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Smartphones and Kids: Harmful Effects and What to Do About It

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Recent research on the impact of smartphones on children and how we can realistically protect them

Another part of our brains, the prefrontal cortex, is necessary for interpreting emotions and for focusing on tasks, and is also harmed by smartphone use. This part of our brains doesn’t fully develop until people’s mid-20s, and excessive smartphone use can get in the way of that. “

On January 6, two of Apple’s biggest investors published an open letter calling on Apple and other high tech firms to do much more to protect the health of their youngest users. Citing studies showing that smartphones can have grave impacts on kids’ physical and mental well-being, the investors – California State Teachers’ Retirement System and JANA Partners LLC – have opened a major debate, asking tech companies to develop more controls on their products for their youngest users.

What is so bad about kids and smartphones? With more researchers look into the impact of smartphones and other technology on children, here are some recent results, as well as suggestions for what we can do when it comes to protecting kids from smartphone abuse.

 

Stunting Babies’ Brain Development

Consider Shabbat as an antidote to too much smartphone use. For 25 hours each week we’re completely phone free. The results are amazing: a whole day without distractions, when we’re able to focus on each other and ourselves. While it can seem daunting to go a whole 25 hours without a smartphone, doing so is a welcome weekly respite from the tyranny of technology for us all.

The harm that smartphones and other screens do to kids is particularly acute in babies whose brains are still developing. Psychologists call the first three years of a child’s life “the critical period” in brain development because the way that brains grow during these years becomes the permanent base upon which all future learning relies. Receiving information and cues from the real world around them helps babies form neural pathways that make their brains strong and healthy. Stimuli from screens, including tablets and smartphones, get in the way of brains’ normal development, overwhelming their still-developing minds with stimuli.

The damage from too much screen time can be permanent. “The ability to focus, to concentrate, to lend attention, to sense other people’s attitudes and communicate with them, to build a large vocabulary – all those abilities are harmed,” warns Dr. Aric Sigman, an associate fellow the British Psychological Society and a Fellow of Britain’s Royal Society of Medicine.

The ability to interact with other people, to empathize and read people’s feelings all have their foundations in babyhood. Spending time interacting with screens instead of human beings can permanently alter our children’s brain structures, making tasks like forming friendships and understanding the world around them much harder.

 

Harming Teens’ Brain

Indeed, heavy smartphone use is associated with higher rates of stress and depression in kids. One study conducted by the Center on Media and Child Health at the University of Alberta found that over the past three to five years, as smartphone use has skyrocketed, 90% of teachers report that the number of students with emotional challenges is increased; 86% of teachers report that the number of students with social challenges has gone up as well.

While older kids don’t experience the same sort of intense brain development as babies, kids’ and adolescents’ brains continue to develop and can be harmed by too much smartphone use.

The problem is that teenagers’ brains are very adaptable. The experience of using a smartphone, switching rapidly between many activities such as texting and using social media, is associated with lower levels of brain matter in teens’ anterior cingulate cortex, the region in our brains that is responsible for emotional processing and decision-making. Less brain matter in this area is associated with higher rates of depression and addiction.

Another part of our brains, the prefrontal cortex, is necessary for interpreting emotions and for focusing on tasks, and is also harmed by smartphone use. This part of our brains doesn’t fully develop until people’s mid-20s, and excessive smartphone use can get in the way of that. “During our teenage years,” explains Paul Atchley, a psychology professor at the University of Kansas, ”it’s important to train that prefrontal cortex not to be easily distracted. What we’re seeing in our work is that young people are constantly distracted, and also less sensitive to the emotions of others.”

 

Harder to Make Friends:

Given the changes smartphones make to developing brain’s ability to empathize with others, it’s no surprise that smartphone use is associated with difficulty in making friends.

For many teens, smartphones can become a crutch in difficult social situations. “When you’re with people you don’t know well or there’s nothing to talk about, phones are out more because it’s awkward,” one Connecticut high school senior explained to researchers.

Yet this “new normal” where smartphones are such a part of social interaction is dangerous, warns Brian Primack, Director of the Center for Research on Media, Technology and Health at the University of Pittsburgh. “There’s strong research linking isolation to depression, and time spent socializing with improved mood and well-being,” Dr. Primack explains. “If smartphones are getting between an adolescent and her ability to engage in and enjoy face-to-face interaction – and some studies suggest that’s happening – that’s a big deal.”

 

Smartphones and Depression in Kid

Indeed, heavy smartphone use is associated with higher rates of stress and depression in kids. One study conducted by the Center on Media and Child Health at the University of Alberta found that over the past three to five years, as smartphone use has skyrocketed, 90% of teachers report that the number of students with emotional challenges is increased; 86% of teachers report that the number of students with social challenges has gone up as well.

Many teachers blame smartphone use for these jumps. Kids used to go outside during lunch break and engage in physical activity and socialization. “Today, many of them sit all lunch hour and play on their personal devices,” one junior high teacher said.

Between 2010 and 2016, the number of adolescents who experienced major depression grew by 60%, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Suicides have also increased significantly among kids ages 10 to 19 during that time. “These increases are huge – possibly unprecedented,” explains Prof. Jean Twenge of San Diego State University. She has found that since 2010, teens who spend more time using smartphones and other technology are more likely to report having mental health problems than teens who spend less time with their devices.

Prof. Twenge surveyed over half a million adolescents across the United States; her findings paint a troubling portrait of a generation both addicted to and harmed by smartphone use. Kids who spend three hours a day or more on smartphones or other devices are over a third more likely to suffer at least one suicide-related symptom such as feeling hopeless or thinking about suicide than kids who limit their smartphone and other device use to two hours a day or less. Among kids who used devices for five or more hours each day, nearly half reported experiencing at least one suicide related outcome.

Even moderate smartphone and other high tech use can harm our kids’ mental health, Prof. Twenge has found. Kids who use social media every day are 13% more likely to have high levels of depressive symptoms than those who don’t. In her research, teens who ditched their smartphones some of the time and who spent the most time interacting face to face seemed to be the healthiest emotionally.

 

Breaking the Smartphone Addiction

Despite the drawbacks of excessive smartphone use, limiting tech time can be difficult. In fact, many psychologists now view smartphone use as an addiction.

This is partly due to the nature of teenagers’ developing brains. The anterior cingulate cortex, mentioned above in its connection to helping teens develop the characteristic of human empathy, is also a factor in decision-making and addiction. “We know for a fact teens have very underdeveloped impulse control and empathy and judgment compared to adults,” explains Dr. Frances Jensen, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of The Teenage Brain. As kids brains continue to develop, adolescents and teens are more prone to addiction.

Researchers have also found that the speedy interactions teens enjoy on their smartphones floods their brains with neurochemicals like dopamine, which induces a feeling of euphoria. It also can contribute to addiction, as kids learn to rely on the gratification they feel when they use their phones. Once an addiction develops, teens (and others) can experience feelings of anger, depression, fatigue and distraction when they’re not using their phones.

One rehab center near Seattle now offers therapy for smartphone and technology addiction, and has treated children as young as 13. Hilarie Cash, the Center’s founder, has explained that smartphones and other mobile devices can be so stimulating and all-consuming that they “override all those natural instincts that children actually have for movement and exploration and social interaction.”

 

Strategies for Change

Limiting smartphone and other tech use isn’t easy. In fact, in one recent study, teenagers were given a choice: would they rather break a bone in their bodies, or break their phones? It might not come as a surprise to teens and their parents that fully 46% of teenagers said they’d prefer to break a bone than their smartphone.

Yet change is possible. Here are three suggestions for starting to change: both for teens and their families.

  1. Set aside a time every day to go phone free. That’s the advice of New York University Professor Adam Alter who wrote “Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked.” When the thought of giving up a phone seems too scary, try limiting phone use to certain hours each day: Prof. Alter recommends blocking out a time, such as 5-8pm each day, to go phone-free. This proposition might seem less daunting than a wider phone moratorium.
  2. Lead by example. It’s hard to tell your kids to limit their smartphone use if you are glued to your devices. Try setting aside time for the entire family come together, phone-free. That’s the advice of child psychologist Yalda Uhls: specify a set amount of time for your family to interact with no devices in sight. This can help foster the face-to-face interaction and emotional empathy that is lacking from smartphone-based communication.
  3. Consider Shabbat as an antidote to too much smartphone use. In my own family, we also struggle with too much technology time. Shabbat is the one day a week when we don’t have to worry about smartphones and other devices. For 25 hours each week we’re completely phone free. The results are amazing: a whole day without distractions, when we’re able to focus on each other and ourselves. While it can seem daunting to go a whole 25 hours without a smartphone, doing so is a welcome weekly respite from the tyranny of technology for us all.

By: Dr. Yvette Alt Miller
(Aish.com)

 

Gal Gadot Sparks Controversy; Wears Dress by Lebanese Designer

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Days after Gal Gadot wore a dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in New York, controversy over her choice seems not to die down.
Elie Saab’s Instagram followers attacked the designer for posting a picture of the Israeli actress wearing his dress. In the post, Saab bragged about the Israeli star’s choice of clothes and called her “flawless”. But shortly afterwards, he was forced to remove the post after Lebanese Instagram users called him a “traitor”.

Days after Gal Gadot wore a dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in New York, controversy over her choice seems not to die down.

In yet another chapter of the Israeli actress’ tormented relationship with the Lebanese public, Elie Saab’s Instagram followers attacked the designer for posting a picture of the Israeli actress wearing his dress.

In the post, Saab bragged about the Israeli star’s choice of clothes and called her “flawless”. But shortly afterwards, he was forced to remove the post after Lebanese Instagram users called him a “traitor”.

Gal Gadot had already sparked debate in Lebanon when her movie “Wonder Woman” was distributed last year. Hours before the first screenings in Beirut the movie was censored by the Interior Ministry, following a campaign against what was called “an Israeli soldier’s film”.

Gal Gadot had already sparked debate in Lebanon when her movie “Wonder Woman” was distributed last year. Hours before the first screenings in Beirut the movie was censored by the Interior Ministry, following a campaign against what was called “an Israeli soldier’s film”.

Three years before, during the Israeli Operation Protective Edge in Gaza, Gal Gadot had posted a picture of her and her daughter praying for the Israeli youth involved in the offensive. Like most Israelis, the actress had served in the army, specializing in combat training.

“I am sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens,” she wrote. “Especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children…We shall overcome!!! Shabbat Shalom! #weareright #freegazafromhamas #stopterror #coexistance #loveidf”

“I love and respect Elie Saab, but is he really pleased when an Israeli actress wears his dress?” tweeted Lebanese journalist Heba Bitar (pictured above). “I don’t have a problem with her wearing @ElieSaabWorld but I do have a problem with posting her picture from Elie Saab’s account and bragging about an ex-Israeli soldier wearing his dress!” tweeted one critic. “Don’t ruin one the few things that make us proud Lebanese people!”

The Israeli star has not publically addressed the Lebanese boycott of her movie since it hit screens. Surprisingly, a sequel she also starred in, Justice League, was cleared for screening in the country.

According to a report on Ynet News, this was not the first time Gadot has faced backlash from Americans of Arab descent, not merely for being an Israeli but also for having served in the IDF.

“I love and respect Elie Saab, but is he really pleased when an Israeli actress wears his dress?” tweeted Lebanese journalist Heba Bitar.

“I don’t have a problem with her wearing @ElieSaabWorld but I do have a problem with posting her picture from Elie Saab’s account and bragging about an ex-Israeli soldier wearing his dress!” tweeted one critic. “Don’t ruin one the few things that make us proud Lebanese people!”

Israel and Lebanon are officially at war with each other, even though the last open confrontation between the Israeli Defense Forces and the arch-enemy militia Hezbollah happened in summer 2006. Since 2011, with the beginning of the civil war in Syria, Lebanon’s Shiia militia Hezbollah has been involved in operations to support President Bashar Assad against rebel forces in Syria.

Edited by: JV Staff
(i24 News & Ynet)

 

Michael Douglas Denies Charges of Sexual Misconduct in Hollywood Reporter Story

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Michael Douglas, the Oscar winning actor and producer, and famed son of Kirk Douglas, announced before it became common knowledge, that pending allegations that he masturbated in front on an aspiring actress and then had her blackballed from Hollywood, were false.

Michael Douglas, the Oscar winning actor and producer, and famed son of Kirk Douglas, announced before it became common knowledge, that pending allegations that he masturbated in front on an aspiring actress and then had her blackballed from Hollywood, were false.

Douglas, who received his Bachelor Degree in Drama at the University of California and won a series of Emmy nominations for his role in the ABC drama the Streets of San Francisco, has had an incredible career in film which began when he produced One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest starring Jack Nicholson. Douglas has starred in numerous films in both serious and comical nature with the height of his acting career taking place during the 1980s in such films as Romancing the Stone (1984) and Wall Street (1988).

Douglas related to Deadline Hollywood that he had been informed that the Hollywood Reporter was set to publish as story detailing supposed misdeeds that had taken place during the heyday of his acting career during the 1980s. The unidentified woman had worked for the actor’s production company in New York City, the Douglas related.

The allegations come at a time during of increased sensitivity in both the dramatic arts, the political world and in the news business around sexual harassment claims by high powered players such as Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer and other prominent figures.

Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones both support the #MeToo movement which centers around women who have been sexually assaulted. At the recent Golden Globes awards, actresses wore black in solidarity with those who had fallen prey to sexual misconduct by people like Weinstein and even well-respected actors like Dustin Hoffman, et. al.

“I don’t know where to begin,” the 73-year-old actor said in disbelief. “This is a complete lie, fabrication, not truth to it whatsoever,” Douglas told Deadline.

“I felf the need to get ahead of this,” Douglas related, as it “pertains to me but I’m also getting a sense of how it reflects in our culture, and what is going on today.”

While Douglas admitted that he often used profanities during his professional relationships, he had never directed any foul language in her presence adding that the woman worked in development and because “we didn’t have a good development record . . . I just moved on. I never blackballed her.”

Zeta-Jones defended her husband saying the they were “seeing changes that have taken many years t even be talked about. Jones and Douglas have been married for 17 years and their son, back in 2014, had his Bar Mitzvah in Israel.

By: Andrew Schiff

 

Jewish Woman in UK Gets Special Note from Prince Harry & Meghan Markle

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Meghan Markle, 36, and Prince Harry, 33, are to marry May 18th at Windsor Castle in what is to be a televised occasion

The upcoming royal wedding of the world’s most eligible bachelor, Prince Harry, and American actress Meghan Markle has the world royally exited. The couple has received well wishes from exited royal watchers as well as other celebrities and heads of state from around the world–but not everyone receives a personalized note in response, except of course, for Edna Levi, who lives just outside Leeds, England and is a members of the Leeds Jewish community.

The British born Levi, who is in her eighties, sent a congratulatory note expressing her “Mazel Tov” to the newly engaged couple, wanting to feel part of the excitement regarding the royal and highly publicized nuptials. What Ms. Levi did not expect when she checked her mail one day was a letter delivered straight from Buckingham Palace. Surely thousands of well wishers had sent similar notes to the couple, and yet Harry and Megan responded personally to the woman’s letter, leaving her both shocked and elated.

Ms. Levi’s note in part read:

“I’m British born but a member of the Jewish faith and we say Mazel Tov on a happy occasion. This is why I am saying it to you and wishing you well and good health.”

The prince and his American fiancée were so touched by the note they wrote back how “thoughtful” and “greatly appreciated” Ms. Levi’s words were.

“I’ve never written to the royal family before but I like Prince Harry because of the way he looks after charities, he’s a nice, normal young man,” said Ms. Levi, who was beyond shocked that she received such a heartfelt and personal reply.

Markle, 36, and Prince Harry, 33, are to marry May 18th at Windsor Castle in what is to be a televised occasion. The couple had received so much publicity during their courtship that Kensington Palace issued a letter warning the press to leave Ms. Meghan alone and also called out certain publications for their stories on the couple featuring sexist and racial undertones. Ms. Markle, who left her TV show Suits prior to the engagement, was previously married to Trevor Engelson, a Jewish film producer.

By Julie L. Sagoskin

 

Emanuel Rund; The Initiator of the Int’l Holocaust Remembrance Day

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Emanuel Rund tells of his life in New York and Hollywood and his successful start in to the film business. "Suddenly, I wanted to know where I came from," he said. In 1984, he traveled with his mother to her hometown of Aurich in East Friesland. There he learned the story of his relatives who were murdered by the Nazis; such as his grandparents Joseph and Ida Wolffs

“I wanted a day of remembrance for all the victims of National Socialism together” – An Interview with Emanuel Rund

A scene from Emanuel Rund’s film, “All Jews Out!”

Emanuel Rund, successful documentary filmmaker and producer, grew up as the son of German Jews in Israel. When he moved to Germany after completion of training, he noticed that there was in this country no remembrance for the victims of National Socialism–and grabbed the process of memory reprocessing in Germany under the arms. Johanna Strunge has spoken to us by Rund.

If Emanuel Rund talks about his idea for a German Day of Remembrance for Victims of National Socialism, he begins with his life in America. Around grows up as the son of German Jews in Israel. For his training as a documentary filmmaker, he goes to the USA. He tells of his life in New York and Hollywood and its successful start into the film business. “Suddenly, I wanted to know where I came from.” In 1984, he travels with his mother in her hometown Aurich in East Friesland. There he learns the story of his murdered by the Nazis relatives–such as his grandparents Joseph and Ida Wolffs.

About the history of his family, he opens up gradually about the history of National Socialism. “It surprised me very much that there is no remembrance for the Holocaust in Germany,” says Rund. He knows the Yom HaShoah, the Israeli Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was introduced in 1951.

Rund remains in Germany and his life builds up over the eighties here. He is rabbi and cantor of some communities and on the board of the Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation. He is in contact with important people from politics, the church and education. These contacts he uses to express his desire for a Remembrance Day: “I have asked hundreds of these people, if they cannot help to establish a memorial in Germany.”

A new impetus given its commitment to the memorial but only by Karin: 1994 goes Rund with a group of young people to Israel. He films them as they meet survivors, talk with volunteers of the Action Reconciliation Service for Peace and Yom HaShoah commemoration participate in Israeli at Yad Vashem. “Then,” he says, ” one of the young Germans, Karin, said in the camera that she was ashamed that there was no memorial day in Germany.” He uses the opportunity, as he calls it, ” to be naughty.”

He goes back to Germany to talk to the people; among other things, he will meet with the President of the Bundestag Prof. Dr. Rita Süssmuth. Again and again he asks the people the question: “Can you do something for the young people in your country who are ashamed that there is no memorial in their country?” In 1995, he engaged in almost around the clock so.

“And then I got in early January 1996, the response from Berlin, the German President Roman Herzog have now taken over this project,” says Round, “and that he will proclaim a day of remembrance for Germany 27 January.” He laughs and cries, ” Hallelujah! ”

On 3rd of January 1996, President Roman Herzog declared the January 27th, a day of remembrance for the victims of National Socialism. The date commemorates 27 January 1945, when the Red Army liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp. It is envisaged that day express all of whom the Nazis systematically persecuted. “That was for me from the beginning of special concern,” says Rund. “I wanted to put together a day of remembrance for the Jews, homosexuals, gypsies, political and clergy resistance and all the other victims of persecution.”

President Roman Herzog and Rund are of the opinion that in fact, the commemoration of the Holocaust is of great importance for the young generation. “My goal is always the education of the younger generation and the motivation for a better future,” said Rund. Therefore all witnesses were interviewed by young people in his second German film “All Jews Out!”. He also raves about imaginative school projects in the framework of the German Remembrance Day.

Nevertheless Rund also exerts considerable criticism: “January 27, when you go to the Marienplatz in Munich or at Alexanderplatz in Berlin, you do not notice that it is a memorial day! In Israel that is quite different. There, we all know from Memorial Day and it would take place in the morning. Around 10:00 o’clock am, a two-minute siren is sounded. “In every city and even on the highway everything stops, people go out and then stand for two minutes in silence.” Rund says that this would also be a good addition to the German Day of Remembrance for Victims of National Socialism. But he doesn’t want to set it now: “I now have so many other projects. Especially I am busy for example in the process of digitizing my huge private archive so it is available to the public.

He laughs and says: “I grabbed the Memorial Day project under my arms and now I’m looking for people who grab me by the arms… ”

Whoever wants to know more about Emanuel Rund can visit his blog at http://emanuelrund.wordpress.com.

The interview was conducted by Johanna Strunge, 2009/10 ASF volunteer.

As Emanuel Rund came in 1985 to shoot his first film in Germany, one of many issues he had to “settle” with the Germans was to initiate a memorial day for the Holocaust and for all other victims of the Nazis. He did it in the early 1990’s, raising the issue with many people he met. The last phase of the campaign was in May 1994 after filming young Germans on the Jewish Memorial Day to the Holocaust, Yom-Hashoah in Yad Vashem. He campaigned for one and a half years; spoke with over 200 politicians, civil activists, teachers and the clergy.

Then on January 3rd 1996 the German President Roman Herzog chose the 27th of January as a Memorial Day. Later it was adopted by the European Union, followed by the UN as The International Remembrance Day for the whole world.

Edited by: JV Staff

 

 

Autistic IDF Recruits Beckon Age of Inclusive Vision in the Military

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Roim Rachok cadets receive guidance from their commanding officer
A Roim Rachok cadet scans aerial photographs for suspicious activity

For decades, service in the Israel Defense Forces has been an important rite of passage for Israeli youth and a launch pad for social and professional success. But until recently, young adults on the Autism spectrum were unable to take advantage of this crucial and transformative experience. That is, until a forward-thinking program righted this shortsighted mistake in a way that benefits the entire Jewish State.

Known as “Roim Rachok” (literally “looking beyond the horizon”), the innovative program allows young adults with “high functioning” Autism, those who have above-average intelligence but struggle with social interaction and communication, to join the IDF as volunteer soldiers. Using their unique abilities of spatial intelligence and visual perception, these young cadets make valuable contributions to Israel’s most sensitive security operations.

Thanks to Roim Rachok, Pvt. E, a young man on the spectrum who never thought he would be able to join the army now serves in a sensitive intelligence unit. Though he struggled with certain social situations and was often easily distracted, the skills he gained from the program allowed him to secure a position working in software quality assurance, accomplishing what he and his family previously deemed impossible.

The brainchild of Tamir Pardo, the former head of the Mossad, and his retired colleagues, Tal Vardi and Leora Sali, Roim Rachok empowers young men and women on the Autism spectrum, teaching them basic life skills and preparing them for Israel’s job market through extensive training and invaluable security experience.

“I knew this program had potential because it taps into their strengths, specifically intense focus for extensive periods of time and strong visual capabilities,” says Sali, who understands this from her own experience as the mother of a son on the Autism spectrum. “I first became involved in this out of personal motivation, but I have moved on to a broader goal – to do something that has an impact on others.”

In order to ensure the greatest impact, Roim Rachok enlisted the help of the organization Beyond the Horizon and Ono Academic College the fastest growing institute of higher education in Israel and a model of inclusive undergraduate and graduate programming, to train both the recruits and the IDF commanders, most of whom have little experience interacting with individuals on the spectrum. Ono Academic College provides Roim Rachok with access to a full faculty of health professionals, including occupational and speech therapists which also enables the students to work with Roim Rachok for their practical experience.

During the first three months of the program, the pre-army training takes place at Ono Academic College, where a team of military specialists and health professionals, including speech, occupational and emotional therapists and psychotherapists, teach the recruits how to communicate with their commanders, make presentations in public, write a polite email, and travel using public transportation. Throughout the course, the curriculum focuses equally on technical and socio-emotional training, preparing recruits to work with others in a professional setting. The training continues for three more months at an army base in an effort to ease the recruits into their news surroundings.

Once the training is complete, the newly-minted soldiers are accompanied by an occupational therapist and a psychotherapist, who provide guidance to the cadets on the spectrum and their commanders and colleagues.

“Commanders have told me that working with Autistic soldiers has made them better commanders and better human beings,” says Sali. “They say they are better able to accept others, with their strengths and weaknesses, and develop more patience and sensitivity, which affects their relationships with all soldiers, not just the ones on the spectrum.”

Back in 2013, the program’s first group was trained to scan aerial photographs for suspicious activity, a role that requires great concentration. The recruits’ success in this area led to the growth of the program, which now prepares the teens to work in software quality assurance, information sorting, electro-optics and various tasks for the air force and intelligence.

Once they reach 21, individuals on the spectrum are usually burdened with the challenge of fending for themselves following the cessation of state-funded programs and assistance. Roim Rachok provides its graduates with a soft landing that includes a network of friends, a toolbox of life skills, a greater sense of belonging in mainstream Israeli society, and a professional future.

“A number of companies have expressed interest in hiring our graduates. And for the first time, they are able to decide what they do and how they do it,” says Sali. “There is a ripple effect, and this program touches more than just the recruits – it impacts their extended families and their entire neighborhoods. It’s a change in Israeli society, and we’re part of that.”

By: Ayala Young

 

 

ABCs of Tu B’Shvat

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On Tu B’Shvat, it is also customary to eat a "new fruit" – a seasonal fruit that you have not yet tasted this season

The “new year for trees” has a special set of meaningful customs.

Tu B’Shvat appears in the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 2a) as one of the four “new years” in the Jewish calendar:

“Beit Hillel says that the ‘new year for the trees’ is the 15th of Shevat – Tu B’Shvat.”

The custom on Tu B’Shvat is to eat fruits from the seven species for which the Land of Israel is praised: “…a land of wheat, barley, [grape] vines, fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and [date] honey” (Deut. 8:8).

Kabbalistic tradition even includes a mystical Tu B’Shvat “seder” service (conceptually similar to the Passover seder), where the inner dimensions of fruits are expounded, along with blessings, songs and deep discussion. The 16th century kabbalist Arizal taught that eating 10 specific fruits and drinking four cups of wine in a specific order can bring one closer to spiritual perfection.

Some Jews preserve their etrog from Sukkot and eat it on Tu B’Shvat. This is also considered a propitious day to pray for a beautiful etrog on the following Sukkot.

In contemporary Israel, Tu B’Shvat is a sort of Jewish Arbor Day – a day of environmental awareness where trees are planted in celebration.

 

Agricultural Laws in Israel

Tu B’Shvat has great significance in the agricultural laws that are relevant in the Land of Israel.

As “new year for the trees,” Tu B’Shvat is the cut-off date in the Hebrew calendar for calculating the age of a fruit-bearing tree.

Each tree is considered to have its “birthday” on Tu B’Shvat. This means if you planted a tree a few weeks before Tu B’Shvat, it begins its second year on Tu B’Shvat; whereas a tree planted after that time does not reach its second year until the following Tu B’Shvat.

Think of Tu B’Shvat as the fiscal year for agriculture.

The practical relevance of this is that during a tree’s first three years, its fruits are forbidden under the biblical injunction against eating Orlah (Leviticus 19:23).

Furthermore, Tu B’Shvat is the new year for determining the tithes: In years 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the 7-year Shmita cycle, 10 percent of produce grown in Israel is Maaser Sheni, which must be redeemed with a coin. In years 3 and 6 of the cycle, that 10 percent is Maaser Ani.

When partaking of fruits grown in Israel, they must be properly tithed. Otherwise, the fruits are not “kosher.”

 

Blessings on Fruit

The proper blessing before eating any fruit is:

“Baruch Atah Adod-nai Elohai-nu Melech HaOlam boray pri ha-aitz.”

“Blessed are you God, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the tree.”

[A few fruits, such as pineapple, have a different blessing – the last word is changed to “ha-adama.”]

On Tu B’Shvat, it is also customary to eat a “new fruit” – a seasonal fruit that you have not yet tasted this season.

When eating two foods with the same bracha, e.g. a date and an apple that both require Ha’aitz, one bracha covers both foods.

If you plan to eat more than one kind of fruit, the principle is: Say a blessing (bracha) over the more important of the two foods. The Code of Jewish Law (OC 211) outlines a specific order in which to say the bracha over (and consequently which food to eat first).

A key factor in determining “importance” is the special “Seven Species.” Therefore when faced with two foods of the same bracha – e.g. dates and apples – you would say Ha’aitz on the dates (one of the seven species).

[The special status of the Seven Species applies even to non-Israeli produce. Although, with all things being equal, produce grown in Israel has bracha-preference over produce from the Diaspora.]

Furthermore, this verse teaches the order of importance within the seven species themselves. The rule is that a fruit or grain that is mentioned closer to the word “land” (which appears twice in the verse) is considered of higher importance. Within the seven species, the order of importance is:

wheat / barley / olives / dates / grapes / figs / pomegranates

To memorize this list, one rabbi suggests the following ditty, whose first letters correspond to the first letter of the seven species, in order: We Believe One Day God Forgives Penitents.

By: Rabbi Shraga Simmons
(Aish.com)

For more details on the laws of brachos, see:

 

Insights Into Tu B’Shevat – Holy Eating

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Rav Tsadok HaKohen (a Chassidic rebbe who lived in Poland, 1823-1900) explains that at our Tu'B'Shvat table we are reenacting what life was like for Adam and Eve before their sin, when they were fruitarians

Run a search on food and Jewish culture on Google and you will get about 2,380,000 results, including one which starts with the observation that “Jewish culture is often associated in the popular imagination with food.” For that matter, Jewish culture is often associated in the Jewish imagination with food- as are our spiritual beliefs and practices. It’s difficult to even think about a Jewish holiday, any Jewish holiday, without thinking about a. what you eat that day or b. what you aren’t allowed to eat on that day.

So where does this obsession come from?

Actually, there are some deep spiritual roots to the Jewish obsession with food- what, how, and when it should be consumed.

When the first man and woman were created, Adam and Eve, they were given two explicit commandments: to eat from all the trees of the garden, and not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Yet, they ate from it. So the first sin committed in this world was a sin of improper eating. It was through this sin that the yeitzer hara (evil inclination) became a part of each of us, challenging us to this day with obstacles to our spiritual growth. When Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge, an impurity was brought into the world as a whole as well.

On Tu’B’shvat we have a unique opportunity to fix all of that.

Rav Tsadok HaKohen (a Chassidic rebbe who lived in Poland, 1823-1900) explains that at our Tu’B’Shvat table we are reenacting what life was like for Adam and Eve before their sin, when they were fruitarians. When we sit before our Tu B’Shvat spread, our table filled with fruits of every sort, it is as if we have returned to the Garden of Eden, and are fulfilling the one explicit positive commandment that we received there- one of the most ancient commandments in the Torah. It’s really pretty awesome in its simple way.

Yet how do we account for the negative commandment of not eating from the Tree of Knowledge? Especially since many of the fruits of our table are suspected of being of the same species as the infamous forbidden Tree of Knowledge. One opinion says it was a fig tree, another says it was a grape vine (which actually was a tall tree in the Garden of Eden, but was lowered to a vine by the sin of Adam and Eve), another opinion says that it was wheat…. In fact, for each of the seven species of fruit associated with the Land of Israel, all of which are eaten on Tu B’shvat, there is an opinion that it is the species of the forbidden tree.

It seems like when we sit down to eat fruits on Tu B’shvat, we’re doing the same thing Adam and Eve did- we’re obeying the positive commandment while violating the negative one. It can’t be that we are brazenly disobeying G d’s command and eating specifically from the Tree of Knowledge (i.e. olives, dates, etc) and calling it a mitzvah.

Rav Tsadok explains that the Tree of Knowledge was all of the seven species and none of them at the same time. He explains that the Tree of Knowledge was not one species of fruit as opposed to another- it was not a thing at all but a way of doing something- a way of eating. Whenever a person grabs pleasure from the world, he falls spiritually and it is as if he is eating from the Tree of Knowledge. What does it mean to grab pleasure? It means to get so distracted by the pleasure of consumption that we forget about our Creator. We take the gift and leave the Giver behind.

When we eat the many fruits associated with the Tree of Knowledge on Tu B’shvat and do so with consciousness of our Creator, that in itself is a rectification of what happened in Garden of Eden.

Based on a tradition from the Sefer Yetzira, the world’s oldest work of Kabbalah, we all know that the Hebrew month of Shvat is a time when there is a unique opportunity to rectify our relationship with food and with pleasure in general.

This is expressed in the passage which states: “G-d made the letter tsadik rule over indulgent eating, the month of Shvat and the gizzard in the soul.”

The word used for eating is l’eita , and not achila . L’eita is more gluttonous. It’s the word that Esau uses when he comes in from the field, famished, and asks Jacob to “stuff some of the red stuff you’re cooking down my throat.” For these words, his generations carry the name Edom (related to adom, “red”), to this day.

By: Sarah Schneider
(Chabad.org)

 

Rabbi Mendel Kessin on President Trump and his Relationship to the Heralding of Moshiach

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Rabbi Mendel Kessin received his first smicha from the late great Rabbi Moshe Feinstein and went on to receive several more from Israeli rabbis. R'Kessin is also a graduate of Fordham University, where he received his professional degree in psychology
Rabbi Kessin says: Trump is not the messiah of the Jews; but he is the catalyst to “m’taher”—purify—the good part of Esau, which is America.

The following ideas are gleaned almost exclusively from a shiur that Rabbi Mendel Kessin gave on motzei Shabbat, December 23rd, 2017 in Lakewood New Jersey. In addition, there are a few ideas taken from his previous shiurim. I have tried to assemble his ideas and present them in a style that is both natural to me and allows me to express the power and importance that I ascribe to them. I have also incorporated some of the language as articulated by him.

The dramatic events of recent weeks, occurring in rapid succession — namely Trump’s brazen stance on behalf of Jerusalem and the U.N.’s consequential reaction to it, the commutation of Rubashkin’s imprisonment, the passing of the tax reform bill, and the reforms in Saudi Arabia — are all the more exciting if regarded as steps of a messianic process.

Trump’s action of declaring Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was immediately denounced as “counterproductive.” Strident voices warned of risks to the peace process while cries of uprising resounded in the Muslim world. Trump’s action was reckoned as a possible cause for a crusade to wrest Jerusalem from the Jews, not unlike medieval Christendom’s crusades to wrest Jerusalem from the Muslims. Almost immediately, the U.N. demanded that Trump rescind his declaration.

Trump warned he would de-fund those who enjoy America’s largesse while spurning its values. Trump’s release of Rubashkin came suddenly on the eighth day of Chanukah. The ensuing raucous, global celebration is not unlike Yosef finding himself just hours after his release standing before the imperial man-god of Egypt. Auspiciously, on the same day as Rubashkin’s release, the long-awaited tax reform bill was approved, heralding for its proponents a prosperous future. Lastly, Saudi Arabia’s radical shift toward liberalism and modernity, its abandonment of Wahhabi extremism suggests that, this too, is messianic.

We know, according to the Ramban, that events of the Patriarchs are the template for their descendants. The hidden story of Ya’akov and Esau reveals the prophetic features of recent events. The epic struggle begun in Rivkah’s womb is, in actuality, the future unfolding of the messianic era.

The following is a synopsis of Rabbi Mendel Kessin’s shiur.

1- Background: Whereas the patriarchal task of Ya’akov was to bring down kedusha, dwelling in tents of Torah, Esau, who was no less a patriarch, had a different task. His was to subdue and destroy evil in the bloody, debauched fields of the world. Esau’s neshama as “shoresh” — root soul — was meant to destroy the root of evil, the Satan, ending evil’s existence. Unfortunately, Esau succumbed to the Satan’s wiles and, instead of fighting him, fed him. Having failed, the task of rectifying creation, which is referred to as the “tikun” process, continues instead with Ya’akov and his descendents’ observance of mitzvot, doing t’shuva, or enduring suffering. All three of these terms are tikun devices. But even Esau’s failure to be part of the tikun process and resultant loss of the blessing is destined for a reclamation and reversal.

2- The Prophecy: This state of affairs of Esau’s possible failure of his task was preceded by a prophecy given to our matriarch Rivkah, that the elder of the twin brothers, i.e. Esau, agitating within her would “serve” the younger. But the wording of “serve” in the Torah text can be read either as “ya’avod” he shall serve or “va’aved” he shall oppress, due to the absence of pronunciation markings — nekudot in the Torah text. Therefore two potential meanings emerge. Thus Esau must be involved in the tikun or rectification process by either assisting Ya’akov directly in his observance of the mitzvot, or being the cause of his suffering, which is also a tikun method.

What emerges from this is that Esau will serve Ya’akov if he serves G-d’s Will, or Esau will persecute and oppress him if he sins. Such has been the relationship between B’nei Yisroel (the nation of Ya’akov) and Edom (the nation of Esau) since the inception of the Roman subjugation which ultimately morphed into Christianity and its subsequent inquisitions and expulsions, and again morphing into Western Civilization and its subsequent pogroms, blood libels, crusades, and exterminations i.e. Holocaust.

Esau has indeed fostered judgment and suffering upon the Jews for their myriad transgressions. However, this hostile and antagonistic relationship is destined for a reversal of his original task of serving Ya’akov. The elder will indeed eventually serve the younger, and will rejoin Yisroel in the final phase of the Jewish national task — tikun, and thereby receive merit and reward.

3- The Struggle: “A man fought with Ya’akov all night,” scripture says. The man is Esau’s guardian angel, Satan. Why all night? Four thousand years of crushing exile is indeed a long night. When morning dawns, and the messianic era commences, the angel demands to be released. Ya’akov refuses unless and until the angel blesses him. The angel’s blessing admits that Ya’akov has prevailed over him. As victor, Ya’akov is now the legitimate appointee of G-d. He has earned the name “Yisroel.” Esau also concurs by saying, “Let that which is yours, be yours.” It is of critical importance to note that Esau’s complaint against Ya’akov for stealing the blessings and the birthright is withdrawn.

So who are these fractured manifestations of Esau today? Edom’s three-fold nature, like that of its progenitor who is Esau, is arrogance, fraudulence, and hedonism. Who are Edom’s practitioners of recent times? They are: The Soviet Union, the arrogant Communist state descendant from the ruthless Czars and Russian aristocrats. Europe is the magnificent fraud which gave the world the Enlightenment even as it was brutalizing the Jews, ornamenting its treachery with gold-leafed splendor. Hedonistic America has been comparatively benign, a purveyor and consumer of pleasure and exponent of liberty and justice. America is the “tov she’b’Esau” to be purified by his t’shuva.

4- Vidui / T’shuva: Who will do this? Donald J. Trump is that man, though he is unaware of his Divine mission and certainly wouldn’t believe it if he were told so. What, basically, is a messianic figure but someone who creates a paradigm shift or, in Trump’s phraseology, “drains the swamp.” Certainly, Trump is not the messiah of the Jews; but he is the catalyst to “m’taher” — purify — the good part of Esau, which is America. Trump is Esau’s representative in the field, tamping down America’s evil, helping Israel, and, at long last, returning to the original task which he was born to accomplish, namely, tikun rectification.

The declaration that Jerusalem, the holy city of G-d, is Israel’s capital is Edom’s admission that Israel is, undeniably, G-d’s appointee, and Judaism is its spiritual root. And if Jerusalem is the Jewish capital, then what else is Israel but the Jewish homeland? “Let that which is yours, be yours” declares Esau. Consider too that shortly after his inauguration, Trump visited the Kotel, being the only U.S. president to do so. Recall that popular image of him in meditation, testifying to the supremacy of the G-d of Abraham in view of the entire world, an act of t’shuva on behalf of Esau. As an addendum to this, there are two more acts of t’shuva: First, Trump gave a Chanukah party at the White House. What is Esau/Edom doing praising Jews for their Chanukah? It is a form of vidui — confession — that the spiritual nexus of the Jews is the Beit ha’Mikdash for what else is the essential event of Chanukah but the rededication of the Beit Ha’Mikdash? Next, Edom/Trump, by commuting Rubashkin’s sentence, symbolically expresses regret and remorse for the continuing treachery toward the Jews who, though not unstained by sin, were, like Rubashkin, certainly ravaged and brutalized beyond their due. And the accompanying ecstasy, the dancing in the streets of the world by throngs of Jews implies that Rubashkin’s liberation was intuitively felt like the liberation of all Klal Yisroel. Furthermore, we should regard his liberation to be a subtle harbinger of the way Moshiach ben Yosef will appear, suddenly and with tumultuous fanfare.

5- Satan’s Demise: With Trump’s ongoing fortification of America and its might enlisted on behalf of Israel, that prosecutorial angel, namely the Satan, already weakened from millennia of our mitzvot, t’shuva and suffering, is nearly vanquished. His desperation is demonstrated by the opposition to Trump which is unprecedented and extraordinary.

6- Gog u’Magog: It is critical to understand that the U.N. is the present-day Gog u’Magog that is prophesied by Ezekial, chapter 38. The numerical value of Gog u’Magog is “70,” which is the total number of roots of the nations of the world. It is Edom’s /America’s repentance and its mission to defend the Jewish nation against its enemies. We see now that the continual attacks on Israel are being blocked by Trump. We now have a formidable advocate powerful enough to temper their vicious and outrageous claims.

7- T’hara Purification of Ishmael: In the last days, Ishmael, like Esau, has a t’hara. Yalkut Shemoni 499 of Yeshayahu prophesies that shortly before Moshiach ben David appears, Poras (Persia, present-day Iran) wars with Arav (Arabia, present-day Saudi Arabia) and Arav seeks counsel with Edom (America). The Saudis/Sunnis and their allies (Ishmaelites) have woken up to the fact that unless it allies itself with America and Israel, they’re defenseless against Iran and its allies. Furthermore, with the advent of electric and hydrogen-powered cars, they anticipate the price of oil declining. So, having dismissed the radical Wahhabi clerics, replacing them with religious advisors amenable to Christianity and Judaism, and collaborating with Trump and Israel, Salman has aligned himself anew. The Palestinian Authority is becoming “neutered ” and rendered irrelevant. Deals disadvantageous to Israel are fading and there is a chance for Israel’s stunted growth to regenerate.

8- The Downfall of the “Erev Rav”: This term refers to those forces that seek to destroy the authority of the Torah which is the unique bond between G-d and the Jews. It would seem that the current manifestation of the Erev Rav is the media, the Supreme Court, the Knesset , the military establishment, and those prominent Jews who seek to sever or weaken the bond between the Jews and the Torah. They will fall as suddenly as Haman, and as surprisingly as Trump’s popular movement took hold. This is the classic “ve’nehapech hu” a term that refers to the sudden overthrow of Haman, that which seems to come out of nowhere. Another indication of the Erev Rav’s waning influence was the absence of Reform Movement representatives at Trump’s Chanukah party.

9- Preparation for Moshiach: The Jews require preparation for Moshiach’s arrival. As happened at Sinai, the exposure to the Messianic light is overwhelming and potentially lethal. After the Erev Rav are deposed, an interim and transitional leader can, with “besiyata dishmaya” — heavenly assistance, reform the government and raise Klal Yisroel’s spirituality and Torah scholarship. This can be brought about by restoring a true Torah curriculum in the elementary and high schools in Israel and by funding kiruv organizations. It must not be supposed that anyone will be forced or coerced toward this goal. However , a Jew’s neshama is always susceptible to Torah because of the Divine spark that exists within him.

Anyone seeking further clarification and explanation of current events and the messianic process should go to Rabbi Kessin’s website, Torahthinking.com for the complete “21st Century” series of video lectures. You will also find 300 shiurim which deal extensively with the hashkofa of Ramchal, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto.

His videos can also be found at https://www.torahanytime.com.

You’ll also find his video lectures on YouTube. Simply type in “Rabbi Kessin.”

Rabbi Mendel is also a teacher of the methodology of learning Torah which promises to significantly improve a person’s ability to learn Torah.

By: Robin Diamond

Robin Diamond, originally from Brooklyn, NY, taught Language Arts in an L.A. high school for 24 years. She and her husband Yonathan made aliyah to Israel in 2011 and live, very happily, in Ma’ale Adumim.

Rabbi Mendel Kessin received his first smicha from the late great Rabbi Moshe Feinstein and went on to receive several more from Israeli rabbis. R’Kessin is also a graduate of Fordham University, where he received his professional degree in psychology. In 1987, R’Kessin helped found the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation. R’Kessin, an expert on the writings of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (RAMCHAL), lectures extensively and internationally on the Torah of R’Luzzatto. He also lectures on the Torah learning methodology of the RAMCHAL. Lately, he has given a series of lectures on President Trump and the messianic process. These lectures have been heard by tens of thousands of people on the internet.

 

Parshas Bo – Reinvigorate Yourself Jewishly

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The Jewish people do not put forth our own light, but reflect the light of G-d, meaning that we do not act in accordance with our will or desire

At the beginning of the parsha, we are told that one of HaShem`s goals in the exodus from Egypt was to insure that we tell that story to our progeny: “And so that you may relate it in the ears of your sons and your son`s sons what I have wrought upon Egypt, and My signs which I have placed among them that you may know that I am the L-rd” (Exodus 10:2).

After reading this passage, the obvious question that comes to mind is, if we are commanded to teach our children, then it is they who will know, but the text reads that you, the teller of the story may know. Furthermore, the order appears to be in reverse–should one not have knowledge before teaching? The Torah is revealing to us a profound truth regarding human nature. The best way to acquire understanding is by accepting the responsibility of instructing others, for that experience compels us to study and seek insights.

Thus, it is not unusual for a man or a woman who never gave too much thought to their Judaism to undergo a total transformation once they become parents. They realize that if they are conveying something of lasting value, and if they are to tell “the story” to their children, they must first and foremost possess that knowledge. This logic holds true, not only vis a vis children, but every time we are challenged to explain ourselves as Jews, we are prompted to explore our roots.

The text also shows us how we might best impart this lesson: “Speak unto the ears of your children”–meaning, the teaching has to be personalized and intimate. The study of Torah cannot be just a cerebral experience, but it must be an emotional and spiritual one as well. It must be transmitted from heart to heart with love and passion. It is this that enabled Joseph to retain his faith as a lone Jew in Egypt. Despite his suffering, he never faltered, for engraved upon his heart and mind was the image of his father`s teaching.

From this passage, our sages also conclude that if there are three generations (sons and sons` sons) in one family who are committed to the study of Torah, we may be assured that the Torah and the mitzvos will never depart from that family. The litmus test of Jewish continuity is whether Judaism continues into the third generation. In our contemporary society, in which demographics demonstrate that we are rapidly losing our numbers to assimilation and intermarriage, this question weighs heavily upon us: “Will our grandchildren remain Jews?”

Tragically, ours is a generation that has become spiritually orphaned and most of us do not have zeides who can tell the story, so we must seek out our rabbis and Torah teachers and ask them to “relate the story in our ears”. And that is the goal that we at Hineni have set for ourselves in teaching Torah. When you come to Hineni, it`s not just knowledge that you acquire, but a total personal Jewish experience. Make it your priority to study Torah and then, tell the story in someone`s ear and re-invigorate yourself Jewishly.

We have survived the centuries because this commandment to tell the story to our children and our children`s children, is at the heart of our faith. No matter where destiny may have taken us, we continued to relate that tale and shall continue to do so until the end of time.

THE GIFT OF TIME

In this week’s parsha, we find the first mitzva that G-d gave us as a nation. This month shall be for you the beginning of months…(Exodus, 12:2). With that proclamation, HaShem endowed us with the greatest of all gifts–time. In bondage in Egypt, our time did not belong to us. Our days meshed one into the other. Every day was painfully and monotonously the same. In the life of a slave there is no hope, there is no creativity; there is no future. But free men have choices to make and the most important choice is to use time wisely and not squander it away.

This commandment is especially pertinent to us in the twenty-first century. While technology and modern scientific inventions have freed us from much drudgery and hard labor, and we have more time at our disposal than our forefathers ever dreamt possible, we have also unfortunately come to abuse that time and fritter it away on pointless, meaningless pursuits. Our technology has actually created inane programs that serve only to kill time. However, when G-d spoke to us and entrusted to us that great gift of time, He demanded more from us than just using time expeditiously. He charged us with the command of sanctifying time and making it holy. We do this through Kiddush HaChodesh–sanctifying the New Month.

In contrast to the solar calendar used by the rest of the world, ours is a lunar calendar and there is a profound teaching to be found therein. In contrast to the sun, the moon does not generate its own light, but reflects the sun’s rays. Similarly, we, the Jewish people do not put forth our own light, but reflect the light of G-d, meaning that we do not act in accordance with our will or desire, but rather, our mission is to fulfill the Will of G-d, and even as the moon illuminates the night, our task is to illuminate the darkness of the world with our Torah.

Another reason why we have a lunar calendar is that the moon waxes and wanes every month, and even as the moon renews and regenerates itself, so we too have a mandate to rejuvenate and revitalize ourselves through tshuva. This mitzva of establishing the calendar, of sanctifying the new month, was chosen by G-d to be the very first of our 613 commandments, for it is the very first lesson that HaShem wanted us to absorb.

Freedom from Egyptian bondage does not mean that we are free from responsibility. It does not mean that we can do with our time that which we wish. On the contrary, when G-d charged us with this mitzva of time, He entrusted us with the greatest of all responsibilities–to sanctify time–to utilize every moment prudently for its holy name’s sake.

As Jews, we must be ever cognizant that our life here is temporary and that we must make the most of every moment, for the time will come when G-d will ask us to give an accounting for every day of our lives. So let us sanctify our time here on earth through our holidays, through our Sabbaths, through our Torah studies, through our prayers and through our acts of kindness.

By: Rabbi Osher Jungreis
(Hineni.org)

 

Parshas Bo – The Redemption Comes When Things Seem Bleakest

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Eating the Korban Pessach each year symbolizes our bravery in slaughtering the G-d of the Egyptians and eating it in our homes on the night of the Exodus in accordance with G-d’s mitzvah.

This week’s parsha contains a “famous pasuk”: “They baked the dough that they took out of Egypt into unleavened cakes, for they could not be leavened, for they were driven from Egypt for they could not delay nor had they made provisions for themselves.” [Shmos 12:39]. I refer to this pasuk as a “famous pasuk” because aside from the fact that we read it in the Torah on Parshas Bo every year, we say it every year at the Pesach Seder, as one of the most essential parts of the Hagaddah.

This is the proof text cited by Rabban Gamliel’s teaching “Whoever has not said these 3 things has not fulfilled his obligation” of eating Matzah on Seder night.”

If we think about it, this seems like a rather minor side point to the whole story of the Exodus. The fact that they were driven out quickly and had no time to bake bread that night would hardly seem to rate as a crucial factor in the miraculous deliverance! And yet because of this seemingly insignificant event we eat Matzo. We eat Maror because we suffered a bitter slavery for 210 years. This fact easily qualifies for a significant ritual symbol of the holiday of Passover. Eating the Korban Pessach each year symbolizes our bravery in slaughtering the G-d of the Egyptians and eating it in our homes on the night of the Exodus in accordance with G-d’s mitzvah. This too is a significant occurrence. But where is the fundamental significance in the fact that we did not have time to bake bread when we were chased out of Egypt?

Furthermore, we might ask, why did not they have a little foresight? We spend weeks preparing for Pesach. They didn’t have any cleaning to worry about. Moshe told them ahead of time they were leaving Egypt the next day. They should have packed up and prepared provisions. Why were they so rushed at the last minute that they did not have time to let their dough rise? What is the meaning of this?

The answer is the following: The Jews expected to leave Egypt right after the plague of blood. They were packed, they had their provisions, and they were ready to go. The plague of blood came and went and there was no movement. Nothing happened. Again with the frogs, there was a “false alarm” that they were about to leave. However the status quo persisted after frogs and after each of the first nine plagues. By the time of the Plague of the First Born, people already did not believe that the end was imminent. They took a “I’ve been there, done that” attitude and were not going to get caught yet again making provisions and having to unpack and unwrap the meals that they had prepared for the road.

They did not pack. They did not prepare. They did not bake. They did not believe. They were so depressed and so helpless as a result of the rollercoaster of emotions they had been through during the previous 9 plagues that they did not expect to leave when they did.

The lesson of the Exodus is that the salvation of G-d can come in the blink of an eye. It could be that yesterday the odds against it happening appeared astronomical, but today it might yet happen. This is the way redemption works. The Exodus is the paradigm for all future redemptions. It is always darkest before the dawn. Geulah [redemption] comes Precisely at the point of hopelessness.

This is why it is most significant for all generations to celebrate the Exodus by eating matzah. Which matzah? The matzah that symbolized the fact that they gave up hope of ever leaving to the extent that no one prepared an iota of food ahead of time.

When we look at the situation in Eretz Yisrael today, we get depressed. Everyone asks – what is going to be? The lesson of the Exodus and the lesson of all Jewish redemption is that G-d’s salvation can come in the blink of an eye. If we merit it, things can turn around in the time it takes to snap one’s fingers!

By: Rabbi Yissocher Frand
(Torah.org)

Prof Claims Anti-Semitism is Tantamount to ‘Islamophobia’

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Are "Islamophobia" and anti-Semitism comparable? Reza Zia-Ebrahimi, (pictured above) senior lecturer in history at King's College London, maintains that the answer is yes

Are “Islamophobia” and anti-Semitism comparable? Reza Zia-Ebrahimi, senior lecturer in history at King’s College London, maintains that the answer is yes. Zia-Ebrahimi recently made this argument with a talk co-sponsored by Harvard University’s Saudi-funded Alwaleed Islamic Studies Program and titled, “When the Elders of Zion Relocated to Eurabia: Conspiratorial Racialisation in Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.”

Speaking to a largely middle-aged crowd of about twenty, Zia-Ebrahimi contended that both the Protocols of the Elders of Zion—a Czarist forgery published circa 1903 alleging that Jews were plotting world domination—and Eurabia: The Euro-Arab Axis—a 2005 book by author Bat Ye’or declaring the demographic and political transformation of Europe into “Eurabia”—employ conspiracy-theories that incite hatred for Jews and Muslims, respectively.

In his introduction, Zia-Ebrahimi credited the late Columbia University professor Edward Said with having originated this link by comparing Orientalism to anti-Semitism.

Acknowledging that the “Israel-Palestine conflict” has “cast a long shadow on these discussions,” Zia-Ebrahimi advocated viewing anti-Semitism and “Islamophobia” as “manifestations of racism” in order to transcend these “divisions.” He described one camp as having “a tendency to be friendly to the state of Israel” and a “problem with Islamophobia,” while the other considers “Israel a colonial state” and believes in “Islamophobia.” The way to overcome these differences, he reasoned, is “to show that Jews and Muslims have been racialized.”

Zia-Ebrahimi further asserted that the two groups have suffered from conspiratorial bigotry, with the “world Jewish conspiracy” on one hand and its “Islamophobic corollary, ‘Islamicization,'” on the other. While conspiracists see Jews as seeking financial control, they see Muslims as “bent on our destruction” through “demographics,” he claimed.

While acknowledging that Eurabia and the Protocols “are two very different texts,” Zia-Ebrahimi maintained that they share certain qualities: representing “Jews and Muslims as a monolithic pack,” “supernatural reimagination” whereby the “most vulnerable sectors of society are perceived as almighty,” and claiming that “both Jews and Muslims benefit from a “European fifth column,” such as socialism or internationalism.

Zia-Ebrahimi focused the bulk of his talk on Eurabia, ostensibly because the Protocols have “been extensively studied.” Yet his hostility for Bat Ye’or and her book drove – and distorted – his presentation. Referring gratuitously to Egyptian-born Ye’or’s “European Jewish heritage,” he correlated her critique of Islam with “Lebanese Christian militias” and “Serbian ultranationalists.”

Zia-Ebrahimi excoriated Ye’or for associating Islam with “jihad,” “genital mutilation,” and “stoning,” and implying that its “principal urge is to subjugate Jews and Christians.” Eurabia, he proclaimed, “assumes all Muslims agree on sharia and want to impose it on everyone else” and above all, portrays a “diabolical Islamic civilization actively scheming destruction of Europe.”

Never once did Zia-Ebrahimi address the reality of such practices within Islam, nor the fact that Islamists advocate Islamic supremacism and are implacably hostile to Europe – seen as Christendom. In his eagerness to whitewash all things Islamist, Zia-Ebrahimi ignored the multiple terrorist attacks throughout Europe and the often contorted Western reaction to Islamist aggression.

By: Cinnamon Stillwell
(Campus Watch)

 

The Hidden Gem: Discovering the Jewish Heritage & History of Malta – Part 2

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Marsa Jewish Cemetery

(Continued from last week)

Please note that Air Malta has starting scheduled services between Malta and Tel Aviv on April 21, 2017, flying three flights a week during the summer. This will increase the number of visitors to Israel, including Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and also the number of Israelis visiting Malta, which has an average of 30,000 annually.

Marsaxlokk, is a picturesque fishing village that is filled with beautiful boats called Luzzis – fishing boats painted in shades of dark blue, rose, yellow, and red, with the necessary evil eye always present on the prow (it is said to protect the fisherman at sea). The village also has a local market and very nice eateries. The enormous fresh fish market shows you the variety of fish that can still be caught in the Mediterranean Sea. Sit along the water and watch the boats of Marsaxlokk. It’s really picturesque.

 

Jewish Cemeteries

There are three Jewish cemeteries in Malta:

1- The Jewish cemetery in Marsa, established in 1879, at the southern tip of the Grand Harbor, is the only Jewish cemetery in Malta that is still in use. Decorations resembling Torah finials top the gabled, arched stone gate, where we were greeted by Mr. Reuben Ohayon, who is the acting Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Malta, as well as a the spiritual leader of the community (Shaliah tzibur). He also purifies (tahara) the dead for burial. He has various other important functions, such as being a member of the World Congress, and European Jewish Congress, among others.

His family was originally from Morocco. When both Muslims and Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492, most crossed over the Mediterranean to settle in Morocco. Rueben’s grandfather, Rabbi Nissim Ohayon, was born in Morocco, but his children were born in Portugal. Abraham Hayim Ohayon, Reuben’s father, was elected President of the Jewish Community in 1994, after the death of George Tayar. He shared information about his family as well as others that are buried at Marsa cemetery, such as the Tayars, Ebers, Reginianos, and other influential Jewish families.

Marsa Jewish Cemetery contains one Commonwealth burial of World War One, and two from World War Two. On the gravestones, you can read names from Poland, Spain, Russia, Hungary and other European countries, but you also can read about Jews from Australia and Shanghai.

2-The Ta’ Braxia cemetery was established in 1834 and used until 1880. It is adjacent to Valletta’s main Ta’ Braxia International Cemetery, laying on the road from Floriana to Pieta. At least one-quarter of the cemetery’s 120 graves are of infants and children. The cemetery underwent a clean-up in 2016, and the grave inscriptions are being transcribed and studied.

3-The Jewish Cemetery in Kalkara, established in 1784, is the earliest surviving Jewish burial ground in Malta, aside from the Rabat catacombs.

The next stop was the Matriarch of Jewish culture in Malta. Shelley Tayar’s story is quite amazing and it was our first visit of the day to Villa Tayara in the area of Kappara, San Gwann. Shelley is a well- known persona in Malta, in part because of her husband, George Tayar, who was a direct descendent of the first Rabbi of Malta, Josef Tajar. Josef emigrated to Malta in 1846 from Tripoli. The family took up residence at 155 Strada Reale, Valletta, where the synagogue was located. In 1851, he became their full- time Rabbi and was responsible for the school, which was teaching Jewish children. Shelley shared some background information about the Jewish History in Malta, as well as personal stories, including the famous chocolate event during World War II, when her husband and poet Dun Karm shared a shelter.

At the olive grove, we met Jeanette, Christian’s wife. They run a farm and artisanal co-operative to better safeguard the heritage of Malta. Our lunch included paced tastings of local sheep’s cheese, real olive oil, and an authentic Ftira (a type of kosher bread). The views were stunning, the weather was perfect, and the hospitality exceptional. We finished off our lunch with some fresh strawberries, honey ring sweets, and the traditional Maltese coffee. It was a truly fantastic experience.

We departed the area to arrive in the village square of Rabat – the suburb of Mdina at the St Paul’s Catacombs. The Jewish catacombs form part of the larger St. Paul’s catacombs complex in Rabat, and were discovered at the end of the 19th century. They date back to the late Roman period some 1,500 years ago, and are unique, because they are Jewish catacombs within a Christian complex. Before you entering, you can see a small video about the history and read some interesting facts. Once inside, we received the okay to get a good overview of the construction of these tombs, and the furniture that was placed in them, as well as the crying vases that were found. This area contains many tombs – some even undiscovered to this day. Walking down the aisle within the main entrance, we found a couple of unique features: the agape table and head rests. The agape table (agape stands for love) was a festive table used to celebrate the dead. The headrests can be seen throughout the site. Walking along, we arrived at the site where the Jewish catacombs are . Catacombs numbers 10, 12, 13 and 14 were the highlights, because they shared views of menorahs, and even boats. Number 13 was the best of all, because it showed a menorah within the tomb that represented the joining of two people.

We also heard about a heated controversy over the bones. The Jewish community in Malta demanded that the human bones found inside the catacombs were given a proper burial, according to the Jewish rites, and should be handled by the Jewish community. A solution of burying them in the Marsa cemetery was finally reached.

The Medieval Hilltop Town of Mdina: I was told about the silent city, but it was still very fascinating, containing lots of side alleys leading to interesting squares, and with the appearance of a very well-kept town. Walking around in a place like this, with its lavish history of more than 4000 years, cultural and religious treasures, housing of noble family palazzos, really takes one back in time. It has fabulous museums, gorgeous tea shops, fantastic food, quaint streets to stroll along, unique shops to pursue, and above all, breathtaking views.

“Jewish Silk Market” Mdina

Jews in this area lived within the walls, side by side with Christians. There was a quarter (not a ghetto), where most of the activity happened in, including the site of the synagogue, the silk market, and many more. We learned that Jews had a good, and not so good, life at the same time. They were known as slaves of the crown – they were essentially ensured protection and in some cases favoritism in exchange for their support – mostly in the form of money. They wore red pieces of cloth to ensure people knew they were Jews and the men even had to shave their beards. Since they supplied the oil for the lamps marking the safeguarded areas within Mdina, they were often exempt from guard duty.

Florida Mansions

At the village of Ta’ Xbiex, the apartment complex, where the synagogue is located at, is named Florida Mansions. There is absolutely no signage, except for a mezuzah at the entrance. Once inside the synagogue, we had a quick tour. The men’s section was long and thin with the ark at one end, having The Ten Commandments inscribed in gold on a marble plaque above the Ark, and the Bimah at the center. The gold-embroidered blue velvet Ark cover was donated to the community in 1946, in memory of the two brothers Alfonso and Menashe Reginiano, one of whom was killed by a bomb during World War II. The men’s chairs were located on either long side of the room, facing the center. The women’s section was in the back, separated by a curtain. The room used for the Kiddush was off to the side, decorated with children’s pictures and drawings of Hanukkah and other important holidays.

The service started at about 10 a.m. and followed the Ashkenazi (European) ritual, even containing some beautiful Sephardic melodies, though the majority of Maltese Jews originally lived in North Africa, Spain, Gilbratar, England and Portugal. After the Torah service, they said a prayer for the government of Malta, just as Jews in every land pray for the well-being of their government. Then they said a prayer for the members of the Israel Defense Forces. The service was very beautiful and touching.

After the service, we gathered in the function room for the Kiddush blessing, held over wine and bread, for the Motzi, which was performed by Reuben’s father there – Abraham Ohayon, the President of the Jewish Community. Joining them were Reuben’s brothers Albert and Israel, as well as other guests. Reuben’s father shared his memories of the war and told us about how very little they had to eat and produce during the Passover holidays. Jews visiting Malta over Shabbat should take advantage of the opportunity to visit the synagogue and meet this warm community.

The timing was perfect when we set off for Valletta. Valletta, an old town, including the waterfront, is a must-see in Malta. It is surrounded by beautiful old buildings and terraced gardens are lining the waterfront. While in Valletta, we visited the most spectacular feat of high Baroque design in St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Built by the knights of St. John, as their mother church, it includes chapels dedicated to the different languages of the order, marble tombstone laid out floors, a spectacular altar, and the side museum, which is dedicated to the artist Caravaggio. It’s pretty remarkable for a museum. The walled city of Valletta is small in comparison to other world capitals. But the city, designed on a grid system, is made to be walked upon, discovered and to be enjoyed. Light and energy bounce off the Maltese limestone on the buildings that line the streets, with charming window box balconies jetting out from the facades.

I found beauty in something rather unusual: Door knockers, known as “il-Habbata” – these adornments come in many motifs, shapes and sizes. My favorites were the variations on lions, though I did see dolphins, hands, and Maltese crosses.

Renzo Piano’s gorgeous parliament: World-renowned architect Renzo Piano recently redesigned the entrance to Valletta, including a beautiful new parliament that looks even lovelier at night. The area is terrific! A mix of very modern architecture in an ancient city. It is absolutely stunning. Well worth seeing by walking around. We had lunch at Nenu – The Artisan Baker. I ordered the Ftira bread (there are so many different styles – and not all Kosher!), potatoes, various types of vegetables, and fish. The Maltese Bread is amazing! So much pride is taken in the way bread is made here, and it really shows (or rather tastes like it too!). It’s served with different kinds of dips and oils, and you’ll find it is some of the very best in the world.

Arriving at the Upper Barrakka Gardens just in time for the 4pm firing (using blanks) of the cannon, across the Grand Harbour, that used to signal that it was time to call it a day. This is the best spot where one can admire the natural Malta Grand Harbour. From here you can also have a good glimpse of the 3 old cities, which are: Vittoriosa (Birgu) ,Cospicua (Bormla), and Senglea (L-Isla). There are colonnades with commemorative plaques marking major events and the countries that helped Malta during its wars. We noticed the Albert Einstein commemoration (a loose Jewish connection) that was put there by the Albert Einstein Society.

Our last stop was to get a bird’s eye view of the Jews’ Sally Port. This was the location, where “free” Jews had to enter when visiting Valletta. It might be interesting to note that there is actually a bar located here called Jews’ Sally Port, and its has an orthodox logo.

In the village of Birgu (one of the three cities), we walked past the village square to find Jewry Street, which was actually the Old Governor’s Palace Street. This side street was named in commemoration for the previously named street.

 

Wherever you go, you feel history all around you

You don’t have to go to museums in Malta, because this is a place where you’ll feel as if you are walking through living history. You will find everything you need: Super clean water and an abundance of things to explore below sea level, if you are looking for an amazing scuba diving experience. Another thing you should do is to walk along the promenade in Sliema, where people are having their drinks as the sun goes down. Nothing beats this experience and you will be surrounded by the friendliest people in the world. You’ll never feel more welcomed anywhere in the world, and yes, watch the sunset, of course! The sunset is a magnificent sight, no matter where you see it, but in Malta – over the azure waters and against the yellow of the limestone – this daily event rises to a new level of bliss.

On top of everything else, you have Exclusively Malta, the company I mentioned earlier, to show you the best of the best in Malta, and its Jewish Heritage. This welcoming, English-speaking island is a must- see destination for every traveler.

By: Meyer Harroch
(New York Jewish Travel Guide & New York Jewish Guide)

For more information, visit:

To plan a trip to Malta, contact the Malta Tourism or log on to: www.visitmalta.com

For more information on Malta programs infused with the Jewish Heritage Experience, visit

www.ExclusivelyMalta.com

Fly Turkish Airlines: www.turkishairlines.com

The Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa. Malta: http://www.corinthia.com/en/hotels/palace-hotel-and-spa

 

4 Itinerary Essentials in Buena Park, California

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Knott’s Soak City Waterpark is Orange County’s largest water park, and it recently undertook a 2-acre expansion and thematic renovation, there are new shaded seating areas, spacious cabanas and a newly remodeled Longboard’s Grill.

Nestled in California’s Orange County, the city of Buena Park is a beacon for fun-loving family travelers. Comprised of approximately 11 square miles, this small town packs a huge travel and tourism punch, boasting some of the world’s most well-known theme parks and attractions.

With a history that dates back to 1783, when the entire state was occupied by Spanish explorers and Pedro Fages ruled as governor, Buena Park has an interesting if not inadvertent origin. The King of Spain gave Fages permission to create land grants and the area was divided into five ranchos, one of which was Rancho Los Coyotes with a total of 48,806 acres. Buena Vista sits in the middle of this rancho.

In 1885, James Whitaker bought 690 acres with the intention of creating a cattle farm. However, the railroad convinced him to create a town instead. When he then created the town of Buena Park, Orange County was not yet formed and he likely had no idea that, one day, the town would become a mecca for tourists wanting to experience some of the best family entertainment Southern California area has to offer.

Adjacent to the city of Anaheim, California, Buena Park is a mere twenty miles from Los Angeles, ten miles from the beach, and only five miles from Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park. But within its own city limits there is an abundance things to do for families or anyone who seeks fun and frivolity. In fact, Buena Park is sometimes called “the entertainment capital of Southern California” given how much there is to do in the area. Below are four Buena Park itinerary essentials should your own travels take you to this lively locale.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm isn’t just another amusement park, but offers entertainment that is inspired by the history of the area. Since Buena Park was originally an agricultural area, it isn’t surprising that Knott’s Berry Farm was once a working berry farm. Interestingly, every boysenberry all around the world originates from this single farm.

When Knott’s Berry Farm started to reach out to the public, it was a simple roadside stand. Today, it has grown into one of the top theme parks in the world with rides and entertainment. While known for its Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy, it also boasts classic attractions like the Timber Mountain Log Ride and the Calico Mine Ride. Also the interactive 4-D experience called “Voyage to the Iron Reef” and its world-famous Snoopy ice skating shows are a great time. For real adrenaline junkies, there’s the Silver Bullet—the largest inverted roller coaster in California, and Ghostride, the longest, tallest, and fastest wooden coaster on the west coast.

You may want to invest in all-day dining passes so the whole family stays well-fed throughout their day at the park.

Knott’s Soak City Waterpark

Adjacent to this park is Knott’s Soak City Waterpark open each May through September. This is Orange County’s largest water park, and it recently undertook a 2-acre expansion and thematic renovation, there are new shaded seating areas, spacious cabanas and a newly remodeled Longboard’s Grill.

The semi-private cabana rental is great for those who prefer shade and want an easy place for the family to gather and meet up. Cabanas can easily hold up to 8 people and have tables with umbrellas, inner tube rentals and wait service. There are three types of cabanas available, located in different areas throughout the water park, but the amenities are the same no matter which you choose.

Also as part of the expansion, the park debuted two brand new water slide towers, “Shore Break” and “The Wedge.” There are six thrilling water slides in total, including one that is seven stories high.

Medieval Times

After a full day at a theme park or once you return from sightseeing in Hollywood, there’s no more thrilling way to end your evening than at the Medieval Times Tournament and Dinner Show. This unique dining experience takes you back to a time where knights jousted and people dined on foul and fixin’s with their bare hands. The entire experience, from the atmosphere to the food to the show, all makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back into the 1500s. The European-style castle features a soaring tower, elaborately decorated Hall of Arms, gift shop and indoor stable area.

Here chivalry and bravery reign supreme. Cheer on your favorite Knight while dining on a hearty meal—soup with garlic bread; half roaster chicken with baked potato and corn on the cob; and cake. While you dine you’ll marvel at awe-inspiring horsemanship and falconry as a thrilling battle unfolds before you.

Tickets include your meal and the show. An upgraded “King’s Royalty” package affords you priority castle access, VIP first row all section seating or second row in center section, priority seating access, knight’s rally towel, cheering banner, VIP lanyard, and a framed entrance group photo

Rocks & Brews

There is no shortage of unique places to eat in Buena Park, with Rock & Brews among them. The brainchild of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, this eatery offers affordable, high-quality American comfort food in a vibrant and kid-friendly Rock & Roll themed atmosphere. This includes burgers, wings, pizza, sandwiches and even many diet-conscious and gluten-free selections. With delicious food and brews, including over 100 different craft beers and a broad international selection, you’re guaranteed to find something new.

The restaurant is like an entertainment complex in itself, with a sand pit for beach volleyball, kid’s play area and lifeguard tower. You can opt to sit indoors or out.

Of course, these are just a few of the enjoyable things to do in Buena Park. In this action-packed city you’ll find even more themed and award-winning restaurants, stores galore, entertainment venues, and ample ways to help the kids burn off that seemingly endless energy—the area trampoline park is a huge hit in this regard. No matter which outings you choose, a visit to Buena Park is one your family will surely remember for years to come.

As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She identifies and reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www.TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReviews.

By: Merilee Kern

 

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or sponsored at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buena_Park,_California

http://www.visitbuenapark.com/p/history

 

Passengers Held for 13 Hours on El Al Plane in -40 Temps 

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The first plane on the frozen tarmac in Goose bay, hours after its emergency landing. (Tom Podolec)

El Al sent a replacement plane to replace the aircraft which was forced to carry out an emergency landing in Canada after a defect with the wheels was identified Sunday morning.

El-Al flight 008 took off from JFK Airport in New York on a non-stop flight to Israel Sunday morning. The plane made an emergency landing at the Canadian Air Force Base in Goose Bay at 5:55 am EST after the malfunction was detected. The plane landed five hours after it had taken off from JFK at 12:41 am. Passengers also reported hearing strange noises from the engines.

The passengers were forced to remain on the aircraft for 13 hours as the outside temperature was a dangerous negative twenty degrees Fahrenheit. The expected high temperature in Goose Bay on Sunday was negative nine degrees.

One of the passengers that was stranded was Deputy Israeli Education Minister Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism).

El Al announced that it was sending a replacement plane from New York to Goose Bay to pick up the passengers and complete their flight to Israel.

“El Al personnel are working to take care of the problem and take care of the passengers,” the company said.

The plane finally arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday morning.

According to a Times of Israel report the plane carrying some 400 passengers touched down at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv shortly before 10 a.m. Israel time, over 26 hours after it left John F. Kennedy Airport.

“We’ve been here about six and a half hours,” Chen Harel, one of the passengers told Hadashot news on Sunday. “Every minute that passes is harder and harder for us, and we hope it will end quickly — there are adults and children here.”

Back in November of 2016, Arutz Sheva reported that hundreds of El Al passengers were stranded in Israel after their pilots failed to show up and the flight was canceled.

The pilots’ absence was apparently connected to a disagreement over how much they should be paid on their return flights to Israel, during which they fly as passengers in business class.

In a post on their Facebook page at the time, El Al wrote, “As a result of the pilots’ sanctions and their insistence on flying one way only, tonight’s flight 027 to Newark has been canceled, as well as tomorrow’s return flight to Tel Aviv. The company will refund all of the passengers’ tickets.

“The pilots’ sanctions have been hurting the company for several months already. The sanctions are expressed in the fact that the pilots refuse to answer to anyone, and in their refusal to fly back and forth as active pilots, instead insisting on flying one way only.

“We apologize for the inconvenience to our passengers, but we have no choice but to return order to our company’s activities,” the post concluded.

The pilots’ committee insisted that El Al was not telling the truth.

By: Gary Willig

 

Revolutionary MRI Device Images Preemies Right in the NICU

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The Embrace Neonatal MRI system by Aspect Imaging. Photo: courtesy

Silent and safe, Embrace eliminates MRI dangers so medical staff can use it as often and as easily as they use a blood-pressure gauge or thermometer

The Embrace unit in the NICU at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem. Photo courtesy of Aspect Imaging

In early November 2017, an Israeli TV news crew was on hand at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center’s neonatal intensive care unit as the parents of a premature baby stood next to the Embrace Neonatal MRI system in which the baby’s brain was being imaged.

At their side were nurses, doctors and Uri Rapoport, the inventor of Embrace, the world’s first MRI machine especially for the NICU.

“It was the first time ever that parents and staff could stand around an MRI machine with no restrictions. I will never forget the hug the mother gave me,” says Rapoport, the founder, president and CEO of Israel’s Aspect Imaging.

MRI scans of newborn preterm babies can identify any brain injury that might affect their development and tip off parents to the need for early intervention. However, it’s tricky to transport fragile preemies to the MRI room and to get an accurate scan.

WristView MRI system. Photo courtesy of Aspect Imaging

Embrace was designed to solve these problems. Approved by the FDA for the United States in July 2017 and by the CE for Europe in October, the system produces diagnostic clinical-quality images of neonates without moving them from the NICU.

“MRI is the ultimate diagnostic tool to detect problems in the soft tissue of the human body but as it is used today it’s a complicated, noisy, dangerous and expensive device,” Rapoport tells ISRAEL21c.

“Our self-shielded permanent magnet MRI technology platform eliminates the complexity and the danger so the medical staff can use it as often and as easily as they use a blood-pressure gauge or thermometer.”

A clinical study at Shaare Zedek is comparing Embrace to the current “gold standard,” a Siemens MRI machine.

Dr. Francis Mimouni, the hospital’s chief neonatologist, tells ISRAEL21c that Embrace is “a revolutionary instrument that will undoubtedly help us in the future years understanding better the mechanism of brain injury in preterm infants, and to develop the best strategies to prevent such injuries.”

Silent and safe

Embrace operates without the scary banging sounds of regular MRI machines. It’s self-shielded from radiofrequency waves and emits an extremely low-level external magnetic field, so staff and parents can be present and there’s no danger from magnetic items in the room as there is with a standard MRI machine.

The medical staff can even use a cell phone right next to Embrace, says Rapoport.

The infant is swaddled to reduce movement and allow for tubes and monitoring leads to stay in place. The integrated incubator-like bed enables continuous temperature control and monitoring of vital parameters.

Aspect Imaging has signed distribution agreements in Europe and with Natus Medical in North America. Orders have come in from several US hospitals and from a brain center for premature babies in Europe.

“Now we are negotiating deals in China, where 160 million new babies are born every year. And it’s only the beginning,” says Rapoport, a permanent magnet technology expert who started the privately held company in his garage and now oversees 86 employees in Hevel Modi’in.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way

Developing the Embrace MRI system took about 10 years.

“It’s a difficult innovation, but in technology, if there is a need we will find a solution,” says Rapoport, 62.

“I invented some new magnet designs, raised a lot of money and hired a very good team to put my vision into reality. I felt if nobody else was doing it I should. I know the subject inside out and this was my dream.”

Aspect Imaging filed 250 patent applications for various MRI products including Embrace. Most have been granted and the rest are pending.

The company’s first MRI product was sold to 150 sites in the preclinical market, mainly research labs working with rats and mice. Next came FDA clearance for WristView, a compact point-of-care, wrist and hand MRI system.

Finally, Aspect Imaging devised a bigger magnet for infant and head imaging with the backing of two major investors. Embrace is manufactured in Israel and costs $1.5 million in the United States; ˆ1.2 in Europe.

With investments of more than $150 million so far, the company is now developing a bedside MRI system for emergency rooms to help evaluate effects of head stroke or head trauma.

“Next I want to make a bedside MRI for cardiac patients,” says Rapoport.

Aspect Imaging’s technology also has possible applications in the agricultural, food processing, biofuel and process control markets.

Aspect Imaging has sales and marketing offices in the UK, US and Canada. Its US partner is the Wonderful Company, a $4 billion conglomerate said to be the world’s largest grower of tree nuts and largest flower delivery service (Teleflora) and America’s largest citrus grower.

“The owner, Stewart Resnick, fell in love with us,” explains Rapoport with a smile.

By: Abigail Klein Leichman
(Israel 21c)