup with the juice as instructed and gave it to Avi. Within a short time, his fever began to come down. He fell asleep calmly, his breathing steady. Vacation begins By morning, Avi woke up smiling. “Can we go outside today?” he asked. “I want to play in the snow.” Mrs. Weiss smiled back, relieved. “After breakfast.” As the family bundled up and headed out into the crisp winter air, Mr. and Mrs. Weiss shared a quiet moment of gratitude. Even far from home, even in a small rural town, halacha had guided them—not only with sen-
P.38 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
sitivity, but with clarity and compassion. At the Refuah B’Halacha Center, we are here to provide guidance for real-life challenges, big and small. Whether it’s a question about Shabbos, kashrus, or navigating difficult personal situations, our experienced Rabbunim are ready to listen and advise. If you ever find yourself wondering about a medical halacha question — big or small, serious or just something that’s been on your mind — remember that you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Refuah B’Halacha Center is here to help, with experienced rabbanim available to guide you through even the most sensitive or confusing situations.
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 Hospital stays Fertility Kashrus 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
בס"ד
COMMUNITY NEWS
Lasso
KOSHER GRILL
BBQ GRILLED WITH AUTHENTIC WOOD KOSHER
FREE DELIVERY UP TO 5 MILES AND ON ORDERS ABOVE $30
www.Lassokosher.com
(561) 600-1456
5511 Woodland Ln, Ft Lauderdale, FL
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.39
(at Lchaim Farms - 1 mile away from KC Market)
COMMUNITY NEWS
Dani Dayan, Chairman of Yad Vashem, Visits South Florida — Honoring Memory, Community, and Jewish Resilience South Florida’s Jewish community will welcome a distinguished visitor this week as Dani Dayan, Chairman of Yad Vashem, arrives in the region for meetings and programs with colleagues from the Yad Vashem USA Foundation. A highlight of Dayan’s visit will take place on Sunday, January 11, at Magen David Congregation in Surfside, where he will address the community in a program centered on one of Yad Vashem’s most profound milestones: the recovery and documentation of the names of five million Jews murdered during the Shoah. The gathering, titled “Every Name is a World,” reflects Yad Vashem’s core mission — restoring identity, dignity, and humanity to each victim of the Holocaust, one name at a time. “For too long, the Nazis sought not only to murder our people, but to erase them,” Dayan said ahead of the visit. “Recovering five million names is not a statistic — it is five million individual lives reclaimed from oblivion. Each name represents a world, a family, a story that matters forever.” A Community Rooted in Memory — and Safety Dayan’s presence in Surfside carries particular resonance. The
South Florida Jewish community has become a symbol of both vibrancy and vigilance, deeply committed to Jewish life, education, and security. “Magen David is more than a synagogue — it is a home,” said Rabbi Koskas, spiritual leader of the congregation. “At a time when Jews around the world are confronting fear and uncertainty, our community stands together with strength, love, and an unwavering commitment to Jewish continuity. Hosting Dani Dayan here is a powerful statement that memory and community go hand in hand.” The program will include introductory remarks from local Jewish leaders and representatives of the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, underscoring the deep partnership between Israeli institutions and American Jewish communities. Yad Vashem USA Foundation: Bridging Israel and the Diaspora For Tamar Major of the Yad Vashem USA Foundation, Dayan’s South Florida visit reflects the Foundation’s mission to connect American Jews directly to Yad Vashem’s work in Jerusalem. “South Florida is one of the most engaged and passionate Jewish communities in the country,” Ma-
P.40 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
jor said. “This visit is about honoring survivors and victims, but it’s also about strengthening the bond between Yad Vashem and American Jews who feel a deep responsibility to remember, educate, and stand proudly as Jews.” Major emphasized that the milestone of five million names recovered is ongoing — with researchers, families, and communities continuing the sacred work of remembrance. Memory as a Source of Strength The program at Magen David Congregation will conclude with a communal gathering, reinforcing the warmth and unity that characterize South Florida Jewish life. “In every place I visit, I see that Jewish memory is not about the past alone — it is about the future,” Dayan said. “The love, safety, and solidarity I witness in communities like Surfside give me confidence that the Jewish people will continue to remember, rebuild, and thrive.” As South Florida welcomes one of the world’s leading voices in Holocaust remembrance, the message is clear: memory lives strongest where community stands together.
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.41
COMMUNITY NEWS
From Thursday Nights to Shabbos Tables: A Movement Taking Shape
Over the past few weeks, something powerful has been taking shape across our community. What began as consistent weekly learning has grown into packed rooms, standing-room-only Shabbatons, and a growing circle of teens who are choosing connection, Torah, and leadership week after week. Through BEIS and 4G, SPRKS is not just running programs, but building a culture. That momentum was on full display during two recent community Shabbatons that brought together learning, inspiration, and genuine excitement across the community. The 4G Shabbos of SPRKS began on Thursday night with the weekly 4G learning program at Boca Jewish Center, where high school girls gathered for a special and exclusive speaking engagement with Rebbetzin Dina Schoonmaker. The room was filled with thoughtful Torah, open conversation, and a sense that this was a space teens wanted to be in, not one they were expected to attend. On Friday, that same energy moved directly into the schools at Hadar High School and Katz Yeshiva High School, as 4G advisors taught Torah and connected with students in their everyday learning environments. By Friday night, the momentum was unmistakable. A packed Oneg on Montoya Circle filled the room with singing, ruach, and a powerful sense of achdus. Shabbos morning continued with a deluxe kiddush at Boca Raton Synagogue, where advisor-led chaburahs created space for meaningful discussion and reflection. The en-
tire Shabbos was led by Mrs. Bashie Bortz together with the dedicated 4G advisors, whose warmth and leadership shaped every moment of the experience. The very next Shabbos, BEIS programming was unfolding across the community with equal intensity and impact. Advisors joined Rabbi Moshe Nachbar and Rabbi Benyamin Bortz in Hollywood for an uplifting Leil Shishi farbrengen that set the tone for a Shabbos filled with meaning. On Friday, advisors were back in the schools, leading a kumzitz at Ohr HaTorah and teaching classes at Katz Yeshiva High School, bringing inspiration and excitement directly to the teens. Friday night marked a defining moment for BEIS. A standing-room-only Tisch drew more than 70 high school guys, filling the room with singing that carried
P.42 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
late into the night. The Tisch was joined by Dr. Raab, Head of School at Katz Yeshiva High School, underscoring the strength of the partnership between BEIS and the local Yeshiva Day School community. Divrei Torah from Rabbi Eli Zians and Rabbi Benyamin Bortz added depth and direction to an already electric atmosphere. Shabbos morning continued following the BRS Teen Minyan, as advisors once again connected with and inspired teens through conversation, learning, and presence. It was a reminder that what makes these programs work is not a single event, but the relationships and consistency that surround them. What ties these Shabbatons together is not just their success, but what they represent. Each week, SPRKS runs two anchor programs: 4G learning at Boca Jewish Center and Thursday Night in the BEIS at Yeshiva of South Florida. These weekly touchpoints allow teens to build relationships, grow through Torah, and earn scholarships toward NCSY summer programs through their consistent participation. The Shabbatons are not standalone moments. They are the natural result of a system built on trust, energy, and belonging. This is what momentum looks like. Teens showing up. Advisors investing. Schools and shuls opening their doors. Singing that starts on a Thursday night and carries through Shabbos and beyond. SPRKS is not just creating programs. It is building something lasting.
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.43
COMMUNITY NEWS
True Achdut is a Marathon, Not a Sprint By Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick
T h e term “it’s a m a r a thon, not a sprint” is a metaphor suggesting that, at times, we need to focus on the long-term. It is often used when embarking upon a difficult task or when trying to achieve systemic change. It also means that we should pace ourselves moving forward and that we should never expect immediate results or outcomes. So how does this phrase relate to the challenge of achdut? Achdut or Jewish unity is often applied to our Jewish community when klal yisrael joins together as one people, and as one nation both in good times and during times of crisis or danger. Achdut is realized when the Jewish community unites together; and when we coalesce around a common threat or enemy. In a sense, achdut is about coming together towards a common goal and common purpose. Throughout Jewish history, we have witnessed the ebb and flow of achdut bnei yisrael – from the unifying moment when we received the Torah at Har Sinai as an ish echad b’lev echad, to when we exhibited sinat chinam (baseless hatred) resulting in the destruction of the bais HaMikdash.. True achdut is about unity, not uniformity. We never need to think alike in order to be united on a position or “on the same page”.
According to several sociologists achdut may even serve as our Jewish communal defense mechanism against danger, persecution, uncertainty and crisis. Prior to the horrifying October 7th massacre, we witnessed violent demonstrations in Israel regarding proposed Judicial reform laws. This was followed by demonstrations between police and yeshiva students in response to the proposed induction of yeshiva students into the IDF. These divisions appeared to dissipate immediately following October 7th, when acheinu focused once again on an existential threat from its surrounding enemies. Several years ago, I conducted a series of leadership seminars for about 80 yeshiva and Jewish day school teens. We talked about the challenges impacted the Jewish community, including the lack of achdut. I asked the group to define the term achdut. I then proceeded to asked them to identify select examples of what it means be united in true achdut. The responses varied from – we all need to be on the same page, to we must all agree with each other, to we need to find a common ground for ahavat yisrael. These responses were totally expected. They each represented critically important characteristics of achdut. However, there was one phrase which was absent - “DERECH ERETZ”. Not one student mentioned the term respect or phrase derech eretz. It was just not part of their
P.44 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
lexicon when defining achdut. When I shared this response with them, many were puzzled as to how and why derech eretz would be fundamental to achieving achdut. I then proceeded to demonstrate the relationship between achdut and derech eretz. It was a great conversation. Three months later, as part of a Jewish identity-building seminar, I repeated this exercise with twenty young adults. The responses were exactly the same. Not one person suggested the importance of derech eretz when describing achdut. In light of this reality, we must ask ourselves the question - is it really feasible to achieve true achdut in the absence of derech eretz? Achieving communal achdut goes hand-in-hand with derech eretz. If we do not respect each other, achdut becomes an impossible exercise. I would therefore like to suggest that we are conditioned to think about “derech eretz” as an interpersonal relationship between two people, not towards a group, or community. One has derech eretz for a parent, for a teacher, a rebbe or for the store owner at a checkout counter. But derech eretz for a group of people or for a community, is a concept or a position which is foreign to most. This is not an easy concept, but one which nevertheless requires deeper and a more serious conversation. The challenge of how we demon-
FACTORY DIRECT + DESIGNER FOCUSED
COMMUNITY NEWS
GIA
MYLO
SIGMA
NIKO
A FEW OF OUR PROJECTS... Commodore Yacht Club
North Miami Beach
17 Restaurant
Kollel
Soho
Morea Restaurant
JLC
Piegri Restaurant
Shul of Bal Harbor
Pink Steak
Miami beach Kollel
Cookie Corner
THE CHAIR MARKET 1357 ATLANTIC AVE. BROOKLYN, NY 718-363-3097
1211 STIRLING RD. SUITE 101 DANIA BEACH, FL 305-902-9022
PLEASE CALL OR TEXT
IG: THECHAIRMARKET D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.45 THECHAIRMARKET.COM
COMMUNITY NEWS strate derech eretz towards one another is a challenge which requires significant review and analysis. Finally the attainment of achdut requiring a marathon and not a sprint should be embedded in our understanding of how achdut is created, and how it can be sustained. First, it is essential to understand why and how achdut is a fundamentally Jewish concept and value. Standing together with acheinu bnai yisrael in order to support an important position is critical – whether it be standing with Israel, promoting Jewish values, or adhering to principles of civility and respect in our community. Establishing levels of achdut requires a process, it takes time, and it requires conviction, understand-
ing and agreement. And yes, it requires a sense of urgency, a level of respect and derech eretz. Achdut does not happen overnight, nor does it occur on the impulse of the moment, or only when we are in crisis. It is a process and should feel more like a marathon, and not a sprint. It begins with understanding the issues, having respect for those who are not like-minded; supporting a commonality of understanding; and acting in a civil and respectful manner with those who
may be disagreeable. As we know, the positions we take are mixed with imperfection. Having said that, it is incumbent upon all of acheinu bnai yisrael to create the right conditions required to support sustainable achdut. It is our responsibility and obligation which indeed becomes a life-long marathon and not a sprint. 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 in 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-founder of LEV Consulting Associates and producer/host of the Chinuch Horizons podcast series.
Chaim Jakob, DMD South Florida’s Premier Root Canal Specialist 12+ yrs. experience Painless Endodontic care Brand new modern office High tech equipment!
Located in Boca Raton, FL
5818 Stirling Rd. Hollywood, FL 33021 10% 305-692-0300 DISCOUN T IF YOU BR SushiHouseFlorida.com ING IN TH • DINE-IN • SUSHI page PLATTERS camp (sam 2\1 • CATERING)richmend SETUP
E COMMU NITY VOICE MAGAZIN E
• LIVE SUSHI STATION • DELIVERY & PICKUP
561-990-3636 JakobEndo.com
5818 Stirling Rd. Hollywood, FL 33021 305-692-0300 SushiHouseFlorida.com
UPSCALE DISCOVERIES FOR YOUR ENTIRE HOME.
TH
EC
LO
SE
O
U
TC
O
N
N
EC
TI
O
N
.C
O
M
COMMUNITY NEWS
B O R O PA R K
4518 13th Ave. 718.854.2595
CEDARHURST
134 Washington Ave. 516.218.2211
LAKEWOOD TODD PLAZA
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.47 1091 River Ave. (Rt 9) 732.364.8822
COMMUNITY SNAPS YOM
YACHAD
TOMCHEI SHABBOS
P.48 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
COMMUNITY NEWS
JUDAH MANDEL ESQ. ATTORNEY AT LAW
עזריאל ווילהעלם
REAL ESTATE LAW BUSINESS LAW TITLE INSURANCE ESTATE PLANNING
CERTIFIED MOHEL
מוהל מומחה
C: 305.310.5991 P: 305.900.5996 F: 786.734.8915 820 WEST 41ST STREET, SUITE 204 MIAMI BEACH, FL 33140
RABBI EZRIEL WILHELM
732.232.5202 EZRIELWILHELM@GMAIL.COM JUDAH@LAWMANDEL.COM W W W. L AW M A N D E L . C O M
SERVICING THE ENTIRE SOUTH FLORIDA AREA D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.49
COMMUNITY NEWS
MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Pre-College Summer Program Experience Israel through the Eyes of a Student
COME JOIN OUR TEAM EMAIL US AT
Info@tsfcommunityvoice.com
June 29 - July 26, 2026 $12,500 $6,500 (thanks to generous donors) 4 university credits Open to rising juniors and seniors Application deadline March 1, 2026 overseas.huji.ac.il/precollege
And be in the know: • New restaurant openings • Community events • Special sales • School and shul events • Activities for the family
COMMUNITY NEWS
NEW JOB SECTION LOOKING TO HIRE?
LOOKING FOR WORK?
We’ll help you find each other. Email: Info@tsfcommunityvoice.com
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.51
K IDS Z ONE KIDS ZONE . .. T A H T W O N K U O DID Y 1. Mexico Mexico has 64 different indigenous languages still spoken today — not just Spanish!
6. Dominican Republic It’s home to the oldest European city in the Americas, Santo Domingo.
2. The Bahamas The Bahamas has over 700 islands, but only about 30 are inhabited.
7. Cuba Cuba has more classic 1950s cars on the road than anywhere else in the world.
3. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, not a country — but it has its own culture, Spanish language, tropical rainforests, and one of the only bioluminescent bays in the world.
5. Panama You can watch ships travel between two oceans at the Panama Canal — Atlantic to Pacific!
PHOTO CREDIT: BY OGWEN
4. Costa Rica Costa Rica has no army — it abolished its military in 1949 and invests in education and nature instead.
8. Belize Belize has the Great Blue Hole, one of the most famous underwater sinkholes on Earth.
PHOTO CREDIT: BY TONY HISGETT FROM BIRMINGHAM, UK
PHOTO CREDIT: BY ROGER W FROM SARASOTA, FLORIDA, U.S.A.
PHOTO CREDIT: BY JAVIER LOSA
PHOTO CREDIT: BY OQUENDO FROM FREEPORT, NY
PHOTO CREDIT: DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS LIMITED
PHOTO CREDIT: BY MÉXICO EN FOTOS
FACTS ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORS
9. Guatemala Guatemala is home to ancient Mayan pyramids hidden deep in the jungle. 10. Honduras Honduras has part of the second-largest coral reef system in the world, perfect for snorkeling.
K IDS Z ONE KIDS ZONE FIND THE CORRECT SHADOW
UNSCRAMBLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS RELATED TO
OUR NEIGHBORS 1. XEMOCI
6. A B C U
2. SAHABAM
7. Z E B I L E
3. OTSARCI AROC
8. M E U T A L A G A
4. AMANAP
9. S U R D N O H A
5. NACIMODIRAN PERBULIC
10. T R U O P E C I O R
6. CUBA 7. BELIZE 8. GUATEMALA 9. HONDURAS 10. PUERTO RICO
ANSWERS: 1. MEXICO 2. BAHAMAS 3. COSTA RICA 4.PANAMA 5. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
FOOD
Black Eyed Peas and Green Beans By Jamie Geller
• 30 MIN DURATION • 25 MIN COOK TIME • 5 MIN PREP TIME • 4 SERVINGS •
I just love green beans, they cook up quickly and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. This recipe adds in blackeyed peas, a very underrated bean, but they are actually buttery and creamy and add protein to this vegetarian side.
Ingredients • 1 pound green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • 1 large onion diced • 1 15-ounce can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed • 1 teaspoon Tabasco or hot sauce • ½ teaspoon kosher salt • ¼ teaspoon chili powder • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Preparation
1. In a large sauté pan, cook green beans in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5 to 8 minutes. Add onion and cook 8 to 10 minutes more or until onion is translucent and beans are tender. 2. Add black-eyed peas, hot sauce, salt, chili powder, and garlic powder and stir to combine. Heat 2 to 4 minutes and serve immediately.
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. P.54 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
BUSINESS DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIED
COMMUNITY NEWS
CUSTOM MADE FOOT ORTHOTICS Low bulk, dynamic and comfortable. Excellent for balance, sports & pain relief. Adults & Children Rochelle Silberman-Jawitz, Concierge Orthotist (917) 494-1111 SEAMSTRESS Alterations, Dressmaking, including wedding clothes. Phone: (646) 413-4542 Wine News! The new ‘Noble Wines’ catalog has arrived, featuring our latest selection of premium wines. Request your free copy by mail. Just text or email your address and we’ll deliver it straight to your door. Text: (845) 716-8306 or email: news@noblewinesinc.com Seeking 5–10k SF warehouse within one hour of Miami port. Must have 1–2 loading docks. Please call Nathan at 845-764-1755.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIED List your local business, services available, real estate opportunities, Help Wanted, & more!
Basic listing: $10/week Name, number and email address Enhanced listing: $25/week Up to 25 words (additional words $1/each) Deadline: Tuesday at 4pm for next week's issue Contact: andrea@tsfcommunityvoice.com
In-Home Private Pilates for women to strengthen, realign, and ease pain. Personalized sessions and private events + Kosher Healthy Meal Prep. WellnessRena.com 305-404-3904 | WellnessRena@gmail.com Computer, Laptop, iPad & iPhone Repair 954-367-3215 Free-Pickup-in-Aventura.FL Coolstar Air Service llc A/C Install & Repair (954) 200-1369 | coolstarair@yahoo.com IT Tech Support & Low Voltage Services 561-331-1680 | barry@navonpro.com
MOVE TO NORTH FLORIDA Most affordable housing in the entire state Esformes Hebrew Academy of Ormond Beach NOW HIRING • Elementary teacher • Office manager • School Event Coordinator • Drama & Music, Coach Part-time and full-time positions Quiet suburb School and shul community EsformesHebrewAcademy.org Email resume to chanidaytona@gmail.com
Store Manager (West Palm/Boca): Culinary Depot seeks energetic leader to drive sales and ensure smooth operations. Join a fast-paced team! Apply: Jobs@culinarydepot.com
To place a Business Directory/Classified Listing D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.55 contact: andrea@tsfcommunityvoice.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
REAL ESTATE & FINANCE SECTION Be featured in our brand-new Real Estate & Finance Section
Reach 60,000 readers in 25 cities throughout Florida! (954) 662-5054 | info@tsfcommunityvoice.com
Home Equity Line of Credit? We got you covered. Local people, local bank - serving South Florida families with hassle-free loans, competitive rates, and no red tape. Reach out to get started - I’m here to help you every step of the way.
P.56 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
COMMUNITY NEWS
CUTLER BAY
Donny Miller (347) 992-6343
Hollywood, Florida (954) 300 - 3142 BAY HARBOR ISLANDS Jeannette Lerner MillerRealtySouth.com (305) 796-4858
HOLLYWOOD
Contract Pending 6 bdrms, 3.5 baths, 4,200sf, lot size 14,736sf $1.995M
DEERFIELD BEACH
Pearl Dwek (732) 996-2601
BAY HARBOR ISLANDS
Chana Bienstock (516) 449-9692
Kayla Soffer (347) 729-9863
HOLLYWOOD
Contract Pending 3 bdrms, 2 full baths, 1,905sf $745K
HOLLYWOOD
SOLD 2 bdrms, 2 full baths, 1,000sf Multiple Units available starting at $239K
HALLANDALE BEACH
5 bdrms, 3 full baths, 2,600sf $700K
HALLANDALE BEACH
RENTED The Olympus- 1 bdrms, 1.5 baths, 1000sf $199K
1 bedrooms, 1 baths, 730sf $2,200/M
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.57
REAL ESTATE & FINANCE
Misconception #8: Life Insurance Is Not a Good Investment By Glen R. Golish
One of the most common and misunderstood arguments against life insurance is the claim that it is not a good investment. This belief often comes from comparing life insurance to traditional investment vehicles such as stocks bonds or real estate. While the comparison may appear reasonable at first it misunderstands the purpose and structure of life insurance and the role it is designed to play in a thoughtful financial and estate plan. From a Jewish perspective this misconception reflects a deeper issue. It confuses speculation with stewardship. Jewish financial wisdom has never been about chasing the highest return at any cost. It emphasizes balance responsibility and foresight. The goal is not only to grow wealth but to protect it and ensure continuity for future generations. Life insurance is not designed to replace traditional investments. It is designed to complement them. Comparing Life Insurance to the Stock Market When people say life insurance is not a good investment they are usually measuring it against market returns. Stocks may outperform insurance cash values in certain years but they also come with volatility uncertainty and emotional stress. Jewish tradition cautions against placing all of one’s resources into uncertain ventures. As Kohelet teaches “Divide your portion among seven even among eight” emphasizing diversification
and prudence. Life insurance offers something the market never can. It provides guarantees. Permanent life insurance delivers predictable growth contractual certainty and a guaranteed death benefit. It does not fluctuate with headlines elections or economic downturns. In times of market stress it continues to function exactly as intended. This stability is not a weakness. It is the design. What Life Insurance Is and Is Not Life insurance should not be viewed as a stand-alone investment competing for the highest yield. Instead it functions as a financial foundation. One that supports protects and enhances the rest of a family’s plan. Permanent life insurance offers several distinct advantages including tax-deferred cash value growth tax-advantaged access to funds
P.58 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
when structured properly a generally income-tax-free death benefit creditor protection in many states and long-term predictability. In a world where many strategies rely on assumptions and projections life insurance is based on contracts and certainty. That reliability is precisely why it has been used for generations by families seeking to preserve wealth responsibly. Independent research supports this integrated approach. In the paper Benefits of Integrating Insurance Products into a Retirement Plan Ernst & Young notes that insurers are uniquely positioned to address both protection and retirement challenges through solutions that “offer legacy protection tax-deferred savings growth and guaranteed income for life.” Source: Ernst & Young LLP. Benefits of Integrating Insurance Products into a Retirement Plan. EY Global Insurance Practice 2022. The Power of Tax Efficiency One of the most overlooked aspects of life insurance is its tax treatment. Growth inside a permanent life insurance policy is tax-deferred meaning it is not reduced annually by income taxes. When structured properly policyholders may access cash value through loans without triggering income
COMMUNITY NEWS
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.59
REAL ESTATE & FINANCE
tax and death benefits are generally received income-tax-free by beneficiaries. For families in higher tax brackets this efficiency can be meaningful. Investments may generate attractive returns but taxes can significantly erode those gains over time. Life insurance allows more capital to remain intact and more of a family’s legacy to reach the next generation. In Jewish estate planning preserving assets from unnecessary erosion aligns with the principle of bal tashchit the prohibition against waste. Paying avoidable taxes when better planning is available is simply inefficient stewardship. Risk Management Has Value Another reason life insurance is dismissed as a bad investment is because its value is not measured solely by accumulation. But not all value appears on a statement. Life insurance transfers risk. Risk that could otherwise devastate a family. It ensures that even if life is cut short financial obligations are met children are educated homes are protected and dignity is preserved. That protection has real value even if it does not resemble a traditional return. The Ernst & Young research reinforces this point noting that integrated strategies incorporating insurance products can improve both retirement income outcomes and legacy value when compared to investment-only approaches. Source: Ernst & Young LLP. Benefits of Integrating Insurance Products into a Retirement Plan. EY Global Insurance Practice 2022.
Jewish law teaches that one is obligated to remove foreseeable danger. Failing to plan for the financial consequences of death is not neutrality. It is exposure. Life Insurance as a Strategic Asset Sophisticated families do not ask whether life insurance is a good investment. They ask whether it is a useful asset. When viewed through that lens its role becomes clear. Life insurance can be used to equalize inheritances fund estate taxes without liquidating assets provide liquidity for closely held businesses support charitable giving and create guaranteed capital for future generations. For business owners and real estate families life insurance is often the only asset that delivers immediate liquidity at death without forcing a sale at the wrong time. That flexibility alone can preserve significant value. Legacy Planning L’dor V’dor Judaism places deep emphasis on legacy. Wealth is not accumulated merely for comfort but as a means of sustaining family community and tradition across generations. Life insurance is uniquely suited to this mission. When properly structured often through trusts life insurance can pass wealth efficiently privately and predictably. Unlike investments that may be depleted divided or mismanaged life insurance delivers a guaranteed outcome. That certainty allows families to plan with confidence and purpose.
P.60 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
A Better Question Instead of asking whether life insurance is a good investment a better question is this: What role do I need this asset to play in my family’s future? Investments are designed to grow wealth. Life insurance is designed to protect it. The strongest plans do not choose one over the other. They integrate both. Growth without protection is fragile. Protection without growth is incomplete. A Final Perspective Life insurance is not meant to compete with the market. It is meant to stand beside it quietly reliably and powerfully. It reflects foresight responsibility and care. When viewed through a Jewish lens that values prudence continuity and obligation life insurance is not a poor investment at all. It is an expression of wisdom. Because in the end true wealth is not measured only by returns. It is measured by the security we provide the legacy we leave and the peace of mind we give to those who come after us. Glen R. Golish, LUTCF®, CFBS® Glen Golish is President of G Wealth Strategies, LLC. Since 1989 Glen has assisted high net worth individuals, business owners and families reach their maximum wealth potential. He helps clients make conscientious financial decisions for the benefit of their future generations and favorite charities utilizing sound economic, protection and financial strategies. G Wealth Strategies, LLC 3010 N. Military Trail, Suite 318 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Phone: (561) 869-4600 www.gwealthstrategies.com
בס’’ד
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
FOR
Sale
$999,999 950 NE 172ND Street North Miami Beach, Fl 33162
HOLLYWOOD
FOR
Sale
$799,999 4721 W Park Road hollywood, Fl 33021
ing d n e P ale
S HALLANDALE BEACH
FOR
Sale
$200,000 1333 E Hallandale Beach Blvd # 112 Hallandale Beach, Fl 33009
for call us york N O R T H M I A M I B E A C H our new $1,185,000 FOR and 810 NE 182 Street ket North Miami Beach, Fl off mar 33162 s! listing
Sale
ND
DEERFIELD BEACH
FOR
Sale
$99,000 182 Westbury J Deerfield Beach , Fl 33442
Sale
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
FOR
Sale
$509,000 16931 NE 5th Ct North Miami Beach, Fl 33162
g n i d n e Sale P NORTH MIAMI BEACH
MIAMI
FOR
COMMUNITY NEWS
$120,000 15600 NW 7th Ave # 701 Miami, Fl 33169
FOR
Sale
$499,999 1290 NE 162ND Street North Miami Beach , Fl 33162
ing d n e P Sale NORTH MIAMI BEACH
FOR
Sale
$1,150,000 850 NE 182nd Terrace north miami beach, fl 33162
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
FOR
Sale
$1,149,000 17621 NE 7th Avenue North Miami Beach, Fl 33162
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
FOR
FOR
Sale
$565,000 460 NE 169th St North Miami Beach, Fl 33162
Rent
$7,700/m 2101 NE 211th Terrace Highland Lakes/Miami, FL 33179
Yaakov Rosenberg Office: 305-509-5353 Yaakov@ybrteam.com
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.61
www.ybrteam.com
REAL ESTATE & FINANCE
In Trump We Trust?! By Shmuel Shayowitz
Every era has its strongmen and its skeptics, but few modern day leaders command both the devotion and the divisiveness as that of Donald Trump. I’m unapologetically pro-Trump, but I’m far far from a MAGA loyalist. Power always comes with an agenda, and history is brutal to the people who forget that. Trump friction surfaced again recently with the highly secret, surgically precise U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. For some, it was a long-overdue act of justice against a corrupt dictator who destroyed a once-wealthy nation and drove millions into poverty. For others, it was a dangerous breach of international law that risks setting a precedent no one will like when it is used against America. And in the dirty business of geopolitics, both can be true. Almost immediately, that international controversy bled into a second one. As social, religious, and economic-driven protests spread across Iran, President Trump warned that the United States was “locked and loaded” if the regime fired on peaceful demonstrators. Tehran fired back with its own threats, accusing the U.S. and Israel of stirring unrest and promising retaliation against any foreign interference. There is a lot on the line, as one misstep here sends shockwaves through oil markets, currencies, and global stability. While all of this is unfolding overseas, the American household
is fighting a much quieter war at home. The U.S. personal savings rate has dropped to 4.7 percent, one of the lowest readings in years and far below historical norms. In the 1980s, families saved close to ten percent of their income. Today, many are barely scraping by. Wage growth has cooled, inflation persists, and consumer debt keeps hitting new highs. The good news is that in the middle of all this financial pressure, there is a flicker of relief. Mortgage rates quietly ended 2025 at their lowest levels of the year with Freddie Mac’s latest survey showing the current average 30-year fixed at 6.15 percent. (And yes, we are consistently offering rates below Freddie's survey with no points.) As someone who lives in the real estate world, I can tell you that small moves like this matter. For homeowners with equity, it creates breathing room. For aspiring buyers, it cracks opens doors that were shut just months ago. Trump knows that housing is where economic pain manifests. His 2026 housing agenda centers on expanding supply by cutting red tape, opening more federal land for development, and pushing incentives for new construction, particularly for starter homes. He has also floated tax and financing reforms aimed at making ownership attainable again for middle-class families who have been priced out. Whether you think these plans will spark a building boom or risk breaking the market, the message is clear… housing is a key pillar of the American economy, and Trump
P.62 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m
plans to do whatever it takes to stir things up. This is the pattern of Trump’s presidency. He is willing to push boundaries, domestically and globally, to force outcomes. Sometimes that creates opportunity, and sometimes it creates chaos. The Maduro operation shows both at once. So do his warnings to Iran. So do his housing ambitions. Times like these demand access to professionals that can help you navigate and capitalize on these aggressive behaviors and actions. Which brings us to the strangest and most symbolic initiative of all, which is the “Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act.” This legislation would place Trump’s portrait on a new $250 bill, to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Love him or loathe him, that bill would be the perfect metaphor for this era. Trump is not just a leader, he is a brand, a force, and an aberration of the norm. And whether you trust him or not, you may soon find yourself spending his currency, so it's time to load up! Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is a highly 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.
בס״ד
NEW YEAR - NEWCOMMUNITY YOU! NEWS
Real Estate Investment Equity Optimization Financial Budgeting Wealth Accumulation
Investment Opportunities Income Acceleration Israel Planning Debt Consolidation
Empowering you to optimize your...
▪FINANCES▪INCOME
REAL ESTATE
Shmuel Shayowitz APPROVED FUNDING
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 4 / P.63 info.approvedfunding.com/coach
COMMUNITY NEWS
P.64 / T S F C O M M U N I T YVO I C E .C O M | +1 ( 9 5 4 ) 6 6 2 - 5 0 5 4 | I n f o @ t s f c o m m u n i t y v o i c e . c o m