Kesser Weekly Specials

The Kesser Distributors specials for this week are:

• Chicken Breast Fillet - $4.49 per pound 
• Chuck Steak - $7.49 per pound 
• Turkey Breast Netted - $5.49 per pound

Order by the case and save!

To order, please go to kesserdistributors.com or contact Chaim Holtzberg at yourkesser@gmail.com or 914-729-0838.

Cheder-Bay

We all have lots of treasures around our house.

Drop them off at the Cheder Chabad Girls building and we will sell them on eBay and turn them into to cash.

Anything you think is of value and in good condition can be donated. Some suggestions include toys in like new condition, Jewish books in good condition, gifts you received that you don't need, brand name clothes  in like new condition, anything new that was never used.

Is there something you have in your house you want to sell and don't have time? We will sell it for you and split the profits 50% for you and 50% for Cheder Chabad. You get a mitzvah and some extra cash with absolutely no effort on your part.

Please contact Rivkie at eBay@chedermonsey.org or call 845-356-1213 ext. 228.

Invite Guests for Shabbos

Cheder 5th Grade Boys Hold Parsha Fair

In honor of Cheder Chabad's 5th grade finishing Parshas Bo, the entire school was treated to a project fair where the talmidim of Kita Hey presented the storyline and the Mitzvos in the Parsha through 3-D projects, posters, tri-folds and dioramas.

"When the talmidim finish a parsha, it can be difficult to have them review the parsha before continuing on," says their teacher, Rabbi Zelig Silber,  "Through the boys presenting their projects and their oral presentations filled with Medroshim and Meforshim, not only did we as class benefit but the entire school was invited to join in the fun as well."

Another teacher who was present remarked, "it's amazing to see the boys talent's surfacing during the fair, some have talents in creating the physical projects, while others have strength in their oratory skills. It really is a great opportunity for each child to shine."

Yud Shvat Farbrengen for Women

Litzman Bris

Chesky and Rochel Litzman will be making a Bris for their newborn son tomorrow, Tuesday, morning at Tzemach Tzedek following the 7:00 AM Shacharis minyan.

Third Daily Maariv Minyan

A new third daily Maariv minyan is now being held at Tzemach Tzedek at 5:45 PM this week and will change with the zman.

The other daily Maariv minyanim remain at 8:30 PM and at 9:30 PM.

Toll Hike for 5 Mid-Hudson Valley Bridges

AP - Motorists who travel over the five Hudson River bridges operated by the New York State Bridge Authority will have to fork over more money for tolls starting today, Monday.

The agency is reminding motorists that the basic passenger car toll will increase from $1 to $1.25 for E-ZPass customers and $1.50 for cash customers as of 12:01 a.m. Monday. Bridge Authority officials say E-ZPass customers get a break because it costs less to collect tolls electronically.

The agency announced in October that it planned to raise tolls in early 2012. Officials say tolls need to be increased to pay for more than $100 million in capital projects.

The authority operates the Mid-Hudson, Newburgh-Beacon, Kingston-Rhinecliff, Rip Van Winkle and Bear Mountain bridges.

Monsey Bochur Meets Newt

Eli Hazan of Wesley Hills meeting Newt Gingrich at a fundraiser in Boca Raton, Florida, where Eli is learning at Machon Menachem - Boca Raton Rabbinical College.

Miracles for Bounty Available This Tuesday

By Dr. Yisroel Susskind, Rockland Jewish Reporter

Are you interested in taking a chance on a miracle that could increase the material, spiritual and emotional bounty in your life? Miracles do happen. For example, I view the survival of the State of Israel in 1948 as an open miracle. Are you aware that in 1948 the vast majority of political and military pundits worldwide reasoned that the new state would not survive one week?

According to Jewish tradition, this coming Tuesday, Jan. 31, will be a miraculous, opportune time to receive blessings for plenty in our lives. I first learned of this concept four years ago, on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2008.

A colleague told me that there is a kaballah (orally transmitted tradition) reaching back to the Chassidic Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Rymanov that one can receive a blessing for livelihood on the Tuesday of the week of parshat Beshalach. This year, Tuesday, Jan. 31, is such a Tuesday. We will read Beshalach on Saturday, Feb. 4. How do you “apply” for this miracle? Parshat Beshalach includes a description of the mannah, that fell from the heavens and sustained the Israelites during their 40 years in the desert. All you need to do is to read verses in Exodus 16:4-36, referred to as Parshah ha-Mon, which includes a discussion of the mannah. I thought that the story was a nice sweet Jewish tale, but decided to not take it seriously.

But only three minutes after I heard the story, I received a phone call from a client, a man in his 50s who had been out of work for many months. I had been concerned about the strain he was under. He announced that this week he had gotten an excellent position and felt that he had to call me today to share the good news. Whoa! That got my attention. Coincidence? I felt drawn, for reasons that were unclear to me, to pursue more information about Parshas ha-Mon. From my colleague I next learned that this custom had been popularized by “a revered rabbi in Brooklyn,” who said that it came down as an oral tradition from Reb Menachem Mendel of Rymanov (1755-1815) via the Shinever Rov, Rabbi Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam (1813-1898).

“Whoa #2”! The Shinever Rov served for 7 years as the Rabbi of the town from which my ancestors came, Stropkov, Slovakia. I am a psychologist. Later that day, I met with a Chassidic client of mine and mentioned to him the issue of Parshas ha-Mon. He told me that his grandfather had arrived in the U.S. as a penniless, Holocaust survivor and ultimately became a very wealthy man. His grandfather attributed his financial success to the fact that he began every day by reading a small portion of a book about the mannah by Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rymanov. Many people read Parshat ha-Mon on a daily basis, so you can draw on its benefits for livelihood any day of the year. However, its powers to bring down blessings are particularly strong on the Tuesday of parshat Beshalach each year.

The Rymanover explains that spiritual, and not merely material, blessings come from reading about the mannah. It represents HaShem’s helping us to connect with Him through our limited intellectual powers of thought and speech; just as the mannah is a gift from HaShem that we did not earn, so too is HaShem's helping to understand him through our intellect. My client told to me that the “revered rabbi in Brooklyn” who popularized the custom in the U.S. was the Paya Rov, Rabbi Moshe Dov Weinberger.

“Whoa” #3! I am a Weinberger; both of my grandmothers were Weinbergers.

“Whoa” #4! I believe that I am a distant cousin to the Paya Rov.

At 6 p.m., I called the Paya Rov’s household, who confirmed that he had heard of the tradition from his father who had heard it from Rabbi Avraham Sholom Halberstam (the son of the Shinever Rov), who said that his father had related the tradition in the name of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rymanov. I next spoke with the current Stropkover Rebbe, Rabbi Avraham Sholom Yissachar Dov Halberstam of Jerusalem, who confirmed that there is a kaballah in his family, which the Shinever passed down in the name of the Rymanover, that saying Parshat ha-Mon on the Tuesday of Parshat Beshalach is an auspicious act for receiving blessings of livelihood.

At this point, I decided to write up the story and emailed it to my list of friends. One rabbi replied that the Lubavitcher Rebbe wrote that reading Parshat ha-Mon strengthens two qualities: one’s faith (emunah) that all that we have comes from Hashem; and one’s confidence (bitachon) in difficult times that Hashem will provide our needs. The act of experiencing that faith and confidence is a vessel that brings down blessings. I have learned about three aspects of bounty. One, materially, is that Pashas ha-Mon offers a blessing for livelihood, especially, but not only, on the Tuesday of Parshat Beshalach. Second, spiritually, saying Parshat ha-Mon can strengthen our faith and confidence. Third, emotionally, there is benefit in following what stirs you emotionally.

When this story began, I did not know that this story would lead me to connections in my family’s personal history. I just felt a passionate stirring that I chose to value. So, go for it. Read Parshat ha-Mon. There is no guarantee that everyone who reads it will see a miracle. But, “you gotta play to win.” May it be that our spiritual and emotional connections to Torah and its precious words create a vessel for the ultimate bounty, with God’s ushering in the Messianic era.

Dr. Yisroel Susskind is a clinical psychologist who practices in Monsey, New York, and internationally over the telephone. Email him at eysusskind@aol.com.

Thousands of Women Gather in Support of R' Sholom M. Rubashkin

Around 2,000 women from all walks of life gathered this past Tuesday evening in support of Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin. Ateres Charna was filled to near capacity as women gathered together in unity.

Mrs. Chayale Gourarie, sister of Sholom Mordechai, MC'd the evening and her words were inspiring to all.

Mrs. Suri Gluck sang emotional and heartwarming songs.

There was not a dry eye in the crowd as Mrs. Roza Weiss, daughter of Sholom Mordechai, described her fathers arrest and imprisonment.

Mrs. Leah Rubashkin, who is a pillar of strength giving chizzuk to all, captivated the crowd with her inspirational stories and the telling of the core of her amazing inner strength through Alef, Bais Gimmel.

The evening was capped with Alyza Lewin, Esq., one of Sholom Mordechai's attorneys, who, despite the late hour, held the crowd captivated with the story of the injustice done to Sholom Mordechai.

Mrs. Chani Lipschutz was honored for her endless support to the Rubashkin family.

Finally, the evening concluded with joyous dancing.

A stunning $7,000 diamond necklace (photo below), will be raffled off on April 3rd. A $36 donation toward Rubashkin's legal defense will get you one ticket $100 donation five tickets and $180 donation ten tickets.

You can mail your donation to:
Klal Yisroel Fund
53 Olympia Lane
Monsey, NY 10952
Please write "necklace raffle" in the memo.

Dovid Poltorak Brings Kosher to Capital Hill

By Emma Dumain, Roll Call

A former intern’s crusade to bring kosher food back to the Senate bore fruit Monday with the beginning of a trial run at the Dirksen Senate Office Building’s cafeteria. Prepackaged sandwiches and salads “Made with Love” from Kosher caterer Bubbie’s Gourmet were stacked alongside standard fare. Options included a “Tuscan salad” of chickpeas, bow tie pasta and green beans, along with a balsamic chicken sandwich on flatbread. If all goes well, selections from Bubbie’s Gourmet could become fixtures of dining services offered all across the Senate side of the Capitol.

David Poltorak, an Orthodox Jew and recent Georgetown law school graduate who was then interning for freshman Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), began his quest for kosher last autumn. On his first day, he recalled going downstairs to one of the several cafeterias and carry-outs scattered throughout Senate office buildings. “Where’s the kosher food?” he asked. The answer: There was none. Nowhere on the Capitol campus could observant Jews find a premade meal.

Poltorak was told by Restaurant Associates, the private company that runs the Senate food services, that there was no kosher food because there was no demand. “I couldn’t believe there was no demand,” Poltorak said. “My first day here, I had, like, 10 kosher friends here working in Congress as staffers, and they said they wanted kosher food but had just never bothered to ask … they brought food from home or subsided on potato chips or peanuts.” Poltorak got by on peanuts, Diet Cokes and Mike and Ike candy during the course of his internship. “It’s not my style,” he said, to bring his lunch from home to avoid a kosher junk food diet.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

Tzivos Hashem Kiosk Comes to Cheder Chabad Boys Building

The boys who participate in Tzivos Hashem of Monsey have much to be excited about!

Thanks to Yosef Hott and family a new kiosk machine was donated to MonseYouth and will be stationed in the Cheder Chabad Boys building.

Each child who signs up to Tzivos Hashem of Monsey receives an identification card with a bar code. With the new kiosk in place, the boys are now able to scan their achievement cards, check on what medals they earned, put in tickets for the auction and much more.

The kiosk has a scanner and a touch screen to enable children and teachers alike to benefit even more from the Tzivos Hashem program.

Litzman Shalom Zachor Tonight

Chesky and Rochel Litzman will be making a Shalom Zachor for their newborn son tonight at their home, 8 Grosser Lane.

Room for Rent Available

A spacious (17x11) newly built room, on ground level, with a private entrance is available for rent. Perfect for professional office or dorm. Airy and bright. Shared bath, kitchen, laundry facilities, large driveway, located in Wesley Hills, near Grandview Avenue and Route 306.

Please call 845-709-1376.

Seeking Apartment to Rent

Seeking an apartment that is walking distance to Tzemach Tzedek that is airy with a private entrance, preferably 2 rooms with kitchen, for mature, responsible single woman.

Please call 845-499-0213.

Yud Shvat Farbrengen at Tzemach Tzedek

There will be a special farbrengen at Tzemach Tzedek this Thursday night, February 2, in honor of Yud Shvat.

Maariv will be at 8:30 PM followed by the farbrengen.

Yud Shvat marks the histalkus of the Frierdiker Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, on Shabbos morning, the 10th of Shevat, of the year 5710 from creation (1950). One year later, at a gathering of Chassidim marking the first anniversary of histalkus, the Frierdiker Rebbe's son-in-law, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, delivered a maamar entitled Basi L'Gani ("I Came into My Garden"), signifying his formal acceptance of the leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.

Free Mulch

Untreated mulch is available for pick-up by Town of Ramapo residents free of charge.

Residents may pick-up as much as they need. Private landscapers are not eligible to participate.

Residents may pick up mulch at the Spook Rock Swimming Pool parking lot on Spook Rock Road, Suffern from 7:30 AM-5:30 PM daily (Monday-Sunday) starting immediately.

For safety and security reasons, after hours pick-up is strictly forbidden - violators will be prosecuted.

Rabbi Moshe Herson to Farbreng for Yud Shvat

Rabbi Moshe Herson, head Shliach of New Jersey and dean of the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, will be farbrenging in Monsey at Beis Menachem next Motzai Shabbos, Parshas Bshalach, February 4, at 8:30 PM in honor of Yud Shvat.


Yud Shvat marks the histalkus of the Frierdiker Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, on Shabbos morning, the 10th of Shevat, of the year 5710 from creation (1950). One year later, at a gathering of Chassidim marking the first anniversary of histalkus, the Frierdiker Rebbe's son-in-law, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, delivered a maamar entitled Basi L'Gani ("I Came into My Garden"), signifying his formal acceptance of the leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.

Parsha Perspective

By Rabbi Yisroel Shusterman, Dean, Cheder Chabad of Monsey

The Rebbe often emphasized that the review of the weekly Parsha, read weekly by Jews the world over, is not only for the sake of reminding ourselves of our long history and what happened to our great grandparents in days long bygone. Rather, the weekly Torah portion is for the sake of educating and instilling within us a more profound appreciation of our heritage and thereby enhancing our observance of Torah and Mitzvos today.

The ten plagues, discussed in these current Torah readings, which were inflicted upon the ancient Egyptians leading up to the Exodus from Egypt , have a message for us today. Let us take the Ninth plague, Darkness, which is in our current Torah reading this week. The Torah tells us that there were three days of "thick darkness." According to the Midrash, the Egyptians could not see, nor even move.

However, for the Jewish people it was different: they had light wherever they lived. The Sages discuss this idea. Does it mean that the darkness did not affect the specific area where the Jewish people dwelt, the Land of Goshen? Or the other hand, does it mean, more mysteriously and mystically, that for a Jew, even in the Egyptian areas, there was light in during this period of darkness?

As explained by the Rebbe, these two opinions relate to our view of the world. One view is that there is a deep separation between the holy (the Jewish area) and the unholy (the idols of Egypt). In the holy realm, it was light; in the unholy realm, it was dark. The second view is that the Jew in Egypt had the power to bring light to the realm of the unholy. Even in the Egyptian areas, where there was frighteningly thick darkness, the Jew could see. This relates to our role in the world. The Jew enters a realm of spiritual darkness, yet he or she has the power to bring light even into that darkness, to illuminate the homes of the "Egyptians," of the apparently secular and materialistic world. This freedom is not just for ourselves. We have the power of light in the darkness of Egypt so that we can bring light to the whole world –the light of Redemption.

Have a meaningful and uplifting Shabbos!

Extra Lainings This Shabbos

As per the custom that everyone should have an aliya on the Shabbos prior to Yud Shvat, there will be extra lainings this Shabbos at Tzemach Tzedek beginning at 8:30 AM in the backroom of the shul and then multiple lainings during the regular laining time.

Beis Menachem will have multiple lainings during the regular laining time.

Warming the Soul

By Sean Rugys, Rockland Jewish Reporter 

The Fountain of Youth has eluded searching eyes for centuries. The reason this treasure has evaded so many for so long is simple: people have yet to check my grandmother’s soup pot!

As nearly all Jews will tell you, nothing in the world remedies the winter doldrums or an aching body like a big bowl of grandma’s chicken soup. Yet, what fix exists for the non-physical ailment - an aching heart? As a new college student and Jew long out of touch with his heritage, I learned that there exists no better remedy for a longing Jewish soul than the Center for Jewish Life at Rockland Community College, run by Hillel of Rockland.

As the carrots, sweet onion, and succulent chicken of a soup come together to give it its medicinal properties, so too does the Jewish culture, Torah knowledge, and sense of community that Hillel provides make it a haven for the Jewish student body.

Coming from a non-observant home in Upper Nyack, New York, I arrived at RCC with very little knowledge of Israel or Jewish culture. Like any kid growing up in a mildly religious home, my repertoire was limited to the basics: latkes, dreidels, and yarmulkes.

That is, until I met Rabbi Dov and Shevy Oliver. As the moving force behind Hillel, Rabbi Dov and Shevy used their worldly knowledge and extensive insight to bring the flair and essence of Israel to RCC. One of the Hillel activities that made the greatest impression on me was a campus-wide Israel Fair, providing students with a glimpse into historical Israeli landmarks. Walking from exhibit to exhibit, falafel in hand, my classmates and I witnessed the significance and spirituality of such sites as the Kotel, the holy city of Tzfat, the burial sites of Tiberias and the shores of Eilat. Hillel not only brings Jewish culture to the campus, but also delivers substantive Torah knowledge, with the intent of heightening our moral awareness and responsibilities as Jewish members of humanity.

Rabbi Oliver serves as a spiritual guide and teacher of Torah through such programs as “Nosh for the Soul,” expounding upon ideas in the weekly Torah parshah. Through such spiritual sustenance, I have gained a tremendous insight into the lives of our matriarchs and patriarchs, the historical lineage that precedes me. I have also developed many friendships through my involvement with Hillel.

The foremost defining feature of Hillel is the way it generates a sense of family and togetherness among people of different backgrounds through activities like concerts, lectures, workshops and Shabbat meals. My experience with Hillel was pivotal in contributing to my decision to dedicate all of next year to studying in Israel.

Sean Rugys of Upper Nyack is a sophomore in the Mentor/Talented Student Honors Program at Rockland Community College.

Thursday Women's Tanya Shiur Canceled

This morning's Tanya shiur for women has been canceled.

Mes Mitzvah Opportunity

A Jew who has very few relatives will have a Levaya tomorrow, Thursday, at 11:00 AM at Gates of Zion cemetery on Saddle River Road.

Eight men are needed to make sure there is a minyan for kaddish and enough to participate in the kvurah to bring this Yid to proper Kever Yisroel.

If you can make it, please contact Rabbi Chaim Zvi Ehrenreich at 914-393-3152 or chabadjec@aol.com.

Litzman Shalom Zachor

Chesky and Rochel Litzman will be making a Shalom Zachor for their newborn son this Friday night at their home, 8 Grosser Lane.

Twelfth Siyum HaShas

Seeking Kiddush Sponsor

If you would like to co-sponsor the Kiddush & Farbrengen this Shabbos at Tzemach Tzedek, the Shabbos before Yud Shvat, please contact Moshe Reitman at 917-501-5537 or mdreitman@gmail.com.

Shiur at Heichal Menachem

Tonight - Rubashkin Gathering for Women

Mazel Tov Litzmans!

Mazel tov to Chesky and Rochel Litzman on the birth of a baby boy!

Mazel tov to Mendy and Dani Litzman of Sydney, Australia, on the birth of a baby boy!

Mazel tov to the grandparents Reb Mordechai and Malka Litzman!

Shifra and Puah arranges homemade meals from people in the community for mothers of newborn children from our community. If you are able to cook a meal, please sign up on MealTrain or contact Karen Schild at 845-354-4898 or karenschild@yahoo.com.

Colonial for Sale in New Hempstead

A spacious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial is available for sale in New Hemsptead on a beautiful wooded .93 acre property.

The home includes a full wall brick fireplace, huge basement and many improvements.

Motivated seller. Immediate occupancy. Reduced thousands. Asking $465,000.

For more information, please contact Esther Ingber Realty at 845-354-6060.

Machane Bnos Monsey Meet & Greet

Click to enlarge.

Hebrew Academy of Morris County Shabbaton

Last Shabbos, Parshas Shmos, the Monsey Chabad community hosted the 6th grade boys of the Hebrew Academy of Morris County. The class came for a second time to spend Shabbos with their teacher Rabbi Hami and the Monsey Chabad Kehilla.

This was an exciting experience for the boys that left them enthusiastic and excited about Shabbos and Yiddishkeit. The boys were especially moved by the amazing ruach of the boys of Kehilas Kol HaNearim davening Shabbos morning so much so, that even back in school the following week they were still taking about the energy in that minyan.

They also enjoyed participating in their first Shlaom Zachor in honor of Rabbi Blotner's newborn son and the diveri Torah that Rav Lesches shared at the occasion. Finally, the Shabbaton experience was topped of with a Melave Malka with a special guest. Reb Leib Schaeffer, First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, came to farbreng with the boys and inspire them with stories from his military experience and the lessons in leadership and success that can be learned from them.

This was the boys' second Shabbos in Monsey. After having come two years ago in 4th grade, they demanded another opportunity to come and we look forward to hosting them again very soon.

Thank you to all of the Monsey Chabad Kehilla for making them feel welcome!

Mazel Tov Litkowskis!

Mazel tov to Yisroel and Elana Litkowski on the birth of a baby boy!

Mazel tov to the grandparents Nachum and Chaya Litkowski!

Matzah Baking

Matzah baking with Rabbi Yisroel Fried's group at the Crown Heights Bakery will take place on Sunday, January 29 (5 Shvat). There are two shifts - from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (or you can stay for the entire 4 hour shift).

As always, the matzahs are the highest level of hiddur. The utensils and keilim will be all new and every chumrah done in Chabad for Matzah baking will be implemented. Prices are unavailable at this point.

You can order Matzos without baking or bake without ordering.

If you would like to bake or order please contact Rabbi Fried at ryf@chabadwestside.org or 212-864-5010, or Doniel Goldfarb at dgoldfarb770@gmail.com.